The Landings Eagle- May 2024

page 4

TRIPLE TENNIS

page 8

DAY TRIPPING

page 12-13

FIRE SAFETY

page 19

KID’S CORNER:

GEORGINA BURTONMORGAN, 5 ¾

page 20

Pelican Rescue on Heron Lake!

ByPaigePackman,PhotosbyJeffPackman

Last Saturday, a large brown pelican was spotted on Heron Lake, a seabird with a distinctive pouch under its bill and 6-foot wingspan. We knew something was wrong since this species dwells only in salt water. By Sunday, the pelican was sitting immobile on our banks, with a vulture lurking on a nearby roof. Not a good sign!

Resident Linda George suspected it was injured, so promptly called Save our Seabirds. Within 30 minutes, rescuer Michele and her daughter arrived; they confirmed that the bird had an injured foot

tangled in a blue fishing line.

Gayle Maraval, another Save our Seabird volunteer, came to fortify the rescue team. Neighbors

Frank Pipers and Judi Smith joined the fray to try to surround and capture the bird in a blanket.

Unfortunately, that effort failed as the bird continually retreated into the lake. What to do?

Call intrepid LMA President Jeff Smith to the rescue! He donned his high waders and launched his kayak into Heron Lake to try to corral the bird from the water. After an hour of group effort, we

Volunteers Who Work for You

ByDanBella Dr. John Bruno

This is the nineteenth in a series of articles highlighting the special volunteers who help make The Landings such a wonderful community. The Eagle interviewed Dr. John Bruno for this issue.

When this reporter called Dr. John Bruno to obtain permission to conduct an interview, and to schedule it for 2 p.m., John agreed, saying, “It will be fun.” John added, “Do you drink wine at 2 p.m.

Because I do.” That confirmed this interview would be special, and John didn’t disappoint.

Many if not most Landings residents already know John, and his bio from his Landings Free College presentation precedes him: Ph.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience at Ohio State University, former Chair of the Department of Psychology (the largest psych department in the country), internationally renowned neuroscientist, editor of 4 books, and author of over 225 peerreviewed papers.

John grew up in a rough area of Pittsburgh, and decided his ticket out rested in academic success.

That led to a Ph.D. and a 35-year career at Ohio State University, specializing in the study of mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, and brain chemistry.

For 15 of those years, he did double duty, as the faculty athletics representative (FAR) and as the university’s representative to the NCAA. As FAR, John had to sign off on every scholarship athlete in every sport at Ohio State University, to signify he found the athlete capable of handling college

academics.

John traveled with the teams, attending bowl games, and counseled athletes who later became pro players. John also traveled extensively in his NCAA duties. John reminisced, his heavy involvement in athletics probably kept him in the science part of his career longer.

John performed his doctoral degree work at Johns Hopkins University and served on the University of Pittsburgh faculty for 6 years before joining Ohio State.

John formed collaborations in several countries: Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; and Italy; as well as in Baltimore and Chicago. John has given talks in 30 countries. John prides himself on being as good a teacher as a researcher, noting that many are not adept at both.

John enjoys teaching and addressing groups, while as a researcher he received continuous funding from the National Institute of Health to study issues he thought were important to advance understanding of the brain. Designing new drugs and treatments for doctors to use interested him, and he has seen several come to fruition. There are about 1,900 faculty at Ohio State; John has won the Teacher of the Year award 4 times.

John met his wife, Valentina Valentini (Vale) while on an international speaking tour. She was on the faculty in Sardinia, Italy and later worked in John’s lab as a visiting professor. She has a Ph.D. in neurotoxicology. Now they

were able to capture the pelican with a net and put him into a kennel to transport him to Save our Seabirds hospital.

It truly takes a village. We all left satisfied that we helped to save the life of a once-endangered brown pelican. Kudos to Save Our Seabirds organization and volunteers Gayle and Philipe Maraval, who devote two days a week on-call bird rescues! Here is Save Our Seabirds website if you want more information: saveourseabirds.org/

spend 3 months in Italy every year, where they visit Vale’s three sisters and mom in Sardinia. John has two sons in the United States.

John’s affinity for speaking to groups and teaching dovetail well with his involvement in the Landings Free College. John chairs the Free College Committee, consisting of himself, Frank Pipers, Mona Poyta, and Teresa Manteiga. For the last three years, John has annually addressed free college attendees on topics related to brain physiology, psychology, and function. John’s speeches to the Free College have proven very popular, attracting standing room only crowds.

John likens his free college presentations to his teaching at the university. John also serves on the Landings South VI board of directors.

When he was still working, John would get up every day and prepare three do-lists: one for science, one for athletics, and one for home chores. John reasoned, when all three lists became empty, that would signify he was retired. Toward the end of his active faculty career, he was laying on a beach in Sardinia when he received a phone call from the Ohio State dean. John told her he had just been thinking about retiring. She said, “We won’t let you do that.” She was calling to make him Distinguished Professor and to name him the new Chair of Psychology.

It’s no secret that John is battling Parkinson’s disease, first diagnosed in 2005, ironically after he had already been studying the disease. He and others have found that the

way he treats it, especially staying active including playing tennis, has proven to be successful in slowing down the progress of the disease. This experience has enabled him to view the disease from the point of view of both the researcher and the patient.

About The Landings, John says he loves it. “It’s an enclave like none I’ve ever seen. You can leave the gate and go a mile in each direction and take care of most of your needs. The participation of older people in activities is like none I’ve ever seen.” He observes, most retirees maintain one or two relationships, not 20 or 30 like in The Landings. He noted The Landings demographic is getting younger. “This place stays young because of the activity of its residents.

It’s the perfect place to be.”

John still engages in writing and making presentations, but in an amount and on a time schedule of his choosing. His hobbies include tennis, reading (primarily biographies of leaders)… and wine.

TeamReach,

President’s Report ByJeffSmith

Dear Neighbors,

It is that time of year when approximately 40% of our community heads north while many others travel the world. Safe travels and enjoy a healthy and happy time away from your friends and neighbors at The Landings. While you are away, your board will continue to work hard to improve your community. This is a good opportunity to discuss the improvements you should see when you return next season.

- The Road Restoration Project is in its final stages. It will be completed upon your return.

- The Security Modernization Initiative should be completed. You will see new gates (barrier arms and swinging gates) at both the north and south entrances. A kiosk will be installed at the main gate allowing guest entrance 24/7 and vendor access during approved hours. State of the art cameras and software will allow guest and vendor access by license place (when registered). The introduction of modern technology will reduce congestion at the main gate and make it easier for our guests and vendors to enter. In addition, the quality of our security will be enhanced. Finally, the modernization will result in cost efficiencies as one of the two guards in the 11 p.m.-7 a.m. shift will be eliminated. Note: we will always have one guard on site 24/7.

Multiple training sessions will be held at the time of implementation and during the fall when our “snowbirds” return.

- We hope that in conjunction with the LRC, we will have updated the technology in the Lakeside room to allow LMA Board meetings to move back on site. The technology will be available to LRC and all groups/ associations who have reserved the

space through LRC.

- Invasive removal will continue. The drainage basin between the Nature Trail and the Cloisters will have been replanted with appropriate native species. Funding and plans will be refreshed to tackle, in partnership with LRC, the heavy growth of invasives in the preserve area west of the tennis courts. We hope to initiate progress in early 2025.

- You will return to a strong balance sheet and a reserve schedule consistent with full funding.

- Our mature and beautiful landscape will continue to be well tended while you are away.

It goes without saying that all depends on getting through the

There have been complications getting the 2023 billing and annual contracts issued by Pinnacle. By the time you read this, it is hoped that we will be back on track. See you on the water!

LHA Meeting Notes

The Landings Homeowners Association held its regularly scheduled board meeting on January 12th at 5:00 p.m. at the Landings Racquet Club.

The board approved landscape changes on Pine Harrier Circle and

hurricane season without major difficulties. We have prepared as best we can with our Emergency Task Force at the ready and a $250,000 Emergency Reserve available in case it is needed. We look forward to your return.

May 2024

BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS

GROUP

BAYVIEW

CARRIAGEHOUSE II

EAGLE EDITORIAL

LHA

LRC BOARD

SOUTH I

SOUTH III

SOUTH IV

SOUTH VI

DATE/ TIME/ PLACE

Monday 5/20, 4 PM Lakeside Room

Friday 5/3, 1 PM Lakeside Room

Tuesday 5/7, 1 PM Poolside Room

Thursday 5/9, 4 PM Poolside Room

Thursday 5/16, 4 PM Lakeside Room

Tuesday 5/21, 9:30 AM Lakeside Room

Monday 5/13, 11 AM Poolside Room

Monday 5/13, 4:30 PM Lakeside Room

Tuesday 5/21, 5 PM Poolside Room

LMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

a replacement roof on Peregrine Point Drive.

Members at 7:00 p.m.

JEFF SMITH ..................................... President

The next regular meeting is at 6:00 p.m. February 9th, in the Poolside Room at the Landings Racquet Club followed by the Association’s Annual Meeting of

JUDY GREENE Vice President

HANS HAWRYSZ Treasurer

Meeting material will be mailed or, if the member has so elected, emailed to each member.

ELIDA RAMBERGER Secretary

SUE CAMINS Director

Please return the proxy or register on-line to be sure we have a quorum for the meeting.

EDDIE GOLDSTEIN Director

LOUIS GONCALVES Director

JACKIE MASSARI ............................... Director

JOHN SCHMIDT ................................. Director EMILY RIDDLE Property Manager — Pinnacle Management Company

LMA COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

HANS HAWRYSZ Finance

EDDIE GOLDSTEIN ............ Communications

NORMAN OLSHANSKY .................. The Eagle

MARALYN KAUFMAN Environmental

JOHN BRUNO...............................Free College

JOHN SCHMIDT Governance Advisory

HARVEY GRELLER Hazardous Waste

JEFF SMITH Lakes & Drainage

PAUL WEINER Landscaping

HARVEY CAMINS .... LMA Property Mgr Needs Comm.

JUDY GREENE Maintenance

JACKIE MASSARI Kayaks

PAUL WEINER............................... Nature Trail

SUE CAMINS Nominating

ELIDA RAMBERGER Roads

JUDY GREENE .................... Safety & Security

JACKIE MASSARI....... Social/Community Events

A Caribbean Party Rocked n’ Rolled the LRC!

ByCarolynFriday,LRCSocialReporter,PhotosbyBobManteiga

Best Pool party ever! The weather did not disappoint. Nor did Lisa Rott’s 5-piece All Terrain Band. Over120 LRC members and guests grooved and bopped to the familiar Rock-n-Roll tunes loved by all.

Picnic-style Bistro boxes filled with pre-selected sandwiches and cookies streamlined the dining experience, allowing more time for socializing and dancing.

The successful event was thanks to extensive planning by Chairperson Ingrid Wiemer, Social Committee Chair “Party” Paige Packman, and the LRC’s inimitable Olivia. Set-up was done by Ron Pierce, Gary Ernberger, and Rick Bacchiocchi before they played an away tennis match and of course, Kevin, Hans and Jeremy, and Brett, without whom no event could be

pulled off. The colorful Caribbean-themed décor was engineered by Helen Bella. Her husband Dan was still in the pool attaching the floating balloon lights an hour before the doors opened! Connie and Jeff Stevens, Wayne Trotter, Gayle Maraval, and Ellen Demos also lent a hand to make the popular annual party a resounding success.

LRC R ACQUET SPORTS

LRC RACQUET SPORTS

OUTDOOR RECREATION

LRC SOCIAL EVENTS

LRC FITNESS & HEALTH

May is...

Mother's Month

At Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar

While you're here, don't forget to Check Out our World Famous Clam Chowder, Real Fruit Daiquiris, Coffee Shop, Karaoke Nights, and More

President’s Report ByBethCotner

April marked the 40th anniversary of the Landings Racquet Club. To celebrate, Dawn Smith and Dee Ricapito organized a celebration complete with cupcakes and balloons.

Our goal is to continue to improve your club in the future. A board planning session resulted in

News From the Court

ByAdrian“Mo”Moghina

This season, I was very happy to see the number of players that consistently participated in the triples social round robins. Triples is a fun game that can help you improve your overall game. It forces you to be very focused and aware of the potential opportunities to finish the point as well as the challenges to protect your net player. That is also what you must be aware of when you play doubles.

Triples forces you to be more consistent and accurate because the opposing net player is taking away

Manager’s Report

ByKevinLechlitner

The social activities at the LRC have been outstanding all season thanks to our Social Chair Paige Packman and her committee. We have one more event coming up, our Memorial Day BBQ. It has historically been one of the biggest events every year. Our BBQ is scheduled for Monday, May 27 at 4:30 p.m. The cost is $10.00 per person and will include burgers,

the center of the court from you. Remember that when you are one of the baseline players that your two jobs are to protect your net player from the other net player and set up your net player to finish the points. If the net player on the other side is aggressive and volleys well, you need to keep the ball away from them as much as possible. A net player’s main jo is to be the terminators. They are looking for high volleys so that they can finish the points.

The net players positioning

several objectives for 2024. Some of the plans include installing new roofs on the Poolside room and fitness center, replacing court canopies, replacing the kitchen and furniture in the Poolside room, replacing the Lakeside room carpet and the bathroom fixtures, and replacing the hot tub jets.

(center of the court) forces the baseline players to have more accurate cross court shots and down the line shots. If you are an advanced player at the baseline, you can also try to lob over them or hit very low shots to their feet when they don’t close in on the net to get in the finishing zone.

The best way to give your net player a chance to finish the point is to hit the ball deep to the baseline players on the other team. The more you push them back, the harder it is for them to keep the ball low

We would also like to begin to remediate the Har-Tru deposits in the lakes next to the tennis courts. We hope that these muchneeded improvements will make the club an even more enjoyable place for our members.

The activity level remained high in April with an offsite wine

hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, potato chips, beer, soda, and water. As we have done every year the event is held, military veterans are invited at no charge. Look for the signup sheet in the Pro Shop.

Beginning May 1, our “Peak Time” policy comes to its seasonal end. Now, reservations can be made two days in advance for

May 2024

prime-time courts (8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) if there aren’t more guests on the court than members. If a member wishes to reserve a court with three guests, that can be done one day in advance. The reservations will stay this way through the end of October.

The Club celebrated its 40 th birthday on April 1. Members enjoyed cupcakes and mimosas in

and away from your net player. If you are an advanced player at the baseline, you can also hit the more difficult sharp angled shots to get the opposing baseline players more off the court and off balance.

If the net players are following the ball correctly, they have a chance to hit many super angle volleys when they positioned themselves in the finishing zone. So, when it’s your turn to be the net player, you must be very alert and aware of following the ball correctly so that you can take

tasting, an art show, a concert by the Landoliers, two kayak outings, and more intriguing courses from The Landings Free College.

The Landings has something for everyone so join in the fun and get to know more of your neighbors.

*only 4.0 ladies team members

yo

- 6:00

- 6:00

- 9:30 2.5 and above

the Poolside Clubhouse to mark the occasion. Thanks to Dawn Smith and Dee Ricapito for helping to organize this event.

As we have done for many years now, The Landings Racquet Club will offer a summer membership to those living in The Landings who aren’t already members. For a onetime $500 fee, during the months of June through September, your

LRC Turns 40!

advantage of the opportunities to finish the point.

The other great thing about triples is that it’s more social and fun than doubles. Also, you can blame two teammates instead of one whenever you lose the match. We will have our Social Round Robin and Pro Exhibition on Friday May 17 from 2-4:30 p.m. John Janes will play in the Pro Exhibition with us from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Signup in the Pro Shop.

See you on the courts.

family will have full privileges throughout the facility. You will have access to the tennis courts, Fitness Center, our wonderful geothermal pool that is cooled to 84 degrees, use of the well-stocked lending library as well as member rates on tennis lessons. Please see me in the Pro Shop if you are interested in signing up.

DawnSmith,KevinLechlitner,andDeeRicapito,servingmembers cake&mimosastocelebrateLRC’s40thbirthday.

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This totally renovated 4th floor condominium is tucked away amid the serene natural beauty of The Landings. This light, bright and architecturally delightful residence exudes comfort and class, with an open floor plan spanning approximately 1,695 square feet of living area. Offered at $649,000

5210 PARISIENNE PLACE • Sarasota • 2BR/2BA/Den

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the sought-after gated community of The Landings, this impeccably maintained villa begins with an inviting front entry. The gracious family room with fireplace opens onto the private patio. You can entertain effortlessly in the formal dining room or open kitchen. Offered at $499,900

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ground floor, end-unit condo in the highly sought-after Sunrise Golf Club

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in

Make Reservations for Mother's Day

HAPPY HOUR 4pm-6:30pm

Happy Hour Food & Cocktails

MONDAY PRIX-FIXE MENU

3 Course Menu for $27.99 Every Monday

OPA WEDNESDAY!

Saganaki Opa! Appetizer $8.99

WINE THURSDAY

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Monday - Thursday 11:30 - 9 | Friday & Saturday 11:30 - 10 | Sunday 11:30-8:30

Drone CapturesTriples Tennis Fun!

ByPaigePackman,PhotosbyJeffPackman

32 enthusiastic tennis players showed up on Friday, April 5 Triples tennis, held on a sunny, 70- degree day! Lots of fun was had by all as 8 triples teams rotated the courts for 6 rounds of play.

This is social tennis at its best; Fast moving, no serving required and gives the opportunity to meet lots of other Landings tennis players!

The lively event was capped off by a social hour on the patio, with beer and wine to cool us off.

Jeff Packman was able to snap some drone photos, using his DJI Mini-2 drone. Big thanks to George Ulrich for organizing this popular

monthly event and his team of ball feeders: Neil Goldman, Jeff Fifield and John Fournier!

Outdoor Water front Dining!

Turtles

All Day Menu

… $20

With grilled shrimp or chicken

Kale Salad … $21

SANDWICHES

Grouper Sandwich … $21

Salmon BLT … $20

Mahi Mahi Sandwich … $20

Chicken Sandwich … $14

Cheeseburger … $14

Vegan Burger … $13

ENTREES

Stuffed Shrimp … $24

Potato Crusted Haddock … $22

Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi … $21

Gulf of Mexico Grouper … $24 Salmon … $24

Sea Scallops … $23

Shrimp and Seafood Au Gratin $17

Fisherman Platter … $32

Baby Back Ribs … $25

Orange Pecan Chicken … $17

Filet Mignon … $25

Filet Mignon & Stuffed Shrimp … $35

Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail … $50

Stuffed Shrimp & Maine Lobster Tail $42

Twin Maine Lobster Tails … $55

FRIED SEAFOOD PLATTERS

Coconut Shrimp … $23

Large Gulf Shrimp … $21

Fish & Chips … $20

Fried Combo … $29

PASTA & BOWLS

Shrimp & Crab Scampi … $25

Salmon Pasta … $22

Chicken & Shrimp Curry … $22

Sweet ‘n Spicy Chicken & Shrimp … $22

Jambalaya … $23

Pasta Primavera … $16

DESSERTS

Turtle Pie … $10

Key Lime Pie … $10

Sample Platter … $13

Ice Cream Bar … $7

*Prices subject to change*

Try Our Award-Winning Key Lime Pie

A nationwide contest recently conducted by Yelp named our key lime pie the "must try pie" in the state of FL.

WE ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAY, MAY 12, BUT WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Reviewed December18, 2023

Tara H. via TripAdvisor SECOND VISIT

This was our second visit, this time with family from Minneapolis near Christmas. WHAT a perfect delicious dinner on all levels! My daughter's family, very discerning food critics, said the Dungeness crab was equal to the best they had in Latin America. They inhaled their supper with gusto!

We love the more natural low key atmosphere and the close proximity of the staff to the dining area. This helps them too in observing guest experience, valuable feedback.

The fresh fish selection of approximately 8-10 varieties is impressive and well represented with truly delicious options. We had their fresh steamed clams in butter — small super fresh and so sweet. Even saved the broth to make homemade Italian clam marinara later! And their crab cake was amazing.

The "maraschino cherry" of our perfect dinner was their EXCELLENT key lime pie, home made by them, served with genuine whipped cream.

Enjoy!!!

Day Tripping Bok Tower

ByBettyGreenspan

Bok Tower Gardens is in Central Florida, about 105 miles (2-hour drive), is a historic and serene destination surrounded by nature and art. Founded by Edward Bok, a Pulitzer Prizewinning author, Bok Towers boasts a rich history and stunning landscapes designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., known for his work on the White House grounds.

The Gardens feature a 205-foot Singing Tower Carillon which plays daily concerts, adding to the tranquil ambiance of the place. Visitors can explore the 50-acres of gardens, hike on two trails, and tour the El Retiro Estate, a 20- room Mediterranean-style mansion, which we sadly missed but vowed to visit next time!

The Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden provides an interactive learning experience for kids, emphasizing conservation and nature connection. The Gardens offer various amenities for visitors, including the Blue Palmetto Café serving creative and delicious meals and beverages. We sat there for over an hour after hiking the park and shopping in the great gift shop! Don’t miss this! There are great plants for sale as well!

The Outdoor Kitchen & Edible Garden area showcases fresh food concepts and culinary arts. With its ever-changing environment and seasonal blooms, Bok Tower Gardens ensures that each visit is unique and captivating. From giant Victoria water lilies to the Japanese stone peace lantern, it’s a beautiful and serene experience. The history of Bok Tower Gardens dates to the vision of Edward W. Bok, an immigrant from the Netherlands who fell in love with Florida’s natural beauty during his winters in Lake Wales.

Inspired by the serene landscape from Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida, Bok decided to create a sanctuary for birds and wildlife, leading to the establishment of the “Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower.” The Singing Tower’s Anton Brees Carillon Library houses one of the largest collections of carillon-related materials globally, further emphasizing its cultural significance in the realm of music and history.

The Gardens officially opened in February 1929, with President Calvin Coolidge present at the dedication ceremony. Edward Bok’s philanthropic contributions led to the

renaming of the sanctuary to Bok Tower Gardens in 1986, honoring his legacy. The Gardens have since become a National Historic Landmark, attracting millions of visitors seeking artistic, cultural, and spiritual enrichment in a tranquil setting.

The music played at the Singing Tower in Bok Tower Gardens is performed by carillonneurs, who are skilled musicians trained in playing the carillon. The carillon is an instrument consisting of at least 23 tuned bells in a chromatic series, cast from bronze and specially tuned. The bells are stationary, and only the clappers move to produce sound. Carillonneurs play the carillon using a clavier (keyboard) that allows for expressiveness through touch variations, like a piano using both hands and feet. The music played on the carillon at the Singing Tower ranges from traditional compositions to modern pieces, creating a

unique and enchanting musical experience for visitors.

Geert D’Hollander is one of the carillonneurs responsible for performing at Bok Tower Gardens, contributing to the captivating melodies that resonate from the tower’s heights. The carillon at the Singing Tower in Bok Tower Gardens is played daily, with concerts held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Additionally, brief choices are performed on the hour, providing visitors with multiple

Come experience Bay Village’s stunning and expansive renovation, where every detail was crafted to enhance the experience and beauty of this vibrant and caring community.

Please call us at 941.966.5611 to schedule a tour and learn more. Scan the QR Code to visit our website.

opportunities throughout the day to enjoy the enchanting music emanating from the tower. Edward Bok was also the long-serving and transformative editor of the Ladies’ Home Journal. He shaped it into a leading women’s magazine focused on domestic education and traditional gender roles, despite some evolving with the times.

His influence was central to the magazine’s success and identity during his 30-year tenure. Some beautiful, preserved copies can be viewed in the gallery.

Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs $18 for adults and $8 for children aged 5-12. However, there are membership options available that offer reciprocity with other attractions like Leu Gardens.

The Gardens cater to visitors of all ages, with provisions like stroller and wheelchair rentals for those needing assistance with the hill climb to the tower. The site remains a testament to Edward Bok’s vision of creating a place of beauty and inspiration for all who visit, embodying his belief in making the world a better and more beautiful place through one’s

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Kayaks, Tunnels, and Fun!

SubmittedbyJackieMassari,LMAKayakChair

It was an almost perfect day for kayaking, blue skies, sun sparkling off the water, not too hot, not too cold, but a wind that occasionally blew a little too strongly for some. But more on that later. So, 16 intrepid Landings residents and their guests set out to explore Lido and the mangrove tunnels.

The kayak rental company provided us with some maps and off the group paddled, exploring the Lido shoreline and beach and then into the mangrove tunnels. You can observe from the pictures attached the magnificent splendor of the mangroves, more magnificent as you wander through this great work of Mother Nature, providing so many environmental protections: bearing the brunt of ocean storms and hurricanes,

storing carbon dioxide, filtering salt. On this day, we enjoyed their beauty and quietude, and each other!

Well, almost all of us did! Jackie Massari, an inexperienced kayaker, kept getting captured by gusts of wind which led her off course or spinning in the wrong direction. Wayne Trotter to the rescue; he tied a small rope from his kayak to hers and towed her back to the launch site!

Another kayaker, John McFettridge, an appointed leader of the gang, had a little trouble reading the tunnel maps and took the long way back.

The group all retuned to the launch site intact and off we headed to a delightful lunch at Cha Cha Coconuts on St. Armand’s Circle,

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arrangements having been made by Jayne Wallace. As the steel band played at the front door of the restaurant, the kayakers shared their pictures, sightings, and laughter. It was a day well spent exploring an environment so near to The Landings. The options provided by the LMA kayak committee, and its members, continue to enhance our lives.

Aren’t we the lucky ones!

As the season draws to a close, the kayak committee will begin to explore options for next season’s adventure. Please offer your suggestions and ideas.

One last important message:

All those assigned a kayak berth need to make the necessary preparations to

ensure your kayak is properly cared for if you are planning to leave The Landings for the summer season.

Either move your kayak to a storage area if you have one or be sure that your kayaks are well secured to the racks. While the racks are purported to withstand the vagaries of hurricanes, strong winds can dislocate the boats. Please put that on your “to-do” list as you prepare to leave town.

Fingers crossed that we will have a mild hurricane season.

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Creative talent on display at Open Studio Art Show

ByMarie-LouiseMcHugh

The Landings Artists Collaborative held its Open Studio Art Show on Thursday, April 4, to the delight of many visitors and friends.

The works that its artists created over the winter season included paintings in various media, from etching, jewelry making, silk sculptures, mosaic, beading, and needlepoint to knitting. What creativity and talent!

Many works were for sale while

artists demonstrated their creative processes during the show.

This is the second year this group has been meeting weekly at the LRC Clubhouse, and it now counts 18 regular participants. It meets every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from November to the end of April. We encourage everyone interested in participating to join us next fall and thank the LRC community for providing its facility.

Not Spanish, Not Moss? What Is It?

One of the most iconic images of the deep south and a key feature of The Landings are live oak trees, festooned with Spanish moss. But what is Spanish moss?

Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is a fascinating epiphytic plant that thrives in the warm, humid climates of the southern United States. Despite its name, it is not a moss but a bromeliad—a distant relative of pineapples and air plants.

While it superficially resembles its namesake, the lichen Usnea also known as “old man’s beard”, it is neither a lichen nor a moss, and it is not native to Spain.

It is native to much of Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the West Indies, Central America, South America, and the Southern United States.

Most prevalent in the United States, it commonly is found on the southern live oak and bald cypress in the lowlands, swamps, and marshes of the mid-Atlantic and southeastern states, from the coast of southeastern Virginia to Florida and west to southern Arkansas and Texas.

In the southern U.S., the plant seems to show preferences for southern live oak and bald cypress because of their high rates of foliar mineral that provides an abundant

ByHansG.Hawrysz

supply of nutrients to the epiphytic plant. It can also colonize other tree species such as crepe-myrtle and other oaks. It grows more uncommonly on artificial structures such as fencing and telephone lines.

Although Spanish moss grows on trees, it is not a parasite. It doesn’t put down roots in the tree it grows on, nor does it take nutrients from it. The plant thrives on rain and fog, sunlight, and airborne or waterborne dust and debris. Dust, pollen, and organic matter settle on its surface.

The moss absorbs these particles, extracting essential nutrients.

The surface of Spanish moss is covered with tiny gray scales. The gray scales trap water until the plant can absorb it. The plant’s tissues can hold more water than the plant needs to keep it going through dry periods. When the tissues plump up after a rain, Spanish moss appears greener. As the water is used, it returns to a gray hue.

One of the more interesting aspects of Spanish moss is the various stories and legends around its name. French explorers encountered this unique plant and learned from Native Americans that it was called “Itlaokla,” which translates to “tree hair.” The French, noticing its resemblance to the long

beards of Spanish conquistadors, playfully named it “Barbe Espagnol” or “Spanish Beard.” In an interesting twist, the Spaniards retaliated by calling it “Cabello Francés” or “French Hair.”

In Florida, there are many legends about how Spanish moss began. There was a Native princess who fell in love with a Spanish soldier. Her father, the chief, forbade her to see her true love. The story is tragic – the Princess hangs herself by a tree when she realizes her father had her true love killed. Her hair stayed in the tree and continued to grow, becoming what we call Spanish moss. In another variation of this legend, Goz was a “bearded brute” of a Spaniard who bought a Native woman, that was so scared of the man she ran up a tree to escape him. Goz pursued her, but his beard got caught in the branches; he died, but his beard remains on the trees to this day – “Spanish Beard”.

Spanish moss shelters a number of creatures, including rat snakes and three species of bats.

One species of jumping spider, Pelegrina tillandsiae , has been found only on Spanish moss. Although widely presumed to infest Spanish moss, in one study of the ecology of the plant, chiggers were not present among

thousands of other arthropods identified on the plant.

Spanish moss has been used for various purposes, including building insulation, mulch, packing material, mattress stuffing, and fiber. In the early 1900s, it was used commercially in the padding of car seats. More than 10,000 tons of processed Spanish moss was produced in 1939.

Today, it is collected in smaller quantities for use in arts and crafts, as bedding for flower gardens, and as an ingredient in bousillage, a traditional wall covering material. In some parts of Latin America and Louisiana, it is used in nativity scenes.

Like many lichens and epiphytes Spanish moss is sensitive to airborne contaminants. It does not grow in areas where smoke is common, such as near chimneys. It has receded from urban areas due to increasing air pollution.

Spanish moss is everywhere in The Landings but interestingly if you are on the nature trail going towards the pavilion you can see specimens of Usnea longissimi or Old Man’s Beard from which the scientific name of Spanish moss is based upon. It’s all about the beard!

2166 Gulf

Dr. • 941-923-4313

941.336.6191

Fishing at the Gazebo

ByNormOlshansky

As noted in previous columns about fishing at the gazebo, there have been over 30 different species of fish caught by the Fish Whisperer and others at the end of the Nature Trail. Two of the best tasting fish caught at the gazebo are Spotted Sea Trout and Pompano (pictured below).

Spotted sea trout, also known as speckled trout or simply specks, are a popular saltwater game fish found along the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from the Gulf of Mexico to New York. They have a distinctive spotted pattern along their sides, hence the name. These fish are prized by anglers for their

aggressive strikes and delicious taste. Pompano is a type of fish found in warm waters off the coast of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They are highly valued for their firm, flavorful flesh and are popular among anglers and seafood enthusiasts alike. Pompano can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, baking, or frying, and are often considered a delicacy in many cuisines.

If you are interested in learning how to fish at the gazebo, contact the Fish Whisperer at nfpconsultingresources@ gmail.com.

FishWhispererwithspottedseatrout

FishWhispererwithpompano

Security Report

ByNeilGoldman

March was another slow month for incidents that were reported to our security staff. (Yes, that is a good thing!)

There were only four incidents reported, and one was simply having parked vehicles moved that were blocking the main gate exit lane.

Another incident occurred when four women walked into The Landings at the south gate and attempted to solicit residents to use Frontier Communications. The police were called, and the trespassers were removed. (The situation was very efficiently handled by our security personnel)

wearing a large backpack, entered the north gate on a motorized skateboard. Unfortunately, the backpack snagged the gate arm, pulling it off one of its two fastening bolts. Neither incident was reported to gate staff, but both incidents were recorded on video and our expenses to fix the damages caused are being pursued.

The last two incidents highlight a couple of things: First, if you hit something, say something. With cameras and video recordings you will be found. Second, the new security gate setup the LMA is discussing will hopefully curtail, or at least drastically reduce, these types of incidents.

The final two incidents both involved a vehicle, or an individual, causing gate equipment damage once again. In one incident, a Gator Paving vehicle hit a post by the south gate exit, causing minor damage. In a second incident, an adult male,

Seems our gate infrastructure is a target every month, and the LMA is looking at a system to reduce some of the personnel work and expenses involved every time a part of our gate system gets hit.

Gate

Stay Safe and Be Prepared ByRichardGreenspan

SarasotaCountyfirefightersRashad,FireLieutenantMike,andNigelposeinfrontoftheir100-footladdertruckfromStation#11onStickneyPointRd.

Landingsresidentsgettingvitalinformationonfiresafety.

Several months ago, I thought I needed a refresher course in fire safety since I look at my fire extinguisher daily under my sink and think, could I actually use it? Also, what’s this all about a ‘fire blanket’? Not to mention EV’s.

I know I change my smoke detector battery annually, but I needed to know more. I called the Sarasota County Help Desk, 941-861-5000, and was transferred to the Fire Department. They told me that we could have firefighters come to The Landings with one of their trucks (quite exciting) and discuss some safety tips.

Thus, on Saturday April 13, Lieutenant Mike, and firefighters Nigel and Rashad came down Landings Blvd. in their 100-foot ladder truck and parked right in front of the Racquet Club! Right on time!

Very approachable and responsive, they talked for over an hour about fire safety and our fire department. Along with fire extinguishers, fire suppression blankets, escape ladders and EV Vehicle risks, they answered questions, gave us advice and were very pleasant.

We also had a lively Q &A time. Then there was time for the ladder truck and they opened all the doors and cabinets while they pointed out different items that they carried and what they were used for and the procedures they used. It was very informative and great!

Fireman Rashad, the driver, explained that they don’t have to use their siren when they enter The Landings because of our good, and unobstructed roads. He also said that they’re less than five minutes away (from the time they’re notified) from The Landings.

There were about 25 residents in attendance, which was less than we had hoped for considering how important the issue is. Almost everyone participated in the discussion, which was nice to see.

The men were very gracious and gave us lots of tips regarding fire safety. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks there will be important fire safety information available at the clubhouse for us to use.

Lieutenant Mike said that they would be happy to return and provide more information next season.

Thank you to Paige Packman and the entire LRC Staff for helping to make this happen. The LRC staff couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful! It was quite a pleasant experience all around.

Of note, everything you need to know about Sarasota County is available through their Help Line (941-861-5000).

(story below)

SarasotaCountyfirefightersRashad,Lt.Mike,andNigelshare theirtimeandknowledgewithLandingsresidents.

1 MILE FROM SIESTA KEY BEACH

Happiness Is…Changing Seasons

Spring is handing over the reins to summer. The seasons are changing, too, for the young men and women whose smiling faces greet the customers at Abel’s Ice Cream. This year, Abel’s has a record seven graduating seniors.

“We love honoring our seniors,” Jerry Williams, owner of Abel’s, said. “Our fantastic ice cream is only one of the reasons our customers keep coming back. The other big one is our amazing team. We are blessed and grateful for them and want to shout them out.”

Congratulations, Class of 2024! Below is Abel’s

Honor Roll:

Braylen, majoring in Finance at FSU (Favorite Flavor: Special Praline)

Sabrina, majoring in Business Administration at USF

(Favorite Flavor: Butter Pecan)

Conor, attending West Point to study Computer

Science or Engineering (Favorite Flavor: Special Praline)

Christina, undecided (Favorite Flavor: Stellar Coffee) Luke, attending University of Florida, undecided major (Favorite Flavor: Elephant Ears)

Sam, studying Health Sciences at USF (Favorite Flavor: Banana)

Courtney, majoring in Graphic Design at Florida

Atlantic University (Favorite Flavor: Snickerlicious)

Next time you stop in at Abel’s make sure to congratulate their rising stars!

Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm Learn more online at www abelsicecream com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Kid’s Corner

GeorginaBurton-Morgan,5¾KindergarteneratRiversideElementarySchool,Riverside,Connecticut ByHeidiBodor

Do you have brothers and sisters? A sister, Lila, (3 1/2) and our 10 week old brother, Pierce

Benjamin

Who are you visiting in the Landings? Grandma

DiDi and Grandpa Roz

What do you like most about The Landings?

We love the pool!

Favorites:

Ice cream: Cookie Dough

School subject: Math, because I like counting.

Book: Cam Jansen

Sport: I just started playing soccer.

Color: Lavender

Song: Taylor Swift’s Welcome to NY

Movie: Parent Trap

Food: The Breakfast Burger from Madaket Beach, Nantucket

Least favorite food: Cucumbers dipped in salt Holiday: Easter

Do you feel homework is necessary to be

successful at school? No, we should do more of the arts instead.

One word to describe you would be: Lovely What do you like doing in your spare time? Play with my friends

If you could throw a parade through The Landings, what type of parade would it be? I’d have an ice cream parade.

If you could change anything about our family rules, what would it be? That we have no consequences! If you could wave a magic wand, what bad thing would you get rid of? Sharks

If you could combine two animals, which two would you combine? A flamingo and a dolphin

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do? I’d read

What is the greatest thing ever invented? Nature What is something that you’re thankful for? My family

Bearded Dragon

Pogona vitticeps

Our store has many bearded dragons available in all sizes and age.

Perhaps the most popular pet lizard, bearded dragons are originally from the deserts of central Australia. "Bearded" refers to the extendable flap of skin under their chin that turns black when they are stressed, displaying dominance or being territorial. They are usually even-tempered, docile, easy to tame, bond closely with their caretakers and are generally hardy when cared for properly.

Typical bearded dragon appearance & behavior

• Tolerates handling and interaction with humans

• In nature, their skin is tan-colored, but they have been bred for a variety of di erent colors and patterns

• Communicate with each other through gestures such as “arm waving,” in which they lift a front leg and wave it back and forth in submission to another lizard.

• They also bob their head as part of their mating ritual or to display dominance

• Will spend their day in a hiding spot, basking and climbing.

Store hours:

10 AM - 6 PM Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday 12 - 4 PM

Landoliers Perform Before Packed House

The Landoliers recently performed before a full house and electrified the audience with their beautiful choral music followed by a wonderful reception sponsored by LMA and the Landoliers.

Under the direction of Suzanne Stearns and the piano accompaniment of Barbara Rothman, the Landoliers included several special soloists: Masako Carlson, Peter and Marie-Louise McHugh, and Bob Fernander.

In addition, Joan Campbell, Landings resident and member of the Landoliers, sang a solo. Joan also has been in Opera companies internationally and sings in several groups in Sarasota.

The audience was also treated to guest soloist, Jason Stearns, a renowned international opera singer who joined Masako in the opening number. Jason is married to Suzanne Stearns, the Landoliers’ artistic director.

LandoliersheldtheirannualconcertonSunday,April14.

MasakoCarlsonandJasonStearns

Bob Fernander

MarieandPeterMcHugh

JoanCampbell

Hey Dude & Birkenstocks Back in Stock!

Bogg Bags in Stock!

Gizeh Pearl White

JUST FOR LAUGHS

By:DeeRicapito

Mayari Licorice Granada Habana Arizona Tobacco Brown Arizona Habana

Mother’s Day honors your mom, all she does, and the days of laughter, too.

Here is to what my mother taught me back then!

My mother taught me “The Circle of Life.”

“I brought you into this world and I can take you out!”

My mother taught me about “Weather.”

“This room of yours looks as if a tornado hit it!”

My mother taught me about “Behavior Modification.”.

“Stop acting like your father” or “Start acting your age!”

My mother taught me about “Receiving.”.

“You are going to get it from your father when you get home!”

My mother taught me about “Medicine.”.

Confused and enlightened in May

By:DeeRicapito

We should honor our brave men and women in the armed forces, active and veterans, every single day, not just in May during Military Appreciation Month.

5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village 941-346-7425

Bringing you quality and comfort for more than 40 years! Gift Certificates Available Birkenstock & More

“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they’re going to get stuck that way!”

My mother taught me “How to Become an Adult.”.

I needed to become more aware of the differences between Memorial Day, May 27th, (a federal holiday that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military) and Armed Forces Day, May 18th, (not a federal holiday, but observed every third Saturday in May to honor active duty service members, who currently wear the uniform and serve our country.

“If you don’t eat all your vegetables, you’ll never grow up to be big and strong.”

My mother taught me about my “Roots.”.

“Shut that door behind you. Do you think you live in a barn!”

P.S.: What kind of flowers are best for Mother’s Day?

Mums, of course!

Then, there’s Veterans Day, every year celebrated on November 11th, (to honor the men and women who previously served in the U.S. military and are still living, some celebrate the deceased as well.

Let’s all enjoy the day off!

2336 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, 34231

Tuesday - Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • 941-922-2253

We o er o -site catering. Ask about reserving for private parties any time. loperabakerybistro.com

Kitchen Ladies Recipe Corner

By:DeeRicapito

Kentucky Derby Chocolate Walnut Pie

Submittedby:EllenDemos

This sticky-sweet pie is special because you get a kick of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey added to the original pie recipe. It’s served at Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky on the first Saturday

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

- 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled

- 2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon

- 1 cup chopped walnuts

- 1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 pinch salt

- 1 ready-made pie crust (for a 9-inch pie)

Directions:

- Gather ingredients. Heat oven to 350F.

- Combine flour and sugar in a mixing bowl

- Add the eggs, melted & cooled butter

- Stir in the bourbon, walnuts, chocolate chips, vanilla and salt

- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust. (Can use store bought pie crust)

- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the filling is set.

Set the pie on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

- Glam up the pie with a spoonful of whipped cream and chocolate chips and walnuts for garnish *another tip: Vanilla ice cream on top is a good choice.

These are new owner(s) in The Landings:

- Abdullah Kayaalp & Jean Thaler, 5243 Heron Way,

- Philip & K. C. Kercher, 4975 Peregrine Point Way.

& Directory Info

The Landings January bike outing to Myakka Park was a great success. Lots of gators and wildlife seen throughout the park including this limpkin, pictured above. The Bird and Canopy Walk were closed due to Hurricane Ian damage but we were able to identify some great hiking trails to explore on our own and during future visits.

- Serve & enjoy

For current owner information, use the online resident directory on The Landings website: www. residents.thelandingsofsarasota. com as your source for current resident directory listings and other Landings information.

The Fish Whisperer always enjoys teaching people how to fish. While most of his students are

Directory information is updated on the site no less often than weekly and changes are made to other Landings information when available. If you want current information, use our website’s Resident Directory!

We encourage every resident to check their online directory listing for accuracy. Additions, changes, or corrections to the online directory may be requested by clicking on “Update Your Profile.”