Del Tura Tower - November 2022

DEL TURAIANS REACH OUT TO NEIGHBORS IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE IAN

Hurricane Ian ripped through Southwest Florida on September 28th. It destroyed our property, stole our sense of security, and claimed lives. It left devastation in its wake. No community was left untouched.

Del Tura suffered much loss. But one thing we did not lose, one thing that came through stronger than before, was our sense of community. Neighbors helping neighbors, often at a time when they were facing hardships of their own, by offering to check on homes for those who were away, offering food and water to those without, hosting driveway barbeques, offering phone and golf cart charging stations in backyards and garages, opening their homes for hot showers to those still without electricity, supplying generators and tarps, providing live music and karaoke in driveways as well as

[ As I sit here in retrospect, it seems like I just woke up from a bad dream. I can’t say nightmare, because there are so many unfortunate people who are living this nightmare which could last the rest of their lives.

It’s been a very long and exhausting 11 days. I am so fortunate to be living in a community with so many great people. There has been so much frustration but also so many good friends to ease the pain. As we occasionally gathered together during this ordeal, there were times when we cried, but most important the times we laughed. We were all in this together. Fortunately, social media, which I have stayed away from for the past two years, gave us a means of communications and support. But, most important are FRIENDS, those who we see every day and those we only see occasionally. We couldn’t have done this without your support. Thank you! ~ Jerry Leafer

community lunches and dances to take our minds off of the situation for just a few hours, to name but a few.

It has been amazing to hear the stories and to witness firsthand a group of people pulling together and putting the needs of their neighbors before their own.

Below are quotes, and some images, from members of this community. Words and photos of thanks for kindness shown and gratefulness for the small blessings that remain and the intangibles that no storm could destroy. Most are taken from Facebook posts; some are from conversations I’ve had with others who call Del Tura home. We will rebuild. Not because we have influence or riches, but because we are a community of friends and neighbors. We are Del Tura Strong!

~ Cindy Swisher, Editor, Del Tura Tower

[ While driving around the past 4 days here in our community, I saw many people reaching out to others making sure they were OK. Some folks who are into their elder years were moving branches, stones and debris trying to make their yard beautiful again. I have seen residents stop in their tracks to help.

If you haven’t ventured out far within our own setting, I can tell you that it’s not a company that makes a community, it is the people that reside within. You all that are here are helping those who can’t help themselves. These are mothers, fathers, family and now they are our family.

One thing I can tell you is that we are Del Tura Strong and nothing can break us. I’m working on a project that will be fun for the community and bring out our spirits of fun. Take care of each other xo. ~ Nuno Hilton

[ To those staying..please take down our phone number. . Bob 7323377061 Nuno 9086369143

We have a 4 wheel drive. We have

Frank and I

foropeninguptheirhometouswhiletheywereinWIsowe wouldhaveallthecomfortsofhome.Nottomentionbuying a generator up north and bringing it down for us. We can’t thank you enough for all u have done. You guys are ROCK STARS in our book. I like to thank the people from HTA for helpingJuliewithgettingDTbackonitsfeetandtheladyfrom Orlando HTA and a very special thanks to the wonderful guy fromChicagoHTAthatgotaplumberouttogetmywaterfixed. BettyCornwellitwouldn’thavehappenedwithoutuandthanks forthewaterbabe!Therearesomanytothank.JimHamiltonfor theuseofhisgenerator,AndNunoforhelpingmecheckonhomesfor4days boythatwasallotofworkbutitwasneeded.IrememberwhenIrmahitandI leftbutworriedtherewasn’tanyonecheckinghomesthen.Thankufromthe bottomofmyhearteveryone.~DebbieNeeleyGianion

PRESIDENT’S

By Lisa Bellanca, President - Board of Directors

TREES

The last couple of days I have been thinking about how much we take trees for granted. They are all around. They provide shade and they shed on our lawns and roofs. Some are more aesthetically pleasing than others. They provide the squirrels with an interstate to run on, and build nests in. Birds are a given, trees are their thing.

Since September 29th, my appreciation for trees has increased. You always miss things when they are gone. I was told that at least 983 trees succumbed to Ian’s 150+ mile winds.

and storms, and it survived. Ian did not take her away from Del Tura. She is beaten and bruised, but I have been told by the tree people she will survive, although it will take time. They have removed the dead limbs, and they plan on primping and pruning what is left. She will be back! The tree is like so many material items in our community. We have damage, but nothing that cannot be fixed. It will not happen overnight, but it will happen. We are here to talk about the storm; unlike many others who were not so fortunate.

I hope soon we will once again be able to sit

GOOD TIMERS’

WOW! What a month October was! With “Ian” visiting us we missed our monthly meeting, monthly luncheon, AND our game day. But Bingo was set for Sunday, the 30th and as of this writing I’m assuming we DID get to do that. November is here already. This year has gone by quickly and now it’s time for election of Officers. We need a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. If we don’t get four members to take on these positions, I’m sorry to say that the Women’s Club will no longer be. When you come to the next meeting on Tuesday, November 1st in the Poinciana room be thinking about which Officer position you want to run for. Let’s keep this club going!

On Sunday, November 6th we have the Starlight Ballroom for our LCR game. The more the merrier, and this time it’s a Potluck. Bring a dish to share and we will socialize and eat from 12:30 to 2:00 and then will play 4 games. All

By Liz Poniatowski

the information is on the Save The Date sheet that you get at the meeting and with the email with the minutes. At the meeting we will decide where and what time the November luncheon will be held.

Last up on the agenda for November is a game day in the Starlight Ballroom on Sunday, the 27th, beginning at 12:00. Since our snowbirds are coming back, they should be able to join in on all the fun that November promises to bring! Can’t wait to see you all and catch up.

First thing in December is our St. Augustine Christmas Lights Trolley Tour trip. We leave on the 7th and return on the 9th.

This month’s meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 1st in the Poinciana Room . We meet at 4:00 in the Poinciana Room to socialize and celebrate the month’s birthdays and at 4:30 we will begin our meeting.

LAWN MOWING SCHEDULE

SUGGESTION

In addition to the suggestion boxes in the Starlight Ballroom and the HOA Office, you can email your suggestions to us at DTHOASuggestionBox@gmail.com. Please include your NAME, STREET ADDRESS and PHONE NUMBER along with the issue you would like the HOA to address.

Briefly describe your issue/concern and any possible solutions. You will be notified when your suggestion is brought before the BOD, and what actions will be taken regarding it.

By sharing your concerns with us you can help continue to make Del Tura our piece of paradise! Your HOA Board of Directors

Here’s your ‘recession survival’ checklist

It’s unfortunate, but recessions are a fairly normal part of the economic landscape. When a recession occurs, how might you be affected? The answer depends on your individual situation, but regardless of your circumstances, you might want to consider the items in this recession survival checklist:

Assess your income stability. If your employment remains steady, you may not have to do anything different during a recession. But if you think your income could be threatened or disrupted, you might want to consider joining the “gig economy” or looking for freelance or consulting opportunities.

Review your spending. Look for ways to trim your spending, such as canceling subscription services you don’t use, eating out less often, and so on.

Pay down your debts. Try to reduce your debts, especially those with high interest rates.

Plan your emergency fund. If you haven’t already built one, try to create an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account.

Review your protection plan. If your health or life insurance is tied to your work, a change in your employment status could jeopardize this coverage. Review all your options for replacing these types of protection. Also, look for ways to lower premiums on home or auto insurance, without significantly sacrificing coverage, to free up money that could be used for health/life insurance.

Keep your long-term goals in mind. Even if you adjust your portfolio during times of volatility, don’t lose sight of your long-term goals. Trying to “outsmart” the market with short-term strategies can often lead to missteps and missed opportunities.

Don’t stop investing. If you can afford it, try to continue investing. Coming out of a recession, stock prices tend to bottom out and then rebound, so if you had headed to the investment “sidelines,” you would have missed the opportunity to benefit from a market rally.

Revisit your performance expectations. During a bear market, you will constantly be reminded of the decline of a particular market index, such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But instead of focusing on these short-term numbers, look instead at the long-term performance of your portfolio to determine if you’re still on track toward meeting your goals.

Assess your risk tolerance. If you find yourself worrying excessively about declines in your investment statements, you may want to reevaluate your tolerance for risk. One’s risk tolerance can change over time — and it’s important you feel comfortable with the amount of risk you take when investing.

Keep diversifying. Diversification is always important for investors — by having a mix of stocks, mutual funds and bonds, you can reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. To cite one example: Higher-quality bonds, such as Treasuries, often move in the opposite direction of stocks, so the presence of these bonds in your portfolio, if appropriate for your goals, can be valuable when market conditions are worsening. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification cannot guarantee profits or protect against all losses in a declining market.)

A recession accompanied by a bear market is not pleasant. But by taking the appropriate steps, you can boost your chances of getting through a difficult period and staying on track toward your important financial goals.

In Memory of

JERRY RESPONDEK LINDA FITZGIBBONS FRANK IMMOOR

EDITOR’S NOTE

Attention Del Tura: The Tower has a new email address! Effective immediately all articles, flyers and photos should be submitted to dttoweredit@gmail.com.

We understand it may take a few months to make the transition to this new address so will continue to maintain and monitor the old address for several months.

Thanks for your help and continued support. I look forward to working with all of you to keep the Tower the important community resource it has always been. ~ Cindy Swisher

On Wednesday September 28, 2022, Southwest Florida was hit by one of the worst hurricanes ever to reach the Southwestern Gulf Coast. We stand strong together here at Del Tura Country Club. Our HTA staff, HOA members, the CERT team and our resident volunteers were a vital part in making sure all residents were safe and accounted for within the first days after the storm. We are happy to report that all our residents are safe.

As the sun was rising on September 29th no one knew what to expect. As we ventured out of our homes we were met with unbelievable images of flooded streets, twisted metal, fallen trees and debris for miles. Our once peaceful paradise had been torn through by winds up to 150 mph, up to 20 inches of rain, and storm surges at record levels. Our coastal areas will forever be changed on the map.

The HTA team hit the ground running right after the storm to assess the damage throughout the community and clear the streets to make them passible. The HTA staff has remained committed to restoring our community back to the paradise we enjoy. While Del Tura took a hard hit, our community has faired better than most of the manufactured home communities in the area. We are grateful for our sturdy homes.

The HTA staff, along with Lefke Tree Company, have been a vital part of putting our community back together. They have worked long, hard days to remove trees/debris that posed a danger to any residents, their homes or Del Tura streets. They will continue to clean each section of Del Tura until it is back to the beautiful community we all love.

Our beautiful community is standing strong. We have heard exceptional stories of community members helping each other out. The CERT team went out immediately and checked on homebound residents. There have been reports of overwhelming kindness from neighbors helping obtain food and water for their neighbors who had no way to obtain these items. There are residents who have extended their homes to people that have lost everything and have nothing left to go home to.

The HTA staff would like to thank every volunteer, CERT member, HOA member, and the Lefke staff. We honestly could not have accomplished this all without you. We are very lucky that you are a part of the Del Tura Team.

Bocce Ball Court Before and After Gold Cart Storage Before and After Pickelball Court Before and After

Shuffleboard Court Before and After

~ Julie Killough, Del Tura Community Manager

~ Donna Moone, Del Tura Office Manager

Tree on top of golf carts

Light tower down on courts

2022

CHORALAIRES CHRISTMAS CONCERT

BALLROOM CLUBHOUSE

Tickets

Coffee

By Karen Handley and Cindy Swisher

In November of 1982, 40 years ago this month, Del Tura opened its first Nine Hole Golf Course.

“It’s probably the nicest executive course in the state of Florida,” said course architect Ron Garl.

Ron Yates, Course Superintendent said, “We’ve got a heckuva track here.”

And Golf Director, Karl Stump, agreed. “I couldn’t be more happy that I am to be associated with this operation,” he said.

Two separate articles, one from the November 18, 1982 edition of Florida Golf Week written by Charley Stine and the other from Vince Smith of the News-Press Sports Section that same month, reviewed the beautiful, new Executive Course at Del Tura Country Club.

According to Stine the course was executive size by choice. “The developers wanted to build something for people who wanted a classy course but not a back breaking one,” he wrote. In his opinion, Del Tura was able to “combine a luxurious clubhouse and all the trappings with an Executive Course.”

It took over a year to prepare the course for opening, but when it did it looked like a course that had been around for three or four years. Here is Smith’s description of the best hole on the course: “While each hole has its own features, No. 9 is the most aesthetically perfect. Standing on the tee and looking 359 yards down the fairway to the green, two magnificent sights meet the eye” he said. “The nine-acre lake is on the left and, although not in play – except for a severe snap-hook – it shimmers and glistens wonderously. But the most scintillating view is of the clubhouse, straight ahead. Seen from the ninth tee or fairway, the majestic Spanish architecture

of the clubhouse makes this one of the most unforgettable closing holes anywhere.”

The second nine was scheduled to start construction 12 months later, according to the articles.

Fun facts about the opening of Del Tura Golf and Country Club’s first Executive Course:

• The tower in the Clubhouse was meant to have a bell which was to be used for shotgun starts and rain delays. I wonder, was that ever the case?

• The Clubhouse was completed before the course was ready, something that, according to Smith, was highly unusual.

• Golf course membership was restricted to residents of the community but was open for public play:

o Greens fees were $8 for 18 holes and $5 for nine.

o Electric carts were $10 double for 18, and $6 for nine.

o Resident members were charged $150 a year but had to pay an additional $2 each time they played.

By Sherry Plisch

Save Our Strays will be having a fundraiser bake sale at Junk in the Trunk on November 19th in the Clubhouse parking lot. We are asking all Del Tura’s wonderful bakers to give us a hand with this sale. Are you willing to bake for this sale? If so, please call me, Sherry Plisch, at 239-567-0538, or Karen Azza, at 239-220-0563, to let us know or leave us a message if you can help us out with some delicious “goodies” for the sale. Please deliver your items to the Jacaranda Room on November 18th between 5:30 and 6:30 pm, where we will be packaging and pricing them. Thank you in advance for your help!

GARDEN CLUB

Another Case for Florida Natives

By Rosemary Eiden

As you are reading this I hope that you have repaired and healed from Ian. Many of us lost trees and limbs from trees. At this point it is wise to jot down reminders of what to do with the landscape to prep for the next tropical storm.

When I went over to the Demonstration garden and made observations of my own garden I could see that:

(1) the native plants held up well from Ian.

(2) Plants with glossy, rubbery leaves showed no damage.

(3) Those with fuzzy or textured leaves were either tattered or shredded.

(4) Top heavy bushes were blown over. Bushes like these could be propped back up for new growth to continue.

(5) Trees with a central leader held up better than multistemmed trees. Palms with single trunk, lost fronds but kept the top.

Bushes had to be propped up to re-establish themselves.

I pruned down the perennial plants that were shredded to 2 feet for new growth.

As you know, in Florida we have ample moisture and sunshine for that. They will bounce back.

A regular system of pruning must then be established; pruning should develop a sturdy, well-spaced framework of healthy branches carrying an open, leafy canopy that allows air to move freely

I hope this article will get your landscape back in shape. For further info and the tree list use: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/treesandhurricanes/

Clifford Law Firm, LLC Trusts, Estates, Probate, Divorce Cape Coral, FL

Ellen W. Clifford Attorney-At-Law ellenwclifford@gmail.com

NINE HOLE WOMEN’S GOLF

It’s hoped that each of you is getting back to some measure of “normalcy’ after Ian. Hopefully, the upcoming COUPLES’ CHALLENGE and dinner in the Ballroom November 2nd will help a bit. Information has been emailed, and signups are posted in the dungeon. It was questionable whether or not the event could be held, but it’s a go and a great way to have fun and reconnect with members and friends!

Our next event is our league’s two-day Member-Member on December 14 and 15. Our Holiday Luncheon and General Meeting will take place after play on the 15th, so be sure to check your emails and the dungeon postings for information on play and luncheon signups. By the way, if you don’t have a partner for this

By Sandy Gove

event, don’t hesitate to ask someone; Justine or Debby may have a suggestion. Please remember, there may be someone else just waiting to be asked! This is friendly competition with the emphasis on “friendly.”

Hurricane Ian was quite the experience, forcing many of us to reconsider how we think - appreciating what we’ve taken for granted like fresh water, power for lighting, cooking, washing clothes; communicating with family and friends; appreciating neighbors we’ve not noticed before who were there to help when needed; being grateful for all that we have-that could have been lost, with newfound sympathy for those who lost everything or worse.

Travels around the courses before cleanup:

SOUTH 2:

NORTH 5: Cart path?

Guess we’ll just hit from the Blue?

WEST 6: Your golf balls in that downed tree?

Now we can drive all the way to the green!

There is a bench behind debris & plants!

CERT INFORMATION

The Del Tura Community Emergency Response Team took on its first major event when hurricane Ian struck. On Tuesday, prior to the storm, C.E.R.T. members cleaned off road drains (Pat Steele, Bertie Dugo, Sue Smith). The two Sue’s and Art Keen also assisted Hometown America in distributing blue signs to residents who planned to stay through the storm.

Wednesday, September 28th, the storm hit. The consensus is that the second half of the storm created the most damage in our community. The storm subsided after nightfall leaving a considerable amount of damage in its wake, as well as no power or internet, and contaminated water.

Thursday following the hurricane, members who stayed through the storm did a precursory inspection of damage to homes and roads. This proved to be difficult because of the excessive amount of flooding on several main streets. There were also several downed trees blocking roads. The information collected was relayed to Julie Killough (our community manager) who arrived incredibly early on Thursday to start the cleanup process.

On Friday, several more C.E.R.T. members returned to the community. We were called to service. We broke up into four groups, each

taking a section of the community to work in. We checked with residents who put blue signs in the windows to make sure they were safe. It is important to note that not one Del Tura resident that road out the hurricane was injured due to the storm. Each group made notations of trees on homes and trees down, exposed electrical boxes, etc. All this information was turned into Julie and Donna at the HTA office. As a result, they reported this to the tree company (Lefky) so they could formulate a plan for cleanup.

In the following days, members looked for damaged mailboxes as well as light ballasts. This information was reported to HTA.

We feel C.E.R.T. did a respectable job. We are scheduled to meet and review the way we responded and look for ways to improve our plan for the next time we are called up.

Remember, hurricane season does not end until November 30th. We have another month to keep our wits about us and have a hurricane plan in place.

We have many people interested in joining C.E.R.T. If you would like more information on joining, you can contact Bertie Dugo at 617974-8502. A limited class size for Certification is being held in November.

~Lisa Bellanca, C.E.R.T. Committee

Del Tura Contact Info

Shallenberger765-437-2130

239-825-5708

239-543-6922

239-464-5544

Dot Barilla Lynn Brenfleck 239-850-2306 603-738-1001

239-997-3474

Denise

Sandy Vassallo 815-222-6466 248-755-1176

Ginnie Benjamins, Pres. HELPLINE 997-3474 239-322-9863

FISH - Fruit Picking Contact Sherry Plisch 239-707-5613

FMO Membership Alberta Dugo 617-974-8502

Front Gate Guard 239-731-2523

HOA Website Cindy Brinton 267-642-6477

HOA Membership HOA Office 239-731-3461

HOA Office - 609 Sierra Madre (off Catalina)

HOA GROUNDS Committee

Tuesday after Coffee until 12pm Wednesday 8 am-12pm Thursday 4pm-6pm 239-731-3461

Darlene Fincham 609-617-6869

Homeowners’ Issues/Grievances Clubhouse Office 239-731-3433

Memorials Kathy Williamson 239-825-5708

Name Tags Wendy Wells 309-264-9147

Save Our Strays/ Feral Cat Information “SOS” Sherry Plisch Karen Azza 239-707-5613 239-220-0563

Outdoor Electronic Billboard Cindy Brinton 267-642-6477

Tower - Advertising - BrionPalmer@yahoo.comBrion Palmer 941-312-0665

Tower - Editor Cindy Swisher 727-542-9653

Tower - Co-Editor Karen Handley 720-341-6352

Tower - Circulation Coordinator Sue Brown 847-910-8031

Tower - Distribution Coordinator Frank Bellanca Dan Larsen Sue Larsen

847-833-3258 763-360-3192 763-360-3192

Veterans Contact David Jacobs 239-292-8834

Welcome Committee Sherry Cottini 239-770-7711

MONDAY

HOA OFFICE HOURS

1:00pm - 4:00pm

TUESDAY 8:00am - 9:00am & after coffee - until noon

WEDNESDAY 9:00am - noon

THURSDAY Closed FRIDAY 9:00am - noon

SATURDAY & SUNDAY Closed

Should you need assistance contact Ruth Ann Blevins (239) 220-9381

The Tower Editorial Staff

Editor Cindy Swisher Co-Editor Karen Handley Staff

Darlene Fincham Dennis Cottini

HOA Website Cindy Brinton

Circulation Coordinator Sue Brown Distribution Coordinators

Frank Bellanca, Dan Larsen, and Sue Larsen

Distribution Captains

Mark Donahue, Steve Fincham Sandy Rolando and Sandy Vassallo And 60+ Delivery Volunteers

HOA Liaison: HOA President

Many thanks to all the volunteer residents who have donated their time to “The Tower”.

We are looking for more volunteers. Please Help!

The Del Tura Phone Book is not compiled by “The Tower”. It is produced by Hometown America. Please contact the HT office 731-3433 for errors and omissions.

GENTLE REMINDER

Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability.

LOAN CLOSET: PLEASE CALL Denise Rose 815-222-6466 or Sandy Vassallo 248-755-1176

NOW LOCATED IN THE MAINTENANCE AREA COTS, “PACK n’ PLAY, HI-CHAIRS, ETC

FISH MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Anyone needing to borrow equipment from the Medical Equipment Loan Trailer. Contact FISH at 239-997-3474.

Any

NAME TAGS

call Wendy @ 309-264-9147

$8 00,

for

the following week

Tower – Advertising

Publisher: Island Visitor Publishing

To advertise in print, contact: Brion Palmer at 941-312-0665 or email us at BrionPalmer@yahoo.com

HOA

Lisa Bellanca, President – (2025) 847-833-3258, llbellanca@comcast

Art Keen, Vice President (2024) 210-279-2093, arkeen3@gmail com

Kathy Williamson, Director (2025) 239-825-5708, toocheep2call@aol com

Cindy Baron, Director (2025) 603-398-8001, cbaron50@yahoo com

INFORMATION

Darlene Fincham, Treasurer (2023) 609-617-6869, Darlene Fincham@gmail com

Laura Intini, Director (2023) 631-974-4876, lauraintini169@gmail com

Dave Tomaszewski, Director (2023) 586-567-9290, justforfun300803@yahoo com

Marylou Buss, Secretary (2024) 612-718-7878, bussmarylou@gmail com

Will Rossman, Director (2024) 970-404-1937 - rossman dthoa@gmail com

Contributing writers are acknowledged with bylines accompanying their submissions. Attribution for photos are not included unless supplied. We sincerely thank everyone for their contributions.Your articles help showcase the strong and diverse community that makes up Del Tura.

The Tower is published monthly from October through May. Summer issues are condensed: June/July and August/ September. All ads are subject to the approval of the publisher. It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in TheTower to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town, county and state codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability. Island Visitor Publishing is not respon sible for claims made by advertisers.

HEALTH FAIR

SAVE THE DATE

The annual Health Fair for Del Tura Residents will be held on January 25, 2023, from 9 AM to noon in all the Clubhouse ballrooms. As of October 1, 2022, we have 32 committed vendors, and we are inviting more.

Vendors include: ● Lee Health

AA

Dentistry

NFMFD ● Essential Oil Massages

Fysical Fitness

Baldwin Brothers There will be a large container provided for you to drop off any outdated medications.

We will also be holding free raffles throughout the event. So, save the date- this will be a very informative morning. ~ Bertie Dugo. This is a HOA sponsored event

HOA

By Ruth Ann Blevins

The HOA Office located at 609 Sierra Madre is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian. We are in the process of setting up a temporary space.

Starting October 17, 2022, there will be a table set up in the lobby of the clubhouse so that you may pay your dues. Until further notice, the hours will be:

Monday: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Tuesday: 8:00 – 9:00 am and after coffee until Noon

Wednesday: 9:00 – Noon

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 9:00 – Noon

For room or grill reservations, see Ruth Ann Blevins after coffee on Tuesday(s) or call (239) 543-8134 and leave a detailed message. Please speak clearly and slowly when leaving your number. You will be notified of your request as soon as possible.

We appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

“Bocce & Burgers”

This is How We Roll. Every Sunday evening starting Promptly at 5 PM. Very Social, Non-Committal and Tons of Fun! We have Adult Beverages & Dinner at the Pub following the game(s). Let’s see How You Roll, come join us. Please contact Janet DeCosmo at 239.776.9161 for more information.

Mrs. Doubtfire Services

cleaning method.

Need Help From The Kids?

We can help!

Call to see how we can cure the drudgery of housework, grocery shopping, driving to and from appointments and much, much more including hourly care giving in your home by a competent, background checked individual. 239-770-7711

Do you like to laugh? REALLY like to laugh? Then save the date: March 18 and 19, 2023 Those of you who have been here a few years will remember the hysterical MAKE ‘EM LAUGH SHOWS

And, for those of you who are new to Del Tura, you are in for a real treat!

“NIGHT OF SHENANGIANS”

Still featuring your Del Tura Asylum Players Directed by Bob Harmon Produced by Linda Storma This promises to be a night of pure fun. You know what’s even more fun?

Join the cast or crew!

We have a lot of fun. We have a flexible rehearsal schedule, and we have all the skits ready for you so very little memorization. All you need is to enjoy making your friends laugh.

No experience necessary. Please join us if you are interested or want more information. Call Linda Storma at 239-997-9066 and leave a message.

MOVEMBER

PLEASE COME AND HELP SUPPORT RESEARCH ON MEN’s MENTAL HEALTH, AND MALE-RELATED CANCERS

November

Ballroom

Tickets: $15 each Tues. Oct 25, Nov 1 & Nov 8, 7:30 - 8:45 am Thurs. Oct 27, Nov 3,& Nov 10, 4:30 6:30 pm

Del Tura Country Club Holiday Craft Fair **New Dates**

December 9th, 2022

5PM - 7PM

Tura

&

Only

December 10th, 2022

9AM - 2PM

Public

CRAFT FAIR

NEW DATES

By Darlene Fincham

December 9th, 5PM - 7PM (open to Del Tura Shoppers only)

December 10th 9AM - 2PM (open to the public)

While keeping our vendors and customers as our main priority, and everyone’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, we felt it was best to postpone the Del Tura Holiday Craft Fair. Our new dates will be Friday, December 9th 5-7 and Saturday, December 10th 9-2. The vendor meeting will also be postponed to Tuesday, November 29th from 1-2 and the volunteer meeting will also be Tuesday, November 29th from 2 - 4, both being held in the Royal Palm meeting room.

As of this writing I am still reaching out to our vendors, however I am so excited to say that most are able to attend on the new dates. Many were actually appreciative of the new dates allowing them the opportunity to provide you with more variety of handmade goods to choose from. They will be bringing with them unique crafts such as ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, pottery, wearable and decorative sewn, crocheted and knitted items, holiday decorations, sports items and much, much more. With so many creative gift options, the Del Tura Craft Fair is a perfect opportunity to knock out some of that special occasion or holiday shopping, while supporting local small business crafters. Come, bring a friend, enjoy getting together with neighbors, stroll through the vendors’ creations to find those special gifts, and take some chances on the beautiful hand-made items at the Raffle Table.

The reason Del Tura Craft Fair is considered to be the best around is because of the wonderful volunteers. I can’t say enough great things about Del Tura’s volunteers, and would love for you to join this fantastic team. We are working on building this year’s volunteer team and we need people like you for the following positions: Vendor Helpers, Vendor Aides, Raffle Table Helpers, Greeters, Parking Attendants, Golf Cart Shuttle Drivers, kitchen help and Outside Flyer Distributors. That said, if you are interested in volunteering, or just have questions about volunteering, please send an email to delturacraftfair@yahoo. com or come to Tuesday Coffee and we will have a volunteer sign-up sheet there. Also, if you are a crafter, and would like to donate a new handmade item toward this fundraiser, please send an email to delturacraftfair@yahoo.com. I hope to see you there!

Entertainment Committee Upcoming Events

December 3, 2022:

Christmas Show: Hollywood Holidays

December 31, 2022:

New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Bob Lussi

January 21, 2023:

Alter Eagles: Eagles Tribute Band

February 11, 2023:

Dance: Electric Lipstick

February 19, 2023: Bachelors Of Broadway

March 25, 2023: Majesty Of Rock:

Journey, Styx Tribute Band

Birthdays Anniversary

the

the

AT THE HYDRANT

We hope everyone is safe and that their properties and homes sustained minimal damage.

We humans weren’t the only ones affected by IAN. So were the pets who weathered the storm with us. Some were as traumatized as we were when the winds howled and trees began crashing to the ground. Hopefully they are recovering, as we are, now that the power has been restored and they can take their daily walks around their neighborhoods and see their friends at the dog park.

Trips to the dog park are a bit different. A tree fell on the little dog park fence, but its branches prevent escape by our more adventurous canines. The big dog park lost a good part of the wall that runs along La Paloma and we have had to block the openings with whatever we could find -- leftover construction fencing and pieces of debris. The upside is that now our pets can watch the golfers on 7 West, which is, of course, often of great interest to them. Hopefully they will know better than to bark as the golfers tee off. If they do, however, we hope golfers will consider their barking cheers for great drives, not laughter when the ball lands in the water or the bushes.

By Justine Fitzgibbons

We want to thank Richard Donges and Jeff Intini for making the wall secure enough for the big dogs to use the park. Those of us who visit the park know how lucky we are to have volunteers helping us keep the park clean and safe.

~ Joan Johnson and Justine Fitzgibbons

Sports

Billiards, Men’s Billiards RoomHarry Christopher

Billiards, Women’s (Nov-Apr) Billiards RoomAnn DeGrande 989-2206

Bocce (Nov-April) Peggy Terrasi 603-236-2209 peggyterrasi@gmail.com 4:00 PM

Bocce and Burgers (Sept-May) Bocce Ball CourtJanet DeCosmo 239-776-9161 4:00

Bowling For Fun Bowland Cape CoralDenise Goodell 614-792-3024 2:00

Bowling Mixed League (Oct-Mar) Bowland Cape CoralDenise Rose 815-222-6466 1:20

Fun Couples Shuffleboard League Shuffleboard CourtDarlene Brinker 586-431-0022 7:00 PM

Golf, Men’s 18 Hole League Bill Gronek 810-990-5878 8:00

Golf, Men’s 9 Hole League Bart De Graaf 239-599-4404 8:00

Golf, Women’s 18 Hole League Margie Blackwell 239-789-8060 8:30

Golf, Women’s 9 Hole League Kathy Klein 715-927-1163 8:30

Horseshoes NEW Horseshoe CourtBob Brinker 586-431-0022 3:00

Pickleball Pickleball CourtJanice Dodge 608-225-5227 open playopen playopen playopen playopen playopen playopen play Ping Pong Jacaranda RoomLois McDonald 505-228-1222 2:00 -

Shuffleboard Shuffleboard CourtGlenn Tointon 920-309-1294

Shuffleboard, Open Shuffleboard CourtJudy Lessard 239-217-0924 2:30

Shuffleboard, Traveling Team (Dec-Mar) Glenn Tointon 920-309-1294

Softball Punta GordaJim Hamilton 208-313-1321

Alice Harmon 954 478 4033 allieoop33@gmail.com 8:00-10:00

Games

7:00-9:30 Bingo (all year) Starlight BallroomLiz Poniatowski 800-2935 11:00-12:00 Bridge, Duplicate Jacaranda RoomDon Mick 239-543-3203

Bingo, doors open at 6:00pm, sales end at 6:45pm (Oct-Mar) Starlight BallroomJack & Janet Blevons 731-0892

7:00-10:00 Bridge, Open Jacaranda RoomKen Knight 305-746-3782 1:00-4:00 Bunco, (*All year, 1st & 3rd Wed of each month) Poinciana BallroomPatty Large 559-285-2389 6:00-8:30

Canasta Jacaranda RoomJean Cornwell 239-731-1580 1:00-4:00

Dominoes Royal Palm RoomRuth Anten 997-9779 5:30-9:30 Euchre Poinciana RoomMarcella Carothers 731-3315 7:00-9:00

Poinciana BallroomRuth Anten 997-9779 6:00-9:00

Poinciana RoomDonna Moore 543-5262 1:00-4:00 1:00-4:001:00-4:00

Jacaranda RoomJean Cornwell 239-731-1580 1:00-4:00

Card Room IIPat Steele 863-446-2685 6:00

Card Room IDianne Bevilacqua 567-2234 1:00-5:00

Card Room IRheta Kanen 731-0809 7:00

IIRuth Anten 997-9779 6:00

Sheaffer 330-201-6128 1:00-4:00

Turner 301-367-0917 1:00-4:00

Carothers 731-3315

TOWER DELIVERY INFORMATION

can I expect to receive my monthly TOWER NEWSPAPER?

on the last Friday of each

to

for the

who

to

to you by the following Monday evening. If you do not receive your paper by that time, please contact the distribution team.

HOA Tower Delivery Mailing Information

receive the

Don’t let the heat get you down, let us keep you cool all year long!

MOVEMBER TAKES A HIT FROM IAN, BUT IT’S NOT OUT

Like so many things, the events planned for MOVEMBER have taken a hit from Hurricane Ian. But, like our Del Tura community, Movember is simply changed, it is not out. Because lives have been forever changed and community recovery efforts effect the program, “Rock. Roll and Remember” has been rescheduled until November 2023. BUT the band Swing Street has agreed to perform an old-fashioned dance party. Same place, same date, same time. The Movember Committee is thankful for the spirit of Swing Street.

Movember Dance Party

Presented by Swing Street

November 12th 7:00pm – 10pm

Starlight Ballroom - Tickets $15.00

The spirit of “Junk-in-the-Trunk” has also survived evil Ian. The parking lot garage sale will be held on Saturday November 19th from 8am until 11am in the main parking lot. The cost is a $10 donation for each space occupied. This may be just the event for this year. To reserve a space call: Bart De Graaf 239-599-4404 or sign up at Tuesday Morning Community Coffee Hour.

THANK YOU, LEFKY TREE SERVICE

By Lisa Bellanca

The unusual vehicle arrived immediately after Hurricane Ian left. There was much speculation about what it was, and to whom it belonged. This mobile home on wheels was designed and built by Christopher of Lefky Tree Service. You probably saw Christopher around the community looking down at his phone and taking pictures. You could not miss his beard and friendly smile. Christopher is a tree mapper (I made up that title, I am sure there is a more technical name for his position). When he arrived in Del Tura immediately after Ian, he began mapping all the damaged trees, noting the level of damage associated with them. He put this information into a GPS mapping program until each of the 983 plus trees affected by the storm were noted.

It was from this information that the impressive staff of tree experts from Lefky organized and executed a plan to clean up Del Tura. They started by clearing the trees that caused the most damage. Christopher told me that over seventy trees fell on homes, garages, or vehicles. Without this type of organization, our community clean up would have taken much longer. I was told that the plan was to complete the tree and tree debris clean up by the

end of October. Hopefully by the time you read this, the project will be done.

Lefky Tree Service travelled to Del Tura from Ohio. For such an enormous job they had a crew of approximately seventeen tree men/woman. They worked seven days per week and exceptionally long hours every day. With the amount of devastation throughout SW Florida, we were lucky that Hometown American contracted an excellent vendor who not only worked fast, but who had a crew that were friendly and were willing to take a moment away from their task to speak with our residents when questions arose.

Big shout out to Lefky and their staff!

CREATIVE WRITERS

I know I speak for our entire Creative Writers Workshop group in wishing all of our residents a successful recovery from the effects of Hurricane Ian. Our October meeting, the first of the season, was moved to a safer location to allow time for the removal of debris. We hope to return to our beloved banyan tree for our November gatherings.

If you would like to join us as a new member, please text me (607-769-5766) OR email me to let me know you are interested. My email address is ndavy01@gmail.com. You’ll need to provide me with your name, your email address, and your cell phone number. We try to meet twice a month, and I routinely text everyone with reminders before each meeting and ask for confirmation of how many will attend so I have enough material.

As our October meeting was after the Tower deadline, I am attaching a challenge from the end of last season. The challenge was to write about measuring time with something not expressly intended for that purpose, like cracks in a floor, scuffs on a boot, or weeds in the flowerbed. Draw out your observations and tell how you have been touched by the subject you are observing, adding your own memories as the years have passed. I hope you enjoy these two responses.

The Attic Room by Nancy Davy

The attic room is silent as the door scrapes open and light from the hallway penetrates, touching upon stacks of cardboard boxes, plastic totes, and; in a spot of honor; the wooden rocking chair. She smiles fondly as she recalls many hours of rocking their children, singing to them softly, and dreaming of the future they would share. The tall wooden chair, once glistening with new varnish, was a welcome addition to the nursery as they prepared for the arrival of their babies over forty years ago.

The floorboards creak as she makes her way across the room. She reaches to touch the dusty chair lovingly, noting a small cobweb between the upper rails. She wipes it away and sits.

The dry wood sends out a small squeal of protest. She remains seated, leaning forward to reach inside an open box marked “Toys.”

A teddy bear, worn and abandoned, meets her hand. She brings it close and is struck with a wave of memories. This little guy was dragged, squeezed, and transported for many miles over the years when their son was a toddler, a preschooler and even a primary school student. That little face, those large, round, searching eyes, that soft fuzzy body gave comfort in

By Nancy Davy

ways that sometimes no one else could, in the quiet moments when he was settling down to sleep, when the day had been demanding or he needed a friend. The little bear was cried upon, whispered to, and spilled upon. And he was trusted and loved beyond measure.

She places him on her lap and reaches in again. This time her fingers find a rag doll. She strokes it lovingly and recalls their daughter’s face; contented as she snuggled her companion; those red braided pigtails and stitched-on smile bright against the pillow.

Where did the years ago? It seems like only yesterday that she rocked gently, in this chair, with this bear, with this doll, with their babies – singing softly, dreaming and savoring their blessings. Now they’re grown and gone. She hugs the worn and faded toys and thanks them for the love they gave so freely.

She sighs as she begins to rock once more. Again, the dusty, creaking floorboards speak out, adding to the evidence of how much time has slipped away.

The Mango Tree by Cindy Swisher

We planted it the year she turned two. She loved mangos, so when she visited that year from the “frigid north” you took her to Home Depot and bought a small, spindly mango tree. She helped you dig the hole and plant it. Little plastic shovel in hand, she kept pace with your giant scoopfuls of dirt.

Each time she visited, the tree was taller and fuller, growing strong and healthy - just like her.

The year she started elementary school it produced fruit for the first time. The mangos were small that first year, almost hesitant to peek out from beneath the shelter of the branches - just like her.

Year after year the tree grew and each year the fruit was bigger, a little bolder, and much, much sweeter - just like her.

We moved the year she turned 13. Leaving that tree was hard on us. We had watched it grow and mature, blossom and bloom - just like her.

When she came to visit this year, she asked you if we could get a new mango tree. You went to Home Depot once again and picked out another small, spindly tree. Again, she helped you dig the hole and plant the tree. This time not a struggling toddler, but a strong, healthy girl on the verge of becoming a beautiful young woman. And, once again, we will watch this new tree grow strong and bloom, just as we will watch this new version of her grow strong and bloom. It will produce much fruit as it matures, and we will watch it come into its own – just like her.

2022 CHRISTMAS WREATH DISPLAY

A couple changes this year - but we are still having the wreath display on the iron fence!

● Wreaths should symbolize your State, your Province, your group, your street, your hobby, whatever you want to celebrate.

● Wreath - for display purposes – must be 30 inches or larger.

● Wreath must be lit with LED lights and have a plug-in at the bottom - the committee will furnish

extension cords.

● Wreaths should be brought to the iron fence on Monday, November 14 at 4:00.

The Committee will hang the wreaths for resident viewing. Residents will be able to come to the iron fence and vote for their favorite wreath. The votes will be dollar bills - we are buying your votes!

If you have any questions, please contact Marylou Buss.

DEL TURA REPERTORY COMPANY

Preparations for our next show are in full swing, and have been all summer. I have gathered a marvelous cast of singers and actors that will amaze you. The show will be very different from anything I have done before. It will be in two parts.

Act 1: A short adult drama, SORRY, by Bernadette Fell. During intermission you will see the stage set completely change into a vibrant nightclub before your very eyes.

Act 2: It’s All About the Music. We will delight you with a series of musical acts, some well known, some not so familiar. Some acts will be funny, some will be sexy, and the music will be beautiful.

We will also have an intimate dance floor for your pleasure.

It will be loads of fun so we will be performing three nights. The show will be in the Royal Palm Theater, using all three rooms. It will be table seating. Tables of eight, tables of six and tables of four. Ticket price is $15 per person. Show dates are March 9th, 10th and 11th.

I will be giving more details nearer the time at Tuesday Coffee hours. In the meantime, please put the date in your 2023 calendars.

DAMAGE TO LOAN CLOSET

Hurricane Ian has left its mark on our Loan Closet. The roof on the building that houses the items available to borrow was damaged during the storm, allowing rain to seep through the ceiling. Most everything got wet and without electricity to run the air conditioning in that building, much, if not all, of the items in there have been exposed to mold and mildew. Therefore, we are unable to offer any of our inventory to be loaned out at this time. Once the roof gets repaired, we can get in there to assess the damage and get rid of the affected items. We hope to be able to restock what has been destroyed and get back

to business as soon as possible. Also, the shed that housed bicycles, scooters and helmets blew away and we will have to figure out a solution for those items as well.

The Loan Closet is a valuable asset to our community as none of us has room to store the available items in our small homes, but they sure come in handy when we have company and need them. We will keep you posted as to our progress and when you may be able to borrow from the Loan Closet again. Thank you.

~ Denise Rose 815-222-6466, Sandy Vassallo 248-755-1176

~Jacqueline Keen Honored to be Director of the DTRC

TENNIS AT DEL TURA

At the time of writing, Del Tura is in the midst of cleaning up and getting back to normal after hurricane Ian. The information in this article reflects what we hope will occur in November but may not be totally accurate. We apologize for that.

We are still planning to host Open Tennis on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. The participants range from beginner to advanced. All are welcome.

FREE tennis lessons (6) should be offered starting November 9 to December 14, 2022 every Tuesday at 10:00 am right after coffee hour. The lessons are for beginners or people who need to refresh their skills so that they can enjoy the game anew. If there is any change, it will be posted in the screened room by the North Pool.

The Del Tura Tennis Association intramural

leagues should have started and be well underway.

Our year’s calendar of events is posted in the screened room. You will find league schedules, future tournaments and activities.

The Lee County Women’s Tennis League has postponed all games so our traveling teams will not be playing for the immediate future.

We wish all Del Turians a good recovery from Ian and hope that all activities return in a timely fashion so we can enjoy our beautiful Florida homes and facilities.

If you have any questions, please contact Jacqueline St-Jean at 239-599-4468 or jacstjean2016@gmail.com or the Del Tura Tennis Association at DelTuraTennis@gmail.com.

~ Jacqueline St-Jean President, Del Tura Tennis Association

CRAFTIN’ IN “THE HOOD”

Come join us on Tuesdays, after coffee until about 3:00, in the Starlight Ballroom. We quilt, knit, crochet, spin wool, and do other various crafts. We all work on our own projects, but occasionally have a class to learn a technique.

Bring your own equipment and supplies. If you bring a sewing machine, bring an extension cord as the outlets are few and far between. For more information, call Wendy Wells at 309-264-9147. I hope to see you there!

PROFESSIONAL PAINTINGWITHOUT PROFESSIONAL PRICES! INTERIOR/EXTERIOR, OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, POWER WASHING, HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS! DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL JIM SMITH 239-247-1917 (NOV21)

AIRPORT? SHOPPING? ERRANDS? LINDA STORMA, RESIDENT DEPENDABLE CALL (239) 997-9066 (JUN/JUL21)

LOCKSMITH: DEL TURA RESIDENT AUTO/HOME LOCKOUTS, LOCKS REPAIRED, INSTALLED OR RE-KEYED DEL TURA RESIDENT LOUIS RIVET 543-1434 (OCT21)

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE, DEL TURA RESIDENT: RELIABLE, HONEST, & FRIENDLY SERVICE DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL KAREN @ 603-543-7457 (OCT21)

AVON PRODUCTS SOLD BY DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL PAT 239-800-5057(HOME) OR 631-838-4323 (CELL) (FEB21)

GIRL FRIDAY – RELIABLE & TRUSTWORTHY HOUSECLEANING, ETC DEL RESIDENT CALL LINDA 239-560-1948 (APR21)

HANDYMAN - PAINTING, LANDSCAPING, POWERWASHING & REPAIRS EXPERIENCED RESIDENT CALL JOHN AT 757-952-9485 (NOV21)

SKP HANDYMAN SERVICE30 YRS CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE, QUALITY SERVICE, reasonable rates, Del Tura Resident, License & Insured 239-471-0258, 941-465-9246 (AUG/SEPT21)

WE BUY AND SELL old coins, jewelry and collectibles of all kinds Del Tura residents Will & Kat Rossman 989-1757 WWW ESTATEBUYZ COM (DEC21)

NEED A NOTARY? CALL BRENDA BLASIE A DEL TURA RESIDENT, AT 239-543-6104

INDOOR PAINTING – RELIABLE, REASONABLE AND HONEST NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL KAREN 518-802-0277

LANDSCAPING

RELIABLE WITH REASONABLE RATES GUTTERS, ROOF CLEANING, PALMS, MAINTENANCE AND OUTDOOR INSTALL JOBS INCLUDING SOD CALL CHARLES @ 239-440-9148

“WHO LET THE DOGS OUT” I’LL WALK YOUR DOGS OR WATCH OVER THEM WHILE YOU ARE AWAY REFERENCES IF NEEDED SUSAN @ 303-725-0666

DON’T LEAVE YOUR HOME UNPROTECTED AGAINST RODENTS AND INSECTS GET SHIELDED! SHIELD HOME & PEST CONTROL (239) 910-1133 WWW SHIELDPCS COM

VETERAN OWNED LOCALLY OPERATED ASK ABOUT SPECIAL RATES FOR DEL TURA RESIDENTS

PRESSURE WASHING KEEPING DEL TURA BEAUTIFUL ONE HOUSE AT A TIME CALL RESIDENT, BOB 954-448-1171

INDOOR PAINTING - RELIABLE, REASONABLE AND HONEST NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL KAREN 518-802-0277

TAKING OVER FOR CAROLYN - CALL SHELLY 309-696-7944 OR KRIS 515-2506674 IF YOU ARE WANTING TO RENT YOUR HOME WE HANDLE ALL PAPERWORK & PROCESSING FOR YOU JUST LIKE CAROLYN DID

DEL TURA MEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION

By Donnie Soper

Hope everyone is getting back to, or close to getting back to, normal. The September 20th meeting that the three associations (9-Hole Women, 18-Hole Women and DTMGA) had with Troon went very well. Jeff and Brian from Troon were very professional and acknowledged our needs. They have put a plan in place for weed control, plus have a number of capital expense plans to be presented to HTA.

Now, the meeting with Hurricane IAN did not go as well. Forgetting golf for now, let’s help friends in need. If you have the energy, skill and needed tools please help out friends and neighbors where you can in a safe way.

As of October 14th, we have West and South courses open for play with the North course being readied for play soon. DTMGA Wednesday golf is back, and Mark Blackwell will be putting the games together each week.

DTMGA 2022 - 2023 schedule:

• Presidents Cup : November 9,10,16 & 17

Match play winners move on.

Sign-up sheet is up in the dungeon.

• Jack and Jill: January 4 & 5, 2023 / 2 days of couples golf.

• Member – Member: February 1 & 2 / 2-man teams / better ball and total net score.

• 2-Ball: February 15 & 16, 2023 / 2-man teams / alternate shot and 2 man scramble

• Member - Guest: March 3 & 4, 2023 / practice round March 2nd

• Club Championship: March 15, 16 and 22, 2023 / 3 days total gross score

There was an Executive Board meeting on October 18, 2022. We put plans in place to open our 2022 - 2023 season.

First open DTMGA meeting was on November 2, 2022.

December meeting is December 7, 2023, at 12 noon in the Royal Palm room with lunch

Awards Dinner will be held on January 14, 2023. All 3 associations will attend.

Please attend to all personal matters before thinking golf!

SHUFFLEBOARD

By Glenn Tointon

FRIDAY SHUFFLEBOARD LEAGUE READY TO START

Our Friday league will start November 11th at 12:15. This league comprises 18 teams of two and goes into March. It is made up of beginners and advanced players. We are always in need of substitutes, so let me know if you are interested. Our courts are in relatively good shape considering IAN. We lost a few roof pieces, and some scoreboards and electricity were damaged. Otherwise, we are good to go!

REFLECTIONS

By Dianne J. Roderick

“Thanksgiving Blessings”

I am so thankful for the many family Thanksgiving gatherings of the past that I was able to sit and express to the people that I love the many blessings that surrounded me each precious year. Funny, how we realize more and more, with every passing year, the significance of family and friendship, each one having more of an impact on our hearts as each year passes. If only we had realized then how swiftly the years actually would be. How could we? Who knew that these golden years would come so quickly? We were young and so was everyone else. Sure, there were bumps in the road, but for the most part everyone seemed to be doing well. So, year after year we set the table with very little changes in the seating arrangements because that was what we did. Grandpa Will, Grandma Rose, Uncle Joe, Cousins…everyone who had always celebrated were all expected to be at our blessed Thanksgiving family feast. Those were the greatest times! There were stories, continuous laughter, babies crying, and everyone trying to be heard all at once. Yes, it was a madhouse but was it ever a wonderful state of chaos! I close my eyes and picture the scene like it was yesterday and I can feel myself getting a bit giddy and my heart once again filling up with so much love. I remember thinking this is never going to end. Sadly, that was not a realistic way of thinking. It may be what we all wish in our hearts and convince ourselves of, but all too soon we find out that life has other plans. We all become less naïve in this journey of life, not because we want to but because we need to. For it is within this journey we experience the things that help us to cope and get through each loss along the way. We realize that within this “circle of life” we continue to celebrate and give thanks for the loved ones that no longer sit physically with us on this day but feel blessed by the new life that surrounds us because of them. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

BOWLING

By Denise Rose

The 2022-2023 Tuesday Bowling League is set to begin on November 1st. We bowl on Tuesdays at 1:20 at Bowland Cape Coral. This is a handicapped, FUN league and all levels of bowlers are welcome. We bowl a total of 20 weeks, taking some weeks off during the Holidays.

If you are interested in bowling either as a regular or a sub or would like more information, please contact Denise Rose at 815-222-6466.

BILLIARDS

By Denise Rose

Beginning Monday, November 14 and continuing each Monday through March at 1:15 PM, we will have round-robin or double elimination 8-ball tournaments. Handicaps are assigned so that all players will have an opportunity to win. First, second and third place will receive points which are accumulated to determine an overall champion. No need to come each Monday. Come as often as you can. A sign-up sheet is posted in the billiard room along with more details about rules, etc. Last season, Ernie Page and Vito Sinicropi were the champions.

Del Tura also has 2 teams in the 10-team North Fort Myers Seniors 8-Ball League. Players from nearby communities participate on Tuesday evenings from November through March. Last Spring, Del Tura 1 finished in second place despite being tied with Tamiami Village. They lost the tie-breaker by 6 points (1887 to 1881). Del Tura 2 finished in 8th place. Al Young of Del Tura 1 won the Most Valuable Player plaque.

For more information, call Harry Christopher at 239-997-7345.

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

11/01 Vincent Gulino

11/01 Lisa Francis

11/02 Stephan Asper

11/02 Joan Koch 11/02 Dawn Chancer

11/02 Wilma Antaya

11/03 Dee Wipperfurth

11/03 Leona Bowser

11/03 Lyndle Barnes

11/03 Mary Jo Thayer

11/03 Jayne Hauptman

11/04 Malcom Johnson

11/05 Bill Dold

11/05 John Schaub

11/05 Cathy Welch

11/06 Janet Huss

11/07 Ron Whitney

11/07 Glen Strickland

11/07 Gerry Benjamins

11/07 Stanley Young

11/07 Kenn Thomas

11/07 Susan Siehr

11/07 Nancy Ashe

11/08 Stanley Sidorowicz Jr 11/08 Mark Donahue

11/08 Wayne Doyscher

11/09 Daniel Sears

11/09 Mary Kay Tointon

11/09 Nancy Toth 11/10 Thomas Mannion

11/10 Randy Waas

11/10 Brenda Snyder

11/11 Michael Smith

11/11 Kevin Trombley

11/11 Rosemary Elden

11/11 Dorothy Cook

11/12 Fred Kostrick

11/12 Ed Peznowski

11/12 Ann Boncore

11/12 Connie Picciolo

11/12 Kim Lefrancois

11/13 John Glenn

11/13 Linda Goldsmith

11/13 Joyce Henry

11/14 Susan Martins

11/14 Otis Smith

11/14 Barry Green

11/15 Trudy Olds

11/15 Eric Nahrgang

11/16 David Klein

11/16 Gail Millson

11/16 Brenda Jacques

11/16 Karen Stenzel

11/17 Vaughn Wedge

11/17 Janet Alley

11/17 Harriet Hart

11/17 Paul Kidder

11/17 Sal Terrasi

11/18 Patty Kennedy

11/18 Scott Larson

11/18 Patricia Yaiser

11/19 Joseph Valentino

11/19 DJ Lorentz

11/20 John Brown

11/20 Thomas Hoffay

11/21 Meg Valentino

11/21 Christie Dittmann

11/22 Fred Tessmer

11/22 Bob Neeb

11/23 Kurt Vogel

11/23 Karl Smith

11/23 Janet Lesson

11/23 Martha Anneshansley

11/24 Louis Rivet

11/24 Cindy Swisher

11/26 James Kissell

11/26 Terry Thompson

11/27 Wilma Acosta

11/27 Patsy Bagshaw

11/27 Diana Bair

11/28 Patricia Burke

11/29 Don Mick

11/29 Joseph Spurlin

11/29 Nick Schiavarelli

11/29 June Lowrey

11/30 Henry Coache

11/30 Hank VanDuiven

11/30 Marty Nightengle

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

11/01/69 Woody & Dorothy Cook, 53 years

11/02/02 Rick & Karen Conte, 20 years

11/02/85 Randy & Kerri Waas, 37 years

11/04/69 David & Renate Parrick, 53 years

11/04/78 Jaime & Lorraine Hernaez, 44 years

11/05/03 David & Christie Dittmann, 19 years

11/05/50 Angelo & Peggy Iacovino, 72 years

11/05/71 Mel & Sandy Gower, 51 years

11/05/92 Stephen Kolton & Rhonda MacDuff, 30 years

11/06/92 Paul & Yvonne Ryan, 30 years

11/07/64 Joe & Sandra Ptashinski, 58 years

11/08/19 Ron Moniz & Bonnie Bisignano, 3 years

11/08/80 Jeff & Linda Czuchaj, 42 years

11/09/63 Karl & Linda Smith, 59 years

11/09/84 Albert & Jayne Hauptman, 38 years

11/12/90 Jeff & Laura Intini, 32 years

11/14/80 Frank & Lisa Bellanca, 42 years

11/15/73 Bernie & Carolyn Forsey, 49 years

11/18/78 George & Bonnie Evangelist, 44 years

11/18/94 Karen Tietjen & John Brassem, 28 years

11/21/87 Joseph & Meg Valentino, 35 years

11/22/80 Andrew & Theresa Halek, 42 years

11/23/84 Jeff & Donna Brown, 38 years

11/24/62 Joe & Susan Rivera, 60 years

11/24/95 Jerry & Linda Beiermann, 27 years

11/25/67 Glenn & Mary Kay Tointon, 55 years

11/25/84 Bill & Peggy Huntley, 38 years

11/25/95 Don & Kathy Williamson, 27 years

11/27/21 Janelle Shallenberger & Gary Luders, 1 year

11/27/54 Gerhard & Klara Schwheyer, 68 years

11/27/99 Dale & Barb Bennett, 23 years

11/28/68 Jack & Irene Anzalone, 54 years

11/29/86 Tom & Karen Wight, 36 years

This month we celebrate Veterans Day in tribute to military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In honor of all veterans, both here in Del Tura, and across the country, we would like to share this from the Disabled American Veterans organization. Thank you, Bart DeGraaf, for sharing with us.

Opportunity. Legacy. Duty. Purpose. Patriotism.

The reasons behind choosing military service differ from person to person. But as varied as the reasons are, there’s a universal understanding: service means sacrifice. Even if that sacrifice is one’s own life. The impact of this ultimate sacrifice ripples through our communities. A service members’ death touches more than just the lives of their loved ones and friends. When their stories are shared in our neighborhoods, our homes, our schools and our places of worship, these men and women become a part of the collective identity of our hometowns. The stories of their sacrifices live on in the pride of memories of their loved ones and at observances, like this, and through inscriptions on memorials and plaques dedicated to the legacy of their generation. Woven into the fabric of our country are those who died while wearing the cloth of our nation.

They instill a sense of pride among citizens. They inspire new generations to raise their hands in service. There is no greater sacrifice than to offer one’s life for the greater good. As President Abraham Lincoln observed more than 150 years ago, “This extraordinary war in which we are engaged falls heavily upon all classes of people, but the most heavily upon the soldier. For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance, the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country’s cause. The highest merit, then, is due to the soldier.”

This respect we give to our fallen speaks to the value we place on their service. And it’s not just back home that we remember them. These tributes begin at the very spots where they selflessly gave their lives— both for the brothers and sisters they stood shoulder to shoulder with and for their country.

Tributes include the Battlefield Cross, which some historians say has its roots in the Civil War. Today, it’s most recognizable as a helmet resting on top of an inverted rifle stuck in the ground with boots placed in front. Dog tags hang from the rifle. On the battlefield, members of the unit can come to this memorial and pay their final respects.

In more recent conflicts, the military also paid tribute to those who died with the fallen comrade and ramp ceremonies. These are part of the dignified transfer—the solemn return of service members from their theater of war back to the United States and to their loved ones for eternal rest. The fallen comrade ceremony happened at places including Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and Balad Air Base, Iraq. The remains of those killed in action in the theater were brought to the base. No matter the hour of day or night, when the announcement of their arrival came over the loudspeakers—often mere hours after the person’s death—military personnel who were not on guard lined the road leading to the base’s flight line and rendered a final salute as the Humvee carrying the body would slowly pass by to a waiting aircraft. On the flight line, a small group then conducted the ramp ceremony, carrying the transfer case onto the aircraft and draping an American flag over it for its journey to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

But some who died while serving have not yet made it back home to the United States. We honor them through tributes such as the Missing Man Table. It’s an opportunity to reflect on those who are still missing in action or prisoners of war. But we don’t just reflect. We act. By continuing to look for them, we honor their sacrifice. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency sends teams all over the world to tirelessly search land and sea to recover the remains of those who haven’t returned home. Through this work, they bring people home.

People like Corporal Thomas Cooper, who was killed in 1943 during the Battle of Tarawa in the Central Pacific. In 2019—more than 76 years after his death—the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified his remains, which, along with those of 93 other unknown deceased, had been disinterred from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. He was finally brought home. And decades

after his death, Corporal Cooper’s family was able to bury him with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery this past March.

We’re still looking for the rest. The agency estimates that more than 81,600 service members remain missing. Among them are 41,000 who are presumed lost at sea in the Indo-Pacific region.

Some of those still missing at sea were killed aboard Japanese “hell ships” during World War II. Hell ships were what they called unmarked Japanese merchant ships that sailed between the Philippines and Japan during the war. They appeared to carry only Japanese military personnel and supplies. But below deck, crammed into dark, sweltering holds were Allied prisoners of war. The conditions were deplorable. People were often heaped on top of each other, with no access to sanitation or light and little to no food or water. It’s estimated that 126,000 Allied prisoners of war were moved this way, including survivors of the Bataan Death March. More than 1,500 men died in their holds from heat and thirst or were killed by Japanese guards.

But more than 19,000 died when the U.S. Navy and other Allied forces carried out attacks on these ships. The naval forces had no way of knowing their own people were hidden on board. All they knew was that they had to thwart the enemy’s efforts to move supplies and personnel needed to prolong the war. We must continue to share their stories, to remember what they sacrificed for the rest of us. Because few men and women choose to put their lives on the line to serve and defend the Constitution, Few go toward danger. Few willingly face atrocities most of us can’t fathom. Few volunteer to serve, knowing that death may be the outcome. But we can ensure that those who make this choice and make the ultimate sacrifice can rest knowing they served with the thanks of grateful citizens and knowing that they won’t be forgotten.

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THURSDAY