Eagle Ridge
A Look Inside
“THROUGH THE EYE OF THE EAGLE”
CHICKS WITH STICKS IN JANUARY 2025
ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS CATCH THE ACTION
CARL STEINHOFF
SUE CLARK
BOB MOSHER
CRISTI PRENGER
VICKI WINTERS
Chicks With Sticks In January 2025
JILL BURCHILL
Formerly known as the Eagle Ridge Women’s Golf League, the “Chicks with Sticks” golf league opened the New Year with only two events. We took Wednesday, January 1 off (after some fun New Years Eve parties) and then on Wednesday, January 22 our event was cancelled due to rain and cold!
But despite the weather, the snowbirds have returned and in addition our league membership continues to increase … three new members joined in January and an additional three new
members have signed up to join in February.
Play is held each Wednesday with a group luncheon held on the last Wednesday of each month. If you would like to try playing in this league, join us as a guest by contacting Barb Baker (bakerbarbara134@gmail.com) or Jill Burchill (jilldburchill@gmail.com). Take advantage of a 10% discount off the normal green fee, meet league members and see what all the fun is about!
Are You Receiving Email From Eagle Ridge?
Each month the Eagle Ridge Property Owners Association sends out an email with reminders of activities at the Ridge. If this image looks unfamiliar to you, you are not on our email list.
To correct this, send an email to info@ EagleRidge33912.com along with your name and street address.
We will add your name to the list, which you may opt out of at any time. We are stressing the use of email as it is faster, easier and cheaper than USPS. You may send email addresses for all members of your household.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Winners Of Events Held In January Were:
January 15 – “Throw Out Holes”
Flight A: Three-Way Tie –
Jill Burchill
Kathy Furlong
Eleanor Parker
Flight B: Two-Way Tie For First Place
Bonnie Soltesz
Caryn Mikkelsen
Third Place: Barb Baker
Flight C: First Place: Karen Porreca
Second Place: Betty Heil
Third Place: Joan McDermitt
Chip-Ins: Karen Porreca
Birdies: None
Low Putts: Jody Hanson
January 29 – “Dice Game”
First Place Team: Caryn Mikkelsen
Kathy Furlong
Nancy Klavas
Second Place Team: Barb Acosta
Eleanor Parker
Betty Heil
Barb Baker
Third Place Teams: Two Teams Tied
Cindy Acker, Joan McDermitt and Karen Kudrle
Theresa Jaworski, Debbie Witz and Sandy Cameron
Chip-Ins: Sandy Cameron, Betty Heil and Karen Kudrle
Birdies: Sandy Cameron, Karen Kudrle and Cindy Acker
Low Putts: Jill Burchill
Closest to the Pin: Hole #8 Cindy Acker
Hole #14 Betty Heil
Longest Putt: Hole #10 Nancy Klavas Hole # 15 Jill Burchill
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Margo Williams
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Corey Bank
Justein Matthias
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
(239) 278-4222
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Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, April 3 at 11:30 a.m. Our April program will feature a Chorus Group from Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School under the direction of Libby O’Connor, music teacher. Please join us to enjoy this award-winning chorus group.
Meetings are being held at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $26. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 by Tuesday, March 25 for meal selection and to make a reservation for our April 3 meeting.
Continental Women’s Club is a social, cultural, and philanthropic organization established in 1975, with membership open to women living in Lee County. We have many special events and interest groups within our club that you can participate in for social and educational purposes throughout the month and the year. In addition, we contribute to many local charities and award two scholarships each year to senior high school girls who plan on furthering their education.
REMINDER
Please do not leave trash containers, ladders, etc., where they are visible from the street.
Also do not place containers or yard waste out to the curb more than 24 hours before the scheduled weekly pickups.
Concerts Continue At The Alliance For The Arts
JOIN THE ALLIANCE FOR THESE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES
The Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) is thrilled to announce the return of live music, featuring an exciting lineup of performances that includes American Community Music Association (ACMA) artists and lively bluegrass shows. Tickets are priced at $18 for Alliance members and $20 for nonmembers. The Alliance for the Arts is located just south of Colonial Boulevard at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Fla.
BLUEGRASS CONCERT SERIES
Band: Swinging Bridge (INDOOR)
Date: Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m.
About: Swinging Bridge, established in 1997, is a five-member bluegrass and classic country group from Venice, Florida, performing regularly throughout Southwest Florida. The band, featuring Alan Colpitts, Chris Bryson, Doug Rowe, JR Davis, and Bobby Martin, is a popular fixture at local bluegrass festivals and the monthly Southwest Florida Bluegrass Association Jam/Fests. In 2003, they released their debut CD, Rough Edges, which was well-received by their growing fan base. Known for their strong lead vocals, tight harmonies, and lively stage presence, Swinging Bridge delivers a mix of
traditional and contemporary bluegrass and country, creating engaging and memorable performances.
Tickets: https://www.artinlee.org/ experience/live-music/
THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (ACMA) CONCERT SERIES
Band: The Honey Badgers Featuring Fred Bell (INDOOR)
Date: Sunday, March 23 at 3 p.m.
About: The Honey Badgers: This contemporary folkAmericana duo from Newark, Del., consists of married singer-songwriters Erin Magnin and Michael Natrin, whose undeniable chemistry and sparkling harmonies captivate audiences both on and off stage. With Erin’s wistful violin and Michael’s driving guitar, The Honey Badgers weave heartfelt stories of self-discovery, connection, and navigating life’s journey. Their powerful lyrics and melodies earned them the title of “Most Wanted” at the 2023 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist Showcase, and they were winners of the 2023 Delaware Public Media Homey Award for Best Folk Song.
Fred Ball: Ball’s musical journey began in
Greenwich Village in the 1960s during the height of the “Great Folk Scare.” After a long hiatus to focus on family life, Fred returned to his passion for music in 2005 and has been performing steadily ever since. His charming anecdotes, witty storytelling, and honest songwriting reflect a life well-lived and a deep love for the craft. Now based in Florida, Fred has shared his music at various local venues and continues to write and play with the same enthusiasm that first drew him to the stage.
Tickets: https://www.artinlee.org/experience/ live-music/
Tickets are $21 for members and $23 for
nonmembers and are available online at ArtInLee.org or by calling (239) 9392787.
OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVAL
Name: Jazz on the Green
Date: March 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About: Join us for Jazz on the Green, a dynamic, daylong festival that brings together world-renowned jazz artists for a soulful celebration in the heart of nature. Surrounded by lush greenery, immerse yourself in smooth rhythms, mesmerizing improvisations, and the incredible diversity of jazz music from around the world.
This year’s lineup is a showcase of international talent and eclectic styles. Enjoy performances by the Stephane Wrembel Trio, known for their unique Gypsy jazz-inspired sound; Alex Cuba, a Latin Grammy-winning musician with a distinctive blend of Cuban rhythms and rock influences; and the Danny Sinoff Trio, known for their fusion of classic jazz and contemporary vibes.
Tickets: www.artinlee.org/event/jazzon-the-green/
Name: Six Guitars by Chase Padgett
Date: April 25 to 27, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
About: Chase Padgett brings six distinct guitarplaying characters to life, each showcasing a different genre—Blues, Jazz, Rock, Classical, Folk, and Country. An accomplished actor, singer, guitarist, and improviser, Chase was a semifinalist on Fox’s reality singing show Alter Ego. A Florida native, he honed his skills at the University of Central Florida and the SAK Comedy Lab, the same theater where Wayne Brady got his start. After performing with Disney and Universal, he premiered his first solo show, Six Guitars, in 2010, earning rave reviews and sold-out performances
Mailbox Maintenance And Repair
across North America.
Tickets: https://www.artinlee.org/event/6guitars-by-chase-padgett/all/
About The Alliance For The Arts
The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call (239) 939-2787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook or Instagram.
For mailbox and lamppost repairs, please contact Tim Townsend, (740) 403-0983 or email timtownsend72@yahoo.com. Mailbox doors have a closure spring that eventually breaks after thousands of openings. It is important to replace them as soon as they are discovered as they usually result in a broken door, which is a much more expensive repair. The cost of repairing/replacing the various parts for mailboxes & lampposts is as follows:
• Mailbox spring repair is $40.
• If the mailbox door casting breaks the cost to replace the door is $179.
• Mailbox and lamp post can be repainted for $70 for both.
Consumer Alert
ANDREW RAYO, CONSUMER EDUCATION SPECIALIST
GOT A TEXT ABOUT UNPAID TOLLS? IT’S PROBABLY A SCAM
Whether you’ve driven through a toll recently or not, you might’ve gotten a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. It’s probably a scam. Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money. Learn how the scam works so you can avoid it.
You get a text out of the blue that says you have unpaid tolls and need to pay immediately. The scammy text might show a dollar amount for how much you supposedly owe and include a link that takes you to a page to enter your bank or credit card information—but it’s a phishing scam. Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal information (like your driver’s license number)—and even steal your identity.
To avoid a text scam like this:
• Don’t click on any links in, or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and check it out.
• Check to see if the text is legit. Reach out to the state’s tolling agency using a phone number or website you know is real — not the information from the text.
• Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the text.
Learn more about spotting and avoiding text scams at ftc.gov/textscams.
Catch The Action
CAPT. BILL RUSSELL
MARCH ON THE WATER
Good things happen this month on the waters around Southwest Florida. The kickoff to the spring fishing season is in full effect as we transition out of winter to the warm days of spring.
For the next couple months or until the daily afternoon rains begin, we experience the clearest water of the year along our coast. It’s the perfect time to explore the inshore and nearshore waters, learn new areas, and look for fish or locate and mark structure that looks fishy.
Over the winter months we have endless days with low tides and little water to navigate. That will change and make it possible to fish areas that were not accessible over the past several months. Spring tides arrive with higher water over daytime hours. Yes, we still have low water, but not all day every day. Combine the incoming tides with the clean water and you will find some great days to explore.
This is the month to catch the largest sea trout of the year. They are aggressive as they head into spawning season and feed on a variety of baits. It’s common to catch trout to 24 inches with the possibility of even larger fish. They are often in schools, if you’re lucky enough to come across a school of big ones it can provide nonstop action.
As the coastal waters warm it triggers some of the best snook fishing of the year. When the water rises to 70 degrees or above and holds, snook become very active, on the move, and hungry. Like many of our gamefish, their primary diet consists of oily baitfish that invade the warming waters. Snook of all sizes are a blast to catch.
Higher water this month allows for good opportunities to catch redfish along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. It’s possible to catch redfish, snook, and large sea trout from the same area along shorelines and oyster bars. Anglers looking for a challenge have early morning low tides to hunt redfish tailing over the shallow flats.
The winter sheepsheads run winds down over the month. There’s still a chance to land a few big ones around inshore structure and nearshore reefs, but not in the numbers as previous months. Inshore, tasty pompano and permit are caught fishing with shrimp or small pompano jigs. They often run in schools and prefer a hard or sand bottom along channel edges, bar dropoffs, and around the beaches.
Spanish mackerel is a great fish to catch as they are ferocious feeders, lightning fast, run in schools, and offer a great fight. Prepared fresh, they offer excellent table fare that is often overlooked. To me they are the perfect fish when looking for fun and action. When mackerel are present odds are good that sharks are nearby, sharks love snacking on mackerel.
Offshore, on days with calm seas there are good opportunities for a variety of fish including reef dwellers like snapper, grouper, grunts, porgies, sheepsheads, and others. As the water warms, schools of fast-moving Spanish and king mackerel, false albacore, or bonito, and possibly some blackfin tuna are making their way up the coast and busting up any schooling baitfish they encounter, often well within sight of land. Cobia are prowling gulf waters, and many are hooked around artificial reefs. They can get big; keep a few heavy rods rigged and ready, you never know what may show up. Tripletail is a possibility. Most are sighted hanging under floating debris, buoys, and structure. Tarpon start showing off the coast, beginning to the south and moving north. Just how early this happens in the month is based on the weather and water temperature.
March weather is often all over the place. Cool days, windy at times, and perfect sunny days are expected as we move into the warm season. Overall, it’s a great month to get on the water and enjoy good fishing.
For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland.com, email: gcl2fish@live.com.
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 29 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
Christine Leslie, President
Joyce Johnson, Vice President
Peggy Jermyn, Secretary/Treasurer
RESOURCE HUB
EAGLE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MARCH ‘24–’25
Greg Lambrecht, Director Kathy Furlong, Director
Board members may be contacted using the Eagle Ridge phone directory or by emailing info@EagleRidge33912.com.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Arbitration Board: Jim Lutsch, Chairperson
Architectural Control: Rick Jermyn, Chairperson
Communications:
Email: info@EagleRidge33912.com
Website: Scott Fowler
Email: Joyce Johnson
Newsletter (Eye of the Eagle): Pam Johnson, Editor
To submit news/photos: Newsletter@EagleRidge33912.com
Deed of Restrictions: Kathy Furlong, Chairperson
Email: DOR@EagleRidge33912.com
Election/Mailing Committee:
Jim and Janet Lutsch, Chairpersons
BOARD LIAISON
Christine Leslie Christine Leslie Joyce Johnson
Greg Lambrecht
Kathy Furlong TBA EAGLE RIDGE
Replacement of Lamppost Bulbs and Light Sensors: Contact Joe Foster, (239) 218-7714 and leave your name, address and phone number.
Flagpole Holders and Damaged Mailbox
Repairs, Painting of Mailboxes and Light Poles
Contact Tim Townsend, (740) 403-0983. ERPOA Web Maintenance
Contact Ed Schuler, (267) 513-0800.
Eagle Ridge Residents
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Golf Committee:
Jim Lutsch, Chairperson for Men
Kathy Furlong, Chairperson for Women
Golf Liaison:
Jim Lutsch, Chairperson
Holiday Decorating:
Rick Jermyn, Chairperson
Legal:
TBA, Chairperson
Maintenance and Beautification:
Joyce Johnson, Chairperson
Security/Safety:
Connie Hope, Chairperson
Social:
Kelly Lambrecht, Chairperson
Surface Water Drainage:
Christine Leslie, Chairperson
Welcoming:
Kathy Furlong, Chairperson
BOARD LIAISON
Kathy Furlong
Architectural Control Information
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathy Furlong
Kathy Furlong
TBA Joyce Johnson
Peggy Jermyn Peggy Jermyn
TBA Peggy Jermyn
Jogging, bicycling, walking and other nongolfing activities or unregistered golf play are not permitted on the golf course.
REMINDER
Please remember that any exterior changes you plan to make to your home need to be approved by the Architectural Control Committee.
For example, this includes reroofing, exterior painting, landscape changes, swing set installations, etc. We live in a deed-restricted community and these controls have been put into place for the good of each homeowner so as to maintain our beautiful community.
Please contact Rick Jermyn (701) 388-0419 or RAJermyn1@ gmail.com so that your changes can be reviewed and approved.
A form is available for download from the Eagle Ridge website: www.EagleRidge33912.com on the Resources tab.
We plan to work hard for you to keep our community – the one you all moved into – please help us do that!
Eagle Ridge Bulletin Board
If you have an announcement, we will include it here.
Email newsletter@eagleridge33912.com with your request.
EAGLE RIDGE GOLF NEWS
Please, let us all remember the course is not for walking or kids to be playing on, regardless of the time of day. The course has access roads to be used only by golf course employees and equipment as well. Let us respect the golf course grounds and keep everyone safe!
Jim Lutsch, your golf liaison, can be reached at (239) 3229588.
FORT MYERS CAMERA CLUB
Meetings are held twice monthly November through April at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Road from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Check the website at: www.fortmyerscc.com for information on meeting
schedules, membership, competitions, exhibitions, speakers, outings, mentoring, updates and to join the fun. All levels of photographers are welcome to learn, share and enjoy. Contact at carolheff28@ gmail.com for more information.
VOLUNTEER IN YOUR EAGLE RIDGE COMMUNITY
If you are interested in serving on the Eagle Ridge Board of Directors or would like to serve on one of the committees, please contact one of the following Board members: Chris Leslie, Joyce Johnson, Peggy Jermyn, Greg Lambrecht, Kathy Furlong or send an email to: Info@EagleRidge33912.com.
WAYS TO COMMUNICATE
Eagle Ridge has a Facebook page. This is a private
group only for Eagle Ridge residents. To join, find “Eagle Ridge Community Fort Myers” on Facebook. Then click on request to join. You will be prompted to enter your address. This will be checked against property records to confirm you are a resident.
Eagle Ridge is also on NextDoor.com. You can join and select to communicate with only Eagle Ridge residents and/or our neighboring communities.
THE FLORIDA YARDS & NEIGHBORHOOD (FYN)
Join us at a Florida Yards & Neighborhoods class and learn the nine principles that guide Florida-friendly landscaping in Lee County. The class is given under the auspices of University of Florida IFAS Extension Lee County.
Each principle is explored in class, so you can apply what you learn to your own yard. Plant selection and placement, efficient irrigation, proper mulching, and techniques to obtain a beautiful and healthy yard
will be discussed. To learn more, visit http://fyn.ifas. ufl.edu/. Basics of Floridafriendly gardening classes are offered locally in person and virtually on Zoom. For more information and to sign up visit Eventbrite.com.
Deed of Restrictions Section A-15:
YOUR EYE OF THE EAGLE
You may download this magazine from the Resources tab on the Eagle Ridge website: www.EagleRidge33912.com.
Pets must be on a leash at all times when being walked outside of the owner’s property boundaries. The pet owner is responsible for picking up all animal waste from their pet at all times. This includes the common areas! Violators are subject to fining.
Eagle Ridge Job Spot
Non-businesses only please! All business owners should contact Seabreeze Communications to place an ad. Are you looking for an odd job? Want to be included in the Eagle Ridge Job Spot? Email your information to Pam Whitenight at Newsletter@eagleridge33912.com. Babysitters, pet sitters, yard work and more.
Note: All work performed based on the postings below become the sole responsibility/liability of the person hiring for the job and the worker. This publication and the Eagle Ridge Community bear no endorsement, accountability nor liability.
Carol Gulledge, (317) 908-8001. An art teacher offering lessons in oil, acrylic and watercolor. Teaching for 45 years and retiring here in Eagle Ridge full time. Classes will be Monday through Saturday. Bring a friend or group to have fun, relax and be creative. Classes are two hours. Call now or email rmxcar@aol.com to reserve a time.
Karleen Halfmann, (239) 292-6302. Karleen’s Coastal Home Watch. Licensed Realtor and competitive pricing. Eagle Ridge resident. Email: karleensellsswfl@aol.com. Call or email for information.
Connie Hope, (215) 527-1217. Absentee Homeowner Services: “While you’re away” I can check your home or condo. (Weekly/ biweekly/monthly). I can validate yard maintenance and irrigation, pick up parcels and mail, check water, check appliances, arrange for repairs and services and much more. I am in the community. Call or email conniehope@comcast.net.
Connie Hope, (215) 527-1217. Secretarial work, outreach office work, write your letters, answer your email, also light accounting, prepare things for taxes. I have been a Florida notary for the last 10 years.
Tom Jackson, (919) 414-5017. I have over 33 years of carpentry/cabinet making experience and worked as a full-time handyman in North Carolina for the past two years. I can install cabinets/doors, tile backsplashes, hang TVs/lights/fans, small electrical/plumbing jobs and more. Just ask and I’ll let you know if I can do it!
John Kincaid, (239) 286-7010. Home Watch for snowbirds or travelers. I am a full-time Eagle Ridge resident insured and bonded. Comprehensive reports with pictures and GPS verification are provided after every visit.
Check for leaks, temp/humidity, intrusions, pests and much more. Verify lawn and pool maintenance. Don’t have a nasty surprise when you get into town. Your insurance company may not cover a claim without this service. Weekly/biweekly/monthly. Call or email john@fmhomewatch.com.
Kathie McDonough, (239) 478-0060. A resident on Triple Eagle Court, Kathie does pet sitting and home watch.
Michael Messina, (631) 357-1016. We are new residents of Eagle Ridge on Twin Eagle Lane and would like to offer professional pressure washing services to the community at discounted prices. I specialize in all flat work such as driveways, walkways, pool decking surfaces, etc. Call or text me for a free estimate.
Diane Nichols, (239) 825-5861. Notary public state of Florida since 1986. I will pet sit, house sit, and babysit.
Edith Weber, (651) 410-6596. CNA with over 35 years’ experience, I can help with daily living activities such as bathing, hair and nail care, cooking, shopping, etc. I am licensed and CPR certified.
Doug Wyatt, (618) 558-8176. I am a fulltime resident at The Fairways and have over 25 years of experience doing interior painting in extremely nice homes. I am very meticulous, accommodating, neat, and tidy. I can also help out with light handyman work like replacing faucets, light fixtures, door locks, etc., as well as trimming bushes, cleaning gutters, house sitting, or anything you need that I am able to do.
Notice: Advertisements for the newsletter must be placed through Seabreeze Communications. Call (239) 278-4222 for information. I have no role or pricing information on the placement of ads and/or inserts.
Deadline: Submission of articles for the Eye Of The Eagle must be received no later than the sixth of each month. Email articles, pictures or information for the Bulletin Board, to newsletter@eagleridge33912.com.
Articles can be submitted attached to or contained in an email. Photos should also be emailed as attachments.