Category: Uncategorized

Erich Knehans – RIP

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Erich A. Knehans on January 22nd, 2025. He and his wife, Cheryl, have been residents of Pelican Sound since 2015.

Erich was born on August 28, 1941 in Galveston, Texas, a son of the late Erich Sr. and Margaret Ernestine Catherine (Kuhne) Knehans.

He was raised in Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska on a football scholarship. He then enlisted in the US Air Force and served overseas from 1961-1965 with the 8th Armament and Electrical Maintenance Squad (TAC). Upon his return home, he completed his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State University in California, and then went on to earn an MBA at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

Erich additionally earned a PhD in Economics and a PhD in Information Technology from Pace University Lubin School of Business in New York.

He began his career at AT&T as an engineer and advanced through various domestic and international leadership positions. One of the highlights of his career was his role in leading the deployment of a modern telecommunications network in Iran before the toppling of the Shah.

Erich became a Professor of Economics at DeSales University in PA where the students he mentored came to regard him as a close lifelong friend. They also enjoyed his BBQs and lakeside fun at his summer home in Lake Wynonah. Erich served on the Board of Directors at Lake Wynonah as a member, as Treasurer and as President. He enjoyed teaching his beloved granddaughters, Anna and Erika, how to fish for trout at the annual Fish Rodeo.

An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed basketball, tennis, racquetball, and golf in his early years, and after moving to Florida, he especially enjoyed golf and neighborhood bocce.

In addition to his parents, Erich was preceded in death by a son, Matthew Knehans, and by his siblings, Roderick Knehans, Margaret (Knehans) Hansen, and Cedric (Suds) Knehans.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cheryl Nabholz and children, Amy Knehans, Hummelstown, PA; Michael Knehans, Boston, MA; and Amanda Knehans, Los Angeles, CA, along with two granddaughters, Anna and Erika Knehans.

His siblings, Frederick Knehans, Boise, ID; Caroline (Knehans) Johnson, Laramie, WY; and Patrick Knehans, Boise, ID also survive along with many nieces and nephews.

Erich was laid to rest with military honors at the Summer Hill Cemetery in Auburn, Pennsylvania.

Marcy Holtz – RIP

It is with great sadness that we let the Pelican Sound community know of the passing of our sweet Marcella Holtz on December 30, 2024. 
Marcy, as she was known to most, was the daughter of Joseph and Marcella VanLeuven and was born in Troy, New York. She was married to Carl Holtz, whom she dearly loved, for more than sixty years before his passing in February, 2022.

Marcy was a graduate of Watervliet High School and the University at Albany, SUNY, known at that time as Teachers College. Formerly a student and a cheerleader, she returned to her alma mater in Watervliet to teach Math and Science and to coach cheer for several years before she and Carl moved to Rochester, New York.

Marcy and Carl enjoyed many years in Rochester and were blessed with good friends and happy memories. Marcy was active in the local parish of St. Paul’s in Webster and was employed in administrative support capacities at a dentist’s office, an architectural firm and for the Diocese of Rochester where she shared her excellent administrative and organizational talents. She had a significant role in organizing and facilitating a diocesan wide synod in the late 1990s.

Having come first to Captiva for many years on vacation, Marcy and Carl came to know Southwest Florida and retired happily to Pelican Sound in 2000 to enjoy their retirement years together. They lived initially in the Oak Run neighborhood before moving to the Masters in 2003. They made many wonderful friends during their years at Pelican Sound and enjoyed golf, tennis, bridge, special dinners at the Club and more.

Throughout her life Marcy was active and engaged in shaping and contributing to the world around her. At Pelican Sound, Marcy was elected to the Board and also served as Secretary. She served on numerous committees including the Golf and Greens Committee, ARC and Sound Learnings. She also served as the NVR in the Masters.  She enjoyed organizing group activities such as Monday night party bridge and, of special importance to her, the annual golf tournament fundraiser to benefit the girls and boys golf teams at Estero High School.

Marcy was an accomplished seamstress and crafter who gifted her many nieces, nephews and friends with beautifully and lovingly made items such as Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls and all sorts of personal apparel and home goods. She loved to travel with Carl and enjoyed many international trips with him over the years as well as trips to some of her favorite places in the United States including Maine, Colorado, Massachusetts (Cape Cod), Florida and Arizona. She had a keen intellect, keeping up to date with current events locally as well as globally. She was a skilled bridge player and enjoyed puzzles of all kinds.

Marcy cherished her many dear friends whom she was blessed with over the years, friends from Watervliet and upstate New York, friends from her years in Rochester and, during the last several decades, friends made at Captiva and at Pelican Sound. She was a loving wife and sister as well as a dear aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Marcy was very generous to friends and family and indeed to the broader community frequently giving to charities that were important to her.

Annual Meeting – March 10, 2025

On March 10, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at the Pelican Sound River Club, 4784 Pelican Sound Blvd, Estero, Florida, the Annual Meeting of the Association will be held for the purpose of electing Directors and such other business as may lawfully be conducted. Subsequent to this FIRST NOTICE you will receive a SECOND NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING which will specify the agenda and advise of other important information concerning the Annual Meeting.

Here are links to details about:
1. The Annual Meeting and Election
2. The process for qualifying for the Board
3. How to enroll in electronic voting for those not currently enrolled.

For more information contact:
Frank Parrish
Frankly Coastal / Collier Financial / Association Data Management
4985 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34113

fparrish@franklycoastal.com
Office: +1 (727) 799-0031 x3007

Masters January Social + Bocce Opening: January 10, 2025

Photos by Anina Bachrach


Immediately following bocce on Friday January 10th there was a party at the Racquetball lanai from 5 to 8 PM.

Food was delivered by Wally‘s Deli and included a range of sandwiches, chips, salads, and cookies. Bartenders were ready to serve your favorite beverages.

The cost per person was $20.

Please thank event coordinator Michele Towey for leading the production of this event, with major support from Larry Hannah

Bocce Benefits

             The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Playing Bocce

Bocce may seem like a leisurely activity, but don’t be fooled. Although it may not involve intense running or heavy lifting, it provides a low-impact form of exercise that engages various muscle groups. The act of throwing, bending, and walking to measure distances helps improve flexibility, balance, and coordination. The controlled movements involved in playing bocce can aid in rehabilitation efforts, promoting gentle exercise without causing strain. It’s an excellent option for individuals of all fitness levels, allowing them to stay active and enjoy health benefits without putting excessive strain on joints.

One of the key aspects of bocce is its social nature. Bocce leagues are not just about the game itself; they are social gatherings where players connect, share laughter, and build friendships. Regular social interaction has been linked to improved mental health and reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness. Pelican Sound Bocce is a perfect setting for players to forge new friendships.

People of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the game, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals. Whether you are a competitive player or a beginner, the adaptability of bocce ensures that everyone can participate, fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the community.

It’s time to step onto the court and roll towards a healthier, happier you. We will be offering clinics for newcomers and current players. Check the Pelican Sound Wave for scheduled clinic dates.