Category: Uncategorized

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.

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

Dog Zapper Collar at 21744 Masters Circle. Call Al Scott 508-364-0545 or 239-992-8150

Photos by Anina Bachrach

Immediately following bocce on Friday January 10^th 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

             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.

About 85 residents attended the block party on 11/3/2024.

Click here to see photos by Anina Bachrach

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with the community Bylaws, that the Board of Directors of The Masters at Pelican Sound Neighborhood Association, Inc., will meet to consider the adoption of the budget for the fiscal year of 2025. The meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2024, 3:00 p.m. and will be at at the Pelican Sound River Club, Sound Room, 4784 Pelican Sound Blvd, Estero, Florida.

You may also attend the meeting via ZOOM by connecting to the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86147804504 Or Audio only by dialing: (305) 224-1968 and using Meeting ID: 861 4780 4504, Passcode: 967730

A copy of the meeting notice and proposed budget for fiscal year January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 is enclosed. For 2025, the Board will consider maintaining the quarterly assessment $741 per unit. The operating expenses decreased primarily due to the removal of contingency – which was implemented to improve the equity position, which has been accomplished. The reserves were increased in painting to more fully address inflationary impacts on this key reserve line. The 3% inflation factor implemented in 2024 continues to be in place.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Regards,
Frank Parrish
Frankly Coastal / Collier Financial / Association Data Management
1400 Lake Tarpon Ave
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
4985 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34113
fparrish@franklycoastal.com
Office: +1 (727) 799-0031 x3007

Henry Bernard Geise, age 87, of Quincy, IL and a former resident of Estero, FL, passed away December 1, 2023, at home in Quincy. Henry was born April 3, 1936, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Quincy, IL. He was the son of Bernard Henry and Violet Marie (Wabel) Geise. Henry was the oldest of 4 children and the only son.

He loved to tell people about how he dated many girls in his teens, but after his first date with Jill Groves, he knew he had found “the one”. Henry and Jill were married on August 6, 1960, at Quincy College Chapel. They celebrated 63 years of marriage this year.

Henry attended St. Boniface Grade School and was a 1954 graduate of Christian Brothers High School.

He graduated from Quincy College in 1959 with a degree in Accounting. After graduation, he went to Chicago and worked for Lybrand, Ross Brothers, and Montgomery, while living with his Uncle Glen Wabel and wife Bernadine. Jill graduated from Quincy College in 1960 and after she and Henry married that August, they moved to Elmhurst, Il. Henry continued to work for Lybrand and Jill taught kindergarten.

In 1961, Henry decided to enter Law School at the University of Illinois in Champaign. He graduated from Law School in 1963 and he and Jill moved back to Quincy where Henry joined his father-in-law (Chester Groves) in his law practice.

Henry was also in the U.S. Army Reserves, he served 6 months active duty at Fort Leonard Wood, MO in 1960; he received an honorable discharge from the Army for medical reasons.

Henry was a lawyer in private practice in Quincy for nearly 60 years. In the early years, he also taught Business Law classes in the evenings at Quincy College.

He was also appointed Quincy City Attorney, a position that he held for a number of years. It was during his tenure as City Attorney that he formed many friendships with the employees at City Hall.

Henry was owner/President of Maid Rite Sandwich Shop and the former Maid Rite East Sandwich Shop. In his younger years, he could often be found working behind the counter making Maid Rites or outside cleaning up the parking lot. He was a very “hands-on” owner who took pride in being involved in the day-to-day running of the business. He never shied away from hard work.

Henry looked forward to the 100-year anniversary of Maid Rite, which will be in 2028.

The family plans to celebrate that milestone in his honor. And, no, Blessing Hospital has not purchased the Maid Rite!!

Henry possessed a calm demeanor and had a wonderful sense of humor.

For many years, he acted as emcee at the Beaux Arts Ball, a role that suited his affable personality.

He and Jill have a group of lifelong friends that are like family to them, he loved those friends dearly.

Henry’s wife Jill, and his family meant the world to him. Everything he did was for them and to ensure they were well taken care of. His grandchildren especially were his pride and joy. He treasured time spent with them, especially their family trips to Florida, Colorado, and Lake of the Ozarks.

Henry loved the outdoors and spent countless hours working on projects and fishing at “the Cabin.” His legacy there will be carried out by Mike and Caiden.

In addition to spending time with family, Henry loved to golf and spent many hours on the golf course with his buddies at QCC and Pelican Sound. He also enjoyed playing cards with the guys.

He often expressed that he had lived a great life and was thankful for the many opportunities afforded to him. His life was only made better by the existence of chocolate chip cookies, he never met one that he didn’t like!!

Henry was of the Catholic faith and attended Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Ft. Myers, FL and the Church of St. Peter in Quincy.

In addition to his wife Jill, survivors include their two children: a son, Michael Geise and a daughter, Lisa Knuffman and her husband Bryan; grandchildren, Taylor Knuffman and her fiancé Payton Welch and Caiden Geise and his significant other Payten Rice, all of Quincy. A bonus granddaughter, Destiny Aden, of Provo, UT. Henry’s sisters, Judy Talken of Quincy; Linda Hilgenbrink of Bridgeton, MO and Debbie Steeples and her husband Robert of Quincy.

Several nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and children also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Rich Hilgenbrink and Don Talken; and a nephew, Mark Talken.

A Memorial Mass was held Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the Church of St. Peter with Rev. Zach Samples officiating.

Memorials are suggested to Quincy Medical Group Dialysis Patient Assistance Fund, Blessing Rieman College of Nursing, or to Blessing Foundation for Hospice.

Messages may be shared online at http://www.dukerandhaugh.com?