Friday, November 10, 2023

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A Weekly Email Newsletter Curated by Loraine Welch - Lifestyle Director

Welcome to your resort-style living oasis!

Check below for weekly updates and announcements.

We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Samantha, our Babcock National Assistant Golf Professional, on her recent marriage! Samantha tied the knot on November 4th, 2023, and we couldn't be happier for her. She is an integral part of our team here at Babcock National and we wish her all the happiness in the world as she begins this new chapter in her life with her husband Michael. Please join us in congratulating Samantha on this joyous occasion!

Babcock National Residents,

We are excited to have our part-time residents back for the season. WELCOME BACK! Please note that our HOA hours will be changing during this time. Our new open-door HOA hours are as follows:

- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9 AM to 2 PM

- Tuesday and Thursday: 11 AM to 4:30 PM

We have adjusted our hours to better serve you during this busy time and to allow our staff to catch up on work. If you need an appointment outside of these hours, please contact the HOA office via email or phone.

Thank you for your understanding.

Melissa Azbell, LCAM

Community Association Manager. 

Being thankful is a powerful tool that can positively impact our well-being. It's not about how many things we have to be thankful for, but rather, what we choose to be thankful for. In today's world, where challenges and hurdles seem to be everywhere, it's important to find inspiration and reasons to practice thankfulness. Research has shown that gratitude is linked to happiness, so there's all the more reason to incorporate thankfulness into our daily lives. Take a moment today to reflect on what you're thankful for, no matter how big or small, and experience the uplifting effects of gratitude. So, what are you thankful for today?

Thankful for the good deeds that exist in this world

It's all too easy to focus on the negative aspects of our world, but we must not forget that there are still good people out there doing good deeds. Whether it's a small gesture like helping a blind person cross the street, carrying groceries for the elderly, or holding the door open for someone, these acts of kindness can have a huge impact and remind us of the goodness in humanity. Despite the negativity that surrounds us in society, we should open our eyes to the good and be thankful for the people who make the world a better place.

FOOD TRUCKS (FLYER)

Located: Golf Parking lot

Lisa's Pizza - (Menu)

Tuesday, November 14th 11 am -2 pm

Beach Bum Johnnies - (Menu)

Saturday, November 11th - 10 am - 1 pm

November 21st - NO FOOD TRUCK

Beach Bum Johnnies - (Menu)

Tuesday, November 28th - 11 am - 2 pm

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

(FLYER)

Midwest Food Bank serves non-profit organizations such as food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, churches, and other non-profit organizations helping their community. For more information (CLICK HERE)

Donation boxes will arrive on Monday and will be located in the Golf & Tennis Pro Shop until November 20

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

TOYS FOR TOTS

To help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America's less fortunate children. (FLYER)

This year we are collecting new unwrapped toys for tots and gift cards for teens this Christmas.

*Please do not drop gift cards in donation boxes* Please hand deliver to Loraine Welch - Lifestyle Director in the Tennis building.

Donation boxes are located in the Golf & Tennis Pro Shop.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

BETTER THAN A BISTRO

(CLICK HERE) FOR FLYER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD & 17TH

10 A.M. - 1 P.M. AT PRO SHOP PARKING LOT (LOOK FOR TENT)

PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR AVAILABILITY! SEE FLYER

FOR MORE INFORMATION.



$10 OFF ANY BOX OF PROTEIN

( MIX AND MATCH )

1/2 CASES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.

BIKE MEDIC

A LOCAL BIKE SHOP THAT

COMES TO YOU

Get reliable bike repairs, maintenance, and tune-ups on the go. Located at Babcock National.

(CLICK HERE) FOR FLYER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

2 P.M. AT THE TENNIS PRO SHOP PARKING LOT

SPOTS ARE LIMITED

RSVP REQUIRED

(CLICK HERE) TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT.

ONSPOT DERMATOLOGY

(FLYER)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH

 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Located at the Babcock National - Tennis Parking Parking Lot

(CLICK HERE) To Schedule your appointment today! 

For more information

(CLICK HERE)

BABCOCK NATIONAL

RESIDENT ORIENTATION

*FOR ALL NEW AND EXISTING*

(FLYER)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

5:00 PM

LOCATED AT THE PRO SHOP

RSVP REQUIRED

(CLICK HERE) TO RSVP

BLOOD DRIVE

Be the reason for

someone's heartbeat.

 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH

11 AM - 4 PM

Located at the Babcock National - Tennis Parking Lot

(Near the bag drop area)

 (CLICK HERE) To Schedule your appointment.

 **DONORS WILL RECEIVE A VOUCHER FOR 10 FREE UNITS OF BOTOX**

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

 Save the Date!!!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND

10 AM - 2 PM

Cost - FREE



Located in the New Amenities Building (Breezeway)

To Sign up (CLICK HERE)

Get ready to showcase your creativity and shine this holiday season!

(FLYER) For more information

Recipe Of The Week

These delicious treats are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table or any fall gathering. The combination of sweet and salty flavors will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Amenity

As we approach the opening of our eagerly anticipated amenities, we want to remind everyone that it is not permitted to walk in or around the amenity center. While we understand that it may be tempting to check out the progress, please be aware that it is unsafe to be in an active construction area. We value the safety of our community residents and want to ensure that everyone stays safe during the construction process. 

See the below Rendering of the upcoming Babcock National Clubhouse. (CLICK HERE) to download a copy.

We are thrilled to announce that the long-awaited opening day of our amenities center is finally here! On November 17th, You will be able to enjoy all of the fantastic features that we have been eagerly anticipating.

The new The Watershed Grill will offer a delicious selection of snacks, beverages, and food to fuel your day. The pool is also waiting for you to take a refreshing dip or simply relax by the water. Our state-of-the-art fitness center will be open for those who are eager to stay in shape, and our luxurious spa will be available to help you unwind and de-stress after a long day.

Also, our Grand Opening Party Event is coming up in January! While we are still working on finalizing a date, this is an event you won't want to miss! Our team is working hard to plan an unforgettable celebration for our grand opening, and we can't wait to share the details with you as soon as possible. Once the date is set, we will send out an email with all the information you need to know to join in on the fun. Stay tuned for more updates!

Take Paws

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is thrilled to announce the celebration of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week during the first full week of November. Let's take a moment to recognize the amazing animal shelters and the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to protect our furry friends. These shelters are more than just buildings, they are vital resources for our communities. So let's give a round of a-paws to all those who make a difference in the lives of animals!

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER APPRECIATION WEEK

Adopt a pet

• Animals make great companions, and there’s no better way to observe National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week than to adopt one. Find out what it takes to provide a safe and loving home, and learn more about adopting from a local animal shelter.

Visit a shelter

• Take a tour of a local animal shelter to witness firsthand how things work. Get involved by finding out how to volunteer or donate to the upkeep of the animals it caters to!

Donate to your favorite shelters

• Many animal shelters struggle to keep up with the upkeep of the animals in their care. Donate to support them! Donating to your local shelter might be as simple as mailing them a cheque or picking up an item on the shelter’s wish list on your way there.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PET ADOPTION FOR THE

PETS LISTED BELOW PLEASE CONTACT

THE ANIMAL REFUGE CENTER AT (239) 731-3535

OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT https://animalrefugecenter.com

Golf Association

Dear Babcock National Residents,

Golf courses are often subject to heavy traffic in certain areas, specifically the high-traffic areas where golfers enter the hole after the tee boxes and exit before reaching the green. These areas can be easily identified by the discolored turf where cart traffic is concentrated, usually appearing brown or tan. As the season progresses, with over two hundred rounds of golf being played, golfers driving over the same spots every day can cause soil compaction that prevents water from infiltrating the soil. This can lead to a decline in the health of the turf. Therefore, we encourage golfers to make an effort to avoid these areas whenever possible. This simple act can make a big difference in maintaining the health of the turf. By working together, we can ensure the continued enjoyment of the course for all golfers.

Thank you,

Doug Richards

Golf Course Superintendant

Racquet Sports

The Watershed Grill (Tiki Restaurant)

Elevation Health

Elevation Health will be providing our onsite Fitness Services as well as Group Fitness Classes! To become a member, please sign up at https://www.elevationfitnessportal.com/signup/babcock-national 

or scan the QR CODE.

Once you have signed up and acknowledged the waiver, you will be able to access the member dashboard where you will be able to purchase Group Fitness Credits. The 2 options to choose from are:

**A signed waiver is required to use the fitness equipment, regardless of participation in classes or training**

• Single Group Fitness Credit - $12
• 10 Pack Punch Pass - $100

Thank you for your participation and commitment to a healthy lifestyle!

The Getaway Spa

DIY

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about festive Thanksgiving decorations. And what better way to add a touch of holiday cheer to your home than with a DIY Turkey Wreath? Thanks to Dollar Tree for their affordability, this craft project is both fun and festive. Follow these simple instructions to create your own Thanksgiving wreath and impress your loved ones.

Materials:

• Foam wreath. You can pick any size you want. I went small.
• FolkArt outdoor acrylic Paint – Maple Syrup, Lemon Custard yellow, Licorice black
• Styrofoam ball medium for the turkey head
• Styrofoam cone small for the turkey beak
• Two Small styrofoam balls for the eyes
• 1 red craft foam sheet
• 1 skein of Brown Yarn
• 25 yards of Red Tulle
• 25 yards of Orange Tulle
• 25 yards of Brown Tulle
• 25 yards of Yellow Tulle



Tools:

• Glue gun
• Fabric Scissors
• Hot Glue
• Cardboard
• Foam Paint Brushes
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Paint Styrofoam pieces.
2. Paint a circle brown for the head
3. Paint the Cone yellow for the beak
4. Add black circles to the small round balls for eyes
5. Measure out and cut the Tulle to length. Watch a YouTube video for tricks to make this quick and easy. You'll want 30 strips of yellow, orange, and brown tulle and 35 Strips of Red tulle.
6. Measure 1/3 of the wreath for the "chest" - mark the wreath
7. Hot glue the yard in place starting on the measured portion
8. Continue to wrap tightly until the entire "chest" area is covered with brown yarn. Trim and secure the end with hot glue
9. Layout the tulle strips in the color pattern of your choice.
10. Tie on five strips of Red. Then tie on 5 strips of the next color. Repeat this process until you are out of tulle or you are all the way around to the other end of the yarn.
11. Insert 1-2 toothpicks into the base of the round ball you painted brown. Add a little hot glue on the base of the styrofoam ball near the toothpicks. Insert the toothpicks into the wreath in the center of the yarn section. Push until the toothpicks are fully submerged into the wreath and the turkey head is solid against the yarn.
12. Cut a Snood shape out of the red foam sheet. Free-handed the cutting.
13. Place hot glue on the tip of the back of the Snood and then attach it to the center of the turkey head.
14. Insert a toothpick into the center of the back of the Turkey Beak. Add Hot Glue to the base around the toothpick. Insert the toothpick through the top of the snood and into the turkey head. Push until the turkey beak is securely attached to the head
15. Attach the eyes to the toothpicks and secure them with hot glue
16. Create a “hanger” from more tulle

Hang your Thanksgiving Turkey Wreath on your door and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Deals or Freebies

HOME DEPOT

Through November 22nd, head over to Home Depot where they are hosting an Early Black Friday Sale – including Christmas lights, trees, outdoor inflatables, and TONS of deals on tools. and more!

To view the full ad, just click here and select the ad titled “Local Ad Nov 2nd – Nov 22nd”.

KRISPY KREME

Krispy Kreme wants to share kindness (doughnuts) with the world! Monday, November 13th, and head to your local Krispy Kreme where you could score a FREE Dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts if you are one of the first 500 guests there! Krispy Kreme wants to help inspire people to “connect with each other and share kindness” and be encouraged to do more small acts of kindness every day of the year.

MACY'S

Macy’s is getting us fired up with these Black Friday deals! Through November 18th, Macy’s is hosting their Black Friday Early Access Sale giving you a chance to snag some of their Black Friday deals early! Now’s your chance to score HUGE savings on clothes, designer handbags, jewelry, toys, beauty brands, dinnerware, bedding, furniture, and more! Plus, you’ll be able to score all the amazing savings in-store, online, or in the app making shopping this year easier than ever!

Things To Do

As the holiday season approaches, I am excited to share some amazing local events happening in our area. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or something to do with friends, there is something for everyone. I have compiled a list of some of the best events happening near our community, and I encourage you to check them out by clicking on the titles below. 

Gobble up the good times and don't be a Scrooge- grab your friends and family and sleigh your way to these festive festivities!

(TITLES IN RED ARE CLICKABLE AND WILL DIRECT YOU TO THE WEBSITE)

MILLENNIAL (IN DOWNTON FORT MYERS)

Thanksgiving Eve Bash

Come Join us on Thanksgiving Eve with your friends and family for a fun-filled party! Live music, Thanksgiving street food specials from Dynamite Kitchen, drink specials, Thanksgiving cocktails, and more! The party starts at 4 pm and is pet, and family-friendly. Free parking with over 200 spaces is located right in Downtown Fort Myers. You can leave your car while you go out and enjoy downtown or even stay overnight if needed.

1-30, 2023! 

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

Turkey Trot 5K (44TH Annual) - (November 23) The 5K course will start and finish at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Downtown Fort Myers. For years, this fun-filled family event has been an annual holiday.

Holiday Nights - (November 24-December 31) Get ready for a unique and unforgettable holiday experience at the 48th Annual Edison and Ford Holiday Nights! Except for Christmas Eve and Christmas night, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit with thousands of lights and historic decorations. Join our Guided Holiday Tradition Tours every night at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. or explore at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Don't miss the chance to see inside the homes with our Inside-the-Homes tours on November 29, and December 6, 13, and 20 at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to make unforgettable memories with your loved ones and experience the magic of the holiday season at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

FISHERMANS' VILLAGE

Lighting of the Village - (November 18th) - Join the light-up of over one million holiday-themed decorations and lights in Punta Gorda's most anticipated celebration! The festivities will kick off with Santa's arrival, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, an exciting bagpiper parade, live music, dancing, and opportunities to meet both Santa and The Grinch! There will be a special performance by the Shane Duncan Band from 5-10 pm, on the Dry Beach. Don't miss out on this incredible holiday experience!

Festival of Lights - (Nov 19th - Dec 31st) - Come and enjoy the daily viewing of more than one million lights and holiday-themed decorations, both inside and outside of Fishermen's Village. The lights are open for viewing during all regular and extended operational hours, seven days a week. You can even get a chance to meet Santa, and The Grinch, and enjoy live holiday entertainment. Don't forget to bring your camera and snap a photo with The Grinch as he checks out the Festival of Lights!

Lighted Canal Cruises - (December 1st - 31st) Presented by King Fisher Fleet. Enjoy a harbor tour of holiday-decorated homes through PGI. Three cruises nightly. Book online by visiting www.kingfisherfleet.com.

New Year's Eve Celebration & Fireworks Display - (December 31st) - Welcome the New Year in style at Fishermen's Village! We invite you and your family to be a part of our fun-filled activities and enjoy live music and dancing in the center court, starting at 6 pm, featuring Island Flavah Entertainment! The Shane Duncan Band will be performing at the Dry Beach from 8 pm to 12 midnight, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display to mark the arrival of the New Year! The best viewing spot for the fireworks is at the Dry Beach. Don't miss out on the excitement!

NORTH POLE EXPRESS - (November 30 - December 21) - This Polar Express-type event train ride from Parrish, FL to the North Pole. Upon arrival, everyone will detrain at the special North Pole station where Santa awaits to visit with every child. During your stay, a variety of entertainment, activities, campfires, and all the hot chocolate and cookies you care to eat are included with every train ticket purchase. ( Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase at the North Pole) The whole experience lasts about 3.5 hours.

THE WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS - (December 1 -30) The Wonderland of Lights is debuting this Holiday season at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds in Port Charlotte, FL, featuring hundreds of dazzling displays that will delight the entire family.s D

THE GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL - (December 1-19)

The Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida are excited to present their 14th Annual Gingerbread Festival at Sarasota’s University Town Center. Various areas along the upper level of the mall have been transformed into winter wonderlands, with Christmas trees and gingerbread houses crafted by local schools, youth groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

A TASTE OF CHANUKAH - (December 10) - Join us for a fun festival for the entire family. The festival includes a Helicopter in the sky to rain down Gelt from above. 3-ton Snow Slide, Enjoy Kosher catered food, Live music and entertainment by DJ CJ Koenig, A selection of large Menorahs and so much more!

CHANUKAH FESTIVAL AND MENORA LIGHTING - (December 18) - Giant Menorah Lighting, Live music, Chanukah Crafts, Food, Inflatables, face painting, and more.

PUNTA GORDA BOAT PARADE - (December 23) - Experience the Punta Gorda Boat Parade from the water on the Saturday night before Christmas. It’s the most fun anyone can have Before Christmas!

LOGOS ARE CLICKABLE

Have a great weekend!

HOA Management Office

43111 Greenway Blvd

941-347-2209

[email protected]| [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]