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Hearts of Miromar sisters, as the first whispers of spring surround us (blossoms unfurling, days stretching longer, and that fresh, hopeful energy in the air), let's lean into what this season so beautifully reminds us: new beginnings are always possible.
Spring isn't just nature's reset button; it's our invitation to bloom anew in our connections too. In the warmth of longer evenings and sunnier skies, we have the perfect moment to reach out: to spark a new friendship with someone we've admired from afar at an event, or to gently rekindle one that time, distance, busyness, or life’s twists have quietly let fade. Maybe it's a quick message to say, “I've been thinking of you,” or inviting her for a walk by the lake, or simply sharing a laugh over coffee. Those small, brave steps can revive something precious, turning “what if” into “we're back.”
We know from living it here: our strongest bonds often grow from exactly these moments of renewal. A conversation restarted can bring fresh joy, shared stories can heal old misunderstandings, and opening our hearts again reminds us how resilient and forgiving true sisterhood is. Science echoes the magic we feel: rekindled or new friendships boost our happiness, strengthen our resilience, and light up our days in ways nothing else quite can.
This spring, let's make it our collective intention: to welcome new lights into our circle and to lovingly tend the ones that have dimmed. Show up with curiosity, kindness, and zero pressure, just the genuine belief that every connection has the potential to brighten again.
Because in Hearts of Miromar, we're not just a group; we're a garden of incredible women, each ready to grow brighter together. Plant those seeds of connection this season and watch how beautifully they bloom.
You're the heartbeat of this renewal. Let's make this spring our most connected one yet.
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A joyful sampling from our March Luncheon—smiles, hugs, laughter, and that special sisterhood glow lighting up every table! These candid moments capture the warmth and connection we all cherish.
(Left to right: Cathy Bellon, Boni Head, and Ellen Chessick enjoying the view and good company; Kristin Jump, Elaine Thompson, and Sheryl Pearce beaming together; and our wonderful meeting greeters Lynn Bertram and Kay Horst, radiant and welcoming as they greet everyone at the elegant doorway - ready to welcome more fun, friendship, and sisterhood!)
Want to see more highlights and relive the fun? Check out our full photo gallery here: Click to view the March Luncheon Gallery
These pictures say it all—our Hearts gatherings are always filled with love, light, and lasting memories! 💖✨
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April Luncheon
Monday, April 13
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LOCATION: Miromar Clubhouse
CHECK-IN: 11:30 AM
LUNCH SERVED: 12:00 Noon
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 03, 2026
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Laugh Out Loud with Southwest Florida’s Cartoon Legend: Doug MacGregor!
Get ready for a hilarious, feel-good luncheon as we welcome one of our region’s most beloved talents—Doug MacGregor, the longtime Southwest Florida cartoonist who’s been tickling funny bones for over 40 years!
Doug spent nearly 25 years (1988–2011) delighting readers with thousands of sharp, spot-on editorial cartoons in the Fort Myers News-Press, and he continues to bring his weekly wit to the Naples Press. He’s also the creative mind behind the charming local comic strip Sunny Side Up, which perfectly captures the quirks and charms of everyday life right here in paradise.
Join us for an afternoon packed with laughter as Doug shares his all-time favorite cartoons that poke gentle fun at the things we all know too well:
- Snowbirds dodging traffic
- The eternal hunt for the perfect early-bird special
- Over-the-top holiday decorations
- Chasing that mythical green flash at sunset
- Three-wheeled bikes, boogie boards, beach traffic, and so much more
He’ll also open up about his incredible journey—from starting out in Connecticut to becoming a Southwest Florida icon—and what it’s like to turn our local life into cartoon gold.
It’s the perfect mix of lighthearted stories, insider insights, and plenty of giggles over lunch. Whether you’re a longtime fan of his work or just love a good laugh about our sunny slice of Florida, this is one event that’ll leave you smiling long after!
Don’t miss your chance to hear from the artist who’s been drawing our world—and making us see it in a whole new (hilarious) way—for decades.
We can’t wait to see you there—bring your appetite for fun (and maybe a tissue for laughing too hard)!
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April Luncheon
Monday, April 13
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This month, we're turning our hearts (and hopefully our extra pantry staples!) toward the FGCU Campus Food Pantry, a vital resource helping currently enrolled Florida Gulf Coast University students who face food insecurity - those tough moments when finances make consistent, nutritious meals hard to come by.
Open year-round in the Kleist Health Building, the pantry lets eligible students pick up to 13 pounds of shelf-stable food (plus bread and frozen items when available) each week. It's a real lifeline that keeps them focused on studies instead of hunger.
Right now, these high-need items are flying off the shelves:
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Canned proteins: chicken, tuna, salmon, Vienna sausages
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Canned veggies & fruits: lentils, chili beans, chickpeas, pinto/navy/red beans, asparagus, pineapple, pears, mandarins, peaches, applesauce, fruit cups
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Snacks & breakfast: granola bars, cereals (all kinds, including gluten-free), hearty soups
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Pantry staples: pasta & sauces, Mac & Cheese, corn
(Gluten-free options and any non-perishables are always appreciated!)
With the end of snowbird season approaching and many are prepping to head north, it's the ideal moment to declutter those cabinets and pass along the extras. Your generosity directly fuels academic success and brighter tomorrows for local students.
How to donate:
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Drop off non-perishables at Carol Lamping's home: 10284 Porto Romano
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On luncheon day, bring items to the Beach Club entrance from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM (cars will be collecting!)
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Monetary gifts: Checks payable to FGCU Food Pantry, or Visa/ALDI gift cards are warmly welcomed.
Every can, box, or card makes a difference. Thank you for embodying the true spirit of our community - coming together to lift up the next generation. Your kindness truly changes lives!
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Social Event
Sunday, March 8
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It's Happening TONIGHT –
Registered Rockers, Let’s Roll! 🎸🔥
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Attention all who registered: Our Rock ’n Roll 4 Ever bash is happening tonight, Sunday, March 8 at the Miromar Lakes Clubhouse—get ready to groove!
Dust off your poodle skirts, leather jackets, blue suede shoes, or disco glam and join the fun you signed up for. Resident DJ Joe Olson will spin iconic 1950s–1970s hits, karaoke mics will be hot, the dance floor will be calling, the free photo booth will be snapping, and surprise appearances by Elvis, The Blues Brothers, and more retro legends await!
Tonight’s Timeline (for registered guests):
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5:00–7:00 PM — Bar with Happy Hour
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5:00–8:00 PM — Free Photo Booth (no charge—strike those poses!)
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5:30 PM — Retro buffet opens (sliders, hot dogs, fried chicken, milkshakes & more classics)
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6:00–9:00 PM — Non-stop music, dancing, karaoke, and rock ’n roll energy!
Dress Code: Casual (no shorts) or Rock ’n Roll Era Chic (1950s–1970s encouraged!). Bring your favorite decade to life—early rock, ’60s swing, or full disco glam. Retro style is celebrated!
Best Era Attire Contest — Four prizes for the most standout looks, so registered rockers, bring your A-game and dress to impress!
To our wonderful registered rockers: Come ready to celebrate the music, memories, and friendships that make our community special. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor tonight—let the good times roll!
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March Social
Monday, March 16
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Shake Up Your Week
with Our Next Martini Mingle!
Get set for another irresistible evening of relaxation and connection at our beloved Martini Mingle—where poolside vibes, tasty sips, and genuine girl talk create pure magic under the Florida sky.
Whether you're flying solo, rounding up your crew, or bringing along a new friend (we adore fresh faces!), join us for signature martinis, your favorite cocktails or wines, light bites, and those golden-hour chats that make our community shine. The longer evenings are just getting started—perfect timing to linger a little longer by the water!
A massive shout-out to the amazing team at Blue Water Beach Grill for always delivering fantastic food, drinks, and service with a smile. To help them plan the perfect setup, please shoot Sandi a quick courtesy email at sdfiorello@aol.com if your plans change—life happens, and a heads-up is super appreciated!
Date: Monday, March 16
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Blue Water Beach Grill (poolside)
No formal RSVP required—just show up ready to unwind and celebrate the incredible women in our circle. Bring your best energy, your favorite stories, and let's toast to friendship, fun, and this wonderful life we share!
We can't wait to see you there—cheers to making more memories!
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Hearts Pulse Recap: Your Spring Forward Feelings Are In! 🌸⏰
Last week we asked: “How are you feeling about ‘springing forward’ this upcoming Sunday?”
(You know—the one where we lose an hour but gain those glorious long evenings!)
A big thank you to the 21 members who jumped in and shared their true feelings. Here’s how you voted:
- Excited for longer evenings and more sunshine! — 7 votes (33%)
- Dreading the lost hour of sleep... send coffee! — 1 vote (5%)
- Honestly, my body clock ignores it anyway — 0 votes (0%)
- Bring on permanent daylight-saving time forever! — 13 votes (62%)
Wow—62% of you are ready to make longer days (and permanent DST) the new normal! ☀️ Looks like the Hearts of Miromar is Team Golden-Hour-Poolside-Cocktail all the way. The single coffee-needy soul out there… we see you, we feel you, and we’re sending virtual espresso your way. 💙
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March Birthday Sparkle! 🌸✨
Happy birthday to our radiant Hearts of Miromar members celebrating this month! May your new year bloom with joy, vibrant energy, great health, laughter with your sisters, and heartwarming moments.
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Recent Birthdays
- Sun, Mar 01 - Jill Gillis
- Tue, Mar 03 - Sarah Liveringhouse
- Sat, Mar 07 - Mary Valley
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This Week's Birthday
- Wed, Mar 11 - Nancy Silvers
- Thu, Mar 12 - Pam Pollack
| | Life is full of transitions—and you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our What’s Next Committee is dedicated to supporting Hearts of Miromar members through life’s next chapter. Whether you’re exploring housing options, planning ahead legally or financially, or simply thinking about how to age well and independently, we’re here with thoughtful guidance and resources. | | |
At Hearts of Miromar, kindness and connection matter. If you, or a fellow Miromar Lakes resident is facing health challenges, recovering from surgery, or grieving a loss, our Sunshine Outreach Director is here to brighten the day.
Led by Rosemary Manginelli, just reach out to her at rman251@aol.com—we’re ready to spread a little warmth and care.
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Book Club
Monday, March 23
Get ready for an exciting Hearts of Miromar Book Club discussion led by Marilyn Storch as we dive into The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. This compelling novel follows a journalist navigating a web of secrets, lies, and unexpected connections, delivering intrigue, heart, and suspense—perfect for sparking lively conversation and connecting with fellow Hearts who love a great page-turner!
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Monday, April 27
Get ready for an exciting discussion as we dive into The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by New York Times bestselling author Kristin Harmel. This exciting and thought-provoking historical novel follows an expert jewel thief, alternating between her years growing up in Nazi-occupied Paris in the 1940s—where she steals watches and gems alongside her mother to fund the French Resistance—and the present day, where the sudden appearance of a priceless bracelet offers hope of resolving her sister’s 1942 murder.
Perfect for sparking lively conversation, heartfelt insights, and deeper connections among fellow Hearts who love a gripping page-turner filled with intrigue, resilience, and history!
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Chair: Angela McColgan
Note the new start time!
Typically meets each Wednesday, 10:00 AM at the Bocce Courts.
Click the Bocce Details button to learn more.
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Chair: Mary Tannenbaum
Typically meets the 4th Monday of each month at 5:30 PM in the Bellavista Clubhouse to discuss various books. Come share in the fun!
Click the Book Club Details button to learn more.
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Chair: Wendy Lokay
Typically meets each Thursday at 1:30 PM in the Miromar Lakes Clubhouse Card Room.
Click the Bridge Details button to learn more.
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Co-Chairs: Linda Berg, Jamie McCullough and Cindy McDonald
This very active group meets each Monday & Tuesday at 2:00 - 4:30 PM at the Miromar Lakes Clubhouse Card Room.
Weekly sign-up is required.
Click the Canasta Details button to learn more.
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Chair: Marie Kitsberg
Help with identifying, trapping, or donating to the effort to make sure that our furry friends within Miromar are being looked after.
Click the Furry Friends Details button to learn more.
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Chair: Bernadette Strong
Typically meets each Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM in the Miromar Lakes Clubhouse Card Room. Play is for fun, friendship, and laughter—not for money.
Click the Mah Jongg Details button to learn more.
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Chair: D’Lee Bartholome
Typically meeting every Tuesday at 1:30 PM at the Miromar Golf Course Ladies Lounge. It is a great time to learn to Knit, Crochet, Needlepoint, Cross Stitch, or other similar crafts.
Click the Needle Talk Details button to learn more.
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Contact: Miromar Lakes Tennis Pro Shop
For those who would like to begin, pick up where you left off and return to playing. Miromar Lakes has a wonderful, established tennis community. Contact the Tennis Pro Shop at (239) 908-2393 for additional information.
Click the Tennis Details button to learn more.
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Co-Chairs: Peggy Lotz & Kimberly Huffman
Typically meeting at various members’ homes throughout the season. Attendees are asked to bring a heavy appetizer — wine and supplies are provided by the club.
Click the Wine Club Details button to learn more.
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