Resident Clubs & Special News: January 2024
Special News
FineMark Women’s Pro Tennis Championship – Player Success Story
Did you know that the FineMark Women’s Pro Tennis Championship has produced 17 women that are now ranked in the top 100 in the world? The first FineMark Tournament was held at Bonita Bay Club in May of 2019. One of the players that year lost in the qualifying rounds at the age of 15, but recently won the 2023 U.S. Open at the age of 19. Can you guess who it is? If you guessed Coco Gauff, you are a winner! She is currently ranked #3 in the world for women’s singles and #1 for doubles! Her father said that the Bonita Springs tournament was the turning point in her career. After the worst loss of her career here, they had a serious discussion as to whether Coco should continue the Pro Circuit or just give it up and play club tennis. I guess you know what they decided!
In addition to Coco’s success, there have been many other success stories. In 2022, Taylor Townsend made it to the Women’s Doubles finals at the U.S. Open with her partner Caty McNally. Taylor has played in the FineMark Tournament twice. Also, at the 2022 U.S. Open, Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery won the Women’s Junior doubles category. Both have played at Bonita Bay multiple times. Leyla Fernandez, the amazing Canadian player played in Bonita Springs in 2019 and went on to earn a spot in the Women’s U.S. Open in 2021.
Players from the FineMark Tournament have gone on to beat the #1 in the world (Simona Halep at the time), defeated Venus Williams, beat the #5 in the world (Angelique Kerber), and many other accomplishments. The tournament will be held at the Bonita Bay Club from April 29- May 5, 2024. There is no charge for Bonita Bay residents Monday-Thursday with nominal charges Friday through Sunday. The website, www.bbcusta.net, will have ticket information and tournament details.Come on out, be part of the excitement, and watch some great tennis!
Leylah Fernandez | Coco Gauff | Taylor Townsend |
Resident Clubs
| Alzheimer's Spousal Support Group The Alzheimer’s Spousal Support Group is composed of residents whose spouses have contracted Alzheimer's. The main focus is to offer help, share concerns, and learn how to be both a caregiver and a spouse. Tim Blanchet: [emailprotected] Rod McKenzie: [emailprotected] |
Art ClubThe Art Club welcomes all types of 2D artists, oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, etc. We are a supportive, non-judgmental group of enthusiastic fellow artists who will help to keep you inspired. Although there is no formal instruction, we share our ideas, experience, and techniques. Come share and learn with us whether you are a beginner or a pro. This year the Art Club is planning more activities, such as monthly art displays and sales, and Art demos—even more reasons to join us! The first meeting of Art Club this season will be Dec 5. MEET: Tuesdays: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | November - May | Estero Bay Park Pavilion Melinda Scott | [emailprotected] | 269-277-1484 | |
| Bay SingersWe invite anyone who loves to sing to join our active and social group. Singing experience and/or reading music is helpful, but not necessary. What is most important is the willingness to practice and be joyful in making music together. Schedule of Events: Concert at Shell Point, one Bonita Bay Dinner Concert, and the Annual Bonita Bay Easter Egg Hunt. Adrienne Cheseldine | [emailprotected] | 239-398-0399 |
Bonita Bay Filmmakers Club MEET: Second Wednesday of the month | Year-round | 2:30 p.m. | Community Activities Center John Pinti | [emailprotected] | 617-605-9876 | |
| Bonita Bay Veterans Council The all-volunteer BBVC - with the generous support of the Bonita Bay community - has been successful in financially assisting veterans. We are dedicated to the goal of returning over 98% of every dollar collected to meet the housing, medical, educational, and personal needs of veterans. We live our motto that “no one is left behind” and are committed to making a difference in the lives of those who served and sacrificed for our great country. Visit http://bbveteranscouncil.org/ or our Facebook page at “Bonita Bay Veterans Council" for more information. Rich Pilla | [emailprotected] | 718-428-4372 |
Cruising Club Max Selig | [emailprotected] | |
| Year-Rounders ClubRandi Newbery | [emailprotected] |
Bible Study Groups of Bonita Bay
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Bay Brothers Bible Study
MEET: Fridays: 7:30 a.m. | Bay Presbyterian Church, 26911 South Bay Drive | Non-denominational Christian bible study. Free coffee.
The Men’s Bay Brothers Bible Study will launch our 2023-2024 season in December. Awesome Fellowship and discussion. Dress casual.
Roderick Price | 239-989-5305 | [emailprotected]
Bible Study for Men: Lamplighters
MEET: Tuesdays: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. | Choose: In-person at Bonita Bay Club or virtually via Zoom. Join anytime. Study materials provided for $10/per person, per quarter
Jake Barker | 612-961-1316 | [emailprotected]
Bible Study for Women: Lamplighters
Join us for an eight-week study on 1 Peter, Faith Under Fire.
Come and learn about the historical background, theme, unique characteristics, and spiritual value that is found in 1 Peter.The book of 1 Peter is a spiritual survival manual that explains how a dedicated Christian should live in a world that is hostile to Christ and his followers.
Join us at any time, all women are welcome. Study materials are provided for $11 per person.
Meet for 8 Thursdays 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Bonita Bay Club Lifestyle Center card room.
Phyllis Wille | 847-528-0782 | [emailprotected]
Women's Bible Study
Welcome to Bonita Bay Women’s Bible Study! All women are warmly welcomed to our studies as we learn to apply God’s truths to our daily lives. Please join us as we learn, laugh, and grow together!
Meet, Greet, and Register Date: Wednesday, January 17, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at DeRomos Banquet Room. Please join us for coffee, to meet the teachers, hear about their classes, and register for our relevant and stimulating Bible Studies.
Our Studies:
- 7 Tuesdays with Sherri Dorrill starting January 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at DeRomos banquet room. Study topic: Rahab – It’s not how we start, but how we finish in God’s story.
- 7 Tuesdays with Barb Larson starting January 23, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lifestyle Center Card Room. Study topic: Revelation – Blessed by God’s eternal presence, using a study guide by John Ortberg.
- 6 Wednesdays with Wendy Stutzel starting January 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at DeRomos Banquet Room. Study topic: Job – What does God say to us about suffering?
Registration is $35 to attend one or more studies and scholarships are available.
Celebration Luncheon: Join us as we end our season with a special speaker on Wednesday, March 6 at DeRomos Banquet Room.
For questions about BBWBS and up to date information on our classes, contact Robin Peck at [emailprotected] and add your e-mail to our list.
Robin Peck | 203-273-8645 | [emailprotected]
| Bonita Bay Book Group The Bonita Bay Book Group meets monthly for a facilitated discussion of books selected by the participants. Meetings begin at 10:30 a.m. in the “Multi-Purpose Room” at the Activities Building. An optional lunch follows at the Bonita Bay Club at noon for those interested in further discussion about the book or socializing. Participants who are not members of the Club may pay by credit card. To plan for adequate seating, please rsvp by noon on the Friday before the meeting to Susan Hager at [emailprotected]. Fall/Early Winter Schedule of Books and Facilitators:
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Great Books Society MEET: First Tuesday of the Month: 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Beginning November 2023 Seasonal Lineup Includes:
Karen Orman | 239-390-2049 | [emailprotected] | |
| Craft Groups: Thursdays at Community Activities CenterQuilters: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | November - April Anyone interested in exploring quilting is welcome to join our relaxed group. We welcome all skill levels. Georgie Gimbel | 239-992-8695 | [emailprotected] Susan Snow | 708-361-8048 | [emailprotected] Stitchers: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | All are invited for embroidery, needlepoint, counted cross-stitch, or knitting. Patricia Russell | 773-848-1736 | [emailprotected]m |
Garden & Wildlife Clubs
Garden ClubThe Bonita Bay Garden Club welcomes all residents of Bonita Bay who enjoy gardening and flower arranging, gaining knowledge of Florida species, and preserving and enhancing the beauty of our community. Calendar of Events:
Lecture on ‘The Secret Garden’ by Marta McDowell Marta McDowell teaches landscape history and horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden and is a popular lecturer and writer.
Suzie Wilkinson | [emailprotected] | |
| Macias Wildlife Society of Bonita BayThe Macias Wildlife Society of Bonita Bay, Inc., is a non-profit organization funded by donations from Bonita Bay residents. Our mission is “Wildlife Educational Outreach.” The following programs sponsored by the Macias Wildlife Society will be held at the Bonita Bay Community Activities Center. Thursday, January 25 | 2 p.m. | An Analysis of the Bonita Bay Cane Toad Containment Program, by Scott Andre and Dr. Steve Cobb Thursday, February 1 | 10 a.m. | Baby Birds of Bonita Bay, by Sandy Hollenhorst Monday, February 12 | 2 p.m. | The History of the Bird Nest Counts in Bonita Bay, by Sandy Hollenhorst Thursday, March 14 | 10 a.m. | How to Create a Nature Documentary, by John Pinti Wednesday, March 20 | 10 a.m. | A Season in the Life of Bonita Bay Osprey, by Loraine Tyre Thursday, April 11 | 10 a.m. | The Importance of Alligators in our Ecosystem, by Sandy Hollenhorst We conduct annual bird nest counts via kayak and walking tours in March and social gatherings in April to visit the bird islands. To learn more about the Macias Wildlife Society, please visit: www.maciaswildlifesociety.org. Sandra Hollenhorst | 612-817-2081|[emailprotected] |
Nature ClubCome enjoy the Bonita Bay Nature Club. Our speakers and outings are educational and enjoyable and cover a wide range of topics. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Estero Bay Park pavilion. This year's speakers come from Southwest Florida's rich community of naturalists. Outings range from Bonita Bay nature walks to a Babco*ck Ranch eco tours.
Field Trips (details about times and sign ups provided to those on the mailing list closer to the dates): Wed 1/24: Sunset tour of Flint Pen Strand | Wed 2/21: Naples Preserve lead by Becky Speer | Sun 3/17 and 3/24: Small group nature walks in Bonita Bay | Wed 4/3: Babco*ck Ranch Eco tour. To be on the mailing list for updates, send name and email to: [emailprotected]. |Paul Gavin, Sandy Hollenhorst, and Mary Huigens. | |
Sports Clubs of Bonita Bay
| Bicycle ClubHave you ever considered joining the Bonita Bay Bicycle Club? Have you ever wanted to enjoy bike riding with a group of neighbors and friends? Would you like to ride to Naples, Fort Myers, Ava Marie or Marco Island? We organize A, B, and C rides to many fun and interesting local areas. The Bonita Bay Bicycle Club offers group rides for all experience levels: from Easy Riders (who bike for an hour within Bonita Bay) to “A” riders who ride 40 + miles on roads and in surrounding communities. Visit: www.bonitabaybicycleclub.com. For questions or to be added to our mailing list, contact [emailprotected]. February 19, 2024 / Group Bike Rides & Bonita Bay Club Reception Join our club members for supported group rides ranging from an Insiders Ride within the Bonita Bay to a Statute Century Ride (100 miles) on the roads surrounding the community. Many ride length/pace options available for cyclists of all experience levels. Following a fun day of cycling and with your fellow cyclists, we will gather for a celebratory reception at the Bonita Bay Club. Details to follow. April 2, 2024 / Bonita Bay Club Ballroom Our annual End of Year event where our membership gathers to celebrate another wonderful season of cycling and friendship. Details to follow. May 15, 2024 / Group Ride within Bonita Bay & Breezeway Reception The Bonita Bay Bicycle Club participates in this international event held annually on the 3rd Wednesday of May to honor cyclists killed or injured while cycling. Our club membership extends an invitation to all Bonita Bay residents to join us on a solemn ride through Bonita Bay escorted by Bonita Bay security. Tom Halter | [emailprotected] |
Pickleball ClubInformation about the Bonita Bay Pickleball Club and the Riverwalk Park courts may be found at: app.courtreserve.com/portal/BonitaBayPickleballClub For questions regarding membership in the Bonita Bay Pickleball Club: [emailprotected] For other questions about the Riverwalk Park courts and its policies: [emailprotected] | |
| Bocce ClubBocce is easy to learn and fun to play. It is a strategic game that is enjoyed by Bonita Bay residents of all ages and abilities. Above all, the Bocce Club is social in nature – a great place to meet others and make lasting friendships. Bocce Club members belong to one of our many leagues and play at our beautiful Riverwalk Park courts. Most members play at reserved times twice a month or more. Members can also play in our weekly reserved times just for men, just for women, or just for mixed couples. The Bocce Club hosts numerous social events and tournaments open to all members. The annual dues to join the club is the best value in Bonita Bay at just $10 per person per year. New members can join via the club’s website www.bonitabaybocce.com or by contacting the Bocce Club president, Dave Williams, at [emailprotected]. Orientation sessions to welcome new members are planned with dates to be determined. See you on the courts! Dave Williams | [emailprotected] |
States & Nations Clubs
| TRIVIA NIGHT - Save the Date Tuesday, Jan 23 | 6 p.m. Buffet Dinner Trivia to follow in the Fireside Room. Reservations required for this event. Limited seating available. Call 239-495-0200. Watch your inbox for complete details. Celebrating Everyday life | www.savvysnowbirds.com Marion Duffield | [emailprotected] | Indiana Kathleen Broady [emailprotected] Chuck Thomas [emailprotected] | India Viji and KK Davey | [emailprotected] |
| Iowa The Iowa Club welcomes any residents of the Bonita Bay Community with past or present ties to our state. We are an active group that plans social events and activities three times between the months of November and May. Last season we met for a holiday gathering in December, a mini golf event in February at Pop Stroke Golf in Ft. Myers, and an April evening of Wickets and Wine at Bonita Bay Club. Please email Kathy and Devon Goetz at [emailprotected] if you would like to be added to our member list. |
Illinois Illinois Club New Year Meet and Greet on January 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Estero Bay Pavilion. Please BYOB and an appetizer or dessert to share. Any questions, contact Penny Finleyat | 630-640-8201 | [emailprotected] | |
Kentucky Kentucky Club Party Limited supper menu with cash bar. January 25, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Backwater Jack’s Gayle Axton [emailprotected] 502-550-5913 | Minnesota Celebration February 22, 2024 at 6 p.m for more information about the event, please email: [emailprotected]. Jane Gruenhagen [emailprotected] 239-450-6437 | New England Sue Kinzie [emailprotected] 948-473-1176 |
| Michigan Club The following events are planned for the Michigan Club members (you will receive an email prior to each event):
Sign up now to party as only true Michiganders can! Send email address to [emailprotected] (please put "MICHIGAN CLUB" in the subject line or email will be deleted as spam). Patricia Pike |313-212-1313 | [emailprotected] |
Missouri SAVE THE DATE! - The Missouri Club will throw its 14th "Show Me Shindig" on Wednesday, March 27 at Estero Bay Park Pavilion. Party will start at 5 p.m. and run until sundown. Please bring your own CHAIR, beverages and glassware, an appetizer for 8 to share, and $1 per person. An evite will go out in early March asking for an RSVP. Stay tuned. If you would like to be included in the Missouri Club emails (just 2-3 per year), please send your contact information to Tommye Fleming | 314-517-0957 | T[emailprotected] If you received information in the past, you are still on the list. | |
| Ohio Club The following events are planned for the Ohio Club members (you will receive an email prior to each event):
Sign up now to party as only true Ohioans can! Send email address to [emailprotected] (please put "OHIO CLUB" in the subject line or email will be deleted as spam). Patricia Pike|313-212-1313 | [emailprotected] |
Virginia Mary Blackwood [emailprotected] Debi Parker [emailprotected] 804-512-8820 | Wisconsin All people with ties to Wisconsin are invited to join the Wisconsin Club at Bonita Bay. One or two social events per year. Party at the Breezeway on February 27, 2024. Get on the email list: Roderick Price [emailprotected] 239-989-5305 |
Resident Clubs & Special News is produced during season from October to April by the BBCA Communications Team.
Editors: Lisa Macias and Britney Mata
If you have comments or questions, please contact us at[emailprotected] or [emailprotected].
