W I L D E R N E S S

M E M B E R

N E W S

2023 Member Photo Contest Winners Cover Photo: Animal Category Winner, Dawn Schwartz

Welcome New Members! Recipe of the Month:

Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing

It's Getting Wild! The Mysterious Monkey Pod Tree Welcome Little Screech Owl Panther Posse Calling All Bats

Tennis: New Members Win Handicap Tournament

APR 2023

WILDERNESS MEMBER NEWS

STAFF

CLUB UPDATE

G E N E R A L M A N AG E R / CO O

Alan Raulerson CFO

Keith Geiman M E M B E R S H I P & M K TG .

Alan Raulerson General Manager

D I R E C TO R

Sue Duchene E X E C U T I V E A S S I S TA N T

Jenna Bolkcom ACCO U N T I N G

Gabriela Colindres D I R E C TO R O F G O L F

Sara Dickson F I R S T A S S T. G O L F PROFESSIONAL

With our annual meeting behind us, it’s time to begin building our committees! In the next few weeks, we will be reaching out to all members who signed up for a committee, regardless of whether they’re selected to participate or not. I really appreciate all of you who have signed up, and please do not be discouraged if you’re not selected this year. Thanks to the many residents who sent emails in response to our communication in March regarding the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) considering alternative traffic patterns. As noted in the communication, the change in flight patterns would impact Wilderness

and the peaceful environment we enjoy. The NAA’s Board Meeting is scheduled for April 20, and it’s expected they will be voting on recommendations to share with the Federal Aviation Administration regarding future flight patterns, so expect more information in the near future on this subject as we learn more. April is typically a transitional month in Naples, with many members beginning to return to their northern homes. Considering this is the last newsletter until fall, I want to take a moment to thank all our members for a wonderful season! I also want to thank our amazing Wilderness Team Members for their help and positive energy in making Wilderness a wonderful place to live, play and work. We are truly blessed to have such an awesome group of dedicated employees who all work so well with one another as they go about their daily tasks! Wishing you all a Very Happy Easter!

Matt Sawicki G O L F CO U R S E SUPERINTENDENT

M E M B E R S H I P U P D AT E

John Duncan CO N D O M A N AG E R

Tim Mace CHEF

John Lotarski C LU B H O U S E M A N AG E R

Kevin Harris A S S T. F O O D & B E V E R AG E D I R E C TO R

Drew Lange TENNIS PRO

Spike Gonzalez

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Sue Duchene

reading, traveling, baking, and being with dear friends. She is also a former opera singer and presented a program at the Forum which told, in song, of her journey from a farm girl to NYC.

Membership and Communications Director

Welcome New Members! Ann Goodson and Kevin Daley joined Wilderness on February 28 and reside at 102 Clubhouse Drive #275. Ann and Kevin have been visiting and leasing at Wilderness for ten years. They are delighted to officially belong to the community they have come to love. Kevin enjoys watching sports, reading the NY Times (his father was the first sports writer to win a Pulitzer Prize at the Times), and watching the golfers on the 9th green. Ann plays golf and loves

Ann Goodson-Daley and Kevin Daley Riverside, CT

Members On The Move Anthony and Jill Markowski purchased 103 Clubhouse Drive #253 in February.

APRIL 2023 ISSUE

Member Photo Contest We're excited to announce the winners of the 2023 Wilderness Country Club Members' Photo Contest! The competition featured stunning photographs taken by our talented members on the Wilderness property in three categories: Animals, Birds, and Nature. In the Animals category, the winning photo of an adorable racoon was taken by Dawn Schwartz. In the Birds category, the winning photo was taken by John Newman and captures a majestic eagle feeding her baby eaglets. And in the Nature category, the winning photo was taken by Jim Sprow and shows a peaceful scene of spotted clouds reflecting in the water on the 7th fairway. As a reward for their hard work and creativity, each of our category winners will receive lunch for two at Wilderness. We want to thank all the talented photographers who submitted their work to this year's contest. Your photos showcase the natural beauty of Wilderness and inspire us to appreciate and protect our environment. Congratulations to the winners and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing photographs in the future!

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WILDERNESS MEMBER NEWS

FOOD & BEVER AGE

MAINTENANCE MINUTE

Tim Mace

Kevin Harris

Condominium Manager

Clubhouse Manager Please make your reservations online now for Easter and our End-of-Season Party. M A K E YO U R R E S E R VAT I O N S !

Easter Brunch Sunday, April 9, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Featuring a Prix Fixe Menu at the Clubhouse (Member Trailer).

S AV E T H E D AT E !

End-of-Season Party Saturday, April 22, 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Our End-of-Season party this year will feature the "Alter Eagles", who are known as the definitive Eagles tribute band. We will have attended Chef food stations and the party will be held in the parking lot behind the Golf Shop. See our website for other details.

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye... As another season comes to an end, it is a good time to review closing procedures for your unit as you prepare to go to your northern home. Please refer to the last page of your Wilderness calendar to review helpful information and unit closing procedures. The most important advice is to have someone check your unit regularly. Any building-related issues should be reported to the condominium manager immediately. Please remember to remove all furniture and other items from the front entry, balcony or patio (any exterior portion) areas. This is to prevent damage to the building and units during a weather event and to assist the condominium staff while performing required building maintenance. Section 2.9 Outdoor Furniture and Accessories: It is the unit owner’s responsibility to place Outdoor Furniture and Accessories indoors no less than 72 hours prior to the predicted landfall of any named storm. A minimum charge of $500 will be assessed if the Association’s personnel is required to remove anything from a unit owner’s patio prior to a named storm.

Tip Of The Month: Your air conditioning unit works harder during the summer months. Please have your air conditioner serviced regularly to prevent breakdowns and increase efficiency.

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Please do not place plants or other items in the landscaped areas. Any items left in these areas will be disposed of. This is for safety, as items can become airborne in a weather event. Have a safe and healthy summer. My staff and I look forward to your return to paradise.

APRIL 2023 ISSUE

CHEF'S CORNER

John Lotarski Executive Chef

EAS TER CA R ROT M UF F IN S W IT H CREAM CHEESE F ROSTIN G

CARROT MUFFINS 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs (beaten) 1 cup shredded carrots (2 medium carrots) 1/2 cup milk

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CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 1 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease and flour a 12 medium-size muffin tin or an 8 or 9-inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, beaten eggs, carrots, and milk. In another medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Enjoy!

1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup + 1/2 tablespoon cream cheese (whole fat) (63 grams – total) 2 1/2 cups icing sugar (powdered) 1/4 teaspoon vanilla pinch of salt 2 Tablespoons cream (whole/heavy or whipping

• •

In a medium bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until creamy, approximately one minute. Add icing sugar a little at a time, continue beating, add salt and cream beat for approximately 3 minutes until fluffy.

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WILDERNESS MEMBER NEWS

TATA K E L L A M , M E M B E R

GOLF D E PA R T M E N T

The Mysterious Monkey Pod Tree

Sara Dickson Director of Golf While we still have a month of events remaining in the official season, the Golf Department would like to take a moment to say… Thank You! So far this season, you strongly supported the golf program by:

• • •

• • •

Being creative and adaptable during our construction season. Continuing to be leaders of the pack in our area by utilizing Golf Genius mobile scoring for all events. Creating near-record sales, all stemming from the single-wide golf trailer, outdoor pop-up golf shops, demo days, and trunk shows. Playing over 18,000 rounds of golf. Participating over 500 times in instructional offerings.

The Golf Department is incredibly thankful for your enthusiasm and support throughout the season. We will miss those who travel north this summer and we will be planning more fun activities, events, and merchandise for the 2023-2024 calendar year. Your year-round crew will consist of Matt, Dale, Hannah, Nicole, and myself. For the summer, Zane and Doug will head north to Massachusetts, bringing their talents to Dedham Country & Polo Club and The Country Club (Brookline), respectively.

During a windstorm several years ago, a huge limb fell off a monkey pod tree located close to the dog park. Rather than discarding this limb, it was cut in half and moved to the Tall Pine Trail and Orchid Garden, where two large columns are now installed. We recently noticed new growth emerging from the right side of one of the columns (see photo), and since there are no roots on this wooden column, we are mystified about how this new growth has started! We now wonder if we should take a cutting of this new growth and put it in the soil to see if a new monkey pod tree will be established or whether the column will continue to produce new growth and eventually become a tree. Stay tuned!

Please do keep in touch this summer with your golfing highlights. We cannot wait to hear from you and look forward to keeping in touch!

Accumulating over 3,000 entries into Wilderness golf events.

The monkey pod tree, or Samanea saman, is a fast-growing tree with a wide canopy that provides shade and shelter. It is native to Central and South America but can be found in tropical regions worldwide. The tree produces pink flowers and is valued for its strong and durable wood. It can also fix nitrogen in the soil, which improves soil fertility. However, it can be invasive in some areas.

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APRIL 2023 ISSUE

COURSE MAINTENANCE

John Duncan Golf Course Superintendent

Golf Course Maintenance During the month of April, the golf course will be closed all day on April 17, but the driving range will be open for the day. The two all-day closures in January and February were very productive, and the agronomy practices performed during these closures have improved the playability of the golf course. The Golf Course Maintenance Team is looking forward to finishing the tournament season strong. For those traveling back North in April, safe travels and have a great summer.

Welcome To Our First Eastern Screech Owl To the right of the cart path on hole #18, approximately 150 yards from the green, is an owl box that we placed on a pine tree. It is very exciting that an Eastern Screech Owl is now living there. According to Brian Beckner with Native Bird Boxes, who has taken care of our bird houses on the property for the last ten years, this is the first Eastern Screech Owl that has made Wilderness their home. The Screech Owls are active at night and are more often heard than seen.

Here are some other interesting facts about the Eastern Screech Owl:

• • • •

They can rotate their heads 270 degrees. They have 14 vertebrae in their necks (humans have only 7)! They have asymmetrical ear openings. One ear is higher than the other to pinpoint sounds. They are opportunistic eaters. If they think they can eat it, they will try it.

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WILDERNESS MEMBER NEWS

MOM AND BABY PANTHER CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Wilderness Panther Posse on the Prowl Article by member Trudy Slean

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group of Wilderness members got “up close and personal” with Florida Panthers local wildlife and habitat thanks to Florida Gulf Coast University’s “Wings of Hope” program. Led by Ms. Ricky Pires, Program Founder and Director, members experienced an in-depth classroom study in late January.

Weeks later, the WCC Posse prowled the trails at CREW (Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed) alongside Ms. Ricky, her talented team of teaching interns, as well as Dr. Bob Lucius, Executive Director of Crew.

of conserving land and water management. They also learned how controlled burns are conducted, why they are so important, and how we can all become good stewards of our natural ecosystems.

Throughout the hike, these experts educated Posse members about Florida Panthers, area wildlife, including birds and plants, and the importance

Currently, there are only approximately 170 Florida Panthers on the planet, and when they are gone, they are gone.

Infrared tracking cameras captured some intrepid Posse members. Look closely to see if you recognize any of them!

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APRIL 2023 ISSUE

AMY HOFFMAN, AUDUBON COMMIT TEE CHAIR

New Wilderness Bat Box In February, between hole #11 and hole #14 in the pine straw, our very own bat box was installed. This area was chosen because the bluebird box in the same area, as well as the bluebird box behind #11 green, have frequently been the home for wayward bats. The three types of bats commonly seen in Florida and would be expected, according to Brian Beckner, to frequent our new box. This box can hold 350400 bats at one time.

Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

40 mm) and does not have a keeled calcar. The evening bat's rounded tragus distinguishes it from all other small bats. The Evening Bat is a forest-dwelling species that roosts in tree crevices and behind loose bark, as well as in buildings. This species rarely enters caves but does participate in swarming activities at some cave entrances in late summer. They historically used tree hollows, but as forests have been cut, many have moved into wooden buildings.

The Mexican free-tailed bat or Brazilian free-tailed bat is a medium-sized bat native to the Americas; so named because its tail can be almost half its total length and is not attached to its uropatagium. It has been claimed to have the fastest horizontal speed of any animal, reaching top ground speeds over 99 mph.

The Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) The big brown bat is a species of vesper bat distributed widely throughout North America, the Caribbean, and the northern portion of South America. It was first described as a species in 1796. Compared to other microbats, the big brown bat is relatively large, weighing 15–26 g and possessing a wingspan of 32.5–35 cm. Diet: Big brown bats are insectivorous and eat insects from many orders but specialize in beetles (Coleoptera) (Whitaker 2004). Other prey include wasps and ants (Hymenoptera), flies and mosquitoes (Diperta). All prey are caught in-flight using echolocation.

The Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis) The evening bat is a species of bat in the vesper bat family that is native to North America. Hunting at night, they eat beetles, moths, and other flying insects. Nycticeius humeralis is a small, dark brown bat with black wings and ears. Its fur is bicolored above (dark brown at the base and dull grayish brown at the tips) and lighter brown below. The tail is furred only at the base of the upper side. It has a forearm length of 34-38 mm and weighs 8-14 g. The evening bat is very similar to the big brown bat due to its fur color and broad muzzle. However, it is much smaller (forearm less than

This species prefers to forage along the edges of mature forests, in clearings, and over waterways. It eats a variety of beetles, including cucumber beetles, Japanese beetles, carabid beetles, and June bugs. This bat also catches flying ants, spittlebugs, pomace flies, stinkbugs, and small moths.

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WILDERNESS MEMBER NEWS

ON THE COURTS

Spike Gonzales Activities Director & Tennis Professional

Newbies Take The Handicap Tennis Tournament Tom Ripp is from Short Hills, NJ. John Sullivan is from Wilmington, DE. They are both in their first full year as Wilderness members. They met each other when randomly paired together in the Wilderness Handicap Tennis Championship. Yet they played like they were a seasoned team of 30 years! Going through the tournament like a giant snow plow on the streets of Buffalo, they jelled as an ideal team. Tom has a Federer-like topspin backhand and an all-around groundstroke and volley game. John has incredibly deceptive groundstrokes and covers the court like Rafael Nadal. “What can you do when you’re up against Federer and Nadal,” lamented their finals victims, Nick Shea and Doug Whiteley! Furthermore, John knew how to use their handicap bisques (free points) like a Las Vegas bookie!

favored team of Steve Weeks and Jean Hartmann. In that match, they won the first set in a tiebreaker, lost the second set 6-4, and then prevailed 10-8 in the final set tiebreaker.

After receiving a bye in the first round, John and Tom upset the highly

Tom and John then went on to defeat Jim Best and Betty Carson in the

semifinals and Whiteley and Shea in the finals. Both matches were 6-2, 6-3 outcomes. An event truly unique to Wilderness, the tennis handicap tournament has completed its 16th year.

Wilderness Women’s Book Group Our last book group discussion of the season will be held on Monday, April 10, 11:00 a.m. to noon in the Wilderness Member Trailer. The book is A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II, by Sonia Purnell. Discussion led by Lynda Bullock. All women readers are welcome!

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If you are interested in joining the group please contact the organizer, Karen Woodbridge, at karen.woodbridge@ gmail.com for details and description of each book. We look forward to having you!

APRIL 2023 ISSUE

April 2023 Wilderness Country Club Calendar April 2023

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat 1

Women's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Member-Staff Series (9:25 am - 12:25 pm) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Weekly Golf Clinic with Doug (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm) Dancing in the Streets (6:00 pm)

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3

4

10

16

23

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Weekly Golf Clinic with Zane (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Croquet Supervised Play (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)

Easter (11:30 am - 2:00 pm) Weekly Golf Clinic with Zane (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Croquet Supervised Play (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)

Weekly Golf Clinic with Zane (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Croquet Supervised Play (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)

Weekly Golf Clinic with Zane (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Croquet Supervised Play (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)

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6

7

11

12

13

14

15

17

18

19

20

21

22

24

25

26

27

28

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Weekly Golf Clinic with Nicole (9:00 am - 10:00 am) Water Aerobics (9:15 am - 10:15 am) Member-Staff Series (9:28 am - 12:28 pm) Pilates (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Tennis, Bocce & Croquet Committee Meeting (1:30 pm - 2:30 pm) Tennis "Wine & Cheese" RoundRobins (4:00 pm - 5:30 pm)

Golf Operations Committee Meeting (9:00 am) Weekly Golf Clinic with Nicole (9:00 am - 10:00 am) Water Aerobics (9:15 am - 10:15 am) Pilates (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Women's Book Group (11:00 am - 12:00 pm) Audubon Committee Meeting (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Tennis "Wine & Cheese" RoundRobins (4:00 pm - 5:30 pm) Wilderness Bird Tour (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)

Course Closed for Maintenance WCA Board of Directors Meeting (9:00 am - 10:00 am) Weekly Golf Clinic with Nicole (9:00 am - 10:00 am) Water Aerobics (9:15 am - 10:15 am) WCA Board of Directors Meeting (10:00 am - 11:00 am) Pilates (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Tennis "Wine & Cheese" RoundRobins (4:00 pm - 5:30 pm) Tennis and POP Tennis Closing Party (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm) Weekly Golf Clinic with Nicole (9:00 am - 10:00 am) Water Aerobics (9:15 am - 10:15 am) Pilates (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Tennis "Wine & Cheese" RoundRobins (4:00 pm - 5:30 pm)

WWGA - 4 Clubs Plus Putter (8:45 am - 1:00 pm) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (9:00 am - 10:30 am)

Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (9:00 am - 10:30 am) WWGA - Closing Day Step-ASide Scramble + Closing Meeting (1:15 pm - 5:00 pm)

Buildings, Grounds, and Pools Committee Meeting (9:00 am - 10:00 am) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (9:00 am - 10:30 am)

Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (9:00 am - 10:30 am)

Gator Golf Service Day (9:00 am - 2:00 pm) Play Your Best Clinic with Sara (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Strategic Planning Committee Meeting (9:00 am - 10:00 am) Women's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Member-Staff Series (9:25 am - 12:25 pm) Clubhouse Building Committee Meeting (10:00 am - 11:00 am) Men's Coached Tennis Play (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) XXIO Demo Day (11:00 am - 3:00 pm) Twilight Golf - "Masters" Theme (3:45 pm - 7:00 pm) Twilight Dinner (6:00 pm) Titleist Demo Day (9:00 am - 1:00 pm) Women's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Men's Coached Tennis Play (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Twilight Golf (3:45 pm - 7:00 pm) Twilight Dinner (6:00 pm)

Callaway Demo Day Finance & Audit Committee Meeting (8:30 am - 9:30 am) Gator Golf Service Day (9:00 am - 2:00 pm) Women's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Clubhouse Building Committee Meeting (10:00 am - 11:00 am) Men's Coached Tennis Play (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Twilight Golf (3:45 pm - 7:00 pm) Twilight Dinner (6:00 pm)

Women's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Men's Coached Tennis Play (10:30 am - 12:00 pm)

Dog Park Closed for Maintenance WMGA - Ryder Cup + Daily Event (1:15 pm - 5:00 pm) POP Tennis "Wine & Cheese" Round-Robins (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

WMGA - Closing Day Scramble (1:15 pm - 5:00 pm) POP Tennis "Wine & Cheese" Round-Robins (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

POP Tennis "Wine & Cheese" Round-Robins (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

POP Tennis "Wine & Cheese" Round-Robins (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

Men's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Water Aerobics (9:15 am - 10:15 am) Member-Staff Series (9:25 am - 12:25 pm) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Pilates (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Croquet Supervised Play (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)

House Committee Meeting (9:00 am - 10:00 am) Men's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Water Aerobics (9:15 am - 10:15 am) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Pilates (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Governance Committee Meeting (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Croquet Supervised Play (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)

Men's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Water Aerobics (9:15 am - 10:15 am) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Pilates (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Croquet Supervised Play (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)

Men's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Water Aerobics (9:15 am - 10:15 am) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Pilates (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Croquet Supervised Play (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)

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Masters Golf Event Women's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Weekly Golf Clinic with Doug (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm)

Women's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Weekly Golf Clinic with Doug (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm)

Women's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Weekly Golf Clinic with Doug (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm) End of Season Party Featuring "ALTER EAGLES" (6:00 pm)

Women's Coached Tennis Play (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Mixed POP Tennis RoundRobins (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Weekly Golf Clinic with Doug (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm)

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Weekly Golf Clinic with Zane (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm)

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Wilderness Country Club 101 Clubhouse Drive Naples, FL 34105

Nature Category Winner: Jim Sprow