Neighborly News

Copperleaf resident, Claire Batista is a PGA Class A Golf Professional. She founded and currently runs the Claire Batista Golf Academy.

She competed on Florida's Mini Tours and made her mark in collegiate golf as the founder and head coach of the University of Toledo women's golf team, leading the program to outstanding success during her nine-year tenure.

In 2002, she was recognized as one of the top 50 women teaching professionals in the U.S.

This past June, Claire began sharing her expertise through instructional videos on YouTube. With more than 80 videos now posted, her audience continues to grow steadily.

Here is a link to Claire's channel on YouTube: Claire Batista

On October 28, Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica. Sustained winds were 185 mph. Some regions had up to 40" of rain. Homes were leveled, roads were washed out and blocked by debris. Many rural areas are still cut off from civilization. 72% of the island was without power. Cell towers are down and the only link to the outside world is the few people fortunate enough to have Starlink and a generator to provide electricity.

Copperleaf has many H2B employees that have been affected deeply by this storm. Randy interviewed them to get a first hand explanation of how they and their families are affected.

In this episode, we sit down with Patty McPherson, a lifelong animal lover whose passion for wildlife began when she was just a young girl. Patty shares how her connection to animals has grown and evolved over the years, leading her to become an advocate for wildlife in her community.

We also dive into two incredible rescue stories that took place right in the Copperleaf neighborhood, showcasing Patty's compassion, quick thinking and dedication to helping animals in need.

This heartfelt conversation is a celebratin of kindness, community and the powerful bond between humans and the natural world.

PJ Shanahan is the son of Copperleaf resident Carol Shanahan. You may have seen PJ on the golf course, but you might not know his name. He is paralyzed from the chest down after being shot in the back during a robbery attempt. July 16 will mark the 15th anniversary of that tragic event. Two young men left him to die in the street, but God had other plans for him.

Hi story embodies perseverance, faith, and postivity in the face of tragedy. I got goosebumps while listening to his inspiring journey.

Toward the end of the 30-minute interview, he also revealed his passion for The Grateful Dead. You would be amazed at the number of Dead concerts he has attended.

The next time you see PJ, be sure to say "hi." I'm certain he will have a captivating story to share!

Josh is a husband, father of 3 and has a determined spirit. He is also the new General Manager of Copperleaf Golf Club. He is looking forward to carrying the Club to new levels of excellence. Listen to our brief but informative conversation.

Toni Marotta is a captivating interviewee, brimming with energy, wisdom and personality. She was a devoted wife and mother of five while also pursuing her entrepreneurial ambitions by launching a company that helps people with weight loss.

Toni is the author of two diet books. Her business gained significant momentum when she organized a "diet cruise" from New York to the Bahamas, featuring a New York Times writer on board. The resulting full-age article propelled her business to a successful 31-year run.

Dr. Greg Davis retired from Eli Lilly as Executive Director and Senior Principle Fellow in Global Regulatory Affairs. Inronically, Greg suffers from a disease that has no pharmaceutical treatment. Huey Lewis suffers from the same disease and is unable to perform due to his disease.

We discuss the epiphany that allowed Greg to circumvent the symptoms of the disease.

If you suffer from balance issues or tinnitus, you may want to listen to this interview.

Are you on a low-salt diet? We discuss the challenges and Greg's workarounds.

He is also a volunteer recipe tester for "America's Test Kitchen" on PBS. The daughter of a Copperleaf member happens to be a cast member of the show and creates instructional YouTube videos. Here is a link to one of Christie's videos. Once there you can see some of her other videos. America's Test Kitchen

We also discuss the pros and cons of drug advertising and share our optimism about the future of cancer therapies.

Dan Stary is 35 years old but possesses more than 35 years of wisdom. This podcast interview was his idea and features an unscripted conversation between a son and father that delves into mental health, songwriting, the loss of a good friend and how Dan's struggles have led him to a better place.

The interview includes snippets of songs that Dan has written and recorded. You can listen to his music on Amazon, Spotify, and various other streaming platforms. All of Dan's music is under his band name, Polite Strangers.

Polite Strangers on Amazon Music

During Covid, the band also recorded video in a studio. They have four music videos on YouTube from this session. The unique aspect of the videos is that you can get a 360 degree view of the studio and the band by moving your cursor over the video.

Polite Strangers on YouTube

Finally Everson Starcheck was mentioned in the podcast. If you ever get to Door County or Green Bay this summer, look us up. You'll be able to see Randy playing with his son's, Preston & Dan and his good friend Eric Everson.

EversonStarcheck

Norma Quine has had an interesting life. Her father was world renowned philosopher W.V. Quine. He had books published in several languages, received the Nobel Prize and a Kyoto Prize. He was a also a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy.

She had an interesting childhood dealing with a mother who experienced the highs and lows of bi-polar disorder. She was a model, actress and ultimately owned a wholesale fashion house in London.

Here is the link to the film trailer, "The Proper Time": The Proper Time.

General E. Gordon Stump began his military career in 1965. In 1966, he completed his pilot training as the top person in his class and was assigned to the F-102. He then went on to further training in the Fighter Interceptor Program. Shortly thereafter, he headed to The Phillipines.

He flew 241 combat missions from South Vietnam and Thailand. 41 of his missions were flown over North Vietnam.

This interview will give you insight into the General's 38 year career and how he eventually became the Adjutant General of Michigan to complete his service. He is highly decorated. Here is the link so that you can read the remainder of his achievements. https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/about/history/military-personalities/team-listing-page/e-gordon-stump

You should find some of the stories in the interview enlightening.