The Master Board strives to inform you about the activities it’s engaged in on behalf of VCC members. It is important to remember, the plans are the culmination of meetings among the committees that serve VCC; committees that are populated by volunteers, our friends and neighbors, fellow VCC members. The Master Board would like to once again thank these volunteers for their dedication and hours of hard work. At the
January meeting, the Board shared the strategic plan for physical improvements. Following is the plan:
Summer 2024 Goals (May-August)
Complete Exterior
Clubhouse Needs:
• Paint Exterior
• Replace undersized gutters with appropriately sized gutters
• Replace worn and damaged front entry tiles with new, high grip tiles
• Replace damaged and worn hand railing with sturdy and smooth touch railing
• Improve landscaping on stair entrance
Fall 2024 Goals (September-December)
Complete Major Projects’ Assessment:
• Identify Needs of
Clubhouse Interior, Patio, Main Pool (Major Project)
• Hire Project Manager
• Investigate Main Pool
Patio for food and beverage service
• Review Furniture needs for All Pools and Purchase
Spring 2025 Goals (January-April)
Initiate Major Projects:
• Address main pool needs including deck, spa, shower, furniture, fence, landscaping
• Investigate pool cabana needs and potential
• Establish procedure for development
• Review club house interior plan from Ad Hoc
• Establish plan for interior improvement
• Initiate interior plan
• Investigate Golf Cart Parking Enhancement
Summer 2025 Goals (May-August)
Projects:
• Investigate 9th Hole building potential
• Improve Bocce Court
• Address Pump House Needs
• Investigate Satellite Pools’ Needs
• Investigate Front Entry Building Replacement
Fall 2025 Goals (September-December) Projects:
• Investigate Perimeter Security Enhancement
• Examine Sidewalk/Walkways Needs
this plan is known by other names, such as a road map. These types of plans are ‘living’, meaning they are not engraved in stone. As the committees meet, conversations and planning will continue. Please be sure to follow this progress.
You may do so in the following ways:
1. Read the emails sent from the Office.
2. Read the emails from the Master Board entitled ‘What’s Going On’.
3. Schedule a Board Chat to share your ideas (VCC Website: Master Board of Directors; 20242025 Master Board Meeting Schedule).
A strategic plan is the vision for the future of the community. Sometimes
5. Review the website for information on the Board of Directors; meetings, notices, who to contact, About VCC; past issues of the Villager, Library; Governing Documents, important forms, community Financials, Meeting Minutes, Contracts and Bids, and Member Central for the Calendar of events, Community Directory and more.
The Master Board is committed to communicating and informing you about
the business of our community. The Board follows the VCC mission to preserve and enhance the value of our community for current and future owners by providing services that exceed expectations in a prudent and fiscally responsible manner.
New and Familiar Faces of Creekside
CHEF KWAZE
ANDRES L CRUZ BRAYDEN BARRETT
GRACIE MAE
JESUS CORRAL JULIAN DIGREGORIO
NEVEAH MCCREE
PEYTON SHAW PIERRE LAMOUR
CCMGA News
RICHARD REID
The CCMGA Member/Member Memorial Tournament and luncheon was held on January 17. We paid tribute to the members that passed away over the last year.
They were Steve Mercier, Bob Smith, Dick Graver, Doug Wilson, and Brian Rowan. We were honored to have Joanne Smith join us at the luncheon.
L TO R: STEVE MERCIER, BOB SMITH, DICK GRAVER, DOUG WILSON, BRIAN ROWAN
The tournament was the 6/6/6 format with 6 holes each of best ball, scramble and alternate shot. There was a tie for first at 55 between the team of Mike Fisher and Ken Hutchins and the team of Bob Verway and Greg Giovannetti. Mike and Ken were declared the winners based on matching cards.
After golf we were treated to lunch by Rafael and his crew. And thanks to all the members who wore red to support our veterans.
MIKE FISHER AND KEN HUTCHINS
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Margo Williams
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Corey Bank
Justein Matthias
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
www.seabreezecommunications.com
Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by
Guy Novotny had his first hole in one on Wednesday, January 8. It was hole #5 from the blue tees, approximately 95 yards. He used a nine iron. He had a straight on shot, one bounce, hit the flagstick and it dropped into the cup. Congratulations Guy!!
We would also like to welcome new member John Page. John hails from Canada and is renting at Country Creek.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The following events are coming up:
February 5: Elmer Rawson Tournament begins (Individual Match Play)
February 7: 4 man BB, 3-scores odd holes, 2-scores even holes
February 14: 3 Clubs and a Putter
February 21: Luncheon (ABCD) Red White Blue scramble, 8:30am shotgun
March 5 and 7: MGA Championship, 2-days. Luncheon on March 7
March 14: Stableford (ABCD) Team
GUY AFTER HIS HOLE IN ONE!
JOHN PAGE
CCLGA News
Our CCLGA opened the 2025 season with a flurry of activities. Our annual member guest event was held on January 16, 2025 with 9 places paid out. The game 6/6/6 was the golfing theme. It included 6 holes of regular scramble, 6 holes of best ball played/score, and 6 holes of alternate shot. Each foursome had two teams of 2 each. Top winners for the day were Jo LeBoeuf and Jocyanne Bourdeau with a total score of 63! Congratulations to all the winners.
MOMENTO GIFT TO EVERY ATTENDEE AT MEMBER GUEST EVENT ON JANUARY 16. PATTY O’CONNOR WAS THE ARTISTIC CREATOR!
The Charity event for this year is Blessings in a Backpack scheduled for February 13 with the theme: “Boots and Bling, It’s a Country Creek Thing”. Donations and gift baskets are still in need, so please contact either Lynn Polulak or Mindy Metz for those last minute contributions.
FAITH BAUER AFTER HER HOLE IN ONE ON HOLE 5 WHILE PLAYING ON TUESDAY’S LEAGUE DAY/ SOLAR CUP TRYOUTS
The annual member-member event is scheduled for April 10 featuring the theme Wild about Golf. Rumor has it that Tarzan and Jane will be serving jungle juice at the hole 9 green. Stay tuned for further details.
Tennis Notes
KRISTEN SALERNO
County Creek has a full roster of tennis enthusiasts. Below are the competitive teams. We also host social tennis and drills with Wayne. Feel free to meet us on “The Court”.
Below are the rosters for all 4 of our competitive teams:
VCC Ace Chasers-Bonita Men’s league 3.0
Gary Blaschke
Keith Cohen
Lee Eisenberg
Richard Paull
Phil Riskin
David Trout
Larry Vavrek
Tom Whelen
Ron Wicks
VCC Bonita Men’s League 2.5
Stu Allen
David Smith
Larry Brush Florian Szmurlo
Juergen Molsen
Paul Neatrour
Byron Thorsen
Bill Zakarow
Country Creekers Women’s Bonita League 3.0 League
Sylvia Allen
Sandi Barber
Maureen Bieling
Joan Blaschke
Mary Ellen Bragg
Roe Brush
Margaret Farmar
Marge Piorkowski
Denise Sahly
Kristen Salerno
Barbara Wilson
VCC Court Queens Bonita Women’s League 3.0
Sandi Barber
Maureen Bieling
Joan Blaschke
Mary Ellen Bragg
Roe Brush
Daphne Cole
Marge Piorkowski
Barbara Wilson
Tennis Drills with Wayne
KRISTEN SALERNO
Tennis Drills with Wayne are in full swing! Join the fun on Saturday mornings at 10:30AM or noon on the condo courts. Sign up by noon on Wednesdays for the following Saturday. Cost is $15 per person. Any questions should be directed to Wayne Keeler at 772-713-3220.
16th Annual Tennis & Pickleball Dinner Dance
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Live entertainment by Randy & Brad Duo
This year’s theme: Court Humor
Don’t play pickleball or tennis? Like to dance? Come join us!
Everyone is welcome!
Bocce News
PATTI O’CONNOR
The VCC Bocce winter 2025 league got off to a slightly wet but fun season. With 13 teams playing, and each team in their team colors, there was some great rolling on the courts with the sounds of teamwork and laughter.
The Delaware Destroyers started their season with three out of three wins against the High Rollers. Ball Busters, Forgers and
Rascals took two games out of three. CC Eight Balls and Goombas split the opener with 1.5 games per team. Banditos, Flamingoes and High Rollers advanced with one game each. The Paisans, Pallinos, and Rock & Rollers have not yet started as of the date of this writing. For game three, mother nature reminded us that she was in charge with a light sprinkle, but that didn’t stop teams from playing. Thank you to
FORGERS AT THE START OF THE SEASON OPENER
those with umbrellas!
It looks like it will be a great season. Please save the date of Friday, March 28, 2025, for our annual award banquet to see which team takes the trophy this year. The team with the most VCC bocce wins is the Banditos. Will they continue the winning streak and follow up their last year win again in 2025?
(continued on page 14)
LIGHT RAIN BROUGHT OUT THE UMBRELLAS
PATTI O’CONNOR UMPIRING WITH AN UMBRELLA IN THE SEASON OPENER
SHARON BOOS AND WAYNE CANARY WORKING ON THEIR LINEUP
PATTY VAVREK AND LINDA FOX PLAYING BEFORE THE RAIN
Volunteers Plan Golf Outing
RON WILLIAMS
The VCC Volunteers are planning a golf outing in 2025. The date is March 15, 2025, with an 8:00AM scramble/ dinner shotgun start, and a 1:00PM golf only shotgun start.
The price for residents golf/dinner is $63 per person in the morning, and $33 per person for golf only in the afternoon. Social hour begins at 4:45PM with music playing until 8:30PM. Payment is to be made in the Pro Shop starting March 1 by credit card or member card.
Please encourage your club, organization, committee or individuals to become a tee sponsor with a tax deductible donation payable to VCC Volunteers, Inc. Sponsorships are $300-Platinum, $200-Gold, or $100-Silver. Forms will be available in the Pro Shop mid-February, or ask any
volunteer. Mulligans, red tees, drop zones, and a cash board will be available prior to the start of each session. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams, as well as closest to the pin for ladies and men.
This annual event is to raise money for equipment needed for new projects, or repairs to improve and enhance our community. The volunteers deeply appreciate the support all of you have given us in the past and will do the best to serve you in the future.
Country Creek Has A New Cornhole League!
JUDE BONOS
The Country Creek Cornhole League played its first games on Sunday, January 14. Our cornhole organizers are Sharon Boos - Chair, Darlene Damstrom, Jean Adkins, Sydney Seneca and Carol DeFrank (not pictured) who guided the teams with minimal corn-fusion and maximum corn-centration.
There is still room in the league for more teams so sign-up or join in to help cheer the teams on.
IMPORTANT! You May Help Save A Life!
MARGARET FARMAR
There are four Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units in Country Creek. DID YOU KNOW?
There are four Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units in Country Creek. Do you know where they are, and would you know how to use one? VCC is sponsoring a training for residents on both the use of AEDs and CPR at the clubhouse on March 3, 2025 at 1:00 pm. The training will be presented by B. Scott Roy, Captain, EMS. This is a public safety presentation offered free of charge by Lee County in order to train any and all residents in the process of CPR (not mouth to mouth). The presentation will include how to use an AED, among other instructions such as the Heimlich maneuver. As noted above, we have four AEDs in our community. They are located in the restaurant, the fitness workout room, the main pool area, and the bathroom cabana located at hole number 9.
There is no cost for this training and it could be life saving. Registration is strongly encouraged. You can register directly as a student using this link -- https://leegov.enrollware.com/enroll?id=11091301. It will ask for your name and email address, but lee.gov won’t use your email for anything. Registration is used only to determine the number of attendees.
January Fashion Show
LOIS CHRISTENSEN
WOW! The January fashion show had a little bit of everything–good food, great fashion, both men and women models, a 50/50 raffle, and a roaring crowd that kept the excitement going and made for a really fun evening. The menu included French onion soup, coq au vin with green beans and duchess potatoes, and French vanilla crème brûlée for dessert. Ladies’ fashions were sponsored by Casual Connections and included a delightful mix of casual, semi-dressy and
evening wear. Travis Mathew sponsored the clothing for the men who modeled numerous outfits for golf, casual, and semi-business wear. The final feature was a couple who modeled a beautiful silver outfit for the lady and a silvery tuxedo for the gentleman. It was a knockout performance all around. The models were: Janelle Booth, Nancy Bosshard, Kathy McElroy, Mary Jo Myers, Michelle Suarez, Joyce Trost, Ann Wright, Dan Chelenza, Mike Flaherty, Kevin Feuerbach,
Rick Heltzel, Doug Pinzer, and Frank Toner. The 50/50 raffle offered some cash to several winners and also provided funds for the VCC Care Bears.
Thanks again to Bobbie Giannuzzi for her coordination of the affair, thanks to the models, and always thanks to the VCC kitchen and serving staff.
The next fashion show is a luncheon scheduled for March 14 at 11:30 am.
VCC History – Y2K – An Independent Community – 2000
A most important part of the history of the Villages at Country Creek occurred in the last half of 1999–the process of turning over board control to the community. C&S Town Homes created nine voting districts, and a representative from each district was elected to the board. Those representatives were seated at a turnover meeting in November 1999. Bob Selby was elected as first Master Board president; Gene Hirsch, vice president; Jack Blackburn, secretary, and Wimp Moyer, treasurer. Other board members were Bill Martin, Golf Committee; George Falber, Frank Binka, Architectural Committee; Bob Spurlock, Finance Committee, and Ed Eisele, Common Ground Committee.
In those last months of 1999, the Board met every two weeks. Their first order
of business was to review the financial status of the community with a plan to conduct a complete audit from 1987 to 1999 and to create a budget for fiscal year 2000. This would begin a new chapter, decade, and century for the independent community.
That audit reduced the book entry of $424,367 (developer loan) to $185,000, paid for by US Home. Thus, US Home’s officers, Dean McMurray and Joe Grimes, offered the community closeout
with no debt. It was with Helen Sarver and the S&S Management staff’s support that the transition went so smoothly. The first annual meeting under community board control was held March 27, 2000.
The new board of directors initiated clubhouse improvements beginning with the air conditioning system, new wallpaper, furniture, carpet and tile, repair and upgrading of the roof, and purchase of a convection oven for the restaurant. They purchased a
stair-stepper for the fitness room, and Channel 11 got a new computer, telephone line, air conditioner outlet and return air opening.
Kay Kolb kept CCTV current. Cas Obie was editor of the Villager and chaired the Communications Committee. His editorial staff included Gene Hirsch, Jeanette Holthofer, Kay Kolb, Mary Ann Moyer, Barry Rohde, Bob Spurlock, Char Suessman, and Peg Valleskey.
That first year, the board considered the Chelsea golf reservation system but it was voted down. Also in 2000, the Estero Civic Association named Eileen Galvin 1999 Person of the Year. Ed Lewis was cast in Inherit the Wind with the Naples Players. Ed and Gert Lewis were named the “2000 Man and Woman of the Year” by the Estero Civic Association.
The Men’s Golf Association added a new division–the
Super Seniors, later renamed the Country Creakers. Men’s club champion in 2000 was Dick Oelkers; Ladies club champion was Pat Immonen.
By then, the location of Estero and Villages of Country Creek boasted the convenience of many major facilities. Southwest Florida International Airport was located only 15 minutes away. Florida Gulf Coast University, founded in 1991, was only ten minutes away. Newly built was the region’s largest sports arena, 7000 seat Germain Arena, home of the minor league Florida Everblades hockey team. Nearby, Miromar Outlets
Mall had opened on October 28,1998. The improved Corkscrew Road was officially opened with a ribbon cutting in August 2000.
Estero’s core community encompassed 26 square miles and had 13 golf courses, but most of the early growth had been residential. However, by the end of 2000, Estero’s
commercial corridors, US 41 and Corkscrew Road, began to see tremendous commercial growth. The first major Estero commercial development was the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort. Estero became one of the fastest growing areas in the United States.
Meanwhile, the Villages at Country Creek, where the Estero River wound its way through to the estuary at Koreshan State Park, remained an oasis in the midst of the Estero growth around it. With all the challenges and changes, it remains so today.
A
most important part of the history of the Villages at Country Creek occurred in the last half of 1999–the process of turning over board control to the community.
Pool Etiquette
We are so fortunate here in Country Creek to have five pools for our residents to utilize. Since we all share them, it’s incumbent on each of us to be considerate of others as we use the pools. While we are currently waiting for new pool furniture to arrive, there are several things to consider to keep everything in good condition while respecting the comfort of our neighbors:
• Read and abide by the pool rules that are positioned in each pool area.
• While in the water, share the space. If you’re doing water aerobics or laps, for
example, talk to others in the pool and come to an agreement on how you can use the pool together.
• Limit your use of radio and/or phone calls so you don’t disturb others who may want to read while they soak up the sun.
• Look twice before leaving to be sure you’ve collected all your belongings and any trash that may have accumulated. There are garbage cans in each pool area for trash disposal.
• Return lounges to an upright position and arrange them so that they are not in someone else’s way.
• Replace chairs around tables.
• Close and tie all umbrellas to prevent wind damage.
• In the bathrooms, remember to turn off all water faucets and, if there is also an outside entrance, remember to unlock both doors when you leave.
...it’s incumbent on each of us to be considerate of others as we use the pools.
Book Club News
SECOND MONDAY BOOK CLUB
The Second Monday Book Club has selected the following books for the first half of the 2025 year:
January– Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby VanPelt
February– The Book Spy by Alan Hlad
March– James by Percival Everett
April– Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
May– Table for Two by Amor Towle
June– Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
(continued on page 26)
BOOKIES BOOK CLUB–
UNBRIDLED
MICHELLE SUAREZ
On Wednesday, January 15, the Bookies Book Club welcomed Michael Springer, author of Unbridled.
Michael was raised in Kankakee, Illinois, south of Chicago. Michael comes from a family of writers. Remember The Waltons? Michael was one of the writers for this television show. (He did confess, he did not create the closing
line: Good Night, John Boy). Following a series of careers as a screenwriter, editor and publisher, he has begun a new chapter as a novelist.
The Windy City has its share of stories and legends. However, many may not be aware of the Horse Mafia. If a horse was sold, bought, or shown in the Chicagoland area, you can bet the Horse Mafia was involved in some manner. If a stable owner sought to work outside the Horse Mafia, that owner may find one day that his or her prized horses were dead in their stables or even find their entire stable ablaze. This organization was so feared that the Mob stayed
Cook’s Corner
JUDY
LIESKE
HOT DRAWGS
INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ lb. chopped ham, shaved
½ lb. American Cheese
5 green onions
4 hard-boiled eggs
½ cup of chili sauce
1 cup of salad dressing (I use mayo)
away from any dealings in which the Horse Mafia was involved. So begins the legend of the Caine Brothers, Cyrus and Morgan.
Michael’s research took him to the Cook County Courthouse to review police reports, depositions, evidence lists, and a murder weapon. His sister Lisa Springer, a VCC member, worked with Michael on research for his book. Lisa was an equestrian as a young girl. She competed in the Chicagoland area. In fact, she once met the infamous Silas Jayne.
Unbridled is the first in a trilogy about the deadly Equestrian Mafia of Chicago.
DIRECTIONS:
Cut ham, cheese, onions, hard boiled eggs, then add chili sauce and salad dressing and mix well.
I use good bakery dinner rolls and fill them with mixture.
Wrap individually in aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
Bake in a heated oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
MICHAEL SPRINGER
Wood Stork
LOIS CHRISTENSEN
The Wood Stork is a large, long legged wading bird that reaches a height of 35-45 inches with a wingspan of 60-65 inches. They are entirely white save for their black flight feathers and tail. The head and upper neck of adult Wood Storks have no feathers but have gray rough scaly skin. They also have a black bill and black legs with pink toes. Adult Wood Storks are voiceless and are capable of only making hissing or low croaking sounds. They are impressive fliers, soaring on thermals as high as 6000 feet with neck and legs outstretched. (They are distinguishable in the air by the black feathers at the back edge of their wings as opposed to Ibis who have black feathers at the tips of their wings.) The Wood Stork has many folk names, including “Wood Ibis” (due to its down-curved, Ibis-like bill) and “flinthead” (for its scaly-looking bare head). The word “wood” probably refers to the birds’ favored nesting habitat in lowland wetlands.
Florida holds the largest nesting population of Wood Storks in the United States. Native to Central and South America, the Wood Stork is the only species of stork that breeds in the U.S. They arrive in South Florida in large numbers in October, and their nesting season runs from late November to early March. Females lay a single clutch of two to five eggs per season. The average incubation period is 30 days, with young Wood Storks able to fly 10-12 weeks after hatching. Wood Storks nest in colonies with as many as 25 nests in one tree. Nests are nearly exclusively found in trees on small islands or trees that are inundated by standing
water, as the presence of alligators has been shown to deter nest predators, like raccoons, which are a threat to eggs and young chicks.
Wood Storks feed by wading in shallow water. Over the course of the dry season in South Florida water levels can drop over four feet. This recession serves to concentrate the fish, and once the water level drops below 16 inches, Wood Storks will come in to feed. Their hunting technique is unique as they move their partially opened bill through water, snapping up prey when the prey comes in contact with the bill (a process called “tactilocation”). Wood
Storks’ bill snap is one of the fastest reaction times recorded in vertebrates (25 milliseconds), and they are highly efficient when prey are heavily concentrated in shallow water. They eat a variety of fish, including minnows, killifish, and mullet, as well as crayfish, crabs, aquatic insects, snakes, baby alligators, small turtles, frogs, rodents, and some seeds and other plant material. Fish between 1 and 10 inches in length make up the bulk of their diet; however, early in the breeding season in South
Florida, locally abundant crayfish are believed to contribute significantly. It takes an estimated 440 lbs of these small fish and crayfish over the 13-week nesting season for a pair to successfully fledge chicks.
The Wood Stork in Florida was reclassified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on June 30, 2014 from Endangered to Threatened. The destruction and degradation of Florida’s wetlands (drainage of cypress stands primarily for development) has made it
Food Share
PATRICK ROSSELLI
The Food Share project for the holiday season expired on January 5. There is no need for residents to bring food items to the lower level of the clubhouse at this time. The project will resume in mid-March and will run until the end of May. Watch for further details in the next issue of The Villager.
difficult for Wood Storks to find enough food for their young.
Care Bear volunteers at VCC can provide the following free limited services for our residents.
• Provide medical equipment (shower chairs, walkers, wheel chairs, etc.)
• Drive to appointments.
• Grocery shop or assist with shopping.
• Recommend assistive agencies.
• Offer a helping hand.
For more information, call Karen Dougherty @ 217-220-0626.
JUST FOR LAUGHS...
An old man and a 20 year old are paired together at a golf tournament. They’re playing a long par 5 that dog legs around some tall trees. As the 20 year old sets up his tee shot to hit onto the fairway, the old man notes “when I was your age we used to hit over the trees–not around to the side.” So the 20 year old readjusts and tries to hit over the trees, but can’t clear them and loses his ball. He tries again and loses that one too. Then the old man says “of course, when I was your age, the trees were only 6 feet tall.”
Villager Staff
Editorial Staff: Lois Christensen, Susan D’Alessandro, Margaret Farmar, Judy Lieske, Jude Knisley
Contact/Submissions: VCCVillager@gmail.com
The Villager welcomes resident memoriams and article submissions describing Country Creek life. News of social and sporting activities are welcome, and accompanying photos are encouraged. The Villager does not publish articles with a religious or political theme or opinion pieces that demonstrate a particular bias.
