TheVillager
16 TH ANNUAL TENNIS BALL RYDER CUP/ SOLAR CUP
A Look Inside ANOLE, GECKO, SKINK –WHICH IS IT?
Master Board
“John Baillie said that “April is the month of dreams come true.” At VCC, we are continuing to plan and work and dream of addressing the needs of our community. Here are some of the ways we’re doing that.
The Master Board welcomes Wes Grube, Dan Glienecki, and Michelle Suarez. They will serve the VCC community until March 2027. Michelle served on the board previously to complete
the term of Steve Zielinski, and we are glad to have her continue for the next term.
If you own your golf cart, have you tried parking in the area located near the overflow parking lot? Thank you for testing out this new location provided by the Common Grounds Committee and the Volunteers. The additional parking is helping to alleviate congestion near the cart barn and pro shop. Please give it a try.
The Patio is up and running with great success. Members and guests have been socializing before and after playing golf and tennis, following pool time, and during their community outings. Rafael and his staff are working diligently to provide excellent service as we all learn how to best use this new option for food and beverages with friends. Stop by and enjoy the beautiful view, comfortable seating, and happy environment. You
can even reserve The Patio for your own special event. Just give Rafael a call.
Have you had a chance to review the Major Projects presentation offered to the members of VCC at the annual Members meeting on March 19? It is on the VCC website. Click on the dropdown list and scroll to Major Projects. This site will answer questions and provide project updates. If you would like to learn more about the Project Manager, RHarper Consulting Group and the Architect, Humphrey Rosal Architects, visit the VCC Website or click the links here. Consider bookmarking this page for ease of access to the latest information.
Patience and the Main Pool Project are going hand in hand these days. Much has been taking place behind the scenes that will set us up for a successful outcome, even though you cannot see it at the pool. We are hopeful that the powers that be provide the permissions required so the work can begin soon.
• A contract for the pool renovation and spa relocation has been approved and executed with Jackson Pools.
• The pool and spa design work (relocation of the spa) has been completed and submitted for permitting by the Department of Health and the Village of Estero.
• The finish selections for the pool have been finalized and ordered.
• A civil engineer has been engaged to assist in permitting and to provide the due diligence we will need for the cabana bar conversion.
• A conceptual design for converting the cabana to a full-service bar has been presented, and feedback has been incorporated into that design.
• Once the architectural design for the cabana bar is completed, finish options will be suggested by an interior designer. The selection process for that vendor is underway.
• The conceptual design will be shared with at
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least three qualified contractors for pricing. While the Main Pool Project proceeds, the Clubhouse Major Project is also progressing.
• The architect has been selected, and the first conceptual design is underway.
• The civil engineer and architect have been reviewing the current zoning and parking ordinances to determine if any additional square footage might be added to the clubhouse.
• Once the design is reviewed and feedback incorporated, it will go out to contractors for estimates of a baseline budget.
• The conceptual design will be shared with interior design candidates allowing them to provide proposals tailored to the design.
• The architect, civil engineer and project manager will then take the design to the Planning Director at the Village of Estero to get preliminary feedback.
NOTE: The Master Board is currently developing a schedule of open-conversation meetings for all members to engage with questions and comments about the Major Project processes. Please watch your email for these opportunities.
The next meeting of the Master Board will take place on April 22, at 1 p.m. in the Clubhouse dining room and on Zoom. For those that cannot attend a scheduled
Master Board meeting, the recording of the meeting is always distributed to members via email.
Community Service Award–Patricia O’Connor
This year’s Community Service Award was presented to Patti O’Connor during VCC’s Annual Meeting of the Master Board on March 19.
Patti has been an extraordinary volunteer for many years helping to make this community the gem that it is.
She is the President of the VCC Bocce Federation overseeing not only the leagues, but also the courts at the park. She is also the VCC Facebook Administrator, VCC Community Yard Sale coordinator, Chairperson of the HOA1 holiday party, as well as an active member of the CCLGA.
D’ALESSANDRO PATTI WITH MASTER BOARD PRESIDENT DENNY SIMONAVICE
CONGRATULATIONS TO PATTI AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
SUSAN
CCMGA News
RICHARD REID
It’s been a busy month with some of our bigger tournaments coming one after another. The Elmer Rawson Match play started off the month and continued on Wednesdays through the month. On February 21 we had our monthly luncheon after playing the ABCD Scramble. While that was going on, we chose our new vice president and had another hole in one. We finished things with the Chuck Hunkins League Championship.
The Elmer Rawson Match play consisted of three flights playing the blue tees and two playing the whites. From the blue tees Darko Vukojevic defeated Chris Migut to win the A flight, Sam Lewin defeated Ray Atherholt in the B flight and Jim Spata defeated Guy Novotny for the C title. From the white tees Lee Eisenberg defeated Richard Page in the A flight and John Page defeated Bill Rooney in the B flight. Congratulations to the winners.
The ABCD Scramble, along with our monthly luncheon, was won by the team of Greg Lyczak, Joe Calabretta, Jim Frankino and Rick Heltzel, narrowly beating the team of Richard Reid, Bill Rooney, Guy Novotny and Terry Burke. It was followed up by a delicious lunch of pork and chicken. Ray Atherholt was then confirmed as vice president of the CCMGA, joining president Don Polulak.
DARKO VUKOJEVIC
JOHN PAGE
SAM LEWIN, LEE EISENBERG, JIM SPATA
DON POLULAK AND RAY ATHERHOLT
The Chuck Hunkins League Championship was held on March 5 and 7. There were multiple flights from the Blue and White tees. Darko Vukojevic became the overall league champion by taking low gross in the A Flight from the Blue Tees with a total score of 130. Garry Kraemer took low net with a 128. Dave Amatangelo took low net in the B Flight with a score of 130. Terry Burke took the C Flight with a 127. Dick Oelkers took low gross from the White tees with a score of 137. Don Polulak’s 126 took low net.
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GREG LYCZAK, JOE CALABRETTA, JIM FRANKINO AND RICK HELTZEL
DON POLULAK, TERRY BURKE, GARRY KRAEMER, DARKO VUKOJEVIC, DAVE AMATANGELO
To top things off, on February 26, Fritz Wegscheider had a 158-yard hole in one on the 10th hole. Great shot Fritz.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Upcoming April Friday events are:
April 11: Luncheon 4-man Scramble (ABCD) Players 8:30 a.m. shotgun
April 18: 2-Man Team 9 holes BB, 9 holes scramble
April 25: Individual Score (lowest putts) No Gimmes
DON POLULAK, DICK OELKERS
FRITZ WEGSCHEIDER
CCLGA News
The CCLGA held its annual ladies league championship on March 4 and 6. Our ladies league champion was Marianne Meola for the second year in a row!
Our 18 hole participants included a low gross and a low net winner in each of four flights.
FLIGHT 1 LOW NET WINNER TRACY BATES AND LOW GROSS WINNER DEB VERWAY
FLIGHT 2 LOW NET WINNER DIANA BURTON AND LOW GROSS WINNER TRUDY TRAYNOR
The 9 hole golfers placed in two flights, Flight 1 and Flight 2.
FLIGHT 1 LOW NET WINNER JOAN POLTZER AND LOW GROSS WINNER CINDY FEUERBACH
FLIGHT 2 LOW NET WINNER MENA DE MARIO AND LOW GROSS WINNER MELINDA KERSHAW
FLIGHT 3 LOW NET WINNER SHARON PFAFF AND LOW GROSS WINNER PATTY VAVRIK
FLIGHT 4 LOW GROSS WINNER JOYCE TROST, LOW NET WINNER ROXANN MIGUT
The winners had an option of a cash prize or a trophy. Those prizes were awarded on March 25 at our annual winter awards luncheon.
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LEAGUE CHAMPION
MARIANNE MEOLA
Our next event is the member-member event scheduled for April 10. The CCLGA board has agreed to decrease the cost of this event by $5 each, as a reward for our members.
NEXT EVENT
Thursday, April 10 Member-Member Event
The Wild About Golf themed golf scramble with breakfast and luncheon is a popular annual event, each year featuring a different theme. The Safari motif has many surprise elements orchestrated by the committee, including jungle juice served by Tarzan and Jane.
The final total for the amount of money raised for the CCLGA annual charity event, this year’s Blessing in a Backpack, raised a grand total of $14,021.46. Thanks to the chairwomen, Lynn Polulak and Mindy Metz, together with their capable committee members, for a job well done!
Ryder Cup/Solar Cup
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
The Volunteers wish to thank the Villages at Country Creek community for their continued support of the organization. The success of our annual golf outing is not only a tribute to all in our community that enjoy a great day of golf, but also the recognition of the many projects performed by the Volunteers.
This year we had a total of 158 golfers playing in the morning and afternoon sessions, hole sponsorship/donations included 44 contributors, and the Volunteers realized over $7,600 after expenses. The proceeds this year will be used to purchase needed tools and equipment that permit the Volunteers to perform their work. So once again, the Volunteers want to say “THANK YOU.”
Tennis Notes
KRISTEN SALERNO
The tennis community continues to provide a great outlet for many VCC residents. This winter we had 5 competitive leagues where we traveled to other communities for matches, social tennis for both the ladies and men, and we welcomed Wayne Keeler for our various drills. We had people playing from the ages of 35-90. Dr. Seuss has a famous quote, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
“You’re off to Great places! Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting, so...
Get on your way!”
This quote seems to sum up the adventure that so many of our residents share. It’s exciting to witness all the places we go as we navigate through life both on and off the court.
Winter team results are listed below:
Women’s Update provided by Captains Joan Blaschke and Roe Brush.
The 3.0 Country Creekers tennis team 50yrs+ finished the season in 4th of 14 teams in the Blue Division. The competition at times was stiff although in 3 matches we swept all 4 courts from our opponents. All credit goes to our teammates: Sylvia Allen, Denise Sahly, Sandi Barber, Mary Ellen Bragg, Roe Brush, Marge Piorkowski, Joan Blaschke, Margaret Farmar, Marion Malone, Maureen Bieling, Kristen Salerno and Barbara Wilson.
Country Creek Ladies 70’s Tennis Team had an awesome winter season. They came in 2nd place! A special shout out to team members–Sandi Barber, Mary Ellen Bragg, Daphne Cole, Barbara Wilson, Marge Piorkowski and Maureen Bieling. It was a fun season for all.
WOMENS 70 + PLAYOFFS
3 . 0 CHAMPIONS
The Men’s 2.5 team fell in the middle of the pack but enjoyed some hardfought matches.
Men’s Updates from team captains Gary Blaschke and Larry Brush:
The 70+ 6.0 Bonita tennis team finished second out of 3 teams. They played 6 matches and ended up winning 4 and losing 2 games.
The Thursday 3.0 team finished strong winning all 9 games and were crowned the Division Champions. They continued to compete in a 4- team playoff match. They lost their first match but won the second one to take 3rd place in our league.
The VCC tennis community is looking forward to an inaugural tennis tournament organized by Wayne Keeler. Updates and winners will be announced in the May Villager!
MEN’S
TENNIS MEN’S 2 . 5 TEAM
16th Annual Tennis Ball
KATHLEEN KETTLER
On March 11, the tennis community and guests came together for the 16th annual Tennis Ball. The crowd was rowdy and ready to party!
The theme for the evening was “Court Humor.” Guests posed for funny pictures, enjoyed the comical table centerpieces, and laughed at silly jokes. Team Captains Rocky Blaschke, Larry Brush, Joan Blaschke and Roe Brush shared stories from the men’s and ladies’ 2025 tennis league season. A variety of door prizes were given away and the 50/50 raffle was a huge success with five happy winners taking home the cash. Randy and Brad Duo packed the dance floor with their live music featuring dance tunes from the forties to the present day.
Special thanks go out to those who helped make the evening a success, which included Rocky Blaschke, Kathy Johnstone, Kathy
Kettler, Marty Menna, Phil Riskin, Kristen Salerno, Betty Sayad, Barbara Wilson, and Ron Wicks.
Our sincere appreciation to Rafael and the VCC staff for providing a delicious meal and outstanding service. It is always a pleasure to interact with Rafael’s excellent staff!
The evening was a blast and everyone is looking forward to next year’s celebration!
Bocce News
PATTI O’CONNOR
The CC Bocce 2025 winter season has rolled its way to the end. League play ended on March 25 followed by our annual award banquet on Friday, March 28. As of the date of this writing, the Bocce Bandits are in the lead to win the season with their new captain Gene Cipriano. The next two teams trying to roll past the Bandits are the Goombas led by Sharon Boos and the Blazers with their new captain, Cyndy McDermott. The Rascals (Captain Mike Halpin), Delaware Destroyers (Captain Mary Anne Alicea), and Rock’n Rollers (Captain Ron Hopkins) are all working hard to roll to the top. So many teams are very close that we will have to wait until the final roll to determine whose team name goes on the trophy.
This year the CC Bocce Federation created a new award. It is called the Robert Smith Leadership and Service award. Last fall, our league lost a dedicated captain named Robert (Bob) Smith. He loved bocce and helped his team win multiple seasons. His love for the game helped the league and inspired many players. At our annual
banquet we will announce the winner of the first person to win this award. There are so many dedicated players that we need to thank to ensure our courts, rules, and procedures are up-to-date so everyone can enjoy this sport at VCC. Look for the winter results and winners in the May edition.
SAVE A LIFE ... Hands Only CPR
MARGARET FARMAR
Our first presentation was held on March 3 in the clubhouse. It was a great success! There were more than 65 residents in attendance with another 25 on a wait list. The second session was scheduled for March 31, 2025.
B. Scott Roy, Captain, Shift Commander, who works for the Lee County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services was accompanied by another professional EMS, Tom Smith, who actually lives here in Country Creek.
There were two short videos (with thanks to Rafael Bonilla for the tech assistance). Scott then followed this up with a “How To” demonstration on the ten “dummies” that had been distributed around the room. Participants got a chance to perform CPR and save their dummy’s life. Next was the demonstration on several of the different types of AEDs now available, as well as how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on adults. Adaptations were described for the procedures on children.
Many questions were asked and answered, especially with regard to how many AEDs we have at Country Creek, and where they are located. Currently we have 4 working AEDs. The locations are as follows: main
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dining room, gym, clubhouse pool/cabana area, and the bathrooms at hole #9. More AEDs are needed. The tennis courts at the condos, and the 4 satellite pools should each have an AED. The chance of survival drops 7-10% each minute without CPR or defibrillation.
Nearly 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are fatal. Being prepared with procedural knowledge and equipment will increase the chances of survival. To effectively respond to cardiac arrest, an AED needs to be accessible within a two-minute round-trip from where it is kept.
Here’s a quick synopsis of some of the information we learned:
STEP 1
Check for response: tap or gently shake victim; ask the victim loudly, “Are you OK?”
STEP 2
Call 911: have someone call 911 or call 911 yourself if you are alone; ask someone to find the closest AED
STEP 3
Compress : initiate hands-only CPR; push hard and fast; 100 times a minute; counting 1,2,3,4 can help you keep tempo.*
Breaking a rib is better than the alternative of doing nothing, which usually ends with a fatality. Anyone using an AED or CPR is protected by the Good Samaritan laws in the state.
* here are a few songs to help keep the beat: “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, and “Respect” by Aretha Franklin.
There are many more songs. The goal is to time your compressions on the person’s chest to the beat of the music, between 100 and 120 BPM.
Blacksmith Forge Monthly Luncheons
JUDITH KNISELY
On the fourth Friday every month, the ladies living on Blacksmith Forge go out to lunch, a practice that started in the 1980’s. Restaurants were scarce in the 1980’s so the group lunched at community clubs in the area. The luncheons continue now in local restaurants with many of the early traditions still in place.
March Fashion Show
LOIS CHRISTENSEN
The March Fashion Show featured a new fashion company–Versona at Coconut Point Mall. The clothing was a refreshing mixture of youthful but tasteful outfits from casual to elegant design. Bobbie Giannuzzi, organizer and hostess of the event, wore a lovely black outfit with marvelously frilled sleeves, and introduced the retail agent from Versona. Models were Debbie Bell, Nancy Bosshard, Jackie Brezney, Diane Darmody, Sara Moskal, and Connie Spohn. Each of the models wore three different outfits that demonstrated their wearability for daytime, business, or special events.
The lunch was a delicious tropical coconut shrimp salad with raspberry sorbet for dessert. As always, the VCC staff did a superb job of handling drink orders and serving the luncheon. Thank you to all who attended and continue to support this type of event.
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Gallery – Creekside Food And Fun
Care Bears
KAREN DOUGHERTY
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.
In Memoriam – Mary Morrissette
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Louise Morrissette on March 9, 2025 after a valiant battle with Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.
Mary was born on June 22, 1947 in Boston, Massachusetts, to Capt. William D. Taylor and Constance Taylor. She was the beloved sister of Ann, Terry, David, and Bill. Mary was the devoted wife of Leo Morrissette for 54 years and the proud mother of Kelly Morrissette and Erica Schwartz, as well as a loving mother-
in-law to Todd Schwartz. Mary was also a cherished grandmother to Lauren and Ryan Schwartz.
After raising their family in Hampton and Stratham, New Hampshire, Mary dedicated 40 years to teaching elementary school in both New Hampshire and Florida. In 1995, she and Leo built their retirement home in Villages at Country Creek, where she remained an active and engaged member of the community.
Mary generously volunteered her time in many ways, serving as Vice
President of the Ladies’ Golf League, Chairperson of the community-wide yard sale, and organizer of several HOA 1 and 2 Christmas parties. She was also instrumental in coordinating Illuminations Night on Country Barn Drive and served as editor of the Country Creek Recipe Book. Additionally, she was part of the Wii organizing committee, played bocce with the Goombas, and hosted card and mahjong groups in her home.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the future. We deeply appreciate your condolences during this time of sorrow.
VCC History – Continuing Growth in Estero and Rising Home Values in VCC – 2004
Between 2000 and 2004 the demand and supply of new housing in Estero seemed to be in equilibrium with an average of 1,800 new homes a year, diminishing slightly in 2002 and 2003. However, the year 2004 ranked first of the previous five years in total building value in Estero and was up by more than $100 million from 2003. 2004 had by far the highest building value per unit, up by 17% over the next highest year (2002).
In Villages at Country Creek, Creekside Restaurant went into self-management on January 1, 2004. A Restaurant Operations Committee (ROC) oversaw restaurant operations. Members of the first committee were Chairman Gary Miller, Carmen Arciola, Barbara Litzen, and George Howard. The committee’s mission was “to attract member use of
the restaurant by providing affordable good food, served by trained and efficient staff in a pleasant atmosphere.”
The chef was Shan Peele and the new restaurant manager was Sandy Johnsmeyer.’’
The second annual Tour of Homes took place March 21, 2004, featuring eight residences and raising $2,453 for Country Creek Charities. The total amount raised for charities in 2004 was $24,808.
Bob Hoffman, elected president of the Master Board in 2003, handed the gavel to Bob Nelson, who began his four-year Master Board presidency in 2004. George Howard, who did so much for Country Creek passed away June 16, 2004. Heman Myers was named to Miamisburg Ohio High School Football Hall of Fame, and Kay Kolb retired from CCTV after volunteering for
four-and-a-half years. Men’s Club Champion in 2004 was Jina Kolz; Ladies’ Club Champion was Ava Fleisher.
Socially, Country Creek joined the Kentucky Derby Race Day via television with over 120 attending the First Derby Day party at the clubhouse. Ralph and Ginny Mobley, Kentucky residents, put together a realistic event at which ladies were decked out in their special hats. All enjoyed the frivolity of the race singing “My Old Kentucky Home” along with those at the racetrack. A southern style buffet was served and dancing followed for a celebratory evening.
On May 29, 2004 a fire broke out just south of Florida Gulf Coast University and on the southern end of campus, burning 1300 acres over the five days.
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The raging fire was visible at Country Creek and as far away as Cape Coral and Bonita Springs. Black smoke slowed traffic on I-75, and the smell of the burning landscape lingered for weeks.
Year 2004 will be remembered as one of the deadliest and most costly Atlantic hurricane seasons on record in the last decade. This is the only time in recorded history that four hurricanes (Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne) affected Florida. Hurricane Charley hit southwest Florida on Friday, August 13, 2004
and Country Creek saw damage to roofs and pool enclosures, but no serious damage was done to homes. Large trees were blown down, and street signs were downed. There was debris throughout the community, but everyone got together and returned our community to its natural beauty.
Year 2004 will be remembered as one of the deadliest and most costly Atlantic hurricane seasons on record in the last decade.
Other things accomplished in the community in 2004 included the new erosion protection that was installed on lakes 9 and 10. Additional plantings added to the new look of the site. The golf course extended its putting green, and generally the entire community was getting back to normal after being battered by the three hurricanes that came close to Estero. Everyone hoped that year 2005 would bring gentler weather.
Estero Historical Society
Upcoming Events
April 12
The following events for the Estero Historical Society are being held at The Villages at Country Creek:
• April 12, 9:30 a.m.–Lecture Series–Rise of Florida Cattle Industry–Local historian Jacob Winge describes the far-reaching impact of cattle ranching in Southwest Florida. $15 Member, $20 Non-Member. Register www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com
Three Amazing Tools To Stay Informed With All VCC Happenings Whether Here Or Up North!
JUDY LIESKE
Do you have The Clubhouse Online App on your phone?
Below is the link to download this valuable tool to view VCC Events, Roster (directory of residents), and view and pay your monthly statements. You will need your Account number and password to use this app. https://apps.apple. com/us/app/clubhouse-online-mobile-app/ id1413832065.
Use your Hotwire Fision Phone App while up north! Check your messages weekly for updates on all refresh projects completed or in progress, all changes, and even just the fun things going on here in our wonderful community. The Community tab is located at the bottom of the Hotwire Fision App. Anyone needing help downloading the phone app or using your tv remote, please contact Judy Lieske at (239) 351-0002 or email vcchotwiretv@ gmail.com.
The Villager will now be published 12 months a year and is available online at https:// vcc.seabreezecommunications.com. Again, another great tool to keep our residents informed about past and future events.
Enjoy all this valuable information right at your fingertips!
Anole, Gecko, Skink – Which is it?
LOIS CHRISTENSEN
In Southwest Florida, we see these little lizards everywhere. Primarily because of the Geico commercials on TV, there is a tendency to call them all geckos, but there is a difference between anoles, geckos, and skinks.
There are basically two types of anoles – brown and green. Telling these two critters apart can be tricky. The green anole is green but can also be brown. The brown anole is brown or gray (sometimes nearly black) and never green. The green anole (the only anole native to Florida) can change color to various shades of green or brown; the brown anole can also change color but to a lesser extent. Anoles grow to a total length of 5 to 9 inches. The sexes differ in size, with mature females being slightly smaller than mature males. Their skin is relatively smooth, often with intricate patterns on their back and sides, such as stripes,
triangles, spots, and dashes of lighter and darker colors. Females almost always have a light-colored stripe running down the middle of their back and tail. Crested anoles can erect a smooth-edged crest on their neck, back, and tail. Males advertise their territories and display
their bright, reddish-orange throat fan (i.e. dewlap), bobbing their head, and doing push-ups. The anole’s diet consists of crickets, small locusts, mealworms, wax worms, small earthworms, small cockroaches, flies and even moths, butterflies, and spiders.
BROWN ANOLE LIZARD-SCALED
GREEN ANOLE
There are no known direct hazards to people caused by brown anoles, but they can be a nuisance and can be unsettling for someone who is afraid of reptiles. Once inside, they are difficult to capture because they are quick and can escape into confined spaces. Once captured, they can be handled without risk of injury to the captor, but they can deliver a noticeable bite.
The common tropical house gecko is around 3 to 5 inches long and light brown or tan with mottled grey, black, and dark brown markings from nose to tail. Their eyes are bulbous and protruding with vertical, slit-shaped pupils. As a nocturnal species, the gecko has exceptional eyesight. Thanks to its huge eyes and uniquelyshaped pupils, it can dilate to take in as much light as possible, even in nearly pitch-black conditions. House geckos are largely insectivores, but adults will consume spiders and other invertebrates, and occasionally juvenile geckos as well. They are strongly territorial and can be quite vocal at night, making a series of crisp, rapid chirps. They may make a squeaking noise when captured. Geckos are most active around sunset and sunrise when rocks and walls are warm from the heat of the sun. The skin of some geckos is covered with small tubercles that look like pimples. Geckos are very quick to autotomize, or drop off, their tails. Most species of gecko are quite shy, darting quickly for cover as soon as they see a person approaching. Most geckos do not have eyelids. Like snakes, the eyes of geckos are covered with transparent scales. The gecko keeps this transparent scale clean by wiping it with its tongue. Most geckos have extremely fine
ridges and bristles on the bottom of their toes. This feature allows them to cling easily to smooth vertical surfaces, such as glass windows. Most medium-sized to large geckos are docile, but may bite if distressed, which might pierce skin.
Smooth, sleek, and shiny are the adjectives used to describe the healthy skink. All of the species of skinks found in Florida prowl on the ground for small insects, although the larger species also climb trees and wooden structures. Southeastern five-lined skinks are moderately large lizards with short legs and a streamlined body. The body is generally gray, brown, or black in background color with five white or yellowish stripes, (two on each side and one down the center of the back). Young have a bright blue tail while adult males’ stripes may fade and a reddish
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HOUSE GECKO (NON-NATIVE)
or orange coloration may develop on the head. Although sometimes seen in the open, these lizards are most often found beneath logs or under tree bark. When pursued, these lizards generally run for the nearest tree or log and can be quite difficult to capture. Like many other lizards, southeastern five-lined skinks will break off their tails when restrained, distracting predators and allowing the lizard to escape.
BLUE TAIL SKINK
A blue tailed skink can be moderately harmful to pets. If your feline or canine friend decides to have a nibble on a blue tailed lizard, the consequences might be discomforting but usually not severe. In most cases, mild symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea might occur as the digestive system reacts to the unusual meal. While the lizards themselves are not poisonous, the reactions they trigger in pets can still necessitate medical attention to ensure a swift recovery.
Notes:
Discover Florida Nature
Floridian Nature
JUST FOR LAUGHS...
My kids asked me what it was like growing up in the 60’s, so I took their phones away and turned the internet off!
Cook’s Corner
PATTY ROBINSON (ONE OF VCC’S FIRST RESIDENTS!)
PATTY’S BANANA BREAD
DIRECTIONS:
Beat eggs, vanilla, salt, and flour.
Add buttermilk and all other ingredients. Add bananas–do not over mix.
Bake in a greased loaf pan for 1 hour and 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
INGREDIENTS:
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of buttermilk
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 stick of oleo, cream (substitute with equal measure of butter, margarine, or shortening)
1¼ cups mashed banana (about 41/2)
APRIL 20
Villager Staff
Editorial Staff: Lois Christensen, Susan D’Alessandro, Margaret Farmar, Judy Lieske, Jude Knisely
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.
Contacting the VCC Staff
Sharon Pisanchyn - gm@vccgolfclub.com
Sarah Goffar - om@vccgolfclub.com
Nichelle Siewertsen - (Interim) mrc@vccgolfclub.com
Rafael Bonilla - fbmanager@vccgolfclub.com
John Alfuth - johna@vccgolfclub.com
Kwazadine Britton - chef@vccgolfclub.com
Contacting the Master Board
vccmasterboard@vccgolfclub.com
