Villages at CC MAY 2025

TheVillager MAY 2025

A Look Inside POOL RENOVATION

CORNHOLE LEAGUE

NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO

IN THIS ISSUE 2 | From the Master Board

20 | Common Grounds

30 | Nine-Banded Armadillo

4 | Pool Renovation

Committee Featuring Flowers

31 | Cook’s Corner

6 | Keep Track of Major Projects

8 | CCMGA News 10 | CCLGA News 15 | Blessings in a Backpack

16 | Tennis Notes Tennis Awards

18 | Cornhole League

22 | VCC Volunteers 24 | Birthday Bash/ St. Patrick’s Day Party

25 | Gallery – Creekers Having Fun

26 | In Memoriam 27 | VCC History – 2005 29 | Care Bears

32 | Wii Bowling 35 | Three Amazing Tools to Stay Informed

36 | Villager Staff Contacting the VCC Staff Contacting the Master Board

37 | Estero Community Useful Numbers

From the Master Board Do you know that approximately 90 VCC owners volunteer their time, talents and energy, lots of energy, to address countless needs in our community?

These volunteers improve our common grounds, repair our infrastructure, serve on

NEXT MEETING

May 20th at 1:00 pm Location: Clubhouse and on Zoom

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committees, enhance our social events, and complete countless other tasks that make our life here better.

If you know someone who volunteers, thank them, and maybe ask how you can join in the fun.

on Major Projects at the top of the home page. Visit frequently to stay in the know with information and facts. No rumors there!

The Main Pool renovation is underway! We are beyond excited that Jackson Pools Information about The Major is on-site and has started Projects is easily found on the re-creation of a pool the VCC website. Facts, area we can all enjoy. We’re figures, dates, plans, and grateful for your patience progress are all there and and support, and remind you updated frequently for you. to please stay away from the Begin by signing in on the area while the work is being opening page, then click completed.

The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

New signs have been posted in the area behind the clubhouse to remind us all that bicycles are not to be ridden on the bridge nor on the sidewalk between the main pool and golf course. And, please do not ride your bike on the walkway of The Patio. Use the bicycle racks provided in those areas.

Several minor incidents and near misses have been reported. Let’s all do our part to avoid an accident.

clubhouse food and beverages. The bar is staffed, the lights are on, and you can even work with Rafael to have live entertainment. fbmanager@vccgolfclub.com

If you’re having a party and want a very special place to hold it, contact Rafael about The Patio. It’s a terrific place to enjoy family and friends with the benefits of our

The next meeting of the Master Board will take place on May 20, 2025 at 1:00PM in the Clubhouse and on Zoom. See you then!

Some of our neighbors are heading north soon. We wish them safe travels and look forward to their return. Some of us remain and look forward to enjoying the sunny summer of VCC.

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Pool Renovation

SUNDAY, MAY 11 4

The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

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The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

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CCMGA News RICHARD REID

As the winter season comes to an end, we can look back at a very successful season.

We had a lot of great events, some excellent meals and a number of aces. To top it off we would like to congratulate Roy Bauer for receiving the Fred McBride Award. Fred McBride was the founder of the CCMGA. Since 1989 the award is given to an individual “In recognition of the outstanding and devoted service you have given to the CCMGA.” Roy has been on the board for 25 years, serving as Secretary, Vice President, President and Treasurer. This is Roy’s second Fred McBride award having earned it in 2008.

Congratulations Roy and thank you for all your service.

For the April luncheon we played a 4 Player ABCD Scramble. It was won by the team of Naseer Chaudry, Tom Boos, Phil Beloin, and Ted Pawlich with a gross score of 57.

Closest to the pin winners were Rich Reid from the blue tees and Lee Eisenberg from the white. Thanks to Rafael and his crew for the usual excellent lunch. We had a choice between sliders and fried fish.

TOM BOOS, NASEER CHAUDRY, PHIL BELOIN

Congratulations again to the winners of our big events.

ROY BAUER AND DON POLULAK

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The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

November Scramble: Ray Atherholt, Dan Chelenza, Tony Lamia, and Dan Daigneault December ABCD Scramble: Ken Crimmins, Guy Gibson, John Mowrey and Reale Lemieux January CCMGA Member/Member Memorial Tournament: Mike Fisher and Ken Hutchins

February ABCD Scramble Joseph Calabretta, Rick Heltzel Greg Lyczak, Jim Frankino The 2025 MGA/LGA Invitational Tournament: Dave Amatangelo, George Lonergan, Joyce Hussey, and Kathy Gallo made up the winning team Elmer Rawson Match Play: Darko Vukojevic, Sam Lewin, Jim Spata, Lee Eisenberg, John Page The Chuck Hunkins League Championship: Darko Vukojevic, Garry Kraemer, Dave Amatangelo, Terry Burke, Dick Oelkers, Don Polulak Ravis Prueitt 2-Man Match Play: Jack Spaulding and Darko Vukojevic Inspired by the Master’s tradition we held a par 3 challenge on April 9 that raised $2160 for Junior Golf.

On March 19 Ray Brothers had a hole in one on the 125 yard 16th hole. Way to go Ray. Finally we would like to thank all the league members that came out and made this year a big success. Have a good summer and see you next fall.

RAY BROTHERS

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CCLGA News The 2024-25 CCLGA golf season has rolled to a close, with several memorable events.

The season’s awards scramble and presentation of trophies and awards were given out on March 25. The scramble winners for the day were: ANNE REDDING, BARB LATTIMER, DIANE DARMODY AND GAIL DESISTO

Our annual member member event, Wild About Golf, held on April 10 was filled with colorful costumes, safari animals, many fun games, and lots of volunteers who assisted to make the day memorable! The day started with a lovely and delicious breakfast in the grill room, hosted by Nancy Eisenberg and her committee.

96 lady golfers participated in the Wild About Golf event, pictured here on the bridge over to hole number one.

WILD ABOUT GOLF PARTICIPANTS

MEMBER MEMBER COMMITTEE MEMBERS TERESA HAGEMAN, NANCY EISENBERG, JOHN MOWREY, KATH SCHAL, LYNN POLULAK, KATHY NEHAR, DIANA BURTON, HARRY BURTON, MELISSA MOWREY AND SHERRY ARASKOG

BREAKFAST TABLE WITH MEMBER MEMBER COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND MALE VOLUNTEERS

One of the games was to play with an orange ball, rotated between the four golfers.

Whoever finished with the ball in their possession by the end of hole 18 received five strokes off their score. The top seven teams who received Johnny Cash all turned in the orange ball for the five strokes off! (continued on page 12)

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Colorful and creative costumes were judged for “best costume.”

TARZAN JAMIE HATHCOCK

WINNERS OF THE BEST DRESSED COSTUME WERE MARY SUE PETERSON, PATTY VAVREK, LYNN FOX AND JOANN SMITH

$25 gift certificates were given to each person, and to the closest drive to the Safari animal, Sara Moskal, as well as the winners of the putting contest, who were Jackie Klein and Mary Sue Peterson.

KAY DRAKE, KEVIN HATHCOCK, RON SNYDER, BJ SNYDER (JANE) AND JAMIE HATHCOCK (TARZAN)

Tarzan and Jane were present at our watering hole near hole 9 green.

Brett, disguised as a monkey, drove many balls on hole 15 for all participants, many ending up as an albatross!

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The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

BRETT, OUR MONKEY DRIVER

CCLGA RULES CLINIC AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL ATTENDEES

BRETT WITH WILD ABOUT GOLF CHAIRPERSONS MELISSA MOWREY AND DIANA BURTON

The season’s last event was a CCLGA Rules Clinic and Ice Cream Social held April 16. Clarification of several golf rules was given by our golf pro, John Alfuth, and our Ladies League appointee to the VCC Golf Committee, Nancy Laser. The ice cream social was enjoyed by all and was held on the clubhouse patio.

JOHN ALFUTH, VCC’S GOLF PROFESSIONAL AND NANCY LASER, CCLGA GOLF COMMITTEE MEMBER

ROXANN MIGUT AND ANOTHER MEMBER ENJOYING THE ICE CREAM SOCIAL

(continued on page 14)

Other photos from these events:

JUNGLE GALS SHARON SULLIVAN, LYNN POLULAK, MARY JO MAYER AND FAITH BAUER

LUNCHEON TABLE 14

The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

WILD ABOUT GOLF SCRAMBLE WINNERS NANCY EISENBERG, BARB LATTIMER, TRUDY TRAYNOR AND JUDY BINDER

Blessings in a Backpack

LYNN POLULAK, CO-CHAIR OF EVENT, RACHEL PEACOCK, BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK REPRESENTATIVE, MINDY METZ, CO-CHAIR OF EVENT, AND ALISON VUKOJEVIC, CCLGA PRESIDENT AND THE CHECK

Tennis Notes KRISTEN SALERNO

On March 29, the VCC tennis community came together under the leadership of Coach Wayne for our first tournament. We had 16 pairs that competed across 3 categories. A great time was had by all participants and it was voted to become an annual event. The tennis players would like to thank Coach Wayne for his dedication and his hard working professionalism in the game of tennis. He has provided drills and lessons to our community all season. He can be reached at 772-713-3220 if you are interested in his instruction.

Tennis Awards

SHOUT OUT TO THE MEN’S 3.0 SENIOR CHAMPIONS. THESE VCC MEN WON BOTH THEIR DIVISIONS IN FALL AND WINTER! GREAT JOB GENTLEMEN!

TRACY BATES, COACH WAYNE’S PICK FOR OVERALL SPORTSMAN

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WOMEN’S DOUBLE 2ND PLACE FINISHERS BARBARA WILSON & KRISTEN SALERNO, COACH WAYNE AND CHAMPIONS MARION MALONE & TRACY BATES

The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

RON WICKS AND RICHARD PAULL, CHAMPIONS OF MEN’S DOUBLES

VICTORY FOR OUR MIXED DOUBLES CHAMPIONS

BARBARA WILSON RECIPIENT OF THE SPORTSMANSHIP OF THE SEASON AWARD WITH COACH WAYNE

RICHARD PAULL

TRACY BATES

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Cornhole League JUDE BONOS KNISELY

The first winter season of cornhole was celebrated with a Fun Day on April 6. A tournament, good eats and cheering spectators helped the eight teams end a very successful and enjoyable first season. The Corndogs won the Fun Day tournament.

EIGHT TEAMS TOGETHER FOLLOWING THE FUN DAY TOURNAMENT

CORNDOGS WITH GARY LIPPINCOTT, ROB MYERS, CANDY LIPPINCOTT (TEAM CAPTAIN), JUDE BONOS KNISELY, JILL MYERS, JEAN MCWADE AND ROE AND LARRY BRUSH (NOT IN PICTURE) 18

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS

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Our first place winning team of the season was the Jelly Bean Baggers.

Team members were Valerie Walpole, Joann Smith, Kevin and Renee Finn, Gail and Nick Desisto (Captain), and Tina and Patrick Segerson.

Congratulations Jelly Bean Baggers!

OUR OFFICIALS AND ORGANIZERS: CAROL DEFRANK, DARLENE DAMSTROM, JEAN ADKINS, SHARON BOOS, AND SYD SENECA (NOT PICTURED)

JELLY BEAN BAGGERS HOLDING THEIR WELL EARNED TROPHY, NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE CLUBHOUSE

TEAM CAPTAINS: BILL GRAHAM, JIM FISHER, JEAN ADKINS, NICK DESISTO, CANDY LIPPINCOTT, PHIL RISKIN, SHARON BOOS AND DARLENE DAMSTROM villagesatcountrycreek.org 19

Common Grounds Committee Featuring Flowers MARY MARRONE AND THE COMMON GROUNDS COMMITTEE

Throughout the Village of Country Creek, one can observe beautiful flowers blooming this season as they walk, run, bike, or drive around the community. The planting and maintenance of these flowers is a collaborative effort by the Common Grounds Committee, the Dead-Headers (the ladies in the pink shirts), and Miguel, the golf course superintendent.

The Common Grounds Committee oversees the flowering plants at various locations including the Clubhouse front staircase flower beds, flowerpots at the main pool, the front entrance off Corkscrew, the side entrance at Three Oaks, and the area in front of the Golf Shop.

SUN PATIENS

The golf course crew has planted Purple Salvia and multi-colored Pentas around the palm trees on holes 5, 11, and 12. Along Laurel Oak Drive, the crew has planted Sun Patiens around the base of the palms lining the road, providing a vibrant burst of color that flourishes throughout the season.

The Dead-Headers undertake the ongoing tasks of pruning, weeding, and fertilizing the flowers planted across the community to ensure they continue to bloom, enhancing the environment for everyone to enjoy.

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The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

PURPLE SALVIAS AND MULTI COLORED PENTAS

VCC Volunteers MICHELLE SUAREZ

If you’ve spent any time outdoors at VCC, you’re bound to have seen the crew in safetygreen T-shirts and caps. Who are these guys? They are the VCC Volunteers. You may be thinking, of course I know who the Volunteers are, they do great work around our community. However, do you really know what they’ve done for us?

Lenny Marrone, President of the Volunteers for the past eight years, shared some of the history of this one-of-a-kind group. The Volunteers are a not-for-profit organization that was established in June of 2001. Since that time, the Volunteers have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars for the membership of VCC with their building and repair projects.

You can witness their impact throughout the community. Their projects include: • Power washing: sidewalks, roads, Clubhouse grounds and patio • Building of the Fern Garden: masonry, paver stones, and lighting • Painting • Built retaining walls on the golf course • Repaired and created cement portions of the cart paths • Repair of the five bridges • Building and repair of structures in the maintenance area • Repair and maintenance of the miles of sidewalks around the community How do they determine what projects to take on? The Volunteers keep an eye on grounds and structures as they work. They also talk with the General Manager and neighbors to learn of areas that may need their attention. With most of their projects, their number one goal is the safety of the community.

Currently, there are 18 men who comprise the Volunteers. The majority of their projects are completed from the months of September through April. Their areas 22

of expertise include electrical engineering, carpentry, masonry, trucks and heavy equipment, painting, wood working, and plumbing. A normal work week for this crew is Monday through Friday from 8am to 3:30pm. However, they do work a shorter day on Wednesdays to play a round of golf.

This crew trains the newest members of the group. When asked why they devote so much time to this endeavor, Lenny said, “we are not aware of another community that has a group like the Volunteers. We do this for the camaraderie, and it’s rewarding and fun.”

The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

So, the next time you see a team of Volunteers out making our community a better place to live, please take a moment to say, ‘thank you’.

OUR VOLUNTEERS AT WORK!

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Birthday Bash/St. Patrick’s Day Party SARA MOSKAL

Country Creek had their annual St.Patrick’s Day party combined with the March Birthday Bash.

It was a lovely evening with a live band playing lots of oldies but goodies and plenty of songs for the girls to get out there and dance.

The tables were decorated with plenty of green and lots of lucky four-leaf clovers.

Chef Kwaze didn’t let us down with an amazing

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corned beef dinner. The warm yeast rolls were wonderful. The decadent dessert was a grasshopper parfait. Great job Chef Kwaze!

Cameron came up with his specialty drinks. It looked like the Grasshopper was not only beautiful to look at but tasted scrumptious and was a big hit.

There were not a lot of March birthdays but that didn’t stop the group from

The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

getting their special day recognized and the crowd sang and wished them all a Happy Birthday.

All in all, it was a great evening and Rafael and his staff, once again, did a beautiful job.

Thank you all for a wonderful and fun filled evening.

Gallery – Creekers Having Fun

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In Memoriam–Carol Brady Carol Brady, 94, a longtime resident of Framingham, MA and Villages at Country Creek, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025 in Estero, Florida.

Originally from Arlington, MA, she was the daughter of the late George and Katherine Colby, and wife of the late James Brady (2022).

Carol graduated from Boston University with an Associate’s degree.

She worked for the Hood Rubber Co., and in later years as an Executive Assistant for the Easy Day Manufacturing Co.

After retiring, she and her husband Jim relocated to Estero, FL.

Thomas (Patrice) Real, Joseph (Donna) Coleman, and many friends.

Carol was devoted to her friends and family, and was positive, fun, compassionate and wise. A devout Catholic, she enjoyed volunteering for the Food Pantry at St. Bridget’s Parish & at St. Patrick’s Manor Retirement home in Framingham, MA.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 9:45 AM at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community, in Fort Myers, FL.

Embodying the wise “Loving Mother” archetype, Carol was a great listener who others went to for advice.

She had a pure and beautiful spirit, along with a fun, silly side. She loved life, including painting, cooking, singing, dancing, swimming, hosting parties, and eating chocolate and ice cream.

Burial directly followed at 1:00 pm in Sarasota National Cemetery.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome. com.

Surviving family members include her loving daughter, Barbara Brady; niece JoAnne Sullivan; nephews,

CAROL BRADY

VCC History – A Boom Year for Estero and a Renovated Clubhouse Plan for VCC 2005 Many projects had been accomplished by the community in 2004 including erosion protection on lakes 9 and 10, additional plantings, an extended putting green, and a return to normal after three hurricanes came close to Estero. VCC residents hoped that the year 2005 would bring more improvements and gentler weather.

Building in Estero was booming with 2,699 housing units permitted during the first eleven months of 2005, exceeding the total units permitted in any prior year by almost 630 housing units, or 37.5%. Permitted units were up 82% from 2004.

VCC residents hoped that the year 2005 would bring more improvements and gentler weather.

The total permitted value of these units, excluding land, exceeded the prior record set in 2004 by more than $273 million, an 83% increase, and was $54 million more than the total for 2003 and 2004 combined. The average building value during 2004 and 2005 of $222,034 (excluding land) was 43% higher than the average for the prior four years. This increase was due to the rapid increase in the cost of construction materials, the changing mix in the type of housing units being constructed (more single family and high rise units), and many other factors.

The total value of permitted commercial buildings, exclusive of land, during the first 11 months of 2005 equaled $83 million, the highest amount during a sixyear period. It was expected that the value of commercial

permits would continue to grow in Estero over the next several years. Coconut Point was the major contributor with permits totaling $6.7 million.

The city of Bonita Springs housing development had been growing more rapidly during 2003 and 2004 but slowed in 2005 and trailed Estero by 69% in housing unit value and 65% in the total value of permitted development during 2005.

(The residential building value excluded the value of the underlying land.)

In 2005 Josh Meredith took the lead as the first general manager under Country Creek self-management.

Josh was the consultant who had directed Country Creek towards accomplishing all the steps required for selfmanagement. Sandi Dunphy (continued on page 28) villagesatcountrycreek.org 27

was his administrative assistant. Kimberly Christenson was named new food and beverage manager.

The challenges Board President Bob Nelson and the staff were to face were numerous.

course maintenance contract was awarded to IGM. The Club Champ was Gary Miller.

The Ladies Golf Association Champ was Pat Immonen, and the Men’s Golf Association Champ was Carl Sandquist.

Within the Estero community there was talk of Estero being annexed to Bonita Springs. Country Creek residents supported the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) in opposition to this plan with Annie Rosenthal and Bob Nelson as our community representatives.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) created a chapter at Country Creek with an active membership of 16 and a waiting list of seven.

In February 2005 The Villager assumed a new format as an “in-house” publication with Susan Schmitt as the editor.

CCTV got new equipment for clearer reception.

Chuck Hunkins completed his requirements for Class A status. S&S turned over management of the golf course and Pro Shop to the community on March 31, 2005. As of April 1 Chuck owned and operated the merchandise concession in the Pro Shop. The golf 28

In spite of hopes for gentler weather in 2005, Hurricane Wilma hit October 24, 2005 and did extensive tree damage in the community that cost $40,000 to clean up. Major damage to the wooden perimeter fencing would cost $35,000 to repair. There were also four days of lost revenue in the golf course and restaurant operation and loss of power, resulting in food spoilage. Those who had power shared air conditioning and meals with their neighbors. Once again the volunteers got together to clear debris and bring the community back to its former beauty.

The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

In spite of hopes for gentler weather in 2005, Hurricane Wilma hit October 24, 2005 and did extensive tree damage in the community that cost $40,000 to clean up.

As building continued to boom in Estero, talk of renovating the VCC clubhouse began in early 2005. Plans were unveiled at the March annual meeting by architect Bruce Tyson, Tyson and Billy Architects.

A twenty-two-page report on a mold study had revealed extensive mold contamination on both levels of the clubhouse.

The initial cost estimate was about $3.5 million.

An Assessment of approximately $3,600 per door was proposed. At the May 2005 Master Board meeting, a Clubhouse Renovation Committee was approved. Members of the committee were Chairman Roland Jolie, Bob Selby, Barb Litzen and Bob Verway. The

purpose of the renovation was to bring the clubhouse facility up to code and to ensure safe air quality for those using the clubhouse.

Renovation would also fix moisture problems and replace tired equipment and furnishings. It was about making the clubhouse a useful amenity for owners to use for recreation and meetings. In August 2005

an information packet on the Clubhouse Renovation Project was sent to all homeowners.

The community began to express viewpoints about renovation plans and costs that created division among residents. It was a very volatile time with hard feelings that would take years to mend. However,

plans went forward with completion scheduled for the end of 2006.

Once again the volunteers got together to clear debris and bring the community back to its former beauty.

Care Bears KAREN DOUGHERTY

This has been a very busy season for Care Bears. But that’s pretty normal. I want to thank the VCC Volunteers for giving Care Bears additional space and for enclosing the ceiling of the storage shed so that our equipment will stay clean. We are very fortunate to have the necessary medical equipment that we are blessed to have been given through donations to provide our community with this valuable amenity. So thank you Country Creek residents for your donations!

Unfortunately, our need for these items doesn’t end at the end of “season”. Our permanent residents continue to need things all summer long. We are here to assist and, when necessary, provide rides to appointments all year round.

At this time, if you are returning items to Care Bears, please remember to clean them before giving them back. Also, it would be a great help to me if you would give me notice when you will be returning anything. Actually, a notice ahead of time is a big help to me when you are needing equipment also.

If you are in need of Care Bears, please call me at 217-220-0626. Thanks everyone for their support. Karen Dougherty

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Nine-Banded Armadillo LOIS CHRISTENSEN

The only armadillo in Florida is the nine-banded armadillo so named because of the segmented center section of the animal’s body. Armadillos (Spanish for “little armored ones”) were introduced to Florida in the early 1900s and are now considered naturalized.

Early German settlers in Texas referred to armadillos as “Panzerschwein,” which translates to “armored pig” in English reflecting the armadillo’s tough, armorlike shell. They are closely related to sloths and anteaters and have a pointy or shovel-shaped snout and small eyes. These little armored mammals are actually good swimmers when they need to be.

They can hold their breath for up to six minutes and are really skilled at walking underwater to cross streams.

Armadillos are insectivores.

They mostly eat bugs, beetles, grubs, worms, spiders and termites. They favor forested or semi-open 30

ARMADILLO

areas with dense ground cover and loose, sandy soil, which allows them to easily burrow. They are mostly active at night, and their long claws can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping. Armadillos dig burrows for their homes or to escape predators, and a single armadillo can have several different burrows with multiple entrances.

To reduce armadillo damage to your lawn, keep watering and fertilization to a minimum. Moist soil and lush vegetation bring earthworms and insect larvae to the surface of the soil. Also, watering gardens in the morning is preferable since the soil can dry out in

The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

the afternoon and not be as easily detected by nocturnal armadillos.

Nine-banded armadillos nearly always have litters of four babies, identical quadruplets (either all male or all female). Armadillo babies look very much like adults but are smaller and softer than their armored parents. When startled or scared, armadillos can jump four to five feet high. Usually, this surprises any creature trying to have it for lunch.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t work so well when startled by a moving car, which is why they are common roadkill.

Although armadillos are

pretty healthy for wild animals, they are connected to leprosy (also known as Hansen’s Disease). They don’t carry many common parasites, and rabies in armadillos is very rare, but there is some danger of them transmitting leprosy to humans. Florida has experienced an increase in leprosy cases (about

20 cases per year since 2015) particularly in Central Florida. The Florida Department of Health is actively monitoring and investigating leprosy cases.

While leprosy can be completely cured by a series of antibiotics, individuals working outdoors or in close proximity to areas where armadillos have been digging

should take precautions, such as wearing gloves when working with soil. And don’t handle the wildlife!

Notes: National Geographic Florida Museum of Natural History Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Your Florida Backyard

Cook’s Corner TWO INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE INGREDIENTS: • 1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold and divided • 1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet (or your preference) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat ½ cup of the heavy cream for 50 seconds (depending on microwave strength) 2. Add the chocolate chips to the cream and stir until the chocolate has melted.

This will take 1 - 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.

3. Pour the remaining 1 cup of heavy

cream into a medium bowl. Using a hand-held or stand mixer, beat until the soft peaks form. Continue whipping the cream until stiff peaks form.

4. Slowly fold in half the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture with a large spatula. Gently fold in the rest of the whipped cream.

5. Divide the mixture between 4 ramekins or cocktail glasses (I used lowball glasses). Refrigerate for at least one hour, up to overnight, before serving.

6. Serve topped with extra whipped cream or Cool Whip and chocolate shavings.

Wii Bowling KAREN DOUGHERTY

Our Wii Bowling winter season was remarkable— just like always! We had a wonderful time with only a few kinks that didn’t really throw much of a monkey wrench into the fray. The Wii committee hopes everyone had fun and is looking forward to a much anticipated summer, fall and then next season’s Wii bowling.

Our banquet was held on Monday, April 14 with 140 bowlers and guests in attendance for a really great dinner and exceptional peanut butter pie for dessert. (I really remember the pie!) Each and every team was awarded prize money for their participation.

Wii trophy. This team is comprised of bowlers Mary Berzak, Mike Deminsky, Jim and Maureen Fallon. Special recognition was given to our four (4) 300 perfect game winners, which were Bert Alicea, Mike Deminsky, Kristen Elliott and Dan Remler. Congratulations on these outstanding games!

Cheers are always heard around the clubhouse whenever a 300 game is bowled. Other special awards went to Daisy Blair for the highest women’s scratch game, Bob Prange for the highest men’s scratch game and the team of Wii Will Rock U members Dennis & Karen Dougherty and Bob & Dana Prange for the highest scratch team score.

The first place team this year was Wii the People, whose name will go on the

Onto the future! Our summer Wii bowling will take place on consecutive

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WEDNESDAYS (because the clubhouse is closed on Mondays during non-season) beginning June 11 and continuing through August 27. Sign up, one week at a time, will be in the notebook in the clubhouse lobby. Cost of bowling in the summer is $2 per game. All money is given back that day to the 2 (or more if there’s a tie) bowlers that have the highest and lowest scores closest to the mystery numbers without going over.

These mystery numbers are given to the committee by the VCC office staff in sealed envelopes (very official!). As always during summer and fall bowling, you can sign up by yourself, with someone or with a group. Bowling times will be at 5:00, 5:30 and 6:00. Once you’ve signed up for a time, you can bowl on whatever lane is available.

Fall bowling is done in the same manner as summer bowling. $2 per game, sign up in the lobby and all money taken in will be given out as during the summer play. Dates for fall are MONDAYS October 15 through November 19.

IMPORTANT DATE TO REMEMBER – Winter league season sign up will be on Friday, Nov. 14 at 9:00am in meeting rooms 1 and 2. Team sign up sheets and more info will be available at a later date.

Winter bowling dates will be Jan. 12 through March 30, 2026. The Wii Banquet will be on Monday, April 13. The mandatory Captain’s meeting (yes, you still need to attend) will be on Friday, Jan. 9. Save the date!

MARY BERZAK (WII THE PEOPLE) AND FRIENDS WITH THE WINNING TROPHY

We hope you all had a fabulous Wii season and look forward to seeing you next bowling day!

Your Wii committee – Jess Rott, Karen Dougherty, Jean Adkins, Mary Berzak, Sue Carl, Elaine Cockroft, Sue D’Alessandro, Kay Drake, Ava Fleisher, Nancy Grube, Ron Jones, Judy Lieske, Rose Ramirez and Pat Smoyer.

(continued on page 34)

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The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

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!

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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

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The Villager, The Villages at Country Creek | May 2025

ESTERO COMMUNITY USEFUL NUMBERS Emergency (Fire, Police, Medical, Sheriff, Highway Patrol, Poison Control .......................... 911 Alligator Hotline .............................................................................................................. 866-392-4286 Animal Control–Lee County ......................................................................................... 239-533-7387 Estero Community Park................................................................................................. 239-533-1470 Estero Councilor District–Lori Fayhee....................................................................... 239-413-0316 Estero Village Office https://estero-fl.gov/.............................................................. 239-221-5035 Estero Fire Rescue (non-emergency).......................................................................... 239-390-8000 Florida Power & Light..................................................................................................... 239-334-7754 Florida Traffic Reports.................................................................................................... 800-468-8243 Greater Estero Chamber................................................................................................ 239-390-1137 Historical Society............................................................................................................. 239-272-1911 Hotwire (Fision Cable & Internet for VCC) ............................................................... 800-355-5668 Koreshan State Park ....................................................................................................... 239-992-0311 Lee County Administration .......................................................................................... 239-533-2111 Lee County Dept. of Public Safety.............................................................................. 239-533-3911 Lee County Sheriff........................................................................................................... 239-477-1000 Lee County Utilities (Water, Sewer) ........................................................................... 239-533-8845 Lee Library (South County, Three Oaks).................................................................... 239-533-4400 Mosquito Control ............................................................................................................ 239-694-2174 Post Office–Three Oaks ................................................................................................ 239-390-0823 Sheriff’s Office–(Non-emergency) .............................................................................. 239-477-1000 United Way Helpline ...................................................................................................... 239-433-3900 VCC Administration ........................................................................................................ 239-947-2050 VCC Pro-Shop................................................................................................................... 239-947-3840 VCC Restaurant................................................................................................................ 239-947-4488 Waste Pro Hort. & Recycling and Garbage Collection (Tuesday) for VCC ....... 239-377-0800 villagesatcountrycreek.org 37