FEATURE PHOTO: THE MAIN POOL IS NOW OPEN.
From the Master Board
Have you heard? The Second Annual Community Serve Day at VCC is scheduled for Saturday, November 8. On this day, friends and neighbors from around the community come together, roll up their sleeves, and work to improve our community.
The inaugural event took place on Saturday, November 2, 2024. More than 90 volunteers kicked off the day by gathering in the Fern Garden to enjoy coffee, doughnuts, and fellowship. Several tasks were completed around the community including trash pickup, replacement of old street and cart path signs, painting iron benches and signposts, power washing various areas, weeding, hedge trimming, and more. The team of volunteers worked for twoand-a-half hours – the result of which was a cleaner, brighter VCC. After the outdoor projects were completed, the group of volunteers enjoyed a luncheon at the clubhouse completely donated and coordinated by VCC community members. Members of the community donated more food and a greater variety than anticipated. Set-up of the buffet, decorations on the tables, and clean-up of the dining room after the luncheon were also all managed by members of VCC.
But that’s not all. The staff at the clubhouse, maintenance crew, Pro shop, and the General Manager also pitched in to support the day’s efforts. Juan and
Chef Kwaze were supportive and helped to ensure the luncheon was a success. The Food and Beverage team set up tables and chairs, served beverages, and helped with clean-up. The GM helped in both planning and implementation, including helping with the tasks around the community.
Want to be a part of the fun, hard work, and camaraderie this year? Please watch the weekly VCC Happenings for additional information on how you may volunteer for this year. You can provide supplies, work on a project, prepare and deliver a food item for the luncheon, and more. You will find the promotional flier and full schedule in this edition of The Villager.
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Tom English
Margo Williams
Laura Berrio
Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias
Anissa Stender
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
Committee Corner
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (ARC)
JARED POWELL
The Architectural Review Committee would just like to update VCC members, whether you have owned here 20 years or 20 days, on the Mission Statement and the Scope of Duties of the ARC.
The Architectural Review Committee is a body appointed by the Master Board. The ARC is the approval authority for all present and future projects which impact the exterior appearance of all
dwelling units including Single Family houses, Manor homes, Villas and Condominiums. This includes landscaping.
To put it in a nutshell, everything that is to be done to the outside of a living unit or the surrounding yard or landscape needs to be approved, in advance, by the ARC. If living in a Manor Home, Villa or Condo, approval must also come, additionally, from your local HOA.
The ARC is here to promote visual harmony and preserve the aesthetic value of Country Creek. We will protect and maintain the overall (continued on page 8)
design plan of the community and avoid actions that would have an adverse effect on property values or put a strain on the Master Board.
For a complete ARC Operations Manual & Architectural Planning Criteria:
Log into the VCC web page, Go to “About VCC” and go to “Library.” Click on “Committees” and “ ARC Operational Manual.” You will also find the “ARC Request Form” to fill out and return to the office for approval.
Thank you for helping to make VCC a great place to live.
COMMON GROUNDS COMMITTEE
BJ SNYDER, COMMON GROUNDS COMMITTEE
How to tell what’s happening with trees - lichens, mold, or mildew?
Ever spotted white, gray, or green patches on your tree’s bark and wondered if it’s something to worry about? It’s a common question.
Here are some possibilities:
Lichens Crusty or leafy growths that are completely harmless. These are actually
a combination of algae and fungi and are completely harmless to the tree.
Powdery Mildew Looks like a white film on leaves. It can affect growth of the tree if allowed to spread. Managing this condition is easy when treated early at the onset.
Sooty Mold A dark, sticky mold caused by insect activity such as aphids. It often appears after a pest problem and can block sunlight from leaves. There are times this just looks bad while in other situations it could be an indicator something is wrong with the tree.
When to call in a certified arborist?
- You notice bark splitting, leaf loss, or dieback
- The “white stuff” spreads quickly or smells musty
- You see insect activity or sticky residue
- Not sure what you’re seeing?
Tips shared from Joshua Tree, INC team. © 2025 Joshua Tree, INC 2620 Brightside Court, Cape Coral, Florida 33991
Creekers Having Fun
LABOR DAY SCRAMBLE, SEPTEMBER 1
(continued on page
VCC Showcase
LOIS CHRISTENSEN
SHERRY SEMELEER
SHERRY SEMELEER
Sherry Semeleer is a newcomer to Country Creek and loves the atmosphere here. She loves riding her bike 10 miles within the community, swimming, tennis, and has joined several community groups including Care Bears. She makes her home on Blacksmith Forge but has lived in many places including Michigan, Aruba, and several places in Florida.
Sherry has recently retired from a career in sales. Most of her career has been in consultative sales, with the last several years working within the Senior Living industry helping seniors and their loved ones with Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care and continues to do so in a semi-retired capacity.
Sherry’s adventure in art is a relatively new medium called acrylic pour. Acrylic pour (or fluid art) is a fluid painting technique where specially thinned acrylic paints are mixed with a pouring medium and then
poured onto a canvas to create mesmerizing, organic patterns and abstract art. The paints flow naturally across the surface guided by gravity and the artists’ manipulation (such as blowing with a hairdryer or straw or using various implements), forming swirls, cells, and other unique designs. This style of painting was discovered by accident in the 1930s by a famous muralist by the name of David Alfaro Siquerios and was used extensively by Jackson Pollack who became the most famous abstract expressionist. Sherry began using acrylic art techniques during the Covid pandemic and finds the medium very relaxing and always spontaneous and unique. Her home is a lovely gallery of her work.
(VCC Showcase continued on page 16)
ANN WITTMAN
Ann Wittman and husband Dick make their home on Country Barn Drive. They moved here from Ohio as part-time residents in 2003 and then became full-time residents in 2008. Ann has always been interested in general crafting. She spent many years sewing for her children and then was introduced to beading during a visit
with friends in Arizona and an accidental trip to a craft fair. Since then she has taught herself dozens of techniques through the use of YouTube and books.
Originally, she thought she would focus on semi-precious stones but found that smaller beads were more portable, and she could work on her projects in various locations. Her favorite technique is peyote stitch bead weaving. Peyote stitch is a fundamental beading technique for creating fabric-like panels by stitching delica beads one at a time, allowing them to
ANN WITTMAN
interlock into patterns (see photos 1 and 2). Delica beads are uniform, tubular-shaped glass beads with flat ends and a large hole, ideal for off-loom bead weaving.
These precision-cut beads sit flush next to each other, creating a smooth, even surface for intricate designs. The patterns resemble those of counted cross-stitch–various colors in a grid-like pattern.
The rear lanai in Ann’s home is her studio where she keeps an incredible (and highly organized) display of various beads, findings, and the tools required to work with them, and, of course, the many projects that she is always working on. In Ann’s hands various beads and techniques produce highly creative necklaces, earrings, Christmas ornaments (note the spider), and other various ornaments. She finds this form of art very relaxing and enjoyable.
Black Racer or Eastern Indigo Snake?
The black snakes that we usually see here in Southwest Florida are Black Racers. However, they are often confused with the Eastern Indigo Snake, also native to this part of the state.
The biggest difference between indigo snakes and black racers comes from their weights. Black racers weigh only 1-2 pounds, while eastern indigo snakes weigh between 4-10 pounds. Eastern indigo snakes are bigger and heavier than black racers. While both are mostly black, indigo snakes have orangecolored throats, while black racers have white-colored throats. Neither species are venomous, though they both mimic the dangerous species of snakes when threatened.
More specifically,
Eastern Indigo Snake
Size 5-10 pounds; 60-84 inches long
Appearance Entirely black to blue-black with orange markings on the chin and sides of the face. Longest native snake in the United States.
Location and Habitat
Southeastern United States; riverbank zones, pine woods, glades, and swampy areas
Behavior Rears up and flattens their head to make themselves appear larger and more dangerous; only bites as a last resort; non-aggressive
Black Racer Snake
1-2 pounds; 20-60 inches long
All black to blue-black scales with lighter bellies and white markings on the throat. Large red eyes with round pupils
Eastern US; forests, flatlands, and shrublands
Coils up and vibrates their tail like rattlesnakes to scare off predators; only bites when provoked.
Lifespan 12-21 years 5-10 years
EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE
BLACK RACER
Neither species are venomous, though they both mimic the dangerous species of snakes when threatened.
Both snakes are active only during daylight hours. Eastern indigo snakes love the water and are commonly found near fresh water. On the other hand, black racers tend to frequent shrublands, flatlands, forests, and the edges of urban and suburban areas. Adults of both species look similar, but indigo snakes and black racers look very different when they’re babies. Juvenile eastern indigo snakes look very similar to adults; they’re black with orange throats. But baby black racers start as light brown snakes with darker brown patterning and may be confused with pygmy rattlesnakes. As they age, they darken in color until they attain their true black scales.
Save
The Date
The VCC Annual Holiday Boutique is scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025 in the Clubhouse dining room. This spectacular event, sponsored by the KnitWits, features a broad array of handmade items created by talented VCC crafters. The dining room is transformed into a holiday marketplace that is filled
Black racers eat everything from insects to fish to bird eggs. They are also known to eat amphibians, small mammals, and birds. Eastern indigo snakes are particularly known for eating other snakes, even the venomous rattlesnake.
The eastern indigo snake is a threatened species limited to fragmented populations in Central and South Florida. The black racer is common and generally considered non-threatened except in some northeastern states.
Notes:
A-ZAnimals.com; UF Wildlife-Johnson Lab (Department of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation); Florida Museum of Natural History; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
with a plethora of Christmas ornaments, home goods, personal accessories, and so much more. It is a wonderful place in which to buy items for holiday gifts or for yourself. Put this date on your calendar –you won’t want to miss it!
VCC History #12
THE HISTORY OF THE CORKSCREW ROAD FRUIT STAND
For more than ten years things were quieter, traffic was less, and the area had a country atmosphere. A part of the earlier times were fruit stands that included the Tropical Fruit and Products stand built in 1937 and owned by Edith Trebell. It was she who created the new famous chutney that continues to be made by the Estero Historical Society members and sold as a fundraiser. There was also the Citrus Stand and Shipping Company owned by Clyde Marshall located on Rte. 41 in the 1950s. Those were wonderful fruit stands, but the one many early residents of VCC remember most fondly was the little stand on Corkscrew Road.
It was the convenient place to get locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables. There was an old orchard behind it where customers could watch the cows grazing. The cows would frequently come to the fence for a closer look and an occasional hand out. One day a calf was born in full view of the customers. What a thrill to see the calf get up on its wobbly legs right after birth.
Jon Spiegel, who leased the property in 1990 from the Koreshan Foundation, owned the fruit stand. He also leased a 25-acre citrus farm off Broadway where he grew the citrus he sold at the little stand
on the two-lane Corkscrew Road. He would bring in veggies from Immokalee to sell at the stand and at the Cabbage Patch on Rte. 41. He stayed there until the property was sold to Joe Bigelow.
Terry Howard, who was one of the first Country Creek residents having bought in 1987, heard about the upcoming sale and loss of the fruit stand and decided to paint a picture of the fruit stand that was an important part of our history. She asked her son to take a picture so she could paint at her leisure. It is a treasured part of the history of The Villages at County Creek.
Estero Historical Society
EHS Speaker Series : October 18, 2025–Haunted Shores Witchcraft and Folklore
Along Florida’s Coast–Join Melissa Mari, Professor and Complete Student Navigator at Florida Gulf Coast University, for a spellbinding talk on witches and witchcraft through the ages. From myth and folklore to historical fact, Melissa will explore the cultural, social, and even political forces that shaped these enduring legends. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. at Villages at Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Blvd., Estero, and includes a delicious continental breakfast. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for future members.
Fall Wii Bowling
The 2025 Fall Wii Bowling will start October 13 on every Monday and will continue through Monday, November 17. Wii Bowling times are 5:00, 5:30, and 6:00. The sign-up sheets are in the Clubhouse Lobby. The cost is $2.00 a person per game.
Future members are welcome to join online at https://esterohistoricalsociety. com/memberhship. All events require reservations, which can be made at https:// esterohistoricalsociety.com/events/.
Our summer bowling was very successful with many residents enjoying some great summer fun! There were several residents new to Wii Bowling that came to try their skills.
Join in the fun and stay for a delicious dinner special!
In Memoriam
MARY M. OWEN
Mary M. Owen, of Warminster, PA, formerly of Estero, FL, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Philadelphia, PA to the late John and Mary McElvenny, Mary grew up alongside her brothers, the late John and Bernard McElvenny. She attended Mount St. Joseph Academy and Chestnut Hill College, laying the foundation for a life full of learning, curiosity, and connection.
Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ronald P. Owen, with whom she shared 55 wonderful years of marriage, raising their family in Warminster, PA. She is survived by her children Mary McCue (John), Ronald Owen (Kathleen), and Maureen Umehara (Michael), as well as her cherished grandchildren Owen McCue, Casey McCue, Jacklyn McCue, Maya Umehara, and Michelle Umehara.
A woman of deep faith and a devoted homemaker, Mary started her career at General Electric in Philadelphia and later worked as a substitute teacher in the Centennial School District, sharing her knowledge and kindness with colleagues and students alike.
Mary had a gift for bringing people together. She was the life of every gathering, known for her warmth, humor, and generosity. She was an accomplished puzzle enthusiast,
delighting in cryptograms, jumbles, crosswords, and Sudoku, and never missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune.
Mary enjoyed spending time with family and friends on Mueller Road, at Country Creek in Estero, FL, at Ann’s Choice, and on Long Beach Island. Mary especially loved hosting loved ones at her home in Surf City, NJ. Her happiest moments included relaxing on the beach, playing bridge, swimming at St. Francis, and sitting on her front porch with a glass of red wine—ice included.
A celebration of Mary’s life was held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 605 Street Road, Warminster, PA 18974. Interment followed at Whitemarsh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the POTS Research Fund in her memory. https://www.lifecelebration.com/obituaries/ Mary-M-Owen?obId=45163787#:~:text=htt ps%3A//dysautonomiainternational.org/page. php%3FID%3D289
Mary’s love, laughter, and spirit will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.
MARY M. OWEN
NANCY JEAN PANNUNZIO
Nancy Jean Pannunzio (Thomas), 91, Estero, Florida died on August 29, 2025 with her husband of 72 years, Andrew, by her side. Nancy was born on December 30, 1933 in Hubbard, Ohio. She attended Hubbard High School and graduated with the class of 1951, where she met the love of her life, Andy. Then the two high school sweethearts married on March 26, 1953 in Augusta, Georgia because of Andy’s military assignment.
They lived in Youngstown, Ohio where they started their family. When the steel industry crumbled, they moved to Houston, TX to be close to their daughter, Sharon and family. They thrived in Houston; both working and enjoying the warm climate. They also had fun watching two of their grandchildren grow. The big dream of living in Florida became a reality in 1997.
When they moved to Estero, Florida, there were still cow pastures and orange groves around. They enjoyed the community of Villages at Country Creek. Neither were home much when the family called. They kept busy. Nancy enjoyed playing cards with the neighbor ladies, playing golf on a women’s golf league and winning several trophies,
playing on a fun bocce team, exercising at water aerobics, attending community events, and enjoying clubhouse dances and parties. The family enjoyed visiting to enjoy the pool and the beach. The Florida lifestyle suited her and kept her young.
Nancy loved meeting her neighbors and getting to know them. Her candid conversations will be missed by so many relatives and friends. She was never in a hurry and enjoyed every minute of catching up with folks.
Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Andrew. Other family members: her children Sharon (Scott), James( Becky) and Karen, her grandchildren Lauren (Patrick), Corey, Kevin, Adrienne, and Danielle (Ben) , her great-grandchildren Harriet and Cora. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Harriet Thomas, sister, Barbara, and her great grandson, Cameron.
Her Celebration of Life service was held at Estero Church (8088 Lords Way) on Thursday, October 2 with a reception that followed.
The family would like to thank the loving members of Estero Church and loving neighbors of Country Creek who have supported both Andy and Nancy.
NANCY JEAN PANNUNZIO
Village of Estero Corner
THE DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE IN GREATER ESTERO
Our September Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) gives a thorough update on urbanization in Greater Estero. Growth rates remain high, especially in East Corkscrew and within the Village. Estero’s population is projected to grow by over 8,000 within the next 2-3 years, whereas East Corkscrew is expected to reach approximately 60,000 residents within a decade. The September GECR report’s introduction covers these trends. You can find the details using the following URL: https://esterotoday.com/research.
Many residents have said they would like to better understand: Where is Estero Heading? and What is likely to be its Future in 15-20 years?
Engage Estero is pleased to inform you that an authoritative panel has agreed to respond to these key questions at a Public Forum produced by Engage Estero at FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom on March 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. Please make a note of the date, as it is sure to be very well attended. You can register for the meeting later this year.
Our esteemed panel members will be:
• Steve Sarkozy, Estero’s Village Manager.
• Dr Aysegul Timur, FGCU’s President.
• Chris Simoneau. Lee Health’s Chief Development, Marketing & Communications Officer.
• Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of The Hoffmann Family of Companies, or David Hoffmann, Founder of the Hoffmann Family of Companies.
Don’t miss this Public Forum: More details coming later.
The Engage Estero Community Meeting
@ The Estero Recreation Center, October 28th at 10:30a.m.
The meeting will cover:
I. The latest information on cancer research and new treatment options from the Southwest Florida Proton-Therapy center.
(continued on page 28)
Dr. Shannon MacDonald, Medical Director at Southwest Florida Proton, was previously an accomplished associate professor of radiation oncology at Harvard Medical School. She has also held multiple leadership roles at Massachusetts General Hospital and served as the primary investigator for several proton therapy trials. It is a privilege to have Dr. MacDonald share her knowledge and insights on the latest cancer research and new treatment options.
An unmissable talk! RSVP at: https:// esterotoday.com/event/oct2025
THE LEGAL CHANGES AFFECTING HOA AND CONDO OWNERS AND MANAGERS.
Andy Provost, General Counsel and Overseer of Operational Aspects of Resort Management, will provide homeowners and property managers with essential information about the legal changes that impact HOAs and Condominiums in Southwest Florida. Andy was a former Attorney at Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. His work, together with a team of experienced colleagues, involves legal guidance, financial stability, and operational efficiency for homeowners and condominium associations.
II. Latest news on East Corkscrew Road improvements and other concerns for the area.
Mark Novitski is a consultant for Engage Estero and a member of the East Corkscrew Alliance. He has played a key role in monitoring various roads, traffic, educational, and safety issues in both East Corkscrew and the Village of Estero. Mark continues to supply vital information to the community and will speak about matters related to East Corkscrew. This will cover the:
i) latest road development news.
ii) Mining and trucking.
iii) Safety issues regarding children attending local schools.
Many residents have said they would like to better understand: Where is Estero Heading? and What is likely to be its Future in 15-20 years?
THE I-75 EXPANSION AND THE NEED TO EMPHASIZE NOISE ABATEMENT REMEDIAL ACTION.
In early September, Engage Estero impressed on the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the need to ensure the 22-foot high noise abatement wall, is erected along the entire west side of the highway (the east side of the Brooks communities) in support of the Presidents of the 5 Brooks Communities. Following Engage Estero’s examination of the qualities of such noise abatement walls, research conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that reviewed the “sound transmission class” (STC) and “noise reduction coefficient” (NRC) of abatement walls concluded that the Leading companies & brands for Highway Noise Barriers are:
a. Valmont SoundWall™ (North America)
b. Durisol Precast Noise Barriers (North America, including Canada).
Given the evidence that has determined the particular benefits of these two products, Engage Estero has requested that one of these products be chosen for the task at hand. The test by FDOT to examine the value of the new noise-deadening asphalt used on a stretch of I-75 in the Estero
area appears to have resulted in a marked reduction in tire noise when driving over the new asphalt. If fully implemented, together with a continuous 22ft wall of the type mentioned, this would meaningfully protect property values and residents’ well-being and be well received by the overall community.
If other HOAs, on a collective basis, would like Engage Estero’s support on this issue, please contact us at info@ EsteroToday.com .
“Be Informed, Get Engaged, and Make an Impact!”
Cook’s Corner
TONY LICAVOLI
CAPONATINA SICILIANA
(EGGPLANT, OLIVE, AND CELERY APPETIZER)
INGREDIENTS:
1 large eggplant (diced into 1 inch cubes, skin on for texture)
2 celery stalks (chopped fine–they should disappear into the mix)
1 onion (diced small–yellow works best for sweetness)
2 ripe tomatoes (chopped rough–they’ll break down anyway)
Black olives
¼ cup green olives (pitted and halved–trust me, fishing out pits mid-bite is no fun)
Capers
2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff–this is Sicily in a bottle)
Tomato paste
Butter
1 tbsp sugar (balances the vinegar’s punch
2 tbsp red wine vinegar (that tangy backbone of flavor)
Salt and pepper (to taste–start light, you can always add more)
DIRECTIONS:
Cook celery and onions
Once the eggplant has been diced, transfer them into a colander
Sprinkle with salt and let them stand for 30 minutes
Rinse, drain well and pat dry
In a bowl, combine black olives, green olives and capers
Cover with warm water and let them plump for 20 minutes
Drain well
In a saucepan, blanch the celery for 1 to 2 minutes, or until just tender
Drain and pat dry
In a large skillet over moderately high heat, heat 3 tablespoons of oil until hot
Add the eggplant in small batches and cook stirring occasionally and adding 3 to 4 tablespoons of water to prevent sticking until just tender and golden brown
Transfer the fried eggplant to a bowl and adding oil as needed, fry the remaining eggplant
Add 2 tbsp of oil to the skillet and heat until hot over moderate heat
Add the onions and cook stirring occasionally until just tender
JUST FOR LAUGHS...
A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor’s office. “Is it true,” she wanted to know, “that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?” “Yes, I’m afraid so,” the doctor told her. There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, “I’m wondering then, just how serious is my condition, because this prescription is marked ‘NO REFILLS’.”
Add tomato sauce, reserved eggplant, olives, capers, celery, salt and pepper
Simmer the mixture over low heat stirring occasionally for 30 minutes
In a small bowl, combine sugar and vinegar, stirring until dissolved
Add the sugar mixture to the eggplant mixture and stir to combine
Add butter and some tomato paste to sauce and cook down
Transfer the caponatina to a bowl, let it cool to room temperature and chill it covered for 1 to 2 days to allow the flavors to blend
VCC Hours of Operation effective
November 1, 2025
Villager Staff
Editorial Staff: Lois Christensen, Susan D’Alessandro, Margaret Farmar, Jude Knisely, Judy Lieske
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
