Treasurer’s Report – December 2023 Villager
By Pat Vavrek
First, I want to thank the following for working on the 2024 budget–our general manager Sharon, Golf Pro John, Food & Beverage Manager Debra, finance committee members Dana, Tom, Mike, Gary & Scott. After several meetings, some revisions, more revisions and multiple emails, the board was presented with the 2024 proposed budget.
The bottom line is quarterly dues will increase by $101 for 2024, this is a 10% increase compared to 2023 dues. Some highlights to this increase are:
• Administrative Expenses that have notable increases include the Hotwire contract & property insurance.
• Your GM was able to provide employee health insurance at a much lower cost for 2023/2024. The health insurance policy renews in October each year.
• Electric across the board has increased, along with effluent water.
CCMGA News
By Don Polulak
Hard to believe December is here already. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Good to see many of our returning members and nice to meet new ones. Currently we have 102 members, 10 of them being new.
Our 1st event of the season, (Ravis Prueitt Tournament) is still in progress as of this writing.
On November 17 we had our CCMGA 4 man golf scramble, meeting and luncheon. We could not have asked for a better day, the weather was perfect and everyone seemed to have a good time. It was especially a good day for Greg Giovannetti who had a Hole in One on hole #6, which also happened to be the closest to the pin hole. Congratulations to Greg! The winning team of the scramble was: Darko Vukojevic, Jack Spaulding, Bob Ver Wey and Dave Goebel. Congratulations to you all.
As a reminder, on Fridays we would like to see our members wear a red shirt for league play. It is a tradition that was started many years ago to honor our veterans (past and present). If you would like to purchase a VCC red golf shirt, stop by the pro shop and speak to John Alfuth.
Now that we are approaching the busy part of our golf season, the men’s league would like to remind members that they should recognize that
• Golf expenses with notable increases include the Troon Maintenance Contract and golf course maintenance equipment leases.
• For golf, John has estimated 30,000 member rounds of golf with no public play during season.
• Non-resident golf memberships are capped at 65.
• In the Food & Beverage area, the cost of food has increased substantially. Payroll will also increase as the budgeted amount includes overtime along with increases due to the minimum wage increase across the state.
• Overall, expenses are increased by 13% while revenues are increased by 17%
• There is a lot of talk about the golf course and restaurant deficits. The golf course and the restaurant are community amenities.
• The annual contribution per household for the golf course deficit is $274 per household.
their pace of play affects others and they should play promptly throughout the round.
We would like to thank the volunteers for another fine job of fixing the roof on the #9 halfway house. FYI, there will not be any food service at the halfway house this season. Lee County will not allow it.
Board Members for 2023 & 2024 Season
President: Dan Chelenza Membership: Greg Giovannetti
Vice President: Don Polulak
Social Director: Guy Gibson
Secretary: Joe Fox Play Chairman: Tony Lamia
Treasurer: Roy Bauer Rules: Dave Amatangelo
Past President: Willis Drew Liaison to Golf Committee: Ray Atherholt
Here are a couple of important dates to mark on your calendar:
December 15: CCMGA golf, luncheon and meeting. January 12: CCMGA Member/Member golf, luncheon and meeting.
On behalf of the CCMGA Board, we wish you all a Merry Christmas!
• The annual funding for the F&B deficit is $529 per household for 2024.
• 2024 recommended funding for reserves is $650,000. Finally, the finance committee made a recommendation to the board to pass the 2024 proposed budget. The 2024 budget was unanimously approved by the board at the November 16, 2023 meeting.
From The Golf Pro
By John Alfuth, PGA
From left to right. Ray Atherholt, Greg Giovannetti, Dan Chelenza, Guy Gibson, Joe Fox, Don Polulak and Tony Lamia. Not Pictured: Roy Bauer and Dave Amatangelo.
From left to right. Darko Vukojevic, Jack Spaulding, Bob Ver Wey and Dave Goebel.
Greg Giovannetti. Hole in one! Hole #6.
Welcome Our New Chef
By Margaret Farmar
Bill Dyckman has the new title of “Chef,” but is not new to VCC. He has been our sous chef since November 20, 2022. He enjoys working with people and especially loves creating new menus. He is hoping to launch his next new creation this January.
He was born in New Jersey but moved to Florida with his parents when he was 15. Bill has been in the food creation business for over 36 years. He spent 6 years in South Dakota at Custer State Park as a sous chef, as well as many places in Florida including Tallahassee, Fiddlesticks in Naples, and Diamond Head Beach Resort just to name a few.
Bill Dyckman
He is currently living in Cape Coral and while “married to his job,” he still finds time to work with children with special needs being their coach for the Special Olympics. He does a Santa run with toys and brings food and clothes to homeless camps in Immokalee.
He also is an avid sky diver with 87 jumps under his belt!
15th Annual Tennis & Pickleball Dinner Dance
By Phillip Riskin
Save the date and join your Country Creek tennis & pickleball friends for an evening of dining, dancing and fun on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. You will also have an opportunity to win money in our 50/50 raffles (share the wealth). Details to follow in the coming months.
Just For Laughs!
From Senior Citizen Stories
What did you say? Huh?
Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine March day. One remarked to the other, “Windy, isn’t it?” “No,” the second man replied, “it’s Thursday.” And the third man chimed in, “I’m thirsty too, let’s have a beer.”
Volunteers Plan Golf Outing
By Ron Williams
The VCC Volunteers are planning a golf outing in 2024. The date is March 16 with an 8am scramble/ dinner shotgun start, and a 1pm golf only shotgun start. The price for residents for the golf/dinner is $60 per person in the morning and $33 per person for golf only in the afternoon. Social hour begins at 4:45pm with music playing until 8:30pm. Payment is to be made by credit card or member card in the Pro Shop starting mid-February.
CCLGA News
By Karlene Reilly
Our
CCLGA
season officially began on November 1, and we have enjoyed our first scramble golf and luncheon. A wonderful meal was served which consisted of pulled pork and chicken sliders, a delicious broccoli salad on the side, and ended with a brownie sundae. Our officers were introduced by our president, Lynn Polulak. The first place winners of the scramble were Carol Seaman, Nancy Laser, Sandy Page and Carol Wolff.
The main focus of our meeting was to discuss our charity event. This year we are supporting “FK Your Diet” Restaurant. The”FK” in the name means “foster kids.” The restaurant was inspired by Doug Miller, a founder, who grew up in the foster care system. He and his co-founder, Amy Eldridge, wanted to give back to a forgotten segment of our population. Amy spoke to us at the luncheon and everyone agreed that this was a wonderful charity for the league to support.
Additionally, after Hurricane Ian, this organization served 500,000 meals free of charge to those struggling in our community. The organization runs a restaurant in Fort Myers which serves comfort food. You are encouraged to visit the restaurant and enjoy their food. They are renowned for their biscuits and sausage gravy, and homemade doughnuts. Give it a try. All the golfers who have eaten there have recommended
Bocce News
By Patti O’Connor
The VCC fall Bocce league ran from October 24 through November 17, and there were some wonderful shots made on the courts. The top prize went to the Ball Busters with 16 wins, followed by the Rascals with 14 wins and the Bocce Bandits with 13 wins.
While the fall league has come to a close, we are already working on setting up the 2024 winter league. The annual
Please encourage your club, organization, committee or individuals to become a tee sponsor with a tax deductible donation payable to VCC Volunteers Inc. Sponsorships are $300-Platinum, $200-Gold or $100-Silver. Forms will be available in the Pro Shop starting mid-February, or you can ask any volunteer.
Mulligans, red tees, drop zones, and a cash board will be available prior to the start of each session. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams as well as closest to the pin for ladies and men.
This annual event is to raise money for equipment needed for new projects or repairs to improve and enhance our community. The volunteers deeply appreciate the support all of you have given us in the past and we will do our best to serve you in the future.
it. You won’t be disappointed and you will be supportive of a good cause. The website is: fkyourdiet.com. The chair people are Sue Waldera, Pat Downs, Meg Lyczak, Becky Zeutenhorst, and Diana Fetter. You will hear much more about this event in the future.
Also, please look for a new article each month entitled “Gal’s Golf Gossip” written by Sharon Boos.
We wish everyone a wonderful golfing season. Our golf league provides many opportunities to make new friends. Come to lunch after your golf game. It is a great time to celebrate your low score or to analyze where you went wrong that day. It’s the best time of the day.
Happy golfing!
Bocce Captains’ meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 at the clubhouse in room 1 at 3pm. We have 12 teams committed to return this winter, but are always looking for new players and additional teams. Each team can have a maximum of 26 players. We play on Tuesday and Friday afternoons starting at 2:30. We play at the VCC bocce court and the four bocce courts located at the Estero Community Center.
If you are interested in playing, please contact Patti O’Connor, at buka@comcast.net. Everyone is welcome to play–no experience is required.
Tennis Report For December 2023
By Larry Brush
The Tennis Committee met on Nov 15 to discuss several important topics.
Since 2024 is an election year for the Tennis Committee, we are seeking volunteers to serve on the Nomination/ Election Committee. The members of this committee will solicit and collect the names of those members interested in serving on the Tennis Committee. The names of the nominees will be posted in February, voting will be conducted, and results will be announced at the annual meeting scheduled for March 22, 2024. Please consider serving on the Nomination/ Election Committee.
Volunteers are needed to work on the Tennis/Pickleball Dance scheduled for March 12, 2024. This is always an enjoyable end of winter-season gathering. Contact any member of the Tennis Committee for information.
Speaking of contacting, you are reminded that the contact information for the VCC tennis community is on the VCC website: Tennis, Tennis Roster.
The Tennis Committee is in the process of reviewing the by laws for possible updates. If any revisions are required, the changes will be put before the community to be voted on, either at the annual meeting, or a special meeting for the purpose of voting on the by law changes.
The Tennis Committee meetings are open to the tennis community. However, due to availability, we typically meet in meeting room 3 (poker room) with very limited capacity. The next meeting is scheduled for December 11 at 9am.
Plans are underway for team play in a number of leagues.
The men plan for a 2.5 team playing on Fridays, a 3.0 team playing on Thursdays, and a 6.5 70-plus team playing on Mondays. These teams are in the Bonita League.
The ladies will have a 3.0 over-50 team in the Sunshine League, which started in November and is undefeated as of this writing. Further, the ladies will have a 3.0 70-plus team in the Bonita league playing on Wednesdays and a 3.0/3.5 team in the Bon-Ero league playing on Thursdays. About half of the matches are scheduled at home and the rest away. A schedule will be posted on the bulletin boards. Please consider volunteering for the Dance Committee and/or Nomination/Election Committee.
Sara Moskal, Treasurer, Nancy Eisenberg, Secretary, Joyce Hussey, Parliamentarian, Lynn Polulak, President, Alison Vukojevic, Vice President.
Veterans Day–Remember, Honor, Respect
By Jane Hopson
Our clubhouse was filled with our members enjoying a great morning of friendship, reminiscing and a wonderful buffet breakfast. The Veterans Day program committee was comprised of our own members from the Daughters of the American Revolution, Barefoot Beach Chapter: Mary Ann Baker, Mason Daley Boyd, Diana Burton, Jane Hopson, Carole Romp and Sarah Rubino. One of the DAR missions is patriotism, and from a drawing with the Veterans, we presented an American Flag that had been flown over our Washington DC headquarters, which is 2 blocks from the White House. The lucky winner was Air Force Veteran Bill McCloud from Building 11.
Attendees at Veterans Breakfast
Mike Spina, a Candlewood Hollow resident, painted a beautiful abstract picture of the American Flag along with a heartfelt poem he wrote honoring our Veterans. These were presented to an attending Veteran. Patriotic music was played by DJ Rose throughout, and after we recited the Pledge of Allegiance, she sang a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Small flags were given to each Veteran as their branch of the United States service was called.
VCC Holiday Boutique
By Lois Christensen
The 16th annual VCC Holiday Boutique was held in the clubhouse on November 6. If you missed it, you missed out on a great event. We have an incredible number of talented and skilled crafters in Country Creek, and the boutique gives them a place to show their work. While there are many craft shows in the area at this time of year, the Country Creek display is one of the finest.
The idea for the boutique began back in 2008 with a meeting of the KnitWits, the VCC craft group that meets every Tuesday from 9 to 11am in the downstairs meeting rooms at the clubhouse. Anyone wishing to participate may come to share or learn a new craft. The original organizers were Helen Hintz and Ann Wittman. This year 14 vendors, all Country Creek residents, displayed their creations and the crowds snapped up merchandise like crazy. Over the years, the word has passed from buyer to buyer to “come early.” A bonus for buyers is a 10% discount on lunch. A percentage of the profits is made as a donation to the VCC Volunteers.
Preparations for the boutique begin in March when vendor applications become available. All prospective new participants must submit examples of their work to the Boutique Committee before being accepted. All items are handmade–no commercial articles are accepted.
Thanks to all the vendors who provided the merchandise and to the residents of Country Creek for their support of this event. A special thanks goes to Ron Williams, Ron
and Lenny
for the added muscle needed to carry display materials into the clubhouse–the
wasn’t working!
Village Of Country Creek Membership Card
By Mike Abelson
Have you received a charge on your VCC account that you hadn’t made? This has happened to me a couple of times. In order to correct the error, you need to contact the office and report it. Then the office manager will go through receipts to locate the receipt in question, and determine to whom the charge should be billed.
To avoid this type of problem, the restaurant, bar and golf shop staff will ask you to present your membership card upon making a purchase to your account. The purpose of this, of course, is to prevent mistakes. If you don’t have your membership card, then you may be asked to show your driver’s license as a form of identification.
When signing your chit, please make sure that your name appears on the top! If you cannot show any form of identification, you can put your charge on a credit card (Visa, Master Card, etc.).
If you have lost your membership card, you must go to the VCC office and have a new one made for you. It is very important that all of your charges are placed against your VCC account. Therefore, do not take the request for your membership card as an insult. The VCC team is trying to ensure that all charges are made to the correct account. Even if the VCC employee knows who you are, a mistake could still be made by inputting incorrect information.
Thank you all for your cooperation.
Estero Historical Society Upcoming Events
By Gail Langner
The following events for the Estero Historical Society are being held at The Villages at Country Creek:
• December 11 Noon–Annual Turkey Lunch with guest speaker Jim Weeks–History of Weeks Fish Camp, $35 Member, $45 Non-Member Register www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com
• January 13 9:30am–Speaker Series with local historian Jacob Winge–Prehistoric Florida–continental breakfast included, $10 Member, $15 Non-Member Register www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com
• January 19 1pm–Annual Meeting in Garden Room–meeting only, no charge Register www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com
Upon entering our lobby a Missing Man Table was set, and cards were at each breakfast place setting describing the table meaning. At 11:00am we had the Tolls of the Bells of Peace, in honor of the anniversary of the end of World War I, which officially ended on the eleventh month of the eleventh day at 11am. Bells were rung and a moment of reflection was asked from the attendees. The room went totally silent.
A Poem To Veterans
By Michael P. Spina
My thank you to all Veterans.
To those who didn’t have to, but still did.
So I didn’t have to
Thank you to your parents, who raised a child with the strength and determination needed to defend this country.
So I didn’t have to.
Thank you for leaving your home for months or years at a time.
So I didn’t have to.
Thank you for giving up holidays and special occasions with your family.
So I didn’t have to.
Thank you for sacrificing your time to fight for this country.
So I didn’t have to.
Thank you to your families, who support you before, during and after your tour of duty.
So I didn’t need mine to.
Thank you for sacrificing your body, mind and soul.
So I didn’t have to.
Thank you for being willing to give your life for our freedom.
So I didn’t have to.
Thank you for giving more to this country, than anyone should be asked to give.
So I didn’t have to.
Thank you for being on guard to protect the American way of life.
So I didn’t have to.
Thank you for providing and protecting this wonderful country I live in.
Without you, I would not have the life or opportunities I have today.
In honor of the sacrifices you and your families have made for me and my family.
I make these promises to you.
I will always stand for the National Anthem, I will always put my hand over my heart for ThePledge of Allegiance
I will always honor the flag you fought so hard for. I will always wear the colors, Red,White and Blue with pride.
The only time I will ever be on my knees before the great flag of this country, Is when I’m praying for the soldiers who continue to give of themselves risking their lives for this country.
Words cannot express the gratitude I have for you. God bless you and your families.
Michael P. Spina
Clockwise from the front: Shelli Royer, Ann Wittman, Rene Hague, Marie Fiasconaro, Cynthia McDermott, Dave Boehm, Carol DeFrank, Lois Christensen, Jeanne Eichhorn, Deb Amdor, Mary Ann Jack, Sharon Medek, Denise Tabor, Cassie Williams, Marie Carey, Mary Ann Gabriele, Jacqui Paull
Snyder,
Marrone
elevator
Contacting The Staff
Sharon Pisanchyn - gm@vccgolfclub.com
Jessica Bryant - om@vccgolfclub.com
Debra Kortea - fbmanager@vccgolfclub.com
Christa Burris - admin@vccgolfclub.com
John Alfuth - johna@vccgolfclub.com
Contacting the Master Board vccmasterboard@vccgolfclub.com
Fision HotwireStay Informed
By Judy Lieske
STAY INFORMED!
Visit Community
Information on your phone or use your TV Remote.
To download the Fision App on your phone, please email your request to VCChotwiretv@ gmail.com or pick up an instruction flyer outside the administration office in the mail slots.
For more information, suggestions, or something you would like to see on the TV, email VCChotwiretv@ gmail.com.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
By Resident Shirley Perry
2
2
Mix all in large bowl
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes on UNGREASED cookie sheet
Yields about 10 dozen cookies
Cutting the recipe in half also works well. ENJOY ��
My Experience Working In The Peace Corps
By Resident Carole Kallansrude
Are you retired and looking for a new adventure? How about going overseas for two years, living in another country, and doing an exciting job?
Well, there is an option open to you regardless of your age. JOIN THE PEACE CORPS.
Entering the Peace Corps at age 66, I served for two years (2008-2010) as a teacher (English and Computer) in the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific. I lived in a very different culture among Polynesians–different language, different foods, different customs, even a different name–Kalo
(they don’t have “c” or “r” in their alphabet). Resources in the school were very limited–few books, limited paper, and pencils. We found resources where we could.
Volunteers are encouraged to take on a project of some sort. I was chair of a small committee whose project was to develop a program where electronic waste could be disposed of or recycled. Since there were no facilities for this, everything had been previously burned, buried or dumped in the ocean. We named our project “E-Waste Tonga.”
If you would like more information about this experience which enriched my life, feel free to contact me: Carole Kallansrude (239-405-4357), and leave a message.
Holiday Light Shows In The Estero Area
• Over the Top Christmas Lights–Mysore Fig Tree, 9011 Broadway Avenue E, Estero, FL Runs December 1–31. Go to Twitter@MysoreFigTree for up to date information. Donations accepted.
• 48th Annual Edison and Ford Holiday Nights–Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL. Runs November 24-December 23 and December 2631 5:30-9pm. For information, call 239-334-7419 between
Villager Staff
Editorial Staff: Lois Christensen, Susan D’Alessandro, Margaret Farmar, Judy Lieske
Contact/Submissions: VCCVillager@gmail.com
The Villager welcomes resident memoriams and article submissions describing Country Creek life. News of social
9am-5:30pm. Fees are Members $15, Adults $30, Teens $25, Children $18.
• Holiday Lights Event–Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL. Runs December 1-31. For information, call 239-275-3435. Fees are Members Free, Adults 13+ $10, Children 3–12 $5.
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.
Certificate of Appreciation