Directors’ Corner
Happy February everyone! The cold spell is behind us as we sail through the winter months in beautiful Estero and our wonderful community. There’s been a lot of activity by our employees and volunteers to keep our community operating as well as it does, and they are always looking for areas to improve upon. Be sure to thank those individuals who volunteer their time to make VCC shine. They can always use an extra hand.
We also want to thank Dave Hoffman for nearly three years of dedicated leadership as president of the Master Board. Dave was instrumental in righting the VCC financial ship by involving our Treasurer and our General Manager in establishing ownership of our money in the several banks that we utilize. Our money is now secured by the FDIC and is earning interest that will amount to more than $40,000 per year. Dave, Greg Bertke and Steve Zielensky campaigned on the platform of fiscal responsibility, and it has come to pass under their leadership.
Efforts are underway to secure bids for removing the carpeting from the downstairs meeting rooms and adding
carpeting, either traditional carpeting or carpet tiles. It has been recommended to replace the carpet with carpet or carpet tiles in the interest of noise reduction. Bids have been received for an AV system for upstairs, and also bids have been requested for the needed acoustical work that is required.
The Sunday morning golf guys have donated a television to the clubhouse, and it has been installed on the outdoor patio. Our thanks to them for their generous donation.
On March 20, four (4) Master Board seats are up for election. Two (2) Directors from Voting District One (HOA I, HOA II, HOA III), One (1) Director from Voting District Two (Villas), and One (1) Director from Voting District Three (Condos). The voting will take place at the VCC Annual Members Meeting from 2-4PM, and the selection of the Board officers will take place at a Meeting at 4PM. The term for these Directors will be for two years.
If you have not signed up for Evoting, the forms to optin is on the website under ‘forms’ or you can come to the clubhouse office and your VCC staff can assist you.
Getting To Know Our Staff
By Margaret Farmar
Three years ago a romance blossomed at Creekside. Raphael Bonila met Nichelle Siewertsen. A strong relationship was formed. The duo were drawn together by a mutual ethic of hard work and a love of travel. Two years ago they took their vacation time and left in August on a road trip, camping and trekking through Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. They eventually ending up in Alaska where they visited with Tim, one of their former managers at VCC. It was a six week, 15,000 mile trip leaving them wanting more. This summer it’s back on the road up the Pacific coast to Alaska in Raphael’s trusty Subaru. These trips give him many opportunities to indulge his favorite hobby of photography.
Raphael grew up in Bonita Springs and still lives there with his parents in their family home. His sister was working at VCC and encouraged him to apply for an after school job. During his senior year he’d walk over from Estero High School and start bussing tables and running food. He was 17 at the time and now, seven years later, he has moved into the role of lead server.
Raphael loves working at our Country Club. He sees the same people on a regular basis. “They get to know me, ask how I am. It’s like a family. The people are so patient,
understanding, and nice to me. I’ve often helped them by changing light bulbs, cleaning gutters, even dog sitting.”
Nichelle moved from Michigan to Florida about three years ago and has been working at VCC ever since. She grew up in Port Huron and worked as a hostess/server in restaurants in the downtown Detroit area with her mom, who is presently working at a country club on Sanibel. She lives in the family home in San Carlos Park.
Nichelle loves Florida and loves working at Country Creek! When you “get to see the same people, know their drink orders, and they get to know personal things about you,” there’s a feeling of caring, more like a community, an extended family. You don’t get that same experience when working at a restaurant serving different patrons all the time. This feeling of community and family also extends to her fellow workers. They often get together after work to bowl or just share some good times.
Nichelle has several hobbies besides traveling. She loves to read. Harry Potter is one of her favorites. Several VCC members have made suggestions on other books
she may be interested in and have often shared their own books with her. Although it’s difficult to find a lot of time during the season, she has still managed to take up painting. Using acrylics, she tries to capture the beauty of the landscapes she has seen while traveling. She’s also an avid Detroit Lions football fan.
By John Alfuth, PGA
Bocce News
By Patti O’Connor
Our VCC Winter Bocce season was to start on Tuesday, January 16, but El Nino had other plans that week. Hopefully, the courts will dry out and by the time you read this article, our season is in full swing.
Our Bocce Board for 2024 is Jack Arvold, Vice President, Millie Willis, Treasurer/Secretary, and Patti O’Connor, President. We are excited to start the year off
Raphael Bonila
Nichelle Siewertsen
Camping Alaska VCC Romance
CCMGA News
with the replacement of our bocce balls that were over 15 years old. We have updated our rules and created our winter play schedule. Our captains have copies of the new documents.
We have 13 full teams this winter. Our teams are: Team 1–Rascals, Captain Mike Halpin
Team 2–High Rollers, Captains Diana & Harry Burton Team 3–Flamingos, Captain Jan Beckwith Team 4–Rock & Rollers, Captain Ron Hopkins Team 5–Blazers, Captain Tom VanDuyne Team 6–Goombas, Captains Sharon and Tom Boos Team 7–Bocce Bandits, Captain, Bob Smith Team 8–Ball Busters, Captain Millie Willis Team 9–Forgers, Captain Patti O’Connor Team 10–Paisans, Captains Mark & Sue Twombly Team 11–CC Eight Ballers, Captain Wayne Canary Team 12–Pallinos, Captain Ron Williams Team 13–a new team to VCC Bocce called the Delaware Destroyers, Captains Mary Anne and Nick Alicea.
Our Bocce award banquet is set for the end of March. Will the Bocce Bandits take the title again this season, or will the newcomers destroy the field rolling into first place their first season out. Good luck to all teams and players. Bocce News from page 1
By Don Polulak
I must say this past January’s weather was not what we are used to here in Southwest Florida. Hopefully, the warmer temperatures and sunshine has returned to our area.
We did have a nice day for our Member/Member Memorial Tournament. There were (37) two man teams that played in this event. Congratulations to Tim Downs and Kevin Klotzbach for their first place finish. This year we paid tribute to three members who passed away. George Beahan, Greg Bailey (Hidinger) and Paul Devaney. We were honored to have Lorrie Bailey and Barbara Devaney join us at our luncheon. Each of them spoke about how much their husbands enjoyed the Men’s League, and the many friends that they made here at VCC.
Currently our Elmer Rawson Match Play Tournament is being played or has finished as of this writing. We have 173 members, 34 of them new to our league. Our current Golf League Board held a Coffee and Donut Meet and Greet on Thursday January 18 for new members in order to answer any questions they may have had about the Men’s League, or
CCLGA News
By Karlene Reilly
January was a long month with plenty of rain, but it did not dampen the spirits of the CCLGA. We had our monthly Scramble on January 9, which was followed by a soup, salad and ice cream sundae luncheon. Please see the Scramble winners’ pictures included with this article.
specific rules about our golf course. Welcome To VCC.
Also the Board is in the process of updating our By-Laws, and we hope to have them completed soon.
An upcoming event to mark on your calendar is the Chuck Hunkins CCMGA Championship on March 6 and 8. The luncheon is after golf on March 8.
The Men’s League would like to remind all golfers of a couple of etiquette rules that you all have heard many times before. On the fairway please bring the sand bottle with you and fill in your divots, and step on the sand to smooth it out. On the greens, fix your ball mark and any other ones you may see. Let’s do our part to help maintain our course.
Our welcome breakfast, organized by Joyce Hussey, was held in January with 17 new members invited. Our Executive Board members were present to meet and greet the new members. Additionally, we hosted the LGA/ MGA luncheon on January 25. At this Italian themed luncheon, the men received a gift as a remembrance of the event.
Many of our members tried out for the Solar Cup in January. This event attracts the best golfers in our league. It will be held on February 24 and 25 and all are welcome to observe. A good place to watch is Hole #16 where you will see many people sitting in their beach chairs lined up watching the ladies as they come in.
A new voting representative has been added to our CCLGA Board. Sue Mastrodonato will represent the nine hole golfers. Another decision that was voted upon this year was that all players participating in our Member/Member Championship event, which will be held on April 11, will play from the red tees. GeeGee Hathcock will be our chairperson and the theme this year will be “It Must Be 5 O’Clock Somewhere,” based upon the music of Jimmy Buffett. Colorful Margaritaville style golf attire will be worn. Please look for more details in the near future.
At each of our meetings, Nancy Laser, as our representative, informs us about what has occurred at the Country Creek monthly Golf Committee meeting. At the most recent meeting, it was emphasized that we must be careful with the new flagsticks. Some holes are being damaged as golfers try to retrieve their golf balls. Additionally, we should remember to leave the rakes in the bunkers after being used.
Our Charity event, “Play It Forward,” benefitting “Fk Your Diet,” which supports kids in foster care will be held on February 15. We thank all the participants, the volunteers and the contributors for all that they do. Please look forward to all the details in the next issue.
Volunteers Plan Golf Outing
By Ron Williams
The VCC Volunteers are planning a golf outing in 2024. The date is March 16, 2024, 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 in the Pro Shop starting February 15 by credit card or member card.
Please encourage your club, organization, committee or individuals to become a tee sponsor with a tax deductible donation payable to VCC Volunteers, Inc. Sponsorships are $300-Platinum, $200-Gold, or $100-Silver. Forms will be available in the Pro Shop mid-February, or ask any volunteer. Mulligans, red tees, drop zones, and a cash board will be available prior to the start of each session. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams as well as closest to the pin for ladies and men. This annual event is to raise money for equipment needed for new projects, or repairs to improve and enhance our community. The volunteers deeply appreciate the support all of you have given us in the past and we will do the best to serve you in the future.
CCMGA New Members: (From L to R) Ted Pawlich, Bert Alicea, Ken Baker, Gary Shick, Al Alicea, Gene Bernardini, Ray Babiarz and Doug Wilson.
Member/Member Memorial Tournament Winners Kevin Klotzbach and Tim Downs
Barbara Devaney, Dan Chelenza and Lorrie Bailey
Winners of the January Scramble Susan Tofani, Janelle Booth, Bonnie Gibson, Diana Szmurlo
Sue Mastrodonato, Nine Hole Voting Representative
Nancy Laser, Representative of CCLGA to the CC Golf Committee
Tennis Notes
By Kristen Salerno
Tennis is in full swing at VCC! The tennis community is a mix of both ladies and men representing various levels within the game. We are fortunate to play on some of the best clay courts in the area and feel very proud to have the support of our community.
Ladies Update:
We have two different teams that play. The Sunshine League is composed of ladies over 50 at the 3.0 level. They resumed play in early January and swept all three courts. The second team is a mix of 3.0 and 3.5 players and it’s called the Bon-Ero league. Stay tuned for more exciting updates.
Ladies also play social tennis on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings between 8:30-10am. Sign up is done weekly by the condominium courts.
Men’s Update:
On December 4, two of our tennis residents traveled to Zephyrhills to play in the Florida Senior Games.Tom Whelan and Rocky Blaschke competed in the 70 to 74 men’s doubles. They ended up winning second place and received silver.
The men have four different teams that play. Three teams play for the Bonita League and represent 2.5, 3.0 and a 6.0 team which is a mix of both levels. The 6.0 team is for gentlemen 70 years and older. The other team is 3.0 and plays in the Bon-Ero league.
The VCC men’s 2.5 team had a match with the Grandezza men on January 12. They played four
courts, although only the first three were recorded. Court two won in a second set tie breaker. Team one split sets and lost the 10 point tie-breaker. Unfortunately, courts three and four also lost in the 10 point tiebreaker. Close games!
On January 8 the 6.0 league won all 3 courts against Worthington. They battled hard, but took a loss on all three courts against Valencia.
On January 11, the Bonita 3.0 team won three games and lost one against Cascades. The Bon-Ero league also had a victory against the Cascades by winning all three courts on January 17.
If you’re new to the game, you may contact our local pro, Katie Unsworth. Her email is Katieu37@yahoo. com. She offers a variety of drills on Saturdays and she would be happy to accommodate anyone interested during seasonal play.
Lastly, the game of tennis offers a great deal of entertainment. A movie recommendation would be King Richard, which is the story of Venus and Serena Williams, and how their dad was the driving force behind their many successes both on and off the tennis court. It is currently streaming on HBO Max and Apple TV.
Save The Date–15th Annual Tennis & Pickleball Dinner Dance
January Fashion Show
By Lois Christensen
At last–a Fashion Show at Country Creek!
Everyone who attended was very happy to see this event again on the schedule. Jessica greeted us as we entered, and we were escorted to our seats by Raphael. Pots of heather decorated the tables. We were treated to a lovely lunch of grilled chicken, mango and cucumber salad on mixed greens and a scrumptious New York style cheesecake with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream on the side. I haven’t had a slice of cheesecake in quite a while, and it was truly delicious.
The fashion show was presented by Chico’s at Coconut Point Mall. The clothing featured outfits perfect for multi-event casual wear with some golf duds included, also lots of new designs with wider leg pants and somewhat ruffley and beautifully patterned tops. The models were Janelle Booth, Nancy Bosshard, Kristen Elliott, Judy Kuglitsch, Mary Jo Myers, and Michelle Suarez. All this was expertly coordinated by Bobbie Giannuzzi.
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
Choking And You
By Karen Dougherty
Did you know that choking is the fourth leading cause of accidental injury death in the United States? Choking is also known as foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO). Lack of oxygen to the brain for more than four minutes may cause brain damage or death. It is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in persons over age 65; third leading cause of home injury or death in adults over 75! One child in the United States dies every five days from choking, and 75% are under the age of 3. More people die from aspirating than die in fires, drowning or accidental shootings.
What can you do? For adults, not chewing food properly is the most common cause of choking. Also, eating too fast, drinking alcohol, and health conditions like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS and Alzheimer’s disease can also increase the chances of choking. In children, veggies should be cooked and cut into small pieces. Hot dogs and grapes should be cut into small quarters. Beware of small toys, coins and balloons that they might eat.
Common signs that a person is choking are coughing, turning blue, clutching their throat, pointing to throat or suddenly unable to talk. The universal sign for choking is both hands clutching the neck in a butterfly position. First, dial 911. The traditional approach to helping a choking victim is to do a series of blows to the back
(share the wealth). Details to follow in the coming months. Registration forms will be available soon. If you have any questions, contact Ron Wicks 607-343-6018 or Phil Riskin 847-400-4222.
while the person is leaning forward. If that is not enough to dislodge the item from the throat, then the Heimlich Maneuver could be performed. That is performed by standing behind the choking victim, putting your arms around the person and placing the thumb side of one fist against the stomach just above their belly button. Grasping the fist with the other hand, thrust inward and upward into the person’s stomach. Use quick thrusting movements five times or until the item is expelled. CPR may have to be performed if the person becomes unresponsive.
Another life saving possibility for choking is the use of LifeVac Choking Rescue Device for Kids and Adults. This device even enables the choking victim to help themselves. It resembles a plunger and is placed over the mouth, The person pushes the bellows handles down, then quickly up. As air is forced out of the sides of the device, it creates a vacuum that sucks the object out of the airway.
Any first aid of any kind is, of course, the discretion of the person performing the aid. Do some homework and learn about life saving techniques. This article is for information and not medical know-how for any procedure. As for me, I personally know a friend that choked to death on a slice of lemon. His wife and adult daughter were not able to dislodge the lemon using the Heimlich Maneuver. Maybe the LifeVac would’ve saved him. We just don’t know. I have been the recipient of two life saving Heimlich Maneuvers performed on me when I was choking on a peanut one time and a slice of candy another. I think everyone should at least know the signs of choking and basic first aid in an emergency.
Stay healthy and safe!
Save The Date Spring Craft Fair
By Lois Christensen
The VCC KnitWits will hold a Spring Thing Craft Fair on March 12 from 10am–1pm. We plan to be on the Clubhouse patio unless the weather doesn’t cooperate. In that case we will be inside the Clubhouse. This is
another great opportunity for VCC residents to purchase handcrafted items and gifts. Watch your email for additional details as the date grows closer.
This was just the beginning of the fashion show season this year. We’re all anxiously awaiting the next one. Cheers to all who took part, and a special thank you to the Country Creek staff. It’s such a joy to see everyone working so well together.
Second Place Winners Tom Whelan and Rocky Blaschke
Bobbie Giannuzzi
Kris Elliott Mary Jo Myers
Michelle Suarez Nancy Bosshard
Janelle Booth Judy Kuglitsch
Sharon Pisanchyn - gm@vccgolfclub.com
Sarah Goffar - om@vccgolfclub.com
Jessica Bryant - mrc@vccgolfclub.com
John Alfuth - johna@vccgolfclub.com
Bill Dyckman - chef@vccgolfclub.com
Contacting the Master Board vccmasterboard@vccgolfclub.com
Contacting The Staff Hand And Foot
Hand and Foot/Samba Lessons will be held in Meeting Room 1 on Mondays at 11:30am. Hand and Foot will be played on Wednesdays in the Dining Room at 11:00 am.
VCC Luncheon–“A Visit With The Queen”
By Justine Brown, Jean Barbour and Sharon Medek
You likely have seen quite a few documentaries about Queen Elizabeth and perhaps watched a few series about her life. However, the live dramatization of the Queen held at our clubhouse on January 5 was superb.
The actress from Massachusetts, Cheryl Faye, travels the entire USA presenting a slate of famous characters for audiences, including Abigail Adams, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Sally Ride and more. Upon arrival at the club, Cheryl must have unpacked three full trunks of costume changes to depict the various ages of the Queen. She had a full-screen actual video showing scenes, rooms,
news reels, crowds and characters with whom she interacted with impeccable timing. She floored us all by never breaking character in an hour, speaking her lines continually while she openly changed costumes, wigs, and props. Most of us guessed it may have been at least 50 changes. Phenomenal! Her accent, countenance, story telling, and just perfect timing entranced us all.
We would highly encourage anyone to look up this presenter and see where/when you can catch her next. We would also LOVE to see more events like this one at VCC!
Much appreciation to those who planned and coordinated this wonderful event.
Chocolate Cherry Cake
By Judy Lieske
Ingredients:
1 (18.25 ounce) package
devil’s food cake mix
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 eggs
1 cup white sugar
5 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract and 2 eggs by hand; stir until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it tests done. Cool.
4. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, butter or margarine, and milk. Boil, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in chocolate chips until smooth. Immediately pour over partially cooled cake.
Estero Historical Society Upcoming Events
The following events for the Estero Historical Society are being held at The Villages at Country Creek:
• March 9 9:30am–Speaker Series with local historian Jacob Winge–Florida Cults and Communes–continental breakfast included, $10 Member, $15 Non-Member. Register www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com
Care Bears
By Karen Dougherty
Our Care Bears at VCC is very much active all year round. We provide medical equipment to our residents and sometimes their guests. Patrick Rosselli and I will assist people with their medical needs such as wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, seated walkers, knee scooters, canes, commodes and shower chairs. We do not provide elevated toilet seats. However, commodes may be used for that purpose. We can also provide
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
• April 13 9:30am–Speaker Series with local historian Jacob Winge–Colonial and Early American Florida Shipwrecks–continental breakfast included, $10 Member, $15 Non-Member. Register www. EsteroHistoricalSociety.com
transportation to medical appointments and have also done some grocery shopping in the past.
Our equipment is stored in a storage shed within the maintenance area provided by the men volunteers at VCC. They have recently doubled our storage area (thank you again volunteers!). We do not, however, keep any baby items. If we can be of assistance, please contact Pat Rosselli at 216832-5832 or myself, Karen Dougherty at 217-220-0626.
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.
Emergency (Fire, Police, Medical, Sheriff, Highway Patrol, Poison Control …………………………….
Fayhee
Estero Village Office https://estero-fl.gov/
Estero Fire Rescue (non-emergency) …………………………………………………………………….239-390-8000
Florida Power & Light
Florida Traffic Reports
Hotwire (Fision Cable & Internet for VCC) ………………………………………………..….………..800-355-5668
Koreshan State Park ………………………………………………………………………………………………239-992-0311
Lee County Administration …………………………………………………………………………………….239-533-2111
Lee
