From The Master Board
By Master Board Directors: Greg Bertke, Diana Burton, Dave Hoffman, George Lonergan, Ron Smoyer, Ron Stone and Steve Zielinski.
Spring Ahead
March 19 is the first day of spring this year, and the following day is our annual members meeting. Spring always represents new beginnings and the bursting forth of new life. Our Master Board (MB) will be changing as Diana Burton and Ron Stone leave the MB. We thank them for the hard work and diligence they have employed over the past months. Diana served as liaison to the Common Grounds Committee, Ron as liaison to the Volunteers, Bocce, and Community Service Award Committee.
Another new beginning is our Golf Superintendent, Miguel Escobar. He was already observed on hole 16 instructing one of our employees in the proper way of executing a treatment to the golf course. We wish John Roberts God speed in his new assignment, and we welcome Miguel to our community. We do not know the outcome of our annual members meeting and election so we will not project the outcome. We as a MB wish to convey our deepest wishes that our VCC community come to a place of peace, beauty, and community
spirit. It is our desire that we work together to produce a clubhouse, common grounds and golf course of which we can truly be proud.
VCC recently subscribed to Survey Monkey and sent out a brief simple survey of six questions. This is a learning process for our community in order to obtain important information regarding future plans and projects. We invite our community residents to submit questions for consideration by the MB for inclusion in future surveys. Also, there is of necessity a need to tweak the survey instrument, to be able to survey only those who are directly affected by the survey. There may be instances when renters opinions may be included.
T his MB spans a couple of generations, but we are reminiscent of the no man left behind concept. Perhaps the previous generation, the “greatest generation,” is even more mindful of that than we are. As a community it is a concept within our reach, as we consider other persons’ points of view, as well as our own. It is easy for all of us to fall into wanting our own desires without considering others. But may we all take the high road at this juncture, demonstrating cooperation, and a commitment to working together to build a brighter future.
Getting To Know Our Staff
Sara Goffar
By Lois Christensen
VCC has a new Office Manager. Sarah Goffar (pronounced like golfer without the “l”) recently joined the VCC administrative team. She is a Michigan native who moved to Southwest Florida in 1989. Her background is in accounting. Previous to her VCC employment she worked for 10 years at Outback Steakhouse as the Front of House Manager and Administrative Manager and most recently 10 years at Bonita Bay as the Marina Services Coordinator. In that position she worked with the same management software that VCC uses. She enjoys spending time with (and spoiling) her three grandchildren. Other interests are cooking (if she has all the right ingredients and sufficient time), gardening, reading, and watching hockey.
You will also notice that Jessica Bryant has assumed the front desk duties as Member Relations Coordinator. She’s there to respond to member questions and needs.
VCC welcomes these new staff members.
Alvaro Martin
By Margaret Farmar
Alvaro Martin was born in St. Mary, Jamaica 44 years ago. He began his career there as a manager in the Food and Beverage industry in 2003. Alvaro has been living with his family in the San Carlos area since 2018. He and his wife share two daughters ages 16 and 19, along with their dog, a german shepherd lab mix, and an adorable rabbit. Before Covid struck and paralyzed the country, he was a server at Pelican Bay. He’s been with us at VCC for the past three years, which is also about the time he launched his business. Throughout his life he’s enjoyed participating in many recreational sports. Now, however, soccer, volleyball and
tennis are taking a back seat to his burgeoning detailing business, the motto of which is “Making a Lasting Impression.” You may have seen him on your block power washing your neighbors’ driveways, sidewalks and lanais, along with detailing many a car. I can speak from personal experience that he does an excellent, thorough job!
Cameron McKinley
By Margaret Farmar
Cameron McKinley, 23 years of age, is in his third season at VCC. He’s a native Floridian. He grew up on the east coast in Port St. Lucie, and now resides in the Fort Myers area. Cameron attended Florida Gulf Coast University studying business and computer engineering his freshman year. Covid arrived disrupting those plans. After things eased up, he decided being in an office setting was not for him. At this time, he’s unsure whether or not he will go back and finish school.
Who Says Lightning Doesn’t Strike 3 Times!
By Dan Chelenza
O n Friday February 16, I was playing in our monthly scramble/ meeting. My playing partners Pete Buechner, George Deckebach and Terry Burke were enjoying a really nice round of golf. We got to the fifth hole, which is called the longest par 5 on the course, (actually it’s a par 3), Terry stepped up to the tee and hit a shot that went straight to the pin. Pete and I thought “that ball went in the hole!” It was so bright we couldn’t tell if it went in. Well, we drove up to the green, I walked up to the hole, and sure enough, there it was, in the hole! It was Terry’s first career Hole in One! But, that’s not the end of the story. As we were driving back to the clubhouse for our luncheon/ meeting, Pete and I discussed having a free beer for that ace that Terry made! When I walked into the dining room, Greg Giovannetti informed me that there were two other Holes in One! I said, make that three! Tom Boos aced #11–his third, Ray Atherholdt did the same on #16 for his fifth career ace. I have never played in a tournament where there were three Holes in One, incredible! Congratulations fellas!
Golf Friday Games
3/15 Four Man Scramble
3/22 Man in the Box
3/29 Three Clubs and a Putter–2 Man Team
4/05 Member-Guest NO FRIDAY GAMES
4/12 Four Man–One Low Net, One Low Gross Men’s
February Villager
From the Villager Staff
The Villager editorial staff apologizes for the mix up with the February issue that included some Grandezza material. Apparently, the publisher, Seabreeze Communications, prepared the appropriate material for the printer, but the printer picked up the wrong packet. To correct the situation, Seabreeze reprinted the issue with the correct information and mailed it to VCC residents at its own expense. Seabreeze has always been very responsive to our needs and a delight to work with. Thank you Seabreeze for your efforts to provide our residents with a new February copy of the Villager.
Villages at Country Creek, Estero,
Alvaro and his Family
Cameron McKinley
Three Holes in One - From Left to Right Terry Burke, Tom Boos, Ray Atherholt
Bonita
Springs – Estero
Christian Women’s Connection
Invites You And Your Friends To Our Monthly Luncheon!
Friday, April 12
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd., Estero (Seating begins at 11 a.m.)
Luncheon cost: $35 inclusive
Reservations and cancellations must be received by Wednesday, April 3.
Tables assigned for all guests. Wish to be seated with friends? Submit all names and checks together, plus contact name and phone number and any food allergies. Reserve early with a check payable to BSECWC. Mail to: BSECWC, 20071 Seagrove St. #1003, Estero, FL 33928.
Call Nancy with questions at (520) 904-2913. A check must be received to reserve!
Special Feature
Citrus Circus performs for us on center stage! Enjoy spectacular acrobatic feats performed by members of this local Southwest Florida circus troupe!
Guest Speaker
Former nightclub singer Angela Dittmar shares her touching story, “Songs from a Paper Piano.”
Stonecroft Bible Study
Form new and meaningful friendships in an informal small group to study how the Bible applies to real life. Call Sharon at (239) 410-9945 for information and location.
Prayer And Fellowship Connection
Join us from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month for fellowship, a short topical lesson, and prayer. Lunch often follows!
Call Nancy at (908) 581-5623 for location. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries Website: cwcflorida.org
The Naples Players
Clue: On Stage – Dramatic Comedy – Family-Friendly – New Addition!
May 1 To May 19
Location: Naples United Church of Christ’s McSpadden Hall, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples, FL 34103
Tickets: Individual $49, subscriber $39
Filled with murder, mystery, and mayhem, this popular board game and cult classic film-inspired whodunit will have audiences on the edge of their seats and guessing til the very end.
On a dark and stormy night in 1954, six unique guests, a butler, and a maid assemble for a dinner party at the home of Mr. Boddy. When the host turns up dead, it becomes clear that no one is safe. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the kitchen with a candlestick? Perhaps it was Mr. Green in the billiard room with the wrench? Watch all of your favorite Clue characters come to life on stage as they race to figure out who the killer is.
The Producers
June 26 To July 21
Location: This show will be our very first show in the newly renovated Kizzie Theater at our iconic 5th Avenue location.
Tickets: Delayed due to construction – tickets not yet on sale. Ticket prices will vary by zone.
Mel Brooks’ laugh-out-loud spectacle follows a Broadway producer and his accountant, who mastermind a scheme to produce Broadway’s biggest flop and exploit their investors. But when the show is an accidental smash hit, the two scramble to put it together, finding themselves in one hilarious snafu after another.
The Naples Players, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102, (239) 263-7990, www. naplesplayers.org.
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Securing Property On Your Boat
Being the boating capital of the United States, Florida boasts the largest number of registered vessels in the nation. With well over one million boats registered in our state, those opting to steal from marine vessels have many to choose from.
Whether your boat is docked or on a trailer, it is imperative that cabins are locked and keys are removed from the ignition.
Items such as portable generators, diving equipment, fishing rods, laptops, tools and marine parts are most frequently reported as stolen.
I frequently remind car and truck owners to ensure that their vehicles are locked and that all valuables be removed before retiring for the evening.
The same advice is applicable for boat owners. It is recommended that valuables be removed from the vessel rather than simply being placed “out of sight.” Similarly, boats left in poorly-lit areas are more vulnerable to theft and burglary. Items that must remain should be secured in lockable compartments with secure locks. Often, factory-installed locks may not be adequate and should be upgraded.
It is also a good practice to engrave your name and/or contact number on items of value. Engraved items are far more difficult to resell and, as a result, are less likely to be stolen. Equipment with engraved identification are more likely to be recovered by law enforcement. Engraving devices are extremely inexpensive and easy to use.
Security cameras, including Ring and similar surveillance devices, have been installed and are effective anti-theft tools.
Lastly, please report all marine thefts to local law enforcement.
Consumer Alert
Veterans: Guard Against Identity Theft
Identity theft can happen in a lot of ways: a stolen wallet, a missing phone, or a hacked online account. Then there are impersonators – scammers who pretend to be almost anyone. They’ll tell you almost any story to get you to trust them, so they can steal your money
or information. If you’re a veteran, there’s another risk: sharing information with someone who claims they’ll help with paperwork and filing benefits claims. But instead of helping you for free as they’re supposed to, dishonest advisers charge you – and may take and misuse your information, too.
What are some ways to protect yourself from identity theft targeting veterans?
• Don’t pay to file – or get help with – VA benefits claims. It’s free to apply for any type of veterans’ benefits. Scammers may offer to help you for a fee or a percentage of the benefits you get. Don’t do it. Get free help from an accredited representative.
• Don’t work with anyone who pressures you. Take your time to review paperwork and consider all your options, including doing nothing. Don’t sign blank paperwork to be filled in later. Also, be sure your VA benefits are deposited directly into your account – and
not the account of an adviser, assisted living facility, or nursing home.
• Safeguard your personal information. Never share your VA login credentials or password. Check out VA’s advice on setting up multifactor authentication on your VA accounts.
• Get help if your VA benefits or services are affected. Call the toll-free VA Veteran Identity Theft Helpline: (855) 578-5492.
• Check your credit report regularly. You’re able to get a free copy of your report every week from each of the three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Finally, if you encounter identity theft, report it at IdentityTheft.gov. When you report, you’re telling law enforcement what happened and you also get step-by-step instructions on how to recover from any type of identity theft.
Bocce News
By Patti O’Connor
The CC Bocce League is underway. No more El Nino rains stopping the Rascals, who as of this writing, are having a near perfect season, and are currently in first place. The Flamingos are on the Rascals’ tail and the Bocce Bandits, Ball Busters, and Blazers are not far behind. It is an excellent year with great rolling. You can hear laughter
and cheering, but mostly the sounds of friends, new and old, coming together. Did you ever wonder what teams made it to be listed on our bocce trophy? Here are our winter league winner stats from our trophy: Rascals four wins; Goombas four wins; Bocce Bandits three wins; Rock n Rollers two wins; Left Overs one win; Forgers one win; CC 8 Balls one win; and Gorillas one win. Next time you are in the club house, check out the trophies and plaques on the first floor. Also, check out some of the past team winner pictures as part of this article.
CCLGA News
By Karlene Reilly
The Ladies Golf League has been very busy this winter. Spring is around the corner and so many ladies have been participating that we have tee times starting at 11:30 every Tuesday. There are 181 members in the league with approximately 107 18-hole members and about 66 9-hole members. You can see that many people are enjoying league play each week.
The Ladies Golf League held a very successful Men’s Invitational event in January. This is held each year, so next year the gentlemen will sponsor it. A delicious Italian feast followed the golf.
Another festive event was our Charity Golf Tournament held on February 15. This year we raised money for “foster kids.” There were many gifts donated by Country Creek residents, which were displayed in the lobby as part of the “silent auction.” We thank the residents for their generosity. That day all the golfers wore pink outfits as part of the camaraderie of the event.
March will be a busy month as we have our Ladies League Championship which will be held on March
and
On March 26, we will have our annual Bocce Award Banquet at our club and award this year’s winner. We will have an Italian buffet with Limoncello Cake for dessert. Sign up starts March 2 at 8am via email at patriciaoconnor2704@ comcast.net. Good luck to all our teams!
Lastly, I can’t thank our incredible volunteers who go over twice a week and review, repair, and roll the courts to ensure they are in perfect condition. You are an amazing group of talented people. To everyone–don’t forget to help our volunteers by sponsoring a hole at their annual golf outing.
the participants are invited to a luncheon on the last day as we await the Champions of each flight to come into the dining room. In order to participate in our event, one must play on five Tuesdays during the season.
We are preparing for our Member/Member event on April 11. The theme is, “It Must Be 5 O’Clock Somewhere.” Look for details in the next issue. Remember to sign up early because this is a sold out event. Rumor has it that ladies were lined up before 5am in order to participate in our Charity Event. You can see that the ladies love to golf at Country Creek!
2019 Bocce Bandits
2014 Left Overs
2013 Rivers Ford
2010 Blacksmith Forgers
5
March 7. All
Left to Right Nancy Laser, Betty Sayad, Jackie Klein, Pat Klein
Charity Event Players
Left to right Becky Zeutenhorst, Carol Wolff, Pat Downs, Doug Miller, Amy Elders, Meg Lyczak, Sue Waldera
Doug Miller and Amy Elders, owners of FK Your Diet accepting the CCLGA Charity check for $10,542 from Susan Waldera and Meg Lyczak
Bloody Mary Fairy Ron Snyder and his team graced hole 9 with his presence
Lynn Polulak, Hole in One on Hole #5 at Solar Cup
Tennis Notes
By Kristen Salerno
Country Creek provides a unique opportunity for tennis players of all abilities and ages to participate. Often a younger player learns strategy and wisdom from someone older. A younger player may be more physically able to run, but it is experience and placement that typically wins the point. Maria Sharapova sums this up well by stating “The mental aspect is just as important as the physical aspect in tennis. You can’t win matches if you don’t win the mental battle first.” Ladies’ Update:
The Sunshine League (3.0) is doing really well. After five matches they are one of the top three teams. A special shout out to Sylvia Allen (team captain) and her doubles partner, Joan Blaschke. They are undefeated on Court 1!
The new VCC Ladies’ BonEro 3.5/3.0 team this year is finding their footing. There are eight teams in the 50 +
Age League. They started out taking 3 points, took two the second week, followed by weeks three and four, which were very challenging, losing to the top two teams 0-3. With three matches remaining, they are in fifth place. Although the competition is stiff with some younger players, the team reports they are enjoying good tennis!
Men’s Update:
The 3.0 70+ Monday League is currently fighting for first place with two other teams with five weeks left in the season. The Thursday 3.0 Open Age League is currently tied for first place with four other teams. The 3.0 Bonero team is currently in first place. Way to go Gentlemen!
The Men’s 2.5 team struggled in January, mostly at the hands of the dreaded 10-point tiebreaker. February has been much better with a 3-0 win over Pelican Sound and a 2-1 win over Breckinridge. One match was lost in a 10 point tiebreaker. The team is looking forward to a strong finish in March.
Netflix is currently streaming a spectacular series called Break Point. Netflix collaborated with The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to give a behind-the-scenes look at the players and various tournaments. There are two seasons with 16 episodes. The first episode will surely have you hooked.
Hotwire Facts And Statistics
By Judy Lieske
Last year VCC expanded our TV Portal (My Community) to help get better up to date information to our residents. At right are some interesting facts showing where we are with this new addition. The figures at right do NOT include using your Mobile App–only the
TV Remote. Hotwire is working on getting VCC a report to show all the information on both the Remote and the Mobile App. Residents viewed TV Portal (My Community): 468
Total Residents with service: 971
Percentage of Residents using the TV Portal: 48.2% Total minutes used: 3273.95
Average time spent viewing the Portal: 7 I f you are not using these tools, you are missing out on having VCC information at your fingertips. If you need instructions, send an email to vcchotwiretv@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events On Hotwire
By Judy Lieske
You can use your phone or TV remote to check on Upcoming Events. On your phone simply go to Community, then to Clubhouse and to Creekside. On your remote go to Menu or My Community and follow the same instructions as the phone: Community, Clubhouse, Creekside.
You can also view our menus and check the Restaurant and Bar Hours, as well as details of upcoming events which are updated daily.
If anyone would like detailed usage or downloading instructions for your phone and remote, send an email to vcchotwiretv@gmail.com.
Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance
From the House Committee
“Valentine’s Day” dinner at our clubhouse came a few days prior to that special day in February for our members, but they all experienced a wonderful evening. The tables set the tone with roses as the centerpiece and the white floor length chair covers added that special something.
Chef Bill and his staff did an excellent presentation of the courses with the meal tasting to match. Cameron had special drinks made for the evening and as usual the serving staff was great. The entertainment duo was perfect for the evening. The evening made for a wonderful time for the ladies to dress up and the men in jackets. Save the date for our 2025 Valentines dinner on February 14th, a Friday night!
The following event for the Estero Historical Society is being held at The Villages at Country Creek: • 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
He was interested in trying his hand at bartending, so he began learning all he could from YouTube videos. He saw a job posting for VCC, applied, began as a food runner, and then a server. Recently, the bartender position at VCC opened up and he was ready to fill the vacancy. He often works 50+ hours per week saving as much as he can. To that end, he does private bartending gigs for parties and other special events. Cameron has a love of music. He started teaching himself the guitar as a youngster and then moved on to the piano. Along with studying, playing and listening to music, he likes to cook, especially Italian and Hispanic dishes. Maybe there’s a restaurant in his future!
$429,950
Congratulations to our Country Creek Women, SWFL Sunshine Tennis League 2023 Fall 3.0 Ladies Champions. Left to Right Sandi Barber, Joan Blaschke, Maureen Bieling, Margaret Farmar, Marge Piorkowski, Marion Malone, Sylvia Allen, Kristen Salerno, Roe Brush. Fran Houseman and Tracy Bates are missing.
2.5 Team - Left to Right Florian Szmurlo, Stuart Allen, Paul Neatrour, Rod Cameron, Juergen Molsen, and Bill Zakarow. Not pictured are Rick Kettler, Larry Brush, and Byron Thorse
The Parkinson’s Association Of Southwest Florida Announces
2024 Living Well With Parkinson’s Disease: Education Symposium Speakers
Nationally Recognized Leaders In The Fields Of Parkinson’s Research And Treatment
The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) announced the keynote speakers for their annual Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease: Education Symposium to take place on Thursday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103. The symposium brings together medical specialists and health professionals in the field of Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
Specialists presenting include:
• Lauren Fanty, M.D., MPH, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Movement Disorder Fellow, University of Florida.
• Henry Paul Moore, M.D., Associate Professor of Neurology, Movement Disorder Specialist, University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine.
• Annelly Bure, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Miami Health Systems.
• Ihtsham ul Haq, M.D., FAAN, Professor of Neurology, Chief, Movement Disorders Division, University of Miami Health Systems.
This year’s topics will include:
• On the Horizon: Nonpharmacological Advances in Parkinson’s Disease Care and the Multidisciplinary Approach – Lauren Fanty, M.D., MPH.
• Present and Future Pharmacology in Parkinson’s Disease – Henry Paul Moore, M.D.
• Advancements in Understanding Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease –Annelly Bure, Ph.D.
• A Message of Hope – Ihtsham ul Haq, M.D., FAAN.
“We are excited to bring together specialists who care and support individuals with Parkinson’s Disease,” said Mary C. Schoeffel, CFRE, executive director of the PASWFL. “This is an extraordinary opportunity
for persons with PD, their care partners, family members, and support team of doctors and therapists to hear about best practices for successful outcomes, and to have the opportunity to have their questions answered.”
The program is open to the public and will be of special interest to persons with PD, their family members, care partners, and the medical community. Admission for the symposium includes lunch and is $65 before Feb. 20 and $75 after that date. VIP admission is $125 and includes preferred seating. Registration closes on March 20. The event is sponsored by Brightstar Care, Boston Scientific, Abbott, Florida HIIT Factory, The Naples Daily News, | Local IQ and Lee Health.
For over 25 years, PASWFL has provided effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower our Southwest Floridians affected by PD and related neurological diseases. Each week PASWFL offers more than 20 free programs and support groups for members with PD and their care partners. There are no fees associated with becoming
a member; the membership application is available online at www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, visit ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or call (239) 417-3465. Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.
In Case You Go
What: Living Well with PD: Education Symposium
Where: Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103
When: Thursday, April 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tickets: bit.ly/3UkGqBi
Cost: Registration for the program and lunch is $65 before Feb. 20, and $75 after that date. VIP registration is $125 and includes preferred seating. Complimentary valet parking is available. Information: ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org, (239) 417-3465
Rising above the shores of the Caloosahatchee River is Vista Cay, a collection of sophisticated waterfront residences featuring awe-inspiring vistas. For a limited time, future residents can choose their views and enjoy Shell Point’s resort amenities and award-winning lifecare while building is underway. This rare opportunity to select a new construction residence in Shell Point’s most renowned neighborhood won’t last long. Take a virtual tour, register for a seminar, or request an appointment by visiting MeetVistaCay.org.
Penne Ala Vodka Sauce
By Joann Stefl
Ingredients:
3-4 Cloves of garlic
Approx ½ cup olive oil
1 Stick of butter per can of tomatoes
1 Can tomato puree
Shot of vodka per can
Italian seasoning per taste
½ Cup of heavy cream per can of tomatoes
½ Cup romano cheese per can of tomatoes
1 lb Penne (cook al dente)
Instructions:
-Saute garlic in olive oil
-Add butter
-Add tomatoes, seasoning, vodka
-Cook 30 minutes
-Add cream (pour some sauce into a bowl to avoid curdling).
-Add cheese to pot and bring to boil.
-Remove immediately.
Just For Laughs
“If there are any idiots in the room, will they please stand up.” said the sarcastic teacher.
After a long silence, one freshman rose to his feet.
“Now then, Mister, why do you consider yourself an idiot?” inquired the teacher with a sneer.
“Well, actually I don’t,” said the student, but I hate to see you standing up there all by yourself.”
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 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.
Common Grounds Update
By Diana Burton, Liaison to Common Grounds Committee
In collaboration with Pat Smoyer and Billie Jean Snyder, Co-Chairs
A proposal was passed at the January Master Board meeting to remove Areca Palms and plant a Clusia hedge at the rear of properties along Country Barn Drive. The area runs along the berm south of the back entrance behind the first six houses on Country Barn.
The palms were discovered to be infected with Ganoderma Butt Rot and therefore had to be removed. The Ganoderma is easily spread, so the tops of the palms were cut down, and then the roots/trunks were excavated. Because the fungus survives in the soil, no other palms can be planted in that area. The decision was made to plant good-sized Clusia along
the previous tree line because Clusia grow quickly and will provide a privacy hedge within a year or so.
Donovan installed a drip line around the newly planted Clusia to ensure proper irrigation until they become established. When you drive along Three Oaks, you can see the work that is now complete, viewing a neat row of the newly planted Clusia and a very clean looking appearance to that area of VCC.
Many areas on the common grounds throughout our community are lacking mulch or pine straw. This is a provision that is included in one of our contracts. The company has been made aware and have now fulfilled their responsibility to provide adequate mulch and/or pine straw to multiple areas.
VCC Holiday Boutique Applications
By Lois Christensen Attention Crafters:
The 2024 VCC Holiday Boutique will be held in the Clubhouse on Monday, November 4 from 9am to 1pm. Applications are available at the Clubhouse or by contacting Lois Christensen (loisrchristensen@gmail. com). All Country Creek
residents are eligible to participate. Prospective new participants must submit examples of their work to the Boutique Committee before being accepted, and the spots fill quickly. The boutique features only handmade articles. Commercial products are not accepted. This is an excellent opportunity for Country Creek crafters to exhibit their creativity, skill, and expertise. This event, sponsored by the KnitWits, provides a wide selection of articles for personal purchase or holiday gift giving. It’s also a lot of fun for those who participate, so get your application soon.
Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT)
By Margaret Farmar
A fter more than four years of negotiations led by the Trust for Public Land (TPL), Seminole Gulf Railway has agreed to sell the 14.9 mile rail corridor that will eventually be used for the construction of BERT. The next hurdle is to secure funding by March 2026 from Federal, State, County, as well as Estero and Bonita Springs municipalities, for the purchase of the rail corridor.
Sometime in the next 24 months, the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will be leading the effort for the required Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study phase of the project. Once the purchase has been finalized and the study completed, construction on the trail can begin. Since BERT has been identified as a “priority trail,” the State of Florida’s SUN Trail Program will likely be providing the funding for the construction.
Deb Orton can be reached by email at friendsofbert@ bonitaesterorailtrail.com for additional information, questions, or if you are interested in helping or becoming a member. The website is https://bonitaesterorailtrail.com.
In Memoriam–Nancy Jean Reichert
Nancy Jean (Wald) Reichert, 91, sadly left us on January 10, 2024. Nancy was born on October 7, 1932 to Lester and Ann (Johnson) Wald. Nancy graduated from Lincoln High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1955, she married her loving husband, Ronald Reichert. They were blessed with 68 years of marriage before her passing. Nancy and Ron raised their family in Racine, Wisconsin before retiring to Estero, Florida in 1995. She was a resident of The Villages at Country Creek for 29 years.
Nancy had an array of interests and talents–she was an avid tennis player, a skilled bridge and card player, had a green thumb, and was very artistic. She was a wonderful cook and hostess, and had a great eye for interior design–traits she shared with and instilled in her family. She loved
sewing, shopping, and was the most thoughtful gift giver. Later in life, she became one of QVC’s best customers. Nancy was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her granddaughters and great granddaughter.
Nancy is survived by her husband Ron; children Randall (Sally) Reichert and Lizabeth (Rick) Turnock; grandchildren Andrea (Joseph) Condict and Carley Turnock; and greatgranddaughter Sloane Condict. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Ann Wald and her siblings, Lester Wald, Jr. and Joycelyn (Wald) Jancik.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
