From The Director`s Corner Many VCC Golf Course Projects

VOL. 24 NO. 10
The Villages at Country Creek, Estero, FL • www.seabreezecommunications.com
OCTOBER 2013
From The Director’s Corner
By Janet Lackey
When I chose to run for the Master Board, I said, “I will
listen to the residents, their concerns, ideas and suggestions
on how to keep The Villages of Country Creek the best
neighborhood to live in and to be very proud to call it home.”
Well, this summer has kept me quite busy, listening in
person to the residents who live here year-round and reading
the many e-mails from those who leave for the summer
months. In our community of 966 households, I was surprised
that more residents do not voice their opinions. Does that
mean they have none? Does that mean they are extremely
happy with everything in Country Creek?
Residents who did speak out, I did hear you. Residents
who sent e-mails, I responded back and said thank you for
your comments and concerns. Now, what did I hear?
You want to be more involved in giving your opinions and
ideas to the Board so the Board can act on them. You want
to have the facts given to you in a timely manner around all
issues that would be of concern to you. You want town halltype venues with a board member present in which you can
participate. You want to be heard. You want to be involved.
I have bought many of these concerns informally before our
board. A recommendation I have for you: get involved, serve
on a committee. Are you aware that volunteer committees are
a vital part of VCC Master Board? Matters can be discussed
and reviewed in detail by a committee and recommendations
are brought to the workshop meeting of the board. The ideas
are presented, there is discussion and then the matter will be
supported or not. Each committee has a Board member as a
liaison to provide a communication link between the Master
Board and the committee. Below is a list of our committees.
ARB – Approves or disapproves requests made via a
resident request form which impact the external appearance
of all buildings.
Common Grounds – Appraises the appearance of the
common areas to maintain desired standards.
Communications – Prepares and distributes a monthly
newsletter, creates a VCC directory, manages and operates
CCTV and the VCC Web site.
Finance – Assists in preparation of annual budget and
assists treasurer in his/her duties.
Golf – Recommends ideas that will enhance member’s
needs, evaluates golf course conditions, and analyzes Pro
Shop operations.
Election – Manages the election process from encouraging
candidates, meeting the candidates, conducting the election
and tabulating the results.
Recreation – Organizes activities, develops guidelines
for facilities and evaluates conditions of recreation facilities.
Volunteers – Executes maintenance and construction
projects that enhance our community.
Social Activities – Develops, implements and oversees
activities that provide entertainment for our residents.
To get involved, complete a Committee Interest Form
available at the clubhouse and website. Return to any board
member mailbox in the Administration Office.
If you have any suggestions, concerns, complaints, ideas
or compliments you may fill out a Resident Input form
available at the clubhouse and website. Return to any board
member mailbox located in the Administration Office.
We encourage and welcome your support whether through
direct involvement on a committee or volunteer project, by
your comments and suggestions, by supporting community
events or by dining or socializing in our clubhouse.
Looking forward to your attendance at the October board
workshop.
Many VCC Golf Course Projects Completed
And Planned For Future
Thron, Ellis and Hunkins examine the progress of the
18th green after this summer’s reconstruction.
VCC General Manager
Dan Thron pulls a clump of
goosegrass from the rough.
VCC General Manager Dan Thron, Course Superintendent
Jason Ellis and Pro Chuck Hunkins look over the new
approach area on the 15th hole. These have been expanded
throughout the golf course to give players more alternatives.
By Dave De Lorenzo
The picture painted by the leaders overseeing the Country
Creek golf course depicted a broad landscape that showed
it was in the best condition in years, if not ever. The Golf
Committee was updated in September by Ron Wonderling of
Kitson & Properties who made a thorough presentation of the
course’s current status, ongoing projects and future progress.
VCC Superintendent Jason Ellis along with VCC General
Manager Dan Thron and Golf Pro Chuck Hunkins also
contributed their expertise during the presentation.
There is some concern regarding the invasion of
A growth of goosegrass in
the first hole’s rough
“goosegrass” (a weed) throughout the golf course. The area
has been deluged in the rainiest season in years, which has
contributed to this problem, as has the longevity of the fairway
grasses on the course. The life span of golf course grasses is
five to eight years, but our fairways have never been re-grassed.
To battle the problem, two laborers began covering the layout
hole-by-hole in August, manually removing the invaders.
There was an application of a pre-emergent in landscape
areas and use of some chemicals to assist. Also, grasses are
creeping into the greens, necessitating edging throughout the
summer. There is a possibility volunteers will be called upon
this winter to help eradicate the ongoing problem.
The nursery adjacent to the seventh green is coming along
faster than expected. The first year of the three-year plan to
trim oak trees has been completed, and trimming of palm
trees will be completed prior
to most snowbirds arriving.
They also will see sprucing
up of the landscaping,
edging, amenities and
painting. Mulch will be
laid in October and flowers
planted in November.
On the horizon is a major
Many VCC Golf Course
Projects Completed
on page 6
Incorporation
Support Needed
By John Sackl
The feasibility study and plan for incorporating Estero
has been filed by the Estero Council Of Community Leaders
(ECCL) with the Florida Legislature Committee as required
for adding a referendum to the November 2014 ballot.
This plan and study includes maps that designate
proposed boundaries, organization profiles, management
and governing styles and financial projections. What is
needed from a broad base of the Estero community is
strong support for this effort in the form of signatures on
petitions.
Your needed support can be as easy as going on the
Internet at www.esterofl.org and clicking on the blue
incorporation referendum box, or attending VCC’s
community-wide meeting set for Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. in our
clubhouse. At this meeting representatives from ECCL
will make a presentation and answer any questions. You
will have an opportunity to sign petitions after the meeting
is adjourned.
The ECCL needs additional funds to pay legal,
consulting and surveyor fees as well as costs for printing and
electronic communications. Financial support from boards
and individuals to ECCL’s planning fund is welcomed.
Special envelopes will be available at our meeting.
Page 2
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LD
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Cypress Cove ~ 20134 Seadale Court ~
listed at $459,000. My sellers just closed on the
sale of their beautiful 2 story home. Congratulations
to the sellers, thank you to the buyer’s agent, and
welcome the new owners to Grandezza!
T
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Cypress Cove ~ 20043 Seadale Court ~
$380,000 ~ Popular Heron style home with
formal dining room, lake & golf views, enlarged
lanai with a pool! A winner!
T
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Savona ~ 12628 Grandezza Circle ~
$399,000 ~ Lake view pool and spa home
with open great room. Seldom used by its only
owner - upgrades galore!
G!
ED!
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Villa Grande ~ 20012 Markward Crossing
~ $599,000 ~ This great room pool/spa home
has amazing crown molding & a custom built
entertainment center + much more! Golf views
w/lush landscaping for nice privacy.
G!
N
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Oakwood ~ 20291 Calice Court #2103
~ $299,000 ~ Beautifully furnished 2nd floor
gem with 3 bedrooms + den, electric shutters,
panoramic eastern golf & lakes views and more!
ED!
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Sabal Palm ~ 20090 Seagrove St. #2104
~ $219,000 ~ Rarely available lovely 1st floor
end unit with attached garage at the best price
as of this ad deadline in all of Grandezza!
G!
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Cypress Cove ~ 20049 Buttermere
Court ~ $498,000 ~ This is a rarely offered
style 2,400+ sq. ft. home with 3 car garage
and wonderful lake & golf views of the par 3,
16th hole on beautiful Buttermere Court.
Grande Estates ~ 11560 Glen Oak Court ~
$1,029,000 ~ This custom built home by Lucarelli won
an award for its interior decorating, which is a “WOW!”
A prime, quiet, lush location, this is one of the finest &
must see quality homes ever offered in Grandezza!
Villa Grande ~ 11546 Doddwood Drive
~ $499,000 ~ Cul-de-sac gem on oversized
plush lot, this lovely 2,180+ sq. ft. home went
under contract quickly in several days!
Villa Grande ~ 20030 Markward
Crossing ~ $574,500 ~ Attractively priced
popular great room floor plan with golf & lake
views. Upgrades galore!
I am proud to announce that the company I have been with, Prudential
Florida Realty, is now the network’s first brokerage signee becoming
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Florida Realty, the new real
estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC.
Rei Mesa, my brokerage’s president and CEO, said Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices was chosen for its brand reputation, leadership and
financial strength. “The storied Berkshire Hathaway name stands for
strength, integrity and trust, and is respected world-wide,” said Mesa.
“In 30 years of real estate I haven’t experienced a brand opportunity
of this magnitude. It’s a game-changer for residential real estate.”
~ Best wishes, Alan Levi
See more of Grandezza’s active
MLS Listings and listings outside
Grandezza on my ALL NEW website
www.FindMyHomeinFlorida.com
Alan B. Levi, PA
Broker-Associate, GRI,
Full Time Grandezza Resident
239.464.6965 • 1.800.843.0255
4130 Tamiami Trail N. • Naples, FL 34103
2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013 Gulfshore Life Magazine
“Best in Client Satisfaction” Award Winning Agent
Page 3
WANTED NOW
TV Or Not
By Carole DiSalvo
The lights flickered.
The cable box began to tick.
The display on the box read ADdL (or something like
that).
Then the box went dead. Our lives were dead; there was
no cable TV. There was no TV.
I left the bedroom to see about the clocks. When I
finished resetting all the blinking clocks, I returned to the
ailing cable box to see a reading on its screen: boot. Then
the word disappeared. In its place was a little circle with
a dot in the middle. The current time flashed on. We were
making progress.
Unfortunately, the TV would not go on without the cable
box’s permission. The night was doomed. This was the
bedroom TV and no sleep would come without the sound
and the glow from the boob tube. It may be some kind of
addiction. Which may be contagious. I caught it from my
husband Mike, who only sleeps with the TV on. Shut it off,
he wakes up.
Joining the circle with the dot and the time display was
an air mail envelop. (That’s what it looked like, an envelope
with wings.) Pressing the on switch yielded no response
from TV.
I left the room again, hoping that would help. And it
did. When I returned, the TV turned on. Success. The long
vigil was over. It had lasted 14 minutes. We slept well that
night.
Awakening early the next day and checking the morning
news, I found a pixilating image on the screen. The volume
was distorted. The family room TV was not experiencing
any of this trouble. The bedroom cable box was not working
properly. It had to be replaced. The other option was to wait
for the cable guy to come to assess the problem. Waiting
for the cable guy is never a good thing.
We drove 25 miles to the Comcast store. The neighboring
office is not open on Saturday.
Mike took a number before taking a seat in the crowded
cable center on Saturday morning. The cable box was in
his lap. I was holding the remote. Puppies were playing on
the TV screen. It was a long time before our number was
called. We left with a new box and an instruction sheet.
The technician asked if we wanted him to print the serial
number of the box on the bottom of the sheet. Mike thought
it was unnecessary.
The activation sheet read:
Comcast Xfinity
Activate your new Xfinity services online!
Simply go to www.comcast.com/activate
You can also activate your services over the telephone
at:
Xfinity Television 1-888-270-6445 (The technician
highlighted this number.)
Xfinity Internet and Phone 1-800-931-0790
Activation Notes
When activating television service, please follow these
steps;
1) Plug in all cables (wall coax, power, cables into TV)
2) Box will automatically start to initialize, do not push
power button!
3) Let box sit a minimum of 30 minutes, then call.
(Arrow up to the highlighted number.)
Mike followed the directions through step 3), then called
the highlighted number. He was magically transported to
Manila, where a very polite young woman said something
with a thick accent Mike could hardly understand. She asked
for the address and phone number to verify our account.
Then she asked for the serial number of the box. Mike had
hooked the box up to all the cables, forgetting to note the
serial number. He unplugged the cables, squinted in the poor
bedroom lighting (it’s mood lighting, okay?) and asked me
to find a flashlight. I did. After 15 minutes of dealing with
the person on the other end of the line, Mike sighed and
handed me the phone. The box was not connecting to the
signal the woman was sending.
In heavily accented English, the woman said many times
that she would be most happy to help me set up the cable
box.
She could not.
I ended the call and tried calling the highlighted number
again. There was a very long wait to get another technician.
However, eventually a new lady from Manila sent a satellite
signal to the uncooperative cable box. There was a long
delay, but eventually the box was activated. Hallelujah, it
worked. We could sleep again.
The next morning the family room TV had an error
message saying we were not approved for service. A call
to the cable company remedied that problem.
After several days, there was another power dip. (See
first page, line one through line four.) After a short time we
became pixilated again.
Back to the cable center. Another Saturday morning
ruined.
We got another box. The technician said this was a
different, better, box. I wondered why we didn’t get this
the first time. I bit my tongue. He gave us another copy of
the activation sheet. This time he printed the new serial
number at the bottom of the page.
We did not get home till late that night. Mike hooked up
the cables to the box and dialed the number again. He went
through the whole routine again with another lady from
Manila. He gave her the serial number: PKKXXWKWJ
(scrawled by the technician). After about 15 minutes, the
box was still not responding. Weary and shaking his head,
he handed the phone to me. I was tired and irritable and
told the lady that she needed to speak slowly and clearly.
It was almost midnight. Probably noon in Manila. We had
no luck with the box connection. The lady transferred me
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to the head honcho lady who checked off everything on the
list of signaling attempts. She said we had a defective box.
The lady gave me a next-day-appointment for a technician
to come to the house (ugh) to set up our service. She said
he would call 30 minutes before his visit.
When I hung up, the cable box began working and the
TV turned on.
The next day, the cable technician did not call ahead.
The next day, the cable technician did not show up at
the appointed time.
*****
Ice Box Macaroon Cake
½ pound almond macaroons
½ pound chopped almonds
1½ dozen lady fingers
½ pound sweet butter
1 cup sugar
6 eggs, separated
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons rum flavoring
Whipped cream
Spray a ceramic or glass loaf pan with Pam. Crush half
of the macaroons reserving the other half for top of cake.
Cream butter and sugar; beat egg yolks and add to butter
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Page4
Leaf Peeping Season
By Jeanne Shumway
AsdelightfulasSouthwestFloridacanbeinthefall,there
isnobettertimethannowtoviewtheultimatesplendorof
NewEnglandduring“leafpeeping”season.Andifyou’re
lookingforagreatwaytoplansuchatrip,Ihaveasurprise
foryou.
ToseethecoloramidstthemajestyofNewEngland’s
versionofmountains,headsouth–toSouthernVermont!
While the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the
GreatNorthWoodsofMainearedeservedlywellknownfor
theirstunningviewsandvistas,SouthernVermontinautumn
offersacompacttreatofcolor,quietandevensomeculture
thrownin,allwithinaradiusofabout50miles.Thecrowds
don’tcomeheremuch,butthebeautyisyoursforthetaking.
IfyouflyintoAlbany,N.Y.,you’reastone’sthrowaway
fromBennington,Vt.,siteofthefamousRevolutionaryWar
Battle of Bennington in 1777. This was one of the early
victoriesfortheContinentalArmyofGeorgeWashington,
anditendedNativeAmericansupportforEngland.Tomark
thecentennialofthebattle,acommitteeraisedfundsfora
306-foot-tallstoneobelisk,whichwascompletedin1887.
Fromthemonument’sobservationlevelat200feet,visitors
can savor mountain-filled, colorful views of NewYork,
Massachusetts and Vermont. There’s an elevator in the
Monument;thefeeforgoinginsideis$3,anditisrarely,if
ever,abusyplace.Theneighborhoodaroundthemonument
isfilledwithtrueColonialEragems,andforRevolutionary
Wardevotees,thereisgoodsignageexplainingwholivedand
drankthere.JustdownthehillistheBenningtonMuseum,
whichhasasurprisinglygoodeclecticartcollectionanda
permanentdisplayofartifactsandpaintingsfromGrandma
Moses,wholivedinneighboringHoosickFalls,N.Y.
OutofBennington,headnorthonScenicRoute7A.This
roadisnotmisnamed;youwillfindamazingviews,both
long distance and close by everywhere on this ride. New
York’sTaconicRangeisjusttothewestalongtheBattenkill
River,andMt.Equinox,thesecondhighestpeakinSouthern
Vermont,loomsabout30milesaheadofyou.Investigate
thesmalltownsasyoutravelthrough,includingArlington,
where renowned illustrator Normal Rockwell once lived.
Thereareplentyofsmallrestaurants,shopsandB&Bsalong
thisrouteworthexploring.
Just south of Manchester, you will come to the Mt.
EquinoxSkylineDrive.Ajourneyupthis5.2-milelongroad
isfilledwithhairpinturnsandincrediblevistas.Butthebest
placetotakeintheNewEnglandcoloristhesummit.Atan
elevationofover3,800feet,youcanlookoutatsplendid
foliageonfivemountainranges,asfarawayasCanada,and
mostofthenortheastliesliterallyatyourfeet.Therearelots
oftrailstowalkatthetop,oryoucanjustsitinyourcarand
savoritall.
Ofcourse,thisincredibleviewdoesn’tcomefree:thetoll
is$15foracaranddriver,$5foreachpassenger.Thetoll
roadisownedandoperated
bytheCarthusianmonks,a
Catholic order of brothers
who live in seclusion. But
that’sanotherstory.
J u s t u p t h e r o a d i s
M a n c h e s t e r V i l l a g e
and Center, a bustling
commercialareafilledwith
outlets galore, the home of
the fisherman’s favorite,
Orvis, and the wonderful
Northshire Bookstore, a
locallyownedfavoritesince
1976. And then there’s
Hildene, the magnificent
Colonial Revival home of
AbrahamLincoln’sson.
Now,youmayask,what
isthesonofthefamousson
ofIllinoisdoinginSouthern Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert was an amateur astronomer. This is his observatory, built in
Vermont? Perhaps Robert the early 1900s, which still functions.
ToddLincolnknewagood
view when he saw one because in 1903 he bought 500 forRobertLincoln’swife,Mary,byherdaughterin1907.
acreshereandbuilthimselfamassivehomeonthesideof Thegrounds,whichstillencompass412oftheoriginal500
ahill,wherehespentthelast20yearsofhislife.Hewas acres,offerscenicwalkingtrailsgalore,buttramsridesare
presidentandchairmanoftheBoardofthePullmanPalace alsoavailable.
CarCompanyfrom1897until1922,whichgavehimthe AnewfeatureatHildenehasnofoliageview,butbothits
wherewithaltobuildthisbeautifulhome,theoutbuildings, settingandcontentswouldbeuniqueanywhere.“Sunbeam,”
andincrediblegardens,whichtodayareopentothepublic. isafullyrestoredGildedAgePullmanPalacecar,builtin
“Hildene”comesfromanoldEnglishwordmeaninghill 1903duringRobert’stenureaspresidentofthecompany.
andvalleywithastream.RobertToddLincolngotallofthat Visitorscanwalkthroughthecarandmarvelattheplush
andmoreathisestate.Youcantourthehouse,checkoutthe interiorandtheemphasisoncomfortthatLincolnandhis
telescopeinhisstill-functioningobservatory,andwalkalong
thepathwaysoftheformalgardens,whichweredesigned Leaf Peeping Season on page 5
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Al Ullio • Tom White
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All rights reserved. Reproduction or utilization of these contents in any form by any electric,
mechanical, or other means, including xerography and photocopying is forbidden without the written
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The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints herein contained and
reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed unsuitable for publication.
(239) 278-4222 • Fax (239) 278-5583
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Page5
Leaf Peeping Season from page 4
Formal gardens, first planted at Hildene estate in Manchester, VT in 1907. Some of the
original stock is still there.
Rear view from formal gardens of Lincoln estate in Manchester, VT.
WHAT’S YOUR
cataract
Mountain view looking east from Hildene, the Lincoln estate
in Southwest Vermont.
Abraham Lincoln’s son built a mansion with incredible
Vermont views.
If you’re
worried
cataracts
impede
your ability
to drive, see,
or play the
way you use
to, please
contact us.
Why wait
another day
to see like you
did 30 years ago?
Schedule your lens
evaluation today.
Call 239.677.3215
or visit www.BonitaEye.com
travelingguestsenjoyed.
ThistourofSouthernVermontcouldlastalongdayora
veryfullweek,dependingonyourinterestsandendurance.
Anyoneofthesehighlightswillgiveavisitorgreatviews
ofNewEnglandautumnalcoloratitsbestinbeautifulrural
surroundings.Then,itwillbetimetohurrybacktothepalm
treesandwarmthofFloridabeforethoselovelyleavesare
replacedwithNewEnglandsnowflakes.
Photos by Earle Shumway
STEPHEN E. PASCUCCI, MD, FACS
Hwy 41 at Coconut Rd.
Answers: 1-F 2-F 3-T 4-F 5-T
Page 6
From The General Manager’s Desk
By Dan Thron
To say that this summer has been challenging with the
weather is an understatement. Attached are some pictures of
the completion of the main pool and the final stages of the
Estate pool. You will also see some before and after pictures.
We are still waiting for the new pool furniture, but we believe
you will be pleased with the results so far.
The common grounds and golf course are in the best
condition we have seen in years. Comments from our fulltime residents and guests have been very positive. In this
case the abundance of rain has really helped.
F&B and our new concierge are working on new menus
and activities for this fall and season. Our team is really
excited to bring you a consistent level of service and new
events that you will truly enjoy. Please be safe as you journey
back to VCC.
Photos by Pam Jones-Morton
Main pool during restoration
Main Pool completed
Estate pool in need of restoration
Estate pool and pool house during restoration
Main pool house before restoration
Main pool house completed
New bricks for the Estate pool
Main pool house kitchen
New fence for the Estate pool
NOTICE
Estate pool house repainted Beautiful VCC main pool
The first Master Board meeting of the season will be
held in the dining room of the clubhouse on Tuesday, Oct.
29 at 1 p.m. This is a new time and day. The meeting is
open to all residents.
Call For LPGA Volunteers
Volunteer registration is now open for the CME Group Titleholders, the grand finale of the
LPGA Tour season. This year the tournament will be played at the Tiburon Golf Club located
at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples on Nov. 18-24. Golf knowledge is not required, and
friends and families are encouraged to volunteer.
The volunteer fee is $65 and includes an official CME Group Titleholders golf shirt and
headwear featuring the tournament logos, a volunteer badge valid for weeklong tournament
access, four complimentary grounds tickets for guests of the volunteer’s choice and meals and
beverages during assigned shifts.
To register to volunteer, please visit www.cmegrouptitleholders.com and click on Volunteer
Information, or by calling Rick Albert (508) 641-0048 for more information.
Many VCC Golf Course Projects Completed from page 1
project – updating the maintenance area. The 25-year-old facility must improve some sections
such as chemical storage and the wash down of course equipment in order to meet environmental
standards. Bids are being solicited and the always-supportive VCC Volunteers Inc., will be
asked to undertake some of the support efforts.
The 18th green rebuilding is complete, as evidenced in photos recently published in The
Villager, and it is progressing very well. The practice putting green also was given a facelift
due to contaminated soil in some areas. It will be watched closely. Golfers will enjoy the new
approach areas around the greens, which have a better appearance and are cut lower to offer
playing options – putting or chipping.
The major summer project was three sessions of aerification, one of which went much
deeper than in the past. This practice will help get water down to the subsurface, allowing air
to penetrate deeply, release gas, improve root health and remove organic matter. A large bulk
fertilizer application was then applied to help with recovery of the aerification holes. The effort
will significantly increase the life span of the soil.
Some of this was made possible by the loan of special equipment from Talis Park, a local
facility operated by Kitson. The maintenance firm has assisted Country Creek in many ways
outside of its contractual responsibilities, the most significant being Kitson saving VCC
thousands of dollars last winter by negotiating a pump replacement project earlier this year.
The new pumps are operating very well.
One of the annual headaches on the course is when overseeding is carried out in November.
The new seeding is picked up by players and carts and spread to areas where it is not intended.
Also, it necessitates considerable watering, which halts or interrupts play. Staff is considering
doing the project nine holes at a time or to close the course for one day when it can be carried
out much more effectively.
It was reported that Kitson & Partners was taken over by Billy Casper Golf on Sept. 30
but this will benefit VCC with its maintenance overseer even more. Casper, named after the
Hall of Fame golfer, is the nation’s largest golf course maintenance firm. Its purchasing power,
resources and knowledge should provide overall savings to VCC. Wonderling will continue
to be the direct contact, and no VCC staff changes are imminent.
Photos by Chuck Hunkins
Page 7
Charities Of Country Creek
By David Gallagher
This is just a reminder to those who spend the summer in
good old Country Creek. Ralph Napolitano is ready, willing
and able to take your unwanted “stuff” for our next outdoor
sale. The annual sale will be held on Feb. 22, 2014. We do
have some storage space available but it is becoming limited.
We could always use more if you have some.
All monies raised go to local charities and, believe it
or not, there are some needy families in Estero. One of
the charities on our list is Interfaith Ministries of South
Lee County. Take a minute to look at their Web site on the
Internet. You may find it interesting, and we hope it will stir
up your desire to donate. If you do not have any “stuff” to
contribute to the outdoor sale, you could still make a cash
donation. Bring your check or cash donation in an envelope
to the clubhouse. Mark the envelope to the attention of Ron
Reichert, treasurer. Make a check out to Charities of Country
Creek.
calamari and beer battered onion rings to the appetizer list,
along with a few others. You’ll certainly want to try our new
special sandwich “The Creek’s Attitude.” Sorry … that’s
all the preview you get for that one! For your sweet tooth,
we’re adding a gluten-free chocolate cake and a citrus pie
that’s soon to become a classic. It’s a great menu and we
look forward to rolling it out on the 14th!
We’re back to our regular dining hours on both Monday and
Tuesday (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) this month. Wii bowling returns to
the dining room on Monday the 14th. Pasta Night is back on
the 23rd, and let’s not forget two very popular events at Country
Creek: Oktoberfest (Oct. 17) and Halloween (Oct. 31)!
This is a busy start to another great season at Country
Creek. As always, remember to make your reservations early,
especially for dinner. Check with Suzi Rees at the concierge
desk for our prepay events, and keep in mind our large seasonal
events such as Thanksgiving and Easter. We begin taking
reservations 30 days prior to each of these events. You can
also pick up a flyer in the lobby, check out CCTV (Channels
95 and 195), look at the online Master Calendar, or check your
e-mail for the Newsletter Bulletin for information on upcoming
events! We hope to see you in the dining room!
August 31, 2013
Restaurant News
Great Plans For
The New Season
By Bob King
For those of you returning to Country Creek, a hearty
“welcome back” is in order! To our permanent residents, a
sincere “thank you” for all of your support during the summer
months. We couldn’t have done it without you!
October is our kick-off month for season and the
beginning of our activities and dining programs at the club.
Friday, Oct. 11 is our last Mexican Fiesta Night from our
summer program. There will be plenty of Mexican favorites
for $12, plus dessert, not to mention George’s $3 margaritas.
Our Sunday Breakfast Buffet returns on the 13th from 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Join us for breakfast and enjoy a mimosa or Bloody
Mary for $3!
On Monday, Oct. 14, Chef Henry will introduce his fall
menu. While many of your favorites will return, the chef has
a great selection of new items as well. For those seeking a
healthy alternative, we’ve added a Greek salad, a chopped
salad and a vegan burger. Henry is also introducing fried
Estero, Past And Future
By Joy Evans
To be, or not to be? That seems to be the
question on the minds of Estero residents
these days: to be incorporated, or to remain
a CDP (Census-Designated Place). Sounds
rather ambiguous; doesn’t it? Not really a
city, town or village – just a “place.” But
part of Estero’s rich history includes the fact
that it was, for a few years, an incorporated
town and one of the largest land boundaries Estero 1904
in Florida. In 1904, Koreshan leader Cyrus
Teed spearheaded a movement resulting in the incorporation.
Covering 110 square miles, the town included all of Lover’s
Key State Park and Fort Myers Beach. Teed’s vision was to
turn Estero into a religious community of 10,000 believers,
but he also had political ambitions. The city of Fort Myers
felt threatened by the prospect of Estero growing so large and
sharing in Lee county tax revenues. Local citizens protested,
and, three years later, the town was abolished.
The history of Estero dates back 500 years. In 1513
a Spanish exploration, probably led by Ponce de Leon,
discovered Mound Key, located in Estero Bay. Estero is the
Spanish word for estuary, which is the point where a river
joins a sea. The key was the capital of the Calusa Indian
nation and also the site of the first Jesuit mission in North
America. The Calusa drove the Spanish out, but they returned
and eventually the Calusa were defeated, mainly through the
spread of European diseases like smallpox and influenza.
For 50 years, beginning around 1900, citrus production
was the main industry in the area. As citrus
growing moved out, grazing lands took its
place. Today you can still see cows chomping
grass in open fields, areas just waiting to be
developed. And development is definitely
thriving in Estero. The 2000 census indicated
that there were 9,503 residents. The 2010
census reported a population of 18,176.
According to the summary of the Estero
Community Plan, 80 residents, about 38 new
homes, are added to the population every
week! That’s 4,000 more people every year. And the arrival
of Hertz corporate headquarters will only cause the numbers
to jump by leaps and bounds.
And so, is it time for us to reincorporate? Many of
our citizens believe it is. The volunteer Estero Council
of Community Leaders (ECCL) has just announced that
BJM Consulting has completed a feasibility study, which
shows that it is financially feasible for Estero to become a
municipality. The forecast for the first five years is an annual
surplus of $3.3 million. Incorporation will allow Estero to
spend tax dollars within our community rather than sharing
with other unincorporated areas of Lee County.
The ECCL is currently circulating petitions to convince
local legislators to place incorporation on the November
2014 ballot. If residents approve the resolution, Estero would
become a 26-square-mile city founded 110 years after Cyrus
Teed and the Koreshans tried it the first time. You have one
year to make up your mind. To be, or not to be?
Treasurer’s
Report
By David Immonen
Through August, the staff has kept the financials
significantly better than budget even though continuing rain
affected play on the golf course. Golf revenue was under
budget by $2,227 resulting in a golf deficit of $2,196. For
the same period, the restaurant exceeded forecast by $6,900
for a surplus of $1,969. This was helped by booking outside
parties. The total year-to-date surplus through August is
$99,051.
The Board must approve the following expenditures from
the pool reserve:
To: Florida Pool Professionals
$6,375
To: Florida Pool Professionals
$22,543
To: Grady Minor for permit survey
$500
In Memoriam
Gloria Habighorst,
87, of Estero, died
Thursday, Sept. 12,
2 0 1 3 a t J o a n n e ’s
House at Hope
Hospice. Formerly of
Chesterfield, MO, she
had been an Estero
resident for the past 20
years. Gloria worked
for many years as a
clerical supervisor for
the St. Louis County Juvenile Court before retiring in
the early 1990s. She was an avid golfer who also enjoyed
quilting and sewing. Mrs. Habighorst was a member of
Our Lady of Light Catholic Church, The Red Hat Society
and the Nine Holers group at VCC.
Gloria is survived by her husband of 67 years,
Arthur A. Habighorst Jr., three sons, a daughter, 10
grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her son, Raymond Habighorst.
There was a funeral mass in September at Our Lady of
Light Catholic Community.
Welcome!
When you go to the clubhouse office, be sure
to say hello and welcome to Linda Taylor, our new
administrative assistant.
-
Page 8
Flashback: 1983
By Dick Hendricks
There is usually some rhyme or reason for the year I select for
these monthly Flashback articles. But as I write this while preparing
for our upcoming trip to the Midwest for a wedding and a short visit
to Winona State University (MN), making sure son number two is
actually attending classes with a plan to graduate one of these years,
I have to confess that I picked the year quite randomly.
Why 1983? Let’s see … it is 30 years ago, right? My company
uprooted my wife and I that year by moving from Milwaukee,
Wis. to Minneapolis, Minn. One of my all-time favorite movies,
The Big Chill, came out in 1983. Umm, Sunny’s Halo won the
Kentucky Derby that year. I know … we will be driving through
Louisville, Ky. on our way back to Estero and will be taking the
Jim Beam distillery tour. Beam had some awesome San Francisco
Cable Car and St. Louis Arch decanter bottles in 1983! OK, as
you can see, I really don’t have a good reason for picking the
year this month, but here are some things that still might bring
a grin or frown to your face as you remember back to 1983:
• The last DeLorean sports cars came off the assembly line
in 1983
• The final episode of Mash aired with more than 125 million
viewers
• The “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign made its debut
• Ocean Spray introduced the first “Juice Box”
• New Fads included the Rubik’s Cube, Boom Boxes and
Cabbage Patch Kids
• Microsoft Word was launched
• Hurricane Alicia hit Texas
• A 5.2 earthquake hit central New York
• The first “mobile phones” were introduced by Motorola
• The U.S. Space Shuttle Challenger made its maiden flight
• Swatch introduced their first line of watches
• Dick Schulze changed the name of his stereo store from
“The Sound of Music” to “Best Buy”
• The U.S. Embassy in Beirut was bombed, killing 63 and
injuring 120
• Two all-time classic quotes were uttered on the big screen:
“Go ahead, make my day.” – Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry in
Sudden Impact; and “Say hello to my little friend.” – Al Pacino
as Tony Montana in Scarface
• Top Movies of 1983: Blue Thunder, Terms of Endearment, The Big
Chill, Risky Business, War Games and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
• Top TV Shows of 1983: Dallas, Dynasty, Simon & Simon,
Falcon Crest, Hotel, Knots Landing, A-Team and Magnum P.I.
• Born in 1983: Mila Kunis, Carrie Underwood, Miranda
Lambert, Pippa Middleton, Amy Winehouse
• Washington beat Miami to win the Super Bowl; Baltimore
beat Philadelphia to win the World Series; New York Islanders
beat the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup and the Miami
Hurricanes were crowned NCAA National Champions in football
• 1983 also gave us some classic slang, such as: “Wicked”
(excellent), “Chill Pill” (take it easy), “Dweeb” (person who is
not cool), “McFly” (someone who has done something stupid),
“Stoked” (very excited), and “Boss” (something that is cool).
Page 9
Why Support The Estero Plans For Incorporation!
Guest opinion reprinted from the August 23, 2013 News Press
By Don Eslick
The major reasons why I believe the Pelican Landing/
Colony voters should reject annexation by Bonita Springs
and vote for Estero to become a municipality are:
• Estero is much newer than Bonita Springs, thus reducing
its governmental costs over the next decade or two.
• Estero is a planned community with the highest
appearance standards and opportunities for citizen input in
Southwest Florida.
• Estero’s large shopping developments and all its other
valuable properties will allow the village to provide the
needed services while maintaining low property tax rates
for all our homeowners.
• Estero’s ability to manage growth will serve it well as
it plans for the next commercial growth period that is just
beginning now.
• Estero’s history of volunteerism by many talented,
retired professionals bodes well for the quality of Estero’s
future municipal government.
Government spending: About two-thirds of all Estero
residences, commercial enterprises and their supporting
streets and utilities were built in the last 13 years. In many of
those residential communities, the homeowners association,
not the municipality, is responsible for the local roads,
utilities, roadway landscaping and security services.
Almost all of Estero’s major roadways were constructed
or widened since 2000. Our 65-acre community park, four
fire stations and the fire administration building are also new
during the last decade. As a result, the financial demands for
spending on capital improvements and maintenance in the
new village of Estero will not be nearly as great as in older
communities like Bonita Springs.
Community planning and participation: Since 2002,
development in Estero has been governed by a community plan
with the highest development, architectural and landscaping
standards of any community in Southwest Florida. These
consistently high design standards have resulted in higher
property values for Estero businesses and homeowners.
One of the primary reasons that Estero looks so beautiful
is that Estero has the highest level of community participation
in both the zoning and design review phases of development.
When Estero becomes a municipality, these standards will
automatically be transferred to the new government.
Tax advantages: Estero’s two major shopping centers,
Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets, plus another 2 million square
feet of commercial, mainly retail, businesses will provide Estero
with a large amount of property tax revenue each year that will,
in turn, increase the sales tax and state revenue sharing funds
annually available to the village of Estero. The higher the value
of the village’s taxable property the lower the tax rate necessary
to provide the revenue needed to fund the village’s budget.
At present, Estero’s municipal property taxes go to Lee
County and are spent throughout unincorporated Lee County.
After Estero becomes a municipality, all those taxes will be
spent in Estero. As a consequence the property tax burden
on Estero homeowners will be lower than in Bonita Springs
and most other Lee County communities.
Growth: Estero used its community plan to manage
growth during the last decade when 14,000 new residences
and 4 million square feet of commercial development were
added to the community. We are now updating that plan to
ensure that the remaining 1,000 acres of vacant land along
U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road, mostly zoned for commercial
development, is built soon and to the highest standards.
After pausing for the recession, Estero’s commercial
growth is resuming with a $5 million Family Health Center
now underway. The $50 million, 300,000-square-foot Hertz
Corporation headquarters building project will begin next month.
A 180,000-square-foot Wal-Mart store will start construction late
this year or early in 2014 and hopefully the $60 million, 80-bed
Lee Memorial South Lee County Hospital will be coming soon
if Lee Memorial Health System’s appeal is upheld.
Talented and experienced leadership: Estero is well known
as a community with an abundance of talented and experienced
volunteers serving on three active, important committees, the
Estero Community Planning Panel, the Estero Design Review
Committee and the ECCL.
The Estero Fire Board is a great example of the kind of
talent that would like to serve on the Village Council. The 16year chairman formerly served as district superintendent for a
large utility and the board consists of a retired chief executive
of a manufacturing firm; a corporate chief financial officer;
a retired city manager; and a retired firefighter. The board
serves Estero in a very professional manner while keeping
the tax rate the lowest in south Lee County and still meeting
the many demands required of a modern fire department.
Safety & Security Tip
Debt Collector Do’s And Don’ts
From the Office of Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott
Have you received a phone call from someone
claiming you owe money for an unpaid debt? Have you
been threatened with arrest if you don’t pay up? The Lee
County Sheriff’s Office warns you to beware of calls from
unscrupulous collectors and unsavory scammers who try
to lie, harass or intimidate their way into your wallet. The
following tips can help you recognize debt collection
abuse:
• A debt collector may contact you in person, by mail,
telephone, telegram or fax.
• A debt collector may not contact you at unreasonable
times, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you
agree.
• A debt collector may not call you repeatedly or
continuously with the intent to annoy, abuse or harass you.
• A debt collector may not call you at work if they know
your employer does not approve.
• A debt collector is allowed to contact any person one
time for the purpose of correcting or confirming your
contact information; however, he may not identify himself
as a debt collector or tell the person you owe a debt.
• A debt collector is required to send you a written notice
within five days after you are first contacted, telling you
the name of the creditor to whom you owe money, how
much you owe, and what you should do if you believe you
do not owe the money.
Debt collectors violate the Fair Debt Collection
Practices Act when they:
• Threaten to have you arrested
• Threaten to take your protected income or file a
lawsuit against you
• Threaten to cause physical injury
• Use obscene or profane language
• Pretend to work for a government agency
To report FDCPA violators, contact the Florida Office
of Financial Regulation, www.flofr.com or the Federal
Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov. You can also call the
Sheriff’s Office Fraud Line at 477-1242 or visit the Florida
Office of the Attorney General at www.myfloridalegal.com.
Above all, never give your personal information such as
your credit card or bank account number to someone you
don’t know in an effort to settle your debt!
Important Numbers
Poison Control...........................................(800) 222-1222
Alligator Hotline........................................(866) 392-4286
Animal Control..........................................(239) 432-2083
Mosquito Control.......................................(239) 694-2174
Florida Power & Light...............................(239) 334-7754
Sunshine Before You Dig...........................(800) 432-4770
Waste Services of Florida..........................(239) 332-8500
Free Residential Appliance Pickup............(239) 337-0800
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Page 10
Fraud Alert
A Call To Duty You Will Want To Miss
From the Office of Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Fraud Line has received
reports this week of unscrupulous individuals posing as
representatives from the U.S. District Court attempting to
obtain personal information and cash from residents in a scam
known as the “Jury Duty” scam. Here’s how the scheme works:
Your phone rings and the con artist claims to be a court
official and states you did not respond to a jury summons,
which has now resulted in a warrant for your arrest. When
you advise the caller you never received a summons to appear
before the court, he quickly says he will “cancel the warrant”
once you verify your personal information and agree to pay
a small fine. At this point, the caller will give instructions on
how to “wire transfer” your payment, while calmly asking for
sensitive information such as your Social Security number,
date of birth, address and bank account numbers.
If you receive such a call, do not give out any information
and immediately hang up the phone. You can contact the
Sheriff’s Office Fraud Line at (239) 477-1242 to report
the incident. If you have questions or would like more
information about jury duty services, contact the Lee County
Clerk of Courts at http://www.leeclerk.org.
Renewal Mailing Scam Lands In Lee County
If you subscribe to various media outlets, including
newspapers and magazines, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office
wants you to be aware of a scam that is circulating our area
by unauthorized companies sending fraudulent renewal offers
to subscribers.
In particular, one local subscriber to the Wall Street
Journal reported receiving an invoice in the mail that
appeared to be from the WSJ; however, he was suspicious
about the authenticity of the bill and contacted the Journal
directly, only to find out that his suspicions were correct.
According to a press release from Dow Jones & Company,
publisher of the Wall Street Journal, businesses purporting
to work on behalf of the paper are sending out deceptive
notices, styled as a “Renewal or New Order” and suggest
they are an authorized subscription billing service. These
misleading invoices look very authentic and direct the
subscriber to a Web site where they are instructed to enter
their credit card number. A list of the alias names used on
many of these invoices can be found at http://www.thenation.
com/renewalscam#axzz2f9qKh1aI.
If you receive a “subscription renewal or new order
notice,” determine whether the solicitation is legitimate
before you disclose your bank account or credit card
information by following these tips:
• Call the magazine or newspaper publisher by using the
number located on their Web site. Do not contact the number
or address listed on the invoice as this could be directly linked
to the scammer.
• Check the payment address on the return envelope. Does
it match the authorized subscription department listed on the
legitimate Web site?
• Be wary of companies that collect magazine or newspaper
subscriptions and renew them as a third-party agency.
For more information contact the Lee County Sheriff’s
Office Fraud Line at (239) 477-1242.
Last Chance For A Peaceful Day Trip!
By Jeanne Shumway
Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island is a delicious mix of
Key West and Naples – and it’s only about 90 minutes north
of the Villages at Country Creek. This tiny island is an easy
day trip and a great place to visit now in the fall before the
crowds descend on Southwest Florida. Here you can find
great fishing, glimpses of Old Florida and a classic lighthouse
in its natural setting. And you can still be home before dark.
Gasparilla is a barrier island straddling northern Lee/
southern Charlotte counties. In the late 1800s, the island was
sparsely inhabited by local fishing families, but a causeway
from the mainland and the railroad changed all that in the early
days of the 20th century when wealthy tourists discovered it.
Early on, Boca Grande also became a major shipping point
for inland phosphate although Tampa took over this role in the
1970s, and the island’s appeal to tourists then grew unabated.
Today, Gasparilla’s homes and services range from simple to
ultra plush – something for everyone in a perfect island setting.
As you cross the toll bridge (yes, there is a toll) onto the
island, you are likely to see folks fishing for tarpon and smaller
edible trophies on the bridge – and the water view toward
the Gulf is spectacular. However, once on land, the scenery
becomes a bit disappointing as both sides of the narrow road
overflow with low-rise condos. Be patient: within a few
minutes, the crowded
roadsides are replaced
with high hedges and
hints of well landscaped
homes and communities
just out of view, as the
long, straight road leads
you into the center of
Boca Grande and the
heart of the island.
Boca Grande offers The state park is at the Gulf end of
it all – good, great and the island and well worth a visit.
funky shops and eateries
in and around the old Depot (we’d recommend The Loose
Caboose for casual dining and a great fresh fish sandwich),
nostalgic residential side streets that bring you up close to Old
Florida architecture, and the deservedly famous Gasparilla Inn.
The Inn first welcomed wealthy visitors in 1913, and it is still
in operation, after a lengthy and expensive facelift. A visit here
is not to be missed. When my husband and I timidly walked
into the front entrance of the Inn on a recent visit, we were
greeted by smiling staff who urged us to take a self-guided tour
of the building. Strolling through the lushly decorated, woodpaneled hallways past numerous sitting/reading areas – all with
A side street just outside of the Old Depot area of Boca
Grande.
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Last Chance from page 10
stupendous views – we felt like we’d landed in the Gilded Age.
There is a bar that looked like it had once been a men’s-only
place and a light-filled, airy dining room as well. While the Inn
itself is huge, the surrounding grounds are filled with cottages,
pools, a golf course and housing for hired help, which take up
several city blocks. They just don’t make ’em like this anymore,
and you can see it all for free.
If you have the time, wander the side streets around the
Depot to view the old homes, many of which have been
lovingly restored. Tucked just outside the Depot area, you
will find the historical society, which offers great insights into
the island’s past and present, and also has public restrooms, a
sparse commodity here. The atmosphere on a walking tour of
Boca Grande with its unique mix of old homes, commercial
sprawl and quaint architecture, is reminiscent of Key West,
minus the wandering fowls.
Just outside of town, look for signs for the state park. It is a
low-key place, which means you can easily miss the parking
lot until you’ve passed it. If so, turn around – the Boca Grande
lighthouse is well worth a stop. Built in 1890, this lighthouse
is the most restored and accessible of any we’ve seen in
Florida. It fronts on the former harbor, so you can shut your
eyes and imagine this spot as one of the busiest ports on the
Gulf, shipping out all that phosphate, not so long ago.
Built in 1890, the Boca Grande
lighthouse is now a restored and inviting
tourist stop overlooking the Gulf and
former harbor.
One of the many Old Florida homes
A restored mission church in Boca within walking distance of the Boca
Grande, near the Old Depot area.
Grande commercial area.
Gasparilla Island is probably best known today for its
pirate tales of the infamous Jose Gaspar (1756-1821), tales,
which live on in Florida folklore. The island is said to have
been his base of operations, and it’s where he purportedly hid
his fabulous treasure. The treasure is still there, the stories
say, just waiting to be discovered. The veracity of the pirate
Bob Pisa
connection is highly suspect since the story first appeared in
a railway brochure handed out to tourists in the early days of
the Gasparilla Inn. Still, it’s fun to imagine what you might
uncover with a shovel and a bit of luck on this lovely island,
not that far from home.
Photos by Earle Shumway
(239) 898-6865
www.GrandezzaRealEstate.com
Two-bedroom plus Den
Great room w/formal dining
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Page 12
New Owners
Allen D. and Darlene Damstrom
9209 Coach House
Previously: Mare Claire Bossi
James and Mary Ann Jack
20924 Country Barn Dr.
Previously: Yvonne Haeuptli
John R. and Naomi L. Senior
20599 Candlewood Hollow
Previously: Eugene P. and Melodie H. Lussier
/
\
Summer League Golf
Champions Named
By Chuck Hunkins
The Men’s and Ladies’ League Summer Championships
were held at the end of September. The weather held out and
the course was in great shape.
The Ladies’ Champion was Judy Brown with Daisy Blair
taking Low Gross and Julia Maggard winning Low Net in
the First Flight. Low Gross. The winner in Flight Two was
Carolyn Beckett and Ellen McNally captured Low Net. On
the men’s side, first place in the First Flight went to Mike
Deminsky and Carl Sandquist took second. Dave DeLorenzo
won Flight Two and Artie Ammann took second.
Carl Sandquist, Mike Deminsky, Dave DeLorenzo and Artie
Ammann
From Your Golf Pro
“SERVICE
ABOVE
EVERYTHING”
JOYCE LOYND
239-851-2515
[email protected]
BOTH A
COUNTRY CREEK
RESIDENT AND A
REALTOR
YOUR
NEIGHBORHOOD
REALTOR FOR
OVER 15 YEARS
SPECIALIZING IN
BOTH LISTINGS
AND SALES
I work jointly with the Real Estate Community
and the Multiple Listing Service.
By Chuck Hunkins, PGA
We have managed
to play a few events in
between the raindrops this
month. It started off with
a Labor Day Scramble,
which also featured a
Closest to the Pin fundraiser to benefit the Fields of Honor
Foundation, which provides assistance to the children of
servicemen killed or wounded. Many thanks to all who
participated and made this a successful event. A few Thursday
Nite Scrambles, both the Men’s and Ladies’ League and the
Summer Championships filled this month’s calendar of events.
Be careful when pulling the flag from cup. Not only is
it easy to damage the hole if the flagstick whacks into it,
oftentimes sand or dirt works its way around the bottom
of the stick making it difficult to remove. If you just yank
the pin straight out with some force, you usually pull the
cup up at the same time. This raises the whole area around
the hole, causing the ball to roll off to the side of the cup.
Virtually every putt I have ever missed has been the result
of this “crowning” effect. The easiest way to remove the flag
The Villages At Country Creek
Join us Monday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Featuring arts and crafts made by your Country Creek
neighbors and showcased in our clubhouse. This shopping
without damaging the surrounding area is to give the pin a
slight twist before pulling it from the cup. You should then
be able to remove it with no problem.
Here’s a rule that crops up every so often, and it concerns
the concrete culvert (an immovable obstruction) in the
bottom of the 15th hole. If your ball is so close to the culvert
that you can’t take a stance or if your club would strike the
concrete in the course of making a swing, you can take one
club length of free relief from the point where you can make
a swing. Remember, you do not get relief just because the
culvert is in front of you. Now let’s say your ball went into
the culvert. If you find or can identify your ball in the pipe,
you are entitled to drop the ball, without penalty, within one
club length of the spot on the ground immediately above its
resting place in the culvert. If you can’t find your ball in the
culvert, but it is known or virtually certain (the other players
in your group saw it) that it went in, then the ball is deemed
to lie at the entrance to the culvert. You would then proceed
with the ruling as if your ball were against the concrete. My
best advice would be to just not hit it into the culvert in the
first place.
Till next month…
extravaganza is open to the public, so please invite your
friends. Grab some lunch and take care of some holiday
shopping!
All sales are cash only and a portion of the proceeds
will go to the Country Creek Volunteers Inc.