From the Master Board
VCC NEEDS
Have you considered volunteering for VCC?
There are six committees that serve VCC. These committees advise and assist the Master Board and the General Manager by monitoring, supervising, enforcing respective rules and guidelines, providing and distributing accurate information, and developing reports as needed. The committees also develop short-and-longterm plans and assist in the development of their respective committee annual budgets. Following is a brief overview of each of the committees.
The Architectural Review Committee oversees the exterior appearances of buildings, dwellings (homes, villas, condominiums, manor homes) and the landscaping around these buildings and amenities.
The Common Grounds Committee oversees the appearance and maintenance of the common grounds of the community. This includes the maintenance, improvement, and repair of these areas.
The Communications Committee produces an edition of the Villager each month and maintains the information posted and (continued on page 4)
distributed on the community’s Hotwire channel. This committee also produces and distributes emergency notifications when needed.
The Facilities Committee oversees the maintenance, operation, and improvement of all the VCC facilities and amenities that enhance our community. In addition, this committee works to ensure the facilities and amenities are in good, safe, attractive, and sanitary condition.
The Finance Committee reviews the revenues and expenses of the community, assists in the creation of the annual budget, and supports the Treasurer. This committee also monitors the financial behaviors of the community.
The Golf Committee advises the Golf Professional (in addition to the Master Board and General Manager) on the maintenance, improvement, and growth of VCC golf operations.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
You may view the composition of committee members at this link. You may notice a few familiar names … perhaps friends or neighbors? Please reach out to them if you would like to learn more about their volunteer experience. Owners are welcome to attend any of the committee meetings, if you are interested. Please visit the VCC calendar for meeting dates and locations. If you decide you would like to apply for a committee, please watch your emails. The General Manager will send a call to volunteer as opportunities become available.
Please consider volunteering for VCC and put your professional and life skills to work for your community!
Tuesday Updates
Excitement is spreading in VCC as people engage with the opportunity before us to make our clubhouse better than ever. Each day brings us another step closer to having a safe and attractive facility that is in good working order.
There is much that is and will take place during this process, so to keep you informed, your Master Board will provide weekly updates in “Tuesday Clubhouse Reports.” Reports will be sent via email, posted on the VCC website, and added to the weekly TV channel announcements.
The Association is responsible for the maintenance, operation, repair, replacement, insurance, protection and control of all Common Areas, the Clubhouse, and the Golf Course, including but not limited to, the roadways, retention areas, and any improvements thereon, and shall keep the same in good, safe, clean, attractive and sanitary condition, and in good working order at all times. Master Declaration of Covenants for the Villages at Country Creek (1.4 ; 2.1 ; 2.5)
Deadheaders Report
LISA SPRINGER
The Deadheaders gathered in early January to honor Dianna Shumsky and spruce up the garden beds that Dianna helped plant. Dianna was a dedicated Deadheader, who cared for the plants on Calico Court and by the Maintenance Barn. Her contributions to our community are innumerable and all will miss her warm smile and willingness to pitch in.
Did you know that the fronds of a Royal Palm can weigh as much as 50 pounds or that a Sago Palm can live for 200 years? These and other fun facts can be found in the “VCC Guide to Trees.” To view or download this document, log in to the Villages at Country Creek website, then click on “Amenities,” “Social Clubs” and “Deadheaders.” The text in the Deadheaders section contains links for plant and flowering plant guides and the recently added tree guide.
From the Food and Beverage Manager
CCLGA News
The 2025-26 CCLGA season is off and running with many exciting events taking place.
IN ADDITION TO RECEIVING A TROPHY OR CASH AWARD FOR GETTING AN EAGLE OR A HOLE IN ONE, THE LADIES’ LEAGUE WILL BE PRESENTING EAGLE AND HOLE IN ONE PINS TO THOSE WHO EARN THEM.
The new members breakfast was hosted by Lynn Polulak, Past President, and the CCLGA Executive Board. They welcomed 24 new members, and gifted them with a “brag tag,” used to display birdie pins. Annual birdie pins are given each year to all those who have at least one birdie during the season.
The annual charity, being held this year on February 12, will benefit Partners For Breast Cancer Care. This year the ladies’ league participates with a scramble, prizes, silent auction, fun golf games, and a luncheon. A very large tricky tray auction is enjoyed by all, with participants purchasing tickets and dropping them into designated containers for a chance to win the item. Each person donates a $30 check to the charity. Registration for the first time ever is done electronically! NO more going to the clubhouse at 5:30 a.m. to sign up. In addition, a scramble is open to the public for the afternoon, to additionally benefit the charity.
LISA STANICK, BOARD MEMBER WITH PARTNERS FOR BREAST CANCER CARE, SPOKE ABOUT THE CHARITY AT OUR MONTHLY LUNCHEON/ SCRAMBLE, FOR OUR UPCOMING CHARITY EVENT ON 2 / 12 / 202 6.
JANUARY SCRAMBLE WINNERS: SEATED, TERI FULLER; STANDING, MARIANNE MEOLA, SARA MOSKAL, AND MEG LYCZAK
BRAVING THE COLD AT THE JANUARY MONTHLY LUNCHEON/SCRAMBLE :
CCLGA hosted the LGA/MGA invitational on 1/29. It is an annual event hosted by either the LGA or the MGA. This year it was organized by President Alison Vukojevic. Each male participant was gifted $10 in Johnny Cash.
WILDLIFE ON OUR GOLF COURSE
ROSEATE SPOONBILL TAKEN BY
JACKIE KLEIN
KANDI VANCURA AND TERESA HAGEMAN
ANNE REDDING AND ALISON VUKOJEVIC
WOODSTORK
CCMGA News
RICHARD REID
Our golf season got off to a great start. Our December luncheon was an ABCD Scramble won by the team of Mike Fisher, Jerry Cole, Jim Spata and Dan Daigneault. The second place team was Scott Chenet, Mike Terrell, Mark Deery, and Dan Gliniecki. Nick Neher took closest to the pin for the white tee players. Darko Vukojevic was the closest from the blue tees. Golf was followed up by lunch provided by Rafael and his crew.
MIKE FISHER, JERRY COLE, JIM SPATA AND DAN DAIGNEAULT
After lunch we handed out copies of the updated local rules. One rule of thumb to go by is no matter what the situation that causes you to take a drop, you can’t wind up any closer to the hole. Remember that you can contact our rules expert Joe Calabretta with any questions. We also met new members Tim Hussey and John Petronis. Welcome.
TIM HUSSEY AND JOHN PETRONIS
On December 17 Norbert Alicea holed an eighty-yard pitching wedge on the 5th hole for his first hole in one. Congratulations Bert.
NORBERT ALICEA
UPCOMING FRIDAY EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY
February 6: 4-man BB, 3-scores odd holes, 2-scores even holes.
February 13: Meeting and Luncheon (ABCD) Players. Red, White & Blue Scramble, 8:30 a.m. shotgun.
February 20: 3-Clubs and a Putter.
February 27: 2-Man Team 6-holes, 6-holes Scramble, 6-holes Alternate Shot.
Tennis Committee News
2026 is an election year for the VCC Tennis Committee.
A nominating committee has been established for the purpose of putting together a list of individuals interested in serving on the committee for a 2-year term.
The charter of the tennis committee is “to provide advice and assistance to
the General Manager and Master Board in maintaining a safe environment for Country Creek residents to enjoy social and competitive tennis.”
The members of the nominating committee are:
John Stefl
Barbara Wilson
Roe Brush
Ron Wicks
Grant Longley
Please speak to one of them about your interest in serving on the committee.
Any questions, contact me.
Larry Brush 973-335-8079
2026 is an election year for the VCC Tennis Committee.
17th Annual Tennis & Pickleball Dinner Dance Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Live entertainment by “Network” Theme: Tennis Under the Stars Don’t play pickleball or tennis? Like to dance? Come join us! Everyone is welcome!
Bocce News
PATTI O’CONNOR
Bocce season has started. We have 13 teams playing. Thanks to the Master Board we were able to upgrade our VCC court to an artificial turf designed for bocce courts. It will save money while improving the health and safety of the players.
Marie Evans donated money to our bocce league. The money will be used to replace the two benches with new 6-foot benches with backs so there is enough room for the 4 playing members to sit at each end.
Thanks to the volunteers (Tim Downs and Jerry Barrone) for removing the umbrella bases since they were rusting away. The new bases are concrete and higher so players can walk under the umbrellas without hitting their heads. The old broken shoe cleaner has been removed and the water base on the one side, which is no longer required, was also removed so the referees don’t have to step over it. The court improvements were started and should be completed by the time you read this article. Stop by and roll a few balls.
Volunteers Plan Golf Outing
RON WILLIAMS
The VCC Volunteers are again planning a fund-raising golf outing in 2026. The date is March 14, with an 8:30 a.m. scramble/dinner shotgun start and a 1:30 p.m. golf only shotgun start.
The price for residents golf/dinner is $63 per person in the morning, and $36 per person for golf only in the afternoon. Social hour begins at 4:45 p.m. with music playing until 8:30 p.m. Payment is to be made in the Pro Shop starting March 12, by credit card or member card.
Please encourage your club, organization, committee or individuals to become a tee sponsor with a taxdeductible 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 will do the best to serve you in the future.
Committee Corner
COMMON GROUNDS COMMITTEE
BJ SNYDER
In our last communication, we mentioned some of our upcoming beautification projects. We are excited to report that these projects are progressing as planned, with one already completed! The first milestone achieved is the installation of a flagpole for an American flag at the Three Oaks entrance. Thank you to the Volunteers for installing the flagpole, securing solar light, and raising the American flag.
Over the next few weeks, you will begin to see more projects in progress. The projects that are currently in process include reviving the Fern Garden, as well as the continued work for the redesign of the landscaping for both the Corkscrew and Three Oaks entrances. We look forward to these updates that will bring a refreshed, cohesive look to our entry ways.
And finally, an update regarding the Commemorative Tree Program. We are pleased to announce that the Commemorative Tree Program is open for participation. More information, including the types of trees available for planting, the planting locations, and the costs are available at the office. All payments should be made payable to VCC Master
Association. And we are happy to share that one Commemorative Tree has already been purchased for planting.
We are pleased to announce that the Commemorative Tree Program is open for participation.
Attention Wii Bowlers
Due to the uncertainty of the timeline for the beginning of the restoration of our Clubhouse, the Wii committee has decided to forego league play for the winter of 2026.
INSTEAD
We will be offering Wii bowling using the same format used during the summer and fall seasons.
Each week you will need to sign up for a half hour time slot in the Wii book which is located in the Clubhouse lobby. The cost will be $3 per person, ($1 for Wii and the other $2 goes into the pot). We will have two mystery numbers; the person(s) who bowls the closest without going over to each of these mystery numbers will receive one half of the pot, (splitting if there is a tie). In addition, if you bowl a perfect game (300), you will receive $20.
On the last night of bowling the Wii Committee will be serving appetizers for all bowlers to enjoy.
We are disappointed that we had to cancel league play, but we hope you will come enjoy bowling, visiting with friends, and staying for dinner and drinks!
The Wii Bowling Committee
2026 Fashion Show
JUDE BONOS
The 2026 Fashion Show at Country Creek was a high-energy celebration where ageless style met culinary excellence. The evening began with a decadent French-inspired feast prepared by Creekside, featuring a savory French Onion Soup, classic Coq Au Vin, and a silky French Vanilla Crème Brûlée.
Once the lights dimmed, our very own residents took to the red carpet to showcase the latest trends from Versona and Belk. The runway sizzled with everything from breezy “Florida smart casual” to sophisticated formal wear, modeled with professional poise, by Kathy McElroy, Janelle Booth, Nancy Bosshard, Mary Jo Myers, Lynn Drugan, Michael Flaherty, Frank Toner, Denny Simonavice, Reggie Brown, and Doug Pinzer.
A huge round of applause goes to Bobby Gianuzzi for her expert coordination in making the night a seamless success. It was a spectacular showcase of community spirit and timeless fashion that left everyone inspired for the season ahead!
Florida State Symbols
LOIS CHRISTENSEN
Did You Know (all of these)?
State Capital – Tallahassee: (Chosen in 1824 as a compromise midway point between the territory’s main cities of St. Augustine and Pensacola. Back during the British occupation in 1763-1783 Florida was divided into two colonies, East Florida with a capital in St. Augustine, and West Florida with a capital in Pensacola. At that time travel between the two cities was hazardous and took almost twenty days.)
State Seal – Seal of Florida “The great seal of the state shall be of the size of the American silver dollar, having in the center thereof a view of the sun’s rays over a highland in the distance, a sabal palmetto palm tree, a steamboat on water, and an Indian female scattering flowers in the foreground, encircled by the words ‘Great Seal of the State of Florida: In God We Trust’”
State Flag – A red saltire (diagonal cross) on a white background, with the seal of Florida superimposed on the center. (One article I read said the red cross was added so the flag didn’t look like a surrender flag.)
State Day/Week – Pascua Florida (Flowery Easter) is usually celebrated on April 2, unless the 2nd falls on a weekend. When it falls on a Saturday or Sunday the governor may declare either the preceding Friday or following Monday as the state day.
State Motto – “In God We Trust”
State Nickname – Sunshine State
State Anthem – “Florida (Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky)”
State Song – “Old Folks at Home”
State Flower – Orange Blossom
State Fruit – Orange
State Beverage – Orange Juice
State Dessert – Strawberry Shortcake
State Pie – Key Lime Pie
State Tree – Sabal Palm
State Wildflower – Tickseed (Coreopsis)
State Bird – Northern Mockingbird
State Saltwater Fish – Atlantic Sailfish
State Freshwater Fish – Florida Largemouth
Bass
State Saltwater Mammal – Dolphin
State Animal – Florida Panther
State Horse – Florida Cracker Horse
State Rodeo – Silver Spurs Rodeo (Kissimmee, FL)
State Tortoise – Gopher Tortoise
State Marine Mammal – Manatee
State Reptile – American Alligator
State Shell – Horse Conch
State Butterfly – Zebra Longwing Butterfly
State Saltwater Reptile – Loggerhead Sea
Turtle
State Stone – Agatized Coral
State Gem – Moonstone
State Soil – Myakka Fine Sand
Cook’s Corner HEARTY STEW
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
2 cups red wine
4 carrots, sliced
4 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
DIRECTIONS
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides.
Add the onion and garlic. Saute until fragrant. (Your kitchen will love you for this.)
Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the red wine and the beef broth. Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Remove bay leaves before serving.
Enjoy warm!
Creekers Having Fun
TENNIS COMMITTEE HOSTING POKENO
Village of Estero Corner
THE NEWLY RENOVATED ESTERO LIBRARY
Everyone is invited to visit: Come and be amazed!
The Estero Library underwent renovations costing approximately $10.47 million, funded through the library’s Capital Improvement Budget. The updated design incorporates enhancements intended to benefit individuals of all ages, from children to older adults. The new entrance area provides easy, inviting access to the library’s interior. The transformation has been thoughtfully orchestrated and well designed.
The children’s area has been expanded to accommodate more families, reflecting Estero’s demographic growth. Larger service desks now help staff assist visitors more efficiently.
New easy-to-use technology is everywhere, and help is available if needed. The interior and exterior redo offers a friendly, inviting, and open ambience. It is now easier to find books thanks to new creative shelving and technology offerings.
The Improved mechanical and technological upgrades include:
ü 12 public PCs to share/use.
ü 6 study rooms.
ü 760 ft programming room with areas for kids and teens.
ü Rooms to study, do research, and do homework with access to PCs, printers, and copiers.
CELEBRATING A TRANSFORMATIVE RENOVATION
Despite taking months, the renovations have become a vital resource for Estero residents. Congratulations to everyone who contributed.
(continued on page 28)
Village of Estero Corner
UPCOMING EVENTS TO WHICH EVERYONE IS CORDIALLY INVITED
The Don Eslick Person of the Year Award and Banquet at the Estero Country Club in The Vines, February 26 at 6 p.m.
The 2025 Recipient of the Award is Dr. Larry Antonucci, President and Chief Operating Officer, Lee Health. Since 2017, he has led the Lee Health team in advancing healthcare across the greater Estero Area and Southwest Florida. Come and lend your support for all that has been achieved in our area by attending the gala dinner.
Join us to celebrate excellence in the Estero community. The program includes a performance by Quang Vo from FGCU’s Bower School of Music and the Arts. He is an internationally award-winning pianist from Vietnam and a junior Piano Performance major at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he studies with Dr. Michael Baron.
For details and to register, go to: https:// esterotoday.com/2026award
SHAPING ESTERO’S FUTURE! MARCH 17 PUBLIC FORUM AT FGCU ’ S COHEN STUDENT UNION BALLROOM (SECOND FLOOR) AT 5 P.M.
Engage Estero is hosting a free public forum to help residents understand the plans and ideas being considered to keep Estero a leading municipality for businesses and residents. Prominent Estero leaders will be on the Forum Panel—details to be announced soon. Join us for this critical Public Forum, where your voice will help shape the direction of our community.
The forum is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. You can reserve your spot on the Engage Estero website at https:// esterotoday.com/event/march2026/
ROADWAY TRANSFORMATIONS: CORKSCREW ROAD EXPANSION
One of the most significant long-term public works projects is the widening of Corkscrew Road—a multi-phase effort to improve mobility as the corridor’s population grows:
Phase 1 – Ben Hill Griffin Parkway to Bella Terra
Phase 1, already completed, widened Corkscrew Road to six lanes in some segments and four lanes in others. This included adding bike lanes, sidewalks, drainage upgrades, and an early wildlife crossing to improve safety and connectivity.
Phase 2 – Bella Terra to Alico Road
Construction is underway (2024–2026) to widen this segment to four lanes with a landscaped median, new signalization (completed at the Alico Road intersection), utility upgrades, and stormwater infrastructure, including retention ponds. Motorists can expect occasional lane shifts, trucks hauling materials, and active construction zones through spring 2026.
FUTURE CORKSCREW ROAD PHASES
Based on local transportation planning:
• Phase 3 is planned to widen Corkscrew Road from Alico Road east to Verdana Village, with construction currently projected to begin in the early 2030s.
• Phase 4 would expand Corkscrew Road from Verdana Village to the Kingston development area, with timing yet to be finalized.
• In addition, widening may occur west
of I-75 to Three Oaks Parkway to accommodate even more growth. These projects are part of Lee County’s and the Lee MPO’s long-range transportation planning.
CONNECTIVITY BEYOND CORKSCREW ROAD
Improving the corridor doesn’t stop with one road. Other planned and studied transportation elements include:
• I-75 Widening: The Florida Department of Transportation has plans to widen Interstate 75 through Collier and Lee counties starting in 2026, which is expected to improve regional connectivity and reduce congestion for Corkscrew Road commuters.
• North–South Connector (State Road 951 Corridor): Lee County has studied a potential north–south arterial east of Corkscrew Road. While feasibility work is underway, residents and communities have mixed interests, and planning parties are examining optimal routing.
More information about the developments along East Corkscrew will be provided in a more extensive Summary Document to be released by Engage Estero shortly. Sign up for our email communications by going to www.esterotoday.com.
JUST FOR LAUGHS...
One day an old man, who had been stranded on a desert island for over 10 years, saw a speck on the horizon.
He thought to himself, “It’s certainly not a ship.”
As the speck got closer and closer, he began to rule out even the possibilities of a small boat or a raft.
Suddenly there strode from the surf a figure clad in a black wet suit.
Putting aside the scuba tanks and mask, and zipping down the top of the wet suit, there stood a gorgeous blonde!
She walked up to the stunned old man and said to him,
“Tell me, how long has it been since you’ve had a good cigar?”
“Ten years!” replied the man.
With that, she reached over and unzipped a waterproof pocket on the left sleeve of her wet suit and pulled out a fresh package of cigars and a lighter.
He took a cigar, slowly lit it, and took a long drag.
“Oh my goodness!” said the castaway. “Ah, that is so good! I’d forgotten how great a smoke can be!”
“And how long has it been since you’ve had a drop of good whiskey?” asked the blonde. Trembling, the castaway replied,
“Ten years!” Hearing that, the blonde reached over to her right sleeve, unzipped a pocket there and removed a flask and handed it to him.
He opened the flask and took a long drink.
“It’s nectar of the gods!” shouted the old man.”
“It’s truly fantastic!!!”
At this point, the gorgeous blonde started to slowly unzip the long front of her wet suit, right down the middle.
She looked at the trembling old man and asked,
“And how long has it been since you’ve played around?”
With tears in his eyes, the old man fell to his knees and sobbed,
“My goodness! Don’t tell me you’ve got golf clubs in there too!”
VCC Hours of Operation effective
November 1,
2025
Villager Staff
Editorial Staff: Lois Christensen, Susan D’Alessandro, Margaret Farmar, Judy Lieske, Jude Knisely, Brian Kettler
Contact/Submissions: VCCVillager@gmail.com
The Villager welcomes resident memoriams and article submissions describing Country Creek life. News of social and sporting activities are welcome, and accompanying photos are encouraged. The Villager does not publish articles with a religious or political theme or opinion pieces that demonstrate a particular bias.
Contacting the VCC Staff
Sharon Pisanchyn - gm@vccgolfclub.com
Sarah Goffar - om@vccgolfclub.com
Nichelle Siewertsen - mrc@vccgolfclub.com
Rafael Bonilla - fbmanager@vccgolfclub.com
John Alfuth - johna@vccgolfclub.com
Kwazadine Britton - chef@vccgolfclub.com
Contacting the Master Board
vccmasterboard@vccgolfclub.com
