VOL. 35 NO. 2
The Villages at Country Creek, Estero, FL • www.seabreezecommunications.com
Directors’ Corner Happy February everyone! The cold spell is behind us as we sail through the winter months in beautiful Estero and our wonderful community. There’s been a lot of activity by our employees and volunteers to keep our community operating as well as it does, and they are always looking for areas to improve upon. Be sure to thank those individuals who volunteer their time to make VCC shine. They can always use an extra hand. We also want to thank Dave Hoffman for nearly three years of dedicated leadership as president of the Master Board. Dave was instrumental in righting the VCC financial ship by involving our Treasurer and our General Manager in establishing ownership of our money in the several banks that we utilize. Our money is now secured by the FDIC and is earning interest that will amount to more than $40,000 per year. Dave, Greg Bertke and Steve Zielensky campaigned on the platform of fiscal responsibility, and it has come to pass under their leadership. Efforts are underway to secure bids for removing the carpeting from the downstairs meeting rooms and adding
carpeting, either traditional carpeting or carpet tiles. It has been recommended to replace the carpet with carpet or carpet tiles in the interest of noise reduction. Bids have been received for an AV system for upstairs, and also bids have been requested for the needed acoustical work that is required. The Sunday morning golf guys have donated a television to the clubhouse, and it has been installed on the outdoor patio. Our thanks to them for their generous donation. On March 20, four (4) Master Board seats are up for election. Two (2) Directors from Voting District One (HOA I, HOA II, HOA III), One (1) Director from Voting District Two (Villas), and One (1) Director from Voting District Three (Condos). The voting will take place at the VCC Annual Members Meeting from 2-4PM, and the selection of the Board officers will take place at a Meeting at 4PM. The term for these Directors will be for two years. If you have not signed up for Evoting, the forms to optin is on the website under ‘forms’ or you can come to the clubhouse office and your VCC staff can assist you.
Getting To Know Our Staff By Margaret Farmar Three years ago a romance blossomed at Creekside. Raphael Bonila met Nichelle Siewertsen. A strong relationship was formed. The duo were drawn together by a mutual ethic of hard work and a love of travel. Two years ago they took their vacation time and left in August on a road trip, camping and trekking through Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. They eventually ending up in Alaska where they visited with Tim, one of their former managers at VCC. It was a six week, 15,000 mile trip leaving them wanting more. This summer it’s back on the road up the Pacific coast to Alaska in Raphael’s trusty Subaru. These trips give him many opportunities to indulge his favorite hobby of photography. Raphael grew up in Bonita Springs and still lives there with his parents in their family home. His sister was working at VCC and encouraged him to apply for an after school job. During his senior year he’d walk over from Estero High School and start bussing tables and running food. He was 17 at the time and now, seven years later, he has moved into the role of lead server. Raphael loves working at Raphael Bonila our Country Club. He sees the same people on a regular basis. “They get to know me, ask how I am. It’s like a family. The people are so patient, Villages at Country Creek
understanding, and nice to me. I’ve often helped them by changing light bulbs, cleaning gutters, even dog sitting.” Nichelle moved from Michigan to Florida about three years ago and has been working at VCC ever since. She grew up in Port Huron and worked as a hostess/server in restaurants in the downtown Detroit area with her mom, Nichelle Siewertsen who is presently working at a country club on Sanibel. She lives in the family home in San Carlos Park. Nichelle loves Florida and loves working at Country Creek! When you “get to see the same people, know their drink orders, and they get to know personal things about you,” there’s a feeling of caring, more like a community, an extended family. You don’t get that same experience when working at a restaurant serving different patrons all the time. This feeling of community and family also extends to her fellow workers. They often get together after work to bowl or just share some good times. Nichelle has several hobbies besides traveling. She loves to read. Harry Potter is one of her favorites. Several VCC members have made suggestions on other books
VCC Romance
Camping Alaska PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID FT MYERS FL PERMIT 751
she may be interested in and have often shared their own books with her. Although it’s difficult to find a lot of time during the season, she has still managed to take up painting. Using acrylics, she tries to capture the beauty of the landscapes she has seen while traveling. She’s also an avid Detroit Lions football fan.
FEBRUARY 2024
From The Golf Pro 2023-24 Villages At Country Creek Upcoming Golf Event By John Alfuth, PGA
February 2024 15 – LGA Charity Event 16 – MGA Luncheon 23 – Pairings Meeting 24 – Ryder/Solar Cup Day 1 25 – Ryder/Solar Cup Day 2 March 2024 2 – Ryder/Solar Cup Day 3 5 & 7 – LGA Championship 6 & 8 – MGA Championship 9 – Villas Scramble 16 – Volunteers Scramble All Day 23 – Club Championship Round 1 24 – Club Championship Round 2 26 – LGA Winter Awards April 2024 4 – Men’s Invitational Practice Round & Dinner 5 – Men’s Invitational Round 1 & 2 6 – Men’s Invitational Round 3, 4 & Shootout 11 – LGA Member/Member 12 – MGA Luncheon 13 – MGA Gala Dinner
Bocce News By Patti O’Connor Our VCC Winter Bocce season was to start on Tuesday, January 16, but El Nino had other plans that week. Hopefully, the courts will dry out and by the time you read this article, our season is in full swing. Our Bocce Board for 2024 is Jack Arvold, Vice President, Millie Willis, Treasurer/Secretary, and Patti O’Connor, President. We are excited to start the year off
Bocce News on page 4