In January The Villager featured a front-page article A New Year – a New Opportunity, and VCC continued to move forward while looking back at our origins and past history. There was the usual request for candidates to run for positions on the Master Board as well as the HOAs. Real evidence that we had wholeheartedly joined the 21st century was demonstrated by the availability of the ever-improving VCC web site and the many residents who were making good use of it. Director Jerry Desmond listed some of the concerns and projects that would be addressed in the coming months, such as road paving, golf course improvements and the reserve funds.
An article on some of our Pioneer residents featured Ambrose & Eileen Galvin, Arnie Rosenthal, Roland & Justine Jolie, Ravis Prueitt, Ray & Gail Pothier, Bill & Betty Lutz, and Ron & Nancy Reichert. There was also a story about Tony Catalano receiving his WWII medals, somewhat belatedly, that interested us all. The love story of Tony and his wife Ruth was heartwarming as well.
Dan Thron explained some changes in Florida’s foreclosure laws as they apply to communities such as ours. There are new legal procedures now which will help associations to recover past assessments that might have been lost, and which create a level field for the responsible owners who pay their assessments.
Pam Jones-Morton agreed to step in to replace Pat Callen as photographer for The Villager. Pam, a member of the Communications Committee, volunteers for several other worthwhile local causes. She was president of HOA-III, worked with Labrador Retriever Rescue and serves Lovers Key State Park as president of Friends of Lovers Key (FOLKS), an organization which is working to create a Visitors Center for the Park, among other things.
In February the Communications Committee, under the direction of the Master Board, collected Census and Directory information from VCC residents. The response was very good, and a new directory was expected to be one of the results of this effort. After seven years reporting daily happenings on the CTV, Ione Talmo retired. Sue Stern took over this volunteer task.
Also in February, Bob O’Connell was congratulated on 20 years of service assisting our golfers. Bob started out running the cart barn and is presently working in the Pro Shop. His good work, warm cordiality, and loyalty were recognized and many of our golfers stopped in to congratulate him on his tenure.
In March, Bill Wright announced that the Creekside Restaurant has been quite busy, and he urged that diners make their reservations in advance to ensure seating at their requested time. Bill noted that there has been a lot of participation in the scheduled events.
There were some concerns about erosion on the banks of the Estero River. Jerry Desmond and Dan Thron walked the banks with representatives of the Lee County Natural Resources Office and the South Florida Water Management District to ascertain the problems. In August a crew was dispatched to handle the cleanup at no cost to VCC. Surveying and environmental engineering work were accomplished. Our law firm provided advisories on responsibilities for riverfront maintenance. Our Volunteers Inc. did major work on the Fern Garden off Country Creek Drive. Several weddings have already taken place there.
At the Annual Meeting in March, Alice Rintamaa became President; Philip Ward – Vice President; Arlene Hoffman – Secretary; Dave Immonen – appointed Treasurer; John Sackl – Director at Large; William Crabtree – District 1 Representative; and Vin Harrington – District 3 Representative. A new contract was negotiated and signed with Comcast. The rate was raised, but in comparison with other providers, Comcast was found to have the best service at the best price. VCC has enjoyed an extremely low rate in the past, but the reality is that maintaining the same rates as in the past is no longer possible.
In May, The Villager profiled one of our younger residents, Sam Fayhee, 9 years old, who has been working to make money to support his school by participating in a program called “Box Tops 4 Education.” His school has recognized his efforts with a trophy and a certificate for their “Do the Right Thing” award.
In June, our General Manager again advised our residents that there have been many complaints about illegal parking on the roadways and common area amenities. There is now a policy in place which deals with this issue.
Several summer projects were completed – among them: maintenance and improvements to the golf course, road paving, refurbishing of tennis courts and Pump House repairs. The restaurant kitchen was redesigned and equipped with new appliances, dishes and glassware.
In July, some information on the census which was performed earlier in the year was released. There was a response from 682 residents (71% of 966 homes). Full-time residents numbered 203, or 32% of the returns. The average stay for residents who are here for the winter is 4.7 months.
In August, we welcomed Chef Henry Perez who had charge of our newly renovated kitchen.
Bob and Carol Clark, two of the earliest residents of Blacksmith Forge, were profiled in the September issue. Their photos gave us an idea of how this area looked before it was developed as it is now.
The transfer fee was raised from $125 to $150, which will assist in the budgeting and help keep the assessment affordable.
In October, we were treated to some photos of our new kitchen equipment, which the returning residents appreciated. Bill Wright retired from his duties supervising the food and beverage activities, and a new office manager, Liz Hillman, was getting accustomed to her duties in the Clubhouse after Sandy Dunphy resigned.
In November, we welcomed a new Food & Beverage Director, Bob King, who replaced Bill Wright, who retired. All residents were encouraged to use the Master Calendar which is available on our web site. Figures from the census showed that home sales are again on the upswing after the slow years of 2007 and 2008. It was announced that VCC’s 25th anniversary would be officially celebrated the week of March 3, 2013, and ideas and volunteers were solicited.
The Ladies Golf champion was Judy Brown for the third year. Stan Slingerland was the Men’s Golf champion, and Carl Sandquist received the Fred McBride Award. Bob Warner bowled the first 300 Wii bowling game. The Goombas, captained by Joe Vitello, were again bocce champions.
As December arrived the usual influx of returning residents began. Several projects are underway or will be completed soon: a new starter shack at the golf course, redesigned mailbox areas in the cul-de-sacs, and a handicap ramp at the Fern Garden. The contract for Vision Golf Management was renewed. New Year’s Eve reservations began to come in. The Social Committee was working to make 2013 a celebratory year for the Villages at Country Creek’s 25th anniversary.
