MemberComments

April 29, 2009 1:00:00 AM EDT

Did you ever work on a project and come to the end with that feeling of satisfaction?

This is where I am right now with CreekChat. I started the Chat with the sole purpose of giving the membership a vehicle to communicate to our board how we felt on issues. Through this whole season we have had little or no participation in postings. We are in the place we want to be. It’s time to shut down the chat. It has served its purpose well.

We have survived the reseeding of our Golf Course, The new Tern and a marvelous new clubhouse. All is well at Eagle Creek. We are harvesting the crop of good fortune because of the dedicated work of our Board, the staff and all our good friends.

Gail and I went to the club last night for pasta, just the two of us. As soon as we walked in the door we ran into a friend who was leaving today. They might be on the road right now. Seated at the next table were two other couples who we joined for dinner.

We had a wonderful spontaneous evening. Going to the pasta bar was quite a trip. There was someone we knew at every table and we stopped for a little visit. The pasta and the buffet were great. The choices were delicious.

This is what Eagle Creek is all about. Friends meeting friends, “good wishes”, “goodbyes” and “safe journey north”.

God, I love Eagle Creek. And God loves me for guiding me here.

I wish all of you a wonderful summer, I look forward to seeing you in the fall, and I leave you with this inspirational message: http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

God Bless all who read this.

The End

Dennis Farley

April 18, 2009 11:43:00 AM EDT

Naples Daily News article about Lowe's, Super Target and 951/41 intersection:

Stalled intersection project at U.S. 41 East, Collier Boulevard set to move ahead again
By I.M. STACKEL

Friday, April 17, 2009

NAPLES — Despite a questionable local economy, developers and Collier County officials worked out an agreement to embark on intersection improvements at Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41.

In fact, some believe that the renegotiated agreement could stimulate the economy in East Naples, with an added advantage of improving traffic along Airport-Pulling Road.

The Collier County Commission approved the contract Tuesday.

The original agreement fell apart when the development community faced economic challenges, and had to be renegotiated so Lowe’s home improvement store could finally pick up a permit and begin construction. The Lowe’s would be on the southwest corner of Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41 East in the Eagle Creek Plaza.

However, the project also had to comply with the county’s future land-use plans required by the state, so that every project is accompanied by improvements in area services.

County transportation planning director Nick Casalanguida, who is also director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, had to reach down for new traffic counts then up to Tallahassee to bring some resurfacing dollars into the county. It was a feat his boss, transportation administrator Norm Feder, and County Attorney Jeff Klatzkow, helped facilitate.

They looked at the Florida Department of Transportation five-year project list, and they found a resurfacing entitlement.

“We’d done some resurfacing with the Wal-Mart project,” Casalanguida said, referring to the Super Wal-Mart on Collier Boulevard between U.S. 41 and Marco Island.

The original consortium deal was dissolved Feb. 24 due to non-payment by several partners.

Collier staffers worked hard with Rich Yovanovich, the consortium’s attorney, and carved out another deal between the Kite Corp., for several of their real estate holdings, ABC Liquors and Habitat for Humanity.

Consultants for the project hung an $18 million price tag on the total cost of improvements. The consortium is contributing $8.26 million.

DOT will contribute $8.35 million, but some county commissioners, who are at odds with Tallahassee over Collier’s share of taxes, expressed concern.

Commissioner Frank Halas asked Casalanguida when DOT would come through with the money.

Casalanguida said they’re committing the money for 2014, which means the dollars will be available in July 2013. DOT committed to the project at the last MPO meeting, he said.

Lowe’s will be the first business to begin construction and open. A planned Super Target probably will be about two years behind, Casalanguida said.

The Super Target would be across the road from the Lowe’s, on the southeast corner of U.S. 41 East and Collier Boulevard.

“Target doesn’t have any interest in the next two years,” he told commissioners.

Halas wasn’t entirely convinced because he recalled DOT money was promised for the Davis Boulevard improvements.

“They reneged. What’s the chance they will pull out on us?” Halas asked.

Casalanguida said that while every contract has a catastrophe clause, DOT is “pretty certain they’ll have the money in 2013.”

With approval of the deal, Commission Chairwoman Donna Fiala asked if all the participants can now move forward.

As soon as their letters of credit are locked in the county safe, Casalanguida said.

In addition to the financial commitment for road improvements, and additional right of way contributions, the developers’ consortium also committed to more than $500,000 in subsidies in the next five years for the county’s mass transit system.

After the deal was approved, Community Development and Environmental Services Administrator Joe Schmitt said he was just grateful to see Lowe’s finally pick up its permit.

When that store is built, many shoppers from Golden Gate, East Naples and Marco Island, who flock to the Lowe’s off Airport-Pulling Road, will have another option, thus freeing up traffic on that main road, Schmitt said.

Yovanovich and county officials have long believed that the construction business will perk up a little with this project, which will widen and add lanes to the crucial intersection.

First targeted in 2005 for improvements, when a number of residential and commercial projects were in the early planning stages, developers and county officials worked out a multimillion-dollar developers’ contribution agreement that would enable construction of the new businesses and homes.

That was the agreement that was terminated in February.

There currently are 25 travel lanes at that intersection, the greatest compilation on U.S. 41 heading southeast toward Everglades City, Marco Island and Golden Gate.

There are eight travel lanes heading in the general direction of Miami: Two lanes turn right onto Collier Boulevard toward Marco Island; three turn left onto Collier Boulevard toward Interstate 75; three head straight across Collier Boulevard.

Once they cross Collier Boulevard, those three lanes contract into one eastbound lane within 100 to 200 feet.

In the opposite direction, U.S. 41 is one westbound lane until about 100 to 200 feet before it intersects with Collier Boulevard.

At that point, it begins to fan out until it spans five lanes at Collier: one turning right (north) onto Collier Boulevard toward Interstate 75; one turning left (south) onto Collier Boulevard toward Marco; and three heading straight ahead toward Naples.

Jim Lackey

April 15, 2009 10:01:24 AM EDT

The following is an article by Greg Harwig in the April 15 Naples Daily News:
After 20 years, the Bill Owen Classic, which gifted more than $1.3 million to area schools for golf programs and educational scholarships, along with local charities, is coming to an end.

The Southwest Florida Charities, Inc. Board, tournament host, voted unanimously on Thursday night to close its doors. The charity, due to tax laws, will remain in existence until the end of the year.

The final gifting reception will be on April 23 at Eagle Creek Country Club.

“It will be a sad time, but at the same time the organization has done a lot of good,” said Irv Sherwood, Charities president. “It is unfortunate. We kicked around ideas on how it could keep going, but no one else stepped forward. We couldn’t find anyone, or any organization, interested in taking this over.”

Sherwood, who has had health problems, told the board after the event in January that he was going to step down after nearly 20 years of heading the Classic.

At the gifting reception, more than $100,000 will be given to area high schools golf programs and for scholarships. Local charities, such as Hospice, also will receive gifts.

The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Sherwood knows it will be emotional.

“A lot of people, a lot of volunteers, have enjoyed helping us give back to the community,” he said. “I look at the night as a celebration of what we have done.”

Jim Lackey

April 14, 2009 12:38:42 PM EDT

The Collier County Commissioners approved the revised Developers Contribution Agreement for the road improvements to the intersection of US 41 & CR/SR 951 at their board meeting on April 14. Construction work on the intersection will start in 2013 and be completed in approximately 18 months.

The consortium of developers for the Developers Contribution Agreement have placed the money required under the agreement in escrow so that payment will be made within five days from April 14, when the agreement was approved. As part of the agreement, Lowe's building permit will be released upon receipt of the payment.

Lowe's legal counselor told the County Commissioners that Lowe's remains committed to doing the project and Lowe's will commence construction as soon as possible. The construction of the Lowe's store will take approximately one year, and the shelving, fixtures, store inventory, employee training, etc. will probably be an additional three months.

Under Eagle Creek's agreement with Kite Realty and Lowe's on the conditions of construction, Lowe's will first relocate the site utilities and then construct the temporary road to provide access from Eagle Creek's rear gate to Price Street before beginning construction work on the store. This temporary road will be for our exclusive use and allow Eagle Creek residents to egress the rear gate throughout the time the Lowe's store is being constructed. After the store has been built, the permanent road from the rear gate will be available for the residents of Eagle Creek and the temporary road will be removed.

Jim Lackey

April 12, 2009 8:28:43 AM EDT

This is an update on Lowe's

The Board of Collier County Commissioners are scheduled to consider approving the Developers Contribution Agreement to fund the construction improvements to the intersection of US 41 and SR/CR 951 during their meeting on Tuesday April 14. This matter is Item No. 10.C. on the agenda for the meeting and the hearing is scheduled to take place at 11:30 AM. This hearing will be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 97. (Comment: The hearings often do not occur on schedule, particularly around lunch hour, to it may or may not occur at the scheduled time.)

The Collier County Transportation Planning Manager recommends the County Commissioners approve the Developers Contribution Agreement. If the Developers Contribution Agreement is approved by the County Commissioners and if the consortium of developers provide the necessary payment and performance bonds for the work, which they now say they will do, and if Kite Realty Group pays the impact fees for the Lowe’s development, which they say they will do, it is now my understanding that the permit for the construction of the Lowe’s store can be issued immediately. Lowe's representative claims that they intend to move forward with the construction.

The consortium of developers, who are a party to this revised Developers Contribution Agreement are Kite Eagle Creek II, LLC, KRG Eagle Creek IV, LLC, KRG 951 & 41, LLC, ABC Liquors, Inc., RealtyNet Real Estate, LLC and Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, Inc. It is my understanding, this group includes constructing a 6,000 sq. ft. facility between Wachovia Bank and the US 41 entrance to the Shops at Eagle Creek, property between the Circle K gas station and the entrance to the Habitat for Humanity housing development that is normally referred to as Super Target property although Super Target has not made a commitment to locate there, a 12,000 sq, ft, ABC Store between CVS and the entrance to Falling Waters, additional Habitat for Humanity houses, and possibly other properties that I am not aware of at this time.

Jim Lackey

March 31, 2009 4:45:19 AM EDT

Recent newspaper article, which accurately describes the current situation in having a revised Developers Contribution Agreement on the improvements to the US 41/CR 951 intersection and the US 41 road east of the intersection. If there is a revised agreement, and the developers subsequently provide the initial payments that would be required by the agreement, Lowe's construction work would then move forward.

Jim Lackey

Naples Daily News

More time needed to work out intersection kinks, Collier officials say

By I.M. STACKEL

Friday, March 27, 2009

Collier County’s shaky economy nearly stalled a program of intersection improvements that was highly touted in November 2007.
However, Collier commissioners agreed Tuesday to give developers and government officials a little more time to work out a new agreement.

The intersection of U.S. 41 and Collier Boulevard East was designated in 2005 for vast improvements including widening, more lanes and better signs. But that was when developers were flush, and a number of residential and commercial projects were in the early planning stages.

Besides Lowe’s, companies that announced future developments in the vicinity included Super Target, ABC Liquors, Habitat for Humanity, Naples Reserve, and Naples Motorcoach Resort.

In late 2007, developers and county officials worked out a multimillion-dollar developers contribution agreement that would enable Collier to encompass the new businesses and homes.

A lot has changed economically since then. Financial snags have caused most of the partners in the negotiated contribution agreement to drop out.

Tuesday, commissioners asked for more information from attorney Rich Yovanovich, who said his clients – including Lowe’s – were still ready to move forward with $8.2 million in contributions.

Problem is, while commissioners want the intersection improvements as well as the new businesses, county transportation leaders said the proposed sum isn’t enough money to make the changes required by state concurrency standards.

Concurrency is a term used by planners to ensure that adequate roads, utilities and government services increase proportionally with new development.

Collier Transportation Planning Manager Nick Casalanguida, County Attorney Jeff Klatzkow and Transportation Director Norm Feder spent about two years, starting in 2005, negotiating agreements with nine different developers, to widen U.S. 41 for two miles southeast of Collier Boulevard.

In early March, commissioners terminated the November 2007 developer agreement, and asked employees to bring back a new document.

“I tried to unturn every stone I could to get this done,” Casalanguida said Tuesday.

While he wouldn’t say the project was dead, he admitted that he just doesn’t have enough information to offer the Florida Department of Community Affairs.

The irony was that county officials would love to find a viable project to create jobs and improve the economy, Casalanguida said.

The road construction project would create jobs for contractors, not to mention jobs after the new projects open.

Yovanovich said he was not asking the county to sacrifice concurrency.

“The residential players can’t come up with their cost of intersection improvements, but there are commercial developers that are still interested in spending money in Collier County,” Yovanovich said.

“Will there be enough right of way money there? No one knows the answer to that question,” Yovanovich said.

Lowe’s is ready to pick up its construction permit, so the county would be getting that money, he said.

If a study gets underway, the county will, at least, have a design for the ultimate intersection improvements, even if they all can’t be immediately accomplished, he said.

Likewise, moving forward will stimulate the economy and put Collier residents back to work.

“Frankly, there’s just not enough money beyond $8.2 million,” Yovanovich said.

Noting that the intersection is failing, Commissioner Frank Halas said the only way the problem would be properly addressed is to build a flyover there, which Yovanovich said the developers’ agreement would ultimately pay for.

Commission Chairwoman Donna Fiala mused on that.

As some of the Kite Realty projects under development come in, and as Target moves in, there will be more money in that pot, Fiala said.

And, since at least 6,000 planned dwelling units have no prospect of being built in the next five years, the county’s concurrency balance won’t immediately shift, she said.

“It may be 10 years for some of these paper dwelling units to come on board,” Fiala said.

Getting that Lowe’s in there is vital to prompt other businesses to come in, commissioners agreed.

“Lowe’s is the catalyst. If we want Super Target, we got to find a way to get this moving forward,” Fiala said.

Casalanguida said he may be able to worth with Collier County’s bus system so employees and shoppers wouldn’t create too much more traffic.

Commissioner Fred Coyle asked if the county could tax the people who are contributing to the future concurrency problem – allowing for vesting some developments – and bond out on that future revenue stream, and Casalanguida said that is a possibility.

Fiala noted that the county hasn’t received any state help on the project, and Feder agreed he would have to push harder on the state and federal transportation departments.

Feder said he needs to see a traffic impact study.

While the county is not looking to hold up Lowe’s, the county is also not planning on sidestepping the state concurrency requirements, Feder said.

However, the $8.2 million isn’t enough to make it work, said Casalanguida, offering to bring a menu of alternatives back to commissioners.

Yovanovich proposed a smaller developer consortium to pay for the initial design.

“That would be one agreement that could go forward,” he said.

Asked if it can be accomplished, Klatzkow told commissioners that if Yovanovich’s proposed numbers are right, they’ll have a new developers agreement at the next commission meeting.

While Collier County leaders accepted that deal, in concept, on Tuesday, they have to wait to see what employees can work out.

In past discussions, many residents, business owners and county employees have pointed out that traffic through that intersection does not flow effectively.

There are currently 25 travel lanes at that intersection, the greatest compilation on U.S. 41 heading southeast toward Everglades City, Marco Island and Golden Gate.

There are eight travel lanes heading in the general direction of Miami: two lanes turn right onto Collier toward Marco; three turn left onto Collier toward Interstate 75; and three head straight across Collier.

Once they cross Collier, those three lanes contract into one lane within 100 to 200 feet.

In the opposite direction, U.S. 41 is a one-lane road until about 100 to 200 feet before it intersects with Collier.

At that point, it begins to fan out until it spans five lanes at Collier: one turning right (north) onto Collier toward I-75; one turning left (south) onto Collier toward Marco; and three heading straight ahead toward Naples.

March 18, 2009 7:27:15 PM EDT

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

East Naples Foundation, Inc.

EAST TRAIL MASTER PLAN STUDY

FIRST PUBLIC WORKSHOP

MARCH 30, 2009
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

AT

St Peter The Apostle Catholic Church

5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd

Naples, FL 34113

About this Study

The East Naples Foundation, Inc., the philanthropic arm of the East Naples Civic Association (ENCA), is seeking community involvement to fund and complete a corridor study of Tamiami Trail East (the “East Trail”) from its Airport Pulling Road intersection south to its County Road 92 intersection. The study is expected to define an identity for the East Trail corridor. The ultimate result of the study is a Corridor Plan that indicates existing qualities to be protected, target areas for develop ment and redevelopment, and an overall vision for the future.

Objective of this Study

The objective of this study is to anticipate, plan, and identify adjustments to regulatory framework so that the East Trail corridor grows viably while protecting quality of life. This study will ultimately result in a plan that documents the current conditions of the East Trail, identifies the vision for the future of the corridor based on community input, and outlines the goals, objectives and policies that will guide future development.

Public Involvement

The public involvement component of this study is important. Property owners along the corridor, nearby residents and business owners, and other stakeholders in the area, will have opportunities to participate in the study process. Through newsletters and two public meetings, the East Naples Foundation seeks to include and inform the community during the process. The first public workshop is scheduled for March 30, 2009 and the second will be determined based on availability of funds to continue the study effort. To support or get more information about the effort, please contact enaplesfnd@aol.com

East Naples Foundation, Inc.

4915 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd. #214

Naples, Fl 34113

Jim Lackey

The start of the construction of Lowe’s store is contingent upon, among other things, financial commitments required by the Developer’s Contribution Agreement (DCA) for the road improvements at the intersection of US 41 & CR 951 and US 41 east of the intersection. The consortium of developers, who are a party to the DCA, have failed to meet their commitments in a timely manner as required by the agreement. Therefore, the Collier County staff members will present a Termination Executive Summary on this matter to the Board of County Commissioners at their meeting on March 10th.

The consortium of developers intend to present an amended DCA to the Board of County Commissioners for their approval at the March 24th board meeting.

I was previously informed by a Collier County staff member that Lowe’s permit application would expire on February 18th, if the permit was not picked up by the applicant by that time. I was also informed that the revised Collier County Building Codes go into effect on March 1st, so a complete resubmission of the permit application would be required to meet these codes.

Based on this information, it is my personal opinion that even if the Collier County Commissioners approve an amended DCA, it will be some time before the construction of the Lowe’s store will take place, perhaps as long as a year from now.

There was a February 20th Associated Press article which stated that “The dismal housing market dragged down fourth-quarter profits at Lowe's Cos. Inc. by 60 percent, and executives at the home improvement chain said they see little hope of a substantive fix from a federal effort aimed at helping struggling homeowners. To cope in the worsening recession, Lowe's said it was further cutting back the number of stores it plans to open in 2009...”

Jim Lackey

I HAVE A PROBLEM

Eagle Creek renters, who rent to golfers, give up their golfing privileges, during this period. The renter has several options depending on the length of stay and how many of the renters are golfers.

For renters, Plan A, called Golf Membership Dues, for a 30 day period cost $318 registration fee and $1484 green fees/dues or a total of $1802 plus cart fees of $23 per person per round plus tax. This is in effect a 30 day membership for $1802. We also have a $5,000 membership for non resident members for a one year period.

However, I as a owner, can not play Eagle Creek because the renter is "using" my golf membership although the renter has paid $1802 for his Golf Membership/Dues.

My stance on the subject is that Eagle Creek is losing revenue from me because of my not paying for cart rentals, food at the tern, and purchases I would normally make in the pro shop and locker room had I been permitted to play. Eagle Creek has received $1802 membership fee from the renter but EC is losing $400 - $500 in revenue per month by me being unable to play. In addition, I would think that every renter is a potential future buyer.

From a PR standpoint and from a financial standpoint, I feel that the Eagle Creek Board of Governors are shortsighted in this matter. I have contacted the Board recently but they did not think my plea to play was not justified.

I would welcome your support if you agree with me. The annual meeting is Monday, February 23, 2009 at 2:00PM

Thank you for the opportunity to express my feeling.

Duke Landis

740 Waterford Dr. Unit 103.

Please note that the date I gave during the Community Association meeting for Donna Fiala's Town Hall Meeting at the South County Library was wrong.

The correct date is March 11 at 7 pm.

She is planning to hold another Town Hall Meeting at Mackle Park, Marco Island later in the month.

Tawaya, if you could pass this message to the other board members, I would appreciate it. Thanks,

I apologize for the error, Jim Lackey

Donna Fiala will hold a Town Hall Meeting on March 25th beginning at 7 pm in the newly constructed 30,000 sq. ft. South Regional Library located on the Lely Cultural Parkway, which is the road directly across from the hospital on CR 951 and the road where Edison College is located. Residents will have an opportunity to not only learn about the various issues concerning our community, but also to visit the new library facility.

Donna strongly supported having the library located in our community and she subsequently took steps to ensure the building would be built in spite of the mandatory reductions in the Collier County Government budget. This distinctive library is an example of Donna’s continuing efforts to improve the quality of life for her constituents whenever possible.

The library shares a 20 acre site with the Collier County Emergency Operation Center (EOC), which is under the final stages of construction. The library is not operational at this time because some services, such as the telephone and IT systems, need to tie-in with the EOC building, and also the library books are scheduled for delivery in late April. The library building will serve as an emergency evacuation center for the community and the design of the building provides the capability to add up to 50,000 sq. ft., if the increase in population should ever warrant having the addition space.

One subject of interest that Donna will mention during the Town Hall Meeting is the East Trail Master Plan. The East Trail Master Plan is to encourage planned growth, both commercial and residential, along the US 41 Tamiami Trail corridor, between Airport Pulling Road and County Road 92, that is compatible with the unique natural resources of the area, while resulting in an enhanced quality of life for all residences. The Master Plan will be used as a basis for amending the Collier County Growth Management Plan and the Land Development Code. A Public Information Meeting, to review the preliminary Master Plan and serve as a venue for public comments, is scheduled for March 30th between 5:30 to 7 pm at St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road.

Jim Lackey

Marco golfers shine at Bill Owen Classic

By ROGER LALONDE

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Islanders winning the low net for couples at the Bill Owen Classic, from left, are Cliff and Connie Kirvan and Ed and Cindy Cohen. It was the second straight win for the couples.

Dave Marcois hits chip shot during the Bill Owen Classic on Monday.

Ethan Hilliard of the Lely High team tees off on a par five hole on the Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club course on Monday. On each par 5 golfers playing in the Bill Owen Classic could use the drive by Hilliard or other county high school golfers whose schools benefit from the funds raised in the Classic.

Marco golfers, from left, Scott Willems, Eric Schilling, Steve Macko and Scott Summers, not shown, placed second for low net in the Bill Owen Classic on Monday. Schilling also designed special golf bracelets as prizes for the top low net golfers, which his team almost won.

Former pro golfer and analyst Ken Venturi, center, celebrates with winning low gross team at the Bill Owen Classic, from left, Tom Rourke, Dick Shanahan, Dean Webb and Allan Cooper. The foursome won the Ken Venturi Cup.

Islanders were part of the organizing group that started the fundraiser, the Bill Owen Classic, 20 years ago.

On Monday, Islanders reaped the benefits of the tournament, coming in 1-2 for low gross, second for low net and first for couples low net at the Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club.

Ken Venturi, former pro golfer and TV analyst, presented his Venturi Cup to Marco’s Dick Shanahan, Tom Rourke, Dean Webb and Allan Cooper for a low gross score of 59. The team edged Marco’s Gene Ilnicki, Steve Eisenberg, Russ Johnson and Larry Paladino, which shot a cumulative 60. Reg Buxton, Ron Stamaro, Darrell Young and Pat Triter placed third with a 61.

The Shanahan team won the Classic low net score in 2004. Dave Kocourek was a member of the team then and he recorded a hole in one. On Monday the team started with three straight birdies and also recorded an eagle, which was two under par on a par five hole.

Marco’s Ed and Cindy Cohen and Cliff and Connie Kirvan, repeated as the low net champions with a 59.5. The couples low gross winners were Lyle and Sharon Scharenberg and Rod and Ann Latham with a 64.

Ward Wettlaufer, Skip Coggin, Don Lundy and Bill Hipskind won the Bill Owen Cup for low net score of 58.7. Second was the Marco team of Eric Schilling, Steve Macko, Scott Willems and Scott Summers with 59.8. Third place went to Kurt Anderson, Chris Conyers, Jeff Walters and Brian Trecek with 60.2.

Along with the Owen Cup, the Wettlaufer team received specially-designed bracelets, made by Schilling, who owns Schilling Jewelers on Marco Island.

Irv Sherwood, event chairman, expects that more than $100,000 will be raised when all the donation numbers come in. The event has raised more than $1.25 million over the 20 years.

Classic founders included Marco’s Mike Ward, Joe Klimas, Venturi and Bill Owen and Jess Elliott.

Collier County High School golfers, whose programs benefit from the Classic, hit drive shots on the par 5 holes for each foursome. The foursome could choose to use the shot instead of their tee shots.

Closest to the pin winners were John Quinn, 20 inches on the fifth hole, Ed Wagner, 6-feet-6 inches on the eighth, Smith Bryant, three feet on the 12th and Jan Raphel, seven feet on the 17th.

Jim Lackey

Golf legend Venturi returns to Naples

Originally posted on: Monday, January 26, 2009 by NBC2 News
Last updated on: 1/26/2009 7:27:24 PM

NAPLES: It was homecoming for one of Southwest Florida’s legends of golf. U.S. Open Champion and longtime TV commentator Ken Venturi returned to Naples helping host the annual Bill Owen Charity Classic at Eagle Creek Country Club.

The 14-time PGA Tour winner and 1964 U.S. Open champ helped design the Eagle Creek layout in the early 80’s, and managed the facility once it opened for business.

A plaque and statue of Venturi stands watch over the cart path leading to the first tee at Eagle Creek.

Venturi now lives in California, but after spending 27 years as a Marco Island resident he still says he’s "coming home" when he makes his annual visit to the Owen Classic.

The Bill Owen Classic raised over $1.3-million for scholarships and golf equipment for high school students in Collier County.

Among the proceeds of this year’s event are $5,000 scholarship grants to nine students.

"It’s something I learned from the great Byron Nelson," Venturi said, "I asked him after he took me under his wing, ‘How can I repay you?’ He said be good to the game and always give back, and I hope I give back as best I can."

Venturi addressed event competitors as they set off for their rounds, sending them off with some comedy.

"People always want to know how to hit it farther," he said, "Just hit the ball then run backwards… that’s all you have to do."

The success of the Owen Classic’s success is mostly a product of the event’s organizers, but it’s certainly boosted by Venturi’s presence.

"The era he played in was phenomenal with Nelson, Hogan… that’s golf history," said Eagle Creek Head Pro Jeff Jackson. "For somebody like me who’s a fan of golf, it’s an ideal scenario to have him here."

To see NBC 2 News video go to http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readsportsarticle.asp?articleid=25362&z=24

Jim Lackey

Owen Classic tees off for charities

By ROGER LALONDE Thursday, January 22, 2009

ROGER LALONDE

0901232ME-OWEN2 Irv Sherwood, chairman of the Bill Owen Classic, stands in front of the first hole at the Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club where the fund-raising event will be played on Monday. Roger LaLonde/Staff

ROGER LALONDE

090123ME-OWEN3 Specially designed bracelets, done by Schilling Jewelers on Marco, are awarded to the winning couple in the Bill Owen Classic. Roger LaLonde/Staff

ROGER LALONDE

090123ME-OWEN1 This Bill Owen Classic display of items won by golfers are at the site of the event, the Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club. The charitable event is on Monday. Roger LaLonde/Staff

M Some 20 years ago, five golfers got together for an outing with an intent to raise a few dollars for high school golf programs.

It led into the Bill Owen Classic which has raised more than $1.2 million. The event, now operated by the Southwest Florida Golf Charities, looks to have another successful day on Monday for its 20th anniversary at Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club.

Golfing great and former TV golf analyst Ken Venturi, Bill Owen, Mike Ward, Joe Klimas and Jess Elliott got the golf ball rolling.

Venturi, who moved to California, will be back to greet golfers. Klimas will serve as master of ceremonies at the awards buffet. Mike Ward, who for years hosted the awards party at his Erin’s Isle Restaurant, continues to participate.

“The event has come a long way from the early start where around $500 was raised,” Irv Sherwood, event chairman, said. “I’m sure they are all proud of what they started.”

Last year alone $130,000 was given out, with recipients including all Collier County high school golf programs and student scholarships, Avow Hospice, which includes Marco Island, Title One schools, The Education Foundation of Collier County, Florida Gulf Coast University’s Golf management and hospitality curriculum and the Pace Center for Girls.

If a golf enthusiast has a bit of an appetite, there is a continental breakfast for the 8 a.m. start time, lunch and then the awards buffet at 5:30 p.m., let alone some special gifts to each participant.

The low net golf team gets their names on the Bill Owen Cup and uniquely designed golf bracelets, made by Schilling Jewelers on Marco Island.

The low gross team will have their names placed on the Ken Venturi plaque.

Awards in both categories will be given to the top three teams and the top two couples teams.

For more information on sponsorships, or late entry, call 774-2202.

Here is a tentative list of golfers teeing off in a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The 8 a.m. foursomes are Jerry and Clare Baker, John and Sharon Beasley; Joe and Louise Brachitta, Curt and Jacquie Koon; Ken and Mary Jo Courey, Barry and Debbie O’Connell; Ron Dalton, Joe Favino, Ed Wollman Don Stack; Vic Delano, Ed Jangelis, Steve Sherwood, Charlie Sellman; Gino Giorgini, Stella Benisatto, John Lynch, Carl LaGrassa; Lee Glessner, Tom and Barb McCormack, Ken Lewis; Jim Goodall, Bob Brown, Wright Taylor, Cindy LeClerc; Tom and Judy Hardy, Vincent and Ellie Russo; Gene Ilnicki, Steve Eisenberg, Russ Johnson, Larry Paladino; George James, Fred Ganter, Bob Reilly, Dan McDonald; Bill and Jane Krause, Bob and Maria Hopkins; Sally Lackey, Dan Schuler, Joan Wheeler, Tom Bergman; Hugh Lavery, Bake McBride, Jack Owen, Bill McCarthy; Bill Martin, Sharon Baker, Bill and Bobbi Breedeson; Terry McGoldrick, John DiMaria, Joe Anzalone, Rick Rainville; Jim and Vivien Meehan, Larry and Rana Fedor; Glenna and Syl Migal, Barbara and Kevin Larsen; Joe Nerney, Bill Larson, Tom Byrne, Gary Robinson; Geoff Penman, Bob Helberg, John O’Shea, Rod Clymer; Dave Robertson, Tom Ocheltree, Dennis Krueger, Reed Halverson; Dave Austin, Fred Wallin, Bob Murphy, Paul LoPresti; Eric Schilling, Steve Macko, Scott Willems, Scott Summers; Bob Wells, Bob Allard, Duke Landis, Tom Riker; Ed Wagner, Don Vanitvelt, Bob Kruse, Bob Klatt; Jack and Hall Wright, Jim and Judy Derreh; Dick Coleman, Harry Archambault, Dick Ockerbloom, Si Ullman.

The 1 p.m. foursome are Kurt Anderson, Chris Conyers, Jeff Walters and Brian Trecek; Gerry and Mick Brennan, Bob and Jane Laird; Reg Buxton, Ron Stamaro, Darrell Young and Pat Trittler; John and Chris Carmany, Don and Jean Krause; Jim Cassidy, Tom Naifeh, Jack Slevin and Bill Reynolds; Ron Ciesla, Brian O’Toole, Robert Clark and Charles Hoyt; Ed and Cindy Cohen, Cliff and Connie Kirvan; Phil Cole, John Leach, Roger Lipitz and Barry Quinnies; Paul and Jan Raphel, Faye and George O’Brien; Tony Iannota, Bob Holm, Jim McGregor and George Moore; Gary Dion, John Dougherty, Mary Vertin and Paul Ditheridge; Bob Dugan, Pat Bennett, Robb Pentico and Dave Stonier; John Griffiths, Ron Ruecker, Ron Brown and Ron Gellatly; Jon Heiges, Barbara Lehman, Dave Marcozzi, Derald Pacetti; Dan LaCasse, Roy Arigo, Mark McEwen, Jim Lund; Don and Jane Leeber, Bud and Martina Jennings; Kirk Moore, Dorothy Breed, Joe and Mary Lou Watson; Bill Moseley, Harry Short, Frank Trantanella, Will Kriz; Karl Poorbaugh, Ed Pruesser, Jim Knepper, Bob Biglow; Bill and Adele Reynolds; Don Scherer, Patsy Ketchum; Jim and Charlotte Samans, Tommy and Connie Cooper; Lyle and Anna Scharenberg, Rod and Ann Latham; Marc and Margie Seldin; Linda Newcomer, Jim Blacklidge; Dick Shanahan, Tom Rourke, Dean Webb and Allan Cooper; Fred Gibbons, John Beasley, Kevin Larson and Jim Birrell; Jim Shaw, Grant Westerman, Lee Edwards, Kevin Hawkesworth; Jim and Mary Ann Smith, Jay and Chris Siemers; John Sweeney, John O’Connell, Dave O’Keefe, Steve Sherwood; Don Villani, Jerry Aubrey, Ed Ryan; Ward Wettlaufer, Skip Cogin, Don Lundy and Bill Hipskind; Bill Young, George Gould, Wes Cleary and Tom Mackelfresh.

Jim Lackey

The 20th Annual Bill Owen Classic golf charity event

will be held on Monday January 26

Several of the tournament players will be non-residents,

so they will need to use the Clubhouse parking facilities

If it is possible, please use alternate means

of transportation that day

Thanks for your cooperation

Dear Eagle Creek

I received this today and thought I would post it for you to view. Please enjoy.

Dennis

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.

How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched ' Jeopardy ' on television?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, 'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain.' And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.

Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!

We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet... We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get t wo more kids out of college.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.'

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Roller blades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord..

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now...go on and have a n ice day. Do something you WANT to......not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?

Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butter fly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask ' How are you?' Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.' And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

To those I have sent this to.... I cherish our friendship and appreciate all you do.

'Life may not be the party we hoped for... but while we are here we might as well dance.

Here's a positive comment on a club function. The three course dinner and dance on Saturday, January 10, that was priced fairly appealed to our taste buds as well as our guests from Bonita Bay. Music by the Brooklyn duo also kept everyone in the clubhouse swinging as they did to the same songs 40-50 years ago. Kudos to our server who met our every need. Chef Chuck along with our GM and BM did a great job of making the night a real success.

Roger and Ans Nedoba

January 5, 2009 8:00 PM
Hi and Happy New Year to All

No one has posted anything on this site for some time so I am hoping it is still up and running. Following our holiday social and toy drive, Jim and I volunteered to help with the distribution of the many wonderful gifts. Hopefully more of my observations will be made available to all you in the fall but I did want to pass this on now:

Although there was a lot of wrapping paper available to begin with (each family could take one roll), it disappeared quickly. Now would be a wonderful time to purchase some paper to include with next year's donation. I was at Walmart this afternoon and purchased almost $51.00 worth of Christmas wrapping paper for $12.06! If all of us could purchase some for the incredible markdown of 75% off, perhaps next year there would be enough for everyone.

It was very touching helping the East Naples Fire Department distribute the gifts. The recipients were very grateful, and it was apparent that all they wanted was to be able to provide a very Merry Christmas morning for their children.

Thanks!

Sincerely,

Carol Gustafson

September 30, 2008 4:42:46 PM EDT

Irv Sherwood, president of the Southwest Florida Golf Charities, shows his E. W. Scripps Jefferson Award to a crowd of well-wishers with Sally Lam who nominated him for the honor. The Naples Daily News gave Sherwood the award which represents a person committed to community and public service.

The Jefferson Award for Public Service, sponsored by E.W. Scripps and the Naples Daily News, went to Irv Sherwood for his involvement as president of the Southwest Florida Golf Charities.

Jim Lackey

September 30, 2008 01:41:06 PM EDT

Marco Eagle: Sherwood wins Jefferson Award for volunteerism

By ROGER LALONDE
September 30, 2008

Irv Sherwood, president of the Southwest Florida Golf Charities says the goal is to improve the quality of life for the people of Collier County. E.W. Scripps and the Naples Daily News recognized Sherwood for those efforts by awarding him the Jefferson Award on Thursday. The award was established by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Sen. Robert Taft Jr. and Sam Beard in 1972 to honor persons for outstanding community and public service. Sherwood is one of 12 monthly winners. An independent panel of judges from Collier and Lee Counties will select a regional award winner, who will represent the area in national competition in Washington D.C. In 2007 Sam and the late Mary Ann Durso of Marco Island were the regional winners for their work with Habit for Humanity of Collier County. I have the utmost respect for individuals like Irv Sherwood who are dedicated to local charities and are so giving of their time and resources, said Mary Jo Spartz, marketing director for the Naples Daily News, as she presented Sherwood his award. Sally Lam, a member of the Southwest Charities Board, nominated Sherwood. In a serious and light-hearted moment, Sherwood accepted the award, saying, I have three passions: my family, Southwest Florida Golf Charities and the Everblades. Not Everglades, Everblades. Sherwood is an avid hockey fan, serving as goal judge for the professional hockey team. His wife Lee also is a volunteer as a statistician for the Everblades. More than 50 people that in some way are involved with the charity attended a reception at the Eagle Creek Country Club where the annual golf event to raise funds for the charity is held. Everyone in this room, plus scores of others have made this charity a success, Sherwood said. This award honors the charity and all those who contribute to its impact on the community. It is a testimony to the generosity of Eagle Creek members, along with surrounding neighbors and business establishments.

The Bill Owen Classic, which is the charity's annual fundraiser, began nearly 20 years ago with a handful of men, including Bill Owen, who wanted to do something for area high school golf programs. The initial event raised about $500. Today its total is more than $1.2 million and is the longest consecutive golf fundraiser in Collier County history, Sherwood said. The event will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Jan. 26, 2009. This year, nine high schools received $5,000 each for advanced education scholarships and $1,000 each for its girls and boys golf programs. It also gave 11 Title One elementary and middle schools, $2,000 each. Florida Gulf Coast University's Golf Management program received $5,000. Avow Hospice, which serves Marco Island, Naples and Immokalee received $25,000. Overall the charity distributed $122,500 this year, with matching funds from the Education Foundation of Collier County and the Gene Sarazen Foundation, bringing the total of $132,000.

Irv Sherwood has taken responsibility for this charity for many years, which shows he has an enduring commitment to the citizens of Collier County and for the spirit for volunteerism, Spartz said.

Submitted by Jim Lackey

September 29, 2008 5:38:04 AM EDT

The following article in the Naples Daily News is about the property next to Circle K and north of Wal-Mart. The main entrance to this property will be from US 41, but it can also be accessed from the road directly across from our entrance.

The reason there is a Plan A & B is that Super Target has not yet made a commitment to locate their store on that property. The egress issue onto US 41, mentioned at the end of the article, will be addressed later by FDOT, after the building site plans are finalized, and a Public Information meeting will be held for public comments.

On a different subject, last week ABC Liquors received rezoning approval from the County Commissioners of their property near the intersection of 41/951, between CVS and the self-storage building adjacent to Falling Waters, to increase the size of their store from 5,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet.

Jim Lackey

Collier approves two versions of same project

By ELYSA BATISTA (Contact)
September 28, 2008

NAPLES — But it’s not often that two different versions of a project get approved at the same time and the developer goes on the record to assure county officials that only one of the two presented versions will ultimately be built.

Collier County commissioners usually see more than one version of the same project before any cement gets poured.“Very rarely do we have an either or option,” said Community Development & Environmental Services Division director Joe Schmitt, in a recent interview.

That was the case during a recent County Commission meeting when Kite Realty Group 951 and 41 requested a re-zone for the firm’s Tamiami Crossing development.

Along with the re-zone to allow a maximum of 235,000 square feet of commercial use in the Tamiami Crossings CPUD, Kite Realty Group also requested the approval of two different master plans for the 25.45-acre property east of Collier Boulevard just south of U.S. 41.

County staff recommended that commissioners approve the rezone with a few provisions proposed by the Collier County Planning Commission including: not allowing tattoo parlors within the establishments and lowering the project’s actual building heights from 65 feet to 40 feet.

County Commissioners approved the re-zone in a 4 to 1 vote, with Commissioner Fred Coyle dissenting.

The approval came after the board unanimously approved a 0.88-acre land transfer from the Artesia Pointe PUD to the Tamiami Crossings CPUD.

The item was originally not set to be discussed during the meeting, but County Manager Jim Mudd said he wanted to make sure there was no confusion on what the board was voting on.

“So when something gets built we don’t have an outcry and half the board saying ‘That’s not what I voted for,’” said Mudd, during the meeting.

Attorney Richard Yovanovich told commissioners that even though two different building plans were being proposed by his clients as part of the re-zone — one proposal has a big box store going on the property, while the other would not — only one would actually be built.

“It’s either A or B, not both,” said Yovanovich, adding that the planning committee reviewed and approved both plans.

Although the issue was scheduled to go before the BCC in July, the re-zone was continued until KRG ironed out some of the issues raised by the planning commission and residents.

During the meeting, Commissioner Donna Fiala said that at first she was not too happy with KRG’s proposal when she first heard of it.

“To their (KRG’s) credit they took that baby back and redesigned that whole site,” said Fiala. “I was very impressed by that. They were responding to the needs of the community and it sets the standard for building on that corridor.”

However, not all of the project’s neighbors were convinced.

“I have no problem with Plan A or Plan B, the only problem I have is with Plan C,” said Mario Curiale, owner of a neighboring property during public comments. “How are we going to get out of there?”

Curiale had concerns about the project’s lack of a concrete traffic plan and how it would affect local business.

Coyle shared Curiale’s concerns.

“I don’t understand why this project gets this far along with out having these issues resolved,” said Coyle, during the meeting.

Yovanovich said the project is still in its conceptual phase and that like all PUD’s is subject to final permitting from the appropriate agencies.

And in this case, Florida’s Department of Transportation has the final say on a project’s transportation plan.

Coyle said he didn’t really have a problem with the petitioner.

He did however have an issue with the county’s development procedures, which doesn’t require applicants to present a completed project prior to going before the BCC for re-zoning.

“I just don’t like doing business that way,” said Coyle, pointing out that projects could drastically change once the initial re-zone is awarded. “I would prefer these things be done more sequentially.”

The Tamiami Crossings project still has to go through the county’s Site Development Plan process.

September 29, 2008 5:29:54 AM EDT

On the sample ballot, it indicates three people running for East Naples Fire District as follows: Holly Gursoy, Robert Hughes and Karen Miller.

FYI, I have been told, by a reliable source, that Karen Miller is the incumbent and she is "doing a good job." Robert Hughes is a retired fire chief from Massachusetts. I do not have any information regarding Holly Gursoy.

Jim Lackey

September 22, 2008 4:38:01 PM EDT

This is information with respect to the construction of the Lowe's store.

The developers, who have submitted the Developer's Contribution Agreement to the Collier County Commissioners in November 2007, to perform road improvements at US 41 and CR 951 intersection and east of the intersection on US 41, are now requesting the Collier County Transportation Staff approval to allow the phasing of these improvements. The developers want to divide the work into two phases due to the economic slow down.

Phase 1 would be built first and consists of the intersection improvements as well as widening of US 41 one mile east of the intersection.

Phase 2 would be built second and consists of widening US 41 for an additional two miles.

Lowe's will commence construction upon the approval of the revised agreement and open the store within 12 months after the start of construction.

The developers hope to have the revised agreement before the Board of County Commissioners for approval by October.

Jim Lackey