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VOL. 17 S E P T E M B E R & O C T O B E R 2 0 1 8 ISSUE 5

President’s Message by David Bonomo, RCEOA Board


President
Hello Neighbors,
I hope all is well during this hot and rainy summer we have been having.
As of this writing, our sign at the Entrance seems like it is taking forever
to get done. We are waiting on the sign company to complete the coating
process so we can move forward.
DAB Construction looks like they are just about done with the work on
Highway 19. It's about time they took their porta-johns away and cleaned
up the Frontage Road at Northcliffe.
River Country is experiencing great home sales this year. The inventory of
homes for sale is low as most River Country homes have been going fast.
This is good for all the owners' home values. This also shows that the deed
restrictions are great for River Country owners. So please keep your yard
tidy and looking good.
Our October General Meeting will be at the Regency Oaks Clubhouse
again so I hope to see a good turnout. You will be receiving a mailing soon
with the next fiscal year's dues bill so please send in the payment stub with
your check. Include the Absentee ballot and Proxy portion only if you will
not be able to attend the meeting in person so that you may vote for your
volunteer Board of Directors.
That's all for now and remember, please help your neighbors.
Photo by Susann and E.

General
Meeting
OCT. 9, 2018 • 7PM Missy

Regency Oaks Clubhouse


4445 Breakwater Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34607

Doors Open 6:30PM


Come early for Registration, Photo by
Voting, and Free Refreshments Bobcat Susanne F.

Please visit our website at www.rivercountryestates.net


2 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018

ATTENTION: ALL RIVER MEET THE NOMINEES


COUNTRY OWNERS FOR BOARD DIRECTOR:
Soon you will be receiving your ANNUAL DUES BILL and
VOTING BALLOTS in the mail.
Keep River Country independent and strong. Our dues pay
for a small office, computer and office supplies, mailings
like this one, subcontracted labor for our various business
needs, including enforcement of our Deed Restrictions
that maintain our property values & more.
1. PAY YOUR DUES:
Assessments will remain $100.00 per fiscal year.
Due Date: October 1, 2018
Fiscal Year: 10/1/18- 9/30/19
Based On Budget Approved: April 2018
Please make your check payable to: RCEOA, Inc.
Mail or drop off in the Office door mail slot:
RCEOA, INC.
5331 Commercial Way, Suite 106
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Questions? Call or email: (352) 596-0740
rceoa@tampabay.rr.com
2. VOTE:
SEND IN YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT only IF YOU
ARE NOT ATTENDING THE GENERAL MEETING
OCTOBER 9, 2018. Those who attend the meeting will vote Steven Lugo is a 35 year old, US Air Force Veteran, hon-
in person by BALLOT. orably discharged in 2004. He started and owned a private
security company from 2006 to 2013. He owns a home
Dues must be paid in order for your vote to be counted. renovation company while making time to play hockey
and care for his 2 children
Doug Edwards, a CPA, has volunteered his time on the
RCEOA Board of Directors for years. He has given us
countless hours of dedication in balancing the RCEOA
Budget by tracking each and every expense so that our
dues dollars are utilized with economy and as the Owners
wish.
David Bonomo, as Board President, has tirelessly served
our community in various capacities, from working with
homeowners in complying with the Deed Restrictions to
Activities in our Park. He has been a stringent ally and
representative for River Country Owners in legal matters,
County matters such as ensuring that contractors
appointed stick to their agreement with our Owners and
that our MSBU dollars are utilized as promised in the
repair and maintenance of our public spaces.
Marc Carpenter, as Board Vice President, was responsible
for our beautiful River Country Entrance signs and our
new Dock in the Park and is currently working to help
provide River Country Estates with an affordable internet
service. He has volunteered his technical expertise in var-
ious capacities for River Country including installing new
lights at the Entrance, correcting the erosion problems in
the Park, and rebuilding the Office computer in his
"spare" time, all at a great savings to River Country resi-
dents. He has a wife and two children and works as a soft-
ware engineer.
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SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • 3

COMING IN NOVEMBER 2018:


Annual Community Yard Sale
• No Permit Required •
November 2, 3 & 4th,2018 • 9AM- 3PM
YOUR SALE; YOUR SIGNS
RCEOA will advertise and post a large sign at the Entrance. Please take down
your signs the day your sale ends. You may participate one, two, or all days.
Please be considerate of your neighbors and post orange flags or a barrier along
properties to protect sprinkler heads and lawns from avid shoppers’ parking.

Interested in Advertising? Please call 727-846-0367


4 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018

RIVER COUNTRY’S CRIME


WATCH NEEDS YOU!
If you are interested in
volunteering on River
Country’s Crime
Watch, please con-
tact the RCEOA
Office for an applica-
tion: (352) 596-0740.
Any River Country
Owner or renter is
invited to apply.

The News Courier is published at no charge by Design Graphics


Advertising Associates, Inc. The views and opinions expressed
are those of the writers.
All advertisements are paid for and handled by Design Graphics
(727) 846-0367 and do not constitute endorsement by the
RCEOA Board. If you are interested in advertising in our
newsletter, please contact Design Graphics.

River Country Contact Information


River Country HOA........................................................596-0740
e-mail...............................................rceoa@tampabay.rr.com
Hernando County Sheriff Police ..................................754-6830
EMERGENCY
(Emergency Only) ...................................................................911
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Info/ General Info...................352-754-4083
See our NEW WEBSITE: www.rivercountryestates.net AT&T Repair Service – Residential ...........877-737-2478
'Like' our Facebook page www.facebook.com/rceoa AT&T Repair Service- Business.................866-620-6900
Withlacoochee River Electric ....................352-596-4000
An indispensable source of current River Country Information:
Salvation Army...........................................352-796-1186
Officers, phone numbers. Bylaws, Deed Restrictions, and more. American Red Cross...................................352-799-3237
Hernando County Sheriff – Non-emergency.....352-754-6830
River Country Estates HOA Officer List Florida – Highway Patrol ......................... 352-754-6767
Hernando County Fire Rescue ..................352-540-4353
David Bonomo ........................................President Hernando County Animal Services...........352-796-5062
Hernando County Health Department .....352-540-6800
Marc Carpenter................................Vice President Hernando County Utilities Department....352-754-4037
Doug Edwards .........................................Treasurer FEMA Tele registration..............................800-621-3362
Statewide HELPLINE ................................800-227-8678
Teri Lawson .............................................Secretary Referral Line ...............................................................211
Barbara Santoro........................................Director Code Enforcement .....................................352-754-4056
Republic Services (Waste Pickup)...........(800) 282-9820
Clint Patterson..........................................Director Brighthouse/Spectrum………..……….1-877-824-6249
CUSTOMER CARE ................352- 796-3006
Michael Kunz ............................................Director TECH SUPPORT ...................352- 848 2563
Rachel Provau ...........................................Director 24 HOUR PAY BY PHONE......866 441 4378

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SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • 5

FALL INTO GREAT PROGRAMS


AT YOUR LIBRARY
The Hernando County Public Library System will be offering new programs
throughout its branches starting September 2018. All classes are free and the
public is encouraged to attend.
• Baby Storytimes - every Thursday from 10 - 10:30 a.m. at the Main Library Branch,
located at 238 Howell Avenue in Brooksville.
Another day has been added for stories, songs, fingerplays and bounce rhymes. Play and
social time will immediately follow the lapsit program. This program is geared for babies
between the ages of 0-18 months.
• "WooooSaaahh" Wednesdays - Wednesday, September 5, 19 and 26 from 11:30 a.m. -
1:30 p.m. at the Main Library Branch, located at 238 Howell Avenue in Brooksville.
Color, doodle and reintroduce yourself to a pleasurable pastime that can reduce your stress
level as you meet new lunch buddies and create something beautiful.
• ARTeration: Pulled String Art - Saturday, September 8 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. at the East
Hernando Branch, located at 6457 Windmere Road in Brooksville.
Paint in a mesmerizing, unique way. Create beautiful works of art with just the pull of a
string! Registration required.
• A Romp through Classical Music - Monday, September 10 and 24 from
4 - 6 p.m. at the West Hernando Branch, located at 6335 Blackbird Avenue
in Brooksville.
Come experience a fun adventure with classical music as you gain
enough background to listen knowledgeably, relax and enjoy.
Visit www.HernandoCountyLibrary.us to register or
call (352) 754-4043 for more information.

With Coupon, Expires 10/31/18 With Coupon, Expires 10/31/18

352-835-3052
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6 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018

LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE HERNANDO YOUTH


SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE ORCHESTRA
Hernando County Fire Rescue Technical The Hernando Youth Orchestra is offering
Rescue Team launches new specialty. lessons and instrument loans to students.
Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR) has added large ani- The Hernando Youth Orchestra needs young musicians,
mal rescue to its specialized emergency service capabilities. ages 6 to 18, and adult mentors. If you need music lessons
For many years, HCFR has had a Technical Rescue Team and/or an instrument, we can provide instruments as well
(TRT) capable of handling emergencies requiring special- as violin and cello lessons if needed. We have many instru-
ized training, methodologies, equipment, tactics and tech- ments available to loan, including strings, brasses, and
niques. These specialties have included rope rescue, vehicle- woodwinds.
machinery rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue and We rehearse Sundays 3:30-5:00 at The Heather Community
structural collapse. Large animal rescue is a new compo- Center, 9100 NakomaWay, WeekiWachee. Please sign up at
nent that involves the safe extrication of a live large animal our website, www.hernandoyouthorchestra.org.
from entrapment such as livestock trailer accidents, mud,
ditches or other emergency and disaster areas.
Thanks to Hernando County Emergency Management,
HCFR, the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Services staff have
received the specialized equipment and training needed to
assist our community with these types of emergency opera-
tions. Funding for this project was made possible through
FEMA and State Grant opportunities.
On Friday, July 13, HCFR received a request from Pasco
County to assist agencies with saving a horse named Queen
that was trapped in mud. HCFR TRT was able to respond
and assist with the rescue of Queen. Follow up reports on
the her condition have stated that she is still recovering and
is expected to do well. The coordinated and cooperative
efforts of all agencies involved allowed for a successful res-
cue with no injury or loss of life to persons or the horse.
Alex Lopez
Division Chief of Training & Safety
Public Information Officer (352)540-6237
Virginia Singer
Hernando County Government Public Information CONTRIBUTIONS FOR
Manager Office (352) 540-6780 • Cell (352) 277-1069
vsinger@hernandocounty.us • www.hernandocounty.us LOCAL CHARITY NEEDED
St. Vincent de Paul needs your donations for
food bags for the poor.
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR St. Vincent De Paul welcomes and appreciates your financial
contributions by check. These contributions provide you
COMPANION PETS with a tax-deduction and us with a much-needed steady cash
flow to help meet our operating costs year-round.
Unitarian Universalist Church in Send to:
St Vincent De Paul N Citrus/Hernando
the Pines is collecting supplies 1291 Kass Circle, Spring Hill, FL 34606-4308
for companion pets.
Call for more info: Phone: (352) 688-3331
If you are homeless and sleeping in a tent
or under a bridge, a faithful dog may be
your closest friend and only defender. If Many thanks to Eileen Bernard
you are old or infirm a cat may be your for this contribution to the
friend and comforter.
Courier. Eileen decorates our six
We are collecting old blankets, towels, bowls, toys, leashes mail stations and helps
and harnesses to help low and no income families and indi-
viduals care for their animals and asking for donations of St. Vincent De Paul
dog and/or cat food and money to cover veteranary expens- as well as many other charitable
es. Please call 941-932-6351 to schedule a pick-up.
organizations.

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SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • 7

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8 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018

CRIME WATCH REPORT: IMPORTANT NEWS FROM


by Mike Lutman REPUBLIC SERVICES
What are those behemoth yellow beasts of burden plough- Hernando County will be implementing automated
ing through our neighborhood??? Have ya noticed them?? garbage service beginning January 1, 2019. This service
Yup you are right; School is back in session. Florida is at change requires Republic Services to provide every paying
the top of the charts in pedestrian accidents and fatalities. customer a specialized garbage cart. Carts will be deliv-
Already this week there has been a child pedestrian fatali- ered to customers beginning in November 2018 through
ty in the greater Tampa-St Pete area. Please be aware of the December 2018. 95 gallon carts are being delivered
increased foot traffic of children in our neighborhood throughout the community and will not be exchanged for
especially in early morning hours. You can be 100% right a smaller cart for 90 days.
and still have a accident with a pedestrian due to the pedes-
trian's lack of attention. Republic Services promises that a contact number for
questions about the new service will be provided to all
Through the summer we have had very little crime. Last paying customers in a Republic Services future mailing.
month saw a couple of unlocked vehicle break-ins. We
have brought this up so many times that it hardly is worth **Please note: automated trash service requires cart con-
mentioning it again!! If ya leave your cars unlocked they tents only. Meaning all garbage must be placed inside of
will get burglarized sooner or later. The organized thieves the cart in order to be serviced. Garbage placed outside
from St Pete have slowed down to the point that they have of the cart will not be serviced. Please strongly consider
not factored into any of our incidents. At the beginning of the cart contents only requirements when determining
summer several of these thugs were caught and jailed so the best size cart. **Important note: Carts will not be
hopefully that broke the cycle for awhile. used for recycling or yard waste services. Recycling and
yard waste services are not changing. The carts will be
The crime that has seen an increase thru the summer in used for garbage only.
our county and neighboring counties is porch pirating.
That would be stealing packages left at our front doors. If
you receive alot of these type of deliveries get with your
carrier and work out a plan for delivery and possible con-
cealment of these packages to prevent theft. Many people
VOLUNTEER TO HELP
have gone to camera systems to capture these thugs and
that has proven successful in the apprehension of the sus-
LOCAL VETERANS
pects. Just something to consider since these systems are If you have a desire to help the veterans of Hernando
relatively inexpensive now a days. Also if ya do have a cam- County consider becoming a volunteer van driver. The
era system you can register it with the Sheriff's Office in Hernando County Veteran Services Department is in need
case of a crime in your vicinity the Sheriff can then request of three drivers to transport disabled veterans to and from
you review your system for possible suspect information. James A. Haley VA Hospital located at 13000 Bruce B.
Downs Boulevard in Tampa. The van runs Monday
Well, thats it for now. Keep it safe out there folks!! through Friday, but not on Federal holidays. Veterans are
picked up at two designated locations:
• Wal-Mart located at 7305 Broad Street in Brooskville
REPORT CRIME! • Brooksville VA Outpatient Clinic located at 14540
Only eyewitnesses can report crime. Cortez Boulevard in Brooksville
If you see suspicious or illegal activity in River Country Requirements to be a van driver:
Estates, including our Park... • Possess a valid driver’s license
• Have a safe driving record
• Maintain current automobile insurance – proof of
Call our Sheriff immediately! insurability
• Pass physical health screening in relation to driving
(352) 754-6830 vehicles
• Pass TB skin test
Afterwards, please email us a DESCRIPTION OF THE • Attend volunteer training orientation
INCIDENT, INCLUDING DATE & TIME, SO THAT WE • Desire to help the veterans of Hernando County
MAY HAVE A RUNNING RECORD TO HELP THE POLICE
CATCH THE CULPRITS: Vans are limited to eight passengers, plus driver. Pickups
normally begin at 6:30 a.m. at designated locations. The
rceoa@tampabay.rr.com RCEOA, Inc van departs from Tampa no later than 2 p.m. Volunteer
or call Crime Watch Leader Mike Lutman directly: drivers will alternate shifts. Contact the Veteran Services
(352) 200-5262 Department at (352) 754-4033 for more information on
becoming a volunteer driver.

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SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • 9

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10 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018

Cook’s Corner
Simple and Delicious Autumn Recipes
A simple yet satisfying way to make chicken that you can
Tomato Balsamic Chicken enjoy several ways. Recipe provided by Barbara Santoro.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 T. Olive Oil
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
Leaves from 4 stems thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness between plastic wrap,
or make small slashes in the thicker parts of the meat.
In a large saucepan, place chicken in two inches of water. Boil
on medium low for 12 minutes or until just cooked through.
Drain and set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil until it shimmers. Stir
in tomato paste. Cook 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add
broth and balsamic vinegar. Stir until smooth.
Pull or shred chicken and add to skillet. Add the thyme and
oregano and additional broth if needed.
Serve warm over pasta or topped with cheese of your choice in
a toasted roll. Serves 2 or 3.
Source: Washington Post recipe by Bonnie S. Berwick as reprinted from n the
Tampa Bay Times

Chili Herb Steak with Melon-


Cucumber Salad Delish---this salad will knock your socks off!
A Publix recipe provided by E.
Ingredients
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
2 limes, for juice
2 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Large zip-top bag
1 1/2 lb grilling steaks (such as flank steak, petite shoulder
tender, or ribeye)
1/2 seedless cucumber
1 lb cantaloupe chunks
Cooking spray
Steps
• Chop cilantro and mint; squeeze limes for juice (2
tablespoons). Combine in bowl: cilantro, mint, lime juice,
chili-garlic sauce, honey, and salt. Pour one-half marinade
into zip-top bag, then add steaks and knead to coat (wash
hands). Let stand 30 minutes (or overnight) to marinate.
• Preheat grill. Cut cucumber in half lengthwise, then
slice thinly into half-moons; slice cantaloupe thinly. Place in
medium bowl: cucumber, melon, and remaining half mari-
nade; toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.
• Coat steaks with spray (discard marinade); grill 3–4 minutes on each side or until grill-marked and 125°F (for medi-
um rare; warm red center), 130°F (for medium; warm pink center), or up to 170°F (for well done). Transfer steaks to cutting
board; let stand 5–10 minutes before slicing. Temperature will rise 5–10°F during this time. Serve with melon salad.

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SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • 11

DRAGONFRUIT
Want to add more fruit to your diet? Love the thought of
trying something new?
Try dragonfruit! No need to find a recipe for it. One slice
opens to some beautiful fruit.
First cut open the fruit. It's easy, cut open across the mid-
dle or from top to bottom. Your choice:
1. Enjoy with a spoon, or
2. Scoop out the polka-dotted white
interior. Slice, chop or use a
melon-baller.
3. Or slice into thin
rounds or quarters.
The peel easily
comes off.
Source:
Brooks Tropical

Expires
10/31/18

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