A Deed Restricted Community

VOL. 16 N O V E M B E R & D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 ISSUE 6

Happy Waiting for Santa Paws...

Thanksgiving
&
River Country
Estates...
Merry Christmas, too!
President’s Message by David Bonomo, RCEOA Board President
Hello, Neighbors,
Fall is among us and hopefully the heat will subside soon.
Thank you to all the owners who attended our October General Meeting. I want
to apologize to the members that came for the childish behavior that one of our
residents displayed throughout the meeting. I was told by many afterwards that
is why they don't attend many meetings.
The basketball net is back up in a new, fenced enclosure. We will have keys at the
RCEOA Office for $10.00 for the owners that would like to play. Just like the ten-
nis courts you must follow the Park rules and lock the gate when you leave. If
you have any questions, please contact the RCEOA Office: (352)596-0740 ,
rceoa@tampabay.rr.com.
RCEOA owns land behind twelve houses on the north side of Delaware Drive. The
Board has decided to convey this land to all of the owners that back up to this
parcel. We have sent letters out to those owners, stating that this is part of River
Country Estates and all the Deed Restrictions go with it. This will be an all or
nothing deal, meaning that each and every owner must accept this land or it will
remain RCEOA land if any owner does not want his or her parcel. A similar event
happened at Suwannee Road near Sandra Drive and on Pacifica at Chaucer Drive.
I am still feuding with D and B Construction and the FDOT over a check due
RCEOA in the sum of $1360.00 for the damage their Commercial Way sidewalk
project crew did to our front entrance sprinkler system.
We have 3 new Board members that were voted in at the October General
Meeting. Welcome and thank you for your time.
That's it for now and remember, help your neighbors.

Please visit our website at www.rivercountryestates.net

2 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2017

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4 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2017
TREASURER’S REPORT
by Doug Edwards, RCEOA Treasurer
It has been brought to my attention that sometimes my atti-
tude can seem rather brusque and that my tone to certain
residents is rude or offensive. By "certain residents" I mean
those residents who refuse to pay their annual dues. Let me
clarify my position:
I have nothing but contempt for those homeowners who
refuse to pay their dues but continue to live in River Country
while enjoying all the benefits that the development pro-
vides. At $100 per year, our dues assessment is the lowest in
Hernando County for an HOA this size. Our main complaint
is about homeowners that do not cut their grass.
The deed restrictions are not rules that were put forth by the
board. They are rules suggested by the residents themselves
and voted on by the owners. They are rules, not to enforce
conformity, but rules to maintain the property value of all
the homes in River Country. And these rules have worked.
Property values in River Country have risen faster than prop-
erty values in Spring Hill in general. River Country is a desir-
able community in the eyes of most real estate professionals
and homes usually sell quickly when placed on the market.
Proof is in the postcards we receive from various real estate
agents after they have sold a home in River Country.
Drive around Spring Hill and see what happens without an
HOA: boats and trailers parked on front lawns; commercial
vehicles parked on lawns; cars in disrepair up on jack stands
for weeks on end; discarded appliances and construction
debris on the sides and in back of homes. Now, you might say
you would never do this, but your neighbors would. Without
an HOA what would be your recourse?
As Treasurer, I am not here to be your friend. As Treasurer, I
am not on the board to be a friend to the other board mem-
bers. I am on the board to enforce fiscal restraint and to pro-
tect the financial assets of River Country. When proposals are
suggested I am there to ensure they meet the budgetary
requirements of the HOA and are of maximum benefit to the
community.
To this end, the board has enlisted the services of the Hogan
Law firm to assist in the collection of delinquent accounts.
First, letters will be sent out. If no satisfactory response is
received then strong measures will ensue up to and includ-
ing legal action. Research on the Internet will show that
Florida courts tend to side with the HOA in matters of dis-
pute, especially delinquent dues. Losing this action will
mean you will have to pay your delinquent dues, finance
charges and our reasonable legal costs.
Please pay your back dues and let us avoid any of this legal
unpleasantness. The board does not want to resort to legal
action and, believe me, neither will you.
The News Courier is published at no charge by Design Graphics
Advertising Associates, Inc. The views and opinions expressed are those
of the writers. Please include name and phone number on all corre-
spondence with the editors. CONTACT Eileen Bernard 596-2631 or
Dara in the office 596-0740 to Submit Articles. Articles may be edited.
We welcome letters from residents—anonymous letters will NOT be
printed. Questions concerning the River Country Estates Homeowners
Association may be submitted to the RCEOA office 596-0740.
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.
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River Country Contact Information
River Country HOA ........................................................596-0740
e-mail...............................................rceoa@tampabay.rr.com
Hernando County Sheriff Police ..................................754-6830
(Emergency Only) ...................................................................911
See our NEW WEBSITE: www.rivercountryestates.net
'Like' our Facebook page www.facebook.com/rceoa
An indispensable source of current River Country Information:
Officers, phone numbers. Bylaws, Deed Restrictions, and more.
River Country Estates HOA Officer List
David Bonomo ........................................President
Marc Carpenter................................Vice President
Doug Edwards .........................................Treasurer
Teri Lawson ...........................................Secretary*
Barbara Santoro ........................................Director
Clint Patterson ..........................................Director
Michael Kunz ............................................Director
Rachel Provau ...........................................Director
* Board positions to be decided.
Keeper of the American Flag: David Bonomo
The RCEOA Office is open Mon., Wed. and Fri. afternoons.
We are located in the office building across from the Chaucer Drive
mailbox station at: 5331 Commercial Way, Suite 106.
Office Phone: (352) 596-0740. Please call for directions, if needed.
EMERGENCY
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Info/ General Info...................352-754-4083
AT&T Repair Service – Residential ...........877-737-2478
AT&T Repair Service- Business.................866-620-6900
Withlacoochee River Electric ....................352-596-4000
Salvation Army...........................................352-796-1186
American Red Cross...................................352-799-3237
Hernando County Sheriff – Non-emergency.....352-754-6830
Florida – Highway Patrol ......................... 352-754-6767
Hernando County Fire Rescue ..................352-540-4353
Hernando County Animal Services...........352-796-5062
Hernando County Health Department .....352-540-6800
Hernando County Utilities Department....352-754-4037
FEMA Tele registration..............................800-621-3362
Statewide HELPLINE ................................800-227-8678
Referral Line ...............................................................211
Code Enforcement .....................................352-754-4056
Republic Services (Waste Pickup)...........(800) 282-9820
Brighthouse/Spectrum………..……….1-877-824-6249
CUSTOMER CARE ................352- 796-3006
TECH SUPPORT ...................352- 848 2563
24 HOUR PAY BY PHONE......866 441 4378
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2017 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • 5

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6 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2017

CRIME WATCH REPORT NEW CHRISTMAS

by Mike Lutman
CONTEST
Well IRMA swooped in and out
and we are all still dealing
with the debris. No major
Best Decorated House In
issues were reported and
no suspicious activity
River Country!
reported. Also no bogus
repairmen have been Nominate your favorite decorated home in River Country
reported either. Estates today:
The Sheriff continues to By email: rceoa@tampabay.rr.com
remind us about thefts By phone: (352) 596-0740
from unlocked cars. In person: Stop in or drop your pick in the RCEOA
Especially troubling is the Office mail slot in Suite 106
theft of weapons left in cars. RCEOA, INC.
Please be especially mindful 5331 Commercial Way Suite 106
of this. Spring Hill, FL 34606
The ranks of our Patrol Team continues to dwindle. We Be sure to include the HOME ADDRESS of your Best
invite anyone interested in helping out to get in touch
with us for a ride a long and information about our pro- Decorated Home.
cedures. We only ask for an hour a month and it can be Prizes: Best Decorated House: $50.00 gift card
scheduled any day or evening of the week.
Comparatively speaking River Country has very few
issues that require intervention from the Sheriff versus
the rest of the county. The Patrol helps but it is a com-
bined effort with the whole community that keeps us safe.
If a suspicious incident is observed don't hesitate to call
the Sheriff. This is especially true of our park. We have
trespass issues after dark in the park and it is helpful to
report these to the Sheriff if they are observed. This is
especially true for those residents living around the park.
Our monthly meetings will be suspended for the months
of November thru January due to the holidays. However
these are the times to pay close attention to your neigh-
bor's as residents are in and out of town for that time
period and an empty residence is a prime target for bur-
glars.
Please don't hesitate to call if you have questions or infor-
mation. Thanks for your support!!

PAY YOUR DUES:
Assessments will remain $100.00 per fiscal year.
DUE DATE: October 1, 2017
FISCAL YEAR: 10/1/17- 9/30/18
BASED ON BUDGET APPROVED: April 11, 2017
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
RIVER COUNTRY
NEIGHBORHOOD CORNER
SANTA SLEIGH DECORATION: HOMEMADE WOODEN
SANTA SLEIGH: approx. 6 ft long x 4 ft high: FREE TO
GOOD HOME. Please call or email the Office for info:
(352) 596-0740 rceoa@tampabay.rr.com
RCEOA PARK POND IS
CATCH & RELEASE ONLY
On a recent Saturday, a member of Crime Watch enjoying
our Park noticed two people who were fishing off the
dock, keeping their catch in a cooler. She told them the
Park rules clearly stipulate CATCH & RELEASE ONLY.
When they refused to release the fish, she called the
Sheriff. The two fishermen were gone by the time the
Officer arrived. Nonetheless, THANK YOU, CRIME
WATCH!

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8 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2017
WELCOME, NEW AND
RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS!
Clint Patterson has been a resident of River Country for more
than thirty years. He is a retired CPA and was the treasurer of
the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce for more than 20
years. He is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill
and the Kiwanis Club of Brooksville.
Michael Kunz: “I am currently retired and have every intention
of staying that way for a long time. In my past, I was a Machinist
for Chrysler Corporation for 31 years. Worked various roles in
the production and assembly of transmissions. After I retired at
the age of 50, I became a bus driver in a local school district and
a chauffeur for a local limousine company. I did that for about
10 years. Working with people and hopefully satisfying their
needs.
So I plan on bringing to River Country my experience in
working with people and listening to their ideas. Hopefully I’ll
have some ideas myself. But I will bring a fresh face, eyes and
ears. That you can count on.”
Rachel Provau: “ I have 28 years of experience as a professional
Registered Nurse as well as a business woman. I have held many
positions in my professional life and personal life that have pre-
pared me toserve in this capacity. I currently serve on the Board
of Bayfront Health Spring Hill Hospital as well as the
Chairperson for the Suncoast Chapter for the March of Dimes,
I have lived in the area for 2 years and took one year to sur-
vey the county beforemaking the choice to become a member of
this lovely neighborhood. I made this choice based on the beau-
tiful area, being in an established neighborhood and the current
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property values as an investment in my future. I believe that
these are some of the values that are required to serve.
I am a proud mother of 4 grown children and 7 grandchil-
dren. When they visit my home they truly enjoy the park and
walking in the neighborhood. In summary, I would like to offer
my willingness to serve and help to meet the goals of the River
Country Owners’ Association.”
INCUMBENTS:
Barbara Santoro has served RCEOA on the Board of Directors
and in various capacities for years. She is also on the Welcome
Committee and Crime Watch and she is a regular contributor to
this newsletter. She recently received a HAMI Award from Stage
West Playhouse for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the
production of Over the River and Through the Woods.
Teri Lawson was Board Secretary for the past two years. She is
responsible for instituting our Recycling Program with Republic
Services and has used her knowledge of drafting and building to
assist in Architectural Review issues.
LATEST NEWS FROM
HERNANDO COUNTY:
• For the latest local weather conditions and a complete list
of news alerts go to www.HernandoCounty.us/em
• Sign up to receive weather alerts at
www.AlertHernando.org
• Follow us on Facebook @HernandoCoGov
• Follow us on Twitter @HernandoCoGov
Hernando County Comprehensive Plan
Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for your continued inter-
est in the draft 2040 Hernando County Comprehensive Plan and
for your attendance and input during the workshops held earli-
er today and last week.
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners has
directed staff to proceed to the public hearing process with this
2040 Comprehensive Plan project. The tentative schedule is as
follows:
• November 13, 2017, 9:00am, Public Hearing before the
Planning and Zoning Commission to provide a recommenda-
tion to the Board of County Commissioners.
• December 5, 2017, 9:00am, Public Hearing before the
Board of County Commissioners to consider transmittal to the
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and other state
reviewing agencies.
Both public hearings will be held at the Hernando County
Government Center in Brooksville. Agendas can be found on
the County’s website at: http://hernandocountyfl.iqm2.com/cit-
izens/ . Please watch this web page for posting of the agendas
as hearing dates approach.
Any recommended changes based on this past week’s workshops
will be posted with the public hearing agendas for the above
public hearings. We encourage you to attend the public hear-
ings to provide your input.
In the meantime, please visit the 2040 Plan web page at:
http://www.hernandocounty.us/plan/2040-plan
Thank you again for your interest and participation in this
important project. -Pat
Patricia L. McNeese, AICP, Planner III
Hernando County Planning Department
20 N. Main Street, Room 262, Brooksville, FL 34601-2828
phone: 352-754-4057, ext. 28016 • fax: 352-754-4420
email: pmcneese@hernandocounty.us
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2017 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • 9

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10 • RIVER COUNTRY ESTATES • NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2017

The Dynamic
Dining Duo
Formerly Cook’s Corner
Recipes provided by Barbara
Santoro and Elsa Gould

Tunnel of Fudge Cake

A Pillsbury Recipe
INGREDIENTS
CAKE
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups margarine or
butter, softened
6 eggs
2 cups powdered sugar
2 1/4 cups All Purpose or GLAZE
Unbleached Flour 3/4 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups chopped walnuts* 4 to 6 teaspoons milk
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 12-cup fluted tube cake
pan or 10-inch tube pan. In large bowl, combine sugar and mar-
garine; beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating
well after each addition. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar;
blend well. By hand, stir in flour and remaining cake ingredients
until well blended. Spoon batter into greased and floured pan;
spread evenly.
2. Bake at 350°F. for 45 to 50 minutes or until top is set and edges
are beginning to pull away from sides of pan.** Cool upright in
pan on wire rack 1 1/2 hours. Invert onto serving plate; cool at
least 2 hours.
3. In small bowl, combine all glaze ingredients, adding enough
milk for desired drizzling consistency. Spoon over top of cake,
allowing some to run down sides. Store tightly covered.

Tropical Christmas Papaya

Garlic Shrimp
Here's a tropical Holiday Recipe for seafood lovers. Recipe sub-
mitted by Elsa Gould.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 Fresh Papaya, peeled, seeded and cubed
4 T. Butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red onion, chopped
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 lb. medium shrimp, pre cooked, shelled and deveined
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large romaine lettuce leaves
Cocktail sauce and guacamole of your choice

DIRECTIONS
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium high heat. Sauté
onion about 3 minutes and add garlic. Sauté one more minute.
Add papaya, shrimp, and thyme. Cover. Cook an additional 7
minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve over lettuce leaves with cocktail sauce and guacamole on
the side. 4 servings

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