Service Corp Recreation Initiative

On Friday, May 22nd, Service Corp President Jerry Zinn, Treasurer Bea Racicot, Shores Recreation Association Vice-President Raul Oliviero, General Manager Joe Smith, and I met with St. Johns County Commissioner Mark Miner, St. Johns County Parks & Recreation (SJC Parks & Rec) Assistant Director Wil Smith and Recreation Supervisor Betsy Clarkson to discuss the Shores Service Corp Recreation Initiative.

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The two hour meeting provided the Service Corp with strategies and direction in implementing a wide-range of recreational activities for the residents of the Shores. This meeting was a direct result of the joint boards meeting of the Service Corp Board and the St. Augustine Shores Recreation & Social Association (Rec Assoc) on April 2nd of this year.

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During the campaign for the Board of Directors, I had a number of homeowners express concerns for more recreation. That input was used in developing the "Service Corp Recreation Initiative" which I have printed below.

While the meeting used the document as a focal point, Assistant Director Smith and Supervisor Clarkson provided their expertise in recommending a strategy for us to make our recreation dreams a reality. The Service Corp will be planning a "Family Fun Day" where families will be able to participate in games and contests, have access to the pool, and build a strong nucleus of volunteers to aid in expanding our recreation effort.

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Review the document below, and if you would like to join us in the planning and delivery of these exciting plans, contact the Service Corp office at 797-6441. There are no limits to what we can offer. Fishing tournaments, movie nights at the Riverview Club, pancake breakfasts, etc. We will need the imagination, commitment, and effort of homeowners to make our community a better place for all!

St. Augustine Shores Service Corp
RECREATION INITIATIVE

UNSUPERVISED ACTIVITIES: For Youth & Adults

1. Basketball – Possible locations: Riverview Club, North Holiday Lake Park, Tennis Court/Baseball Field area
2. Volleyball- Same as Above
3. Skateboard Park - North Holiday Lake, Next to Twin Lakes
4. Dog Park- North and/or South Holiday Lakes, Tennis Court/ ball field area, Next to Twin Lakes, Hartley Pond area

NEEDS:
§ Basketball courts, goals & nets (convert old shuffleboard courts)
§ Volleyball poles and nets
§ Skateboard park can utilize terrain off North Holiday Lake Park
§ Dog Park would need fencing and scheduled clean-up

SUPERVISED ACTIVITIES

1. Youth/Adult/Senior Softball/Kickball/Volleyball/Soccer
A. Integrated with established leagues in partnership with SJC Parks & Rec
B. Create “Shores Units League Competition” : i.e.: teams from units 1 -3- 5, vs. teams from units 4 – 6,, vs. teams from units 2-7-8, compete monthly in softball/kickball/volleyball/soccer; winner holds the coveted “Shores Champion” trophy for a month until the next competition

2. FAMILY FUN DAY at Riverview Club
§ Open pool to Shores community for the day
§ Softball/Kickball/Volleyball/Soccer competitions at Riverview Club field (build “unit League” core with parents)
§ Sack races, dunking booth, egg toss, etc.
§ Pie/watermelon/hot dog eating contests
§ Have booths in Riverview Club to sign-up volunteers for Shores recreation activities
§ Booths for other youth activities sponsored by SJC Parks & Rec
§ Band(s) and/or DJ for dancing
§ Performance by local dance troupes
§ Hot dogs and sodas outside; perhaps meal inside

3. SUMMER YOUTH DANCES
§ 3 or 4 over the summer for 11 to 16 year-olds
§ 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
§ Band(s) or DJ
§ Strict Rules with plenty of parent & SJSO visibility
§ Dance performances & Line dancing lessons
§ Light refreshment
§ Use to attract more adult volunteers

4. SUMMER/FALL NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERTS
§ At various venues within the Shores:
o North Holiday Lake Park
o South Holiday Lake
o Baseball Field in south
o Riverview Club
o Twin Lakes area
o Hartley School Pond
§ Bands of any & all types play from 5 p.m. 8 p.m.
§ Residents bring chairs or blankets to enjoy music
§ Opportunity to grow more volunteers for future rec activities

5. SHORES RUN
§ Promote, train, and involve Shores & area residents
§ Create a “Shores Running Club” for all ages & gender
§ Identify a charitable organization to contribute in a 5k run/walk (i.e.: Alzheimer’s, autism, diabetes, heart disease, etc.)

6. INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF GOLF
§ Shores residents who are non-golfers of any age, are introduced to the sport at the Shores Country Club by SJC Parks & Rec and Shores Golf Club staff (Menendez golf coach invited to participate with some of his students)

Respectfully Submitted,
C. E. “Gus” Kouremetis
Service Corp Director & Secretary

Integrity, Respect, & the Service Corp

The function of this blog is to provide homeowners in The Shores an opportunity to learn about my background and beliefs as you make a decision as to who to vote for in the upcoming Service Corp Directors election.


While my resume is included in your election packet, I have made it available to you here and I have also addressed some important background information and election issues that I feel important to the future of our community.


As a high school student, I was invited to a Rotarian luncheon. The Rotarians would honor students monthly for academic and leadership qualities. There were usually four to six students a months taken to the luncheon. I remember thinking that they must have run-out of the real stars for them to invite me.


On each table at the luncheon, were cards standing in the middle of each table with the "Rotarian Creed". I was so impressed with the simplicity and logic of the creed, that I copied it on a napkin and have tried to use it in my decision process throughout my life. I want to share it with you . . .


THE 4-WAY TEST OF WHAT WE THINK, SAY, or DO:

1. IS IT THE TRUTH?


2. IS IT FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?


3. WILL IT BUILD GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?


4. WILL IT BE BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED?

The principles in this simple four-way test are powerful. Truth, fairness, goodwill, building friendships, and benefits for all concerned are the very attributes we need in building a better community. These are the principles I will try to use in serving as your Service Corp Director.

All too often we have seen how Service Corp meetings have turned into personal attacks. I will work, by using the 4-way test, to stop any character assasination and petty distractions from keeping us from our goal--a better community.

While minority and alternative ideas are always welcomed, by measuring them with the integrity of truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit to the community, we all win! Each elected director is a representative of the hundreds of homeowners who voted for them. Those homeowners need to be respected by allowing thier elected directors to meet their responsibilities.

The Rotarian 4-way test is a wonderful way for us to build and grow as a community. Together, we can face any challenge; overcome any problem, as long as we do it with respect and integrity. I need your help in the Service Corp election. Your support and vote is valued as a choice "for a better Shores." Your consideration is appreciated.

Director Candidate Application

Below is a copy of the "Candidate for Director's Application"

I, C.E. "Gus" Kouremetis

residing at 263 Hermosa Court, St. Augustine, FL

and a bonafide member of the St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation, request the Secretary of the Corporation to include my name on the ballot for Director, to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting of the St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation on May 1, 2009.



MY RESUME FOLLOWS:

CANDIDATE OBJECTIVE:

To use my varied experiences, skills, and education in contributing to the efficient operation of the St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation (Service Corp). Seek to build community by utilizing truth, integrity, and fairness, with fiscal responsibility and the enforcement of Service Corp rules, regulations, and deed restrictions.


EXPERIENCE:

August 2004 to December 2008: Groundskeeper and Quality Control Coordinator with BAKER Co., Inc. Responsible for the coordination of lawn maintenance within the St. Augustine Shores. Duties included litter/debris control, lake/pond/ditch bank maintenance, assessment of unit and open-area mowing, and customer service. Currently on medical leave due to job related injury.

March 2004 to July 2004: Area Manager for ACCENTO Inc., an art manufacturer. Coordinated sales to retail outlets in New York, Michigan, and the Carolinas.

August 2000 to February 2004: Store Manager of convenience store for The Pantry, Inc. Responsibilities included hiring, training, and scheduling of employees; coordinated and processed the daily receipts for the store; ordered, stocked and maintained inventory; and provided customer service.

July 1996 to July 2000: Corrections Control Room Operator for the St. Johns County Jail. Served as a Training Officer for new hires; as Training Coordinator, developed the training materials for Control Room Operators.

June 1988 to July 1996: Served in retail management for Walgreen (1988 to 1992 in Holiday, FL & Jax FL), and with Albertson’s (1992 to 1996 in St. Augustine, FL).

August 1984 to June 1988: Taught economics and Dual Enrollment history courses at the secondary level for the Pinellas County School System.

August 1982 to July 1984: Curriculum Specialist at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, developing learning materials in the area of marketing education.

August 1981 to August 1982: Graduate Assistant for the Adult Education Department of the College of Education at the University of South Florida. Taught methods course for undergraduate education majors.

August 1976 to June 1981: Taught marketing education for the St. Johns County School System. Program was cited as exemplary in meeting course standards by the Florida Department of Education. Left to pursue Masters program.


EDUCATION:

Masters of Arts in Adult Education University of South Florida ‘82

Bachelor of Arts in Education University of Florida ‘71


AWARDS:

Outstanding Performance in Sales 2002 - The Pantry
Director’s Award for Training 2000 - St. Johns County Sherriff Office
Director’s Award for Accreditation 2000 – SJSO

President of TOPs chapter - 1994-95
Florida Blue Key ’71 - Leadership & Service Fraternity at the University of Florida


PERSONAL:

Married to Linda Kouremetis
Raising grand-daughters Kaitlyn 13, & Taylor 12
Total “yours-mine-and-ours” grands – 20; 1 great-grand-daughter
Enjoy watching sports with Linda and activities with the children

THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE

What do we seek from our St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation? (Service Corp) That is the most important question I asked myself in deciding to seek election to the board.

Over the past seventeen years our family has been so busy with careers, and career changes, children and children's children, health and financial challenges, and all the struggles it takes to keep home and family secure. I have come to the realization that when you are busy building a family and a life, the Service Corp may not be a high priority.

When my best friend and wife, Linda retired, however, she was approached to consider serving on the board. Linda's skill and talents in the areas of land development and customer service, along with her uncanny ability to reason and work well with people, made her an excellent candidate and an extremely competent board member for the past two and a half years. I am proud of her contributions to the board and hope to be as successful as she has been.

Linda's tenure on the board has been a positive experience, however, this is also a critical time in the development of our two grandchildren we are raising, so Linda has chosen not to run for re-election. Witnessing her term provided me with great insight as to the challenges of the directors' responsibilities.

Public service is a virtue we all need to address. We have one of Linda's children, Debbie Franczak, her husband Frank and their two children, are homeowners in the Shores in unit one. Also, a nephew, his wife and two sons, owns a home in unit eight. Our ties are strong in contributing to a better Shores.

As a child I witnessed heated debates between my father, uncles, and others over politics. No area was out-of-bounds; church politics, local, state, and national politics. All were "cussed and discussed!" The pattern was always relatively the same--heated arguing and then an agreement to agree, or to agree to disagree, and then, always a hug.

I asked my father once, after a very heated argument with my Uncle John, why the screaming? My father calmly explained to me that politics is "the art of the possible." Debating ideas and views heatedly, clears perception, challenges, and makes ideas stronger. The two elements, my father told me, necessary for arguments to be valid are truth and respect. Without these two values man cannot argue rationally. That discussion was influential in my selecting to focus on history and politics in college.

So I am seeking the opportunity to delve into "the art of the possible" . To seek truth, integrity and honesty in meeting the needs of the Service Corp. My goal is to distract you enough from your more than busy lives to gain your trust, so we can build a community together.

There are extremely difficult issues facing us that may have an impact on the very existance of the Service Corp. I am offering you leadership that will invoke your will, not mine. It is my hope to build trust and harmony in meeting the difficult challenges ahead.

Over the next few weeks I will be posting issues I feel important for the betterment of the Shores. Please share your feedback.