As the old song goes… “Who put the bomp in the bomp bah bomp bah bomp? Who put the ram in the rama lama ding dong? Who was that man, I’d like to shake his hand…”
Our HP Communications Committee wanted to share some of the creative ideas that have arisen out of our Voluntary Advisory Committees. These ten Committees are vital in generating thoughts and ideas for our Club.
• Ever wonder how Heritage Palms came up with the idea of a blue/white golf tee combo for men? Or the combination of white and gold golf tees (now labeled as “silver”)? It was an idea that arose and was championed by the “Green Committee” (now known as the Golf Committee) members way back in 2008 who “sold” Bob Kelly on the concept of combined tees. And they were way ahead of their time. A national initiative was launched in 2011 by the USGA to help golfers have more fun on the course by playing tees best suited to their abilities. “Tee it Forward” encouraged all golfers to play the course that is aligned with their average driving distance. Heritage Palms did just that… thanks to the Green Committee!
• Ever wonder where the idea for HP’s popular Trivia Nights came from? In 2016 or so, a friend of mine told me how much she and her husband enjoyed the Trivia Nights they attended as guests at Shadow Wood Country Club in Bonita Springs. In one of my exercise classes I mentioned what a great concept this might be for HP to Mary Scharlatt, who I knew served on the House Committee. The rest, as they say, is history! As Mary tells it, “I had heard of the idea [of Trivia Nights] but wasn’t aware that there were professionals who did this. I discussed the idea with the Food & Beverage Manager at the time and the House Committee embraced the idea.”
• Ever wonder where the idea for the Services Referral Book came from? Then resident Rita Dargan, who served on the Communications Committee, came up with the idea to gather honest recommendations from HP residents who had used a specific contractor they liked and would endorse… be it flooring, roofing, painting, etc. That was way back in 2009, and that “go to” list has helped members ever since find a contractor recommended by a fellow resident. If interested, simply go to http://www.hpgcc.com>Community>Resource Center>Service Referral Book.
• Ever wonder where HP’s successful and well-attended Health Fair idea came from? As HP member Darcie Libby tells it… “In 2016, Tim Cooney, then chair of the Golf and Fitness Committee (now called the Fitness & Wellness Committee), asked his members to think about how the group could make a positive and measurable impact on the HP community. A wide variety of opportunities to assist our members with fitness, health, and wellness concerns was discussed. At the same time, our new Activity Center was under construction and our Committee was looking for a way to celebrate a ‘grand opening’ for the facility. We decided to hold a Health Fair once the new building was completed in order to provide our members with information on important health and wellness issues, and to acquaint them with the new facility.” Over 200 residents attended the first health fair held in January, 2018. Feedback was extremely positive, with participants agreeing that their time had been well spent and that they’d learned at least one thing that would help them in the future. The Annual Health Fair continues to be held – this year it’s on March 3.
• Ever wonder how the HP University came about? As HP resident Carol Borloff tells it… “In 2013, an e-mail blast was sent to all HP residents. It stated that Bob Ferry was offering to teach a watercolor painting class for free. My first thought was, isn’t this great! A member of our community has a talent and he was willing to share his skill with us. I thought, if one person was willing to share his time for the enjoyment and benefit of our community, there must be others willing to do the same. So began the first step to an HP University Club.
As a member of the Communications Committee, I phoned its chair, Jeanne Pauly, to discuss the idea. I shared my vision that the HP University Club ‘would offer learning opportunities on diverse topics to HP residents.’” The rest, as they say, is history. The HP university continues to offer programs taught by current residents as well as members of various organizations outside our gates.
Fast forward to present day… our Advisory Committees are still developing many wonderful ideas and initiatives that benefit our members! To name a few just from this past year:
• From the Facilities Committee: Chair Allan Potechin shared his top three:
• Investigative research and Request for Information developed to determine where we stand on design and cost to investigate, refresh, or rebuild of the waterfall at our front entrance. Work to be done in 2027. Contracted with a consultant: approved.
• Using green lining along the range to indicate where personal buggies could park vs. white for club buggies: approved.
• Started early discussions on our telecom contract (2028) which is currently with Summit Broadband. Contracted, at no expense to HP, with consultant to negotiate with Summit and others: approved
• From the Safety Committee: Chair Dave Cargill shared his top three:
• The committee had been proactive in addressing member concerns regarding speeding, The Club now has two remote speed detector/recording devices. We also installed new stop signs at the intersection of Wine Palm and Seminole Palm Way.
• CPR/AED signage has been updated and improved.
• A Safety brochure has been developed and is distributed to all new owners. It’s also available to all members throughout the Club.
• From the House Committee: Chair Joan Jannelle shared:
•Continued success in arranging the Bingo callers. This has saved HP $1,500.
• Contributed money toward the Oasis flag pole by selling Tiki Bar items.
•Successful modifying the dress code in the Grill Room during sports weeks.
Do you possess the talents, skills, and fresh ideas that can help our HP Management and Board as the above Committee members have done? If so, the HP Board is currently seeking members, especially new members, to serve on Committees for the next 12 months beginning in April, 2026. Committee applications are available NOW, but you’d better hurry! They are due in our Administration Office prior to Friday, March 6.
