Eagles Mere Country Club - september 2020
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Eagles Mere Country Club
september 2020
Board of Directors:
Arthur C. Pursel Jr., President
Steven C. Wilds, Vice President
F.Peter Brodie, Treasurer
Katrina Wilkins, Secretary
In This Edition
Laura Besecker
William Craig, Jr. 3 From the General Manager
Jill Johnson From the Director of
Sally Kahler Communications and Marketing
John Krakoski
Suzanne Lee 4 Calendar
Steve Ryan Kids’ bookmark
Clubhouse and Dining
5 From the Clubhouse Manager
Committee Chairs:
I Just Want a Drink Menu
6 Kentucky Derby Party
Laura Besecker............................................Membership Committee Clubhouse Hours
Steve Ryan..............................................................Golf Committee
Katrina Wilkins....................................................House Committee
Rodd Melzer..................................................................Green Committee Golf
F.Peter Brodie...................................................Finance Committee
Sally Kahler.....................................Fitness & Recreation Committee
Steven C. Wilds.................................Long Range Planning Committee 7 From the Golf Committee
8-9 Head Professional’s Corner
10 Golf for Non-Golfers
Staff: From the Greens Committee
11 Twilight Derby
Marge Dailey.......................................................General Manager
Debra Stanton..................................................Clubhouse Manager Reminders from the Golf Shop
Don Keefer....................................................Green Superintendent
Dan Taylor..................................................Head Golf Professional
Kim West ..................... Director of Communications and Marketing
Fitness and Recreation
Debbie Rosbach..........................................Business Administrator
Contact:
12 From the Fitness & Recreation
Committee
Business Office: 570-525-3475 x3 13 Eagle Eye
office@eaglesmerecc.com
Dining Room: 570-525-3475 x2
reservations@eaglesmerecc.com Member News
Golf Shop: 570-525-3475 x1 14 Annual Meeting Recap
proshop@eaglesmerecc.com
15 Long-range Planning
For more up to date happenings, Committee Update
follow us on facebook and instagram 16 August in Photos
-19 New Members
2
From the General Manager
Autumn is just I would like to remind everyone that your membership. We are also seeing many more
around the corner annual $400 food minimum needs to be members enjoy the golf course. The end of
which means the met by October 31, 2020. If you need July saw rounds increase by 33% over last
days are beginning information on your balance, please call or year. With the help of Mother Nature we will
to get shorter and email the Business Office. Please refer to our have a couple more months of golf left.
the weather begins September and October calendars to view
to cool. Although the our dining hours. As you flip through the pages of this
summer is coming newsletter, I hope you enjoy all it has to
to its unofficial end, it was definitely one to We have welcomed 26 new members so far offer. It is a great way to see what has been
remember. It began with what seemed like this year. I’d like to thank all of our current happening at the club that you may have
daily process changes to keep up with the members for helping us bring in so many missed. You will also find activities to join
government recommendations. I would like great new members. The Membership this fall.
to thank all our members for supporting the Committee is working hard to promote the
club during these times and being patient as club and develop programs to help keep our Thank you for your continued support.
we adapted to each change. current members active and enjoying their Marge
Get out your sweaters! Like it or not pumpkin to dedicate a little space to our great big EMCC are still having trouble accessing your account,
spice season is upon us! tree which is slotted to come down sometime in please call the Business Office.
Since fall is my absolute favorite time of year, the very near future. The tree has been steadily To those of you leaving Sullivan County for
I’m feeling extra generous. It’s time for a photo decaying, and there’s no doubt it needs to go. It the winter, safe travels! And to those sticking
contest! The winner will receive one free entrée. is certainly going to change our views though. around, let’s make it an autumn to remember!
You can enter as many times as you want as long I was very disappointed that we had to cancel
as I may use your photo in promotional materials the Sunset Shootout last month, the last event of
and on social media and you have rights to the our Non Golfer Golfing Series. As the weather
photo (no professional photos, please- unless is getting cooler, and the evenings shorter,
YOU are the professional). Send me photos we’ve decided to postpone this event until next
of people enjoying the Club’s facilities from year. Look for it to be back on the schedule next
summer of 2020. I’ll be accepting photos until summer though along with all of our other new
Friday, September 25th. non golfer offerings.
It probably won’t surprise you that someone All of us in the Business Office would like to
who takes as many photos as I do is a touch thank you for your patience as we work to get
sentimental at times (often). As such, I wanted everyone logged onto the new Web Portal. If you
From the Director of
Communications and Marketing
3
Things to Look Forward to at EMCC Recurring Events: Monday: Pickleball Round Robins Tuesday: Ladies’ Day It’s time to go back to school. Cut, fold Wednesday: Pickleball Round Robins and, glue the bookmark below to take Thursday: Men’s Turkey Shoot Friday: Pickleball Round Robins some fun EMCC memories with you! Burger & Beer Pickleball /Tennis Open Daily Friday, September 4th Twilight Golf (Derby Edition!) Saturday, September 5th Flynn Cup Awards Ceremony Kentucky Derby Party Sunday, September 6th EM/Laporte Lions Tournament Tuesday, September 8th Golf Course Aeration Course Closed Clubhouse Closed Wednesday, September 9th Golf Course Aeration Limited Play Clubhouse Closed Thursday, September 10th ROMEOS Dinner Wednesday,September 16th Sullivan County Victims Services Tournament Friday, September 18th Kiwanis Tournament Sunday, September 20th Dushore Lions Tournament Tuesday, September 22nd Sullivan County High School Golf Match Friday, September 25th Sullivan County Booster Tournament Sunday, September 27th Sullivan County Booster Tournament 4
Clubhouse and Dining
From the Clubhouse Manager
September is is closed on Mondays and only open for
EMCC’s
i just want a drink menu
here, and it lunch on Sundays.
has been quite
Due to the Golf Course Aeration, the
a challenging
Clubhouse will be closed Tuesday,
s e a s o n !
September 8th and Wednesday,
We are still Green Beans..5
September 9th. Please refer to our
experiencing Breaded and fried green beans served with ranch
events page for all events and dinners
very different
scheduled for September.
times and we are all trying to adhere
to all of the changes mandated by our We will serve dinner until all the
state, local and federal officials in order reservations are fulfilled. If there are Pickle Chips...5
to keep everyone safe and healthy. no reservations the clubhouse will A handful of breaded and deep fried pickle chips
close at 7pm during the week and 9pm served with ranch
We are trying to provide services to
on Fridays and Saturdays in the off
our members but we still have some
season. Fall is a great time of year on the
restrictions. We are currently only
mountain with spectacular views and the Mini Crab Cakes...11
permitted to serve alcohol once you
changing colors, so make sure to stop in Three EMCC signature crab cakes served with
are seated at a table and then you must
for lunch or dinner to enjoy the foliage.
order some type of prepared food so cocktail and tartar sauces
We continue to remind members to
it appears on your check. The bar is
make realistic dining reservations for
closed for ordering and seating at this e
the time you wish to be seated. I will be Availa
bl
time. Our staff continues to clean,
stopping by your table to make sure you
maintain and sanitize our Clubhouse to :00
are having a great dining experience. 2:00-5
ensure safe and healthy food handling.
Please let me know if something is not
We do ask that you wear a mask when
to your satisfaction so I can correct
entering and leaving the building. You
it. I would like to remind everyone
may take it off at your seat.
the importance of calling ahead early
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs
may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Our dining room is open for 25% to make your reservations as soon as
capacity and we also offer outside possible, as many of our events have
dining at the fire pit, on the porch or filled up very fast.
under the tent. Please specify where
Please be realistic about your seating
you would like to be seated. These seats
times as we will ask you to be seated at
go fast so make your reservation early.
your requested time for dinner to ensure
We are still offering our family meals as
great service and to give the kitchen
well as our menu items for take out. Our
staff proper time for preparing your
kitchen staff has been busy creating new
meals. Thank you in advance for this
menus so try some of our new items!
courtesy. Tasteful denim without rips
We have a busy September with golf or holes and not overly baggy or worn
outings that were postponed from is accepted at all times in the clubhouse.
earlier in the season and our hours will I hope you have a great September and
be changing. We will also offer dinner enjoy all the beautiful fall foliage colors
and bar specials for the month so please on our mountain!
refer to the calendar for the times and
Deb
dates. After Labor Day the Clubhouse
5
Kentucky Derby Party September’s
Saturday, September 5th
Clubhouse
Hours
Join us for a night of drinking mint
juleps, enjoying delicious food,
and picking lucky horses with us. Sun: Lunch 11:30
Reservations required.
Mon: Closed
Tues: Lunch 11:30
Dinner 5:30
Wed: Lunch 11:30
Dinner 5:30
Thur: Lunch 11:30
Dinner 5:30
Fri: Lunch 11:30
Dinner 5:30
Sat: Lunch 11:30
Dinner 5:30
Kentucky hot brown
over biscuits We will serve din-
Baked Ham with ner until all reser-
bourbon mustard glaze vations are fulfilled,
Shrimp etoufee but if there are no
with white rice reservations we will
BBQ brisket close at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday through
Collard greens
Thursday and 9:00
Corn pudding p.m. on Friday and
Served house salad Saturday during
Rolls the Off-Season.
$27 adults
Children 12 and under 13.50
6
Golf
From the Golf Committee
A Season Like No Other
Thank you fellow EMCC members for your We can also help our Greens Staff by being more
great support during our most unique 2020 attentive to fixing ballmarks, replacing divots and using divot
golf season. Based on the number of players at mix.
each of our championship and informal events, our participation
levels this year exceeded expectations. Clearly, the enjoyment of Dan Taylor, Matt Rice (Assistant Golf Professional), and Tyler
playing golf at EMCC has been a good remedy for fighting the Hawley (our intern), and the rest of our Golf Staff deserve our
COVID situation. thanks and appreciation for their support throughout the season.
Every day offered a different challenge as we all worked through
Special highlights include a resurgence of the Friday night an ever changing set of guidelines. Their collective efforts
Twilighters, Thanks to the leadership of “Commissioner” helped to enhance our “EMCC Experience” with a personal
Corky Engel whose email communications generated high greeting and staging of golf carts, caring for our area around the
levels of interest, over 60 players enjoyed the many Friday night Golf Shop and disinfecting tables/chairs. Marsha also played a
outings. This year also saw a significant increase in the number valuable role on the Course with our EMCC Beverage Cart as
of women starting to play golf for the fun of it. That resulted in well as behind the portable bar to help soothe our post-round
better participation in the Women’s Clinics in support of this blues.
growing interest. While Junior Camps could not be offered due
to social distancing concerns, several Junior Clinics or “Buddy Thank you as well for your generous contributions to the fund
Clinics” were provided that did attract a number of new and for our interns and “cart crew.” The monies collected have
seasoned family members. provided our younger staff members some well-earned tips
and spending money for their fall academic period. Each team
The Golf Calendar this year had a full list of our traditional club member appreciates your kindness and generosity.
championships. Congratulations to our individual winners:
Since no golf season is ever perfect, your Golf Committee is
Event Women’ s Men’s interested in hearing your constructive feedback on our season,
Stroke Play Sarah Easton Forest Mann what went well and what can be improved. The recent Member
Match Play Sarah Easton Rodd Melzer Survey has already provided excellent feedback. If you have
additional suggestions, please contact me directly or any Golf
Don Keefer and his crew faced a challenging season this year Committee member to communicate your thoughts.
and we all should recognize their efforts. While Mother Nature
with her lack of rain and some faulty maintenance equipment We all share a special opportunity to play this great game on our
may have produced inconsistent conditions at times, Don’s wonderful course. Thanks again for all of your participation and
team does a remarkable job with a conservative budget and a support during our past 2020 season.
dedicated staff. Please extend your appreciation to Don and his
team the next time you see them working hard on our behalf. See you on the Course!
7
We hope that you will be joining us for the
Head Professional’s Corner Inaugural Flynn Cup to be held on Saturday, September
Daniel J. Taylor, PGA 5th with an 8:45AM shotgun start. This event will be a
net stableford format in which we will reward both
individuals and teams. Teams will be created using a
random draw of ABC handicaps. Following the event
Dear Members, will be our year-end trophy presentation. Whether you
play or not, please join us for the awards ceremony and
2020 has been an incredible year and we thank
celebrate our 2020 winners:
you for your support! Rounds are up ~30% YTD and we
are continuing to see record numbers of women, Stroke Play Club Champion Sarah Easton
Stroke Play Runner-Up Diann Pursel
juniors, first-timers, and families playing. Twilight Golf Stroke Play Net Champion Suzanne Lee
has been popular as we have had 44-64 players every W.O. Albertini President's Cup Champion Sarah Easton
Friday night! Ladies’ clinics have been a hit with 120+ W.O. Albertini President's Cup Runner-up Betty Underwood
W.O. Albertini President's Cup Gross Winner Diann Pursel
attendees over the last nine weeks. Junior Buddy Better-Ball Match Play Champions Betty Underwood
Clinics have served as a safe and comfortable Better-Ball Match Play Champions Jane Preston
Better-Ball Match Play Runners-Up Beth Myers
experience over traditional Junior Camps with 75+ Better-Ball Match Play Runners-Up Joyce Lynn
participants taking advantage of the modified format. Match Play Club Champion Sarah Easton
Bottom line – people are golfing, using the facilities, and Match Play Runner-Up Diann Pursel
Match Play First Flight Winner Katrina Wilkins
enjoying programing! Match Play First Flight Runner-Up Maggie Farrell
Senior Club Champion Gross Winner Suzanne Lee
Senior Club Champion Bonnie Bennett
Senior Club Championship Runner-Up Jan Shoemaker
Better-Ball Stroke Play Champions Sally Kahler
Better-Ball Stroke Play Champions Jan Shoemaker
Better-Ball Stroke play Net Winners Joanne Engel
Better-Ball Stroke Play Net Winners Beth Myers
Stroke Play Club Champion Forrest Mann
Stroke Play Runner-Up Mark Stockdill
Stroke Play Net Winner Rodd Melzer
Stroke Play Net Runner-Up Dave Werner
Stroke Play First Flight Champion Tom Gargiulo
With September upon us, we will start to see Stoke Play First Flight Runner-Up Drew Wilkins
Stoke Play First Flight Net Winner Gary Hoffman
cooler days and less sunlight, but there is still plenty of W.O. Albertini President's Cup Champion Frank Schetroma
golf to be played! With COVID-19 shutting down our W.O. Albertini President's Cup Runner-Up Bobby McFadden
W.O. Albertini President's Cup Gross Winner Steve Ryan
spring events, many of our outings will be held this W.O. Albertini President's Cup Gross Runner-up Rodd Melzer
month. While this may impact some of your golfing Match Play Club Champion Rodd Melzer
Match Play Championship Runner-Up Andy Ryan
plans, please remember that these events are
Match Play Championship First Flight Winner Bobby McFadden
significant revenue generators for the Club and help Match Play Championship First Flight Runner-Up Glenn Vaughan
serve the great community that we live in. We invite Match Play Championship Second Flight Winner Drew Wilkins
Match Play Championship Second Flight Runner-Up Ted Lingenheld
you to join these outings and help support our local Match Play Club Championship Third Flight Winner Bob Reeh
organizations. Below is a schedule of September events Match Play Club Championship Third Flight Runner-Up Corky Engel
Senior Club Champion Dave Werner
(not all outings will be full-field/may not close the
Senior Club Championship Runner-Up Jim Reynolds
course – watch your email for more information). Senior Club Championship Net Winner Robert Rabb
Senior Club Championship First Flight Winner Sam Whitehouse
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS Senior Club Championship First Flight Runner-Up Tim Waechter
• Eagles Mere-Laporte Lions – Sunday, 9/6 @ 1PM Senior Club Championship First Flight Net Winner George Wilkes
Better-Ball Champions Art Pursel
• Aerification (Course Closed) – Tuesday, 9/8 Better-Ball Champions Rodd Melzer
• Aerification (Limited Play) – Wednesday, 9/9 Better-Ball Runners-Up Forrest Mann
• SulCo Victim Services – Wednesday, 9/16 @ 1PM Better-Ball Runners-Up Bobby McFadden
• Kiwanis – Friday, 9/18 @ 9AM Better-Ball First Flight Winners Dave Werner
Better-Ball First Flight Winners J Smith
• Dushore Lions – Sunday, 9/20 @ 1PM
Men's League Champions Mark Stockdill
• SulCo HS Match – Tuesday, 9/22 @ 2PM Men's League Champions Glenn Vaughan
• GAP Senior Tournament – Friday, 9/25 Tee Times from Mixed Partners Low Gross Champions Art Pursel
~11:00AM-2:00PM Mixed Partners Low Gross Champions Diann Pursel
Mixed Partners Low Net Champions Jack Bennett
• SulCo Booster – Sunday, 9/27 @ 1PM
Mixed Partners Low Net Champions Bonnie Bennett
All outing days will have open member play – please contact
8 golf shop if you wish to play on one of these days.
the Fairways & Greens, Daniel J. Taylor
GOLF SHOP – 570-525-3475 x1 – proshop@eaglesmerecc.com
2020 Men’s Club Championship Winners (Pictured from Left to Right):
Men’s Club Champion: Rodd Melzer
Men’s Club Championship Runner-Up: Andy Ryan
Men’s Flight 1 Champion: Bobby McFadden
Men’s Flight 2 Champion: Drew Wilkins
Men’s Flight 3 Champion: Bob Reeh
2020 Ladies’ Club Championship Winners 2020 Ladies’ and Men’s Better-Ball of Partners Stroke-Play
Ladies’ Club Champion: Sarah Easton Ladies’ Champions: Sally Kahler and Jan Shoemaker
Ladies’ Flight 1 Champion: Katrina Wilkins Men’s Champions: Rodd Melzer and Art Pursel
Other Winners (L to R): 2020 Men’s League Winners, Mark Stockdill and Glenn Vaughan. 2020 18-hole Junior Club Champion,
Hannah Rabb, tees off on hole six. 2020 9-hole Junior Club Champion, Tripp Pursel, putts on hole two. Not Pictured – 2020 Mixed
Partners Gross Champions, Art & Diann Pursel and Net Champions, Jack and Bonnie Bennett. 2020 “The Game” Champions, Steve
Ryan, Tom Kitchen, Dick Kahler, and Justin Smith
Golf for Non Golfers
written by a non golfer, edited for accuracy by a professional golfer
How to Play Golf in 6 Easy Steps
We’ve covered a lot in Golf for Non Golfers. feet from sliding mid swing, and golf shoes are The locker rooms upstairs in the Clubhouse have
Hopefully, some of you have taken advantage of designed to provide better protection from wet showers, should you need them after play.
some of our low pressure/high fun opportunities grass. Metal spikes are not permitted.
Step 4: Sign in at the Golf Shop, even if you are
to get out on the course, like Range Balls and
If you don’t have all of the above items, you’re in headed to the driving range first. You may walk
High Balls, one of our Golfer-Non Golfer
luck; the Golf Shop has lots of end of season sales up to the side window by the number one tee or
tournaments, Next Gen weekends, Twilight Golf
happening right now. come in through the back by the putting green.
or a clinic with our staff. Now’s the time to get
out and just play... no organized event required. If you don’t own clubs and aren’t able to borrow,
Maybe you still don’t feel confident doing that. I recommend speaking to someone in the Golf
Here’s your confidence boost: Shop.
Step 1: Call the Golf Shop ahead of time. Step 3: Show up early. Anyone with a tee time is
(570)525-3475 ext.1. We are very lucky that automatically booked 30 minutes ahead of their
at our private course, getting a tee time isn’t so time at the practice facilities to warm up. You
difficult, but you do want to call ahead. Tee times don’t have to use it, but it’s a good idea.
are requested now due to the pandemic to help
prevent congregating at the Golf Shop. When
you call, give the staff an idea of the time you
are looking for, and let them know if you’d like
a cart. (Keep in mind that carts are charged per
rider, not per vehicle.)
Step 2: Get dressed. (No tees, no denim, no
cargo shorts, no sweats) For men, this means Step 5: Grab a drink before heading out. There’s
a collared shirt tucked in (mock collars are seven holes between you and the halfway house.
allowed) and golf pants or shorts. Women golf Generally, changing your shoes in the parking The Golf Shop staff has a selection of beer, soda,
shirts need a collar or sleeves. Golf shorts, skirts, lot is frowned upon, though as some people are water, and Gatorade.
skorts or pants are acceptable. Golf shoes are not avoiding indoor spaces due to COVID-19, it is
Step 6: Have fun, but watch pace of play. If
required, but are highly recommended. The soft not unheard of this year. There are locker rooms
you’re playing slowly (as new golfers sometimes
spikes will give you more traction and keep your in the Golf Shop and Clubhouse for your use.
do), tell the group behind you to play ahead.
The greens committee would like everyone to check out this article from the USGA detailing the small steps you can take to help
maintain course conditions by repairing ball marks and divots, following cart rules, and smoothing the sand in bunkers (even if
COVID-19 precautions mean doing it with your foot or a club).
Insert repair tool behind mark Push the tool toward the center Tamp down the surface with your
gently. Avoid prying up roots. putter.
From the Greens Committee
10Twilighters:
Celebrate Kentucky Derby Weekend
by wearing your best derby hat and ordering a
mint julep ready to go in your cart!
(Orders must be placed in advance.)
A Fe w R
e m in de r
s f rom t
G o lf Sh o he
p:
Me m b e r
s, do n’t f
yo u r s h o o rg e t t o us e
(No w ’s a p c re dit s
g re at t im !
s o. Wat
ch f o r e n e t o do
d of se as
s a le s .) on
a n k ou r h a rd
We wa n t to th
h op Em pl oyee s.
wor k ing G ol f S
n ati ng $20
Any mem be r do
t 20% of f fu ll
or more w il l ge
to ps, b o tt oms
pr ic e, in st oc k ,
or h ats .Fitness & Recreation
Eagles Mere Country Club Summer 2020 Pickleball play has been very
active and has generated tremendous momentum.
Marria Walsh, dishing out one of her Member, Mark Stockdill, explaining scoring to
signature smashes Jan from the Fitness & Rec Committee
Up to 18 participants consistently play in each of the Monday, Wednesday Our pickleballers are always happy to teach.
and Friday Pickleball Round Robins, from 10:30 to 12:00 and often enjoy
lunch afterwards. The committee has held two successful tournaments
followed by lunch with favors and winner prizes. The winners of the
August tournament were Kara Hoff & Ron Cahan, Runner ups were
Marria Walsh and Ann Frisch. Age categories have ranged from young
teens to 80!
Winners Ron Cahan and Kara Hoff August 2020 participants
In addition, small and larger group beginner clinics are being added as
membership interest increases. Many thanks to our dedicated committee
people who have generously volunteered their free time to coach beginners Moving forward into next season, the committee will also focus on offering
and run these clinics. a few evening pickleball social events for 21yr ++ “Dinks & Drinks” ,Stay
tuned for the dates. In addition, the pickleball tournament dates for next
A successful “Next Gen” clinic was held on August 8, 2020 with impressive season have been set for Friday, July 9, 2021 and Monday, August 9, 2021.
attendance and very enthusiastic interest! We hope to work with the “Next Gen” committee to add a tournament
during the July 4th weekend which has been dedicated to this age group.
Currently, the Pro Shop is scheduling court times for play and record
keeping so that we can correctly track member and guest usage. This is
also helping us tabulate guest usage policy which is limited to 7 times per
season. Thank you.
The Pro Shop has kindly taken charge of blowing debris and puddles off the
courts and we thank them for keeping our courts clean and safe before play.
Please remember to visit the pro shop to see what Dan brings in for pickle
ball next year.
This season’s corn hole and chippo evenings early this season were
monitored and organized by the house committee in a safe manner. The
outdoor recreation games seemed well attended when held. Thanks to the
house committee and staff.
12Eagle Eye
Can you spot the five
differences in the two
photos?
Thanks to Stephen Green for
offering Yoga this summer to
our members. It was a great
addition to the summer!
13Member News On Sunday, August 30th, we held our Annual Membership Meeting. We were reminded of all we’ve overcome since last year’s meeting, a search for a new chef, water issues, a burst pipe in the Golf Shop, and a global pandemic. In spite of all of this, we focused on accomplishments including but not limited to the following. The hardships of a burst pipe resulted in a renovated Golf Shop that served us well during COVID. With the help of Corky Engel, Twilight Golf has exploded We also recognized our six outgoing board members, Frank Schetroma, Rodd Melzer, in popularity. We exceeded our budgeted Mark Farrell, Peter Grina, Lewis Leibowitz, and John Repke (not pictured). The EMCC numbers for new members. Our team of community would like to thank them all for their time, efforts, and many, many conference staff and hardworking members has worked calls over the last months. We also welcome Jill Johnson and Steve Ryan to the Board of diligently on our long-range plan. Directors. 14
Long-range Planning Committee Update
At its August 30 meeting the Board of Directors • establishment of a member-giving program, for Clubhouse enhancement, including greater
received the report of the Long-range Planning to solicit significant capital contributions in options for outside dining and as a result of
Committee, which summarizes the committee’s support of priority Club needs; and a review that the Board approved hiring of a first-class
work over the past year and presents a series of of Club assets that might be disposed of to Club consultant, Chambers, to help us review
recommendations for Board consideration in the provide needed capital funding options for future improvements. Our work
period ahead. • relaxation of the policy limiting non-member with Chambers is just beginning; we will keep
use of the Club for outside events; and members advised as it moves forward and as Board
Also at that meeting the Board made “Planning”
support for an initiative to create stronger and member decisions are required.
a permanent committee and confirmed the
“reciprocal” relations with other private
nomination of Board Vice President Steve Wilds Q: All this talk about improvements is exciting …
country clubs in the region
to lead it for the next year; Steve has been a key but how will we pay for it?
• creation of a rigorous capital planning
part of the Committee and the Board is confident
process, to help better-identify and track A: The Planning Team identified the capital
that its work will be sustained under Steve’s
capital needs and to assure budget allocation spending items it believes to be essential for the
leadership. Steve addressed questions that are
• engaging a Club-focused planning firm to Club to undertake in the next five years; those
on members’ minds as we move out of the Club’s
advise EMCC on options for Clubhouse can be funded from regular fees, with modest
prime season.
updates or enhancement increases. IF, and I stress IF, our membership
Q: Steve, where is the Planning Committee in its • allowance in the 2021 capital budget for golf wishes to do more substantial work on the
work? course improvements that are called for by Clubhouse or the golf course, additional sources
members of funding will be required and the Board will
A: A year ago, when the Planning team was
• and … consideration of ways to fund review those options with members before any
formed, it was agreed that it should first focus on
Clubhouse and additional golf course decisions are made.
three requirements: We have previously reported
improvements which will enhance its longer-
to Club members on the work done to strengthen Q: A final question: who is going to do all this
term health, playability and enjoyment
the management documentation that was work?
• approval of a proposal to resurface and
required when the Board moved toward a “strong
upgrade the tennis/pickleball courts A: I’m pleased to say that we have had and will
manager” form of management; and last month
• inclusion of an allowance, in the capital plan, continue to have outstanding member support for
I talked about the work done to improve the
for updated fitness equipment the Planning effort. From now forward a Planning
Club’s “governance” performance by updating
• establishment of a “concierge” service for Committee of myself, past Board President Tripp
our bylaws and streamlining our Board and
members who wish to participate in local Pendleton, current Board members Suzanne Lee
management practices. At our Board meeting on
sporting or arts-related activities, but who and Peter Brodie, long-time Club member Ted
August 30th, the Board reaffirmed those plans.
need an introduction Lingenheld, and of course our General Manager
The third key part of the Committee’s work has • and, a commitment to regularly update the Marge Dailey, will comprise the Planning
been to identify initiatives to be undertaken long-range plan Committee and will take on the task of sustaining
to improve Club performance and member momentum. As I said above, individual projects
There are numerous secondary initiatives that
satisfaction, as we look to the five years ahead. or tasks will have individuals assigned to give
the Committee has also recommended moving
Committee inputs, an analysis of our strengths leadership.
forward with.
and weaknesses, the results of our member survey,
I am confident that this team, with the support of
and member comments at a series of “Let’s Talk” Q: This is an ambitious list that covers a lot of
the Board and the members, can deliver results
sessions were useful in understanding what what members talk about, currently and over
that will improve member satisfaction with our
members, the Board and the management team the recent past. Has the Board approved all
Club. We welcome … we need … we appreciate
view as the priorities. Thankfully, the priorities the initiatives? And how will the Board assure
members’ support.
presented by different groups are reasonably continued attention to them.
consistent. They will define the Board’s work- In closing, I would like to recognize and applaud
A: At the Planning Committee’s recommendation,
plan for the next few years. the hard work, dedication, and leadership of Dick
a sponsor or leader has been assigned for each of
Kahler, who has chaired the Planning Committee
Q: So, what are those priorities that you’ve these initiatives. And the Planning Committee
since its inception and whose vision for the future
identified? will assume the job of keeping those sponsors/
success of our
leaders focused on their assigned tasks.
A: The Planning Team identified thirteen of what Club has driven
it called “strategic imperatives” for the Club’s The Board has not yet approved all of these the committee’s
success: in short, they are: initiatives. What has been teed up is a list of efforts. Thank
important topics for Board consideration. It is the you, Dick!
• successful transition to a “strong manager”
Planning Committee’s job to keep these issues in
form of governance
front of the Board, for consideration and decision.
• implementation of more efficient and
effective Board practices Q: Members are aware that consideration is being
• a review of the Club’s membership structure given to enhancements for the Clubhouse. Can
and fees, to determine if changes would you elaborate?
enhance member recruitment and retention
A: Our survey showed a lot of member support
15bag and t fees
Counter Clockwise from Top
•Behind the scenes of mailing proxies
•Thursday afternoon clinic
•Jerry and Bill Hutchinson working on the
new kitchen screen door (thanks also to
George Under wood)
•Rainy days were few and far bet ween
this summer
•Making memories for the Hebden family
at EMCC! Congrats Rachel & Jordan!
•More pickleball fun
16bag and t fees
Photos from our Junior
Club Championship
17bag and t fees
Some shots from our
second Golfer-Non Golfer
A fun time for all!
Welc ome to ou r ne w mem be rs
!
Ka ra Ho ff (Jr. Ful l)
Jon an d Tam ara Joh nso n (Fu ll)
Th om as an d Jus tine Ch arm ley
(So cia l)
Richa rd Davis Vin cen ti (Se aso
na l)
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Counter Clockwise from top
•A fly by
•A fun piece of vintage mail
•Men’s league
•A “non member” grabbing a bite
under the tent
•mmmmm Quinoa
19Eagles Mere, PA 17731
One Country Club Road, Box 360
Eagles Mere Country Club
The EMCC Experience
is waiting for you!
570-525-3475 ext.3
office@eaglesmerecc.comYou can also read
