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Volume 13
Issue 1
April 2007
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CONTENTS
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| | President's Message by
Bob Shea
| "There is nothing permanent except change" - Heraclites
Suffield Country Club has experienced many changes over past several months. The most significant change marks the end of Gary Roman's term as president, effective March 31, 2007. As many of you know, Gary agreed to extend his term into early 2007 to help with the transition of all the various tasks associated with the office of Club President. On behalf of the entire Club, I wish to thank Gary for his tireless efforts and the countless hours he dedicated to the Club. I also would like to thank all the other officers, board members and committee members whose terms ended on December 31, 2006.
I am pleased to announce that Stan Szwed has agreed to serve as the Club's new Vice President, Rob McKay will serve as Club Secretary and Andy O'Shea will return as Club Treasurer. Many other members have volunteered to fill open Board and committee slots (a complete listing of these members and their positions may be found in the handbook when it is released this spring).
After 27 years of service, Tom Watroba decided to pursue new challenges and resigned from his position as superintendent effective March 1, 2007. The Board of Governors wishes Tom the best with his new endeavors and we thank him for all he has meant to Suffield Country Club. We are very pleased to announce the hiring of Peter Gorman as our new superintendent. Peter comes to us from The Black Hall Club in Old Lyme. Please take a moment to stop and introduce yourself to Peter when you see him out on the course this spring.
Many of you may have already had some contact with Dave Beltramello, SCC's new club accountant. Dave replaces John D'Angelo, who stepped down after 12 years of service to the Club. Please contact Dave directly at 289-1844 x3202 if you have any questions relating to your invoices from the Club.
The winds of change will continue to blow throughout 2007. As you know from prior correspondence, the Club is actively engaged in an aggressive marketing campaign to attract new members. The early results have been very positive, and we will continue to update you in the monthly newsletters. Various other changes include the addition of a restricted golf membership for swim members, new dining minimum requirements for our swim members, and a significant reduction in the cost of adding a pool membership for existing golf members. Finally, we plan on expanding our email updates on notable Club events as we endeavor to stay closely connected to our membership if you haven't already given us your email address, please send it to me at bshea@ras-mgu.com and we'll be sure to add you to future distributions.
I truly look forward to hearing from you as we all work toward a great 2007 season. If you have comments, questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
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Pro's Corner
Stan McLennan
| To All Golf Members,
The 2007 Golf Season is about to get under way. I hope everyone had a nice winter and is excited to play their first round of golf. The golf course will be opening very soon. Peter Gorman, our new Superintendent, is very excited to get things going. He just needs a break in the weather.
The opening day tournament will be held Saturday, April 21st, 2007. This is a change in the schedule due to later opening of the golf course. Please check the web site for the format. All golf members will be receiving an email with the Spring Men's League Registration form. Please read carefully and return by April 16th. The first week has been moved forward one week to April 24th. If you did not receive an email, please contact the Pro Shop 668-7260. I have scheduled a couple of demo days during the month on May. Final details are being worked out. Look for postings on the event calendar outside the golf shop.
I am very excited to start my 19th year as the Golf Professional at Suffield Country Club.
I hope to have the driving range fully operational soon. Anyone interested in some early season golf instruction, please call me to arrange a time. I will also be putting together some small clinics for beginners. You may find information in the Pro Shop or by calling me at 668 7260. As in the past I will be offering a range program of unlimited practice balls for you and your guests. The 2007 Range Program is $129 for a single and $149 for a Family. Please sign up in the golf shop.
I welcome all new members to Suffield Country Club and look forward to meeting you very soon. Please do not hesitate to call me or stop by the shop with any questions. The Golf Shop is well stocked with all your golfing needs. If you don't see something you are looking for, let me know and I can make an order for you. All members in the golf shop receive a 20% discount on all merchandise. My discount is competitive with any off course or internet vendor. I have demos for all golfers to try for both men and women. Remember custom fitting is not extra for any golf club purchased.
The Women's Golf Committee has put together an exciting schedule for the upcoming season. The opening Women's dinner will be held on April 25th. Anyone interested in joining the association, please call Susan Szwede at 794-8116.
I look forward to an exciting 2007 golf season.
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Women's Tee
Susan Szwed
| We will be having our opening banquet on Wednesday, April 25th starting with cocktails @ 6:30. A meeting and discussion will follow dinner. We would like everyone's input and suggestions so please have your ideas ready. Our format this year will involve all women - A.M. and P.M. - with equal participation. Anybody interested in joining the league please feel free to join us or email me @ RSSzwed@aol.com or call 688-4026. We want to encourage all ladies to join no matter what level you may play at. Hope to hear from you!!
P.S. Opening day for golf A.M. and P.M. will be the following Wednesday- May 2nd details to follow.
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Grounds
Peter Gorman
| As I sit down to write my first submission for the monthly newsletter, I find myself thinking about a walk I took shortly before I started as Golf Course Superintendent at Suffield Country Club. My dog Tanner and I had taken the trail many times, and were so familiar with the path that he would often guide me along the way. This time I decided to go in the opposite direction. Although we knew exactly where we were going it felt like we were on a completely different walk. The views through the trees were a little different, the bends in the trail revealed new vistas, and the slopes offered different challenges. A simple change offered an entirely new perspective and enhanced our experience dramatically.
I hope to enjoy a similar experience as I begin a new chapter in my career. The agronomic principles may be the same, but the challenges are brand new. Every golf course has its own problems and priorities that require thorough evaluation and unique solutions. I look forward to developing new management programs to exceed the standards and expectations of the membership with respect to premium playing conditions.
We are fortunate to have Rod Lewis and Alex Brooks returning to the maintenance staff this season. Their knowledge, experience, and strong work ethic will serve as the foundation for our maintenance operation over the coming months. Joe Sikorski is stepping out of the kitchen and onto the golf course to round out the crew. As a new superintendent I could not ask for a better staff. I would like to thank them for making the transition a smooth one, and I look forward to working with and learning from them over the upcoming months.
We have spent the last few weeks getting the course ready to open. Although the weather has been less than cooperative we have been able to complete the majority of the spring cleanup. Our focus will be turning to preparing the playing surfaces for the golf season. We have already verticut and mowed the greens and are ready to work on tees, fairways and bunkers as soon as conditions allow.
We will be working closely with Stan and the club leadership to make the golf course as accessible as possible without compromising the long term goal of maintaining premium playing conditions for the membership throughout the season. I will try to post updates on the club's web page regarding current conditions and future maintenance practices that may affect the condition or accessibility of the golf course.
I thank you for your patience and support, and look forward to seeing you on the golf course.
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House Committee
Chris Beaulieu
| Greetings and welcome to another fun filled season at the club. Last year proved to be a successful first year for Cameron's Catering in the restaurant at Suffield Country Club and I look forward to 2007 being
better than ever!
Now that winter is behind us all I want to say is 'BRING BACK THE BRAHMA'S!" (Who would have thunk that they make such a fine beer in Brazil??) What a find...and not to mention very tasty! You can look
forward to more exciting and new additions to our menu at the club as well as new and exciting dining events through out the year! Please take note of the current restaurant and pub hours which will be in effect through Memorial Day weekend. The summer hours will be announced at a later date. I look forward to seeing all of you at the club!
PUB HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 12 noon through dusk.
DINING ROOM HOURS: Thursday - Saturday 5:00pm through 9:00pm (Please call to make reservations.)
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Tennis
Andy Brydges
| Welcome Tennis Members (new and returning),
Still a bit cool for tennis, but it's coming soon! The Tennis Committee (Andy Brydges, Andy Rarus, Peter Judson, and Joe and Mary Mladinich) looks forward to another great season of competition and social events. We are also actively seeking new members, so if you are looking to resurrect your game, or have a neighbor or friend who loves tennis and is looking for a great place to play, please let us know.
Courts - As usual, we will try to open the courts around May 15. This is always dependent on how soon they firm up after the spring rains.
Socials - Details will follow and other events/volunteers are welcome, but we anticipate two social events in June, and more to come in July and August:
* June 10 French Open Brunch play in the morning followed by brunch at the clubhouse while we watch the French Open final. That weekend, we also plan to open the courts (and brunch) to public play for those that might want to play on clay courts during the French Open.
* June An evening social at the Kearney's. Date to be determined.
Please continue to check the online calendar at www.suffieldcc.com/calendar for a full schedule of the club's events.
Greater Hartford League
MEN - KEEP YOUR MONDAY NIGHTS OPEN! Men's GHL matches begin in early June. We try to field competitive teams but at the same time give everyone interested a chance to participate. Please let Andy Brydges or Peter Judson (men's team) know if you plan to or would like to play this year.
Staff - We are fortunate to have Russ Bombard and Deedee Presser, at a minimum, returning this summer to teach and help maintain the courts.
Junior Program We are finalizing the dates of the Junior Program, but look forward to 6 weeks of instruction. Sign up sheets will be posted at the tennis clubhouse in May and June, and Russ will assign players to various groups for that program.
Last, if you are going to have a group that meets the same time each week, please contact me before the courts open (abrydges@cox.net). I will need to know the day, time, and players as well as a contact person for the group.
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Congratulations !!
| | Congratulations to Rod Lewis and his wife Patricia on the birth of baby Tyler David born on 12/10/2006. Everyone is doing great !!! |
Swimming
Kelly Patterson
| Spring has finally arrived and it's not too early to begin thinking about warmer days and poolactivities. We will be open the following hours for the Pre-Season (Memorial Day Weekend until the last day of school):
Memorial Day Weekend:
Saturday, May 26th: 12-6*
Sunday, May 27th: 12-6*
Monday, May 28th: 12-6*
Pre-Season After School Hours:
May 29th- June 1st: 2-6*
Pre-Season Weekend Hours:
Saturday, June 2nd: 10-6*
Sunday, June 3rd: 12-6*
Pre-Season After School Hours:
June 4th - June 8th: 2-6*
Pre-Season Weekend Hours:
Saturday, June 9th: 10-6*
Sunday, June 10th: 12-6*
Pre-Season After School Hours:
June 11th- June 14th: 2-6*
Opening Weekend:
Friday, June 15th: 1-6*
Saturday, June 17th: 10-7
Sunday, June 18th: 12-7
*Weather Permitting
SCC Tigershark News:
2007 Swim Team Schedule
Thurs. - 6/28/07 - Suffield @ Shuttle Meet
Tues. - 7/03/07 - No Meet
Thurs. - 7/05/07 - No Meet Bye Week
Tues. - 7/10/07 - Suffield @ Wampanaug
Thurs. - 7/12/07 - Glastonbury @ SCC
Tues. - 7/17/07 - Avon @ SCC
Thurs. - 7/19/07 - SCC @ Golf Club of Hartford
Tues. - 7/24/07 - Hopmeadow @ SCC
Thurs. - 7/26/07 - Rain Date
Sat. - 7/28/07 - Jr. Championship @ Avon
Sun. - 7/29/07 - Sr. Championships @ Hopmeadow
Check your May Newsletter for more information about these programs and
events:
* Swim Lesson Registration
* Swim Team
* Splash Party: Celebrate the end of the school year at the pool!
* Ice Cream Social: Start the summer off with a cool, refreshing, treat.
***One last reminder! Don't forget to sign up for the Sports Academy!***
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