Hartford, CT Chapter - American Singles Golf Association March 2008

Transcription

1 CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF SINGLES GOLF IN AMERICA Hartford, CT Chapter - American Singles Golf Association March 2008 February President s Letter 2008 TO SEE BIG CHANGES! Change is in the air and it surrounds us! At the presidential polling places, on the field (GO GIANTS!), on the court (HANG IN THERE LADY HUSKIES!) and in our world of ASGA. We have been noticing a decline in our membership and after talking with many other national chapters, Stephanie Sewell found out that they are experiencing the same problems. What did come from those discussions are some great ideas that we have decided to try Starting this month we will be replacing the monthly members meeting with a Mingle, to be held on February 29 th at CHUCK S STEAKHOUSE in ROCKY HILL. What better way to leap into the golf season than on leap day? We have been hearing that members wanted more socializing and less routine dinners and speakers. We are also planning similar future events. Also new, will be our website! We are currently working with a professional web design company and hope to have an interactive, user friendly, informative website in a few weeks. Rhonda Idleman is busy on this big project. We will be using the e- mail and newsletter system until the website is up and running. MAKE SURE YOUR BOXES ARE CORRECT AND EMPTY!!! The Golf Committee has been busy as well! Almost 50% of our membership responded to the survey sent out last month. As a result, we will be trying some new things. Spring and fall weekend events are being planned, a new Friday night golf location will be announced and WEEKDAY golf is also in the planning stages. The Golf, Social, Communications and Membership Committees are always looking for help with their projects. Something as simple as collecting score cards, selling mulligans or checking people into some event may seem insignificant, but any help would be greatly appreciated. We are always looking for newsletter items and really appreciate roving reporters just step up and offer to help! We really hope that what we have lined up for 2008 will be of interest to our members and that those of you who haven t made it to many events will join us and bring a friend! Looking forward to spring, ~Nancy Hammond February HARTFORD ASGA "MINGLE" Leap into something fun and different with members of the Hartford Chapter of the American Singles Golf Association and Hartford Great Expectations!!! This is Leap Year, so there may be some surprises in store! Where? Chuck's Steak House 2199 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill (860) In their "Moose Room" and Bar When? Friday, February 29, 2008 Time? 6:00 P.M. till... Object? To come, bring other single friends, mingle with members of two great singles groups, see familiar friends and meet new ones. If you like something fun to do on a Friday night, enjoy the idea of meeting other singles, maybe looking to find some new faces who like to play golf, and attend other social events throughout the year, this is where you want to be on this particular Friday night!! Next Big National Event: Reunion at Pinehurst, May Registration form with this newsletter or go to Singles- Golf.com/events National Website: National ASGANational@aol.com Office Hours: 8:30-4:30, M-Th; 8:30-12:30 Fridays (Eastern Time Zone) National Office: or GOLFMATE To Join or renew, go to or call office. Regular Meeting Date: Third Monday of each month Next Meeting: March 17th, 2008 Meeting Location: Crowne Plaza Our Website: Our Hotline: (See next page for list of officers and board members.) To join, renew dues, make a change of address, phone, etc., call National Hotline at left.

2 Hartford, CT Chapter of the American Singles Golf Association President Nancy Hammond Chairman of the Board None Golf Chairperson Mary LeBel Social Chairperson Norma Spring TM Membership Chairperson Tom Woods Communications Chairperson Toni Fedora Secretary To Be Determined Treasurer Stephanie Sewell Vice President Patty Landry Webmaster Rhonda Idleman You don't want to miss this event!!! Let's pack this place!! If you have questions, you may them to Stephanie Sewell at See you there! Bring a Friend!! Directions to Chuck s Steak House: From Hartford, CT / Springfield, MA (NORTH) I-91 South, through Hartford to EXIT 24 RT 99 Wethersfield / Rocky Hill From New Haven, CT / New York City (SOUTH) I-91 North, to EXIT 24 RT 99 Wethersfield / Rocky Hill Coming off the exit, take a LEFT onto Silas From Eastern CT / Worcester, MA (EAST) I-84 West, to EXIT 57, RT 15 South to Charter Oak BR / N. Y. City and I-91 South, 4.7 miles through Hartford to EXIT 24 RT 99 Wethersfield / Rocky Hill From Western CT / New York State (WEST) I-84 East, to Exit 27 I-691 East to Meriden / Middletown Continue on I-691 East for 6.5 miles, I-691 becomes I-91 North Travel 11.0 miles on I-91 North to EXIT 24 RT 99 Wethersfield / Rocky Hill Communications Committee Hi from the Communications Committee: I welcome the opportunity to serve as your new Communications Chair. Like any new endeavor there are generally a few "oops" ---like sending out the first with an attachment to it. I quickly learned that many computers are programmed to detect not only an attachment, but clip art as well, thus blocking delivery. Cathy Duncan and I worked on a way I can send the information to you in another fashion. I think she has me on the correct track now! I want to personally thank Cathy for her patience, support, and continued encouragement during this transition. She's a wonderful teacher. We plan to work as a team to get you timely information so you can expect s from both of us! Any suggestions you might have are welcome. Here's to great friends and a great GOLF year. ~Toni Fedora, Communications Chair Cathy Duncan, Communications Assistant Golf Committee Report The Golf Committee met on January 22nd at Jacoby's in Meriden to begin planning some really exciting events for this season. In attendance were Mary Lebel, Nancy Hammond, Dave Walstrom, George Duffy, Rich McKnett and Margaret Doyle. MEMBERSHIP DUES Dues for the Hartford, CT chapter of the American Singles Golf Association are $70.00 per 12 month period. Payment can be made by check or credit card. Mail with application to: ASGA Inc. P. O. Box 848, Pineville, NC JOIN BY PHONE, FAX OR WEB You can join the Hartford, CT chapter over the phone by calling toll-free GOLFMATE ( ), faxing the application with credit card information to our tollfree fax at , or go on-line at and submit your application with credit card information. Our office hours are 8:30-4:30 EST(M-Th).

3 We are working on things as suggested by the survey. One goal is to play at courses we have not played in the past and also hit different parts of the state. You'll be glad you're single and part of Hartford ASGA this year! We're planning lots of fun under the sun! Some of the courses that are on the radar for the five weekend events this season are: Richter Park, Fox Hopyard, Norwich Country Club, Manchester Country Club, Elmridge, Pequot Golf Course, and Hunter. Weekend getaways this year include Vermont (Hartford chapter), maybe Saratoga (Albany chapter) and possibly Newport with the Central Mass chapter. Of course, the Ryder Cup (looks like MAYBE August 16) will be hosted by the Massachusetts chapter. We've also changed the Friday night venue. Dave Walstrom is working with Minnechaug in Glastonbury for Friday evening play between 4-6pm. Play will be coordinated similar to past years at Portland, (BUT NOT LIKE LAST YEAR!!). An exciting addition this year is Play Hooky and Play Golf. How long has it been since you played hooky? You deserve a break (and a break in the golf fee) and we're giving you several opportunities this year. We plan on scheduling 4 or 5 events throughout the season on weekdays. Some of the courses we're looking into for Hooky Golf are Shennacosset, Lake of Isles, Fenwick, Silo Ridge, The Ranch or Timberline. Retirees are encouraged to join and show us how it's done! 2008 is going be great and Hartford ASGA (HASGA) is planning accordingly! ~Margaret Doyle, Golf Committee Member Social Committee Report Super Bowl Party at Arch Street Tavern This year s Super Bowl, with its possible historical 19-0 season by the great New England Patriots was witnessed by sixteen members & one guest, as they watched the mother of all upsets! On February 3 rd, at Arch Street Tavern in Hartford, Patty Landry, George Duffy, Jerry Maxwell, Susan Ammann, Barbara Wysocki, Pat Rogers, Rick St. George, Liz Anderson, Bill Sulcius, Brian Stere and his sister, Christine, Rhonda Idleman, Cathy Duncan, Norma Spring, Tom Woods and Sue Rand were treated to a great FREE buffet! Sorrows were drowned with many beers, but on a good note, we may have attracted a few new members, who watched our good time! ~Norma Spring, Chairman, Social Committee Your Golf Handicap-A Life Lesson A businessman named Mike was attending a conference in Africa. He had a free day and wanted to play a round of golf. Mike was directed to a golf course in the nearby jungle. After a short journey, he arrived at the course and asked the Pro if he could get on. Sure, said the Pro, What s your handicap? Not wanting to admit that he had an 18 handicap, Mike decided to cut it a bit. Well, it s 16, he said, but what s the relevance since I ll be playing alone? It s very important for us to know, said the Pro, who then called a caddy. Go out with this gentleman, said the Pro, His handicap is 16. Mike was very surprised at this constant reference to his handicap. The caddy picked up Mike s bag and a large rifle; again Mike was surprised, but decided to ask no questions. They arrived on the 1 st hole, a par 4. Please avoid those trees on the left, said the caddy. Needless to say, Mike duckhooked his ball into the trees. He found his ball and was about to punch it out when he heard the loud crack of the rifle and a large snake fell dead from the tree above his head. The caddy stood next to him with the rifle smoking in his hand and said, That s the mamba, the most poisonous snake in all Africa. You re lucky I was here with you. After taking a bogey, they moved to the 2 nd hole, a par 5. Avoid those bushes on the right, says the caddy. Of course, Mike s ball went straight into the bushes. As Mike went to pick up his ball, he heard a loud crack of the caddy s rifle once more and a huge lion fell dead at his feet. I ve saved your life again, said the caddy. The 3 rd hole was a par 3 with a lake in front of the green. Mike s ball came up just short of the green and rolled back to the edge of the water. To take a shot, he had to stand with one foot in the lake. As he was about to swing, a large crocodile emerged from the water and bit off much of Mike s right leg. As Mike fell to the ground bleeding and in great pain, he saw the caddy with the rifle propped at his side, looking on unconcernedly. Why didn t you kill it? asked Mike incredulously. I m sorry, sir, said the caddy, this is the 17 th handicap hole and you don t get a shot here. That s why you never lie about your handicap ~Submitted by Member Russ Avery ABOUT OUR MEMBERS Happy Birthday to these members: Steven Bai Rossi - 03/11 JoAnn Bryant - 03/31 Stephen Kudriavetz - 03/31 Sheldon Lubin - 03/05 Margaret Machnicki - 03/23 Nancy Margiano - 03/18 Karen Skog - 04/06 Brian Stere - 03/11 Patricia White - 03/01 Karen Young - 04/01 These members are up for renewal: (date shown is last day of membership) Russell Avery - 03/31/2008 Paul Figura - 03/31/2008 Connie French - 03/31/2008 James Geis - 03/31/2008 Carolanne Kennedy - 03/31/2008 Andrea Ratti - 03/31/2008 Martey Rhine - 03/31/2008 Stephanie Sewell - 03/31/2008 Richard St. George - 03/31/2008 Brian Stere - 03/31/2008 Diana Swenhall - 03/31/2008 Elizabeth Washington - 03/31/2008 Linda Woodruff - 03/31/2008 Robert Paul Wright - 03/31/2008 Kathie Zwiebel - 03/31/2008 These members recently renewed: Nancy Faraci Richard Lee Elizabeth Montgomery Marion Roscio These members did not renew their dues: (date shown is date membership expired) Margaret Byrne - 01/31/2008 Patricia Rogers - 01/31/2008 Our chapter currently has 87 members.

4 CELEBRATING 15YEARS OF SINGLESGOLF IN AMERICA AMERICAN SINGLES GOLF ASSOCIATION MARCH 2008 Event Dates: Thursday, May 22 Sunday, May 25, 2008 Registrations Coming in Fast n Furious - With great excitement and anticipation, we re happy to announce our continued association with the fine folks at Pinehurst Resort in announcing our Reunion in Pinehurst again. Dates set for this year are May With over 400 in attendance last year, we expect a full sellout. As a result, we have reserved four courses for the event. One major attribute that Pinehurst possess is their ability to handle our group size. We re proud to see the American Singles Golf Association host their event at Pinehurst again this year, said Wayne Kearney, Director of Sales at the resort. The showing ASGA had last year is a testament to the match we have with our resort and your members. Pinehurst has a tradition that goes way back into the last century. All of the greats have played there. The No. 2 course will not be part of our standard package, but you ll have an opportunity to play it if you want to pay the price (a mere $287 vs. the $359 normally quoted). This year, No. 2 will NOT be aerated one week prior to as it was last year, so expect nothing but the best. The standard package is a great deal. If you priced this on your own, you d easily pay twice as much as what you get as an ASGA member. You can t fine a value like this at any great golf resort in the country. Of course, outside of everything Pinehurst has to offer, you get to meet hundreds of singles from various ASGA chapters. As with all ASGA multi-chapter events, you must be a member to attend. Here s what s included in the standard package: 4 days / 3 night s stay, based on double occupancy 2 rounds of golf, cart, range balls, prizes for winners + welcoming gift for all 6 food functions: cocktail party (with 2 free drink tickets if you register by April 18), cookout Friday after golf, Saturday sitdown dinner and 3 lavish buffet breakfasts (live piano playing!) Dancing with our DJ on 1st and 3rd nights (does he dance?) Tiger on Pinehurst: Fun golf is Pinehurst. Fun golf is playing links golf. Fun golf is learning how to maneuver the ball on the ground and give yourself options." All resort service fees and taxes. The resort service fee pays for bicycle rental, practice green, afternoon tea, on-site transportation, fitness center, tennis courts, outdoor pools, etc. In addition, Pinehurst is offering ASGA members a coupon good towards a 25% discount on spa services or one round of golf club rentals. See SinglesGolf.com for details on this coupon. Non-golf packages are available and non-hotel packages are available only to our Pinehurst chapter members. We will again group players into those who have established handicaps (and will play USGA your own ball format) and those without established handicaps (and will play a shamble format one day and a scramble/captain s choice the other day). Players have really enjoyed this grouping method and we ve received zero complaints over the last four events where we ve done this. Understand though that if you are listed as a player with an established handicap and you want to play golf with a person who is not listed as established, you won t be able to play together unless you re both in the non-established division, unless, however, you indicate you want to play the optional round together where there is no team competition. Please review the Pinehurst.com website and check out their hotel accommodations. They re offering the Carolina Inn, the Holly Inn, Manor Inn and their condos again. In addition to these hotels, if your chapter (or group of friends) would like to get eight (8) of your members together and get a villa, which has a common living room and kitchen facility, review the Pinehurst.com website and indicate such on your registration form. Packages start at $512 per person, based on double occupancy and $779 per person based on single occupancy. If you priced this event on its own, you d easily pay $1200-$1300 (dbl. occ.) for all that s included. An optional round at 9:00am on Sunday is offered as well. A registration form is enclosed with this newsletter and you can also obtain one at Tom Alsop, President/Founder, ASGA Phone or GOLFMATE GolfASGA@aol.com

5 SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN SINGLES GOLF ASSOCIATION Phone or GOLFMATE RESORT WEBSITE: Hotel Phone: Standard Package Includes: 2 rounds of golf (incl. cart, green fees, range balls, prizes) 3 nights lodging (Carolina Hotel or Other check below) 6 food functions: 1 cocktail party (dry snacks; also 2 drink tickets if you register by April 2), 3 lavish breakfasts at the Carolina, 1 cookout and 1 sit-down dinner DJ dancing on 1st and 3rd nights, welcoming gift and prizes. Includes all resort service fees & taxes. Resort services include on-site transportation, bicycles, afternoon tea, practice putting, driving range and more. Add l. Nights: If you come early or stay late, add l. nights, which includes the buffet breakfast, are $ for a single room and $90.75/person if dbl. occ., regardless of inn you are staying in. Tax & resort service fees are included in these rates. (Roommate must stay or your must pay single occ. rate of $163.50/night.) See Pinehurst.com for details on room types. GOLF: You ll play two of their 8 courses. Pinehurst arranges courses. Package play dates are Fri., May 23 & Sat., May 24. Optional Day-of-Arrival Golf and Dayof-Departure Golf. Also, optional play on the 2005 U. S. Open Course No. 2 at a rate of $287 on Sunday (straight tee times begin at 7:50am). Established handicapped players play USGA Rules and play your own ball. For non-established handicaps, scramble one day and shamble next day. PAYMENT: Full payment due by April 22th. There is a 25% cancellation fee on or prior to 04/22/08. Absolutely NO refunds after 4/22/08. If your plans change, you can sell your position to another member. See website for official cancellation policy. A letter or confirmation will be sent to you upon receipt of payment. If you do not receive confirmation by 04/29/08, you must call us at above number. NOTE: This is a MEMBERS ONLY event. Non-members must join ASGA to secure these rates. Call or go online at SinglesGolf.com/join. SPECIAL PKGS.: Non-Golf, Pinehurst Chapter members, see website or call us. ONE FORM PER PERSON, PLEASE PRINT. NAME SHOWN BELOW IS HOW NAMETAG WILL APPEAR. NAME ( ) MALE ( ) FEMALE CHAPTER NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP HOME PH ( ) WORK/CELL PH ( ) ADDRESS CHECK APPROPRIATE PACKAGE: (Resort has shuttles to transport you between hotels, courses, etc. Details at SinglesGolf.com) ( ) $ STANDARD PACKAGE staying at the HOLLY INN, MANOR INN OR PINEHURST CONDO (YOU LL HAVE A ROOMMATE) ( ) $ STANDARD PACKAGE staying at the CAROLINA HOTEL (YOU LL HAVE A ROOMMATE) ( ) $ ROOM-BY-MYSELF PACKAGE staying at the HOLLY INN, MANOR INN OR PINEHURST CONDO (incl. everything in St d. Pkg.) ( ) $ ROOM-BY-MYSELF PACKAGE staying at the CAROLINA HOTEL (incl. everything in St d. Pkg.) ( ) $69.00 OPT. DAY-OF-ARRIVAL GOLF ON THURS. ( ) $89 OPT. ROUND ON SUN. w/lunch ( ) OPT. Pinehurst No. 2 $287. ( ) $ STANDARD PACKAGE / 4-bedroom villa (sleeps 8). Must be part of a group of 8, all staying in same villa, not an inn. ( ) I have an ESTABLISHED HANDICAP of at GOLF CLUB ( ) My chapter issues my handicap (ASGA chapters count as a golf clubs without real estate according to USGA handicapping rules. Your chapter s handicap chairperson or committee must be able to verify this number as your handicap.) ( ) My handicap is NOT ESTABLISHED but my average 18-hole golf score is. You ll play a scramble 1st day, shamble 2nd day. ( ) I am a smoker AND I want a smoking room. (If you are a smoker and we cannot find a roommate for you, you must pay full price of room. We ll notify you by 04/22/08.) My roommate will be (We ll assign a same-sex roommate if you prefer. Please do not list yourself as someone else s roommate without their permission. IMPORTANT: If you choose a roommate, we can t hold your room until both parties have paid.) I am requesting a room with ( ) One King Bed ( ) Two Double Beds Note: Room preferences and hotels are first come, first served. Only the hotel controls the availability of room types. We register you regardless of availability. During one golf event, please pair me with. (Golf partner must be in same established / non-established group as you.) I AM REMITTING: Memorial Day Weekend 2008 Thurs., May 22 Sun., May 25, days, 3-nights + 2 rounds++ Limited to the first 500 players. This is our largest event of the year. Choose to play two or three rounds of golf. Optional round on Pinehurst No. 2 at discounted price. You can stay 3 additional nights, before or after event, at special ASGA Member-Only prices. ASGA NATIONAL EVENT $ for the package indicated above + $ additional nights: indicate dates you plan to come early / stay late: + $ Opt. Day-of-Arrival golf on Thurs. Pinehurst #1) (T-times: 10:30-1:30 Indicate preferred time: ) + $ Opt. round of golf + lunch on Sun. The Pit or Pinehurst #2 without Lunch.) + $ Mulligans (put $10 in this space if you want 3 mulligans for each of first 2 days of golf. Mullies not avail. on opt. round.) $ TOTAL AMOUNT (Check no. MAKE CHECK** PAYABLE TO ASGA, INC. ) CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION: All major cards accepted. I hereby authorize ASGA or the Pinehurst Resort to charge / debit my account for the TOTAL AMOUNT indicated above on this form. There is no credit card processing fee for this event. Resort may not charge card immediately. Acc t. No: Exp. Signature OTHERWISE, MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO ASGA, INC. AND MAIL TO: ASGA, P. O. BOX 848, PINEVILLE, NC QUESTIONS? TOM ALSOP at GolfASGA@aol.com OR CALL or GOLFMATE * Details of Million Dollar Hole-in-One at SinglesGolf.com/pinehurst ** There is a 4% svc. chg. for any check returned unpaid by the bank. Cancellation policy applies. See for complete details of policy and events. Check SinglesGolf.com on a regular basis for details & updates ASGA, Inc.