From the President, Craig Druskins

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From the President, Craig Druskins September 15, 2014 Dear Members: Inside this issue: Manager s Report 2 Upcoming Events House Committee Pro Shop 3 Treasurer s Report Tournament & Golf Nominating

a year and I'm looking forward to serving as your president for one more year. The annual meeting was well attended and the elections are complete.

and Golf Committee and me. The board members got some great feedback from the members at the annual meeting, which we plan to act on.

The chance for new members to play for the rest of the season free has been just enough incentive for people to take up a membership this year.

1 From the President, Craig Druskins September 15, 2014 Dear Members: Inside this issue: Manager s Report 2 Upcoming Events House Committee Pro Shop 3 Treasurer s Report Tournament & Golf Nominating Committee Marketing Greens and Grounds 4 5 Ryder Cup 6 Social Committee 7 Cards and Mah Jongg It is hard to believe that this is the last newsletter of 2014 and I have been your president for most of a year and I'm looking forward to serving as your president for one more year. The annual meeting was well attended and the elections are complete. The Indian River Golf Club has four new board members: John Billingsley, Chair of Membership and Marketing Committee, Deborah Fergus, Chair of Social Committee, Steve Reh (1 year) Chair of Tournament and Golf Committee and me. The board members got some great feedback from the members at the annual meeting, which we plan to act on. The new promotion to increase membership is already having a positive effect. The "Gift of Golf" has been given to a number of new members. The chance for new members to play for the rest of the season free has been just enough incentive for people to take up a membership this year. I want to thank all the members who have sponsored a new member. We need to keep the momentum going well into The board s goal is to add twenty five new members and we hope this is just a start. If the year finishes as predicted by the financial committee, IRGC should generate a slight profit or at least break even. This should result in a zero or very little increase in dues for The board will make a decision at the October meeting, and it will be communicated with the member package in January. I want to thank Sukey Stump for serving as our treasurer for six years. She has been a critical element in the turn around of the club finances. Also, I want to thank Bill Bray for serving six years on the board with the last two as secretary. They will be missed, but I know they will stay involved in committee activities. Also, I would like to thank Gary Freismuth for filling in for Karen Pung's last year. He has done a great job on short notice. To Pam and Pat and all their staff, all directors and officers of IRGC, a big thank you for all your time spent serving the membership. Special thanks to all the volunteers who have kept the club house and golf course grounds looking great. I'm proud to be a member, and I thank all the members for their support and business.

2 From Our Manager, Pam Phipps Now is the time to "Give the Gift of Golf". This is a new program from the marketing committee to find new members. The goal for this program is 25 new members by October The only way that we will reach this goal is for every member to invite someone to join the club. The way the program works is that you give an invitation to someone that might be interested in becoming a member. If they join in 2014 and pay dues for 4 more years, then they will receive an equity membership at no additional cost. If they join in 2015 then they will have to pay dues for 5 years before receiving the membership. If you do not feel comfortable inviting someone, give me their name and I will invite them to join. How does this benefit you? First, new members mean little to no dues increases. Second, if they sign up for the program, you receive $100 off you account in July for the next 4-5 years. Finally, more members mean we can continue to upgrade the course and the facilities. This program is showing progress. We have added five new members in August. Please pick up or have us mail you an invitation and membership package. The financials for the year are promising. If no hidden surprises and good weather for September and October, we will make budget. Thank you for your support of Indian River Golf Club. Upcoming Events Sept. 17th Indian River Chamber of Commerce Scramble Sept. 18th Art On The Green Sept. 18th Fall Couples League Sept. 20th VFW Scramble Sept. 24th Member s Night Scramble Sept. 25th Fall Couples League Sept. 27th Food Pantry Tournament Oct. 1st Member/Staff Scramble Oct. 2nd Fall Couples League Oct. 4th IRGC and Petoskey Brewing Present Oktoberfest Oct. 9th Final Fall Couples League Oct. 10th Board Meeting Oct. 11th Indian River Women s Club Dinner and Auction Oct. 12th Last Hurrah House Committee Report Ron Berg Oct. 15th Italian Night Dinner Nov. 9th Breakfast with Santa Yes, yes, yes, the pictures for the dining room wall have been ordered, and we are eagerly awaiting their arrival. Please be patient. The house committee has been asked by the board to develop a plan for an updating of the bar area, sunroom, and dining room. Of course this will include a solution to the sound problems in all these areas. If you have suggestions, please let one of the committee members know. Their phone numbers and s can be found in your directory. The committee will be working on several projects this fall after things slow down, such as painting the locker room floor, trimming the baseboard in the clubhouses, re-finishing the bar room chairs, dry cleaning the drapes in the dining room Will the list never end? For those looking to replace those tee times when things change to white, we could always use an extra hand. The committee hopes you will share your pride in our club as the membership committee s recruitment drive begins. For those heading south soon we wish you safe travel, a healthy winter, and a quick return in the spring. Dec. 7th Member s Potluck Party Dec. 31st New Year s Eve Dinner Indian River Golf Club and the Board of Directors recognize the Michigan law passed in 2010 and amended in 2013 establishing us as a smoke free environment. This includes the areas in the club house and on the deck. We are requiring members to follow state law and ask that there be no smoking in the club house, on the deck and no closer than 10' of the deck. 2

3 Wise Words from Westbrook September is upon us and many of you are thinking about your trip to warmer climates. Don t forget to stop into the shop and take advantage of the fall sales that are taking place. Use up your credit or gift certificates that you have earned this year. Equipment, shorts, headwear, outerwear and golf shirts are all discounted. Golf shoes are 20% off. Stop on by and check out the merchandise. Also, if you don t like bringing your scores back from Florida or Arizona, stop in to the shop and pick up a Multi- Club form to merge your IRGC handicap with your handicap at your winter club! We welcome Dylan Clunz and Steve VanderHyde to the pro shop staff for the remainder of the season. Both are excited to be here and anxious to help you with your needs. We say goodbye to our PGM intern, Dan Wilson, outside service attendant, Matt Visconti, and pro shop attendant, Kelly McElreath, as they go back to school to continue with their educations. We still have one league going, the Couples Fall League on Thursday nights. Sign up for this weekly league in the locker room. Don t forget the Member s Night in late September, always one of the more popular events at the club. This year, we have the NEW Oktoberfest scramble on October 4 sponsored by Petoskey Brewing. This new tournament pairs golf with beer and great comfort food. What else do you need on a Saturday in October???...college football, you say..well, we will have that on TV after you finish your scramble, just in time for the beer and food! Also, in October we will have the annual Member/Staff golf outing. This fun-filled event lets the membership thank the staff while enjoying a round at the club. Make sure you sign up in the golf shop for these tournaments that are left. I would like to thank the members at the Indian River Golf Club for their support throughout the year. My family and I have felt very welcome here at the club. I appreciate the warm welcome during my first season here. Have a safe and healthy fall season. John Paul Westbrook, PGA Head Golf Professional Treasurer s Notes Sukey Stump Since I m a little late in submitting this report, I can update you on how the club is doing financially through August. We are ahead of budget for Net Profit -- $8,800 ahead for the month of August and $10,900 ahead YTD. Net Operating Income showed some improvement compared to budget in August but remains behind YTD. Total Operating Expense continues to offset this deficit, resulting in the profit ahead of budget. The Finance and Budget Committee is currently looking at long range capital planning. Keeping equipment and facilities updated and in good working condition is critical to the success of the club. We also have to consider enhancements that help bring in new members as well as add to the enjoyment of current members and the public. I d like to thank my finance and budget committee members for all their hard work this year. The committee includes Bill Bray, Craig Druskins, Bob Foster, Bud Garlick, John Gibson, Chuck Kraegel, Jerry Lesperance, Tom Soltis and Pam Phipps. Many of these members have been with me for years, and their expertise is critical to our financial success. 3

Tournament and Golf Congratulations to all of the winners of the various golf leagues.

As mentioned last month, Jill Whitmore was the Ladies President s Cup winner. In the Men s final match, Mike Vizina defeated Gary Freismuth to win the prize.

For the ladies it was Peggy Rappleye standing alone at the end. On the men s side, Mike Vizina completed his personal double-dip by winning the championship to go along with his President s Cup.

4 Tournament and Golf Congratulations to all of the winners of the various golf leagues. By the looks of the standings, all leagues were closely contested with the winners demonstration consistent play all season. As mentioned last month, Jill Whitmore was the Ladies President s Cup winner. In the Men s final match, Mike Vizina defeated Gary Freismuth to win the prize. The 2014 Club Championship was also played in August. Contestants played two rounds in beautiful weather and several flights went down to the last holes before champions were determines. For the ladies it was Peggy Rappleye standing alone at the end. On the men s side, Mike Vizina completed his personal double-dip by winning the championship to go along with his President s Cup. Congratulations!! Gary Freismuth Up now are the annual Ryder Cup matches The Battle at the River. The two teams, captained by John Paul and Pam, have been chosen. A spirited competition is guaranteed with both captains working hard to secure bragging rights for the next year. Coming soon: the first OKTOBERFEST golf outing (see JP for more information) Jill Whitmore Ladies President s Cup Winner Mike Vizina, President s Cup and Men s Championship Winner Peggy Rappleye, Ladies Club Champion If Not You, Who? Jeff Hamal, Nominating Committee One of the things that separate us from other clubs is that we are a member owned golf club. With member ownership, we are well aware of the privileges that we can and should expect; however, on the other hand they come with individual member responsibility. Of course, the most obvious privileges are the use of the golf course, leagues, and social functions. The more abstract calculus might be the lasting friendships and camaraderie that we enjoy by being with people who share a passion for the game of golf and life in general. So, I get it we like to have fun. On the other hand, it is very important that we also have members willing to donate their time and talents to help execute our mission of maintaining a great golf course and a focal point for social interaction. So this is it, we need everyone to consider how they can help improve their experience at IRGC. What can you do? Everyone can and should contribute on some level, whether to serve on a committee, hands on work detail or as a member of the board. The old cliché of; many hands make light work couldn t be more applicable in this particular situation. Keep in mind, all certificate members and their spouses are eligible to serve on board and committees. The problem of getting this essential and critical member involvement on the board and committees is becoming more difficult as our membership has atrophied over the last several years. So if you have served on the board, consider being on a committee, if you have served on a committee, consider serving on the board and if you haven t done either, what are you waiting for? 4

Marketing and Membership Committee The IRGC Membership/Marketing Committee announced the Giving the Gift of Golf program at the annual meeting.

5 Marketing and Membership Committee The IRGC Membership/Marketing Committee announced the Giving the Gift of Golf program at the annual meeting. Since the presentation August 17, IRGC has welcomed 5 new members. The value of this offering is fabulous and even more attractive to those taking advantage of it during If you missed the annual meeting, or the explaining the program, please ask for information. It is a wonderful offering. The Greenside Grille is now listed in the Restaurant Guide of Traverse City. This guide is available throughout northern Michigan, and is free advertising for our facility. The addition is a result of the good work of Larry Lutz. Chairperson: Candee Tucker Carol Freismuth, as head of the retention committee, has contacted some of IRGC s less active members, in an effort to understand their inactivity. By doing so, IRGC is making an effort to consider any concern our members may have. IRGC is considering a weekly blast with a list of easy to read upcoming events, followed by attached more detailed promotional flyers. It s hard to believe the season is coming to an end thank you so much to everyone who has made this year so enjoyable. Your kindness and friendship promote the benefits of an IRGC membership better than any program. It has been noted that many new patrons of The Greenside Grille, heard of the restaurant through the Trip Advisor website. This is again free advertising for the club. We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to take a few minutes and write a short review of the niceties of The Greenside Grille. We are not on main street and many visitors to the area do not know we are here. Indian River Golf Club Is Giving the Gift of Golf Greens And Grounds Our golf course has been a real pleasure to play this year. It certainly has looked wonderful. A special thank you goes out again to all of the families who have donated time and money to keep all of our flower beds looking so great. If any of them need fall clean up, please do what is needed. Also remember to take the name tiles in for the winter. If there is a problem with this, contact Vern Binder. Several fall projects will begin soon. They include some tree trimming, removal of one bunker on number one, the beginning of raising and leveling of some forward tees (yellow) starting on number twelve, and the normal fall clean up. Our course should be better than ever come spring. Sue Schultz, Chairperson There were interesting books donated by members on the shelves in the tournament room this summer. Thank you to the members who shared their reading material. At the end of the season, the books are donated to a charity which will be the Women s Resource Center this year. 5

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Team PAM won the Battle at the River by a score of 30 18 over team John Paul. After Saturday morning better ball, Team Pam held a slight lead over JP and his gang.

Sunday matches were hotly contested in the cold weather, but the end result was Team Pam running away with the victory.

6 EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Team PAM won the Battle at the River by a score of over team John Paul. After Saturday morning better ball, Team Pam held a slight lead over JP and his gang. Saturday afternoon s alternate shot format showed Team Pam stretching out the lead a little bit more. Sunday there were twenty four individual 18 hole matches-- so the final result was still in doubt. Sunday matches were hotly contested in the cold weather, but the end result was Team Pam running away with the victory. Team Pam was led by Jill Whitmore, Peggy Rappleye and Gary Freismuth winning all three of their matches. Team John Paul saw excellent play by several team members, most notably Karen Hamal and her inspiring tee shots. A great time was had by all and everyone defeated the weather! The teams came together for a raucous celebration in the Greenside Grille that, like the professional Ryder Cup teams, lasted until the wee hours of the night. 6

Social Committee Jerry Lesperance, Chairperson May, June, July, and August are past, and now it is already September. It has been a great summer at the club.

GET READY FOR THE FINAL MEMBER SCRAMBLE WITH THE INLAND LAKES BAND On Wednesday, September 24th we will SHOW OUR COLORS.

7 Social Committee Jerry Lesperance, Chairperson May, June, July, and August are past, and now it is already September. It has been a great summer at the club. The August Member scramble was a great success with the on-the-deck buffet and entertainment by Beach/King. But it ain t over! GET READY FOR THE FINAL MEMBER SCRAMBLE WITH THE INLAND LAKES BAND On Wednesday, September 24th we will SHOW OUR COLORS. At 3:25 the Inland Schools Pep Band will get us all warmed up for the nine hole competition. The scramble/kickoff will begin at 3:30 pm. Following golf, Pam and Chef John will prepare a tail gate buffet while we enjoy fight songs, etc., performed by your own talented friends. SIGN UP NOW IN THE PRO SHOP AND... don't forget about the upcoming events!!! Wednesday, October 1st: Member/Staff Scramble. Here's a chance to share an evening of fun with our staff and to let them know how much we appreciate their efforts. Sunday, October 12th: The Last Hurrah! Watch for more details posted in the clubhouse and sent via E-Blasts. Indian River Golf Club Presents: Art On The Green September 18, :00 to 6:00 PM Come to happy hour at the bar and enjoy the art show presented by the members of Indian River Golf Course. The arts are many and varied ranging from painting, to wood carving, to writing, to jewelry and more. Some items will be for pur- chase, but others are just to enjoy.,inforormation: Pam Kroeger at

8 Indian River Golf Club P.O. Box 428 Indian River, MI Officers: President: Craig Druskins Vice-President: Bruce Hunting Secretary: Bill Bray Treasurer: Suzanna Stump W E A R E ON T H E WEB! W W W. I N D I AN R IV E RG OL FCL U B. C O M Tee Times Restaurant Welcome to all IRGC members who enjoy a game of bridge. You are invited to play Duplicate Bridge on Tuesday at 6:00 pm (5 pm for dinner, if you can join the dinner crowd) and/or Party Bridge on Thursday. Come at noon for lunch and 1:00 for bridge Please call Margie Reh ( ) to sign up for Duplicate Bridge and Pat Stanton ( ) to sign up for Party Bridge. Sign up for one week or multiples. We always need and love new players. Non-members can also sign up for a minimal fee. The cost is $99 for the quarter (3 month bridge membership) or $5.00 guest fee per day. Call with questions. 8 Euchre Every 1st and 3rdThursday Join players for dinner at 5:00 PM Card play is from 6:30 to 8:00 PM Please call or Sue or Bob Schultz by noon on Wednesdays Mah Jongg play is Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:30+ PM. Beginners are welcome. To inquire about learning the game, contact Jessie McFadden at Remember to update your phone numbers, and addresses with the office, if there are any changes, or go on the member only page on the IRGC web site and update your info on the member profile page.

From the President, Craig Druskins

From the President, Craig Druskins July 15, 2014 Inside this issue: Manager s Report 2 Upcoming Events Treasurer s Notes Dear Members: With the 4th of July celebrations over, it is time to relax and enjoy