Message from the President: February, 2018

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1 EACC NEWS East Aurora Country Club Member Newsletter February, 2018 Board of Directors Doug Marky President Jay Hoagland Vice President Human Resource Chair Golf Co-Chair Dave Finn Treasurer Finance Co-Chair Matt Hasselback Secretary House Co-Chair Membership Co-Chair John Holder Membership Chairman John McKenna Message from the President: February, 2018 It looks like our January roller coaster weather is going to carry over into February. Some of our January days, and nights, have certainly seemed like the dead of winter with snow and temperatures at times below zero. On the other hand, we have had quite a few days with afternoon temperatures in the 40 s and 50 s. As I write this, on January 28 th, our lawn has re-appeared, and the temperature is in the mid 40 s. We will have our first Board meeting of the year next Tuesday, the 30 th. Among many other things, we will focus on membership. At this point, our golf membership is at 216, 15 more than at this time last year. Our pro, Dave Jones, and John Holder, our membership chairman, and the membership committee, have been doing a great job in this regard. The Board has decided to continue our aggressive membership initiative, as membership is a major key to our continued success. Of course, we can all assist in identifying potential new members, individual and corporate, and be rewarded with credits in the process. Although the clubhouse has been closed in January, as usual, there has been a lot of activity in the House manager s office at the top of the stairs. Our new House manager, Eric, has spent a tremendous amount of time sorting and cleaning all of the accumulated stuff in the office. The old flooring was replaced and the walls have been painted. Please stop by and take a look and introduce yourself to Eric, if you have not met him yet. Continued on Page 2 Golf Chairman Frank Trzepkowski House Chairman Audit Chairman Rick Dean Grounds Co-Chair Membership Co-Chair Mark Melas Grounds Chairman Audit Co-Chair Upcoming Events (Reservations Required) Feb. 1 Meet and Greet new Club House Manager 1/2 price bottles and glasses of wine. Feb. 10 Closed lunch, private party. Dinner service starts at 5:30pm East Aurora Country Club Bowling dinner, 7pm Feb. 11 Closed Mercedes Benz Club Valentine's brunch. Feb. 14 Valentine's Day. $75 per person menu, 4 courses, cocktails, and more! Feb. 15 Closed Lunch for M&T luncheon. Feb. 24 Closed lunch, private party. Dinner service starts at 6pm Club Hours Sunday-Closed Monday-Closed Tuesday-Closed Wednesday-Wine Down 4-8pm Thursday-Dinner 4-8pm Friday-11-8pm Saturday-11-8pm Girdle Road, East Aurora, NY

2 Message from the President: February, 2018 Please remember the clubhouse will re-open on Thursday, February 1 st with an opportunity to meet Eric. The first Wine Down Wednesday will be February 7 th, and we will have a special Valentine s Dinner on the 14 th. The menu options look great!! Please make a reservation if you plan to attend the dinner. Let s have a great year at EACC in 2018!!!! Doug Marky, President The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done. Arnold Palmer IJM Update February, 2018 The International Junior Masters and Saddlebrook Preparatory School and Resort are pleased to announce the formation of a partnership to promote junior golf opportunities for our EACC juniors, IJM participants and Saddlebrook Prep students. Saddlebrook Prep, located northeast of Tampa, FL is a fully accredited college preparatory school catering to students from Grade 3 to Grade 12. Its primary focus is on children interested in pursuing golf or tennis scholarship opportunities. Children attend classes in the morning and are coached on the premises in the afternoon. There are two Arnold Palmer courses and 45 tennis courts on the property. There is also housing for the students attending the school. Saddlebrook is also a vacation resort. There are hundreds of well-appointed apartment units on site along with restaurants and pro shops. All facilities are within walking distance. It is an ideal destination for a golf vacation, or to tailor a program of golf instruction, fitness and play. The staff at Saddlebrook will assist in designing a plan that fits your needs. Several EACC junior members have taken advantage of the benefits that Saddlebrook offers. If you would like further information on this exciting new IJM partner please contact Paul O Brien. You can also visit their website at or contact Dave Allibone at dallibone@saddlebrook.com. Jeff Kamien Tournament Director 2

3 News from the Golf Shop: Dear Member, Having just returned from my annual trip to the PGA show, I fully understand why folks head south for some, or all of our Buffalo winters! It is a nice break for sure. It also reminds me of why we choose WNY as our home. The remaining 8 months are special here! The show was successful once again and there was a certain buzz surrounding the business and game of golf. Not like I ve seen in the last few years. I successfully placed most, if not all the shop orders and I think you will be impressed with your selections. Again, if there is anything you would like to see and haven t, please send me an and I can either try to get it, or explain why we can t. It s our continual goal to provide you with the high-quality product that you desire. The calendar is up and online. I m sure you will be impressed with the new format. It allows you the option for multiple views as well as explanations and descriptions of each event at the club. No more days of wondering what time things are taking place, or the format of the event. It s now all there at your fingertips. It is a new view, so please be patient and try it out a few times. Like all things, change can be frustrating at first. Our membership remains strong through the winter and we are poised to have another successful season. We are starting the season 15 members ahead of last year at this point with the goal of adding a similar number to last season. We have already had a few inquiries. (That doesn t happen too often in January) Our goal can t be attained without your support. Our aggressive promotion not only rewards the new member, but also the referring member. Everybody wins! It s as easy as giving me their information and I will handle the rest. As always, it is our goal to again sell out each of our events and keep you as informed as possible as to the sign-up dates and deadlines as well as the pricing and formats. (Please see the calendar on our website) I m around if anyone would like to catch a bite or a beverage before the season begins as long as I m not at a soccer or lacrosse game! Best, Dave PGA Head Professional Support the Club and the Newsletter by submitting articles and pictures to: Judy Smith at: dajusmith@roadrunner.com 3

4 Clubhouse News Winter's Almost Over! Grounds With Drew We have some changes that we are very excited about. First, Starting Friday, February 2, we will be offering a new wine list. It features a great variety of well known wines from across the country and across the globe. We wanted to make a fun, accessible list with enough variety to please everyone. Valentine's Day will be a very special occasion for us this year. Please join us for this great night, reservations are required, and they should fill up quickly. Wine down Wednesdays will continue throughout February, with the exception of February 14, Valentine's Day. Thanks again, and I look forward to meeting all of you soon! Eric Kanner Clubhouse Manager The temperature roller coaster continues, and the course is hanging in there. We have had a few snow melt events, and everything looks pretty good to this point in the winter. We have been busy this winter preparing for the upcoming season. Tree work, equipment maintenance and refurbishment of golf course accessories are all taking place. And, of course, we ve had to plow some snow as well. Lastly, I d like to introduce Matt Borowiec as our new Assistant Superintendent. Matt comes to EACC from Wanakah CC and has been in the green industry for many years. Matt and his wife Sarah are Western NY natives. Sarah is a school teacher and they have four daughters ranging from 3-9 years old. Welcome Matt! Drew Thompson, CGCS House News with Eric Welcome to the beginning of a very exciting season! I am very honored and humbled to have been chosen to manage the Club House here at the East Aurora Country Club. My background is in restaurant management, with a focus on front of the house staff, inventory, and customer service. I have over 20 years of experience working in the hospitality sector, which I am very excited to bring with me to the club. The past eight years were spent managing the popular restaurant in downtown Buffalo, Seabar. During my time there, I worked very closely with accomplished Chef, Mike Andrejewski, and his culinary team to deliver the highest quality dining experience. The years spent under his tutelage and maintaining excellent customer relations come with me as I venture into this very new and exciting chapter in my life at the East Aurora Country Club. My goal is to breathe fresh life into the Club House and continue providing excellent customer relations with all the members and their guests. February is shaping up to be a busy first month for us! I am thrilled to be offering a special Valentine s Day menu on Wednesday, February 14 th. The menu will include four courses, special cocktails, intermezzo, and more for $75 per person. Finally, we have some events already booked for February, such as hosting a brunch for the Mercedes Benz Club on Sunday, February 11 th. I would like to thank everyone I have met and worked with during the month of January to help this transition go as smoothly as possible. Special thanks to Doug Marky, Rudy Rushmann, David Jones, Drew Thompson, Frankie Cassillo, and Patrick Farrell. They have been instrumental in showing me the ropes and my way around the club. The passion they have for this club is apparent and contagious, and I am so grateful for their help. I look forward to meeting everyone on February 1 st, and please feel free to visit me or call anytime. Eric Kanner, Clubhouse Manager 4

5 Valentine s Day Wednesday, February 14, 4:30-8:00pm Reservations required, $75.00 per person, includes: Valentine s Day Signature cocktail Amuse Bouche First Course, choice: Oysters, champagne mignonette Beef Carpaccio, arugula, capers, shaved Romano Fresh Figs, gorgonzola stuffed, wrapped in prosciutto Lobster Bisque, sherry cream Salad Course, choice: Caesar, romaine, house croutons Simple, mixed greens, balsamic vinaigrette Roasted Beets, blue cheese crumbles, toasted walnuts Wedge, blue cheese dressing, bacon Intermezzo Entrée, choice: Filet Mignon, port wine reduction, mashed potatoes, asparagus Seabass, scampi, shrimp, spinach Lobster Tail, herbed mashed potatoes, watercress, herb oil Chicken Breast Puffed Pastry, stuffed with red peppers, basil, provolone, voloute Scallops, savory crepes, herb mascarpone, asparagus Dessert, choice: Lemon Tart, berries, phyllo dough pastry Cinnamon Ice Cream Crème Brule, vanilla bean Chocolate Mouse, cherries 5

6 18 HOLE GOLF NEWS As we look out our windows at the snow, we can take heart, that we could be playing golf at EACC in two short months. Opening day for the 18 hole league is scheduled for Tuesday April 9am. We would like to encourage as many members as possible to join us this year. We focus on getting to know and play with different members from our club. Each week we play a different game, play in groups of three, and play with different members. Our competition is low key. Golfing every week is not mandatory, players come when they can. Please call the pro shop and let them know by Sunday at 5pm. We look forward to seeing returning members, and hope others will consider joining us. If you are a new member, love the game of golf, look to meet members and enjoy the camaraderie of the game, we would love to have you join us. Just let Sally know in the business office, the yearly dues are $45. Any questions please call me at (912) or rtird99@aol.com. Rita Szczerbowski- 18 Hole Chairperson. News from Ladies' 9-Hole League February, 2018 Hello Everyone! Even though the weather keeps teasing us with a combination of Winter and Spring, we know Golf Season is coming soon. We invite all the women of our club to come out this year and join us on Thursday mornings. We are a fun, non-competitive league appropriate for the new beginner as well as the cagey veteran. Our league begins on Thursday April 12 and runs through the end of September. We play 9 holes each week, with various formats and different foursome match-ups. It s a great way to meet new people and improve your game! The league fee is $40 for the season. For more information contact Lisa Bonaventura or Caryn Bartnik. Hope to see you soon. Lisa Bonaventura, 9 Hole Chairperson 6

7 Notes from the Golf Committee: Although it is mid-winter I suspect a lot of us are sneaking over to the golf dome, confirming which way our house slants by putting in the basement and/or plotting a trip south. Drew advises that the course is coming through the frozen months in good shape and that a bit more of the Master Plan advances should become apparent in the Spring. Looking back on 2017 It seemed that all of the leagues/programs/tournaments had growing participation and a generally positive vibe. Membership continues to tick upwards and we should all strive to embrace EACC s reputation as a friendly and welcoming club. I recall that when I joined it took a couple years to figure out when/where/how to sign up for something or who to talk to. We are extremely fortunate to have Dave Jones, our Head Pro, along with Kevin and Brandon who are always there willing to direct traffic and get you signed up in the right place. The website has recently been updated and we are keen to continually improve communication. Some of our events/tournaments were oversubscribed in 2017 which in general is a good thing but did cause some frustration for those shut out. We also had a few no-shows and late drop-outs which caused havoc for Dave and his team in scheduling the event and is unfair to those who were late to sign up. Given this, we are instituting a Non-Refundable Deposit policy for the following Men s events: Event: Tulip Tournament Lobster Stag Men s Invitational Lobster Stag. Harvest Tournament Date: May 18-19th May 23rd July 20-21st August 22nd Sept 7th -8th The amount of the deposit and details of the policy will be published on the website and available at the Pro-shop when signing up for the events. One of the great benefits of having a golfing membership at EACC, although somewhat underutilized, is our reciprocal golfing privileges at some great courses. We typically have free golf privileges, but must take/pay for the golf cart, and are encouraged to visit the Pro-shop and Bar/Dining Room when available. The list of clubs is growing and is published in the EACC directory and on the website. At the end of 2017 we managed to add Cherry Hill and Lookout Point, both excellent courses just over the border in Ontario. Thanks to John Kozma and Tom Manko for organizing Lookout Point and Vic Dunn and Paul O Brien for signing up Cherry Hill. Remember to book your outing at least a week in advance through Dave s team in the Pro-shop, they do a great job organizing everything. Please start thinking about getting your 2018 golf calendar in order. The Opening Day Swat is scheduled for Saturday April 14th, rain date the following Saturday. All members from juniors to men/ladies to Mulligans are encouraged to play and bring a prospective member as well. Sign up through the Pro-shop beforehand - Dave and team will find the right group for you. Also on the early season docket is a new event scheduled for Juniors/Seniors on June 2nd - keep an eye out for further details. Well that s it from here - make sure that range of motion hasn t gotten too out of whack and that you are ready to go in a month or two. Hope to see everyone soon. Respectfully Submitted, John McKenna EACC Golf Committee 7

EACC Social Bowling Come join us for some fun and socializing. Get to know other club members. Bowling is open to everyone, members, guests, couples or singles.

8 EACC Social Bowling Come join us for some fun and socializing. Get to know other club members. Bowling is open to everyone, members, guests, couples or singles. You can bowl one month, two months or every month, you pick the dates. Bowling is at the 11th Frame (formerly known as Victoria Lanes), 206 Main St. East Aurora at 4:00 PM. On the following dates: Saturday February 10 Saturday March 10 Dinner, if you are interested, will be at the Club following bowling. To sign up for February please or or sign up at the club by Wednesday, February 7th If you need further information please contact: Jack & Mary Hinners ( ) or Dave & Judy Smith ( ) 8

9 MULLIGAN'S SNEWS JANUARY 31st ~ 2018 Characters.. with Four Wheel Drive & Snow Shoes! Hi All.... Goodbye January.... While the Clubhouse was closed in preparation for the new 2018 season, Mulligans met all month long at Wallenwein's Hotel in East Aurora. This past Friday, we had thirteen in attendance for our last luncheon away from the Club. The following is a list of the guys who braved Winter's nasty grip to gather for fellowship, a few brews and some tasty food. Paul Babbitt, James F. Collins, John Hasselback, Dick Hillegas, Jack Hinners, Phil Kadet, Gene Lavis, Bruce MacKellar, President ~ Doug Marky, Dan McCaffrey, George Radka, Dave Smith and Floyd Smith! We will resume our Friday lunch meetings at the EACC Clubhouse starting Friday, February 2nd, 2018 at 11:30 AM - that's at: 300 Girdle Road East Aurora, NY I've included the address for those snow birds as a reminder to send your post cards so you're not forgotten. Lotto News ~ Starting a new year and a clean slate. After the first four weeks we have invested $85 and our return has been $10. We Keep trying! There's excitement in the mid winter air here at EACC. The First day of February will begin with a meet and greet with Eric Kanner our new club manager. Friday Mulliagan lunches and for Valentines Day a special dinner announced with a glorious menu planned. Springtime is nearer ~ one month and three weeks away ~ Enjoy February and stay warm! Regards ~ John Hasselback 9

10 Women s Board February Newsletter Ladies Mark Your Calendars! Planning is underway for our annual Lucky Ladies Night on Thursday, May 10 th. Lucky Ladies Night is our major fundraiser of the year that helps us contribute to various enhancements around the club. This has always been a fun evening with both silent and Chinese Auctions, a wonderful dinner and quality time with friends. We will begin selling split club tickets in the bar area in the upcoming weeks. We are continuing to plan other events to take us into the summer months. Back by popular demand, Mary Kamien has agreed to host another Flower Power event. In collaboration with the 9 & 18 Hole Women s Leagues we are also hosting a Ladies Mixer on Sunday, May 6 th. More details to follow so keep an eye out for blasts and future newsletters! We are looking forward to what the 2018 season has in store and hope you are too! Emily Obrist Women s Board President Support the Club and the Newsletter by submitting articles and pictures to: Judy Smith at: dajusmith@roadrunner.com 10

6:00 pm. 7:00 pm Shrimp Cocktail She Crab Soup Salad Surf & Turf Gourmet Dessert Bar. Followed by Music and Dancing

6:00 pm. 7:00 pm Shrimp Cocktail She Crab Soup Salad Surf & Turf Gourmet Dessert Bar. Followed by Music and Dancing EACC NEWS East Aurora Country Club Member Newsletter November, 2018 Board of Directors Message from the President: November, 2018 Doug Marky President Jay Hoagland Vice President Human Resource Chair Golf