The Apawamis Digest Vol. 4 by Apawamis News

The Apawamis Club Digest

From the President

As the Club heads towards Fall, I wanted to reflect on some of the accomplishments and trends facing Apawamis.

As you know, we acquired the house at 6 Club Road earlier this summer and in August we rented the house to our first tenant. We expect the debt associated with this acquisition to be fully repaid in early June, 2027. I want to thank the team who helped make this acquisition possible and I appreciate the support of the membership around this purchase. The Board of Governors believes that this acquisition will be an important part of protecting a very valuable asset: our golf course. We also believe owning property in close proximity to our club house and golf course will be valuable for future members.

I wanted to reflect on the activity we saw on a recent weekend in early September where the Club smoothly and successfully hosted a variety of events and activities. On Friday, September 19 the Club hosted over 350 people who came to celebrate the incredible life of our beloved member Maryanne Bardwell Lynch. As I have noted before, our Club has become the place to reflect and honor dearly departed members. During the Saturday evening of that weekend, we had over 250 parents and children ‘sleep over’ and camp out on our 14th hole to enjoy the great outdoors in the waning days of summer. I had a 7:36 am tee time the following day and beyond the occasional popcorn kernel, you would not have known that this rite of passage for our kids had occurred the night before. We also had a sizeable member wedding and served an above average number of covers that same Saturday evening. I mention these events to marvel at the incredible activity of our Club and to recognize our staff for their professionalism and hard work. We appreciate the amazing execution and disciplined approach.

Our Club has gone through a period of remarkable transformation in recent years. With the completion of the upper and lower campus projects, the addition of the ice rink and golf simulators, and the opening of the new pool facility, members have more venues than ever to enjoy at Apawamis. We have also welcomed a new wave of younger families who are bringing fresh energy and shaping the evolving character of our community.

As we all adapt to this expanded campus and shifting member interests, we are seeing some natural changes in how the Club is used. Some of our seasonal events have experienced smaller turnouts compared to previous years, and dining patterns are also evolving. Industry experts note that broader lifestyle trends, including shifts in health and wellness habits, are modestly reducing overall demand. At the same time, members have shared how much they value the ease of securing tee times, dining reservations, and spots at signature events without the crowding we experienced during the post-Covid boom.

Looking ahead, these trends present an opportunity to refine our programming and facilities to better align with current members’ lifestyles. While certain events may be reimagined, our focus remains on ensuring that every occasion, large or small, enhances your experience at the Club. With the insight of our committees and the guidance of our management team, we will continue to make thoughtful adjustments designed to keep Apawamis vibrant, welcoming, and well-positioned for the future while also keeping an eye on optimizing our financial performance.

Sean Wallace Apawamis Club President

What’s Inside:

Page 2... Table of Contents & New Arrivals

Page 3... Team Apo Takes on NYC Marathon

Page 4... Junior Sports Camp Recap

Page 6... Picture This! The Holiday Guide Events Explained

Page 8... Sea to Fork: Summer Culinary Collaborations

Page 9... Tournament Recaps

Page 10.. Photos + Looking Ahead

Celebrating the newest members of the Apawamis community. Have a new addiiton to your family? Email communications@apawamis.org be included in the next edition

Beau Brooke Alexander and Kelly Brooke would like to welcome the newest addition to their family! Born March 23, 2025.

Mackenzie Montgomery Gerrish James and Hadley Gerrish are proud to announce the birth of their second daughter, Mackenzie, born July 3, 2025.

Virginia Rosemary Melnick James and Kassie Melnick are excited to share the birth of their daughter born August 25, 2025.

Why We Run: Team Apo Takes on the NYC Marathon

This November, several staff members will lace up their sneakers and take on the legendary NYC Marathon—not just for the challenge, but for a cause close to our hearts. Running as part of Team Apo, they’re raising money and awareness for the Organization for Autism Research, each with their own personal motivation. We asked them a simple question: Why are you running the marathon? Here’s what they had to say.

Mike O’Neil, Pool Director

“Running the NYC Marathon has always been on my bucket list. When I learned that Apawamis has a team dedicated to running and raising money for Autism, it was an easy decision to join. As a teacher with two special education certifications, this cause is especially meaningful to me and felt like the perfect fit”

Kyle Schutte-Bell, Facilities Manager

“I run because it gives me purpose beyond myself. I never truly understood autism until I met my wife, Ashley and saw the incredible work she does with her students and families. Through OAR, I’ve met parents who’ve shared their stories—full of resilience, hope and the need for lasting support.

Running is my way to raise awareness, support Ashley’s mission and help build a future where every family has the resources they need. OAR walks with them through school, college and beyond. I run to honor that journey.”

Stephanie Leo, Pool House Manager

“I never thought I would be running a marathon, but the Organization for Autism Research is dear to me from a family perspective and who doesn’t want to learn they can run 26 and a half miles without dying!”

Manuel Rodriguez, Assistant General Manager

“After missing the NYC 2024 marathon with an injury that didn’t allow me to run, I’m just 3 weeks away from my 5th marathon and first-time running Chicago. Every mile of training has led to this moment — failing to prepare is preparing to fail. I’m ready to finish Apo strong!”

You can scan the QR code to read more from Team Apo, see the full roster, and support them by donating

Junior Sports Camp 2025 Recap

By Chris Lockwood, Junior Sports Director

It is my pleasure to report that the 2025 Junior Sports Camp season was a tremendous success. Our enrollment has never been higher, and our program offerings continue to grow and improve each year. This would not be possible without the cooperation and dedication of all departments, whose efforts allow us to consistently provide the highest level of programming for the Apawamis children.

The Junior Sports Camp philosophy centers on exposing campers to all that Apawamis has to offer while helping them build lasting friendships. At the same time, we take pride in offering high-level instruction along the way—a hallmark that sets us apart from other camps. Striking the right balance is key: learning through fun and play while also instilling important values. Competition, respect for opponents, winning and losing with grace, and representing oneself, one’s family, and one’s club with pride are principles upheld by every department. These attitudes are contagious, inspiring our campers to greet each new day with optimism and excitement.

As part of our end-of-year celebration, we take time to recognize a select group of campers with special awards. These honors highlight the spirit and character that define our camp community.

The Rob Castagna Team Spirit Award: In Rob’s 15 years, spirit is what exemplified this man. His drive and dedication to this Junior Sports Team, is what made the program we all enjoy right now. This requires

leadership, participation, enthusiasm, good sportsmanship, encouragement of teammates, and team spirit; all of the attributes of Rob Castagna.

Heart and Soul Award: The Heart and Soul award is named in honor of one of our former Junior Sport campers, Billy Smeal.

Billy was a remarkable camper who loved being a part of the Junior. Sports Program. He is remembered as being an outgoing, curious, quick-witted camper with great optimism and a bright outlook. It is those qualities that make working at camp fun for me and my team and your counselors. The recipients of this award embody these same principles through their time at

Girls: Morgan Zolman (not pictured), Mirabelle Chen, Lila Petty, Claire Vinci

Boys: Ethan Burke, Tuck Richardson Colin Pemberton, Griffin Keogh

Junior Sports Camp. These two campers find joy in every camp experience, appreciate every opportunity they have at Apawamis, and love sharing it with their fellow campers. When they arrive in the morning and when they leave in the afternoon their smiles are infectious. This year’s Heart and Soul Award is presented to Nicholas Oleson and Nell Reuter.

Mr. John W. Ferguson Award: This is our most distinguished award and is awarded in the memory of Mr. Ferguson who was a member of the original Junior Sports Committee back in 1988. He and his team designed the idea of a summer sports camp that allowed the children of Apawamis to enjoy all of the sports the club has to offer. Mr. Ferguson was a fine athlete who recognized the value of trying one’s best to achieve a goal. Peter Briggs tells me that Mr. Ferguson was not always the best athlete on the court or course but he was just in love with being a part of the club. He most remembers that his goal was not always to win but having the opportunity to experience so much. This award recognizes a boy and a girl who the staff agrees is easy to work with, gets along well with peers and staff, is looked up to by peers, encourages others, is polite, self-motivated, contributes to the groups’ goals, is well-rounded, and tries his or her best in all activities. This year’s John W. Ferguson Award winners are Ryder Mates and Paige Morrison.

You can see more photos from 2025 Junior Sports Camp by visiting our website or by scanning the QR code!

Halloween Monster Bash

Walk into a Clubhouse transformed for tricks and treats. You hear distant playful screams from the haunted house, feel the chill of the hayride, and spot glowing candy stations. Music keeps the energy alive, blending spooky thrills with festive fun.

Holiday Wreath Making Party

You settle in with light bites and a glass of wine as the scent of pine fills the room. Guided by a floral expert, you and your friends craft a wreath and leave with both your creation and the warmth of a festive evening.

Children’s Christmas Party

You watch your children’s eyes light up as they journey through the North Pole with their North Pole Passport. Collecting stamps as you traverse a wonderland filled with games, crafts, and holiday surprises that bring the magic of Christmas to life.

Gingerbread Brunch

You enjoy a festive brunch while your family decorates a gingerbread house. Sweet treats, laughter, a visit from Santa, and handson fun make this tradition one to treasure each year.

As we look ahead to the end of the year and holiday season, we want you to feel the energy of our biggest events before you even step through the doors. To do this, we asked our Events & Catering Manager, Samantha Joffe to capture the spirit of each occasion in a “picture this” style—inviting you to imagine the atmosphere, the sights, the sounds, and the moments waiting to be made.

Dueling Pianos

You sit at a lowlight table as the ballroom feels like a jazz lounge, joining a buzzing crowd as two pianists duel for your applause. Your requests spark humor, flair, and mischief, and laughter sweeps you into the rhythm of the night.

Candlelight Dinner

You and your partner enter a dining room aglow with candlelight. Soft live music drifts through the air as you savor each course our chefs have prepared for you and enjoy the intimacy of an elegant adults-only evening.

Christmas Ball

You step into an evening of holiday grandeur. Dinner leads to dancing and dazzling live entertainment, surrounding you with elegance and seasonal cheer as you and your friends celebrate an incredible year at the Club.

Christmas Eve Dinner

You gather for a festive dinner as carolers sing the classics you love. Every detail fills you with the warmth and joy only Christmas Eve can bring.

From the Bar: Fall Beverage Spotlight & Outlook

By: John ‘Bones’ Schultz Jr.

As the air cools and the leaves change, our beverage program shifts with the season. We’re moving away from light, crisp summer flavors and leaning into drinks with more depth, spice, and character that feel right for fall.

Wines for the Season

This is the time to enjoy wines with a little more weight. Chardonnay with oak, Rhône blends that balance fruit and spice, and Cabernets that can stand up to heartier food all fit the season. These bottles are less about refreshment and more about timing, mood, and pairing.

Spotlight: Knights Bridge

One of the best new additions to our list, Knights Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley delivers bold dark fruit with polished tannins. It hits the sweet spot between California richness and classic structure.

Beer & Cider

Fall is when beer and cider really shine. Lighter summer lagers give way to richer styles with more body and character. Expect malty Oktoberfests, spiced pumpkin ales, and darker brews that feel right as the weather cools down. Alongside these, we’re also featuring crisp hard ciders that bring the flavors of apples and pears into the glass, a natural fit for the season. Together, these options round out our fall beverage program and give members an easy way to celebrate the season pint by pint.

Cocktail Spotlights

Our cocktail program this fall is all about fresh, house-made ingredients. The only thing we buy is the base spirit. Everything else, from the pear syrup to the peach foam, is made in-house with seasonal produce.

Every Saturday in October and November from 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. in the Club Room, we’ll put the spotlight on cocktails from our seasonal list. Drinks like the September Rain with Grey Goose Poire and house pear syrup, and the Peach Fizz with Aviation Gin, Chardonnay, and peach syrup, are meant to showcase fall flavors in a glass.

Bottle Drops

Each Thursday we’ll roll out our Bottle Drop list. It’s a rotating selection of themed wines at a special price. This is how we highlight seasonal favorites, bring in future by-the-glass options, and move through bottles that deserve to be discovered. Expect everything from boutique California producers to finds from France, Spain, and Romania.

Blitz Beer Buckets

Sundays at the Club now mean football, wings, and Blitz Beer Buckets. For $18, the same as the number of games in the season, you’ll get a bucket of 6 random beers. It’s a fun mix every time and the perfect pairing with All-You-Can-Eat Wings.

Looking Ahead

Fall is about discovery. Whether it’s a seasonal cocktail, a thoughtful glass of wine, or a surprise beer bucket, our goal is to make sure what’s in your glass feels right for the season and elevates your time at the Club.

From Sea to Fork: Inside Apawamis’ Summer ‘25 Kitchen Collaborations

By: Chef Rickford Ryan Foo.

This summer, our kitchen staff worked dilligently so Apawamis members could enjoy a quartet of culinary programs showcasing the very best of the sea and of the season. I wanted to take a minute to highlight these efforts.

Our Oyster Program, sourced through Invictus Oyster Company out of Long Island, featured handshucked oysters with a clean, briny flavor, subtle mineral notes, and a hint of sweetness — a true taste of the region. The program was a standout at the pool area and our “Buck-a-Shuck” Oyster Nights offered a lively, interactive experience. In addition to oysters, our rotating selections of clams and tinned fish, sourced from Island Creek Oyster Company, highlight distinct regions, including Spain, Portugal, New Brunswick, Canada, and Prince Edward Island, giving members a global taste experience.

The Caviar Program featured Kaluga caviar from Tbilisi, Georgia, with its rich, buttery texture and delicate, nutty flavor. Each batch is private-labeled and carefully packed for Apawamis, ensuring an elegant presentation and peak freshness.

Our Fresh Lobster Program, sourced from New England’s finest purveyors, presented lobster at its peak in a variety of forms from butter-bathed classics to lighter seasonal preparations. In August, we hosted a specialty “Lobster Wednesdays” during which, an additional 30–40 lobsters were served each night, This helped contribute to an incredibly successful summer for our lobster program. Where we averaged about 200 lobsters per month, and over 500 for the month of August.

Starting late this past summer, we began sourcing fresh fish from Honolulu Seafood Company. This allowed us to begin featuring overnight-flown fish directly from the pristine waters of the Hawaiian Pacific Ocean. From this members enjoyed vibrant, flavorful selections that brought the taste of the Hawaiian Islands straight to the Apawamis table through our specials and sushi menu.