Cat Tales December 2012

DECEMBER 2012

FAREWELL, JASON MARCINIEC REARRANGE YOUR TENNIS PRIORITIES CHEF TOM'S BALSAMIC DRESSING

TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO GIVE THEIR FAMILY A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES!

JOIN THIS FALL/WINTER & Cattail Creek Country Club

YOUR DECEMBER, JANUARY, & FEBRUARY

D U E S A R E free

free dues

SPECIAL*

CURRENT INITIATION SPECIALS

($5,000 golf / $1,000 social)

FIRMLY CONCLUDE

DECEMBER 31 ST ,2012

initiation fees

RISE BEGINNING JAN. 1, 2013

Golf initiation increases by an additional $250 each month in 2013, and Social initiation by $125 each month.

JOIN EARLY AND

SAVE MONEY

*An initial membership commitment through the 2014 year is associated with the Special.

Lynn Slupski, Membership Marketing Director | lynn@cattailcreekcc.com | 410.489.4653 ext. 233 CAT TALES

� December 2012

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tom Cole, President | gtcole1@gmail.com Dick Lombardo,Vice President | dlombardo@harkinsbuilders.com Gary Garofalo, Treasurer | ggarofalo@harkinsbuilders.com Howard Feldman, Secretary | howard.feldman@cfmktg.com Andy Wilson, Past President | andy@lighthousefinancialadvisors.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tim Reid Shaun Eddy Seth Lee Steve Schrenk Mike Jack Jim Scalley Cheryl Guth John Jorgenson

Leadership MANAGEMENT Joe Fulco, CCM, CCE General Manager joseph.fulco@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 231 Bob Wampler, PGA Head Golf Professional bob@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 222 Nic Flickinger, PGA First Assistant Golf Professional nic.flickinger@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 223 Joe Mattingly Director of Tennis joe.mattingly@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 235 Tim Halter Head Tennis Professional tim.halter@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 235 Julie Seanez Tennis Pro Shop Manager julie.seanez@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 235 Chris Harriman Golf Course Superintendent chris@cattailcreekcc.com 410.489.9178 Kim Kordon Controller kim.kordon@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 232

Christine Callahan

Tom Caswell Executive Chef tom.caswell@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 246

COMMITTEES

Scott Lockwood Clubhouse Manager scott.lockwood@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 234

Golf - Howard Feldman howard.feldman@cfmktg.com Junior Golf - Scott Segrist ssegrist@cfmortgagecorp.com Greens - John Jorgenson john@jjorgenson.com Tennis - Christine Callahan christinecallahan@msn.com Membership - Andy Wilson andy@lighthousewlth.com Compensation Committee - Seth Lee jssglenwood@verizon.net Audit Committee - Shaun Eddy seddy@swealth.com

Justin Passero Dining Room Manager justin.passero@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 396 Rob Anderson Facility Engineer rob.anderson@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 247 Lynn Slupski Membership/Marketing Director lynn@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 233 Carey Ward Communications Director carey@cattailcreekcc.com ext. 241

Finance - Gary Garofalo ggarofalo@harkinsbuilders.com Facilities - Rick Pundzak rick@careysales.com House - Steve Schrenk sschrenk@eqrworld.com

CLUB PHONE NUMBERS Main Clubhouse 410.489.4653

Swim Team - Lisa Noss lap0811@yahoo.com

Golf Shop 410.489.5224

CCWGA - Amy Caro ajkingmd@verizon.net

Green Department 410.489.9178

CCWTA - Jodi Lahmann robertlahmann@@hotmail.com

Tennis Pro Shop 410.989.3683

CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS:

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Clubhouse UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS MARTINI OF THE MONTH CHEF TOM'S BALSAMIC DRESSING RECIPE

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Membership WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! A LETTER FROM LYNN

11

Golf BUNKER TO BUNKER

WEBSITE POLL: This month, we're gauging interest in a Father-Daughter dance. Click here to cast your vote!

GOLF SHOP NEWS: HOLIDAY SHOPPING RICKY’S TIP - FLIGHTSCOPE

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Tennis NOTE FROM JOE MATTINGLY, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS USTA NEWS HOLIDAY DEALS IN THE PRO SHOP

FEATURES:

9. TOP 10 HOLIDAY GIFT PICKS LYNN SLUPSKI & CAREY WARD

11. FAREWELL, JASON MARCINIEC A LETTER TO THE MEMBERSHIP

14. GREEN REPORT CHRIS HARRIMAN, GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

Click here to submit a comment to our new digital suggestion box!

This icon will appear continuously on the left sidebar of our website.

18. REARRANGING PRIORITIES TIM HALTER, HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

on the cover: Rich and Richie Abruscato, & John and Hayden Mikk, enjoying the beautiful weather for golfing during the Superintendent's Revenge tournament on Saturday, November 10.

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CAT TALES

� December 2012

Dear Member, The holidays are here, and the Club is looking very festive! Last Monday, the staff worked very hard to decorate the Club for the holiday season. The end result looks fantastic and set the mood for another outstanding month.

Many of our Club functions are near capacity; please do not wait to make your online reservations. Please take time to read this newsletter, view our website, and pay close attention to the updates you will receive this month by email and on Facebook.

Most importantly, consider bringing an unwrapped gift to place under our Giving Tree for Toys for Tots. Thanks goes out to Carey Ward, our new Communications Director, for keeping the Membership up to date on all of our holiday event details.

General Manager's Update

I would like the Membership to join me in welcoming Bob Wampler to the Club as our new Head Golf Professional. Bob will be making the transition to Cattail Creek from Philadelphia sometime in January when he assumes this position full time.

During this time of transition, Nic Flickinger will be overseeing the golf operation. Keep the Golf Shop in mind when doing your holiday shopping; we have some great merchandise on sale.

Our Golf Course remains open this month, and with the mild temperatures, many Members have been able to play golf recently.

Also remember, our indoor Learning Center is open, so if the weather seems too cold, rainy or windy, you still have the option to come out to hit some range balls or to take a golf lesson in our state-of-the-art teaching facility.

I have good news on the tennis front; we are now under contract and working on building the new Hartru tennis courts we have waited so long for. We expect to complete all the grading, fence installations, and crush stone foundation before the springtime. We will then have seven great tennis courts! I will continue to update you on this project; look out for pictures of our progress! I want to thank you for your patience, as it has surely been a challenge to obtain the necessary permits to build the courts.

Please remember to bring an unwrapped gift or two to place under our Giving Tree throughout the month of December.

We are collecting toys to donate to Toys for Tots to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas.

EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY FUND The Club’s staff works hard every year to ensure a positive experience for our Members. A $50 contribution to the Employee Holiday Fund, will be shown on your December statement. You may adjust the fee, or as many Members do, increase the donation.This holiday fund is distributed to all staff, including those who work behind the scenes to provide you with great service, such as dishwashers, bussing staff, pool café staff, accounting personnel, greens staff, bag room and locker room attendants & housekeepers.

If you would like to increase your holiday fund contribution, please contact Kim Kordon, Controller at kim.kordon@ cattailcreekcc.com or 410.489.4653 ext. 232

The management team has been extremely busy preparing the 2013 operational and capital budgets. We are currently putting together the social calendar with the House Committee and planning another fun year for you. We are also improving staff training in every department. In 2012, service improvements were made in the golf operation under Jason Marciniec’s leadership.

Chris Harriman had an outstanding season as our Golf Course remained in tip-top shape. Our membership drive delivered a record number of new Members, and the Restaurant had a banner year with food & beverage sales nearing the $2 million dollar mark. We cannot wait until 2013 for the opportunity to once again serve our membership.

I would like to thank every Member for contributing to this year’s holiday fund. The staff truly appreciates your generosity and the donations will be distributed to them later this month.

I wish every Member a safe and happy holiday season!

Joe Fulco, CCM, CCE General Manager 4

Hanukkah Dinner Specials Wednesday 12/12, Thursday 12/13, Friday 12/14 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Reservations for parties of up to 14 accepted online.

For larger parties, contact the Club.

Appetizers Potato Pancakes (Latkas) $7 Pan Seared Potato Pancakes, Homemade Apple Sauce, Chive and Apple Salad Red Cabbage Salad $6 Crunchy Red Cabbage, Dried Cranberries, Toasted Pecans, Apple, Green Onion, Citrus Dill Dressing Spiced Carrot and Pear Soup $5 with Mint Relish Dessert

EntrĂŠes Braised Beef Brisket $22 Herb Fingerling Potatoes, French Beans, Red Wine Reduction Herb Encrusted Salmon $25 Grilled Herb Salmon, Lemon-Truffle Cous-Cous, Baby Carrots, French Beans, Lemon-Chive Sauce Roasted Chicken Breast $16 Roasted French Chicken Breast, Baby Carrots, Napa Cabbage, Garlic, Lemon, Fingerling Potatoes

Sufganiots $6 Cheese Blintzes Served with Honey $5

CAT TALES

ďż˝ December 2012

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Clubhouse

Kid Zone Winter Hours

The Cattail Creek Kid Zone offers shortterm babysitting while a parent is on the Club premises. It is located on the lower level of the Clubhouse. You can view complete details about the Kid Zone on our website. Kids are not permitted in the Kid Zone except when a babysitter is present.

The Kid Zone is available for kids ages 3-12 who are potty-trained. Registration is required online (on the Club website), in advance.

HOURS OF OPERATION: Wednesday 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

RATES: $8 child/hour and $4 sibling/hour.

For day-of reservations: $10 child/hour and $5 sibling/hour

JANUARY EVENTS

DECEMBER CLUBHOUSE EVENTS Friday, 12/7 Family Night: Holiday Carolers Sunday, 12/9 Brunch with Santa

Tuesday & Wednesday, 1/1-1/2 Club Closed Friday, 1/11 Lobster Night Saturday, 1/12 Trivia Night Friday, 1/18 Adult Cooking Class

Tuesday, 12/11 Dinner with Santa Wed-Fri., 12/12-12/14 Hanukkah Dinner Specials Sunday, 12/16 Brunch with Santa Friday, 12/21 Club Holiday Cocktail Party Monday, 12/24 Christmas Eve Dinner

Saturday, 1/19 Kids Movie Night Friday, 1/25 New Member Family Mingle Saturday, 1/26 Comedy Night

MARTINI OF THE MONTH

Tuesday, 12/25 Club Closed for Christmas Holiday

Reindeer Tracks $6

Wednesday, 12/26 Club Closed for Christmas Holiday

Godiva Liquor, Hazelnut Liquor, Vodka, Creme de Coco, Splash of Cream & a Crushed Cookie rim!

Monday, 12/31 New Year's at Noon Kids Party Monday, 12/31 New Year’s Eve Dinner

Watch the YouTube Tutorial featuring Cheryl Shigo:

HOW TO MAKE CHEF TOM'S BALSAMIC DRESSING Ingredients: 2 cups Balsamic Vinegar 1/2 cup Honey 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Basil 1 quart Vegetable Oil 1 teaspoon Dry Thyme Salt & Pepper to taste Yields ~ 1 quart 6

Membership Dear Members,

A LETTER FROM LYNN SLUPSKI

[MEMBERSHIP MARKETING DIRECTOR]

PAY YOUR 2013 DUES UPFRONT

& RECEIVE A FREE GIFT Due to the nature of the Club's cash flow, the early months can be lean while the golf course is slow, so it is critical to build up a reserve.

If you are in a position to help by pre-paying your dues it would be greatly appreciated. Once again, we will be offering our Membership the option of paying your 2013 dues infull at the beginning of the year. Golf Members who contribute to the prepayment program will receive four dozen "Pro V1 or ProV1x" golf balls, personalized at your request, or a free 1 hour lesson in the Learning Center. Social Members who contribute to the prepayment program will receive five pool guest fees, valued at $50. Look out for more information this month.

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CAT TALES

� December 2012

My fingers are currently crossed, as they are at this time every year, in hopes that we have a winter without snow! I know, call me a scrooge, but I lived through enough ‘Snowmageddons’ growing up in Michigan to last me, well… forever! I’ve had my fill and if I never see another flake, I’ll be fine.

All joking aside, warm winters are also great for the Membership Department. If you recall, last year we had an incredibly mild winter, and that served as a major kick start to our 2012 membership drive because many already had golf and tennis on the mind as the New Year was rolling in.

On January 5, we welcomed our first new Members of the 2012 season (Hurray Mellner family!), and the pace only picked up from there. I’ve paused twice already while writing this, to respond to membership information requests that have come through via our website, and this activity is reflective of the year as whole from a membership perspective.

What attributed to the membership year we had?

system at the Pool, audio visual equipment in the Lower Meeting Room, and a Kid Zone packed full of great toys, crafts, and games – all this made possible by contributions from your fellow Members!

But what really attributed to the success?

By far, the biggest factor lending to our Membership growth this year, was the team approach that all Members took in referring their friends, co-workers, and neighbors to the Club. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back, because you absolutely deserve it.

I could very clearly see that we turned a corner this year. All Members had Cattail on their minds, all the time, all year long.

awesome

Many factors! We already touched on the warm winter, which was huge. Additionally, we invested in enhancing our website and Facebook page, and we also implemented search engine optimization efforts, which have proven successful in getting our name out there in the community.

We ended up running our $1,000 Social initiation and $5,000 Golf initiation specials all year, because they continued to be successful in drawing new Members in, and once again, the social calendar of events offered even more new child and adult Club functions, in addition to the old favorites.

Lastly, we saw the generosity of current Members who donated money, services and products to better the Club for the general Membership as a whole. We witnessed the completion of the new Learning Center, a wonderful new sound

Lynn, age 8, dressed as a snowman o

There is rarely a day that goes by anymore (and this is true of this entire past year), that a Member does not call, email, or stop in to see me to discuss someone who they are encouraging to join the Club.

Sometimes Members call me to see if there is any way they can help with a friend who they know I have been working on to join Cattail. Sometimes they call to give me the name and email address for a new co-worker who they have already told about the Club. Several times this past year, I even had Members stop by my office to pick up membership packets for new neighbors, and here’s the kicker – the neighbors were so new, that the Member didn’t even have their contact information

on a snowy Halloween in Michigan.

yet, but they had already put in a good word about the Club.

I couldn’t be happier with this shift in referral trends. I hope also, that you have noticed, how much more fun it is when your friends and neighbors, and your children’s friends’ families belong and can attend dinner, pool outings, and Club events with you.

I will leave you with this final ‘proud mama’ example from this past year…

This summer, I was giving a tour to a mother who had two small children in tow.

Her family had recently relocated to the area and had been communicating with me remotely prior to the move. Early into the tour, she casually mentioned that they had stopped at Subway for lunch prior to coming out for the tour.

WELCOME. NEW MEMBERS! The Willets Family Gary, Shelby, and Jack The Closson Family Carey, Robin, Hailey, and Taylor The Koepke/Carlo Family Greg, Debbie, and Will The Rosquist Family – Welcome Back!

David & Jacqueline The Preston Family Justin, Kelly, Lily, and JP The Craig Family Curtis, Alisa, and Corbin The Altshuler Family Stephen, Kimberly, Claire, and Emily

"...OR MAYBE SHE THINKS I HAVE CATTAIL LOBBYISTS PLACED IN RANDOM LOCATIONS AROUND HOWARD COUNTY."

The Swidersky Family Chris, MaryBeth, Morgan, and Marleigh

While dining with her kids, a man approached her and started a conversation, asking if she lived nearby. She replied that they had just moved from another state, and he told her that her family would be a great fit at his country club and suggested she look into. She of course told him she was on her way to Cattail Creek and they proceeded to talk about membership for several minutes. A couple of days later, that Member excitedly stopped into my office to tell me about the possible new member he had spoken with at Subway, asking if he and his wife could assist me any further in encouraging her and her family to join.

to be 24/7 ambassadors of their Club.

The woman (who is now a happy Member), probably chalked up the Subway run-in as nothing more than a coincidence…or perhaps she thinks I have Cattail lobbyists planted in random locations throughout Howard County. But to me, hearing this story was the fruition of 36 months of dedicated efforts encouraging Members

Graciously,

So in conclusion, thank you, thank you, thank you for not just telling your friends about Cattail, but for following up with them regularly, and for passing their contact information to me so that I can do the same.Your energy and enthusiasm in doing so, tells us that you like the product we are delivering, and your support of the Club in all different ways helps us to continue offering fresh new events and services.

Here’s a toast to all of your efforts this year! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy Hanukkah!

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ALL THE GIFTS YOU NEED. ALL IN ONE PLACE.

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CAT TALES

� December 2012

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VISIT THE GOLF SHOP TODAY! REMEMBER, DINING, SCOCIAL, AND GOLF MEMBERS RECEIVE MILL RIVER PROGRAM DISCOUNT PRICING!

1. PETER MILLAR NATURAL SPRAY COLOGNE 39

6. FRASIER FIR CANDLE 30

2. PETER MILLAR RIBBON BELTS 39

7. OAKLEY WOMEN'S SUNGLASSES 95

3. LEATHER TRIM FLASK 30

8. VERA BRADLEY SCARF 26

4. BRIGHTON "CONTEMPO" JEWELRY SET 118 (also sold separately)

9. PETER MILLAR IPAD CASE 65

5. ADIDAS KIDS' PULLOVER 30

10. LEATHER DOPP KIT 45 10

Dear Member, As I sit down to write my final newsletter article, I cannot help but reflect upon the special year we shared together. I still remember the overwhelming welcome all of you gave me when I came on board, and that warm feeling never dissipated.

Getting to know all of you and your families has been such a pleasure, and I cannot thank you enough for letting me be a small part of your lives.

I'd like to give a special "thank you" to all of the Committee Chairs and Members I worked alongside; your passion for Cattail really made the year 2012 a success!

Thank you also to Joe Fulco and his team for their dedication to the Club. Their leadership truly makes Cattail one of a kind!

Finally, thanks to everyone involved with the golf operation! It was your commitment to excellence that allowed us to have such a memorable year. I assure you that Cattail is in good hands with Bob Wampler. He shares in your commitment toward excellence and is a great professional.

Cattail Creek Country Club will always be special to me. I hope all of you, in addition to the staff, will be friends for life; you will

continue to have a special spot in my heart.

If I may ever be of assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Warmest personal regards,

Jason T. Marciniec St. Clair Country Club 3600 Old Washington Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 jmarciniec@stclaircc.org

farewell, Jason

CAT TALES

ďż˝ December 2012

Golf Clubhouse

BUNKER to BUNKER

lus

and dinner, p

Dear Member, Happy holidays! Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we hope everyone had a safe and fulfilling holiday. The transition is going very well, and I have worked closely with Joe, Jason, Nic and Ricky to ensure that everything continues to go smoothly.

I look forward to being at Cattail more often over the next two months and full time beginning in February.

While the weather gets colder, there are still great reasons to visit the Club. We hope that everyone takes full advantage of our new state-of-the-art indoor Learning Center, complete with the SAM Putting Lab and the FlightScope Launch Monitor as well as several other technologies. Be sure to keep your game in good shape over the winter!

We are fully stocked in the Golf Shop for all your shopping needs for the cold weather as well as with gifts for everyone on your list. We have several brand new merchandise lines and items for the holiday season. As always, you can take advantage of the Mill River Discount Program and receive deep savings on everything in the Shop as well as all special orders.

Additionally, we are offering free gift wrapping throughout this holiday season.

Please join us on Tuesday, December 11th from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. in conjunction with Dinner with Santa as we host our annual Golf Shop Holiday Sale.

Representatives from Peter Millar, Polo and Adidas will be visiting with all of the latest and greatest in apparel.

On this date, we will be offering free Frasier Fir Candles for those of you who spend $200 or more as an extra “thank you” for your business. The candles look great and smell wonderful, and would make a great gift for your child’s schoolteacher, co-workers, etc. That is, if you can resist keeping them for yourself!

This would be an excellent opportunity to use any remaining Golf Shop credit that will be expiring at the end of 2012. Then allow us to wrap your gifts for you with our holiday wrapping paper, free of charge!

in the Lower Meeting Room (in the Main Clubhouse)

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. during ‘ Dinner with Santa ’

Nic, Ricky and I look forward to seeing all of you soon and wewish you and your families a joyful and safe holiday season.

Everything for golf, Bob Wampler PGA Head Golf Professional bob@cattailcreekcc.com

GOLF SHOP NEWS BOB WAMPLER [HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL] Spend $200 at our Holiday Sale in the Lower Level Meeting Room on Tuesday, December 11 (during Dinner with Santa), and we'll reward you with a free Frasier Fir Candle set! Click here to register for Dinner with Santa!

From Wednesday, December 12 to Sunday, December 16, the 20% off rack is becoming a $20 rack! During this time, we will also be debuting a new promotion called the "Wheel of Fun." Spin the wheel before you check out and win extra discounts and prizes.

The marketing department gals (Lynn Slupski and Carey Ward) have picked their top ten favorite gift ideas, pictured in the centerfold. Stop by the Golf Shop to see for yourself how great our selection is for everyone on your list.

Brand new TaylorMade RocketBladez irons are available now.

Ask the Professional Staff for more information and, as always, we offer free club fitting.

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Golf

RICKY'S TIP: Use the New Learning Center!

(Part Two: FlightScope) RICKY SERRANO [DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION] FlightScope has become a very important part of my lessons and club fitting for men, women, and juniors. FlightScope has provided me with very advanced technology and extremely accurate information. This technology is really taking golf instruction and club fitting to the next level and I encourage all Golf Members to schedule a lesson to see how great it really is.

When giving a lesson, the use of video swing analysis is very important. Using video analysis alone provides visual feedback about the action for each player. but FlightScope's 3D flight measuring technology has been a great addition to our teaching regimen. This piece of equipment truly has to be seen to be believed.

FlightScope has the following benefits: •

Measures the full trajectory of any shot from a short pitch to the longest of drives.

•

Displays the actual 3D trajectory in real time

•

Shot trajectory projected onto a HD Monitor

•

Used by the leading instructors and club fitters on the PGA tour

FlightScope also measures the following data that is vital when working on your golf swing.

•

Club-face angle at impact

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Swing path

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Angle of approach

•

Clubhead speed

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Horizontal and Vertical swing plane angle

•

Launch angle

•

Launch spin

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Carry distance

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Total Distance

Click here to schedule a lesson with Ricky today!

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CAT TALES

� December 2012

Green Report CHRIS HARRIMAN [GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT]

December is here and growth on the Golf Course has finally slowed down significantly.

It certainly has been an amazing year with regards to the weather and improvements made on the Course. It is hard to believe the year is almost over already.

Depending on the weather, the winter course will open sometime in the early new year. We have seen good success the past two years in using the winter course and keeping the greens exposed to the elements. Keeping the golfers off of the greens allows the plant to “harden off � and gives the greens and tees some time to rest. When the turf is allowed to adapt and sustain during extreme cold weather, it will again have the ability to do so in the extreme heat of the summer.

As the turf begins its cold acclimation

process, the Green Department is allotted more and more time to get larger projects completed in preparation for the next season. Fairway aerification and topdressing were completed in November and use of the vertical drain system in the fairways will continue through the winter.

Naturalized area cleaning, cart path edging, rough drainage, irrigation improvements, fixture refurbishment, tree work and some small architectural changes are all part of the wintertime tasks.

There are few things that always recur on the Golf Course year after year, but one of them is crazy weather. We prepare for, and battle, Mother Nature all year to ensure a good product is provided for the Membership.

Many of our new agronomic programs are now in place and a solid base has been created. As the years roll on, we will be able to adjust and make changes as needed but our basic concept will remain the same and that is to provide a healthy and consistent Golf Course. I would like to thank my incredible staff for another great year. Their determination and skills combined with unprecedented support from the Membership makes Cattail Creek a great place to be.

Happy Holidays!

ings on the tment Blog for detailed happen Keep up with the Green Depar ject on #7 such as this bunker removal pro

Course,

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Monday, December 24 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Chive Beurre Blanc Carving Station: Prime Rib of Beef and Turkey Fried Chicken Maryland Crab Cakes

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Dinner Specials: *special menu offered Roast Prime Rib Seafood Risotto Chicken Chesapeake

Spiced Shrimp Skewers Cheese Tortellini with Aurora Sauce Seafood Gumbo

Kid’s Buffet:

Red Bliss Mashed Potatoes

Caesar Salad

Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Shrimp, Fish Nuggets, Apple Sauce, Fresh Fruit, Mini Cheese Burgers, Macaroni & Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Cookies, Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Dinner Rolls

$15++

Vegetable Medley Nasi Goreng Rice Corn Bread House Salad with assorted Dressings

Kids Buffet Chicken Nuggets Macaroni & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Assorted Cakes, Pies, Tarts and Cookies

Adults $42++ | Teens 13-17 $30++ Kids 7-12 $22++ | Kids 4-6 $15++

CAT TALES

ďż˝ December 2012

CLICK HE RE!

NEW YEAR’S EVE MO ND AY, DECEM BER 31 11:00 a.m. - 2:0 0 p.m.

KID S $19++ AD ULTS $23++

DINNER MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

APPETIZERS

FAMILY NIGHT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Holiday Caroling PRESENTED BY THE “JOYOUS VOICES CAROLERS”

Seafood Gumbo $8 Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque $7 Caesar Salad Side $5, Regular $8 House Salad Side $5, Regular $8 Crispy Butterfly Shrimp $11 Baby Spinach & Blueberry Salad $10 ENTREES Roasted Prime Rib 16oz King Cut $34, 12oz Queen Cut $29 Maryland Crab Cake Single $22, Double $34 Sesame “Rare” Tuna $26 Grilled Atlantic Salmon $25 Filet Mignon with Crab & Potato Galette $36 Grilled Lamb Loin Chop & Fig Chutney $27 Chicken Stroganoff $20 Shrimp & Lobster Risotto $25 DESSERT Chocolate Silk Pie $6

Dinner Specials: King Cut Prime Rib 16 oz. $32 Queen Cut Prime Rib 12 oz. $28 Single Broiled Lobster Tail $28 Double Broiled Lobster Tail $52

Warm Apple Pie $4.50 Meyer Lemon Semi Freddo & Berries $6 Crème Brûlée $5 Warm Brownie Sundae $5 Ice Cream Trio Sandwiches $5

Kid’s Buffet: Chicken Tenders, Apple Sauce, Steamed Broccoli, Mashed Potato, Mozzarella Sticks, Macaroni & Cheese, Fresh Fruit Cocktail, Cookies & Brownies, Ice Cream Sundae Bar $15++ per child

Wild Berry Brûlée $6 Hot Fudge Sundae $5 Strawberry Sabayon & Yellow Pound Cake $6

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Tennis

USTA NEWS JULIE SEANEZ [USTA COORDINATOR] Cindy Haller's 6.0 and Mary Beth Crawford's 7.0 teams were doubles champions! Great job!

The USTA Captain's Meeting will take place on Friday, February 22 in the Lower Level Meeting Room at 9:30 a.m.

WINTER SESSION II 8-week sessions of Winter Tennis Clinics (Session 2) at Circle D Farm are open for registration. Session 2 runs from January 14 to March 9.

Registration for entire 8-week sessions must be done

by Saturday, January 5 at 12:00 a.m. Cancellation of any 8-week reservations must also be made by the same time in order to receive a credit on your bill.

Adult Beginner Clinic Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Stroke of the Week Clinic Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday High School JV/Varsity Clinic (preparation for high school tennis) 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Men's High Intensity Tennis Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Cardio Tennis Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Saturday High School JV/Varsity Clinic 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Junior Quick Start (ages 4-9) Fridays, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Junior Futures (ages 10-12) Fridays, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

After Saturday, January 5, any open spots in any of the sessions will be available for single day reservations and will be shown on the online calendar for registration.

We will send an email when these become available, and please note, you must register online 24 hours prior to any of the individual sessions. To cancel an individual session registration and receive credit, you must do so 48 hours before the session.

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CAT TALES

ďż˝ December 2012

A Word from the Pro: JOE MATTINGLY [DIRECTOR OF TENNIS] I am happy to announce that the construction for the two new clay courts will begin during the month of December. The goal is to have the project complete so we can open up with seven courts next spring!

Please keep in mind that we can order any holiday gifts and have them shipped within 3 to 5 days. If there is anything you need, please get in touch with me or Julie Seanez; we would be happy to help you with your shopping. My email is joe.mattingly@ cattailcreekcc.com, and Julie can be reached at julie.seanez@ cattailcreekcc.com.

Please remember to register in advance for any clinic sessions so that the pros are prepared and the enrollment remains fair for everyone. Drop ins are not permitted, and we appreciate your cooperation.

I want to wish everyone a happy and safe Holiday Season.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS JULIE SEANEZ [TENNIS PRO SHOP MANAGER]

Don’t forget about the holiday racquet tune-up specials! Have your racquet re-strung with standard string and get an overgrip and dampener all for $26. Upgrade your string and also receive the overgrip and dampener for the low price of $32! Consider a gift certificate for the tennis player on your list.

Charleston 2013

Online Registration

JOE MATTINGLY [DIRECTOR OF TENNIS] The annual Charleston Tennis Trip will take place from Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14, 2013. We are anxiously anticipating the occasion and encourage you to register online as soon as possible as the trip does fill up fast. I will be coaching tennis all weekend at a world class tennis facility located inside the beautiful Wild Dunes Resort, on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

The tennis play will focus on singles and doubles strategies with stroke development, and players of all levels are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The fee for tennis is $350 per person. Travel and hotel arrangements are the responsibility of each participant.

The registration deadline for this trip is January 1, 2013; on this date, registrants will be charged a $175 non refundable deposit to their member accounts. Click here to view all of the details or to register online, and feel free to contact me at joe.mattingly@ cattailcreekcc.com with any other inquiries.

TIM'S TIP OF THE MONTH: REARRANGE YOUR TENNIS PRIORITIES TIM HALTER [HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL] I have a challenge for you. Can you play a whole match without over-thinking or even caring at all about your mistakes? Can you give yourself the freedom to just play? No second-guessing your shots, no making an issue of mechanics, no changing strategy every fifteen minutes, just play. Whatever unfolds in that match is what you deal with. Whatever unfolds in that match is the level of your play on that day.

If you cannot do this, maybe your tennis expectations need reprioritizing. Most players put pressure on themselves to play according to a certain ideal model of how well they play. If this paragon is not fulfilled during actual play, they can become despondent and confused. Unknowingly, these players create their own self-induced pressure by attempting to play up to their unrealistic standard.

You say, "But shouldn't I want to play a certain way? Shouldn't I want to play my best?" Of course. All players, whether amateurs or pros, desire to play a certain way in a match, if not their best. Who wouldn't! But there are two ways to approach your utopian model of play: with your ideal model as first priority, or with reality as first priority. Here we will see how an amateur and a pro manage these priorities in two fundamentally different ways.

Can you play a whole match without overthinking or even caring at all about your mistakes?

PRIORITY: IDEAL MODEL The amateur player begins a match with a certain ideal model of play firmly planted in his mind. As the match proceeds, he now attempts to unveil that exquisite model in his match play. If everything goes accordingly, all is well and good. But if the reality of the match veers away from that ideal model he created, frustration and confusion can take hold. While he is trying to achieve his beautiful best, too many mistakes and problems are getting in the way! How is he ever going to win? For the amateur to win the match, the model he created must now unfold or else. Yet the details of the match are not following that model. Note that his ideal model is taking first priority in his mind, and the existing details of the match are a distant second!

PRIORITY: REALITY OF MATCH PLAY In contrast, a pro goes into a match with his own ideal model, but he understands that each match is a different experience in itself.

With flexibility and a relaxed mental attitude, he focuses on the reality of playing the match that unfolds in front of him on that day. As the match reveals its own particular set of circumstances, the pro adapts his play to whatever circumstances exist on the court. He works to guide this into his model game, but if he is not successful it does not matter. Whatever unfolds on that day is the match he will play. Like the amateur, the pro would like to play according to a certain model of the way he knows he is capable of playing. But the pro never attempts to superimpose this model on the reality of the match. Experience has taught him that such inflexibility leads to much frustration.

Note the subtle but critical difference between the mental priorities of the two. The amateur makes his created model the number one priority and attempts to force this model over the reality of the match details, whereas the pro makes playing the match that unfolds on that day his number one priority and guides that toward his perfect model of play. So here is the challenge again. With your newfound knowledge, can you now play a whole match without over-thinking or caring about your mistakes? Can you give yourself the freedom to just play? What will be the reality you face that day? You can either endure constant disappointment by forcing your ideal model on the match reality, or you can embrace the confidence of adjusting to the reality of the game and let your ideal model follow suit. Prioritize to monopolize!

IDEAL

vs. Y

REALIT

Cattail Creek Country Club HOLIDAY COCKTAIL PARTY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 | 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. NOG! ES & EGG R V U E ’O RS D EAVY HO H Y R ED. A T N S REQUIR PLIME

COM

ATION ATTEND! E RESERV O C T N D A E V G D A A NCOUR OME & E C L E W S ER LT MEMB ALL ADU

ASIAN BABY BACK RIB, CHICKEN WELLINGTONS, GREEK LAMB SLIDERS, TERIYAKI-SRIRACHA SHRIMP, SHRIMP CASINO WITH BACON, FRUIT & CHEESE DISPLAY, VEGETABLE SPRING ROLLS

$2 SAM ADAMS WINTER ALE DRAFT, $4 FIREFLY ICE PICK, $4 GLASS OF HOUSE WINE

CAT TALES

� December 2012