Team Member Newsletter Fall 2025 by Charlotte Country Club

TEAM MEMBER NEWSLETTER

MISSION STATEMENT & VALUES

Our Mission is to provide a personal, unparalleled country club experience highlighted by superior facilities and highly skilled club professionals performing with gracious hospitality.

We Value...

Respect. The honor and esteem that we show our membership and team members.

Exceptional Quality and Service. Continuously seeking to exceed expectations. Having a smile on our face and warmly greeting members using their last name.

Professionalism. Displaying the energy and determination to perform an outstanding job.

Integrity. Honesty, sincerity, fairness and having sound judgment.

Innovation. The ability to be creative and flexible in implementing new ideas.

Teamwork. A cooperative effort by employees to achieve a common goal.

Tradition. Recognizing the events and people that shaped the history of Charlotte Country Club and preserving its heritage.

INTRODUCTION FROM TRACY RIVERS

Dear CCC Team Members,

As we step into the final stretch of the year, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible energy and dedication our team brings to this busy season. October through December is filled with activity, from seasonal events to year-end goals, and I know how much heart goes into making it all happen.

I’d like to extend heartfelt congratulations to those celebrating major milestones and to our team members who have recently been promoted. Your hard work, growth, and commitment are deeply appreciated and truly inspiring. We’re proud to celebrate these achievements with you!

This edition of our newsletter is packed with seasonal inspiration and practical tips, all contributed by your fellow team members. Inside, you’ll find DIVE highlights, creative pumpkin carving ideas, a festive holiday recipe, expert advice from our event planners, and much more. It’s a celebration of the talent and spirit that make our workplace so special.

As we move through this busy season, let’s remember to make safety a top priority. Whether you’re setting up for an event or simply navigating a lively workspace, please take a moment to slow down and stay alert. A few extra seconds can go a long way in preventing slips, trips, and falls.

Thank you for everything you do. Wishing you a safe, joyful, and fulfilling season ahead.

Thank you for all that you do.

With much gratitude,

Tracy M. Rivers Director of Human Resources

STAFF NEWS & CELEBRATIONS

Creative Coordinator, Taylor Cooke got married on April 5th!

Sous Chef, Jeremy Albertson got married on May 4th!

Assistant Teaching Professional, Thomas Redding welcomed baby boy Walker Lee Redding in June!

Server, Karla Gonzalez got married on June 26th!

Assistant Clubhouse Manager, Nate Lamb received his Level One Wine Certification!

STAFF PROMOTIONS

Kevin Caddell Outside Golf Operations Manager

Liz McQuillan Horticulture Manager of Clubhouse Greens

Maria P. Estrada Lead Youth Activities Counselor

Taylor Oikemus Director of Events

Jacob Gangle Food & Beverage Manager in Development

Gilberto Perez Chef de Partie

Adnan Salic Lead Purchasing Assistant

Sally Hennessee Food & Beverage Manager in Development

Dennis Yerman General Facilities Supervisor

Joseph Deas 25 Years

Jelica Augustinovic 20 Years

Steven Snodgrass 20 Years

David Artieri 10 Years

Mona

Jeff

Jon

Thomas

Matt

Gizzi Kolako Second Quarter

Gizzi is no longer with CCC. Thank you Gizzi for your service and we wish you well!

DIVE HIGHLIGHTS

The DIVE Committee is devoted to creating a positive and authentic workplace culture for all team members of Charlotte Country Club. This summer and fall we celebrated the following with special team member lunches to honor the holiday:

• ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH, MAY 2026

• JUNETEENTH, JUNE 19

• BASTILLE DAY, JULY 14

Julio Segovia General Facilities

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH SEPT. 15 - OCT. 15

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to highlight Julio, a valued part of our team for nearly 17 years.

How important is it to you for your sons to know about their Argentinian heritage, since they both were born here?

My sons, Brian and Julian, have a clear sense of who they are as Argentine American. My wife and I have made sure that they continue to grow in the customs and traditions of Argentina. Our family celebrates a bi-nationality! We live and thrive in the United

States while we also enjoy and celebrate our Argentine Heritage.

What is one word of advice that you would share with young Hispanic professionals embarking on their careers?

My sons happen to be young professionals. I have always encouraged them to work hard, and to learn as much as they can. I tell them to always remember their family, traditions, and culture. “Hay mucha fuerza ahí atrás.” There is so much strength in the past and if properly harnessed, this strength can propel all young professionals into great success in the future!

If I want to take a trip to Argentina, where should I go?

The capital (Buenos Aires), Cordoba, Cataratas del Iguazu, (Iguazu Falls), and, Argentina in Patagonia, Ushuaia. It is the world’s southernmost city, only some 680 miles from the Antarctica.

SAVE THE DATE

Get ready to plan ahead!

We’ve got a lineup of exciting upcoming events and information sessions designed to connect, celebrate, and provide valuable insights, so be sure to save the dates and join in the action.

ITALIAN HERITAGE MONTH

October 2025

CCC will celebrate Italian Heritage Month by having a special team member meal on Wednesday, October 1 for lunch and dinner.

MEDICARE INFORMATION SESSIONS

Tuesday, October 14

Meet in the Pine Room for group and one-on-one informational sessions about Medicare.

MINDS IN MOTION: MOCKTAILS

Wednesday, October 15 | 2:30 -3:30 p.m.

Join us for our last Minds in Motion of the year and learn to make the best mocktails with our Service Team

401K INFORMATIONAL SESSION

Tuesday, November 25

Learn more about your 401k in the Pine Room by signing up for your personal one-on-one session. Stay tuned for sign ups!

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE

Keep an eye out in your emails for updates about our annual holiday Toy Drive!

JOLLY JAMBOREE

Wednesday, December 3 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for our annual holiday team member celebration, Jolly Jamboree!

TEAM EVENTS

Thank you to everybody who joined us for a team event this spring and summer!

Minds in Motion: Donut Making

Ice Cream Day with Two Scoops

BOG & Team Member Outing

Sip & Share with GM/COO

Priscilla Eich

Club Management Intern’s Back to School Drive

Minds In Motion: Pasta Making

CCC TEAM OUTING

On Monday, September 15 the team gathered at Tipsy Pickle for an evening filled with laughter, food, beverages, games, and pickleball!

FALL REMINDERS

Fall Season Vaccinations

As we head into fall, it’s a key time to get protected with your seasonal vaccinations, such as the flu and COVID-19 (check with your insurance provider in advance to determine coverage and eligibility) shots. These viruses tend to spread more in cooler months, and vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness.

Beyond vaccines, preventing the spread of contagious illnesses starts with everyday habits. Wash your hands often with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing the ABC song). Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs easily enter the body through these areas.

If you’re feeling sick, stay home when possible and cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. Simple actions like these help protect not just yourself, but your family, coworkers, and community. Let’s all do our part to stay healthy this season.

Health Awareness Initiatives

As we focus on health and wellness through the fall, it’s a great time to take action.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging regular screenings, especially for women over 40 or those with a family history. Early detection through mammograms can save lives. Taking small steps today leads to better health tomorrow.

November is recognized for Diabetes Awareness Month and Lung Cancer Awareness Month, so remember to monitor blood sugar levels, quit smoking, and schedule regular checkups.

December brings Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) awareness and a focus on mental health during the holidays. Stay active, eat mindfully, and manage stress. Stay warm, stay safe, and take care of your well-being!

Preventative Check Ups

Even when we feel our best, preventative checkups are a quiet act of self-care and gentle reminders that our health is worth protecting. They help us catch concerns early and nurture wellness for the journey ahead.

Wellness and Preventative Care

Annual checkups are a simple way to protect your health. With Blue Cross Blue Shield, physicals, pap smears, mammograms, prostate exams, and colonoscopies are usually covered at no cost.

Dental & Vision Screenings

Schedule your 6-month dental cleaning and yearly eye exam—both often included at no cost.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Use your HSA card for out-of-pocket costs. Contribute through payroll deductions and invest funds once you reach the required balance.

Tips for your Visit

Ask your doctor about other no-cost preventative screenings based on your age and family history.

CONSTRUCTION CORNER

Practice Facility

After five months of hard work, the renovated Practice Tees 1 & 2 are open! If you haven’t had the chance, be sure to take a look at this gorgeous facility!

Golf Course

So much has changed on the golf course since the September 1 closure! For the first week, crews were busy setting up safety fencing and erosion control. Now, the construction team is focused on removing and installing irrigation (for our sprinkler system), cutting down trees, and deconstructing existing greens, tee boxes, and bunkers.

Safety First

Please do not enter any part of the golf course. Although it may look safe from a distance, walking onto the course may put team members in very unsafe conditions, and safety is always the top priority of Charlotte Country Club.

Golf Lot

The golf parking lot is closed for construction traffic. Because we are down one parking lot, it is very important for our team members to park at the back of the upper parking lot.

We are so excited about the changes taking place at our Club and can’t wait to share the finished product!

THINGS TO DO IN CHARLOTTE THIS FALL & WINTER

SCAROWINDS

Check out some spooky fun at Scarowinds from September 12 to November 2

SCARRIGAN FARMS

Do you enjoy a thrill? Take the scariest haunted trail in the region. The haunted trail runs every Thursday through Sunday in October.

APPLE/PUMPKIN PICKING

Check out apple picking at Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill and pumpkin picking at Hodges Family Farm! These are great options for those with little ones too.

CAROLINA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

The annual Carolina Renaissance Festival returns Saturdays and Sundays, from October 4 through November 23. View live jousting, eat a turkey leg, and shop the local artisans.

RURAL HILL’S CORN MAZE

Go get lost in the corn maze and enjoy other fall activities from September 6 to October 31 (weekends only).

WINERIES

Raffaldini: Located in Ronda, NC, this winery boasts beautiful surroundings, world-class wines, and has events and food trucks throughout the month.

Childress Vineyards: Located in Lexington, this spot has plenty of room to roam and explore the 70 acres. They have seasonal wine tastings for you to try out as well.

OKTOBERFEST

Enjoy Mecktoberfest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery on October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12 across their two locations. There will be German food, live music, and games.

CAROLINA PANTHERS GAME

Catch a Panthers home game:

• Sunday, October 5 vs. the Miami Dolphins

• Sunday, October 12 vs. the Dallas Cowboys

• Sunday, October 26 vs. the Buffalo Bills

• Sunday, November 9 vs. the New Orleans Saints

• Sunday, November 30 vs. the Los Angeles Rams

• Sunday, December 21 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Sunday, December 27 vs. the Seattle Seahawks

GO FOR A HIKE/WALK

• Crowders Mountain State Park

• McDowell Nature Preserve

• Evergreen Nature Preserve

• Lake Norman State Park

• Reedy Creek Park

WINTERFEST AT CAROWINDS

WinterFest at Carowinds transforms the park into a holiday wonderland with lights, festive shows, seasonal treats, and family fun.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

A dazzling drive-through display of millions of lights synchronized to holiday Music at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

CHRISTMAS TOWN AT MCADENVILLE

McAdenville, known as “Christmas Town U.S.A.,” dazzles with over half a million lights, decorated trees, a festive lake, and charmingly lit homes and businesses.

ICE SKATING IN AND AROUND CHARLOTTE

Enjoy outdoor ice skating at Uptown’s city-center rink, Truist Field’s festive ballpark, the Whitewater Center’s scenic pond trail, or at the Ballantyne Bowl all with holiday lights and music.

POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE

The Polar Express Train Ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Charlotte brings the beloved holiday story to life with a magical train journey, hot chocolate, festive treats, and visits from Santa and his elves.

HOLIDAY POP UP BARS

Charlotte’s holiday pop-ups, like Miracle Bar, serve festive cocktails in immersive, themed spaces filled with twinkling lights, seasonal décor, and a cheerful holiday atmosphere.

PUMPKIN CARVING TIPS

Pumpkin Carving Tips from Last Year’s First Place Winner – Maria P. Estrada

Want to make your pumpkin last longer and stand out in a contest? Here’s what worked for me and helped me win first place last year!

Carving & Prep Tips

• Sketch first with a washable marker. It’s easy to fix mistakes.

• Use a variety of tools like kitchen knives, clay tools, or even cookie cutters.

• Cut from the bottom for better stability and airflow if using lights.

Keep It Fresh

• Soak in water for 24-48 hours to hydrate and slow rotting.

• Rub Vaseline on all cut areas and inside to seal in moisture.

Maria P. Estrada Lead Youth Activities Counselor

• Sprinkle cinnamon inside to deter bugs and mold—plus, it smells amazing!

Decorating Tips

You can get creative with items you might already have! For my pirate ship pumpkin, I used:

• Fake tattoos, paint, an old sweater, Play-Doh

• Popsicle sticks, fake moss, and insulation foam sealant (perfect for creating sea foam, clouds, or frosting effects)

• Try unexpected touches—like coffee grounds for sand or cotton balls as drifting clouds or fog

• The tiniest details (like scratches, treasure maps, or tiny creatures) are what really make your pumpkin feel like a whole new world

Final Touches

Use battery-operated or color-changing lights for safety and drama. Create a mini scene with fabric, leaves, or props. Name your pumpkin or give it a fun backstory for extra personality!

PS: Be open-minded and flexible. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. When I started my pirate ship pumpkin, I had a completely different vision, but mistakes along the way led to new ideas. Embrace the process, learn from it, and let the unexpected guide you to something even better than you imagined!

FLAMING HEARTH PUMPKIN PIE RECIPE

Jimbo Ziembiec is a native of Buffalo, New York. His favorite fall dessert comes from a hometown restaurant called John’s Flaming Hearth, which serves up a delicious pumpkin ice cream pie. Even when John’s Flaming Hearth closed and Jimbo moved down south, he missed his favorite pie and went on a mission to find the recipe. Now he’s excited to share it with the team!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Baked deep 9” pie shell

• 1 quart of vanilla ice cream, softened

• 1 cup cooked or canned pumpkin

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon each: ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon

• 1 cup heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Spread slightly softened ice cream in cooled pie shell. If your pie plate is not a deep one, you may wish to use a little less than 1 quart.

2. Place the shell and crust in the freezer.

3. Blend together the pumpkin, sugar, salt, and spices.

4. Whip the cream until stiff and fold into the pumpkin mixture.

5. Spoon into the pie shell over the ice cream

6. Replace in the freezer until ready to eat!

FALLING INTO THE SEASON: EVENT PLANNING

TIPS YOU CAN USE

EVERYDAY

FROM OUR EVENT PLANNING TEAM

As we settle into the cozy vibes of fall, many of us are juggling busy schedules, upcoming holidays, and maybe even planning a few gatherings of our own. While our event planning team is diving headfirst into galas, weddings, and holiday prep, there are some great tips we can all use in our day-to-day lives.

Whether you’re hosting friends, organizing a team potluck, or just trying to stay ahead of the seasonal chaos, a few event planning tricks can make life a little easier!

Here are three simple event planning strategies anyone can use this fall:

1. Embrace the Power of a Checklist

Event planners swear by them, and for good reason, checklists help prevent last-minute stress. Whether you’re coordinating a small get-together or just trying to get your wardrobe ready for colder days, jotting things down keeps you focused and in control.

2. Set the Scene

Planners always think about atmosphere. You can do the same at home: add a cozy blanket, a fall-scented candle, or a warm drink station. A small change in environment can have a big impact on how you and your guests feel.

3. Always Have a Plan B

From surprise rain showers to last minute RSVP changes, event planners expect the unexpected. You can apply this mindset too, whether it’s having an indoor location in mind for your event or prepping an easy back-up meal when dinner plans fall through.

Let’s all enjoy the upcoming fall season and hope these tips make the busy season a little smoother!

STACY’S NO-BAKE OREO DESSERT RECIPE

Stacy has found that this no-bake Oreo dessert is always a hit when she makes it for family and friends. It’s simple to put together, requires no baking, and delivers that classic Oreo flavor everyone loves.