June 2020 Chronicle

www.merioncricket.com

Special Edition

Vol. CXLIV No. 6 June 2020

CRICKET CHRONICLE The Merion Cricket Club

A Message from the General Manager‌

Outdoor Athletics Resume Activity on the Great Lawn has never sounded or felt more satisfying!

On May 19th, the Club officially opened the courts and the Lawn to give members a much needed respite from living in a quarantine state. Families playing together, friends social distancing and staff working together to provide a wonderful afternoon of croquet, tennis, fitness, paddle and pickleball — the excitement remains palpable. As we slowly resume our lives, we continue to operate based on the advisement of federal, state and local authorities as well as industry experts. The management team has developed a comprehensive set of protocols for use of the outdoor facilities to protect the health and safety of our membership and employees (click here to view protocols). I respectfully request your full support and cooperation in strictly adhering to these critically important guidelines.

Continued Inside

Dining & Entertainment

ZOOM SPEAKER SERIES College Prep in Challenging Times

Abraham Lincoln and Making a Case Wednesday, June 17, 6:30 p.m.

Join us for an engaging presentation about one of our nation’s greatest leaders. Joseph Roda will discuss his new book about Abraham Lincoln’s skillful ability at persuasion. Enjoy a meal from the Club through MCC Curbside Takeout, and stay home for a Merion night of dining and entertainment.

Keith Wilkerson, Founder and Lead Teacher at College Thoughts Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m.

The college application process is challenging enough, but what do you do when a global pandemic complicates it even more? College Prep in Challenging Times helps families navigate in this uncertain climate by making some recommendations for what students and parents can do to continue the journey to college, even with the disruptions created by the coronavirus.

Students and parents who attend will hear practical suggestions on how to take advantage of their additional time at home to best position themselves for the eventual return of normalcy. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about resources they can use during the shelter-in-place period.

Superhero Training Workout & Meet Captain America Saturday, June 6, 1 p.m.

About the Book We remember Abraham Lincoln for many things, but without his ability at persuasion, we would remember him for nothing. It was that ability that brought him first to national prominence and the White House, and then through the most difficult four years that any president has ever faced. This book focuses exclusively on that ability, looking first at Lincoln’s history of persuasive efforts, from the poverty-stricken boy who stood on tree stumps to repeat sermons, through the young state legislator and congressman, courtroom lawyer, rising national politician, and ultimately president, and then at what made him so effective: his personality and intellect, his credibility and clarity, and his masterful use of fact, logic, and emotion. It is a remarkable story.

Father’s Day Sunday, June 21

Let Merion prepare a Father’s Day feast for the Dad in your house! Chef is putting the smoker to work — order your family’s brisket, ribs, and pulled pork meal kits with summer BBQ sides of baked beans, cornbread, cole slaw, potato salad and watermelon.

How to Grill the Perfect Salmon with Chef Danny

Are you ready?? Our fitness team is going to show you what it takes to train like a superhero! Learn about strength and speed from Merion’s fitness super squad. Following your top-notch training, Captain America will join us virtually to tell us all about what it takes to be one of the good guys!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CALENDAR

Cricket Chronicle

A Message From The General Manager Continued from Front Page

Charting a Path Towards a Vibrant Summer Construction Update Construction on our Phase II project has progressed at an impressive pace during the Club’s closure and is now nearing completion. I fully expect the entire project to be finished within the coming month with final governmental approvals for the Pool once the county and township health departments resume inspections in early June. It is so exciting to see our Campus Master Plan vision come to life after 5 years of planning and 3 full years of construction.

Summer Recreational Activities

Dining at the Club As you likely know, Governor Wolf announced outdoor dining is permitted in the Yellow phase of PA’s Re-opening Plan, provided there is strict adherence to the requirements including maximum occupancy limits, no bar seating and no counter/self-service, among others.

Assuming Montgomery County moves into the Yellow phase on June 5th, the Main Porch, Courtside Deck and the new poolside dining at Bistro Twenty20 would become eligible for re-opening. The management team is also developing plans using large tents to capture additional space dedicated to additional outdoor dining space. Given this exciting development, we fully expect to have the ability to offer robust outdoor dining this summer with seating configurations allowing for proper social distancing requirements while maximizing capacity through use of these additional spaces. Please watch for additional communications, which will outline the Club’s plan for re-opening outdoor dining.

Virtual Programming Continues With Governor Wolf ’s intention to move Montgomery County into the Yellow Phase on June 5th, we are poised to maximize outdoor programming which will include dining. We are encouraged by the Wolf Administration May 22nd release of Summer Camp and Recreation Guidance which grants permission and provides structure for both summer camp programs and opening our new aquatics complex. While we don’t have actual dates yet, we are optimistic about our ability to offer Summer Camp programs beginning late June and to open the Pool July 1st.

The management team has already developed the operating protocols for both of these programs which will follow federal, state and local guidance. Maintaining strict guidelines to support social distancing and safety, we look forward to offering small group Summer Camp sessions to provide a variety of sports and activities for our juniors, who are likely in need of some social distancing from their parents by now. While these programs will look a little different this summer, our team is hard at work to ensure the experience remains exceptional.

Roughly 400 members took advantage of our early sign-up incentives for the Pool prior to the coronavirus crisis shutting down the country. Assuming a July 1st opening, we are reducing the Pool Membership fee to $300, $200 and $100 for families, singles and students respectively and we will honor the original Pro Shop incentives for each category of pool membership. Following federal and state guidelines, we will be required to limit capacity at the Pool and we will implement a reservation system using two-hour timeslots in an attempt to provide an equal opportunity for Pool members to enjoy these new facilities. As a result of the limited capacity, we have implemented a waiting list to join the Pool. If you would like to have your name added to the wait list, please contact Kim Brady at ext. 202 or email kbrady@merioncricket.com. More information about both of these exciting offerings will be communicated over the coming weeks.

For those who prefer staying at home, we continue to offer our #MerionatHome programming featuring Zoom fitness classes, and squash, pickleball and paddle drills. Our virtual programming extends beyond athletics to dining and entertainment events including meet the princess/superhero, wine tastings, and speaker series. Be sure to try our Curbside Takeout offered daily and MCC Marketplace, featuring curbside groceries twice each week.

Tennis/Paddle/Pickleball A Message from David and Jonathan

How to play with safety in mind

Welcoming our Newest Members As you return to the Club, be sure to welcome the new Summer Members who are elated to be part of our Merion family this summer. It reminds us that all of the planning and effort put forth to create The Merion Cricket Club of today continues to be recognized and appreciated not only from our existing members but from prospective members as well.

Thank You It has always been a privilege and an honor to serve as General Manager of this amazing Club and I am fortunate to be surrounded by such a dedicated and talented team who take great pride in serving our exceptional membership.

I could not be more proud of the way my team has responded to the crisis and remain grateful for the outpouring of support shown by the membership.

While the innovative offerings at Merion continue to keep the Club vibrant, none of it would have been possible without your continuous support. On behalf of the entire staff, Thank You, for your generous donations to the COVID-19 Employee Fund and your messages of concern for how the employees are faring while the Club is closed. It’s often said, in times of uncertainty you learn the character of people — and for us — the character is strong, generous, and enduring.

The courts are open! On behalf of all the tennis pros, welcome back to the Club and the tennis courts. We are all thrilled to be coaching again and seeing everyone on the courts. There are 8 grass and 8 Teniko courts available for reservations and lessons.

Reservations are required for all courts.

Please remember to adhere to the new protocols which are in place for the wellbeing, safety and health of all members and staff. The following documents will provide guidance on playing tennis at the Club and making court reservations.

Lessons Tennis, paddle and pickleball lessons are private only, unless participants are from the same household.

Working on slice, with Jonathan

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Lobbing with Ben

Please review the Protocols for Outdoor Athletics to support the health and safety of members and staff.

• Members only • Reservations required • Social distancing • Bring your water, towel and equipment

With appreciation and gratitude,

Caleb

How to stay light on your toes, with Marvin Jolliffe

• Bring a mask (required for restrooms in Paddle Pavilion) Righty tighty, lefty lob with Jonathan

Vol. CXLIV No. 6 June 2020

Squash A Message from Scott

Virtual Programming

As the Club’s outdoor spaces open, we are keeping our squash community engaged and excited with sessions on the Lawn in addition to the existing Zoom classes.

Great Lawn Ghosting

Virtual Lesson

Focused on squash-specific movement patterns and how to get around the court efficiently, using measured court dimensions, held on the Great Lawn

Skills sessions based on ball control, balance and techniques, using small spaces or spaces at home for hitting a ball

Zoom Fitness and Footwork

Fridays, 4 p.m.

Wednesdays, 4 p.m.

Mondays & Wednesdays, noon

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4 p.m.

Squash workouts involving fast feet and strength and conditioning, and squash technique built into workouts

Live with the Pro Join the pros on Instagram as we discuss squash topics, chat with members and others within the squash or sports industry.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Congratulations to Merion members named U.S. Squash All American Award recipients

Target practice and racquet control, using any wall space you have at home!

Olivia Walsh

Maxwell Orr

Katherine Glaser

Fitness A Message from D Flexibility and strength took on a different meaning for Fitness in the past two months.

Having to adapt our fitness routines from waking up and going to the Fitness Center every day to tuning in to a Zoom workout from home to achieve our fitness goals was a new challenge for everyone. We would like to thank our members for their patience and participation. We will continue to offer Zoom classes to provide opportunities for all members of Merion to work out.

We are thrilled to expand our offering with motivating classes on the Great Lawn, and we look forward to providing personal training.

Remember to adhere to the Club’s new protocols to keep everyone healthy and safe.

Classes Resume on the Great Lawn for Fitness Center Members Sign-up through the mywellness app.

Reservations are required. All classes are 45 minutes.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10 a.m. Fit 4 Life with Brian 10 a.m. Intervals with Jen 11–11:45 a.m. Warrior with Brian 11–11:45 a.m. Total Body Burn Tuesday 10–10:45 a.m. Express HIIT with Antonio 11–11:45 a.m. Express HIIT with Antonio Tuesday/Thursday 10–10:45 a.m. Warrior with Brian 10 a.m. Total Body Burn with Jen 11–11:45 a.m. Intervals with Jen 11–11:45 a.m. Fit 4 Life with Brian

Wednesday/Thursday 10–10:45 a.m. Express HIIT with Rebecca 11–11:45 a.m. Express HIIT with Rebecca Saturday 10–10:45 a.m. Express HIIT 11–11:45 a.m. Express HIIT noon–12:45 p.m. Express HIIT 1–1:45 p.m. Express HIIT

Important Reminders • Review Protocols for Outdoor Athletics • Registration required; drop-ins are not permitted. Reservations open one day in advance.

• Bring your own water, towel, mat, mask (required for restrooms located in the Paddle Pavilion) • Classes are limited in size to support social distancing.

Membership Updates This is your Club. The Committee on Admissions needs your feedback, positive or otherwise, on the candidates in the admissions process. All communication and correspondence will be held in the strictest of confidence. The Committee appreciates your communication via letter or email with comments about any of the following candidates. Email messages may be sent to admissions@merioncricket.com. All Committee on Admissions members are available for a confidential phone call. Contact Kimberly Brady, Director of Member Relations, at extension 202 or email her at kbrady@merioncricket.com.

The Committee on Admissions elected the following candidates in May: Mr. & Mrs. Booth Halloran (Andrea Dormans) Proposer: Lisa Stokes

Mr. & Mrs. Craig Pressman (Sandra Lazovitz) Proposer: Karin Micheletti

Mr. & Mrs. Bradford Paul (Shira Nachmani) Proposers: William & Ashley Whamond

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Desilets, Jr. (Madeline Nguyen) Proposer: Steven Bailey

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Schoeman (Michaela Kennedy) Proposer: David deForest Keys

Mr. & Mrs. Howard Page Wood (Myra Landersman) Proposer: Hobie Porter

Mr. & Mrs. Johnathan Koutcher (Melissa Stonberg) Proposers: Jeff and Liz Berger

Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Stigliano (Hadley Wilmerding) Proposer: Dan Polett

Election of spouse or domestic partner: Mr. Jeffrey Conybear Member: Ellen Conybear

Final consideration will be given to the following candidates: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Palumbos (Melanie McMenamin) Proposer: Patrick Campbell

Reinstated: Mr. & Mrs. David Werner (Susan) Proposer: Alan McIlvain, Jr. New candidates under consideration: Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Morgan (Alexandra Engler) Proposer: Don Caldwell Mr. & Mrs. Eric Brown (Sarah Rorer) Proposer: Jack Kirkpatrick

Introduction of spouse or domestic partner: Mr. Michael Murray Member: Georgia Murray (Ritz) Mr. Doug Olson Member: Sara Stewart Mrs. Monika Leto Member: FJ Leto

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Mack (Cynthia Hutton) Proposer: Frank Rowe Mr. & Mrs. Donald Elefson (Martine Moschkowitz) Proposer: Mary & Frank Tatnall Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Murphy (Kathryn Turner) Proposer: Susan McEvoy Mr. & Mrs. Tom Whitford (Margaret Lehr) Proposer: John Fry

Committee on Admissions Lauren B. Royer, Chair Frederick M. Campbell, II Robert F. Grieb Robert Hastings Linda Hauptfuhrer Lauren E. Patterson Abigail Peterson James G. Staples Peter A. Thompson Director of Member Relations, Kimberly Brady, kbrady@merioncricket.com

Cricket Chronicle Editorial Committee Chrissy Keffer – Chair communications@merioncricket.com Diane Classen Louise Havens Susanna Saunders

Brooke and Caroline Sutherland

TE MP ORA RY Hours of Operation Curbside Takeout Hours of operation are 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4–8:30 p.m. daily.

Takeout is closed 3–4 p.m. to allow shift changes without interaction.

MCC Marketplace Tuesday Pickup (noon–4 p.m.)

Online ordering available Friday– Sunday at noon. Members must call the Club before 7 p.m. Monday to schedule a pickup time.

Friday Pickup (noon–4 p.m.)

Online ordering available Monday– Wednesday at noon. Members must call the Club before 7 p.m. Thursday to schedule a pickup time.

Outdoor Courts Teniko: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Grass: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Croquet: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Pickleball/Paddle: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Pro Shop (by phone) Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Merion Cricket Club • 325 Montgomery Avenue, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041-1899 • 610-642-5800 • info@merioncricket.com