MCC: November Chronicle

www.merioncricket.com

Super Smash Bros.

Tournament Virtual Speaker Sunday, College Series: January 19 Prep in Challenging Times Pickleball Club Tuesday, November 10 Championships Friday,Series: Chef JanuaryTuscany 24 Thursday, November 12 Silver Paddle at Merion Black Friday Workout Saturday, Friday, November January 27 25

Vol. CXLIV No. 10 November 2020

CRICKET CHRONICLE The Merion Cricket Club

Celebrate the Holidays with Merion THANKSGIVING

Join us at the Club for your traditional Thanksgiving gathering or let us prepare a feast for you to enjoy at home.

À la Carte Dining

Thursday, November 26, noon–5 p.m.

Reserve your table at the Club to enjoy a delicious à la carte menu served with family-style sides. For dining reservations, contact the Front Desk Receptionist at (610) 642-5800 ext. 0.

Please note: Online reservations are not available for holidays. Birthday cards and BYOB are not valid for Thanksgiving. The Courtside Café will be open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. featuring a limited breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

Marketplace Thursday, November 19; Saturday, November 21; Tuesday, November 24 Brined uncooked turkeys and Thanksgiving feast ingredients will be available for purchase at Marketplace leading up to Thanksgiving.

Takeout Orders The Complete Turkey Dinner Package Order by Friday, November 20 Pickup: Thursday, November 26, 9–11:30 a.m.

Your Complete Turkey Dinner Package includes a delicious roasted turkey with savory side dishes and desserts. Reheating instructions will be included to create a delicious Thanksgiving meal at home.

Side Dishes and Desserts Only Order by Friday, November 20 Pickup: Wednesday, November 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

If you already have your turkey, you can order side dishes and desserts to complement your feast. Reheating instructions will be provided. Place your order online through the Club’s website. If you have any questions, please contact Kyle Ross at ext. 271 or kross@merioncricket.com.

The Reardon Family enjoying 2019 Brunch with Santa.

CHILDREN’S BRUNCH WITH SANTA Sunday, December 13, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Are you on the “good list” this year?

The only way to find out is to see the big guy in red! The Santa brunch this year features professional family portraits and a family-style à la carte brunch with fun breakfast items for the kids! Children will have the opportunity to see Santa from a safe distance and share their Christmas list with him before he heads back to the North Pole. Please call the Front Desk Receptionist to make reservations for this special holiday event. Online reservations are not available for this event.

Dining For events and dining, reserve online or contact the Front Desk Receptionist at ext. 0 or frontdesk@merioncricket.com.

Chef Series at Merion Tuscany |

Thursday, November 12, 5–9:30 p.m.

Tuscany is a region known for its many historic treasures, from cities full of art and culture to picturesque villages surrounded by fascinating landscape. Experience a delicious Tuscan-inspired à la carte menu with perfectly paired wine. Make your reservation in the Furness Room, on the Porch or in the Cricket Room.

Neal Wine Dinner |

Thursday, November 19, 5–9:30 p.m.

Built on his home estate high atop Napa’s Howell Mountain, the Neal Family Vineyards represents a lifetime of love, labor, and commitment for owner Mark Neal. Neal’s winemaking is focused on the organically farmed vineyard where naturally healthy fruit produces the best examples of premium varietal wine. The evening will feature the wines of Neal Family Winery and à la carte California-inspired cuisine. Please make your reservation in the Cricket Room or on the Porch.

Thanksgiving Family Brunch

Sunday, November 29, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

On Thanksgiving weekend, we are having brunch family-style! Chef Danny and his team will prepare seasonal brunch dishes to order, pastry baskets full of morning favorites, and shared plates of breakfast meats and potatoes for each table. There will be fun children’s menu options and fall cocktails and mimosas for the adults.

MCC Marketplace It’s Easy and Convenient Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 1. View the Marketplace grocery list on the website.

2. Call the Cottage at ext. 287 to place your order.

3. Pick-up curbside in front of the Cottage.

Orders may be placed Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., for same-day pickup by 7 p.m.

A Fond Farewell Director of Catering JoAnn Jackson Retires JoAnn Jackson retired in late September after 30 years of dedicated and consummate service to The Merion Cricket Club. JoAnn’s legacy is one of exceptional member service and unyielding devotion. Her influence has been tightly woven into the Club’s fabric as she has contributed in monumental fashion to Merion’s vibrant transformation over the past three decades. Throughout the many exciting changes, JoAnn has served as a guidepost for the great traditions and gracious hospitality that is the Merion hallmark and has represented this amazing Club elegantly throughout her career.

Precious relationships were formed quickly

Affinity Clubs during JoAnn’s early years when she oversaw operations in the Main Dining Room and Main Porch–only to be further nurtured when she assumed her role as Director of Catering in 2001. The strength of these bonds have been firmly rooted in JoAnn’s genuine love for the Club and the entire Merion family.

The Club will build upon the strong foundation JoAnn established and continue to deliver exceptional member experiences for all of our members private event needs.

Angelina Calatozzo has been working as the Banquet Manager under JoAnn’s tutelage for the past several years and has assumed interim responsibilities overseeing the Catering Office.

We look forward to continuing JoAnn’s extraordinary legacy of providing personalized and attentive service for all member events.

French Club

Thursday, November 5, 6:30 p.m.

The club will meet via Zoom.

Contact Martha Cyphers at martha.cyphers@gmail.com. The cost is $10/person for the facilitator.

Book Club Love in the Time of Cholera

by Gabriel Garcia Marquez Thursday, November 19, 6:30 p.m.

The club will meet via Zoom.

View the website for details.

Sip & Stitch

Thursday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Lucy O’Brien at Lucy.h.obrien@gmail.com. View the website to sign up. Space is limited.

Cricket Chronicle

Entertainment Virtual Speaker Series: College Prep in Challenging Times Keith Wilkerson, College Thoughts Tuesday, November 10, 6 p.m.

Squash

Ladies’ Luncheon Merion friends savor the last days of Bistro Twenty20 at the Ladies’ Luncheon in October.

Learn more about the current college squash environment, the recruitment process and school programs available around the country.

High School Match Tourney Saturday, November 14, 1–4 p.m.

All levels of high school players are welcome to join this friendly tournament to test your skills. To sign up, please visit https:// clublocker.com/tournaments/12212/info.

Mini Grand Prix

Sunday, November 15, 10 a.m.–noon

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Christmas Events

TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Count down as we flip the switch and witness this magnificent tree come to life!

Afterwards, join us for Christmas carols with The Tonics and light refreshments.

There will be plenty of holiday-themed activities for the whole family at the Christmas Village on the Lawn. Dinner reservations in our restaurants are strongly encouraged. Signature Bar. This is a complimentary event that will take place on two separate nights on the Great Lawn to accommodate our membership and allow for social distancing.

The season has officially started, and this weekend is full of squash activities for all ages. To register contact Alicia Rodriguez at arodriguez@merioncricket.com Saturday, November 14, 10–11 a.m.

Register by November 5 at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_smwpxOEJQ3upLqrTk0aFRA.

Friday, December 4, 6 p.m.

Saturday, December 5, 6 p.m.

November 14–15

College Information Session

The college application process is challenging enough, but what do you do when a global pandemic complicates it even more?

Students and parents will hear practical suggestions on how to take advantage of their 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 to best prepare for their higher education.

Christmas Tree Lighting on the Lawn

Squash-athon

An American Songbook Christmas Special Starring Michael Farina Saturday, December 12, 5–9:30 p.m.

This will be a special evening of holiday dining and entertainment as Mike Farina performs American Songbook Christmas tunes and Frank Sinatra classics. Make your reservation on the Porch or in the Cricket Room to enjoy a special à la carte menu featuring caviar, Merion Rockefeller, prime rib, and lobster Newberg. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine will be included.

Juniors ages 11 and under bring your best game for a fun morning of squash matches and skills challenges. This is a complimentary event.

Thanksgiving Training Group

November 24, 25 & 27 9–11 a.m. Ages 12 & under 1–3 p.m. High school/middle school players The cost is $80 per day and is limited to 12 participants in each session.

Merion Alumni Event Saturday, November 28, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Welcome back, Merion squash alumni! If you are college age or older and grew up playing squash at Merion, catch up with your old friends at the first round robin alumni event. All skills are welcome. This is a complimentary event.

Bowling Bowling & Hutch are Back Beginning Friday, November 13 Friday, Saturday & Sunday, noon–8 p.m.

Reservations are required and limited to a maximum of three people per lane and two lanes will be open at a time.

Tennis

Pickleball

Register online or contact Ben Faber at ext. 209 or bfaber@merioncricket.com.

Reserve online or contact Whitney Thain wthain@merioncricket.com for more information.

Session #2 Indoor Winter Season

Play at Indoor Tennis

November 2–January 10 (No Clinics December 21–January 3)

Please check website for adult and junior schedules and prices.

Polar Bear Plunge Under the Lights Friday, November 6, 6–7:30 p.m.

Dress warmly and brave the cold at this end-of-season adult round robin tennis on Teniko Courts 1–4. This complimentary event is limited to 16 players.

Black Friday Adult Round Robin Friday, November 27, 2–3:30 p.m.

Stay active over the holiday weekend with a friendly round robin competition. This complimentary event is limited to 16 players.

Elana Williams is ready at net.

Junior Indoor Matchplay Saturdays, 5–7 p.m.

November 14 Orange Ball November 21 Green Dot December 5 Orange Ball December 12 Green Dot Juniors ages 8–12, join the tennis pros and Merion friends for Saturday night matchplay events. Chicken fingers and Gatorade included. The cost is $30 per player.

Fitness

Saturday, November 21, 7:45 a.m.

“Do it for the pie!” Join Jen for this complimentary 45-minute cycle event on Indoor Tennis court #2. Remember to bring water and a towel, and wear your masks at all times. Bikes will be socially distanced.

Weekly Indoor Clinics Beginning Monday, November 2

Registration is required for all clinics and events. The cost is $10 per player for all pickleball activities. Clinics may be held outside if the weather is warmer.

Open Play with Tips and Tactic for Beginners

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 1–2:30 p.m.

Sundays, 1:30–3 p.m.

Please reserve online via the mywellness app or contact the Fitness Center at ext. 388 or email fitness@merioncricket.com.

Thanksgiving Cycle Event

When the weather is colder, there will be four pickleball courts lined and ready for play on Indoor Tennis Courts 1 & 2. Simply pull the nets onto the court.

To make a reservation, book court 1 or 2 three days in advance online or by calling the Pro Shop at ext. 240 or Indoor Tennis at ext. 250. All players must sign in at the Indoor Tennis desk before play.

Save the Date Christmas Cycle Event

Saturday, December 19, 7:30 a.m.

BLACK FRIDAY POST-TURKEY WORKOUT Friday, November 27, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. .

Invite your Merion friends and family to a Black Friday fitness party with D and the fitness team! Last year’s participants enjoyed a workout on the Great Lawn followed by a game of “ultimate ball.” Wear all black for this event!

Extended play goes until 2 p.m. A Fitness Center membership is not required to participate. This is a complimentary event.

Join us for open play for all levels.

Beginners will have the opportunity to learn some tips and tactics as well. Tips and Tactics is limited to four players per time slot; open play is limited to 12.

I Swear I Was Aiming for Your Feet Night Friday, November 13, 6:30 p.m.

This is the perfect social to get together with fellow players and meet new friends. After pickleball at Indoor Tennis, make a reservation in the Cricket Porch for dinner and drinks to complete the night. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants.

The cost is $10 per player.

REMINDER:

Masks are required when playing pickleball inside.

Vol. CXLIV No. 10 November 2020

Kids’ Clubhouse

Bridge

Reserve online or contact Kelsey Hudson at ext. 323 or khudson@merioncricket.com.

For more information about bridge online or virtual lessons, please contact Dianne Meyer at dameyer1620@comcast.net.

Parent & Me Music Class Wednesday, November 11, 10–10:45 a.m.

Children will learn and grow through singing, dancing and imaginative play. This class encourages children ages 1–2 to build self-confidence, self-esteem and social skills!

The cost is $10 a class.

Holiday Hours

Wednesday, November 25, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Please make your reservation through the website.

Theme Nights Make your reservation at Kids’ Clubhouse during these special nights for juniors to enjoy themed activities while parents play a sport or dine at the Club.

Junior Game Night

Friday, November 13, 5–7 p.m.

Juniors ages 6–12 get together with friends while parents have a few hours to themselves at the Club. Basketball tournaments, air hockey games and Super Mario Bros Switch game will keep the kids entertained!

Children may bring their own game or enjoy the Club’s games. Sign up now; space is limited! The cost is $20 per child.

Bridge Online Tuesdays, 1:15 p.m.

Join your friends for a two-hour game on Bridge Base Online. Please join us and encourage your partners to do the same. The cost is $5 (paid with Bridge Base Dollars).

Croquet

Celebrate Mickey Mouse’s Birthday Wednesday, November 18, 3–7 p.m.

These juniors are getting to work at the Kids’ Clubhouse.

Children ages 3–6 will have fun listening to Mickey Mouse music, creating crafts and reading one of Mickey Mouse’s birthday books. Reserve up to two hours between 3–7 p.m.

Cheers to a croquet-filled fall!

Paddle Please reserve online or contact Greg Eger at geger@merioncricket.com for more information.

Ladies’ Cosmo Night

Men’s A/B Round Robin

It’s ladies’ night! Come out for a night of paddle and cosmos. Greg and Ben will keep two groups of 16 rotating on court during this social night with friends. Light fare and a pretty cosmo served by Greg is included. The cost is $25 per person.

Team up with players of different levels and meet new members at this paddle night just for the guys. A partner is not required. Light fare and beer included.

The cost is $25 per person.

Tuesday, November 10, 6:30–9 p.m.

Mixed A/B Round Robin Tuesday, November 17, 6:30–9 p.m.

Paddle partners will be rotated during this fun event, open to 16 men and 16 women of all levels. A partner is not required.

Light fare and beer included. The cost is $25 per person.

Monday, November 30, 6:30–9 p.m.

Ugly Sweater Party Monday, December 7, 6:30–9 p.m.

Get your ugly sweater out and celebrate the holidays. A partner is not required.

Event is open to all levels. The ugliest sweater of the night will have their fee waived. Light fare and beer included. The cost is $25 per person.

REMINDER:

Paddle events are limited to 32 participants, and registration is required

2019 Ladies’ Cosmo Night — get ready for 2020

Junior Clinics

Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 4–5 p.m.

Greg and Ben will help juniors ages 8–16 stay active this fall and winter while focusing on improving their paddle skills.

Registration is required and is limited to eight participants.

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 October: Mr. & Mrs. A. Patrick McNulty (Elizabeth McAndrews) Proposers: Christopher & Kirsten Comai Rev. Schaunel Steinnagel & Mr. Matthew Taylor Proposer: Mimi Drake

Election of spouse or domestic partner: Mrs. Christina Wiskowski Member: Margaretta Walton New candidates under consideration: Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wesley, Jr. (Patricia Stoehr) Proposer: Barbara Haldeman Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Kurtz (Deborah Gross) Proposer: Michael Banks Mrs. Karen Toth Proposer: Catherine McQuaid Dr. & Mrs. Scott Nelson (Josephine Sandler) Proposer: Shariq Khan Mr. & Mrs. Paul Barnes III (Deirdre Moran) Proposer: Doug DiSesa Mr. & Dr. Bradley Hartwell (Liza Wu) Proposer: Joseph Serletti Mr. & Mrs. John Schumacher (Jessica Griffith) Proposer: Lee Manonian

New reinstatement under consideration: Ms. Nancy Taylor Proposer: Heidi Hole Ms. Jane Finkenstaedt Proposer: Sara Hill Mrs. Elizabeth Paluck Rath Proposer: Ali Farrell

Introduction of spouse or domestic partner: Mr. Robert Morandi Member: Victoria Burch Ms. Piper Ferrone Member: Peter Griffith Mrs. Victoria Lemmon (Hammarskjold) Member: George Lemmon III

Reinstatement under continued consideration: Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Berman (Tracey Ku) Mr. & Mrs. George Marucci, Jr. (Sandra Bogle) Proposer: Edmund Garno III Ms. Polly Staples Proposer: Ann Zabel Mrs. Regina Pakradooni Mr. & Mrs. David Casper (Kelley Kirkpatrick) Proposer: Alexandra Monroe

Candidates under continued consideration: Mrs. Margaret Sordoni Proposer: Catherine Susanin Mr. & Mrs. Robert Brady (Nora Grady) Proposers: Glenn & Christine Lesko Mr. & Mrs. Drew Holzapfel (Amy Rutkowski) Proposer: Albury Fleitas Mr. Greg Shewchuk & Mrs. Claire Lundin Proposer: Trine Vanderwall Mr. & Mrs. Richard Smotkin (Susana Lambour) Proposers: Karl & Shannon Zeller

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

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

Thanksgiving

HOURS OF OPERATION Thursday, November 26

Takeout (Cottage)...................8–11 a.m.

Courtside......................... 8 a.m.–5 p.m. limited breakfast, lunch & dinner menu Dinner............................... noon–5 p.m.

Furness, Porch & Cricket Fitness.............................. 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

CBD............................................Closed Indoor Tennis.................. 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Pro Shop......................... 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Mr. & Mrs. Dixon Shay III (Gillian O’Neill) Proposers: Ryan & Rebecca Northington

In Memory Mrs. Elizabeth Royer Elected: July 1, 1993 Died: May 20, 2020 Mr. David Ford Elected: September 14, 1978 Died: September 20, 2020

The Kirwans enjoying the 2019 holidays at Merion

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