MCC: December Chronicle

Paddle Ugly Sweater Party Monday, December 7 Family Bingo Thursday, January 7 www.merioncricket.com

French Bistro Night Thursday, January 14

Vol. CXLIV No. 11 December 2020

CRICKET CHRONICLE The Merion Cricket Club

Merion YOUR PLACE FOR Holiday Cheer 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.

Online reservations are not available for this event.

2019 Santa Brunch

The Brunch Before Christmas Thursday, December 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Gather with family for specialty à la carte brunch items including Chesapeake eggs Benedict, filet and eggs, Funfetti pancakes, and Nutella strawberry waffles. This family-style brunch is served with Chef ’s pastry baskets and breakfast meats and sides. Create a Christmas ornament and enjoy festive eggnog from the bar. Make your reservation on the Porch or in the Cricket Room for this special holiday event.

New Year’s Day at the Club

New Year’s Day 2020

Friday, January 1, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

We look forward to kicking off the New Year with family and friends. Enjoy an à la carte brunch as well as live entertainment by The Bill Handy Jazz Trio, balloon art by Gary Pringle of Premier Entertainment, and activities for the whole family. The cost is $35 for adults and $20 for ages 4–12. Online reservations are not available.

Please call the Front Desk Receptionist to make reservations for the holiday events.

Important Reminders

As we look forward to family returning home for the holidays, your support is essential to help keep our Merion community safe.

Please remind your family of the following expectations when coming to the Club. It is of the utmost importance that we remain diligent and communicate these protocols to help prevent any risk of COVID19 to fellow members and Merion employees.

• Individuals entering Pennsylvania must be tested within 72 hours prior to entering the State. If they do not get tested, they must quarantine for 14 days. Please do not allow anyone in your family who has returned home from out of state to come to the Club unless this protocol has been followed.

• Face coverings are required at all times while on Club property and must cover your nose and mouth (the only exception is when seated at a table dining).

Please understand these protocols are for the safety of all Members and employees and will be strictly enforced. We have been very proud of how our membership has been supporting each other, and now, we must raise our level of focus and determination to allow our entire membership to continue enjoying the holidays at the Club.

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

Chef Series at Merion

French Bistro Night |

Thursday, January 14, 5–9:30 p.m.

This elegant dining experience features a selection of regional French cheese, a seafood platter for two, escargot, and steak frites. Make your reservation in the Furness, Cricket Room or on the Porch.

Stone Crab |

Thursday, January 28, 5–9:30 p.m.

There’s nothing quite as decadent as eating a delicious Florida stone crab claw. Join us for a special night featuring this seasonal delicacy along with a variety of seafood specials including fish tacos and Miami cuisine. Make your reservation in the Furness, Porch or Cricket.

New Service Style in the Courtside Café In an effort to support the flexibility of our members’ dining needs and to create a safe dining experience, table service is now required in the Courtside. Counter service will be available for takeout orders and convenience items.

• The tables in the Courtside are to be used for dining only.

• Walk-in seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Check-in is required with the hostess on arrival. Please provide names of everyone in your party for COVID-19 contact tracing.

?

Did You

German chocolate cake is not from Germany! It was named after the baker who created it, Samuel German, an American, who created this confection in 1852.

The dessert was not well-known until 1957. It’s a rich layered chocolate cake filled with caramel, coconut, and pecan filling. Look out for this classic dessert item on the menu.

KNOW

Staff Highlight:

JOHNSON & WALES AT MERION Edward Dollinger, Chef de Cuisine, and Hanna Long, Waiter/ Bartender/Prep Cook, are welcome additions to Merion’s culinary team from the well-regarded Johnson and Wales University. Prior to joining Merion in January, Edward’s career thrived in New York City for 10 years in some of the renowned and Michelin Star rated restaurants including Le Bernadin and Daniel. Being at the right place at the right time, he had the unique opportunity to be represented in Executive Chef Eric Ripert’s book

“On the Line,” which takes readers behind the scenes at Le Bernadin. Most recently, he was the Executive Sous Chef at Saucon Valley Country Club.

Originally from Cape May, he is a Philly sports fan to the core—all of his amazing experiences in rival territory couldn’t sever his allegiance to Philadelphia sports.

Like most chefs, he relishes creating exceptional dishes with a variety of ingredients, with a special affinity for preparing fish. When speaking about what he enjoys most about Merion, “it’s the people he works with that make each day enjoyable” and creating fun memories like carving pumpkins with his coworkers for Fright Night.

• The hostess will direct members to a table, where members will receive table service during lunch and dinner.

• Counter service is available for coffee, smoothies, beverages, candy, power bars, takeout orders, and convenience case items.

• Face masks must be worn at all times unless you are seated at a table.

In contrast, Hanna is just beginning her culinary journey, expecting to graduate from the Johnson and Wales Dietetics and Applied Nutrition program in 2022. She is interested in focusing on Pediatric Care or Sports Nutrition upon graduation. She was particularly interested in Merion because of the breadth of experiences she was offered at the Club. Her strong sense of dedication and multi-faceted talents are highlighted in her ability to transition quickly from table service to bartending to supporting the kitchen. Whether in the kitchen or the restaurants, she demonstrates drive, leadership and teamwork with a focus on exceptional service. She enjoys connecting with the membership and ensuring they are enjoying their dining experience.

Cricket Chronicle

Entertainment Ladies’ Night: Parkas on the Porch

Wellness Speaker Series How to be Productive & Happy in 2021 with Jennifer Robinson Tuesday, January 5, 6 p.m.

Jennifer will kick off our 2021 health and wellness speaker series.

She will share a bit about why health and wellness are so important, including her personal journey detailed in a 2020 TEDx talk about reinventing herself. Jennifer will provide tips on how we can all overcome obstacles in our own lives when things go off track, such as the pandemic throwing everyone’s plans out the window in 2020. She will discuss how to be productive and happy in 2021.

Mindful Athlete Training with Hunter Stevens, PsyD, MBA Tuesday, January 12, 6 p.m.

“Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. As athletes, it’s no longer just about being the strongest, fastest, toughest, it’s so, so, so important to take that time for your mind and mental well-being.

– LeBron James While most people recognize athletes for their physical abilities, some of the most successful athletes, including LeBron James, Russell Wilson and Derek Jeter, block out space in their training regiments to work on training the mind. Dr. Hunter Stevens, Head of Mental Skills and former Division I athlete, will discuss how physiology is affected in the crucial moments of performance. Learn how to leverage your physiology to get into a flow state faster, and stay there longer. Whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance performance or are simply interested in how to reduce mental fatigue, this Zoom event is for you!

Holiday Reset with Sarah Chesky, RDN, LDN

Friday, January 22, 6–10 p.m.

Winter is here! Look forward to bundling up and spending an evening out with some of your closest Merion girlfriends.

Dress in your favorite parka and winter wardrobe as we take over the Porch for a seasonal sit-down dinner paired with wine and good cheer. Best yet, we are leaving the husbands and kids at home for some much-needed time with the girls!

Reservations are required. The cost is $85 per person.

Speaker Series “The Effort”

by Merion Member Claire Holroyde Friday, February 5, 6 p.m.

Join us to celebrate Claire Holroyde’s debut novel, “The Effort,” at a special speaker series at the Club.

Claire will not only present her experience writing the book but will share her passion for following your dreams and working hard to achieve them. “The Effort” is an electric, heart-pounding novel of love and sacrifice that follows people around the world as they unite to prevent a global catastrophe.

There will be an interactive Q&A following the presentation. Register on the Club website.

Tuesday, January 19, 6 p.m.

From exchanging gifts to conversation and cocktails by the fireplace, there is nothing like enjoying the holidays with your loved ones! Learn how to reset and instill sustainable nutrition habits throughout the New Year!

New Year’s Day at the Club

Minding Your Mind with Kristin Page, MS, E-RYT Tuesday, January 26, 6 p.m.

Too often we are dwelling on the past or overthinking the future.

Mindfulness is the practice of simply paying attention to what is happening in the present moment. Training the mind to slow down and check-in yields a variety of benefits from an increased attention span, reduced anxiety and better emotional health. Register for our Zoom discussion to learn how to cultivate a practice of mindfulness in your everyday life!

The Ogelsbys and Farrells enjoy balloon hats in 2019.

Tennis

Pickleball

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

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

Club Championships

Indoor Winter Season: Session 3 January 11–March 7

Please check the website for adult and junior schedules and prices.

60+ Hit with the Pros Wednesday, December 16, 2–3:30 p.m.

Enjoy a complimentary round robin led by one of the pros. A light snack and beverage will be served. Registration is limited to 12 players.

Junior Indoor Matchplay Orange Ball (ages 8–10) Saturday, December 5, 5–7 p.m.

Green Dot (ages 8–12) Saturday, December 12, 5–7 p.m.

The cost is $30 per player and includes pizza and Gatorade.

Parent/Child Matchplay Round Robin Sunday, January 17, 5–7 p.m.

Start the year with an active round robin/matchplay event. Parents and children team up with each other and compete against other families in a fun environment. The cost is $40 per family.

The courts were filled with activity and excitement on three consecutive Saturdays this fall for our second annual Club Championships. Held on Merion’s new hard courts, 73 teams competed in the eight different draws and showed us that pickleball is growing at Merion and members are loving it.

Results Women’s A Doubles Ali Farrell/Alice Bullitt, winners; Lauren Shipley/Beth Paulin, finalists

Mixed A Doubles Chris Bond/Ali Farrell, winners; Johan Detter/Tehani Detter, finalists

Women’s B Doubles Viola Terwiesch/Grace Hau, winners; Sandy Adzick/Louise Havens, finalists

Mixed B Doubles Andrew Matuch/Jessica Rearden, winners; Morgan Smith/Jill Donald, finalists

Men’s A Doubles Peter Stokes/Sandy Monaghan, winners; Chris Bond/Christian Bullitt, finalists

Women’s 55+ Martha Cyphers/Maria Pollack, winners; Louise Havens/Susie Saunders, finalists

Men’s B Doubles Peter Classen/Thomas Carr, winners; Jay Gopez/John Patterson, finalists

Men’s 55+ Peter Stokes/Peter Monaghan, winners; Tim Kent/Richard Davies, finalists

Fitness Affinity Clubs French Club

Thursday, January 7, 6:30 p.m.

Join us for an interesting hour of conversation via Zoom. Don’t worry about how well you speak French; this is a fun, informal group. We have a wonderful facilitator who helps us converse as we discuss movies, books, travel, etc. The goal is to enjoy speaking the language, so please don’t be intimidated.

Sip & Stitch

Thursday, December 17, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 21, 7:30 p.m.

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

Christmas Cycle Event

Hardbody Workout

Join Jen for a “Jingle All the Way” cycle class. Wear your Christmas colors to this complimentary event on Indoor Tennis court #2. Please bring water and a towel.

Masks are to be worn at all times. Bikes will be socially distanced. Please register on the MyWellness app or contact Fitness at ext. 388 or fitness@merioncricket.com.

Join us on Zoom for D’s Hardbody workout, available to all members.

Find the link on the Club calendar on the website.

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

Monday–Thursday, noon

Vol. CXLIV No. 11 December 2020

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

Little Crickets Holiday Camps

Movie Night: The Angry Birds Movie

The holidays are here! Children ages 3–6 are invited to join us to create ornaments, decorations and gifts this holiday season.

A snack will be provided. The cost is $30 per session.

Come dressed in your best PJ’s and slippers for this comfy cozy movie night in the Ballroom. Bring a blanket or sleeping bag for maximum comfort. The cost is $10 per child and includes food and a drink.

December 21–23 & 28–30, 9–11:30 a.m.

Saturday, January 16, 6–9 p.m.

Junior Fun Day

January 18, February 12 & 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

School’s out and Merion’s junior programming is at play! Have your children ages 3–12 participate in a day full of games, activities and bowling. Lunch is included in this four-hour event. The cost is $30 per day.

National Lego Day Thursday, January 28

Virtual Family Bingo Thursday, January 7, 5 p.m.

Play from the comfort of your home or at the Kids’ Clubhouse with Kelsey and her team! Create your own bingo board from scratch with us in the Kids’ Clubhouse or print one from the internet.

Happy National Lego Day! Create toy buildings, vehicles, creatures, machines, anything imaginable. The best Lego sculpture will be photographed and framed for all to see! Register for your child for up to two hours through the Kids’ Clubhouse reservation system.

Valentine’s Craft Week

Holiday Hours

Holiday

HOURS OF OPERATION December 21–23 Kids’ Clubhouse............... Noon–5 p.m.

Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24 Furness/Cricket/Porch Dining........................... 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Courtside......................... 8 a.m.–3 p.m. limited breakfast & lunch à la carte menu Fitness.............................. 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

CBD............................................Closed Indoor Tennis.................. 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

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

Kids’ Clubhouse..........................Closed Christmas Day Friday, December 25 The Club is Closed December 21–23 Kids’ Clubhouse............... Noon–5 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Thursday, December 31

February 8–14

Cricket Room & Courtside Café............ 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

During regular Kids’ Clubhouse hours enjoy crafts, games and book readings.

Fitness.............................. 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Wear your ugly sweater to celebrate the holidays. A partner is not required. This event is open to all levels. The ugliest sweater will have their fee waived. Light fare and beer included. The cost is $25.

Mixed Night Out Tuesday, January 5, 6:30-9 p.m.

Merion ladies enjoy some socially distanced paddle break at Cosmo Night!

Come for a night of play open to 16 men and 16 women of all levels. A partner is not needed; partners will be rotated. Light fare and beer included. The cost is $25.

Kids’ Clubhouse Reservations..................... 9 a.m.–3p.m.

New Year’s Day Friday, January 1 Brunch........................... 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Fitness.............................. 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

CBD............................................Closed Indoor Tennis.................. 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Pro Shop.....................................Closed Kids’ Clubhouse..........................Closed Saturday, January 2 Restaurants Closed

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 November: Mr. & Mrs. Michael Murphy (Siobhan McCartan) Proposer: Jarrett Kling Mr. Robert Katz & Mr. Jonathan Koffler Proposer: Noel Butcher-Hanley

Election of spouse or domestic partner: Mr. Henry Michell Member: Patricia Michell Mr. Brendan Seaver Member: Charlotte Burch Ms. Janet Stanwood Member: Daniel Berger Mr. Peter Bastian Member: Clare Kuensell Mrs. Christina O’Malley Member: Bartley O’Malley

New candidates under consideration: Mrs. Susan Davis Proposer: Jonathan Toal Mrs. Elizabeth Foo Proposer: Nancy Smartt Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mattsson (Carlye Rosenthal) Proposers: Trevor McGuinness Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Moyer (Shannon Leati) Proposer: Cole Collier Mr. & Mrs. Harry Cook (Linda Maack) Proposers: Jack & Debbie Lynch Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Hall (Jane Flaherty) Proposers: Gerhard Van Arkel Mr. & Mrs. Manish Nagar (Meghna Shah) Proposers: Todd & Anna Cassidy

New reinstatement under consideration: Mr. & Mrs. William Crowe (Maryann) Proposer: Alex Luk

Introduction of spouse or domestic partner: Ms. Katherine Mallouk Member: Andrew Conrad Mrs. Constance Caldwell Member: Carter Caldwell Mr. Duncan Pearson Member: Lauren Patterson

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 Vandervall Mr. & Mrs. Richard Smotkin (Susana Lambour) Proposers: Karl & Shannon Zeller Mr. & Mrs. Dixon Shay III (Gillian O’Neill) Proposers: Ryan & Rebecca Northington Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wesley, Jr. (Patricia Stoehr) Proposer: Barbara Haldeman Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Kurtz (Deborah Gross) Proposers: Michael Banks Mrs. Karen Toth Proposer: Catherine McQuaid Dr. & Mrs. Scott Nelson (Josephine Sandler) Proposer: Shariq Khan Mr. & Mrs. Paul Barnes III (Deirdre Moran) Proposers: Doug DiSesa Mr. & Dr. Bradley Hartwell (Liza Wu) Proposers: Joseph Serletti Mr. & Mrs. John Schumacher (Jessica Griffth) Proposer: Lee Manonian

Cricket Chronicle Editorial Committee Chrissy Keffer – Chair communications@merioncricket.com

Summer Membership

This past summer captured a moment in Merion history. With the opening of the pool, new courts and Bistro Twenty20, we were able to find solace and escape at our very own Club. Being such a special place, Merion’s facilities are only outshined by its membership.

The Summer Membership is a unique opportunity for members to share our community with friends and colleagues whose values and interests align with the Club’s culture and our membership. It is a wonderful experience for both members and potential candidates to enjoy Merion’s many offerings throughout the summer.

The application process for potential candidates begins January 1 and continues through March 31. If you have a potential candidates for summer membership, please reach out to our Director of Member Relations, Kimberly Brady.

Reinstatement under continued consideration: Mrs. Regina Pakradooni Mr. & Mrs. David Casper (Kelley Kirkpatrick) Proposer: Alexandra Monroe Ms. Nancy Taylor Proposer: Heidi Hole Ms. Jane Finkenstaedt Proposer: Sara Hill Mrs. Elizabeth Paluck Rath Proposer: Ali Farrell

In Memory Mrs. Linda Rorer Elected: December 13, 1977 Died: March 8, 2020 Mr. Edward T. Goodman Elected: December 11, 1973 Died: July 25, 2020 Mr. Michael Tallent Elected: June 11, 2001 Died: September 22, 2020

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