Article I - Volume 101, Episode 4 2025

± Article volume 101, episode 4

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

letter from the president g e n e r a l ly s p e a k i n g p l at e d & p o u r e d : pa s t ry e d i t i o n h o l i d ay '25 p h o t o e s s ay thank you from the congressional team h o l i d ay h o u r s o f o p e r at i o n get in touch

L E T T E R F R O M THE P R E S I D E N T The Club is decorated in its holiday best thanks to hard work by the greatest Member volunteers in the world. The atmosphere in the Pub is warm no matter how cold it is outside. Santa has come and gone, and energy is high at Congressional. Walking through the Clubhouse at this time of year is always nostalgic for me. I grew up here and have so many memories of this special place at Christmas.

As much as I cherish our history, my focus as your President is squarely on our future. Legacy is about investing in the future, creating the amenities and experiences that will nourish the next generation of Congressional Members.

The support you showed for the first phase of the Long-Range Plan last year was a mandate to invest in our future. We have not wasted a moment. You’ve seen what we have accomplished this year, and 2026 will bring more exciting improvements. Our amenities anchor our daily life here, and they are getting the attention they deserve thanks to you.

We are now taking the next step in the Long-Range Plan to make sure our Clubhouse amenities match the caliber of our Club. We want to start, by reclaiming the Capitol Dining Room, our crown jewel. It should be the center of dining and connection at the Club. There are also huge opportunities to recreate the Ladies’ Locker Room as a world-class space, reimagine the Golf Shop, and modernize the sleeping rooms experience.

I know what these spaces have meant to all of us. They will be incredible again – with your support. I am looking forward to creating that plan with you next year.

As you enjoy the Christmas holiday, take a look around. Appreciate the unbelievable legacy we have inherited. And know that the best days of Congressional are still ahead of us – we are building them right now.

Merry Christmas to you and your families. I look forward to seeing you at the Club.

GRAYSON HANES

GENERALLY SPEAKING

The Magic of the Holidays at Congressional

The magic of the holidays often arrives quietly.

Not in grand gestures, but in a watchful spouse, a long drive home, a child’s wide-eyed wonder.

This season, we received a letter from one of our families and I felt compelled to share what it reminded me of—why Congressional matters so deeply to so many. It was a note of gratitude, yes, but also a reflection on what Christmas becomes when time together is especially precious.

When every healthy moment is a gift, carefully protected and lovingly planned.

For this family, Christmas at Congressional is more than tradition now, as they battle a significant health crisis. A tradition they’ve worked hard to preserve— planned around appointments, schedules, and seasons of caution—so that, for one evening, they could simply be a family at Christmas. A husband and wife.

Parents and grandparents. A table filled with warmth, laughter, and the feeling of togetherness that makes the season glow.

“Going to CCC is very special,” she wrote. Such a simple phrase, and yet it says everything.

Two years ago, their granddaughter experienced Congressional at Christmas for the first time.

As she walked through the Capitol Dining Room— past the glowing fireplace, the festive décor, and tables brimming with holiday delights—she stopped, looked up, and exclaimed, “This is the most beautiful room I’ve ever seen in my life! Thank you for letting me come here!”

That moment says everything about what we strive to create. Through her eyes, we were reminded that beauty still has the power to astonish. That what we do here becomes part of someone’s forever memory.

And while that little girl may remember the room, her grandmother will always remember the look on her granddaughter’s face—the joy, the wonder, the magic.

Behind moments like these is someone quietly making it all happen. A mother. A wife. A planner of details large and small—so that joy feels effortless, so that love takes center stage, and so that for one special night, worry is left at the door.

“There has to be some magic in Christmas,” she wrote. And she’s right. Our role is not to create that magic—but to be the place where it can unfold. *** To our Members: Thank you for trusting us with your most meaningful moments. We see the celebrations and the quiet victories. We see the empty chairs, the full hearts, the first times and the “just one more time, please God” moments. You allow us to be part of your story, and that is a privilege we never take lightly.

You remind us that a dining room is never just a dining room. A holiday meal is never just a meal.

And Congressional is never just a Club. It is a place where memories are made, traditions are honored, and families are reminded of what truly matters.

From my heart—and from all of us at Congressional— we wish you a Christmas and holiday season filled with light, a New Year filled with health, and a lifetime of moments that take your breath away.

Thank you for reading, and letting us be part of those moments,

JEFFREY KREAFLE

Plated & Poured PastryEdition

Welcome back to Plated & Poured—a culinary and beverage series designed to give you a deeper understanding into the flavors, creativity, and craftsmanship that define your dining experiences. We’ll share exclusive insights into the club’s culinary and beverage world—from the artistry behind our craft to the relationships we’ve built with renowned experts and artisans in the industry.

This edition invites you into the pastry kitchen with a seasonal favorite from our talented pastry team. We’re sharing an exclusive spice cake recipe, thoughtfully crafted with warm, comforting flavors that capture the essence of the season— perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. Alongside the recipe, enjoy a behind-the-scenes video feature that brings the process to life, highlighting the care, technique, and creativity that go into every detail. It’s a delicious glimpse into the passion and precision that make our desserts truly memorable—and an opportunity to recreate a little of the Club’s magic in your own kitchen.

Spice Cake Recipe Makes Two (2) 8" Cakes Ingredients 240 g whole eggs (around 5 eggs) 465 g fresh cream 35% fat 10 g Vanilla Bean Paste 395 g sugar 395 g plain (all-purpose) flour 17 g baking powder 6 g ground cinnamon 3 g all spice 3.5 g salt

Instructions 1. Heat the oven to 150°C (302°F) 2. Spray the cake tin with baking oil spray, then line the sides with baking paper and dust the base with flour.

3. Place the eggs, cream and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed to combine.

4. Add the sugar and mix.

5. Meanwhile, sieve the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and all spice and salt.

6. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and mix to combine. Don’t over mix.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes, or until a skewer is inserted and comes out clean.

8. Allow the cake to cool for approximately 20 minutes before removing from the tin. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer.

Pro tip: Infuse your cold cream with cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole all spice the day before.

The cake goes well with: orange marmalade, cream cheese frosting, apple butter and caramel.

2025 HOLID

DAY SEASON

Wreath Decorating

Evenings with Santa

Gingerbread House Decorating

Good Counsel Chamber Choir & Christmas Carolers

Holly Jolly Lunches

Teen Jingle Jam

Adult Gingerbread House Decorating

Dinner & Holiday Movie

PJ's & Pancakes with Santa

Thank You!

This holiday season we would like to extend our sincerest thank you to our Members for your continued generosity and support. This tradition truly reflects the spirit of our Club and the strong sense of community we are proud to share.

Thank you so much! This year's contributions were so

care for them! I'm unable to go home and spend the holidays with them but being able to curate thoughtful gifts and plan a flight after the holidays to see them is so special! Thank you again for all the generosity!!

-Audrey Karas

-Venus Alexander

Thank you all fo

Happy holidays t

look forward to s New Year!

-James Fitzella & Fa

We are grateful a

the bottom of our

for valuing our t

and your familie

season and a pro

-Vasanthi Ramchan

special not only because they showed how much you all care for us, but helped me show my family how much I

Thank you for your

Thank you so much for your generosity a genuine concern for all employees. This big difference in helping me and my fam recent medical expenses. I am very grate thankful to work at Congressional.

-Susan Cardwell

Thank you for being a consistent blessing in my life.

-Brittany Ambush

continued support. It truly means a lot to me and to our team.

Thank you for your great generosity. My gratitude cannot be

It is with great honor & joy to be able to Thank you very much

or your generosity.

for your contribution and

to everyone and

-John Burton

generosity towards the team. It

seeing you in the

is greatly appreciated. Blessings to you and your family during

and thank you from

Thank you so much for your

team. Wishing you

generosity this holiday

es a joyful holiday

season and everything you

osperous New Year.

do to support us throughout the year!!

much to me. Tank you for the support is amazing, and I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. THANK

-Sandra Herbert

r hearts. Thank you

Your support and generosity means so you offer us every year. Your kindness

this Holiday Season.

amily

expressed enough. Happy Holidays!

YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!!

-RAUL DE LA O

Thank you for your generous support this year. Your kindness and contributions make

nd

a meaningful difference, and we are truly

and your will make a mily with eful and

-Greta Wilhelm

Thank you so much for your continued support and generosity!

-Kevin Johnson

grateful for your generosity. Wishing you and your families a warm, joyful, and blessed holiday season.

-Will Cruz

Thank you for your generous and thoughtful support. I'm part-time and must admit that this was very unexpected but none the less very appreciated. Again, thank you for the consideration that you show towards us.

-Ed Detwiler

HOLIDAY HOURS CHRISTMAS EVE

CHRISTMAS DAY

Blue Course: Closed

Blue Course: Closed

Bowling Lanes: Closed

Bowling Lanes: Closed

Chophouse: Closed

Chophouse: Closed

Driving Range: 8 AM–4 PM

Driving Range: 8 AM–4 PM

Fitness Center: 7 AM–2 PM

Fitness Center: Closed

Founders’ Pub: 12 Noon–4 PM

Founders’ Pub: 12 Noon–4 PM

Gold Course: Open

Gold Course: Open

Golf Performance Center: 8 AM–3 PM

Golf Performance Center: Closed

Wednesday, December 24

(Opening time dependent on frost)

(Kitchen open until 2 PM with House Grill Menu) (Opening time dependent on frost)

Golf Shop: 8 AM–3 PM House Grill: 7 AM–2 PM Indoor Pool: 6 AM–7 PM Tennis House: 8 AM–3 PM

Thursday, December 25

(Opening time dependent on frost)

(Kitchen open until 2 PM with House Grill Menu) (Opening time dependent on frost)

Golf Shop: Closed House Grill: 7 AM–2 PM Indoor Pool: Closed Tennis House: Closed

S OF OPERATION NEW YEAR'S EVE

NEW YEAR'S DAY

Blue Course: Closed

Blue Course: Closed

Bowling Lanes: Closed

Bowling Lanes: Closed

Chophouse: 5–9 PM

Chophouse: 5–9 PM

Driving Range: 8 AM–4 PM

Driving Range: 8 AM–4 PM

Fitness Center: 7 AM–2 PM

Fitness Center: 7 AM–2 PM

Founders’ Pub: 12 Noon–10 PM

Founders’ Pub: 12 Noon–10 PM

Gold Course: Open

Gold Course: Open

Golf Performance Center: 8 AM–3 PM

Golf Performance Center: Closed

Wednesday, December 31

(Opening time dependent on frost)

(Kitchen open until 9 PM)

(Opening time dependent on frost)

Golf Shop: 8 AM–3 PM House Grill: 7 AM–6 PM Indoor Pool: 6 AM–7 PM Tennis House: 8 AM–3 PM

Thursday, January 1

(Opening time dependent on frost)

(Kitchen open until 9 PM)

(Opening time dependent on frost)

Golf Shop: Closed House Grill: 7 AM–9 PM Indoor Pool: Closed Tennis House: Closed

Get in Touch Stacy Miller-Arndt Director of Junior Golf jrgolf@ccclub.org

Jason Epstein PGA Director of Athletics jepstein@ccclub.org

Justin Bergo Executive Sous Chef jbergo@ccclub.org

Margarita Gilo Assistant General Manager mgilo@ccclub.org

Noureddine Chirchi Director of Banquets nchirchi@ccclub.org

Maxine Harvey Director of Member Services maxine@ccclub.org

Sarah Dieringer Graphic Design & Communications Manager sdieringer@ccclub.org

Alex Justiniani Director of Racquets ajustiniani@ccclub.org

Dusan Dimitrijevski Director of Restaurants dusan@ccclub.org

Jeffrey Kreafle General Manager jskreafle@ccclub.org

Alexandra Donohoe Director of Clubhouse Operations alexandra@ccclub.org

Rachel Krueger Director of Catering rachel@ccclub.org

Aaron Levinson Head Golf Professional alevinson@ccclub.org

James Lewis Digital Production Manager jlewis@ccclub.org

Joshua Machicado Accounting Manager jmachicado@ccclub.org

John Scott Rattan Director of Instruction jsrattan@ccclub.org

Joel Silberstein Facilities Director jsilberstein@ccclub.org

Theresa Soppelsa Director of Fitness tsoppelsa@ccclub.org

Matthew Morrison Director of Food & Beverage mmorrison@ccclub.org

Tracey Stearns Director of Retail tracey@ccclub.org

Nebiyat Natnael Golf Executive Administrator nebiyat@ccclub.org

Chris Tessone Chief Business Officer ctessone@ccclub.org

Danny Palmiotto Director of Aquatics & Bowling dvpalmiotto@ccclub.org

Pete Wendt Director of Golf Courses & Grounds pwendt@ccclub.org

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Congressional Country Club | 8500 River Road | Bethesda, MD 20817