



MAIN CLUB HOUSE PHONE NUMBER: 941.756.7775
EXTENSIONS:
GENERAL MANAGER: 1222 | DAVID TAYLOR
ADMINISTRATION: 1229 | JILL OROLOGIO
ARC (ARCH. REVIEW): 1221 | NICOLE BYRNES
F&B | EVENTS: 1230 | MORGAN BUECHNER
MEMBER BILLING : 1223 | BRASHELLA KEYS
GOLF SHOP: 1231 | MARLENE, RICK & MICHAEL
GOLF PROFESSIONAL: 1226 | MELISSA WILLIAMS
FIRST ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL: 1241 | NATE WEBER
RESTAURANT & RESERVATIONS: 1235 & 1242 | LIZETH, ERIC & ALAINA
SNACK BAR: 1227 | NANCY & STEPHANIE
Tara Board of Directors
As your Board President, I am committed to ensuring that Tara remains a vibrant, welcoming, and competitive community. At the November Board of Directors meeting, Director Watson made a motion, which was unanimously passed, to approve the current Clubhouse Refresh plan and send this initiative to the Members for a vote. You can expect to receive your proxy for this vote in mid-January.
OUR DECISION WAS GUIDED BY THREE KEY FACTORS:
1. Reflecting Member Priorities
The proposed plan incorporates priorities expressed in the Member Satisfaction and Long-Range Planning Committee surveys, including:
• Expanding casual dining options
• Increasing bar seating capacity
• Adding and enhancing outdoor dining spaces
• Addressing service speed and timeliness
• Maintaining Tara’s appeal and competitiveness
The proposal aligns with the feedback we have received, ensuring it reflects the needs and expectations of our members.
2. Responsible Financial Planning
The estimated cost of the project is $3.2 million, with $800,000 already available in reserves. The remaining $2.4 million will be funded through borrowed funds. Our current monthly maintenance fees are sufficient to service this new debt, meaning there will be no need for additional Members assessments for this project.
3. Enhancing Member Experience
The clubhouse is the heart of Tara—a place for dining, socializing, and building relationships. Updating and modernizing the clubhouse is an investment in the overall value of our community.
The Important Question
Ultimately, the decision lies with you, the Members. I encourage Everyone to review the proposal, attend upcoming member meetings and get an understanding of the proposed project.
Together, we can ensure that Tara continues to grow and thrive as a premier community we are proud to call home.
I would like to wish Everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.
TARA’S MISSION:
The mission of Tara Golf & Country Club is to provide an exceptional private country club experience while maintaining the club’s reputation as a financially sound and highly valued community where Members enjoy outstanding golf, vibrant amenities and social camaraderie.
MESSAGE FROM DAVID TAYLOR, GENERAL MANAGER dtaylor@taragcc.com
Dear Tara Golf and Country Club Members,
As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful journey we’ve had together over my first 90 days. It has been an incredible experience for me at Tara, and I am truly grateful for the warm welcome and support from each of you.
The holiday season is wrapping up, and I hope you all had a joyous and safe time with your loved ones. This time of year, is perfect for celebrating our achievements and looking forward to the future with hope and excitement.
In these first three months, we accomplished so much together. We have successfully repaired the pool awning (sorry for the delay but out of our control), ensuring a more enjoyable experience for everyone. The addition of spotlights to the walkway between the tennis courts and the clubhouse has enhanced safety and aesthetics. We have also streamlined the merchandise in the golf shop, making it a more inviting space for all our Members. The new TV behind the host stand in the lobby keeps you updated on all the happenings at the club, and the trophy hallway now shines brighter than ever.
I hope you have enjoyed the complimentary food on Wednesdays and Saturdays. We are excited to introduce our upcoming half-price Burger Mondays, which we will continue to bring more delightful experiences like these all-day happy hours. Our goal is to foster camaraderie among our Members, creating a vibrant and welcoming community at the club.
As we look forward to the new year, we remain committed to making Tara Golf and Country Club your enjoyable social hub. We are all in this together, and your happiness is our success. The future prosperity of our club depends on the joy and satisfaction of our Members.
Thank you for being a part of this wonderful journey. Here’s to a fantastic and bright new year ahead!
Respectfully,
David Taylor
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
Dale & Tara Deslanrdins - Social | 6409 Stone River Rd.
Robert and Jodi Schleter – Golf | 7180 Drewry’s Bluff
Greg & Karen Snow – Golf | 6507 Stone River Rd. #204
Marty and Amy Ball – Social | 6627 Pineview Terrace
IN DEEPEST SYMPATHY: Roger Kaufman
Our TARA family is keeping the loved ones in our thoughts & prayers.
MESSAGE FROM MISSY WILLIAMS, HEAD GOLF PRO 941.758.7961 x1226 | mwilliams@taragcc.com
Happy January!
Inspect your clubs, grips, and golf shoes. Grips that feel slick or worn can affect your performance and might need replacing. Consider a professional club fitting to ensure your equipment matches your swing as your game evolves.
January 14th - Cobra Golf: 11am - 3pm
January 16th - Callaway Golf : 11am - 3pm
January 30th - Mizuno Golf : 10am - 2pm
Watch for emails to sign up for a free fitting!
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset your golf game, establish goals, and set the tone for the months ahead. Whether you’re dusting off your clubs after a winter break or fine-tuning your skills for early tournaments, here are some key tips to make the most of your January. See the Professional Team to get your golf game up to “PAR”.
January is your opportunity to set the foundation for your best golf season yet. By staying intentional about your practice, preparation, and mindset, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when spring arrives. Here’s to a successful and enjoyable year on the course!
Looking forward to getting a trade in credit for some old clubs? Look for information on Nextround golf coming February 17th. Get some credits so you can purchase new clubs!
MESSAGE FROM DON ABELL, COURSE
SUPERINTENDENT
941.751.5593 | dabell@taragcc.com
This year the weather has been normal for November and December with a few cold fronts passing through Florida. However, January and February are the months in which the golf course can experience numerous frosts. These frosts can lead to severe discoloration of the turf, particularly in the roughs. Frost can happen on Bermuda grass at temperatures of 40 degrees or below. The time of day when frost is most likely to occur in Florida is right before daybreak. On a cold night the temperatures will drop just before sunrise and combined with heavy dew on the turf, provide for the perfect conditions for frost to form. When frost forms on grass, the cells in the grass plant will freeze. If a player walks or a cart is driven over the grass plant when frost is present, the leaves will break causing damage to the turf. This damage will look similar to a chemical burn and can last for several weeks. When the forecast or conditions are present for a frost threat, special precautions are taken to protect the golf course. Golf maintenance postpones the daily set up and golf play until the frost has been removed. Once the sun and temperature rise above 40 degrees, procedures are immediately taken to defrost the golf course. Syringes of irrigation water are run on the course to start the thawing process. When the frost is gone, the maintenance staff will perform the daily setup and then the golfers can return to play golf. The course will be closed on January 29th for wall to wall pre-emergent fertilizer application and verticut and topdressing.
MESSAGE FROM MORGAN BUECHNER, F&B MANAGER
941.758.7775 x1230 | mbuechner@taragcc.com
As we welcome the New Year, Tara Golf & Country Club is excited to announce Disco Inferno Night! Join us for a themed Happy Hour Friday, January 10th. Don’t miss this fun filled event!
The Social Committee is also proud to present an Almost Abba Tribute show. Enjoy a delightful dinner accompanied by a 90-minute performance in the Main Dining Room on January 18th and 19th,2025. To accommodate as many members as possible, we ask that tables of 8-12 be filled. If necessary, we will combine reservations to fill the tables.
We ask for all your help as we have implemented specific time allocations for reservations. This is to ensure an enjoyable dining experience for all our Guests, this method helps us maintain a smooth flow of Guests and reduces congestion at both the bar and the kitchen.
• We will accommodate 10 guests every 10 minutes.
• Each section should host no more than 15-20 Guests within a 30-minute timeframe.
• Tables are limited to a maximum of 12 Guests. For larger parties, two adjacent tables will be required, with only one large table (12 people) allowed per 30-minute interval.
• Starters will be served within 8-10 minutes after Guests are seated.
• Please note that if orders are not placed promptly, entrée preparation may exceed 30 minutes.
• If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your reservation, your table may be released.
On Behalf of my staff and I we wish you a joyous 2025!
Reservations available online or call us at 941-756-7775 Ext 1242.
Thanks for all your continued support and don’t forget to use our new Grab & Go. Order Now through our mobile app or online. During our normal lunch and dinner hours. Your next Togo meal is at the click of your fingers!
Morgan Beuchner
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL: 941.756.7775 x 1242
24-hour cancellation notice is required to avoid automatic billing to account for special events.
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL: 941.756.7775 x 1242
24-hour cancellation notice is required to avoid automatic billing to account for special events.
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL: 941.756.7775 x 1242
24-hour cancellation notice is required to avoid automatic billing to account for special events.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 5 - 8PM
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL: 941.756.7775 x 1242
24-hour cancellation notice is required to avoid automatic billing to account for special events.
Dear Tara Residents,
It’s a time for reflection, for acknowledging past accomplishments, and for setting our sights on fresh ideas. The new year offers an opportunity for growth and transformation. Tara Master Association continues to oversee our neighborhood, ensuring it’s a place we want to live and enjoy. New neighbors are welcomed to our community, and we will reach out to all new residents to give them a better understanding of our duties as an association.
We will be upgrading the street lighting along Tara Blvd in the 1st quarter of 2025 and will send updates via email when the project is scheduled.
The apartment complex project on the corner of Tara Blvd. and Stone River Road continues with a decision in 2025.
The revised project consists of: three, 3-story rental apartment buildings for 72 units total, with parking for 160 autos. The re-zoning application for the project’s three parcels was denied back on June 20.
Representatives for the developer – Micron Investments and Towne Realty – filed a petition for relief, claiming the decision was unfair and unjust. Arguments were to be heard by a special magistrate on October 11, but the hearing was canceled due to the hurricane.
The case is now scheduled for a hearing on January 27, to result in a recommendation back to the County Commissioners. The TMA’s attorney Rob Lincoln will be present, as will several people from the TMA who may, at the discretion of the magistrate, speak against the re-zoning.
If a negotiated resolution cannot be reached, court findings will state that the denial was unreasonable and approve the rezoning, perhaps with some additional conditions.
The TMA’s Community Affairs Committee (CAC) plans to once again state reasons to propose:
• Traffic improvements,
• Additional buffers to the property, and
• Meeting the most current stormwater standards.
We will keep the community informed of the upcoming developments.
Our next TMA board meeting is January 23, 2025, at 9:30am at the Preserve Community Center. Please join us to keep up to date with TMA activities.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sincerely,
Kim Loskota President Tara Master Association
The Tara Master Association (TMA) Landscape Committee is offering monthly workshops to educate the Tara community about Florida gardening principles, including native Florida plants and the Tara protocols for specific neighborhoods. At each meeting we leverage experts from the county, state, and local organizations to save you money and ensure your gardening success.
These seminars are open to all of Tara, which includes the Golf and Country Club (TGCC) and Tara Preserve residents. Whether or not you manage a landscape, these seminars bring a wealth of knowledge about our natural environment. We hope to inform you about the possibilities available to us collectively and individually to enhance our community and improve property values by managing wetlands, pests and beauty. Please attend to learn more about Florida’s unique eco-system.
Topic: Planting a Winter Vegetable Garden
Speaker: Mack Lessig, Community Gardens Program Specialist, University of Florida IFAS Extension
Date: January 16, 2025
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Location: Tara Golf & Country Club, Beau and Bonnie Conference room RSVP: https://forms.gle/r2SwJWsgd34YPjpT8
Topic: Bats and Their Benefits
Speaker: Carla Hebert, Florida Bat Conservancy
Date: February 20, 2025
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Location: Tara Golf & Country Club, Beau and Bonnie Conference room RSVP: https://forms.gle/bbZ3aq5gzS4CnDg98
Resources:
Send your plant questions to ManateeMG@gmail.com
There are Free Manatee County Landscaping and Irrigation Consultations Are the plants you choose safe for Pollinators? https://xerces.org/
From Karen Cardozo, TMA Landscaping Chair: Happy New Year!
I hope 2025 brings you good health and much happiness! December 2024 was a very busy month for the TMA Landscape Committee. By now you should have noticed the beautiful flowers and new plants at the entrance to our community, the new plants in the medians on Tara Blvd and the holiday lights that were displayed throughout December. For the first few months of 2025, there will be less noticeable activity since “growing season” doesn’t resume until April, but the TMA Landscape Committee will still be monitoring the property and addressing any issues.
Deb Mazzaferro
TMA Director Tara Master Association Landscape Committee
LIST OF ALL ACTIVITIES AT TARA
DROP IN SOCIAL BOCCE AT THE BOCCE COURTS
Every Sunday | 12pm
Contact Janet Goldberg: janetg155@gmail.com
EUCHRE – 1st and 3rd Tuesday of Each Month | 6:30pm
Contact Rosmarie Buxbaum: rosmarieb@rogers.com
MEXICAN TRAIN (DOMINOES)
1st Wednesday of Each Month | 6:15pm
Contact Rosmarie Buxbaum: rosmarieb@rogers.com
BRIDGE – 1st and 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at 6pm
Contact Karen Clark: kcnurse@comcast.net
MAHJONG – Saturdays 9am, Mondays 12:30pm – Beau Room
SAMBA – Wednesdays | 12:30pm – Bonnie Room
BOCCE LEAGUE SUBSTITUTE LIST
Anyone wanting to be added to the Substitute List
Contact Rosmarie Buxbaum: rosmarieb@rogers.com
TARA TROTTERS RUNNING AND WALKING CLUB
Tuesday and Thursday | 7am | Meet at the Fitness Center
Headed up by Mark Weaver and Pam Hume
YOGA CLASSES – Fitness Center
Chair Yoga | Wednesday 10:30am | Contact: mcrawford7@verizon.net
Yin Restorative Yoga | Wednesday 1:30pm | Contact: mcrawford7@verizon.net
Deep Stretch | Monday 6pm | Contact Amber Thielen: ambermthielen@gmail.com
Level 1 Yoga | Tuesday 3pm | Contact Susan H: sassyoga8@gmail.com
Yin Yang Yoga | Friday 9:30am | Contact Susan H: sassyoga8@gmail.com
LINE DANCING – Fitness Center - Sunday | 1pm
Contact Donna Breeden: breedend2002@yahoo.com
DANCE FITNESS – Fitness Center - Monday | 9am
Contact Barb Hyttel: bhyttel@att.net or 262 880 2777
WATER AEROBICS – Monday, Wednesday and Friday | 10am | Clubhouse Pool
WATER VOLLEYBALL - Tuesday and Thursday | 11am | Clubhouse Pool
BOOK CLUB - Every 2nd Friday | 9:30am at the Tara Clubhouse in the Bonnie Room
CRAFT GROUP - Saturday | 10am in the Golf Shop Conference Room
BOWLING LEAGUE - Tuesdays
MESSAGE FROM PAM STEVENSON
pamste1@msn.com
Start the New Year off with a new activity. Come join us!
WHERE: BOWLERO BOWLING ALLEY ON CORTEZ RD
WHEN: TUESDAY EVENINGS 6PM
League starts again January 14th, 2025, for 14 weeks ending April 15th, 2025. Get out your bowling shoes, pick up your bowling ball (or rent them at the bowling alley) and come join us!
Looking forward to seeing everyone again and lots of NEW people
3 Games for $17 plus 2 more free each week to practice!
Email pamste1@msn.com if you would like to have a go or have any questions! Teams are forming so get your name down now. Come make new friends!
See you on the alley!
Pam Stevenson Chair, Fitness and Recreation Committee
ATTENTION ALL TARA BRIDGE PLAYERS!
The Mixed Duplicate Bridge Group is open to all Tara and Tara Preserve men and women who like to play bridge. This is a casual group and is NOT sanctioned by ACBL.
• When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month from 6:00 pm to 8:45 pm.
• Where: Beau Room
• Cost: $1 per person for prize money
• How to sign up: Email Karen Clark at kcnurse@comcast.net (if you do not have email access call at 941-744-7008)
• Everyone will sign up as an individual. You will choose your own partner when you sign in to play.
Come join us for an hour of low impact, high intensity, choreographed aerobics and strength training routines to some of the latest and best diverse music.
Put on your most supportive shoes, grab some water and join us for some fun and dance.
Barb Hytell
MESSAGE FROM ROSMARIE BUXBAUM
ALL ABOARD!
Mexican Train is a fun dominoes game for everyone! If you would enjoy a fun, social, no cost evening this is for you. If you are new to Tara it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends! Singles, couples, all welcome.
Mexican Train is run the first Wednesday evening of every month (except July) at the Tara Clubhouse. It is a type of a Dominoes game. There are many versions of Mexican Train. You do not need to know how to play. Our Table Captains will help guide you through the rules that we play by.
If you are interested in attending, please email Rosmarie Buxbaum at: rosmarieb@rogers.com and you will be added to the Mexican Train email list for future game nights.
Mexican Train Future Dates:
Wednesday, January 8 | 5:30-9pm | With Buffet Dinner
Wednesday, February 5 | 6:15-8:30pm
Wednesday, March 5 | 5:30-9pm | With Buffet Dinner
Wednesday, April 9 | 6:15-8:30pm
Wednesday, May 7 | 6:15-8:30pm
If you have any questions, please contact Rosmarie Buxbaum at: rosmarieb@rogers.com
To help connect Residents with similar fitness and training goals, we are launching the Tara Trotters group. All interested runners and walkers are welcome to join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am at the fitness center.
This is a wonderful opportunity to stay active, meet fellow Members, and work towards your fitness goals in a supportive and fun environment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Pam Stevenson at: pamste1@msn.com.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Best regards,
MESSAGE FROM SUSAN HOLZBORN
SUSAN HOLZBORN, 500RYT
Certified through Heartwood Yoga Institute, Susan Holzborn brings over 7 years of teaching experience, including 2 years at Tara. Her classes blend mindfulness, movement, and breath, offering a welcoming space for students of all levels to grow and thrive. She currently offers two classes:
LEVEL 1 YOGA – TUESDAYS AT 3 PM
Discover the power of being present in both body and mind with this beginner-friendly yoga class.
Through gentle poses and guided movements, you’ll improve flexibility, strengthen your body, and develop mindfulness.
Perfect for those new to yoga or looking for a slower-paced practice. No experience needed!
SUBTLE YOGA – FRIDAYS AT 9:30 AM
This gentle and mindful practice focuses on slow, deliberate movements and poses to enhance body awareness, flexibility, and inner calm.
Perfect for those seeking a peaceful, introspective yoga experience, it’s accessible to all levels and emphasizes connecting breath with motion.
CLASS FEE: $10 PER SESSION
WHAT TO BRING:
A mat, water, a pillowcase for the bolster, and your beautiful energy!
IMPORTANT:
Signing up in advance is essential to ensure your spot and confirm that classes will be held.
To sign up or ask any questions, please contact me: sassyoga8@gmail.com.
I can’t wait to practice with you!
Susan Holzborn
Did you know that Tara has a Hole-n-One Club? Don’t lose out on a pocket full of SWEEPS for golf shop purchases!
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS AND HOW TO JOIN:
Contact Jill at jorologio@taragcc.com or see her in the Administration Office to let her know you want to join in on the fun! That’s all it takes and you’re now a member of the club.
1. Each time a Member of the club gets a Hole-n-One he or she is declared a WINNER and ALL Hole-n-One Club Members will be charged 4.50 to their Member account.
2. Members of this exclusive club then have one week from the day of publicly posting the winner’s name in the Grill Room to redeem a beverage of choice.
3. The number of club Members who do not redeem their beverage from the Grill Room within the designated week get tallied up.
4. We then multiply the $4.50 by the number of those who did NOT indulge in a beverage from the Grill Room.
5. That cash balance is then awarded to the WINNER’S ACCOUNT in forms of SWEEPS for purchases in the golf shop. Winnings have been anywhere between $400- $850+ in SWEEPS (not redeemable for cash).
Don’t Miss Out – Join Now!
Did you know that there are five (5) Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) located within Tara Golf and Country Club?
You’ll find them secured on the wall in the clubhouse near the grill room entrance, the fitness center entrance which serves fitness center and the pool, the golf cart barn entrance, the pro shop back wall and the golf course maintenance building. Please check them out next time you are near these locations.
Each AED device is clearly marked with an AED overhead sign and EMERGENCY DEFIBRILLATOR across the front of the enclosed case. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are critical because they can significantly increase the chances of survival from 10% up to 70%, if used within the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency.
To help increase awareness and understanding of the AEDs, there will be an informational seminar held on Feb 25th at Tara Golf and Country Club that we invite all interested Tara Members to attend. Ruth Landes from “Landes Emergency Training Services” will conduct this seminar where you will learn how to correctly perform CPR, apply an AED, and activate emergency response in the event of an SCA – Sudden Cardiac Arrest. It is equally important to learn how to help someone who is choking as this too can result in someone becoming unresponsive and not breathing. Most bystanders fear being sued when it comes to helping. Our goal is to remove that fear by sharing the Good Samaritan Laws that outline how you are covered as a bystander.
We encourage all Tara Members to attend the upcoming session as the more we know about AEDs , the better it is for all of us.
Season’s Greetings Members! Hopefully everyone has a safe and Happy Holiday Season.
Update from last month, the new front doors should be here sometime in January. Keep on the lookout as they will be stunning! ‘Tis the Season to Be Thankful!
The House Committee extends our heartfelt thanks to the Tara Membership for your ongoing support of the Refresh Project. Whether you’ve joined us in person or via Zoom for our workshops, asked thoughtful questions, or offered encouraging words as we cross paths in the community, your enthusiasm means the world to us. We have had four workshop presentations at the club for members to see our Refresh concepts and to ask questions regarding the project. The next presentation will be on December 20th at 10:00 in the Clubhouse Dining Room. You are invited and encouraged to attend this presentation either in person or via Zoom.
ZOOM INSTRUCTIONS:
Meeting ID: 858 2223 1624
Passcode: HOUSECMT
Invite Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85822231624?pwd=NVNDNHhUcGdqalF3Vk5VQ3VIVGRLdz09
KEEP CONNECTED THROUGH THE CLUB’S SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS. PLEASE FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM!
EVERY SATURDAY | 10 - 11:30 AM IN THE GOLF SHOP CONFERENCE ROOM
Calling All Crafters! The Tara Craft Group welcomes all those interested in various crafts. Join us whenever you like and share your fun ideas. We do many fun things: knitting, crocheting, painting, jewelry, sewing, beading, paper art and more. Bring whatever you like including your favorite designs.
MEETINGS ARE HELD IN THE GOLF SHOP CONFERENCE ROOM*
*Unless otherwise noted - Calendar is subject to change
AD HOC VACANT LOT
January 6 & 20: 2PM
AD HOC CLUB REFRESH
January 13 & 27: 10:30AM
ARC
January 15: 3PM
COMMUNICATIONS
January 7: 3PM
FINANCE
January 23: 3PM
FITNESS & RECREATION
January 20: 3:30PM
GOLF
January 6: 9AM
GREENS
January 27: 9AM
HOUSE
January 8: 3PM
LONG RANGE PLANNING
January 6 & 20: 12:30PM
SOCIAL
January 15: 10AM