LIFE Loving
SMOKE SIGNALS
FEBRUARY
2023
EMPLOYEEOF THEMONTH
Anthony Santagelo
Anthonystartedwithusin Nov.2021.Hecametous withover12yearsof culinaryexperienceand lotsofgreatideasfor menuitemsandspecials. Heisalwayswillingtostep inwhenasked.
WhenAnthonyisoffhe likestospendtimewithhis wife,Rachel,playhis guitarandwritemusic. Anthonyisdefinitelyan assettoourteamandwe lookforwardtohim continuinghisculin careerwithus.
BY BARBARA FENTRESS
Attracting and retaining ICYCC staff members is a critical aspect of the Strategic Plan and a key element to its success. In my December article, I mentioned the work we are doing toward member retention and experience as well as member recruitment Inorderfortheday-to-dayoperationsofourclub to be running at a high level, we need qualified, excellent staff whoenjoybeingpartofIndianCreekYachtandCountryClub.
Itisexcitingthatourseniorstaffhaveallbeenintheirrolesfor over a year and many have been part of our club for a good number of years. We value this team and give them great thanks for not only getting the club through the height of Covid,butactuallyhelpingustothrive.Withalmostfullstaffing levels, we need to make sure our staff have the skills to work together through the transition time that is happening at our club,asweworkfromapandemicscenariotoaquasi-normal activity situation. This transition takes change in behavior and clear communication about where we are going and how we cangetthere.
Our senior staff were asked to wear many hats during Covid, now they have to focus on the core aspects of their job, knowingotherstaffwillbeinplace.Tosupporttheseniorstaff, we are embarking on a two-prong approach of training and development. First, the senior staff team will work with The Axela Group, in conjunction with our current HR specialist, for team strengthening in the areas of communication and working together through a period of transition Secondly, the team will take classes specific to their individual jobs and goals. The Board looks to this investment to enhance the strong working of our senior staff for their growth and job satisfaction.
AtourBoardmeetinginJanuary,wediscussedthisplanforour
Tuesday, February 7
$10 Burgers and Happy Hour Specials Starting at 4 p.m.
Watch for the featured gourmet toppings of the week on "This Week at the Creek"!
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
COMMODORE'S CORNER
2023 is here and the Yacht Club has already begun our programs. If you’re like me, you spend these cold days of winter sitting in a comfortable chair charting new routes that you hope to take in the coming years. So far I’ve charted a route to Lake Champlain, another down the ICW and out to the Bahamas, and one to Maine and Nova Scotia. Who knows if these dreams become reality but it sure is fun to dream!
My other activity for the winter is to list the items needed for Bay Window, my boat, for the coming cruising/boating season and the work needed to be done aboard. Part of this will be assisted by the Yacht Club as we present numerous safety programs during the winter of ’23. We began with a fabulous presentation by Wally Dawson on the Rules of the Road what you need to know to be a safe and confident captain navigating our waterways. This season we will learn the basics of weather forecasting (something critical for any mariner) and be introduced to myriad weather apps that can help in the process. We’re also hosting an in-depth discussion regarding cruising the ICW. Later in February we will be hosting the Northern Neck Power Squadron’s Virginia State Boating Safety Class. This class is scheduled for Saturday and
Sunday, February 25th and 26th. We need at least 5 participants for the Squadron to host it so please sign up NOW if you haven’t taken this critical course. Whether you own a big boat, a center console, or are just dreaming about owning a boat this class is a mandatory requirement for using it in Virginia’s waters.
We will round out our educational programs with Bubba Watkin's return to ICYCC this time to discuss outboard engines and how to keep them running safely with proper maintenance. Anyone who attended Bubba’s session on trailering a boat knows how entertaining Bubba’s presentations will be. We’ll visit Smith Point Sea Rescue to better understand the amazing work they provide protecting us on the waters and we’ll host a series of seminars on close-quarter handling of your vessel whether it’s a single screw inboard, twin screw, or an outboard. Knowing how to manage your boat without turning it into a bumper car is critical to happy boating.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all at these seminars and then later, as the sun heads north to warm things up again, on the water for a terrific season aboard!
Brian Clarke Commodore
Celebrating European Wines and Foods!
GREEK & ITALIAN WINE EVENT
February 16th at 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, FEBUARY 21 6-8 P.M.
FatTuesdayParty
LET'S CELEBRATE AND HAVE FU A SPECIALTY APPETIZERS AND DINNE
LOUISIANA FAVORIT +
Reservations
Available from 5-8 p.m.
DINNER Valentine's STARTER
Seared Scallops with Bacon Jam
SOUP OR SALAD
Shrimp Bisque
Live Music by The Something Different Duo
Mixed Greens, Strawberries, toasted almonds, crumbled goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette
MAIN DISHES
Beeftenderloinmedallionsoverroastedfingerlingpotatoes,asparagus,and finishedwithacabernetdemi-glace(+$12pp)
RoastedAirlineChickenBreastoverroastedfingerlingpotatoes,asparagus, andfinishedwithasundriedtomatocream
SearedSalmonoveratomatosaffronrice,asparagus,andfinishedwitharedpeppercream
SHARED DESSERT DUO
Chocolate torte (GF) with a raspbe
Strawberry Rose Shortcake
Le Bistro De Paris
M E N U G R E E N S A L A D W I T H B A C O N L A R D O N S , A P P L E S L I C E S , C A M E M B E R T T O A S T S , T O A S T E D W A L N U T S & A P P L E - W A L N U T V I N A I G R E T T E S E R V E D W I T H S L I C E D F R E N C H B A G U E T T E S S T E A K D I A N E S E A R E D B E E F T E N D E R L O I N W I T H A C R E A M Y C O G N A C S P I K E D D E M I - G L A C E P A N S A U C E W I T H A T O U C H O F D I J O N M U S T A R D A N D R O A S T E D W I L D M U S H R O O M S S E R V E D W I T H H O R S E R A D I S H M A S H E D P O T A T OP A R S N I P P U R E E & S T E A M E D A S P A R A G U S C L A S S I C F R E N C H C R È M E A U C A R A M E L
S a t u r d a y , F e b r u a r y 1 8 t h s t a r t i n g a t 6 p . m . $50 PP++
y g
11 Popcorn & Movi y Event)
14 Valentine's Day February 16 Greek & Italian February 18 French Bistro February 21 Bunco Returns ay P February 25 Boater Safety on (D February 26 Boater Safety Certification (D
February
February
Growing - But Not Old!
By Megan Stephens, Membership Director
Every winter we sharpen our pencils and look at what we think the new year will bring. We anticipate new member growth and spend a great deal of time focusing on ways to keep the club an active part of your life, regardless of whether you have been here for 30 days or 30 years. This year we've launched a new passport program to put a little twist on attending events. If you have questions about this new program, feel free to stop by or email me and I will fill you in. There's a chance to win some great items at the end of the year!
As we look at the calendar, we have several events planned that are centered around mixing and mingling and we will continue to create opportunities at various events for you to meet others. When you sign up for an event, we look at others attending and try and find enjoyable company for you during that event - it makes for a nice surprise element of attending an event and it's how some of our best friendships have been made over the years. You don't need to pre-arrange a table for a fun evening, try expanding your social circle - simply sign up and see what happens!
Looking at history, the number one way someone initially finds the club continues to initially be through member referrals Please continue to help the club grow and share the club with your friends If you aren't sure what to say or how to do it, please reach out and I will help you through it
ALLEN WHITAKER
Allen Whitaker is a registered architect working in Washington, DC with Stantec. Since graduating from the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at VPI & SU (now VA Tech) Allen has practiced with some of the largest Architecture and Engineering firms in the US on projects both domestic and international. Notable past projects include Canary Wharf in London, England; Arab International Bank in Cairo, Egypt; and Hefei Ion Medical Center in Hefei, PROC. Currently he is managing the design of the first proton center in Australia at the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy in Adelaide, Australia.
From his marriage, Allen has two children - Georgia and Benjamin - who are living in New York City, NY and Bozeman, MT, respectively. Currently, he is expecting his first grandchild in June 2023!
Allen's interests include reading, maintaining his social network, cooking for and with his friends, and playing tennis. A novice dinghy sailor, Allen is looking forward to living in the Northern Neck and getting back on the water.
Director Information:
PO Box 343, Irvington, VA 22480
Local Address: 55 Park Place, Irvington, VA 22480 202.230.7479 / a.jw@hotmail.com
STEPHEN KEARNEY AND KATHY WORTMAN
Stephen is the CFO for DarCars Automotive located in Bethesda, Maryland. He holds his bachelor’s in accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been the head of his operation for 45 years.
Kathy is a Health Care Representative for Experian health.
Mr. Kearney and Ms. Wortman have recently purchased a second home on Dividing Creek.
Director Information:
13222 Walnut Lane, Culpeper, VA 22701
Local: 504 Whittaker Lane, Kilmarnock, VA 22480 804.517.7384 / stevekearney58@yahoo.com / vak8ee@gmail.com
TurfTalk News From On the Course
PeterStephens,CGCS
Happy 2023! We hope everyone is looking forward to another great year and shares in my high expectations for the upcoming golf season.
This is the season when bermudagrass turns a golden brown, some people might be asking why we don’t overseed the tees and fairways with ryegrass while the bermudagrass is dormant? I will be the first to admit that the green color from the ryegrass looks great during the winter months, the overseeded ryegrass not only adds additional maintenance costs, but it competes with the bermudagrass for water and nutrients in the spring and summer causing a weaker stand of bermudagrass during the busiest time of the golf season.
Resort and public facilities overseed their fairways to attract golfers during the winter and spring. In past years, previous Green Committees to include myself, thought it best for the club not to overseed fairways at ICYCC for the negative reasons listed below. A good thick stand of dormant bermudagrass provides great playing conditions throughout most of the winter and spring, if golf cart traffic is managed properly. Recent survey comments suggest that overall, the course is in the best shape it’s ever been and this is due to turf health and playability being at the forefront of decisions and best management practices on the course
Positives for overseeding fairways:
1. The green color during the winter looks awesome when the proper amount of seed has been applied.
2. Ryegrass usually grows enough during the winter to increase wear tolerance from traffic and may help to improve ball lies late in the winter when the dormant bermudagrass becomes thin.
3. Ryegrass may help to prevent muddy conditions from traffic in years when we have a lot of rain. But it’s not guaranteed.
Negatives for overseeding fairways:
1. Overseeding with ryegrass adds additional maintenance costs for seeds, fertilizer, mowing and labor. Estimate costs for seed alone is $900 per acre for overseeding not including fertilizer, herbicides, mowing, additional labor and necessary fungicides. ICYCC is approximately 30 acres of tees and fairways, costing approximately $35,000 annually.
2. The new perennial ryegrass varieties are very competitive with the bermudagrass for light, water and nutrients in the spring as the bermudagrass is coming out of dormancy. Also, ryegrasses produce toxic substances in the roots that can slow the growth of bermudagrass in early summer. If the ryegrass is not removed with chemicals in the spring, the quality of bermudagrass on fairways may be lower in midsummer – our optimal playing season.
3 Removal cost for chemicals to remove the ryegrass in the spring to help the bermudagrass grow, as well as fungicides needed in some years to help control fall diseases This is approximately $5,000 annually
4. There are fewer and more expensive, options to control winter weeds. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) usually becomes more of a problem on the golf course because chemicals are not available to effectively control the annual bluegrass on ryegrass fairways yet. The annual bluegrass provides a source of seeds that cause more problems with this weed on greens.
There are both positives and negatives when it comes to overseeding bermudagrass fairways. We look at how much play there will be on the course during the winter and decide if the extra cost from overseeding and possible damage to the bermudagrass growth and quality from the ryegrass is acceptable and economical. The green winter color, be it pretty, should not be the primary reason to overseed fairways on golf courses, in particular private courses. To those that want to see improvements to the bunkers, don’t worry – we are exploring options to program into the five year capital plan
The Course and Grounds crew looks forward to seeing you on the course!
GolfNews
By Ed Carlisle, Jr
We are preparing for a fun season with events for every golfer in the family. The Golf Shop, our mission, is as clear as ever to have a year that offers the best possible experiences for our members and their guests. We are working to have an incredible Club calendar in place, with even more excitement on the way as the year progresses. This will be an action-packed year, full of new opportunities for the entire family to get involved and explore everything the Indian Creek lifestyle has to offer. It all began last month at the PGA show and I cannot wait to get started! Let’s go!
Hole-In-One Club
Are you a member of the Indian Creek Hole-InOne club? If not, you should be! The way the Hole-In-One club works is any time a club member has that miraculous shot each member will be charged $5. The member that has the hole-in-one will receive money on their account. Sign up in the Golf Shop so you don’t miss out on the action
Billing Accuracy
The pro shop aims to accurately bill you for your round of golf. Please check to make sure we have you playing the correct number of holes 18/9 and whether you are walking or riding.
Golf Instruction
By Ed Carlisle, Jr
Every sporting activity, including baseball, basketball, football, and even athletics, follows a sequence or pattern for consistency and power. Golf is not different from the other sports, and for an effective downswing, you need to follow a similarly effective sequence. Without the sequence, your swing will lack consistency and power, leading to poor ball flight trajectory and less distance.
Remember that a good and productive swing separates the golf high- handicappers from low-handicappers in golf. The following is the pattern of movement or sequence you require to maintain accuracy, power, and consistency during your downswing.
1
Exert pressure into your lead foot
Each golf swing you take starts from the ground, and your feet are the first parts of the body that respond to the motions of making a swing. Your leading foot plays one of the most prominent roles in ensuring that your footing on the ground is firm enough for transitioning Even when your other parts of the body, such as the arms, lower and upper bodies, are moving backwards, putting pressure on the foot at the start of the transition sets up the pace for downswing.
2. Move the knees and hips
The first part of the body that moves back towards the target is the hips. However, many players swear that the parts of their bodies that move first towards the target line are the knees Whether the knees or hips move first, the most crucial factor is they follow the sequence of starting from the ground up. Remember, for the sequence to follow its pattern, the ground must be the starting point, and you should use it effectively.
3 Beforemovingoutthearms,rotatethehips
Whenyourotateyourbodydownwards,thehandsdrop topreparefortakingthedownswing Youhavetomove themouttoaccomplishthis,buttheyshouldnotbethe onlypartsofthebodymoving.Ifyoupullthearmsfrom thetopandusethemfirst,youcouldendupcreatinga narrowdownswingorasteepshaftangle,puttingyouina deathposition.
Maintainingthispositionwillgiveyoufewconsistent shots.Attainabetterpositionforadownswingby allowingyourbody,especiallythehips,todictateor initiatewhereyourhandsandarmsdropforthetransition.
4.Yourtrailelbowshouldbeclosetothebody
Theuppertorsoofyourbodyfollowsyourlowerbodyas youstartthedownswing,withthearmsfollowingthat. Nowyouhavetothinkabouttheactivitiesofthetrail elbowandtheleadelbow.Thetrailelbowmustwork undertheleadelbowandveryclosetothebody
Thepositionprovidesyouwithmorebodyrotationand powertogetyourgolfclubonaninsidetrackandready todeliver.Iftheelbowshaveaconsiderableseparation betweenthem,youwillfindyourselfinacompromising statusoranotherdeathpositionafteroratthetopof transition.
5.Maintainthecorrectwristangle
Theclubheadautomaticallylagsbehindyourhandswith thepropersequenceofthelowerbody,torso,andarms. Toomuchlagisprevalentwithwell-sequencedgolf swings.Eventhisoccurrencemightberareformosttop players;itisnotuncommonwithmanyotherplayers. Ensurethatyoumaintaintheproperwristanglewithout forcingthelagtoavoidhavinganyissueswiththe sequence.
6.Weightorpressuretransfer
Oneofthemostvaluablestaplesinanyexcellentgolf swingisweightorpressuretransfer.Duringtheearly stagesofthebackswing,youshouldhavepressuremoving fromyourtrailfoot.Beforeyoumakeadownswing,just whenthebackswingisnearingitsend,pressureshouldbe moreonyourleadfootthanonthetrailfoot,whichstarts thewholechainofmovementtowardsthetorso,followed bythearmsandfinallythehands.
Seeyouonthecourse!
Racquet News
by George Christoforatos, USPTA, PTR
There are a lot of great programs keeping everyone busy during the winter months - boy is it nice to have an indoor racquet facility!
Please take note of the weekly schedule and perhaps give the new stretch/fitness class or competitive pickleball a try. If you aren't ready for competition play, that's OK, we have all levels playing on all other days.
Quick Tip: How to Hit a Kick Serve
1) Continental Grip is a must
2) Normal service stance.
3)The service is hit in an upward motion
4) Right-handed servers brush the ball from 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock.
5) Left-handed servers brush the ball from 2 to 10 o’clock
6 )The ball is hit with a lot of spin causing the ball to kick up when it lands on the other side of the net
7) The advantage is it clears the net by a large margin and becomes a very consistent serve.
Drills: (Click Drill to See Video)
1)Roll the ball up your hand with a racquet to learn the spin
2)Grip halfway up the racquet and brush the ball from 10 to 2
3)Take a knee and serve the ball upwards
4)Then stand and work on the kick serving upwards
5)Lastly use the leg and the body and throw your kick serve
14 F ROM 1-4 P.M .
Day
Intro to Pickleball (Beginner)
Thursdays & Saturdays from 12-1:00 p.m. Teaching the basic strokes/fundamentals and how to keep score and play actual matches for fun!
Stretch/Fitness Class
Mondays & Wednesdays 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Cardio Tennis
Mondays, Tuesday & Thursdays at 8:00 a m
Monday Evenings @ 5 p m
Drills & Drinks
Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Spec Tennis Open Play & Clinics
Wednesdays & Fridays From 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Clinic available on Fridays from 12:30-2 p.m.
Youth Clinics
High-Performance Training -
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-6 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 & Under - 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Middle/High School 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Ladies' Round Robin Play
Monday 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Friday 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Men's 4.0 and up Round Robin Play
Saturdays - 11:30 am to 1pm
Pickleball Play (Open Play)
Tuesdays& Thursdays 2-4 p.m.
Fridays & Sundays - 4-6 p.m.
FREE PICKLEBALL FOR ALL EVERY SECOND FRIDAY!
Simply sign up on the club calendar online or using the mobile the app
Care for the Courts: As you use the courts or lobby, please be courteous and leave the facilities as you found them for the next member. Please return balls to carts, dispose of any trash and put any towels or toiletries in the appropriate baskets. Thank you!
Weekly Schedule
SOCIAL Valetine's
FEBRUARY
Board of Directors Contact Us
Administrative Staff
BRIAN DARLAK, CCM GENERAL MANAGER
BRIAN CLARKE
DEBBIE GILLISPIE
KEN KOPOCIS
BARBARA MAIT
BARBARA MAYNARD
MIKE PETTY
KATHY RHODES
RICK SAUNDERS
STEVE SMITHGALL
BOB WAYLAND
GIL ZIMMERMAN
VIEW FULL CONTACT INFO
HOURS OF OPERATION
GOLF COURSE: 9-5 P.M.
CURBSIDE CARRYOUT
TUESDAY-SUNDAY 11:00-8:00 P.M.
SKIPJACK & WILLOW OAKS
TERRACE
TUESDAY-SUNDAY 11:30- 9:00 P.M.
LAST RESERVATION 8:30 P.M.
1955
THURSDAY-SATURDAY
4:30 P.M.- 9:00 P.M.
LAST RESERVATION 8:30 P.M.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
NOTE - SEE "THIS WEEK AT THE CREEK" FOR ANY UPDATES TO PUBLISHED HOURS
CLUB WEBSITE: ICYCC COM
CLUB PHONE: 804 435 1340
TENNIS CENTER: 804.435.2713
GOLF SHOP: 804.435.3130
804.435.1340 EXT 107
BDARLAK@ICYCC.COM
MEGAN STEPHENS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
804.435.1340 EXT 104 MEGAN@ICYCC.COM
JENNIFER MASON EVENT COORDINATOR 804.435.1340 EXT 115 JMASON@ICYCC.COM
Food & Beverage Staff
SARAH SUTTON FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR
804.435.1340 EXT 109 SSUTTON@ICYCC.COM
CHEF JOSH KILLIAN 804.435.1340 EXT 110 CHEF@ICYCC.COM
WINDLEY "LEY" GAULDING BUSINESS MANAGER 804 435 1340 EXT 105
WGAULDING@ICYCC COM
WENDY OTTERSTEDT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 804 435 1340 EXT 106
WOTTERSTEDT@ICYCC COM
DANA RIFFLE BANQUET MANAGER
804.435.1340 EXT 110 DRIFFLE@ICYCC.COM
Golf Staff Racquet Staff
ED CARLISLE, PGA MASTER PROFESSIONAL 804 435 1340 EXT 101 ECARLISLE@ICYCC COM
PETER STEPHENS, CGCS GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT 804 435 2470 (O) 804 436 4059 (C) PSTEPHENS@ICYCC COM
GEORGE CHRISTOFORATOS, USPTA, PTR RACQUET SPORTS DIRECTOR 804.435.1340 EXT 102 TENNIS@ICYCC.COM
BARBARA FENTRESS, CLUB PRESIDENT
