Smoke Signals
FROM THE DESK OF THE CLUB PRESIDENT
BY KEN KOPOCIS
We are into the New Year and the Clubhouse reopened following an annual deep cleaning, inventory check, and several refresh projects around the campus. The renovation of the bathroom off the Trophy Room is on schedule and will be completed following flooring installation the last week of January. Bag room renovations will be completed in February. Look for more information in future correspondence on the exact timing for the bag room and how it may impact golfers.
We begin 2025 with exciting new lunch and dinner menus from Chef Patrick and his team, and multiple special dining events to enjoy. While golf remains a bit chilly for many, our lucky racquet members continue to enjoy 72-degree indoor play and racquet events are already happening. The Yacht Club is presenting informational seminars for all to get ready for the prime boating season. There are a lot of activities going on at the Club during our “off season” so check them out through the online Calendar, the App, This Week at the Creek, and other announcements.
Over the past few weeks, I attended the Club’s committee meetings, and I am very excited about the work our Members are doing on behalf of the Club. These committees do the hard, detailed work to ensure that the Board and management have the best possible ideas and advice to maximize the Member experience at the Club. A list of committee chairs is printed in Smoke Signals and available on the website and they welcome Member input.
The committees are hard at work preparing a Club budget for our upcoming fiscal year that begins in April.There is also a lot of activity concerning a proposed Aquatic Complex to replace our inadequate pool, bathhouse, and equipment. Once the Board has an architectural plan it supports, a more accurate cost estimate, and a funding plan, there will be a Club-wide meeting of all Members to present the proposal and allow the Board to receive Members’ views and react accordingly.
As always, please feel free to contact me or any Board Member with any concerns, comments, or compliments.
Don’t Let the Winter Blues Keep You down!
Take inspiration from the DeWitt family, who recently turned a snowy day into an active adventure at Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club. They started with a tennis lesson on our indoor courts and then headed to the driving range, embodying young Charlie’s motto: “The grind never stops!”
February2025
SOCIAL
FEBRUARY 3 Taste of Home Tuesdays Featuring Comfort Food Specials All Evening Long!
FEBRUARY 7
First Friday with Live Music with Haze & Dacey!
FEBRUARY 12 Club Mah Jongg
FEBRUARY 14
FEBRUARY 17 Cooking Class with Chef Patrick
FEBRUARY 18
FEBRUARY 20
FEBRUARY 23
1/2 Off Drinks All Evening!
Bunco
Wine Club Event: German/Bavarian Food & Wines
Valentine’s Day Dinner Sunday Brunch Buffet, 11am-2pm
FEBRUARY 25 Trivia Night
GOLF
FEBRUARY 1 Free Indoor Putting Clinic (All Levels)
FEBRUARY 7 & 21 Free Indoor Clinics (At the Indoor Racquet Center)
RACQUET
FEBRUARY 13
YACHT
FEBRUARY 15
Valentine’s Day Social
Yacht Club Seminar: Cruising Beyond The Chesapeake with Experienced Sailors Jeff Heller & Dan Hoyt
Gather your friends and test your knowledge at our upcoming Trivia Night!
Teams can have up to 8 members. You can pre-arrange your team or take a chance and be paired with others for an opportunity to win exciting prizes! Casual buffet dinner included during the break
Feb 25 5:30pm
FEBRUARY 23: 11:00AM-2:00PM
SUNDAY
Brunch Buffet
Indulge in a sumptuous spread featuring classic breakfast favorites, seasonal specialties, a carving station, and delectable desserts. Our brunch is designed to cater to all tastes, ensuring a memorable dining experience for everyone.
Served with a Complimentary Mimosa, Coffee, Iced Tea & Orange Juice
$31 Adults ++
$15 Children ++
Sip n’ Soups
Monday, february 17 at 3:00 p.m.
Interactive, In-Kitchen Cooking Class with Chef Patrick
Enjoy a glass of wine and a hands-on experience as we craft a trio of winter soups that are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party!
Limit 8 people / $35 per person
GERMAN & BAVARIAN WINE
& FOOD NIGHT
Experience a culinary journey where each station is thoughtfully curated to offer perfectly paired dishes and wines ensuring a harmonious and delightful dining experience.
NORTH
Pickled Herring Rolls (Rollmops)
Meatballs in a Creamy Sweet & Sour Sauce with Capers (Konigsberger Klopse)
Creamy German Cucumber Salad (Norddeutscher Gurkensalat)
CENTRAL
Eggs in Frankfurter Green Sauce (Eier in Gruner Sauce)
Beef Goulash with Pretzel Dumplings (Rindsgulasch mit Brezenknodel)
Potato Pancakes with Apple Saue c (Reibekuchen mit Apfelmus)
BAVARIA
Sausages with Bacon & Apple Kraut (Wurstchen mit Speck und Apfelkraut)
Roast Pork Shoulder with Warm German Potato Salad (Schweinebraten mit warmer deutscher Kartoffelsalat)
German ‘Macaroni’ & Cheese (Kasespatzle)
DESSERTS
Red Berry Pudding (Rote Grutze)
Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich)
Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)
MENU Valentine's
STARTERS
Baked Brie En Croute for Two Topped with Cherry Chutney Served with Warm Baguette Slices.
Your Choice of Salad or Shrimp & Lobster Bisque
MAIN DISHES
Sliced Tenderloin of Beef with Roasted Tomato Demi-Glace, Rosemary Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Asparagus or
Seared Norwegian Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, Saffron-Tomato Rice & Asparagus Strawberry Chocolate Ganache Cake with White Chocolate Mousse & Strawberry Sauce
SHAREABLE DESSERTS
Friday, February 14th
5:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy Live Music While Dining!
$79 pp++
Includes a glass of Champagne and sweet take-home treat!
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
by Megan Stephens, Membership Director
Engage, Enjoy, and Enrich Your Experience
I am guessing many of you have watched the Golden Girls at one point in your life, either a re-run or perhaps when it originally aired in the 80's There’s something about the theme song “Thank you for being a friend” that everyone knows and can remember without continuing to tune in We can equate that same feeling to the club - you come out and experience the fun and fellowship of friends a few times and after that, you know when you come that’s what you’re going to experience. The same warm and welcoming experience that build friendships - regardless of what the activity or event might be.
Why Frequent Engagement Matters, Here are the Benefits:
• Enhanced Well-being: Engaging in recreational sports and social events contributes to physical health and mental wellness Activities like tennis, golf, and our new cardio tennis sessions provide enjoyable ways to stay active.
• Skill Development: Participating in various programs allows you to learn new skills or refine existing ones, from sailing to pickleball.
• Social Connections: Our club is a hub for building lasting friendships. By attending events and joining interest groups, you expand your social network within a welcoming community
• Exclusive Access: Members enjoy unique opportunities, including special events, educational workshops, and themed dining experiences, enriching your lifestyle.
Upcoming Opportunities to Get Involved, Take a look at the lineup:
• Cardio Tennis: Kickstart the new year with our energizing cardio tennis sessions, blending fitness and fun on the court
• Free educational events for yacht club members, others are welcome to join in!
• For more social types - Trivia Nights, Cooking Classes, Special Dining Themed Evenings
• Youth Instructional Camps: Enroll your children or grandchildren in our instructional camps, focusing on the fundamentals of golf, tennis, and swimming, with professional guidance and inclusive lunches.
• Taste of Home Tuesdays: Join us for comfort food specials every Tuesday, bringing the warmth of home-cooked meals to your dining experience.
• Open Play Pickleball: Participate in our open play sessions, now available multiple times a week, fostering friendly competition and community engagement.
Stay connected and make the most of your club membership!
Whit & Molly Congdon & Children: Philip, Helen and Jeff (III)
Let’s give them a warm ICYCC Welcome!
Reminder: Dining and see a blue napkin, stop and say hello and welcome our newest club family members!
Did you join ICYCC within the last year?
Bring in a new member during your first year of membership and receive a $1000 referral credit once they complete the application and approval process!
COMMODORE’S CORNER
ByBobYoung,Commodore
I hope everybody had a Great Christmas and your New Year is off to a great start. I am anxious to see what new boat toys Santa brought everybody. The admiral has put me on the injured, unable to perform list (household chores), following back surgery the week before Christmas. The recovery has been slow but promising so far.Between the bowl games and the final weeks of the NFL season I haven’t been bored. Hope my rehab stays on track and I can avoid being placed on waivers.
As promised please find Megan’s tutorial on how to update your entry for the Yacht Club roster on the bottom of this page. In addition to having important information about your vessel it will also have homeport and contact info. I doubt there is a creek on the Northern Neck which doesn’t have a yacht club member living on it. Knowing that you have an emergency contact anywhere you might cruise on the Northern Neck should make those new to cruising or overnighting onboard feel somewhat more comfortable.
For those of you that attended our last annual meeting you remember that our dues were raised from $40 to $50 a year. Unfortunately, accounting didn’t get that message in time and only charged members $40. Your next bill will include the an additional $10 charge for yacht club dues.The primary factor driving this increase is the increase cost of bands since COVID and our desire to have bands for both the Spring Fling and Commodore’s Ball.
Vice Commodore, Lou Frank has organized a very informative lecture for next weekend.Maintenance you can consider doing yourself and maintenance that is better left to the professionals. As I get older the second list seems to get longer and longer, not necessarily because of the complexity of the task but my inability to contort my body into the require positions to accomplish them.
Looking forward to seeing everybody for our Saturday morning seminars.!
FREE SATURDAY SEMINARS:
FEBRUARY 15
Cruising Beyond the Chesapeake with Dan Hoyt & Jeff Heller
MARCH 8
Medical Emergencies Afloat with Gary Samuels, Rappahannock General Hospital
Sp
t&JeffHeller,twoexperiencedbluewaterICYC mem passagestoMaine,Bahamas,Caribbean,Europe andaroundtheworld.
Topicsinclude:passageplanning,weatherconsiderations,boat preparation,crewingandsafetyaswellas experiencestheydidnotplanfor.
Wewillalsodiscussoptionsforcrewswishingtovisitdifferentdestinations, butnotwiththeirownboat.
FEBRUARY15TH 9:00AMCOFFEE&EGGMUFFIN
9:30AMSEMINARWITHJEFFHELLER&DANHOYT
RESERVENOW FREE SEMINAR, PRICELESS INFORMATION!
GOLF NEWS
By Andrew Geesey, PGA Professional
We are set to begin the renovation of the bag room in February The existing bag racks will be replaced in order to better utilize the space. This renovation will increase storage for bags and push carts greatly. The racks are on a sliding track similar to a photo on the right of another facility. We plan to start the demo of the room, and repair on the 10th and the rack install will begin on the 17th. If you can please take your bags home during this time, this will be appreciated. If you are not able to, we will still continue to them.
If you would like information on storing bags or push-carts in the 2025 season, please reach out to the Pro Shop as with increased capacity, we have space available!
It is also the perfect time for clubs to be re-gripped and to replace your golf bag ahead of the season. During February, we will be running 10% off grips and select golf bags. Please reach out to the Pro Shop with any questions!
New fittings arrivals:
Taylormade QI35 Drivers, fairways and hybrids
New to ICYCC, we are now partnered with Taylormade, which will include being able to fit in-house and Taylormade demo days will be coming!
Clinics:
Indoor Clinics will continue on the 7th and the 21st in the Indoor Racquet Center due to the great participation levels. Join us from 3pm-4pm!
Free Putting Clinic: Feb 1 in BH/CS at 1pm-3pm VSGA Rules Clinic - Date of class coming soon!
More ways to think golf this winter: Check our social media pages for periodic tips, such as how to work on your putting indoors at home.
Reminder: Our ratings for the golf course have changed. This will result in changes to your handicap. Please click here to read the full letter recently shared.
Product Spotlight: ICYCC Drinkware!
Stop in the Pro Shop and get your new club cup, mug and flask - you’ll want a cup for every occasion!
The Qi35 driver is ideal for a wide array of golfing abilities. It delivers explosive distance and undeniable forgiveness in a package that's pleasing to the eye and inspires confidence. With a near zero CG projection, the Qi35 driver allows golfers to experience more distance from more of the face.
Turf Talk
ByPeteStephens,CGCS
The Great Bunker Rake Debate: Let’s Settle It!
As we strive to maintain the pristine conditions of our course, let’s tackle one of golf’s long-standing mysteries: Where should the bunker rake go?
The answer is simple, but the benefits are significant. Proper rake placement ensures smooth play, efficient maintenance, and, most importantly, happy golfers.
The Ideal Placement:
Place the rake head and half of the rake handle inside the bunker and half of the rake handle outside the bunker, parallel to the line of ball flight, and away from areas of steep slopes. Why?
Here’s the logic:
Preventing Interference: Placing the rake inside minimizes the chances of it deflecting balls on the green or fairway.
Ease for Maintenance: Keeping rakes inside allows our team to mow and edge the bunkers efficiently, without constantly moving them.
Improved Playability: When the rake is parallel to the edge, it’s less likely to interfere with a player’s shot if their ball lands nearby.
A Few Quick Tips:
When exiting a bunker, please smooth over your footprints with the rake. 1.
If you’re unsure of where to place the rake, always aim for a spot that is easily accessible but out of the line of play. 2.
Encourage your playing partners to follow suit Consistency helps everyone!
Staff will make sure rakes are placed correctly during course setup each morning, paying special attention to high-traffic bunkers and areas where rake placement may impact mowing or play.
By working together, golfers and staff alike can help ensure the best possible experience for everyone on the course. Thank you for your attention to this important detail it’s a small effort that makes a big difference.
Enjoy your rounds, there’s plenty of good golf that can happen - even in the winter!
What’s The Racquet
All About!
ByGeorgeChristoforatos, USPTA,PTR
We are excited to announce the expansion of our racquet sports programs, offering members enhanced opportunities to engage in pickleball, Spec Tennis, and comprehensive stretching classes.
Pickleball Clinics and Open Play
To cater to players of varying skill levels, we’ve introduced two new pickleball clinics:
• Intro to Pickleball: Designed for beginners, this clinic introduces the fundamentals of the game, facilitating skill development and social connections among members
• Intermediate Pickleball: Aimed at players seeking to elevate their game, this clinic focuses on advanced techniques such as spin application, refined dinking, third-shot drops, lobbing, and volleying.
These clinics are scheduled on Mondays and are structured to enhance participation in our open play sessions.
Open play pickleball sessions are now available during the following times:
• Sunday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Monday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
We encourage members to register in advance to facilitate coordination and ensure a dynamic playing environment. Please remember to sign in at the kiosk upon arrival. Note: Nonmembers are welcome to participate once a month.
Spec Tennis Opportunitie
Spec Tennis, a rapidly growing sport at ICYCC, offers a unique and engaging racquet experience. Open play sessions are available:
• Wednesday and Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Additionally, during open pickleball hours, Spec Tennis courts are accessible during pickleball hours (see left)
For those new to the sport, an Intro to Spec Tennis clinic is offered on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, providing an excellent opportunity to learn and enjoy this exciting game.
Stretching Classes
To support overall wellness and enhance athletic performance, we offer a stretching class designed to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries Classes are held on Tuesdays from 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM, featuring dynamic warm-ups and static stretching routines set to soothing music.
We invite all members to take advantage of these programs to enhance their skills, engage with the community, and maintain an active lifestyle. For more information and to register for clinics or classes, please visit the ICYCC events calendar or contact the club directly.
Food & Beverage
