Hello January Embrace the chill and let the snowflakes work their magic.
SMOKE SIGNALS JANUARY 2024 EDITION
Events JANUARY 2024
GOLF THE GOLF COURSE IS OPEN FOR PLAY LAYER UP AND COME PLAY GOLF! MEN’S WINTER LEAGUE & JUST FORE FUN GOING ON NOW!
SOCIAL JAN 1-15
CLUBHOUSE CLOSED
JAN 16
BUNCO
JAN 18
OREGON WINES
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, the 16th!
Play followed by dinner
Wine Tasting Event
JAN 30
PRIME RIB NIGHT
LOOKING AHEAD FEB 1
TRIVIA NIGHT
FEB 7
DINNER & SPEAKER WITH LINDA ODUM
RACQUET JAN 27
Winter Blues Social
YACHT JAN 20
ICYC Seminar: Understanding Marine DC Systems
WELCOME 2024 Manager’s Message BY BRIAN DARLAK, CCM
On behalf on the entire staff at Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club, I hope you had a great Holiday Season and are looking forward to 2024 as much as we are. I would also like to extend a huge THANK YOU to you, the membership, as you contributed over $32,000 to be distributed amongst the staff - your generosity is extremely appreciated! Speaking about 2024, we are looking to make that year even better than 2023, and I will admit that I felt that 2023 was a pretty good year! Department Heads and Board Chairs of respective areas recently held a Calendar Planning session to review the activities planned for the various areas of the Club and attempt to minimize scheduling conflicts. The 2024 calendar will be full of great events and activities for all to enjoy-from Holiday Traditions to making new, there will certainly be an activity for you! Early in 2024, we look forward to unveiling the completed Pavilion at the waterfront. The crew is working diligently, and the structure is taking shape! I am sure that this space will be very popular considering its position overlooking the Creek. Please contact Jennifer Mason, our Event Coordinator, to book the pavilion. A l s o d u r i n g t hSHOP is tim e, Department Heads are drafting their operational NOW! budgets as ICYCC’s fiscal year runs from April 1st through March 31st. A quick reminder, the club uses two accounts (or checkbooks), one for operational revenues and expenses and a second for capital revenues and expenses. The operational account is where your membership dues, purchases, payroll and operating expenses are collected and distributed and the capital account is where initiation fees and capital dues are collected and those funds are used to pay for large ‘ticket’ items or projects to include items such as replacing an oven, irrigation well and/or racquet center lights. Both are important to the Club in its operation and continued success into the future. Here's to a great 2024!!
PAVILION PROGRESS
PREP WORK
FOOTERS IN
BUILDING GOING UP
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS by Megan Stephens, Membership Director
LET’S BEAT THE WINTER BLUES TOGETHER! For everyone wondering what New Year’s resolution to make, I have a good one for you make 2024 the year that you bring in a record number of friends to enjoy the club. What better way to beat winter blues than to beat it with friends at the Club. Whether you enjoy company of others while on the indoor racquet court, bundled up in layers on the golf course, sipping a signature cocktail at the Skipjack bar or socializing during one of the many planned activities, the Club is a hub for beating the blues! A reminder of a few fun things: Birthday Celebrations - The club will treat you to a free entree (up to $25) during your special month. Please note you’re celebrating a birthday in the comments section of your reservation. Anniversary Celebrations - Club anniversaries of five years and up will now receive an anniversary card and treat in the mail as a more tangible way to thank you for your tenure and support. Happy New Year - Let’s make 2024 one for the books!
Employeee of the Month
ANDREW DAVIDSON, LINE COOK
Andrew has been a wonderful addition to the culinary team since he started in October. He quickly picked up the menu and how the club food operations run. His team player “can do” attitude is exactly what we want at Indian Creek! Andrew is originally from Richmond and has four siblings, which he spends his days off with, as well as, helping his step father with his construction business.
DINNER & SPEAKER EVENT FEBRUARY 7TH 6:00 P.M. COCKTAILS 6:30 P.M. DINNER PRESENTATION TO FOLLOW
FEATURED SPEAKER
LINDA ODUM, PHD LINDA HAS BEEN A LICENSED PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR 38 YEARS. SHE OWNS DELPHI INVESTIGATIONS AND HAS NOT ONLY INVESTIGATED BUT HAS ALSO HANDLED EXECUTIVE PROTECTION. MENU ALL ENTREES INCLUDE APPETIZER, SALAD AND DESSERT CHOICE OF: (PLEASE SELECT WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION)
JOIN US $42 PER PERSON
GRILLED MAHI MAHI WITH A ROASTED TOMATO CREAM OR ROASTED PORK LOIN WITH A ROASTED APPLE CHUTNEY
PRIME RIB NIGHT BUFFET MENU Seasonal Salad Display Hot Crab Dip with Crostinis Carved Prime Rib with Au Jus Seared Salmon with a tomato-caper sauce Mashed Potato Bar with twice baked potato, sweet potato, mashed potato and assorted toppings Roasted Brussel Sprouts with bacon and red onion tossed in balsamic glaze Broccoli with mornay sauce Rolls and butter Assorted Desserts
TUESDAY, JANUARY 30TH 5-8 P.M. $48 PP
OREGON WINE TASTING JANUARY 18TH STARTING 5:30 PM
Let us pour you a glass and help you get ready to unwind. Enjoy light Hors d’oeuvres and wines from our featured region.
$25 Wine Club $35 Non-Wine Club Reservations Open Now For Wine Club Members Open to All 1/2/24
UNDERSTANDING MARINE DC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Guest Speaker: HANK GEORGE EVER HAVE A LIGHT THAT WON'T WORK, O IONN U A B A T T E R Y T H A TJ W ' TSS! T A R T Y O U R ENGINE AS IT DID THE DAY BEFORE, OR G O T O U S E TUHNED R DT I OA N AD NIDN G ALL YOU EA RS HEAR M I SASRIILNEEN C E ? DC
E ECET R L ASRY TSHT A EM S ILL H E R E ' S AE L FR S IECMAI N T W KICK-START TROUBLESHOOTING YOU CTA N Y EORU:RH SA E LNFK! G E O R G E GUES S PDEOA K LEARN HOW YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A LSITGAHR TT I TNH WEOVREKRS H- AFVR EO M GAYTOW UO R N'T WEO( SR)KT, OA YBO AUT RT ERRUYN N T IHNAGT LW T ENGIN I GOHNT' S TO S PT RO P ET RY LY NG EC GSYIO AR O UCRO ENN I NT EI NA T UDRI DV HTFH E R A D I O A N D C H A R T P L O T T E RS.E T H E DAY BEFORE, OR GO TO U
RADIO AND ALL YOU HEAR IS
About the Speaker: Hank George is a SnI LdE pNaCsEt ?p r e s i d e n t o f long-time sailor a Salty Dawg Sailing, the association t h aHtE hReEl' p e I tNhAe Rt rTaHnAs T it W o fI L L S sAc oF o R rEdEi nSaEtM dozens of boats each Fall from the KICK-START TROUBLESHOOTING Chesapeake Bay to Caribbean Islands, ! ank a t r i p h a sY O d oUn C e Ac N o uDnO t l eYsO s Ut iRmSeEsL.F H is currently helping boaters safely c o n v eLrEt Af R r oNmHtOr a nR a l EbLaE tCt e Wd iYt iOoU T rRiIeCsAtLo L i t h i u m I o n . SYSTEM WORKS - FROM STARTING His experience and engineering Y S v) eT O Y Ou U UlNy N I N G bO a cUkRg rEoNuGnIdN E l e( a him n iRq R ue LqI uGaHl iTfSi e TdOt oP R OsPtE tRhLi Y ho s vCaOl uNaNbEl C e TING . AND CHART Y O U R V Hs Fe mR iAnDa IrO
PLOTTER. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: HANK GEORGE IS A LONG-TIME SAILOR AND PAST PRESIDENT OF SALTY DAWG SAILING, THE ASSOCIATION T HELPS COORDINATE THE J A N UTAHRA Y 20TH AT 9:00 A.M. TRANSIT OF DOZENS OF BOATS FREE EDUCATIONAL EACH FALL FROM THE CHESAPEAKE PRESENTATION BY B A Y NT OC R CA BBE ST L AC ND INDIA EREI K YAANC IH L SU, BA TRIP HAS DONE COUNTLESS TIMES. HANK IS CURRENTLY HELPING BOATERS SAFELY CONVERT FROM
COMMODORE’S CORNER Welcome 2024! As I write this article in mid-December, most of the Indian Creek Yacht Club fleet has either headed to warmer waters in Florida or the Islands, or been winterized and put away for the winter, many “on the hard” at area boatyards. Yet even before the bottom paint was dry, and even before the official “Change of Watch” took place at the Commodore’s Ball in November, your 2024 ICYC Bridge was hard at work, planning a robust schedule of both water and land-based activities for the 2024 season, with something for everyone. For large boaters we have major cruises planned both north & south on the Bay, and shorter cruises across the Bay. For smaller boaters, we have an array of regional activities that promise to be a lot of fun (think lunch cruises to Merroir or Horn Harbor House). We have educational seminars planned for the winter months, and events like the Sock Burning, Spring Fling and Flag Raising to celebrate the end of winter and the start of a new boating season. And our ever popular Progressive Dinner will introduce you to a new Northern Neck creek this year – Tabbs Creek! The Indian Creek Yacht Club is unique – a “club within a club” – but for $40.00 in Annual Membership Dues for 2024, it is a bargain! Over the course of the year we will be reminding you that “Membership has its Privileges”, and we will be highlighting those privileges for you. Did you know that when you are in Annapolis you can enjoy reciprocity with the fabulous Annapolis Yacht Club? Don’t miss out on the fun! Randy Graham, Commodore THE ICYC BURGEE WILL OFFICIALLY CHANGE OVER JANUARY 1ST TO ITS NEW AND REFRESHED LOOK! WATCH FOR THIS NEW DESIGNED TO BE FEATURED NOT ONLY ON CLUB NEWS AND MATERIALS BUT APPAREL TOO (AS WE GET INTO THE SEASON)!
Turf Talk By Pete Stephens, CGCS
Frost Delays, Cart Rulings and Winter Work If you’ve played lately you may have noticed your tee time was pushed back to a later start than you had initially planned. Frost delays are not always ideal, but are both common and necessary to properly care for the course during this time of year. The USGA has a great in-depth article that speaks to what a frost delay is and why is it important stay off the grass during frost conditions. Feel free to read below: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/homepage/videos/2018/03/22/usga_frost_updatedl3rd5756266521001.html Winter Conditions on the ICYCC golf course are like most courses in the Mid-Atlantic. As the season changes and rain or snow events seem more frequent, wet conditions last longer because the soil doesn’t dry as fast. Plus, the bermudagrass and deciduous trees are dormant and not taking up water as they would if they were actively growing. This means that cart rulings are often kept to the path, which may not be as favorable, however necessary. Players are asked to please obey the ruling for the day and maintain foot and cart traffic accordingly to protect the turf. Players can create more damage (soil compaction, turf ripping or shearing, and ruts made by tires or foot traffic) by being disregarding the ruling for the day. You can find the cart ruling by checking the club website’s course conditions page, stopping in the pro shop or viewing cart ruling signs on both #1 and #10 tee. Last season we had some of the best conditioned bermudagrass tees and fairways in the tidewater area and that is a tribute to you all who very patiently followed ruling and directional signage. We would like to thank all of you in advance for playing a part in another great season ahead. This winter, the course and grounds staff will be working on various tree projects, drainage improvements, review of maintenance programs with a focus on promoting turf health and reducing turf stress during the most stressful times of the year, as well as, preparing the budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. The Course and Grounds Department is eager to make the upcoming year a very successful one with more innovative programs to condition the turf and make each season better than the last.
Golf News
By Andrew Geesey, PGA Head Pro As we look towards a new calendar year, I’m looking forward to bringing new items to the golf program! Starting in 2024 you will see some new apparel lines and an increased in-house demo and fitting program. The goal is to bring high quality product to members and guests. We want to fulfill all of your golfing needs right here at ICYCC! Be on the lookout for an extensive clinic program to include all skill levels/stages of the game. This will include specific classes designated to improve your specific areas of concern. Starting in February there will be an indoor putting clinic, which is a great opportunity to work on your short game. These will take place on February 9th (Basics, Grip Alignment & Stance), February 16th (Games and Drills) and the 23rd (Green Reading, Visualization and On Course). Each will begin at 12:00pm. Registration for this series will open on the club calendar on January 2nd.
Winter Blues Party
Date: Jan 27th Time: 1 - 4 pm Food, Drink, Music and Fun at the Indoor Racquet Court
Cost: $20 member $30 non-member
with Quizmaster Brian Darlak
February 1st 5:30 p.m. A buffet dinner will be served during the break ($30 pp) Members will be joined together to make teams of 8 - or feel free to sign up a complete team!
Administrative
Food & Beverage
Golf
BRIAN DARLAK, CCM GENERAL MANAGER 804.435.1340 EXT 107 BDARLAK@ICYCC.COM
SARAH SUTTON FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR 804.435.1340 EXT 109 SSUTTON@ICYCC.COM
ANDREW GEESEY, PGA HEAD PRO AGEESEY@ICYCC.COM
MEGAN STEPHENS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR 804.435.1340 EXT 104 MEGAN@ICYCC.COM
CHEF JOSH KILLIAN 804.435.1340 EXT 110 CHEF@ICYCC.COM
JENNIFER MASON EVENT COORDINATOR 804.435.1340 EXT 115 JMASON@ICYCC.COM WINDLEY "LEY" GAULDING BUSINESS MANAGER 804.435.1340 EXT 105 WGAULDING@ICYCC.COM
Racquet GEORGE CHRISTOFORATOS, USPTA, PTR RACQUET SPORTS DIRECTOR 804.435.1340 EXT 102 TENNIS@ICYCC.COM
GOLF SHOP 804.435.1340 EXT 101 GOLFSHOP@ICYCC.COM
PETER STEPHENS, CGCS GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT 804.435.2470 (O) 804.436.4059 (C) PSTEPHENS@ICYCC.COM
WENDY OTTERSTEDT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 804.435.1340 EXT 106 WOTTERSTEDT@ICYCC.COM
Board of Directors BARBARA FENTRESS, CLUB PRESIDENT DEBBIE GILLISPIE TRENT KERNS KEN KOPOCIS MARTHA MATTHEISEN BARBARA MAYNARD MIKE PETTY JIM PURCELL SCOTT ROBERTSON RICK SAUNDERS STEVE SMITHGALL KATHRYN WAINSCOTT BOB WAYLAND VIEW FULL CONTACT INFO
hours of operation GOLF COURSE: 9-5 P.M.
CURBSIDE CARRYOUT TUESDAY-SUNDAY, 11:00-8:00 P.M. SKIPJACK TUESDAY-SUNDA, 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 CLUB WEBSITE: ICYCC.COM CLUB PHONE: 804.435.1340 TENNIS CENTER: 804.435.2713 GOLF SHOP: 804.435.3130