NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
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THE WATER’S EDGE COUNTRY CLUB
W A T E R ’ S EDGE WATER’S EDGE
AA M MC CC CO ON NN NE EL LL L G GO OL LF F P PR RO OP PE ER RT TY Y
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The Water’s Edge Club Professionals Robert Lambert | Club Manager rlambert@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-576-1556
Mike Abraham | PGA Director of Golf mabraham@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-576-3343
Ruth Rice | Member Services Director rrice@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-524-9075
Casey Hodges | Assistant Golf Pro chodges@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-576-3343
John Hanek | Executive Chef chef@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-576-1556
Colleen Nickols | F&B FOH & Catering Manager foh@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-576-1556
Jeff Snyder | Golf Course Superintendent jsnyder@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-576-3734
Donald Huston | Asst. Golf Course Superintendent dhuston@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-576-3734
Kristina Wray | Equestrian Center Manager barn@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-576-2714
Jodi Gourley | Business Manager jgourley@watersedgecountryclub.com 540-576-1556
John Guthmann | Head Tennis Pro tennis@watersedgecountryclub.com 434-927-5039
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Cortney Herndon | DPT, COMT fitand functionpt@gmail.com
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CONTENTS
FACILITY HOURS Golf Shop
2
13-17
McConnell Properties
Upcoming Events
3
18 Club News
Contact Information
4
19
Table of Contents
Photo Gallery
5-11 20-21
Club Updates
12 Fitness
Cookie of the Month
22-23 Inside McConnell Golf
Tuesday - Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Driving Range Monday closed Tuesday - Saturday – 8:30 AM -5:00PM Sunday – 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (closing to clean pick)
Club Phone Numbers Clubhouse: (540) 576-1556 Golf Pro Shop: (540) 576-3343 Member Services (540) 524-9075 Equestrian Center: (540) 576-2714 Personal Trainer: (540) 493-7388
Dining Hours CLUBHOUSE DINING Monday | Closed Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday - Thursday | 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday - Saturday | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
TAKE OUT Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday – Saturday | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM* *Dinner take out orders are requested 5:30 PM & picked up by
Stay Connected! Follow The Water’s Edge Country Club on social media.
6:00 PM; pizzas available until 8:00 PM Sunday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Call (540)-576-1556 to place your order.
Gym Hours Access through the club See above club hours App Access Hours
Community Contact Information
5:30 AM- 9:00 PM
AEP: (800)-277-2177 For power outages
Equestrian Center
VDOT: (800)-367-7623 For downed trees blocking
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
state-maintained roads
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Manager's Message ROBERT LAMBERT, CLUB MANAGER The holiday season is quickly approaching, and soon we’ll ring in the new year and welcome 2027! May your celebrations be filled with joy, quality time with family, and good health. We hope you’ll enjoy cherished traditions, create lasting memories, and celebrate with us here at the Water’s Edge Country Club on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. We know the holidays can be busy and stressful, so let our culinary team lend a hand with your seasonal cooking and baking. Please give us a call as you make your holiday plan, we’re here to help make the season a little easier and more enjoyable. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our members who have supported our community engagement program, “Footprints on the Green.” We are truly fortunate to have such a caring and generous membership. Your contributions make a meaningful difference for organizations and initiatives including Cool Branch Fire & Rescue, the Humane Society, Steppingstone Mission, and the School Supply Drive for Snow Creek Elementary. This December, your support will also benefit the Reverse Advent Calendar and the We Care Toy Drive. Last month was exceptionally busy, with 15 events, including six weddings. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Chef John Hanek, Stephanie Johnson, Colleen Nuckols, and Brittany Horsley for their hard work and leadership in guiding our team through such a successful month. This year’s Member-Guest event was another tremendous success, with some even calling it “the best ever.” Here’s to another year of growth, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments! A special thank-you to Mike Abraham and Casey Hodges for organizing and leading such an outstanding tournament. Our Wine Club has enjoyed another incredible year, exploring exceptional wines from a variety of regions and gathering for memorable wine-pairing dinners with Chef John and his talented culinary team. We’re also pleased to share that Michael Abraham has received approval for wine lockers at the club. Please stay tuned for more information. On behalf of McConnell Golf and the staff of the Water’s Edge we are thankful and fortunate to have you as members of the Water’s Edge Country Club. In closing, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful and safe holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you at the club!
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Sole Source Solutions and Turner’s Dock Building for generously donating the railings installed at the front entrances of the Club and Fitness Center. We are grateful for their generosity and continued support of The Water’s Edge.
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MEMBER SERVICES MEMBER SERVICES NEWS NEWS RUTH RICE, MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR At The Water’s Edge, our members are what make this club truly special. Whether you have spent your days enjoying the golf course, gathering with friends over a wonderful meal, participating in club events, or simply taking in the beautiful surroundings of Smith Mountain Lake, we hope The Water’s Edge has been a place where you have created meaningful memories throughout the year. We are grateful for the continued support, enthusiasm, and camaraderie of our membership. It is the people who make up our club that create its welcoming atmosphere and sense of community, and we appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your families.
Welcome New Members BRET GRADY Class I Golf membership
BLAKE & REAGAN ROBLING Class I Young Executive Golf membership STEPHEN & TRACY DUNN Class V Social membership CALEB & BROOKE VULJANIC Class IV Golf membership
As we celebrate the holidays, we hope you find time to slow down, enjoy the company of loved ones, and embrace the traditions that make this season so meaningful. May your homes be filled with laughter, your hearts with gratitude, and the coming year bring you happiness, good health, and many reasons to celebrate. We also look forward to the year ahead at The Water’s Edge, with more opportunities to enjoy the game of golf, savor great dining experiences, reconnect with friends, welcome new faces, and make lasting memories together. Thank you for making our club such a wonderful place to be. From all of us at The Water’s Edge, we wish you and your families a Merry Christmas, a joyful holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year
Decorating the Club
EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY FUND REMINDER McConnell Golf takes a slightly different approach for the Employee Holiday Fund. Each member will be billed $55 on your October statement. You can elect to opt out or contribute more if you wish. Any adjustments would need to be submitted to me by email by November, 30, 2026.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and we’re getting ready to transform the Club into a winter wonderland! We’d love for you to join us on Tuesday, November 17th starting at 11:00 am to help decorate. Bring your holiday spirit!
RRice@watersedgecountryclub.com
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WELCOME NEW WELCOME NEW MEMBERS MEMBERS The Dunn Family Meet Stephen and Tracy Dunn If you see Stephen and Tracy Dunn around Water’s Edge, say hello—you’ll meet two adventurous foodies with big hearts and a genuine curiosity about the world. They traded their 30-acre farm in Goode, Virginia, for a new chapter at Water’s Edge—and brought plenty of stories with them. Stephen has practiced law in the area for 40 years and is happiest with his hands in the garden. Tracy is a former business owner, writer, and photographer who finds inspiration wherever she goes. Together, they serve as executive directors of the Agape Center, a nonprofit that helps people in need throughout the community. Their favorite adventures often involve a memorable meal at a new destination. Tracy loves writing and photography; Stephen enjoys gardening; and both delight in experiencing as much of God’s beautiful world as possible. They came to Water’s Edge hoping to slow down, enjoy life, and get to know their neighbors. Fun fact: After years of farm chores, they now get the best of both worlds: horses out front and the lake out back. It’s a place made for good conversations, peaceful moments, and inspiration for Tracy’s writing.
The Gumtow Family
Jack and Jackie are happy to join the Water’s Edge community after spending long careers that kept them busy in the Intelligence Community. After retiring from the fast pace of the Washington, DC area, they built their retirement home on a small farm near Gibsonville, North Carolina. Jack concluded 34 years of service in the USMC and the government and retired in 2021. Jackie had 38 years of federal service when she retired in 2025. These days, the priority is much simpler: enjoying this next chapter with their adult children (Ashley, Jack, Jenna and Taylor) and friends. Travel is a shared family passion and they have traveled extensively around the globe. Recent trips have included a bright day among the windmills of Holland during a two-week trip to Europe and an adventure this past June with their daughters in Costa Rica’s Rincón de la Vieja National Park. At Water’s Edge, Jack and Jackie look forward to adopting lake life, hoping the water rises enough to get their boat out, trying pickleball, returning to golf, meeting new friends, and becoming part of the lake community.
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Cool Branch Live & Silent Auction Fundraiser — A Tremendous Success! We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our community, the Cool Branch Live & Silent Auction Fundraiser was an overwhelming success! This year’s event raised an impressive $214,770 to benefit the Cool Branch Fire & Rescue Squad. These funds will help support the continued delivery of 24/7 EMT coverage for our community, ensuring that help is available when our neighbors need it most. And the good news doesn’t stop there! Additional contributions are still coming in, meaning the final total will continue to grow. The success of this event is a wonderful reflection of what makes our community so special. When neighbors come together to support the people who dedicate their time and lives to keeping us safe, extraordinary things can happen. From our generous donors and sponsors to the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and everyone who attended, placed a bid, or helped spread the word, we extend our heartfelt thanks. The evening was filled with excitement, friendly competition, laughter, and, most importantly, a shared commitment to a cause that touches all of us. Every donated item, every bid placed, and every contribution made a difference in helping Cool Branch Fire & Rescue Squad continue its vital service to our community.
💙 Thank you for your generosity, your support, and your unwavering commitment to our community. Your kindness will have a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this event such a success.
Together, we are making a difference — one that helps ensure our community has the emergency services it needs, day and night.
EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY FUND REMINDER
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GOLF NEWS GOLF NEWS MICHAEL ABRAHAM, PGA | DIRECTOR OF GOLF What a jam packed September and October we just had! Between Labor Day weekend, Men's and Ladies Member-Member Tournaments, the Cool Branch Outing, the Club Championships and Closing Day for WELGA and MGA, we were busy! Congratulations to all of our Champions: Ladies Member-Member - Susan Elliott & Xan Pilgrim Men's Member-Member - Brett Barbour & Super Dave Jones Men's Gross Club Champion - John Hatcher Ferguson Senior Men's Club Champion - Dan Pike Super Senior Men's Club Champion - Bruce Litchfield (two years in a row) Ladies Club Champion - Nancy Erikson (two years in a row)
Ladies Member-Member Susan Elliott & Xan Pilgrim
Men's Member-Member Brett Barbour & Super Dave Jones
Men's Gross Club Champion John Hatcher Ferguson
Senior Men's Club Champion Dan Pike
Super Senior Men's Club Champion Bruce Litchfield (two years in a row)
Ladies Club Champion Nancy Erikson (two years in a row)
As we get closer to the end of year holidays the action on the golf course cools down. We will be coming out with the full 2027 calendar soon, but here are some Save The Dates: Men's Member-Guest - May 13-15 Ladies Member-Guest - May 21-22 Ladies Member-Member - September 23-24 Men's Member-Member - September 30-October 2 Club Championship - October 9-10 Our winter simulator league will return in December. We'll get player registrations and practice rounds started prior to New Year's Eve and then officially start League Play after the new year. Finally, if you earned shop credit this year from participating in golf events please remember to use it prior to Dec 31, 2026. Our system expires any unused credit book on that date, so please remember to use it. The credit book is a great way to purchase holiday gifts for someone you care about, or even yourself! Nothing wrong with a little 'to me, from me' gift to stick under the tree! I hope everyone has a great holiday season!
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EQUESTRIAN CENTER NEWS KRISTINA WRAY, EQUESTRIAN CENTER MANAGER While we are enjoying the crisp fall weather, we are also diligently preparing for the colder months ahead. Keeping our horses comfortable, warm, and safe is always a top priority, and winter preparation is well underway! Our winter horse blankets are out and ready to help keep our fuzzy babies warm and dry when the temperatures drop. We are also using water heaters to help prevent the horses’ water tubs from freezing, ensuring they have access to water even on those chilly mornings. And, of course, Russell is getting ready for winter, too! He has plenty of hay stocked up, and his heat lamp is plugged in and ready for those especially cold days and nights. There is a lot that goes into caring for horses throughout the winter, but we are happy to do it to ensure our herd stays comfortable and well cared for. A little extra preparation now goes a long way toward keeping our four-legged friends happy through the season! We are excited to announce that Baylee Greer is now the Assistant Barn Manager at The Water’s Edge Equestrian Center! Baylee has already been a tremendous addition to our operation, and we are thrilled to have her knowledge, experience, and passion for horses as part of our team. Originally from Rocky Mount, Virginia, Baylee attended East Tennessee State University before transferring to Ferrum College, where she completed her studies and earned a degree in Business. Baylee’s love for horses began at a very young age. Her parents had her around horses as a baby, and by the age of two, she was riding a miniature horse all on her own! By four, she was heavily involved in Western Pleasure showing, and at eleven, she began barrel racing. Her passion for the equestrian world has continued to grow ever since. Today, Baylee continues to compete in various local shows and large-scale rodeos. She also trains her own horses and currently has three in training, including one preparing to enter his futurity year in 2027. Alongside her own training and competition schedule, she enjoys giving riding lessons to children in the community. When asked what her favorite part of working with horses is, Baylee shared that she loves being able to share the love of horses with people who may never otherwise have the opportunity to experience it. That passion is exactly what makes her such a wonderful fit for our team. Her knowledge, dedication, and love for horses shine through in everything she does, and I am genuinely excited to see all the amazing things she will bring to the Equestrian Center. With Baylee joining our management team, I feel confident that our members, riders, and—most importantly—our horses will continue to receive the care and attention they deserve. Please join me in welcoming Baylee into her new role! The holiday season is right around the corner, and we are excited to celebrate with our Equestrian Center community! Our Annual Christmas Event will be held on December 19th! We are looking forward to bringing everyone together for a festive celebration at the barn. We are still working on the details, so be sure to keep an eye out for more information about the event and all the fun we have planned. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the season and make more wonderful memories with our horses and barn family! As we approach the end of another year, I want to thank our members, boarders, riders, campers, and families for being such an important part of The Water’s Edge Equestrian Center. Your continued support and enthusiasm help make this barn such a special place. From the joy our horses bring to our riders to the friendships and memories made along the way, there is so much to be grateful for. We look forward to finishing the year strong, welcoming the holiday season, and continuing to grow together in the months ahead. Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving, a joyful Christmas season, and a happy and healthy start to the new year! Warm wishes,
Enjoy the Barn This Fall! Private lessons Ring rides Trail rides
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COURSE UPDATE COURSE UPDATE JEFF SNYDER, GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT Thank you all for your patience during the recent overseeding process. We're happy with the initial progress and will make return passes to re-seed weaker areas. These areas should catch up to the rest of the course soon. The late-summer schedule to remove the weeds, fertilize, and seed was difficult given the season we had. However, our efforts are showing and late fall into next spring should be very good. Looking ahead, we’ll be marking additional trees that have either died or can help us down the road with additional sunlight or air movement. This work will be done in-house and continue throughout the winter. We’re also working on contingency plans for applications in case we can’t do our project in ’27 due to lake levels.
Renovation Timeline: Course Closure: After Memorial Day 2027 Fairways/Tees: Begin kill-off process, followed by aggressive aerification to prepare for sprigging Sprigging: Once complete, irrigation will be turned on to begin the grow-in phase Target Reopening: Labor Day Weekend 2027 keep the greens performing well through the spring, we’ll skip spring aerification this year and wait until the course closes. The Pro Shop will soon share the spring tournament schedule, with the highlight being our May Member-Guest event. We understand the summer closure will be tough without golf, but we’re committed to keeping members engaged through various club activities. The temporary inconvenience will be well worth it once the renovation is complete. Thank you again for your continued support.
TENNIS & PICKLEBALL NEWS JOHN GUTHMANN, TENNIS PRO Tennis As long as temperatures allow and the Har-Tru courts remain playable, we’ll continue enjoying pickleball outdoors! So, grab a jacket and join us for our regular mixed doubles sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 a.m. Even when winter weather arrives, you can keep your game sharp! The ball machine will be available throughout the winter, providing a great opportunity to practice your skills whenever the courts are playable. We look forward to seeing you out there! Pickleball Along with the fall leaves a new ball machine exclusively for pickleball has arrived. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Keith and Angel Van Asch for their generous donation of the pickleball machine. To enhance the experience for our members, we have installed electricity at the pickleball courts and added a storage shed for the equipment. We encourage members to take advantage of this wonderful addition to our facilities and enjoy the opportunity to practice, improve their skills, and make the most of their time on the courts! As with tennis, you will need to pick up the key at the golf pro shop.The fee is $15.00. Be sure to return all the practice balls to the hamper in the ball machine’s storage shed. If you need a tennis racquet or pickleball paddle, there are extras for both adults and children in the tennis shop. Please return all borrowed equipment as soon as you are done playing. Be sure to check Weekly Happenings for any updates regarding special pickleball and tennis events. For private lessons, contact me at: 434-927-5039. Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas!
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FITNESS NEWS
Becky Rowe - instructor Contact information: YOGA WITH BECKY Beckyrowesml@gmail.com Becky Rowe - instructor Contact information:
YOGA
💸 Class Pricing: $8 per class, or
Tuesday and Friday morning Beckyrowesml@gmail.com $40 per month for Class Schedule: unlimited sessions Tuesday and Friday morning First class (traditional, all level yoga) Class Schedule: 8:30 AM(traditional, – 9:30 AM (matyoga) required for this class) First class all level 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM (mat required for this class)
Second class (chair yoga): Second class (chair yoga): 9:45 AM– 10:45 – 10:45 9:45 AM AM AM Come join us to stretch, strengthen, and unwind—no experience necessary!
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Canasta
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Fridays If you are interested in joining the group or have any questions,
BIRTHDAY NIGHT Thursday, November 19th Thursday, December 17th
Please email Jennifer DiMare at jkdimare@aol.com.
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR Friday, November 13th
MAHJONG
LYTHGOE BOURBON TASTING Saturday, November 14th
BIRTHDAY NIGHT Thursday, November 19th Thursday, December 17th
FOOTLOOSE FRIDAY Friday, November 27th - S&M Acoustical Duo Friday, December 18th - Trev Hicks
We invite you to join us for a fun and social game of MahJong! Whether you’re an experienced player or new to the game, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy friendly competition, connect with fellow members, and spend a relaxing time at the club. All skill levels are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend and come play. We hope to see you there! We hope to see you at the tables soon. Contact Diane John for details.
TRIVIA Thursday, December 3rd
RETIREMENT PARTY FOR ROBERT LAMBERT Friday, December 4th - Watch for fu
CHRISTMAS GALA CELEBRATION Friday, December 11th BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Saturday, December 12th
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER Thursday, December 31st | Seating at 6:00, 7:00 & 8:00 PM THE NAVIGATOR | UPCOMING EVENTS
BOOK CLUB The MadHatters Book Club has been bringing together book lovers at Water’s Edge since 2013. Members enjoy lively discussions, great books, and the opportunity to connect with fellow readers in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. We currently have openings for new members and would love to welcome additional readers to the group. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact: Susan Willis 703-725-7295 shwillis76@gmail.com
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Footloose Friday
LIVE MUSIC & COCKTAILS | 7:00- 10:00 PM EAST ROOM BAR Friday, November 27th | S&M Acoustical Duo Friday, December 18th | Trev Hicks
Kick up your heels and unwind with great cocktails and even better music! Join us in the
Meet Your Neighbor FRIDAY,NOVEMBER 13TH COCKTAILS BEGIN 6:00 PM All members are warmly invited to one of our most beloved social events—Meet Your Neighbor! It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect, mingle, and build new friendships within our club community. After the social hour, stay for a delicious dinner and continue the conversation. It's a great way to meet new faces and share a meal with fellow members. Reservations are encouraged, so be sure to book early! Reservations can be made online, through the McConnell Golf app, or by calling the club at 540-576-1556.
East Room Bar for two unforgettable evenings of live entertainment and festive vibes. Whether you're dancing or just soaking in the sounds, Footloose Friday is the perfect way to start your weekend.
WATER’S EDGE PASTABILITIES ON BIRTHDAY NIGHT THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17TH | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Celebrating a birthday in November or December? Let us treat you! Join us for Birthday Night and enjoy a complimentary meal in honor of your special day.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3RD | STARTING AT 6:30 PM
It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of our club community—and making your birthday a little more festive!
Put your knowledge to the test and join us for a lively evening of trivia fun! Gather your team of 2–6 players or let us pair you with others to form a team.
Reservations are encouraged, so be sure to book early and celebrate with us in style.
We’ll keep score throughout the night and award prizes to the top three teams—so bring your A-game and your best thinking caps! It’s a great way to connect, compete, and enjoy a night of friendly fun. Don’t miss out!
Buffet includes: Fresh salads, Pasta made your way and delicious desserts To receive your free meal, please ensure your birthday is on file with Ruth Rice or Jodi Gourley.
Note: No à la carte dining available this evening. Pizzas will be offered for takeout.
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UPCOMING EVENTS CONTINUED
THANKSGIVING BUFFET THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Celebrate the season of gratitude with us at our traditional Thanksgiving Buffet! Gather with family and friends to enjoy a festive feast—without the stress of cooking. Chef John Hanek and his exceptional culinary team will be serving up a delicious spread featuring classic holiday favorites, including roasted turkey, glazed ham, and all the traditional trimmings. We’re especially thankful for our amazing members, and we can’t wait to share this special day with you, so eat, drink, and be thankful—we’ll take care of the rest!
✨ Reservations are required by November 19 to reserve your table.
CHRISTMAS GALA CELEBRATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11TH | 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Let’s wrap up the year with a cup of cheer! Join us for an unforgettable evening of holiday celebration, great company, and festive spirit. Come dressed to impress and enjoy live music from The Kings! Playing everything from Motown classics to today’s chart-topping hits, this talented band keeps the dance floor moving with guitars, bass, drums, and a lively brass section. Be sure to stop by the Golf Shop and take advantage of our Holiday Sale, the perfect opportunity to find gifts for the golfers on your list—or treat yourself to something special this season! Space is limited, so be sure to make your reservations early. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you in style!
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UPCOMING EVENTS CONTINUED
Breakfast with Santa SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12TH | STARTING AT 10:00 AM HO! HO! HO! BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE WATER’S EDGE! Santa is making a special stop at The Water’s Edge this holiday season, bringing plenty of Christmas cheer—and perhaps a peek at his famous naughty and nice list! Join us for a festive morning filled with holiday spirit, a delicious breakfast, and magical moments with Santa himself. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with family and friends, celebrate the season, and create cherished holiday memories for the little ones. Reservations are highly recommended, and space is limited. Be sure to reserve your spot early for this beloved family holiday tradition! We look forward to sharing the magic of Christmas with you at The Water’s Edge!
Lythgoe Bourbon Tasting SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with Dina Coker, founder of Lythgoe Bourbon and a Certified Bourbon Steward.
Join us for an exclusive evening celebrating awardwinning bourbon, delectable bites, and exceptional company. Dina Coker will lead a special presentation featuring Lythgoe Bourbon, sharing the story behind the brand, its craftsmanship, and what makes it distinctive. Enjoy an engaging and memorable evening of bourbon appreciation and culinary delights.
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NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31ST Seatings at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM Welcome the New Year with an elegant evening of exceptional dining, wonderful company, and festive celebration at Water’s Edge Country Club. Join us for a special New Year’s Eve Dinner as we reflect on another memorable year and look forward to the exciting possibilities ahead. Enjoy a delicious meal in the welcoming atmosphere of the club while celebrating with family and friends. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. We encourage you to reserve your table early to ensure availability for you and your guests. We look forward to celebrating the New Year with you at The Water’s Edge!
Reverse Advent Calendar
December 1 - box of cereal December 2 - boxed/shelf-stable milk December 3 - pancake mix & syrup December 4 - boxed/instant potatoes December 5 - beef or chicken broth/stock December 6 - canned mixed fruit December 7 - canned tomatoes December 8 - canned tuna or chicken December 9 - cake mix & frosting December 10 - jar of applesauce December 11 - can of chili or ravioli December 12 - canned peaches or pears December 13 - can of chili/kidney beans or bagged bean mix December 14 - box of crackers December 15 - package of rice December 16 - box of oatmeal or grits December 17 - boxed macaroni & cheese December 18 - spaghetti sauce & package of pasta December 19 - chicken noodle soup December 20 - tomato soup December 21 - can of corn December 22 - can of peas December 23 - can of carrots December 24 - can of green beans
Extras that would be appreciated: -cooking oil -spices, salt & pepper sets -sugar/flour -baby food -tea bags -coffee/non-dairy creamer -liquid dish soap -feminine hygiene products -plastic (zip top) bags -plastic wrap/aluminum foil
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WE CARE TOY DRIVE As part of The Water’s Edge Footprints on the Green initiative, we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys from November 1 through December 4. A donation drop box will be located at the clubhouse for anyone wishing to contribute. Your generosity can help make Christmas a little brighter for a child in our community. Thank you for helping us make a difference, one child at a time!
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Club News - Employee Recognition ber he m e t ft Sepployee o Em
th Mon
We are pleased to recognize Juan Rodriguez as our Employee of the Month for September 2026! This is a special recognition for Juan, who was previously named Employee of the Month in July 2024. Juan began working at The Water’s Edge in 2008 through a temporary staffing service and was later hired for seasonal work. With dual citizenship in Mexico and the United States, Juan returns each year to work at the club from April through November. Juan genuinely enjoys the work he does on the golf course and is a valued member of our team. He is known for his reliability, willingness to help, and flexibility with his schedule. His commitment and dependability make him someone the team can always count on.
n Jua
uez g i r Rod
Outside of work, Juan has been married for 16 years and is the proud father of two children, a son and a daughter. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and gardening. Juan’s continued dedication to The Water’s Edge over the years is greatly appreciated. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition and thanking him for being such a dependable part of our team!
We are pleased to recognize Raymond Jax III as our Employee of the Month for October 2026!
r obe of the t c O loyee
p Em
th Mon
Ray joined The Water’s Edge in March 2026 and brings a wealth of culinary experience to our team. Prior to joining us, he served as head chef at Sago’s, where he worked alongside John Hanek. He also gained valuable experience at Roanoke Country Club, bringing many years of knowledge and expertise to our kitchen. Ray holds an associate degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management, along with a culinary certificate, reflecting his dedication to his profession and his passion for the hospitality industry. Outside of work, Ray is a proud father of seven children—four girls and three boys— ranging in age from 13 to 30. Although he is not yet a grandfather, one of his sons recently tied the knot, so perhaps that exciting milestone is just around the corner!
I x, II a J ond m y Ra
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When he is not at The Water’s Edge, Ray enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, and kayaking. Please join us in congratulating Ray on this well-deserved recognition! We are fortunate to have his experience, talent, and dedication as part of The Water’s Edge team.
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PHOTO GALLERY
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NOVEMBER COOKIE OF THE MONTH
Salted C Chocolate utive Chef Kris Dietrick, Exec Club at Old North State
aramel
Chip
Cookie
Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate and buttery caramel with this chocolate caramel cookie. Soft, chewy, and filled with sweet caramel flavor, every bite offers a delicious balance of deep chocolate richness and smooth, buttery sweetness. It’s a decadent treat for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup caramel bits or caramel candies, chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F; position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and fine salt together in a bowl. 3. With an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar, granulated sugar and butter together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and caramel bits. 4. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between the cookies (you will have cookie dough left over). Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt. 5. Bake the cookies until golden brown, rotating the position of the baking sheets halfway through, 13 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool. Meanwhile, cool the baking sheets and repeat with the remaining cookie dough.
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DECEMBER COOKIE OF THE MONTH
Candied B ecutive Chef Brandon Wallace, Ex lf Club Go at Cobblestone
Sugar C
acon
ookie
It started one Christmas when my daughter wanted to make cookies for Santa. I had always told her that Santa loved sugar cookies, because those were my favorite. That particular year, we decided to step it up a bit—mostly because of the size of her list! So I said, “It’s late at night… early in the morning… so let’s add bacon too.” Once we started making the cookies, I thought about candied bacon (I’m also a huge bacon fan), so we took a last-minute shot at it. They came out so good. I couldn’t wait until she went to sleep so I could finish them off. She’s older now, so we haven’t made them in a while, but I’m thinking about making another batch this weekend because they’re just that good!” - Chef Brandon Wallace
Ingredients Sugar cookie 2 ½ cups flour 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 cup soft unsalted butter
Candied bacon Thick cut bacon (6 slices) ¼ cup brown sugar 1 tbsp syrup (maple)
Sugar Cookie
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whip the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and milk to the butter–sugar mixture and mix until smooth. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix to form a dough. Chop 3 strips of the candied bacon and fold them into the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into 1–2-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle or place the remaining chopped candied bacon on top of each
1 ½ cups granulated sugar 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla extract 3 tbsp whole milk
Candied Bacon Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the strips of bacon on a sheet pan fitted with a rack. Sprinkle brown sugar over each strip of bacon and drizzle with maple syrup. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bacon is sticky and browned. Remove from the oven and allow the bacon to cool completely.
dough ball. Bake for 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool slightly, then enjoy!
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INSIDE MCCONNELL GOLF Inside McConnell Golf brings you a closer look at everything happening across our family of clubs. With each newsletter edition, we’ll highlight company-wide initiatives, exciting updates, ongoing renovations, member-focused improvements, and key marketing news — all in one place. Stay informed, be part of the story, and see what’s buzzing around McConnell Golf.
SEPTEMBER 2026 The Crossings Golf Club Glen Allen, VA
MCCONNELL GOLF, THE MAGAZINE: FALL/WINTER
WORK BEGINS AT THE CROSSINGS GOLF CLUB
Hot off the press! The second edition of our 2026 magazine lineup is due to hit mailboxes in mid-November! This issue includes highlights from the Wyndham Championship, back-to-back Korn Ferry Tour events, McConnell Golf’s participation in the PGA HOPE program, a home course victory for a collegiate golfer, and many other stories from our members and staff. We also invite you to share your McConnell Golf experiences for our upcoming 2027 publications. To submit your story idea, email McConnell Golf’s communications director, Faith Inman at finman@mcconnellgolf.com. Thank you for helping us make this publication a success!
Nationally-recognized architect Kris Spence and his team are hard at work laying the groundwork for the next chapter of this historic Joe Lee course. Recent work includes clearing previously fallen trees, mowing overgrown areas, identifying irrigation locations and marking the locations of new greens and tees. Step by step, the vision for The Crossings is taking shape, with plenty more progress to come. Follow along as the course continues its transformation at Facebook.com/TheCrossingsVA and on Instagram @TheCrossingsVA
RENOVATED & REFRESHED: COBBLESTONE G.C. As Cobblestone Golf Club in Blythewood, South Carolina enters the final phase of their bunker and cart path project, the club’s superintendent and general manager reflect on the improvements made both on the course and inside the clubhouse. Renovation work on the Gold nine is expected to begin in November with a targeted completion of early 2027.
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INSIDE MCCONNELL GOLF
MCCONNELL GOLF PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION: A GIFT THAT GIVES BACK Discover our curated collection of photography capturing the beauty and character of McConnell Golf properties. This holiday season, give a gift that brings a little piece of the club home with photo prints and canvas wall art, thoughtfully captured by the McConnell Golf team. Visit McConnellGolf.SmugMug.com to explore the collection and find a meaningful gift for the golf lover in your life. Net proceeds from every order support McConnell Golf’s Footprints on the Green initiatives, making your holiday gifting even more meaningful as we give back to the communities we serve. Don’t see your club featured yet? Check back periodically as we continue to expand our gallery with new photography from across our portfolio.
HELP US DELIVER TO THE RIGHT DOORSTEP
HOLIDAY SHOPPING STARTS HERE
Have you moved recently? Your contact details may need updating. Keep your profile current to ensure you never miss an update and stay connected to your club and McConnell Golf. To update your address information, select "My Profile" under the My Club menu on your club’s private website. Locate the address section you would like to modify and add/replace the information as needed. Once finished, click "Save My Profile" at the bottom of the screen.
Shop Black Friday deals at McConnellGolf.shop, where you’ll find a dedicated store for each of our properties and nearly 40 brands to explore. Make it your own with customizable options that let you choose your favorite logo, placement, and item color. Shipping is always free, and orders typically ship within 5–10 business days. Whether you need help with an order, recommendations for the perfect gift, or simply want to share feedback, reach us at mcconnell@teecommerce.shop.
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The Water's Edge Country Club 1825 Water's Edge Drive Penhook, VA 24137