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Great People make Favorite Places

Baltimore Country Club Staff Newsletter July 2025

PARK & FARMS TEAM Interested in joining the team? Contact Staff Engagement Coordinator Madison Elena at melena@bcc1898.com

CONTENTS 1

#GPMFP

Helping Hand

Staff Appreciation Week

10 Talk of the Town

BCC YOUniversity

11 Motivation Corner

Herb Garden

12 Workplace Phrases

Local Events

13 Staff News

First Fruit Farms

Christian Acuna Madison Elena Shantae Fauntleroy Jessica Noffsinger Abby Rodriguez Hannah Schmitt

QUICK LINKS

BCC Staff Page Helping Hand Website Staff Pastry Shop Towson Mental Health Password: BCC1898

MEMBERSHIP MAGA ZINE LIFEST YLE View the Lifestyle magazine to learn more about what’s happening around the Club, departmental updates, and upcoming events

TILLY THE BEAR Can you find the Park & Farms mascot, Tilly? If you do, click on him to be entered into a monthly raffle for a gift card!

WHO TO CONTACT Human Resources

Lauren Kourtsounis | Director of HR lkourtsounis@bcc1898.com | 410.554.8010 Anissa Campbell | HR Assistant acampbell@bcc1898.com | 410.889.4400 Ext. 1366

Payroll

Juanita Bayer | Payroll Administrator jbayer@bcc1898.com | 410.554.8026

support@bcc1898.com

Engineering Team M E M B E R S H I P M AG A Z I N E

July 2025

ON THE COVER

maintenance@bcc1898.com

Digital Content Coordinator Rachel Barnes cuddling a therapy dog at Staff Appreciation Week 2024

GREAT PEOPLE MAKE FAVORITE PLACES BCC has created an actionable statement that helps define our philosophy known as The Simple Truth: Great People Make Favorite Places. Below is a small sample of staff members who are helping to make BCC your favorite place.

Exceptional Leadership Award Gen Braxton, Assistant Pastry Chef Gen stepped up as Interim Pastry Chef during a time of transition and led the Pastry Team with confidence, grace, and reliability. She didn’t miss a beat, keeping everything on track with her calm demeanor and can-do spirit. Just three years ago, Gen began her journey at BCC with limited culinary experience—and since then, she has seized every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Her passion, commitment, and drive to improve have made her an indispensable member of our team and a pleasure to mentor.

Simple Truth Award Wade Johnstone, Director of Squash During the third set of his U.S. Squash Singles Nationals match, Wade’s opponent sustained an Achilles injury. Wanting to extend a gesture of support, Wade took the time to learn his opponent’s preferences and sent a thoughtful gift basket—complete with his favorite vodka. His opponent was deeply moved, writing: “Man, I don’t know the words to share, but I am truly amazed and so very grateful for the package you sent me. And then to hear you called to find out my likes—truly wonderful, mate! I brought the box home after I opened it and asked my son, ‘Check this out—who do you think sent me this?’ He guessed one of my close squash friends. I then read him the card, and his jaw dropped. It was a great teachable moment to share what sport is all about. You are a great example and role model... I just honestly can say thank you so very much—it means more than you could know.” This moment captures the heart of a Green Folder Story: a small, thoughtful gesture rooted in personal connection that leaves a lasting impression. Wade’s effort turned a setback into a powerful reminder of the relationships sport can build—and the difference it makes when we show up with care.

SUBMIT YOUR STORY

JULY 2025

Day 1

Monday, July 28

Kick things off with a Volunteer trip to First Fruits Farm, then come back for an epic outdoor BBQ at Roland Park at 3:00pm with games, music, bubbles, and delicious food. There is a chance to win a prize if you are crowned the victor of cornhole!

Day 4

Chill with furry friends, play sprinkle games, and enjoy treats from The Cow’s mobile ice cream truck. Cap it off with a cakewalk and Italian ice!

Thursday, July 31

Recharge with smoothies, B12 shots, paraffin wax hand baths, and spa go-bags! Enjoy professional headshots, relaxing tunes, and the ultimate wellness vibe all day long. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds. 12:00PM •Smoothie Bar and Spa Go-Bags 12:00pm-4:00PM •Chair Massage in Wellness Center •Spa Go-Bags, Infused Water, & Paraffin Hand Bath in Wellness Center 1:00pm-3:00PM •LifeMed B12 shots & T-Shirts 2:00pm-4:00PM •Professional Headshots Available for ALL Staff Members dress in your uniform or business casual attire

Day 2

Tues Jul

Week Long Party At Five Farms!

Day 5

Friday, August 1

Say “Aloha” to our tropical finale! From 12:00pm-5:00PM, we will have snow co lava flows, cotton candy, hula hoops ops, limbo, and festive flair every Dress up, chill out, and celebrat

sday, ly 29

12:00pm-2:00PM •Therapy Dogs Visit •The Cow Ice Cream Truck e 12:00pm-4:00PM •Daily Challenge | Valet Loop 2:00pm-4:00PM •Italian Ice & Cold Refreshments •Cake Walk featuring BCC Pastry Cakes & Gift Cards

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Day 3

Wednesday, July 30

12:00pm-2:00PM The mini-golf •Loaded Sundae Cart challenge, trick 12:00pm-4:00PM shots with goofy •Daily Challenge | Putting Green •3-Hole Putt-Putt goggles, and a 2:00pm-4:00PM loaded sundae •Sweet & Savory Soft Pretzels bar? Yes, please! •Lemonade Stand

Iced Coffee Bar available All week from 10:00am-4:00pm or until supplies run out. This will include whipped cream, 5+ varieties of coffee syrups, cold foam, and assorted toppings!

Daily games

daily guessing games will be sent out via email for those who are unable to participate in-person. These emails will include the schedule and outline for the day and will be sent out by 10:00AM on the day of the event.

1ST AID/CPR/AED TRAINING Although this training and certification are required every 2 years for all full-time staff, it is a lifesaving tool on your belt. You will be taught all the proper steps to take in the event of a health emergency and how to identify risks before they escalate to that point. Nothing in the world is more empowering than knowledge, one of the most valuable and pertinent skill sets. If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, be the one who is cool-headed, confident, and responsible. A step to becoming that leader is ensuring you are certified with this extensive and elaborative training. JULY 10 | 9:00AM-2:30PM |

1 CREDIT

WHAT IS BCC YOUNIVERSITY?

BCC YOUniversity is a continuing education program geared to promote personal and professional growth for all BCC staff.

STAFF REQUIREMENT

All year-round Full-time and Part-time staff are required to participate. Seasonal staff are welcome to attend with supervisor approval. • Full-time staff are required to obtain a minimum of 4.5 credits within the fiscal year (March 1-February 28) • Part-time staff will be required to obtain a minimum of 3 credits within the fiscal year (March 1-February 28) • All new staff are required to take one BCC Basic History course

NO SHOW POLICY

.5 Credit deduction for not attending class without prior cancellation notice. To cancel your class, login to Sign-Up Genius or contact Lauren Kourtsounis at lkourtsounis@bcc1898.com

1 Credit

60min

.5 credit

30-45 min

BCC

CLASS TRACKER PARK & FARMS

FISHING BASICS 101 This class is an excellent way to start the day on the right foot; surrounded by nature and the sounds of animals, you will feel at peace in no time. Noah Richard from the Engineering department is going to take us on a small field trip down the road to a pond that is perfect for reeling in a catch! Noah has been fishing since before most of us learned how to hold a pencil, catching everything from monstrous swordfish and tuna to elusive snakeheads. If you have a rod, please bring it along, as there are limited quantities. Join us on a Friday morning to get some hooks wet! JULY 18 | 10:00AM |

1 CREDIT

INTRO TO GOLF CLINIC Step onto the green with Jacob Thompson for a golf experience that’s equal parts skill-building and fun. This immersive clinic dives into the essentials—grip, stance, swing, and putting—all taught with a fresh, engaging approach. Jacob will bring energy, insight, and a down-to-earth style that makes learning the game feel natural and exciting. No clubs? No problem. Just bring curiosity and a good attitude. Designed to demystify the game, this clinic invites you to connect with golf in a laid-back, encouraging setting. JULY 22 | 2:00PM |

.5 CREDIT

PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ETIQUETTE Walking us through a workplace necessity, our Director of Communications, Rachel Upton, will enlighten us on the do’s and don’ts of professional email etiquette. No matter your current position, this information is invaluable to your future and the way that you communicate with your peers or even supervisors. Join us for just half an hour, and you will be walking out of the room with fine-tuned skills and a newfound sense of confidence when interacting with others! This class is required for all Leadership. JULY 29 | 10:00AM |

.5 CREDIT

FIVE FARMS VEGETABLE GARDEN TOUR Did you know that you have most likely eaten vegetables that were cultivated and harvested on our grounds? Asparagus season has come and gone, but we reaped the rewards to the fullest extent. Irene Casarez, Horticulturist, and Cathy Wagner, Director of Horticulture, innovators at BCC, will guide us through some of the pride and joy that is our fresh produce. Not only do they help the land with sustainable practices, but they also supply the kitchen. Join the FF vegetable garden tour and discover new ideas to open doors for your yard! JULY 30 | 10:00AM ||

.5 CREDIT

Become an Instructor Today - We want to hear Your Passions! Do you ever find yourself wanting to bring your hobby to work? Let us help make that happen for you! If you have an interest and information on certain subjects, we would love to offer you a platform to speak on them. If you would like the opportunity to host a class, please contact Lauren Kourtsounis at lkourtsounis@bcc1898.com and we can start planning your course!

JULY 2025

T he Herb Garden BCC offers many impressive and unexpected perks, and the herb garden is no exception. It was added a few years ago as part of a larger effort by the Horticulture department to make the club more self-sustainable. This helps the Kitchen and Bartending teams enhance the member experience, reduce costs, and maintain the freshness of herbs. Although primarily used for Culinary and Beverage purposes, staff members can also take some home. With over 10 varieties of herbs, including tarragon, rosemary, basil, thyme, lemon thyme, garlic chives, several types of mint, and more, you’re welcome to take some home. Just please be courteous when harvesting and remember to follow these rules. 1. Take no more than a third of any given plant to allow it to keep growing. 2. Use scissors when harvesting (don’t damage the plant by ripping or tearing!). 3. Leave the pathways clean and make sure to bring your own container to bring herbs home.

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PARK & FARMS

LOCAL EVENTS JULY 4TH ACTIVITIES FREE OR UNDER $20 PER PERSON

The Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival The Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival takes place at the scenic Middle Branch Park, which offers views of the Baltimore City skyline and Fourth of July fireworks. Plus, Middle Branch will have the front-row seat to a drone show starting at 9:30pm. Star Spangled Bash This 4th of July, the B&O Museum invites you to a memorable Star-Spangled Bash! Toddler Time at 10:30am is free with admission and features story-time plus a themed craft. From 10:30am to 3:30pm, enjoy a carnival full of fun with splash pads, a dunk tank, a juggler, yard games, and crafts—all free with admission.

FREE ACTIVITIES IN JULY

Rotunda Farmers Market Rotunda Annual Farmers Market starts earlier in the season with a larger footprint to accommodate more fresh produce, baked goods, herbs, prepared food and seasonal goodies as well as live acoustic music and food trucks. The farmers market will take place weekly, beginning on Tuesday, May 6, from 3:00pm-7:00pm and run until October 28 in front of the historic Rotunda Building at 711 W. 40th Street. Rain or shine Comedy Showcase Join us for a rotating list of outstanding comedians for our free Comedy Showcase every Saturday night at Max’s Taphouse. Doors open at 7:00pm | Show starts at 8:00pm Summer Sounds at the Square On July 18, the parking lot will be transformed into an open-air market from 6:00pm-9:00pm, featuring food and beverage specials available for purchase from local favorites Atwater’s, Neopol Savory Smokery, Prigel Family Farm and Market Bar.

BCC SPORT TICKETS BALTIMORE ORIOLES BCC is offering four complimentary Baltimore Orioles tickets with a parking pass to each home game—which can be yours to win! Tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of multiple requests, a lottery system will be utilized.

ORIOLES TICKETS

Please note that staff members will not be compensated for attending the game. If they choose to attend, they must either use their paid time off or attend the game while off the clock.

JULY 2025

If you need

Monday, July 28 | 9:00am 20431 Middletown Rd | Freeland, MD

Look at what we’ve accomplished for First Fruits Farms in the past! 2024

First Fruits Farms is a powerful force in our community, over 27 million pounds of our fresh produce has been harvested and distributed to food banks, shelters, schools, churches, and other organizations throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region. Come join this unique experience, and leave knowing that you helped better your community alongside your teammates.

2,300 lbs of zucchini 225 lbs of onions 12,000 lbs of cabbage 2023 90 boxes of collard greens 4,000 loaves of bread boxed 2,000 lbs of tomatoes 2022 10,500 lbs of cabbage 9,000 lbs of green beans 2,000 lbs of zucchini

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Summer

Support

Every June, children are joyfully anticipating their summer break and the fun adventures that will ensue from their time away from school. Though this may be true for most, there are some children and families that dread summer break, since they won’t have access to the free and nutritious food that school provides. This additional burden to the family's budget can’t always be afforded, leaving some to go without a meal. In order to combat this strain, we are hosting a drive to help raise funds and food for the families that need support. To make a donation, simply utilize the Helping Hand flyer on the breakroom tables or submit a food donation to the donation box. Every contribution has a significant impact, and every impact is felt by the Staff Members served through the Helping Hand foundation. Make a difference today by giving BCC families a better tomorrow. Donation boxes will be located in the Five Farms and Roland Park break rooms, as well as the business office at Roland Park. All food donations must be shelf-stable and have an expiration date later than 10/01/2025.

How You Can Help Contribute via Payroll The organization is funded through voluntary staff member contributions that are tax deductible through our 501(c)(3) status. Contributions can be as low as $1 per pay period and can be adjusted at any time. This is a great way to help your coworkers that may find themselves in need of assistance. If you would like to contribute, or are in need of assistance, please email helpinghand@bcc1898.com or contact any Helping Hand committee member.

Food Drive Ends July 31! JULY 2025

GOLF

From: Richard Silberstein Just a wonderful day and my guests loved the course and everything about the day! Rom: Michael Burchell Nick made the experience fantastic. Two guests and Staff knew their names. From: Nancy Hinds Golf staff very professional. They know everyone’s name, which is impressive. From: Shawn Bryden Being able to play the West Course on a Saturday Afternoon and staff was kind enough to allow me tee off on 10!

CLUB EVENTS

June FNPP: BCC Boardwalk 2025 From: Hanly Rogers Great theme and menu - such a fun summer kick off!! The staff was top notch, as always, but it really makes all the difference. From: Alexander Beecher Food was great! Kids loved the cotton candy!

From: Samuel Mace I just want to add that for the past 2 years, Joe, who drives the pickup cart from the parking lot to the golf shop does a fantastic job. He is very friendly, remembers who I play with, and starts my day at BCC off to a great start.

POOL CAFÉ

From: Brian Rogers Fast service despite it being busy!

From: Julie Lynch I really appreciated the service at our umbrella. Maddie was super responsive and so friendly! From: Jeff Clary The setting is great for lunch and the staff are extremely polite and engaging. From: Robert Travers I love the venue, the staff that are awesome and more like friends and seeing friends so thank you.

RAQUETS

From: Tara Gupta Jake is a great coach. Really explains the strategy and technique so well. Makes it easy to adapt into how I try to play. My whole family loves learning from him. Arya loved her camp today with Aubrey and Jake too From: James Williams High energy, great environment, engaging staff!

PARK & FARMS

À LA CARTE

From: Denise Kulinski Lunch is always a pleasure at the outside bar with Matt and Austin. We especially enjoyed the Buffalo Flatbread. From: Christine Powderly Cynthia, our waitress, was awesome and so fun. From: Monique Satpute Our waitress, Kayla F., was very attentive and the food came out quickly. From: Marion Wilson It was great to have my son and his wife enjoy the experience so much!

From: Rajesh Jari The server, manager, and F&B director all came to check on us multiple times. Food was excellent. We really enjoyed the experience and the food. Also a big thank you to the chefs for preparing excellent food.

From: Dominick Valencia Both the staff and the food. First, I must thank the entire Culinary Staff. The latest menu selections have been indescribably delicious. For example, the rockfish entrees have been fabulous. The short rib quesadilla is absolutely mouthwatering. The raspberry coconut verrine dessert — as have all the desserts since Pastry Chef Acker arrived — is exquisite. Now, for the Food & Beverage Service Staff. It was another triumph of wonderful service from all the staff. We were warmly and courteously greeted and seated by Shanique. Greer served our breads with a cheerful smile and “Happy Father’s Day” wish, which was very much appreciated. And, delightfully, Greer was not alone in her kind wishes. The following staff members also made it a point to pass by and stop at our table to wish me a happy Father’s Day, for which I told each I was very thankful for their wishes: Kayla J. Maggie Ian Sharyl Stephen (who also brought me a jar of BCC BBQ sauce) Jared Finally, some well-earned words of praise for Sharyl, who assisted us tonight. Simply put, she is outstanding! Courteous, engaging and knowledgeable, she is a true professional. She anticipates what the children and I need, she makes spot-on recommendations, and she does so with a wonderfully friendly demeanor. She always makes a meal at BCC an excellent one. Thank you to everyone.

Motivation Corner Motivation is complicated. Psychologists define motivation as the desire or impetus to initiate and maintain a particular behavior. But sometimes, no matter how passionate you are about a goal or hobby, finding the motivation to actually do it can be difficult. Why is motivation so

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fickle? Explore intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and dig into how these forces contribute to our drive.

JULY 2025

SAFETY PHRASES

COMMON WORKPLACE

DETRÁS ES BEHIND bi-JAIND

Una práctica importante de seguridad para avisar a las personas que estás caminando justo detrás de ellas, a menudo llevando algo como una bandeja caliente, un cuchillo afilado o un objeto pesado.

IN SPANISH

AFILADO ES SHARP shaarp

Advertencia clara a los demás cerca de que estás manejando o moviendo un cuchillo u objeto afilado.

ESQUINA ES CORNER KOR-ner

Se grita al acercarse a una curva ciega para alertar a otros de tu presencia.

IT’S HOT

Hace calor

AH-seh kah-LOR

IT’S COLD

Hace frío

AH-seh FREE-oh

HELLO, HOW ARE YOU?

IT’S SUNNY

Hola, ¿cómo estás?

Hace sol

OH-lah, KOH-moh ehsTAHS?

AH-seh sohl

IT’S RAINING

GOOD MORNING!

Llueve

¡Buenos días!

YWEH-veh

BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs!

IT’S CLOUDY

Está nublado

GOOD AFTERNOON!

Es-TAH noo-BLAH-doh

¡Buenas tardes!

BWEH-nahs TAR-dess!

IT’S WINDY

Hace viento

GOOD NIGHT!

AH-seh BYEN-toh

¡Buenas noches! BWEH-nahs NOH-ches!

SEE YOU LATER!

¡Hasta luego!

AHS-tah LWEH-goh!

DO YOU NEED HELP?

¿Necesitas ayuda?

Neh-seh-SEE-tahs ahYOO-dah?

DO YOU HAVE THIS?

¿Tienes esto?

TYEH-nes EHS-toh?

DO YOU LIKE THIS?

¿Te gusta esto?

Teh GOOS-tah EHS-toh?

EXCUSE ME.

Perdón. / Disculpe. Pehr-DOHN / DeesKOOL-peh

I’M SORRY.

Lo siento.

Loh SEE-YEN-toh

PLEASE

Por favor Pohr fah-BOHR

THANK YOU!

¡Gracias!

GRAH-syahs!

DAYS OF THE WEEK Días de la semana SUNDAY

Domingo

Doh-MEEN-goh

MONDAY

Lunes

LOO-nes

PARK & FARMS

TUESDAY

Martes

MAR-tes

WEDNESDAY

Miércoles

MYER-co-les

THURSDAY

Jueves

HWEH-ves

FRIDAY

Viernes

BYER-nes

SATURDAY

Sábado

SAH-bah-doh

ANNIVERSARIES

Patricia Goss

Member Relations

Brent Dennison

Golf

John Groh

Engineering

Caroline Pogust

Events

Rosa Portillo De Guevara

Grounds

Ricardo Ellis

Culinary

Oscar Juarez-Blanco

Grounds

Alexandra Gasior

Culinary

Charles Campbell

Clubhouse Services

Santos Pineda

Culinary

BIRTHDAYS

Aleah Adam

Golf

Grechel Crum

Culinary

Samantha Smetana

Pool Café

Katherine Seal

Aquatics

Andre Tavares

Food & Beverage

Jordyn Brown

Pool Café

Hayden Holmes

Golf

Madelyn Levine

Aquatics

Lawrence Suarez-Murias

Clubhouse Services

Gabriella Njinimbot

Food & Beverage

Narsingh Seeruttun

Food & Beverage

Abigail Posterli

Aquatics

Gio Vargas

Food & Beverage

Will Cranston

Aquatics

Madelyn Ward

Food & Beverage

Daniel Nosek

Culinary

Charles Bonadio

Clubhouse Services

Matthew Guzzo

Food & Beverage

Andrew Gernhart

Food & Beverage

Thomas Pekosz

Clubhouse Services

Irene Casarez

Grounds

Morgan Ballard

Food & Beverage

Cole Johnson

Pool Café

Luke Dodge

Clubhouse Services

Ian Ramirez

Food & Beverage

Tyler Figlioli

Golf

Joseph Hamilton

Golf

Steven Cocoros

Food & Beverage

Maxwell Woelper

Pool Café

Stephen Pletch

Grounds

Bibi Talabi

Communications

Danny Coker

Food & Beverage

Claire Lee

Pool Café

James Lazenby

Food & Beverage

Enmanuel Tejeda

Food & Beverage

JULY 2025

WELCOME TO THE PARK & FARMS TEAM! Mabuhay! I’m Christian from the Philippines, currently doing my J1 Internship here at Baltimore Country Club. Back at my university, I was part of our college organization, where I wrote articles, edited art cards, and helped release our annual school magazine featuring campus events and milestones. Joining the Park & Farms committee now excites me because it lets me pursue my passion for writing again and connect with others who share the same interests. I also love traveling to new places, taking photos, and documenting the experiences and lessons I gain along the way. I look forward to new adventures here!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Gavin Leon Baby Girl Noel

Nick Healy

His band, The Luvable Idiots, released a new single on Spotify

NEW HIRE

Duncan Boudreau Bag Room Attendant

PARK & FARMS

JULY 2025