2023 Winter Birchbark

The

Birchbark

A N O R C H A R D L A K E CO U N T R Y C LU B P U B L I C AT I O N WINTER 2023

Inside

GOLF PAGE 14 CALENDAR NOV/DEC PAGE 26-27

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The Board Corner What a fantastic summer it was! We have had unforgettable events and activities all summer long, and we are excited to share what is in store for the rest of the year. Earlier in the year, we outlined three key priorities for 2023:

Additionally, we have reviewed and revised the Member Handbook, enhanced member orientation, and streamlined the onboarding processes to ensure you have all the information you need.

1. Member Experience: We've listened to your feedback through our member survey, and it has guided us in shaping our priorities for 2023. We have focused on enhancing your experience across dining, golf service, and communication.

Ensuring greater access to golf, dining, lakefront enjoyment, and events remains equally important.

Other Key Achievements • Completed the Raquet House renovation.

• Significantly improved golf course access and tee time availability • Increased the number of Adirondack chairs and umbrellas at the lakefront.

• Modernized and refreshed the Ladies Locker room and introduced a new boutique concept within it.

• Featured live music on the golf terrace on Thursday nights.

• Debuted a new Friday night Lakefront culinary dining experience, featuring live music.

• Hosted numerous inter-league SICSA swim meets.

• Added a second tri-toon boat.

• Refreshed much of our sailboat fleet & expanded inter-club races.

• Gave back to the community through programs like Eagles for Children, Annual Run on the Lake, the Woman’s Charity Golf event and the Evans Scholar Program.

• Established a Health and Fitness Committee and Member Donations and Giving Committee to enrich your experience.

By prioritizing processes like dining reservations, membership onboarding, golf course maintenance, and more, we have made substantial progress. Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) is now much higher than the average country club and now on par and even higher than the NPS scores of the best country clubs in America. This score quantifies membership feedback and indicates a high level of satisfaction with our offerings and an enthusiasm about the future of the club. The Board of Governors remains committed to making membership experience and further improvements a top priority.

Equally important, our internal employee surveys show similar strong results, which have a positive impact on service and retention. Our employee NPS scores are almost twice the national average for country club employees. Thank you to our management and members that support our staff so well.

2. Long Range Strategic Plan: We've tabulated survey results and shared our long-range strategic plan process with you.

A dedicated long-range planning committee is beginning the work to diligently shape our club's direction and vision for the next 5-10 years. This will serve as a framework for continuing our Club’s momentum in building a stronger sustainable club for our future.

3. Financial Governance: We are committed to keeping you informed about our financial performance. We have had a strong year and are currently projecting a financial surplus for the year. We have worked creatively to offset food and wage inflation, while maintaining quality and service levels. At the same time, we have increased our capital reserves and reduced our overall debt. We will continue to focus on strong budgeting and expense management.

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It has been a spectacular season, and there is much more to come. Enjoy your fall/winter, and we look forward to seeing you at the Club!

Warm Regards, Orchard Lake Board of Governors

Contents Club Hours of Operation A La Carte Dining NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Thursday - Saturday Dinner: 5pm-8:30pm Sunday Brunch: 11am-2:30pm

Golf Shop Hours Caddie Banquet: Tim Mangan, John Gilbert, and James Hollister

CLUB NEWS

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NOVEMBER Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm DECEMBER Wednesday - Friday 12:00pm-6:00pm Saturday & Sunday 10:00pm-3:00pm

MEMBERSHIP

GOLF & SPORTS

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GOLF RAQUETS

CALENDAR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

The Birchbark Managing Editor: Nicole Petrone

Design: Jennifer Spencer

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BB OLCC Orchard Lake Management Team Administration Peter Swick General Manager pswick@orchardlakecc.com David Simpson Clubhouse Manager dsimpson@orchardlakecc.com Marty Agnello Controller magnello@orchardlakecc.com Nicole Petrone Membership Marketing Director npetrone@orchardlakecc.com Beth Deaton Website Administrator bdeaton@orchardlakecc.com Carol Molina Director of Human Resources cmolina@orchardlakecc.com

Nathalie Fregonara Banquet Manager nfregonara@orchardlakecc.com Tom Kruszewski Fitness Director tkruszewski@orchardlakecc.com

Doug Ganhs Executive Chef chef@orchardlakecc.com Sarah Harris Catering Director sharris@orchardlakecc.com

Brian Sleeman PGA Head Professional bsleeman@orchardlakecc.com Aaron McMaster Green Superindendant amcmaster@orchardlakecc.com John Gilbert Golf Services Manager jgilbert@orchardlakecc.com

Lincoln Wirgau Racquets Director lwirgau@orchardlakecc.com

Lakefront Kevin Fogarty Swim Team Coach

Atara Krakoff Assistant Catering Director akrakoff@orchardlakecc.com

Doug Irey Pool Manager

Greg Stangis Food & Beverage Director gstangis@orchardlakecc.com

Bruce Lilley Waterfront/Sailing Center Director blilley@orchardlakecc.com

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DIRECT PHONE NUMBERS 2023

Golf Operations

Racquet Sports Hospitality

Orchard Lake Country Club

Main Number/Reservations 248-682-0100 General Manager 258-682-1604 Accounting 248-682-2622 Catering 248-682-0911 Greens Building 248-682-2150 Golf Shop 248-682-2500 Racquet House 248-682-2334 Starters Booth 248-682-5340

OLCC MEMBERSHIP

Welcome New Members NOT PICTURED Active (MiW) Membership Dr. Nathan Urbaniak & Dr. Julie Kado U of M – Physician Anesthesiologist Children: Rita, Victoria Social Membership Philip Fioravante, PhD. & Barbara Fioravante Green Rock Holdings Group – Sr. Managing Member Active (MiW) Membership Brian Linthicum & Leah Dunville Wise US, Inc. – Head of Platform, North America

Social Membership Dr. Sumit & Sheila Singla Henry Ford Hospital – Physician Children: Kira, Kamran, Kayla

Junior A Membership Jacob Reid Wabeek Country Club - Cook

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BB OLCC

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BB OLCC EVENTS

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OLCC EVENTS

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BB Halloween Memories!

OLCC

The Annual Halloween Party at Orchard Lake Country Club was amazing!

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BB OLCC EVENTS

Fitness Update Run the Lake 2023

Tom Kruszewsk Fitness Director

Sunday October 1st was a beautiful morning for the Third Annual Run the Lake. With over 75 registered participants the morning included a 5K run/walk for all ages and abilities as well as a fun run for kids 13 and under. The event benefited the First Tee of Greater Detroit. The morning began with the Kid’s Run. Beckham Leith led the pack from start to finish, edging Jacob Finkel and winning the boys event, earning a free entry into next year’s 5K. Berkley Leith was third overall and won the girls event, also winning her entry to next year’s 5K. Once the kids had crossed the finish line, the 5K took off. Ian Slaven led the race from start to finish, winning his second Run the Lake title in its three years. Ian ran the course uncontested with a time of 22:01. After his morning win, Beckham Leith continued his dominant day, edging Jeff Risius with a strong finish for second place. David Knesek and Jeff Robrahn rounded out the top five. Rachel Leith finished sixth overall, winning the ladies event with a time of 25:38. Gabby Stempien was next across the finish line, followed by Sarah Shaw, Camille Wickman and Addison Sullivan.

As the morning events concluded, we awarded prizes to the overall and age group winners.

In addition, Jeff Vlasic took home the first ever award for “fastest stroller pusher” and Anibal Drelichman took home the hardware for the “most advanced finisher”. The culinary staff put together an amazing breakfast buffet that featured pancakes, bacon and sausage that was enjoyed on the waterfront. The morning raised $1,000 for the First Tee and saw more registered participants than 2022. It’s never too early to start planning for next year. Whether your goal is to walk or run your first 5K, or be the next Run the Lake Winner, stay tuned for details on next year’s event!

Holiday Fitness Promotion 'Tis the season to be giving and to be getting into shape. Purchase a 10 Session Personal Training Package as a gift for a friend or family member and receive 2 Personal Training Sessions for yourself, for free. Promotion is available to any member to purchase, but 10 Session Package can only be used by new clients.

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OLCC FITNESS

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BB OLCC GOLF

Golf News A Letter From The Pro

Though October has been a bit touch-and-go on the weather, September may have been the best month of the season, and we hope you’ve enjoyed the opportunities to get out for some fall golf this year. The course has been in terrific shape, and it’s been wonderful to see so many families sneak out for some bonus rounds as we turn the page into November.

Brian Sleeman PGA Head Professional

As in the last few years, the golf season is never really over at Orchard Lake. We’re excited to bring our two TrackMan golf simulators into the Clubhouse for the first time this winter, and we’re hopeful the cozier environment of the dining room near the pub will prove an enjoyable venue for some virtual golf. Though the start will have to wait until we’ve completed some of our holiday programming, we’re all looking forward to some great winter golf together. As a reminder, our simulators are ideal for individual practice sessions, family parties, junior golf games, winter lessons and club-fittings, virtual tournament play, and all sorts of friendly formats to engage your buddies in the off-season. We’re putting the final touches on this year’s winter tournament programming and food and beverage service and will be announcing all of the details as we approach December.

December also means the return of our annual holiday sales in the Golf Shop. We’ve expanded our hours for this holiday season and are here to help you with all of your gift needs. Late fall and holiday arrivals of new items will soon begin, complementing our assortment of men’s, women’s, and junior apparel as well as a host of accessories and equipment. The West Shore Boutique will also offer new items specifically for the holidays, and taken with our lifestyle and fitness pieces, ensures you’ll have a wide variety from which to draw inspiration for gifts for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Be on the lookout for additional details in our holiday messaging via email and our Instagram page, including another online option to make it all as convenient as possible. As a reminder, all golf shop credit must be used before the end of the calendar year, as it will expire on 12/31.

On behalf of my entire team, best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful holiday season.

We hope to see you around the club over the winter months and are already looking forward to a great 2024!

Brian Sleeman PGA Head Professional

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OLCC GOLF

WARD CUP RESULTS

Willis Ward

The Ward Cup began in 2022 as a one-day member-guest in honor of Orchard Lake’s founder, Willis Ward. It is played with three formats across 27 holes and scored via a Stableford point system. Congratulations to this year’s flight winners, all of whom are noted below: Flight 1 – Joe Cline & Kyle Fedorka (59) Flight 2 – Brent Borio & Peter Kepic (62) Flight 3 – Brian Graham & Scott Graham (58) Flight 4 – Bob Emerine & Jeremy Motz (59) Flight 5 – Randy Jett & Kevin Koneval (61) Flight 6 – Sudhir Walavalkar & Bharat Bhatt (61)

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BB OLCC COLT & ALISON RESULTS

The Colt & Alison is our men’s fall member-member tournament, with a similar format to the Ward Cup in that it is played across 27 holes and features three distinct formats.

This year’s flight winners were as follows: Flight 1: Kyle Eick & Joe Cline (-15) Flight 2 (Tie): Matt Pappas & Gordon Coleman (-6) Phil Tambouridis & Bob Ligon (-6) Flight 3: Tom North & John Ball (-9) Flight 4 (Tie): Dave Boerger & Don Carney (-6) Ronnie Jallad & Joe Pongracz (-6)

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OLCCGOLF

PRESIDENTS CUP RESULTS The President’s Cup is an individual season-long match play tournament contested via a single elimination bracket. This year’s final match featured veteran Brian Graham against Nicholas Hubbell, with Hubbell prevailing to take the title and the President’s Cup trophy. Congratulations to Nick on earning the win, and to Brian on his excellent play in reaching the final match. Kudos are also in order for those who made it to the semi-finals, Kyle Eick and Joe Vlasic II, as well as those who reached the quarterfinal stage: James Cummings, Scott Conrad, David Murray, and Sante Fratarcangeli. This was our biggest bracket yet and provided an outstanding challenge throughout the season!

GAM SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Orchard Lake played host to the top senior players from across the state in early September, as 156 players gathered for 36 holes of stroke play to determine the 2023 GAM Senior Amateur Champion. In his first year of qualifying for the event, our own Greg Davies posted impressive rounds of 73 and 68 in tough fall conditions to finish as the only player in the field below par and take the win by three shots. Our club was well-represented, as the field also included Ed Borio, Rick Herpich, Stephen Lord, and Mark Arthurs. Congratulations to Greg on another hard-fought tournament title!

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BB OLCC GOLF 1963 Evans Scholar James Hollister We were touched recently when a former Orchard Lake caddie reached out in a reflective spirit to share his memories of working and caddying at Orchard Lake in the 1950s and early 1960s. James Hollister retired 30 years ago after a long and successful career teaching social studies in Dexter, but 30 years before that, he graduated from Michigan State as the second ever Evans Scholar from Orchard Lake. Now age 82, he and his family will be joining us for our annual caddie banquet and his first visit back to the club in over 60 years. Please take a moment to read his letter below addressed to all the members of Orchard Lake, which has been converted from the original handwritten letter delivered to us in early October: September 28, 2023

on time (not really). Another great experience was caddying for Gene Sarazen. Lincoln chose me to caddy for him. Wow! That was a wonderful day for me. Sarazen had two eagles that day – one on number 6 and another on number 11.

But the most wonderful day at OLCC was the day Lincoln told me to go up to the putting green where a gentleman wanted to talk to me. So I went up to the putting green and the member said to me, “Jim, we think you should apply for the Evans Scholarship!” I did!

I had an interview in Detroit with the Evans Scholars committee. I was very nervous. About 20 gentlemen around the table each asked me a question. I remember the last question was, “Jim, if you didn’t receive an Evans Scholarship, would you still go to college?” My answer was quick and honest: “No, sir, my family cannot afford that.”

Dear Orchard Lake Country Club, I’m 82 years old and this letter is long overdue.

I was an Orchard Lake CC Evans Scholar from 1959 to 1963, and I have come to realize that the scholarship was the highlight of my life.

I decided to become a caddy when I was 13 years old.

I started as a caddy, then I worked at the caddie shack and followed that by becoming Lincoln Jackson’s assistant caddy master. That was in 1956. The next three years of my life centered around working summers at OLCC. It was Tommy Shannon and Bill Kennedy in the pro shop and me in the starter’s booth. I arrived at work at 7:00 am.

For many days I worked till dark when all players were off the course. I was paid $8.00 a day. I could also have food from the club kitchen.

One of my best experiences was taking new caddies out on the course for “caddy lesson.” In some way that experience encouraged me to want to be a schoolteacher.

My most memorable experience was “Derby Day.” Lincoln didn’t show up on time! Tommy Shannon came out of the pro shop and said to me, “Get to work, Jim!” I handled all the caddy assignments that day. Lincoln did finally arrive

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After high school graduation from West Bloomfield HS, I took a little vacation. While I was away from home, my mother called me and said, “Jim, you have received an Evans Scholarship to Michigan State University!!” That wonderful news seemed to change my entire life. I was going to MSU. I graduated from MSU in 1963. I received a job teaching school in Dexter, Michigan. I taught in Dexter for 30 years.

I received from the Board of Education members and several community people an all-expense paid trip to England with my wife. I retired from teaching in 1993. I have had a wonderful retirement.

But I’m not happy with myself for not writing this letter sooner. I now realize that working at Orchard Lake Country Club and receiving the Evans Scholarship indeed have shaped my whole life.

I want to say “thank you” to the Orchard Lake Country Club for your support of the Evans Scholar program.

To all the members of Orchard Lake Country Club, “THANK YOU.” Sincerely yours, James “Jim” Hollister

OLCC GOLF

With thanks to the generosity of the membership, our new historical plaque listing all of our previous Evans Scholars is now on display inside the west entrance of the Clubhouse and will be updated with additional scholars as they are selected over the years. Thank you for your support of this project and please take a moment to review and share the mission of the Evans Scholars Foundation with your family and friends when visiting the club. The success of this program should be a point of pride for all members – as Mr. Hollister’s letter clearly illustrates, this is a life-changing program, and 56 of our current and former caddies can speak to its impact. Thank you!

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BB OLCC GOLF FRANK SYRON CUP RESULTS A new event this fall featured a smaller, eight-man bracket, offering the opportunity to engage in gross match play from the black tees. The event is named after Orchard Lake’s first golf professional, and this year’s qualifiers earned their spots through their stroke play finishes in the Club Championship back in August. Congratulations to Greg Davies on his victory, prevailing over Brent Borio in the final match. Semifinalists also included Ryan Shedd and Ed Borio. Well-done, gentlemen!

The West Shore Boutique is located in the rotunda of the ladies’ locker room and has been a welcome addition to our retail offerings. Focusing on non-golf apparel and gift items with a spa-like atmosphere, the boutique opened with a party and trunk show on September 28, and will remain available through the holiday season. Be on the lookout for new holiday-inspired items for yourself and everyone on your shopping list, and contact Maureen or Jasmine in the Golf Shop with any questions!

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OLCC EVENTS

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BB OLCC RACQUETS

Paddle Season 2024 Paddle season is here, and the courts are packed with new and old faces. It is great to see so many people using OLCC year around.

With the Men’s Ladder and Women’s Ladder having over 200 participants. We will be starting another session in January if you missed the sign up for the first session.

Lincoln Wirgau, USPTA

We are offering weekly clinics on both Monday’s and Friday’s. Monday the beginner clinics runs from 9-10:15am and Intermediate clinic from 10:15-11:30am. On Friday we run an Intermediate clinic from 9-10:15am and Advance clinic from 10:15-11:30am. You can sign up for the clinics right on the OLCC mobile app.

Director of Racquets

On Saturday, mornings we offer an hour-long clinic from 8-9am, this clinic switches from beginner/intermediate clinic one week to Advance clinic the next week. Open play for All Levels runs from 9-10:30am.

If you are interested in booking the paddle hut for a private party or event you can now do that. Here is the process for booking the paddle hut. Members may reserve the upstairs of the racquet house for private events according to the following policy: • Reservations are on a first-come first-serve basis • Reservation provides exclusive use of the racquet house and up to 4 paddle courts (members to specify how many courts they want when making reservation) • $250 reservation fee, refundable only if cancelled 60 days prior to reservation date • Limited during peak season to two weekends per month from October 1 through March 31, and no monthly limit from May 1 through September 30 • Reservations to be made with the Director of Racquets (Lincoln Wirgau) if made before the regular 7-day window.

• No limit to how early reservations can be made for future dates • Catering will coordinate with the Director of Racquets on reservations

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I am excited to announce that Orchard Lake was selected once again to host one of the APTA top tour events this winter for Paddle. We will host one of the four Grand Prix series events on January 27th and 28th. This is a great way to come out and see the best paddle players compete at OLCC.

OLCC RACQUETS

OLCC to Host Interclub Finals Summer 2024 Dear OLCC FamilyWe are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the 2024 Tennis Inter-Club Finals!

This occasion provides us a fantastic opportunity to showcase our exceptional facility, dedicated staff, and our warm and welcoming membership to a wide audience of neighbors and friends. Moreover, it's a chance for our talented young tennis players to partake in all the excitement, as we proudly boast the largest tennis program in our league.

The event is scheduled to take place from August 5th to 7th 2024, culminating with the Tennis Finals Party on the evening of Wednesday, August 7th, right here at OLCC. As we all know, hosting events of this caliber requires the collective effort of volunteers, staff, and members, like yourself, who generously contribute and support in various ways, enabling us to create truly spectacular and unforgettable experiences for our children and families.

In order to raise the necessary funds to host this year's event, we are pleased to present you with a range of sponsorship opportunities.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Tennis Finals Committee.

Your time and consideration are greatly appreciated as we strive to make this Tennis Finals the best one yet.

Lincoln Wirgau, USPTA

Director of Racquets

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BB OLCC RACQUETS

2024 INTER-CLUB TENNIS FINALS TOURNAMENT SPONSORSHIP Hosted by Orchard Lake Country Club August 5 -7, 2024 WHITE SPONSOR $5000 (6 available)

• OLCC Tennis Court Banner: Showcase your logo and/or custom message on an OLCC's tennis court throughout the summer (Memorial Day -Labor Day 2024) • Registration Desk: Logo placement at main tournament desk (BAC) • 4 Lunch Tickets: Enjoy lunch for 4, valid for both Monday and Tuesday during the event • 2 Adult Party Tickets: Join us at the Tennis Finals Party on the evening of August 7th, 2024

GOLD SPONSOR $2500 (6 available)

• 4' x 8' Banner: Showcase your logo and/or custom message on a 4' x 8' banner during Tennis Finals week at OLCC • Registration Desk: Logo placement at main tournament desk (BAC) • 2 Lunch Tickets: Enjoy lunch for 2, valid for both Monday and Tuesday during the event • 2 Adult Finals Party Tickets: Join us at the Tennis Finals Party on the evening of August 7th, 2024

SILVER SPONSOR $1000

• 2’ x 8’ Banner: Showcase your custom message and logo on a 2' x 8' banner duringTennis Finals week at OLCC

FAMILY SPONSOR $200

• Have your family name included on an OLCC ONLY banner with other Family Sponsor (names). The banner will be displayed during the tennis finals for all to see how our ‘family’ unites for this wonderful event Please reach out to Mishal Lala to secure your sponsorship: 248-259-8819 or mmendira@med.umich.edu

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BB OLCC CALENDAR

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OLCCCALENDAR

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Orchard Lake Country Club 5000 W. Shore Drive Orchard Lake, MI 48324

PRESORTED FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI PERMIT NO. 964