2024 Spring Birchbark

The Birchbark

Inside

SAVE THE DATE

PAGE 6

GOLF

PAGE 10

CALENDAR MARCH/APRIL

PAGE 23

The Board Corner

Get Ready for an Exciting 2024 Season at Orchard Lake Country Club!

Dear Members,

We can't wait to welcome you back for a spectacular season here at Orchard Lake Country Club! Our teams have been working tirelessly to make sure everything is pristine for your return.

Exciting Enhancements

• Improved Golf Experience: The golf cart staging area is being redesigned for a smoother and more visually appealing first tee experience.

• Indoor Golf Fun: Our new golf simulators have been a huge hit this winter! They provide a perfect way to enjoy your golfing passion even when the weather isn't cooperating.

• Platform Tennis Success: We were thrilled to host the Grand Prix Detroit Platform Tennis Invitational which was broadcast on YouTube – a fantastic way to showcase our club.

• New Tennis and Pickleball Courts: Courts 1 and 2 will be resurfaced as hard courts which allows for six pickleball courts on top!

• Exciting new programming – Our committees are hard at work developing new activities and programming for 2024!

Look at the annual club calendar for updates.

Looking to the Future – Facilities Master Plan

Our Long-Range Planning Committee is developing an exciting Facilities Master Plan outlining potential improvements over the next 5, 10, and 15 years. Expect updates on new concepts for the Golf Operations building, clubhouse dining areas, and a revitalized Waterfront area by mid-late summer.

2024 Goals: Elevating Your Experience

The Board of Directors is dedicated to enhancing your membership experience. Here's a look at our key 2024 goals:

• Member Experience: We're working to improve access to dining, golf, and the Waterfront, including Marquis Club events.Your feedback from the membership survey is crucial.

• Strategic Plan: Finalize the Strategic Plan, present the campus-wide master plan by summer, and potentially vote on a capital improvement project in fall 2024.

• Governance: Updating our Code of Conduct, defining Ethics Committee guidelines, improving communication transparency, and revitalizing the 100-year Anniversary Committee.

We're so excited for what 2024 will bring to Orchard Lake Country Club. Stay tuned for further updates!

Sincerely,

The Orchard Lake Board of Governors

Contents

2024 Board of Governors

President

Mark George

Vice President

Eric Schwab

Treasurer

John Higgins

Secretary

Bob Sullivan

Governors

Katie Izzo

Gregg Speaks

Matt Pappas

Pat Flynn

Don Lough

General Manager

Peter Swick

Orchard Lake Country Club

5000 W. Shore Drive

Orchard Lake, MI 48324

The Birchbark

Managing Editor: Nicole Petrone

Design: Jennifer Spencer

OLCC BB

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

Hospitality

Doug Ganhs

Executive Chef chef@orchardlakecc.com

Sarah Harris

Catering Director sharris@orchardlakecc.com

Atara Krakoff

Assistant Catering Director akrakoff@orchardlakecc.com

Greg Stangis

Food & Beverage Director gstangis@orchardlakecc.com

Nathalie Fregonara Banquet Manager nfregonara@orchardlakecc.com

Jill Viculis

Director of Dining Services jviculis@orchardlakecc.com

Tom Kruszewski

Fitness Director tkruszewski@orchardlakecc.com

Golf Operations

Brian Sleeman

PGA Head Professional bsleeman@orchardlakecc.com

Aaron McMaster Green Superintendent amcmaster@orchardlakecc.com

John Gilbert

Golf Services Manager jgilbert@orchardlakecc.com

Racquet Sports

Lincoln Wirgau

Racquets Director lwirgau@orchardlakecc.com

Lakefront

Kevin Fogarty

Swim Team Coach

Doug Irey Pool Manager

Paige Loskill Waterfront Director sailing@orchardlakecc.com

Welcome Back to OLCC

A letter from our General Manager

As we usher in the spring of 2024, I'm filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for what's to come at Orchard Lake Country Club. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Members and the Board for their unwavering trust and dedication to OLCC. As we near our centennial milestone, your stewardship has been instrumental, and it's evident in the exceptional club we all enjoy today.

I'm thrilled to announce several leadership transitions that promise to enrich our club. Chef Doug will be passing the reins of the culinary department to Tyler Colman, our Executive Sous Chef who has been with us for eleven seasons. Tyler's commitment to excellence, particularly in elevating our à la carte restaurant alongside David Simpson, aims to solidify OLCC as your go-to haven outside of home and work.

On the waterfront, Bruce Lilley will be entering retirement, but not without leaving a legacy for Paige Loskill to build upon as she assumes leadership. Having enriched our community for three seasons, Paige's vibrant enthusiasm for youth engagement and all things OLCC is truly contagious. I extend my gratitude to Steve Stempian, Jim Goran, Gary Stoneback, Craig Weingarten, Michael Blinstrub, Don Glover, Dennis Harlan and Doug Irey, of the sailing search committee for their assistance in selecting our next Director of Sailing.

An exciting technological overhaul is also on the horizon, with updates to our app, tee times, and website. Thanks to the Technology Committee—Ed Heil, Nicole Bonk, Scott Russell, Beth Deaton, and Nicole Petrone—our digital platforms will soon offer enhanced features

like mobile ordering and streamlined bookings for an array of club facilities. This marks a significant advancement since our last update six years ago, and I'm especially thankful for Nicole and Beth's extraordinary efforts in this massive endeavor.

While these highlights are just a glimpse into the myriad improvements underway at OLCC, I'm confident they will significantly enhance your member experience. From new pickleball courts to clubhouse upgrades and a 550-bottle wine cellar in the Lounge Bar, these developments are exciting. However, they pale in comparison to the vibrant community we've cultivated here. Our members are truly exceptional, and I am grateful for each one of you daily. Our dedicated team, now numbering 250 at peak season, plus caddies, is the heart and soul of OLCC, and I'm honored to lead such a remarkable group.

As we move forward, I'm excited to reintroduce "Coffee with Peter." This will be an opportunity for me to hear directly from you—your thoughts, praises, and concerns. Starting in April, join me every Thursday at 10:00 am in the grill room for coffee and conversation. Remember, my door is always open for anyone who wishes to share outside these times.

Thank you once again for your continued support. Here's to a fantastic 2024 at OLCC!

With gratitude,

Peter R. Swick, CCM General Manager

Peter Swick General Manager

OLCC

MEMBERSHIP

Welcome New Members

Social

Steven & Katie PacynskiClark Hill, PLC – Member/Partner

Children: Claire, Charlotte

Not Pictured

Social

Michael Totzke & Vanessa Moses

Grand Steel Products – Finance Director

Children: Isabella

Junior A

David (Christian) & Tamara Hain

Fortis Net Lease – Senior Advisor

Children: Phillip

Save the Dates

MARCH

Saturday, 16 Welcome Back to Orchard Lake

Saturday, 30 Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, 31 Easter Brunch & Dinner

APRIL

Sunday, 7 Pancakes and PJ’s

Saturday, 13 Dueling Pianos

Sunday, 14 Junior Sports Orientation

MAY

Saturday, 4 Country Night

Sunday, 12 Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner

Monday, 27 Memorial Day Buffet

Tuesday, 28 Clubhouse and Golf Course Closed

JUNE

Thurs – Sat.13-15 The Players Invitational

Sunday, 16 Father’s Day Brunch/Dinner

Saturday, 22 “Smoke on the Water, Fire in theSky”

JULY

Thursday, 4 Family Fun Day

Thurs. – Sat. 18-20 The Blue Coat Invitational

AUGUST

Fri., 23–Sat. 24 Family Camp Out

Saturday, 31 End of Summer Party

SEPTEMBER

Monday, 2 Labor Day Buffet

Tuesday, 3 Clubhouse and Golf Course Closed

Thursday, 19 Past Governors’ Golf & Dinner

Sunday, 29 Annual OLCC Family 5K Walk/Run

OCTOBER

Friday, 4 Glow Golf

Sunday, 6 Kids’ Etiquette Class

Friday, 18 Fall Wine Tasting

Wednesday, 23 Caddie Banquet

Saturday, 26 Family Halloween Party

NOVEMBER

Friday, 1 President’s Party

Wednesday, 20 Ladies Night Out/ Holiday Boutique

Thursday, 21 Ladies Holiday Boutique

Thursday, 28 Thanksgiving Buffet

DECEMBER

Thursday, 5 Annual Meeting

Saturday, 7 Santa Brunch

Sunday, 8 Santa Brunch

Friday, 13 Holiday Lunch Buffet

Saturday, 14 Christmas Cheer

Sunday, 22 Going Out with a Bang!

MARCH

A La Carte Dining

Thursday - Saturday

Dinner: 5pm-8:30pm

Sunday Brunch: 11am-2:30pm

APRIL

A La Carte Dining

Thursday - Saturday

Dinner: 5pm-8:30pm

Sunday Brunch: 11am-2:30pm

Golf Shop Hours

APRIL

Tuesday - Sunday 9am-5pm

Fitness Center

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Wednesday: 6am – 6pm

Thursday – Saturday: 6am – 9pm

Sunday: 6am – 3pm

A Season of Innovation at OLCC

A letter from our Clubhouse Manager

Spring has arrived, and with it, a renewed sense of excitement for the upcoming 2024 season at OLCC. Our dedicated team has been hard at work during the off-season, preparing to unveil a series of enhancements designed to elevate your dining experience and make this season truly exceptional.

1. A La Carte Dining Efficiency: Building upon the commitment to superior service established last year, we are proud to announce significant changes aimed at improving efficiency in our a la carte dining. Behind the scenes, we are implementing cutting-edge strategies such as digital ticket screens for kitchen expeditors and an updated kitchen layout to streamline workflows. These improvements may not be immediately noticeable, but they will undoubtedly contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable dining experience for our valued members.

2. Menu Innovations: Anticipate a fresher and more exciting dining experience with our revamped menu formats. We've simplified and enhanced readability for your convenience. Explore daily themed comfort food selections that promise a sense of culinary familiarity each week, along with weekly themed specials showcasing the creativity of our culinary team. Indulge in menu items inspired by the classic elegance of Country Club fare. Additionally, we are proud to introduce a new bottled water service featuring the prestigious Vivreau water system, offering both still and sparkling water – a touch of sophistication shared with esteemed establishments like Augusta National, The French Laundry, Ritz Carlton, and Four Seasons.

3. Wine Program Elevation: Raise your glass to our upgraded wine program for the 2024 season. Our wine locker program has expanded, offering enhanced benefits with upgraded, climate-controlled wine coolers in the lounge bar. This ensures easy access for wine locker holders to view and

select from their collection. The wines by the glass menu has undergone a significant overhaul, introducing new selections and elevating the experience with select higher-end glass pours.

4. Banquet Excellence: On the banquet front, we have invested in upgrading the overall presentation with the acquisition of new chafing dishes, banquet tables, and formal uniforms. These enhancements promise a visually impactful experience for all future Club events. Our renowned Holiday and special event food displays will now be even more spectacular, adding an extra layer of delight to your celebrations.

5. Member-Centric Improvements: These updates represent just a glimpse of our commitment to enhancing the overall member experience. The entire OLCC team has dedicated the off-season to addressing member concerns, and we are eager to witness the positive impact of these changes. As we embark on this new season, our goal is to make OLCC an even better club for you to enjoy. In conclusion, we invite you to savor the moments, flavors, and innovations that await you at OLCC this season. As the flowers bloom and the season unfolds, we look forward to sharing memorable experiences and creating lasting impressions for our cherished members. Here's to a splendid 2024 season at OLCC!

Cheers,

David Simpson

Dave Simpson Clubhouse Manager

OLCC BB

Fitness Center Updates and News for Spring Health & Wellness

Tom Kruszewsk Fitness Director

As I enter my 24th season at Orchard Lake, I always thought it was funny hearing members say “Happy New Year” in March and April as they return to the club for another summer of activities. With the Fitness Center, Paddle, Golf Simulators and weekend food and beverage, I don’t hear as much of that now as more people are utilizing the club year-round. With that said, we’ve had a busy winter of working out and staying healthy!

We’ve continued to improve the experience within the Fitness Center, adding some new equipment to offer more workout options. We are now equipped with a set of fixed barbells from 20lbs to 110lbs and a full set of kettlebells from 5lbs to 80lbs. Additionally, we’ve added an Assault Bike from Rogue and a Ski Erg from Concept II. The Fitness Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6am-6pm. Hours will expand as club operations do.

The OLCC Board of Governors and management team have approved the formation of the Health and Fitness Committee. This will allow us to further emphasize the growth and development of health, wellness and exercise programs as well as expanding our facilities as needed. The committee will begin meeting this spring.

The 4th Annual Run the Lake 5K and Kid’s Fun Run will be held on Sunday September 29th. Save the date on your calendar as we start finalizing details. Reiterating what I’ve said in the past, you don’t have to be a ‘runner’ to enjoy this family friendly event. As the days get longer and we start spending more time outdoors and at OLCC, partaking in club activities, this is a friendly personal trainer reminder to make sure you are warming up properly. The last thing anyone wants is to get injured during their first round of golf. A proper warmup is NOT hitting golf balls. A proper warmup consists of preparing your body for the activity it is about to do.

You must move your joints through their full ranges of motion. If you have 10 minutes before your tee time, rather than hitting balls, I recommend a warmup (see chart).

If you’re looking to build a workout for the golf season or just start a routine in general, I am available for one-on-one personal training sessions. Kristina Larson is also available for private training and small group sessions. She also has a Friday morning bootcamp-style workout for anyone at 10am. Contact either of us directly to set something up.

Tom Kruszewski OLCC Fitness Director

OLCC EVENTS

OLCC BB GOLF

Spring Golf News

A Letter From The Golf Pro

Happy Spring!

It’s been a strangely mild winter and great to see some bonus golf over the last few months. The weather was always perfect in the Clubhouse, however, where our two golf simulators spent their winter season in a revamped setup adjacent to the Lounge Bar. The positive feedback we’ve received has us excited to make use of the same area again next winter, providing an inviting off-season opportunity to fine-tune your game, celebrate a gathering with family and friends, and meet up with your fellow members for a casual game on the virtual fairways of Orchard Lake.

We thankfully have several months before we rely on them again, and our team eagerly looks forward to sharing another great golf season with you. The Golf Committee and management staff have crafted an updated golf calendar with something for everyone, including refined and expanded men’s, women’s, and couples league offerings. The full calendar is available online and elsewhere in this spring edition of the BirchBark, and our team will be in touch with promotional messaging as registration opens for each event. With the strong demand expected to continue, so, too, will the golf course access and experience initiatives unveiled last year. These include 10-day advance tee sheet access for Active members, seven-day access for Junior members, and five-day access for dependents; expanded member walk-in periods from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays; and the four-hour pace of play policy. The Golf Committee and staff will continue to assess these and other topics in our efforts to provide an ever-improving golf experience throughout the season.

Caddie Corner

Additional enhancements have been made in the form of some new tools in place. First, the club is implementing a new website design, and we are partnering with Whoosh software on a more intuitive and easy-to-use tee sheet system as part of that general update. On the back end, Cap Patrol will be put into play to assist the handicap commission as we work together on more consistent score posting from our membership. We’ll also be making greater use of Golf Genius and a few other digital offerings to round out the golf shop.

On the staff side, I am pleased to introduce you to some new faces this season. In the assistant professional ranks, Drew Jenkins joined us in mid-February, and Brandt Kierczynski will be coming on board in early April. Despina Alexander is beginning her golf career as an apprentice with us this season and will be focusing much of her effort assisting with the junior golf program.

Golf services and longtime caddie standout Rachel Yuhas will be returning but in a new role as a summer intern, and the tandem of Ben and Jasmine Poppy are back for their second seasons as lead assistant professional and golf shop assistant, respectively. John Gilbert continues to quarterback the golf service team and will be joined by some other new team members eager to make an impact and meet all of you. In the men’s locker room, Noble Murad and Jacob Kakos are both returning, while Beth Deaton is back to assist with everything in the women’s locker room.

In short, it’s shaping up to be another wonderful year, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Brian Sleeman Head Golf Professional

April is an incredibly important month for our caddie program, as we traditionally welcome over 120 caddies to our orientation meeting followed by extensive training sessions. You can assist us in this endeavor by volunteering your time to join us for a few holes in the final stage of training, as our rookie caddies put their skills to the test and carry their first bags in a “real golf” scenario. Please contact Brian Sleeman if you are interested in participating – it's a two-hour time commitment and those who have joined us in the past have come away remarking on how much they enjoyed the experience. We’ll also be sharing profiles of our caddies regularly in this space and are pleased to begin with an update from Evans Scholar Daniel Wisely (see page 11).

Brian Sleeman PGA Head Professional

OLCC GOLF

A Letter From Daniel Wisely

Dear Members of Orchard Lake Country Club,

As you may know, my name is Daniel Wisely and I’m an Evans Scholar at the University of Michigan. Before I begin, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my immense gratitude for your continued trust and support throughout my college career thus far. This time two years ago I can recall anxiously awaiting my interview for the Evans Scholarship. I can’t help but think and smile about the countless emails, texts, and messages of support I received from members sending me their best wishes. This support has never wavered. From the 12-year-old kid who could barely hold a bag to the (almost) grown-up caddie, the members of Orchard Lake have been an incredible support system. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you have done to help me become the man I am today.

I’m a member of the Wolverine class of 2026 which is probably the coolest thing to ever happen to me. I’m currently double majoring in economics and communications with a minor in digital studies. As I look forward, I hope to pursue a career in some facet of sports marketing.

It’s a pretty cool time to be a Wolverine. From a Rose Bowl victory over the Crimson Tide to a National Championship parade, life in Ann Arbor has been pretty good as of late. Hundreds of students rushed South University Street right after Mike Sainristil’s pick to secure the National Championship victory over Washington. It was the most surreal experience I’ve ever had. I’ve never seen so much joy and excitement in my life. We were crying, laughing, and dancing in the streets. It’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine.

In the Evans house, I’m wrapping up my term as social chair which has been a blast. I’ve been able to organize and execute events such as our tailgates, barn dance, and our Chicago formal trip coming up in February. It’s fun to organize fun, if

that makes sense. I look forward to running for wellness chair at elections at the end of this month. This position would have me provide mental health resources and support to scholars in the house – a topic I’m quite passionate about. I’ve joined other organizations like Music Matters, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at U of M, and the American Red Cross Club. My work with these clubs all seems to encompass the same general idea: people matter. I’ve always been a people person, but in Ann Arbor, I’m presented with tons of people – most of whom are at an exciting but vulnerable new chapter in their lives. I want to help. Whether it be through music, blood, or mental health resources, I’ve done my best to support the community around me during this new chapter of my life.

People often ask me how the food situation works in the Evans house and it’s pretty different from most people’s college experience. I work what we call a “meal job” at Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority on campus. We help wash dishes, clean the kitchen, and keep the house from burning down. In exchange, we’re paid a decent wage and are able to eat the lunch and dinner food made by the house chef. Tonight we’re having steak, so it’s safe to say we get fed pretty well. There’s some casserole pan scrubbing and floor mopping involved, but a little hard work never hurt anyone.

I’m also excited to share that I've accepted an internship at the Rocket Mortgage Classic golf tournament at Detroit Golf Club. I get to start in March and work through the summer which is exciting as I’ll get plenty of time to soak up all that I can from this exciting new experience. I’ve done the math and I’ve worked eight Blue Coats, seven Club Championships, and seven Players Invitational tournaments during my tenure at Orchard Lake. I hope to leverage the knowledge accumulated from these experiences as I help organize and execute the golf tournament I’ve obsessed over for the last few years. I also plan to pick up a few loops here and there at Orchard Lake. Caddying has been the highlight of my summer for the last eight years so I can’t quite give it up yet. Needless to say, I’m pretty excited for this summer.

Once again I would like to thank each and every one of you. Both in my professional and personal lives, I wouldn't be where I am without you all. I am incredibly lucky to have such a supportive network, and I look forward to catching up with you on the course this summer!

With thanks and gratitude,

Daniel J. Wisely

OLCC BB GOLF

Save the Dates

Men's Golf

APRIL

18 Men’s League Begins

MAY

4 Early Bird

31 Tin Lizzie Kick-off Event

JUNE

1 Tin Lizzie Member/Member

2 Tin Lizzie Member/Member

13-15 Players Invitational

22 Men’s Senior Gross Championship (Gross & Net)

23 Men’s Senior Gross Championship (Gross & Net)

27 Men’s Evening League Final

JULY

7 Red, White and Blue

18-20 Blue Coat Invitational

AUGUST

9 - 11 Club Championship Weekend

Women's Golf

MAY

8 Women’s Golf Opening Day & Boutique Party

JUNE

4 Women’s Evening League Begins

6 Women’s Member/Member

12 Women’s Golf

26 Women’s Ringer Round 1

27 Women’s Ringer Round 2

JULY

10-11 Women’s Invitational

31 Pink Shirt

AUGUST

9 - 11 Club Championship Weekend

20 Women’s Evening League Final

18 Family Scramble Tournament

21 Couples League Begins 25 Husband/Wife Championship

27 Women’s Charity Event

27 Women’s District Golf

SEPTEMBER

13 Ward Cup Invitational

OLCC GOLF

Michigan Seniors Golf Association and OLCC Member Fred Adams

As Orchard Lake CC is starting its 98th season, the Michigan Seniors Golf Association is celebrating its 101st year. If you are at least 50 years “young” and would like the opportunity to play golf at other outstanding Michigan courses, you should definitely consider joining the MSGA for fun competition, good fellowship, and new friendships with around 400 members from over 70 private clubs.

The MSGA schedule consists of six to seven first-class events at different clubs each year.

The outstanding 2024 schedule is:

Red Run Golf Club – May 20

Plum Hollow CC – June 24

Orchard Lake CC – July 29

Country Club of Jackson – August 12

Birchwood Farms Golf and CC – September 8 (Harbor Springs)

Harbor Point Golf Club – September 9 (Harbor Springs)

Detroit Golf Club – October 7

Fred Adams is MSGA’s new Executive Director succeeding Al Hibbert, who successfully led the Association for the last 15 years. Fred is following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Fritz Adams, who was the MSGA’s Executive Director from 1987 to 2001. Both Fred and his father were also Presidents of OLCC as well as Presidents of the MSGA. In fact, five other OLCC members have also been MSGA Presidents.

MSGA event formats are designed to appeal to senior golfers of all levels:

- Formats include morning/afternoon shotguns, lunch, informal receptions or dinner, and prizes.

- All events feature two-man, net better ball teams choosing either Blue, White, or Forward tees.

- If you do not have a partner, one can almost always be found.

- Low gross competition is offered for single digit players.

The MSGA’s website - www.michiganseniorsgolf.org - has additional information and an application for joining. You can also contact Fred Adams by emailing him at fred@michigan seniorsgolf.org or calling him at (248) 897-3270. Questions can also be answered by David Boerger (current MSGA Board member) or David Bird (past MSGA President). Lastly, you may know other seniors at OLCC or other private clubs who would be interested in joining.

Play 100 Holes of Golf and Support First Tee – Greater Detroit!

This season we are featuring a truly unique charitable fundraiser –a 100 hole marathon!

In partnership with First Tee – Greater Detroit, a local nonprofit that uses golf to teach kids critical life skills and traits such as resiliency and self-confidence, we are offering members the opportunity to try and play 100 holes of golf in a single day.

The only caveat is that players are asked to fundraise for their individual golf marathons. First Tee will provide all participants with their own fundraising page and great content that makes the fundraising process really easy! For those who haven’t tried a 100

Hole Marathon before, it is a ton of fun and all proceeds benefit First Tee, an important local charity.

For more information, please contact member Todd Krieger, CEO of First Tee – Greater Detroit at todd@firstteegreaterdetroit.org or (248) 227-9167. Late Spring date (TBD).

OLCC BB

Spring Tennis 2024

Letter from the Racquets Pro

Lincoln Wirgau, USPTA Director of Racquets

What a winter we had down at the racquet house. With the Hut Open from the start of paddle season for everyone to enjoy. The paddle hut hosted birthday parties, baby showers, and yes of course late paddle nights. With both Men/Women playing during the day and night it has really become a great place at Orchard Lake. With the addition of the shuffleboard table and the sporting events we were able to watch on the TV’s it was almost like people came to the hut to hang out and had to remember to play paddle.

Keri and I are looking forward to a great finish of the paddle season with the Men’s/Ladies Member guest coming up the first weekend in March and both club championships upcoming later in March. You will have to check back in the next Birchbark to see who won the different events.

Orchard Lake was also the main host site for one of the American Platform Tennis Association tournaments in January. On the Men’s side the tournament had 24 of the top 30 teams. It was the first Grand Prix in APTA history where the #1, #2, #3 seeds were all knocked out before the semifinals. In other words, there was some high-level paddle here at OLCC. On the Women’s side there was 16 of the top 20 teams in the draw this year. At the end of the women’s draw the number 1 and 2 seeds played in the finals and Lynn Burus and Macie Elliott were crowned champions for the first time. On the Men’s side unseeded Alvaro Regalado and Jose Salazar were crowned the champs for the first time here in Detroit.

I want to say thank you to all the support and sponsorship from the OLCC membership. This event would not happen if it wasn’t for everyone in the paddle community here at OLCC. Also, to the staff at OLCC for their help. The players from out of town and the APTA loved seeing Chef Doug and Chef Tyler grilling out on Saturday night and Chef T's

breakfast on Sunday morning during the finals. It was a little stressful leading up to the tournament with the week before the Racquet House being out of power due to the cold winter storm we had. But with the leadership of Mr. Swick getting things taken care of and Carl Lee in the engineering dept. OLCC put on a great show.

Switching gears to summer tennis it will be here before we think. If you haven’t heard OLCC is hosting the Junior Inter-club Finals this year. The committee has pick Tennis White Out for this year theme. We are looking forward to a great junior inter-club finals with a little throw back for the finals we will be using white tennis balls. Yes, they use to use white tennis balls on the pro tour many moons ago. Mishal Lala, Julie Fischer, and Maria Giudici have been working to make this the best tennis finals we have had. I can’t thank them enough for all of their work so far.

Junior Tennis Tournament/ Match Schedule for Summer 2024

Monday June 17th Youth Ladder Tournament

Friday June 21st Youth Inter-Club Match

Monday June 24th Youth Ladder Tournament

Friday June 28th Youth Inter-Club Match

Monday July 1st Youth Ladder Tournament

Friday July 5th Youth Inter-Club Match

Monday July 8th Youth Ladder Tournament

Friday July 12th Youth Inter-Club match

Monday July 15th Boys Club Championship

Friday July 19th Youth Inter-Club Match

Monday July 22nd Girls Club Championship

Monday July 29th Grand Slam Cup (B-Finals)

*August 5th/6th/7th Junior Tennis Inter-Club Finals hosted by OLCC.

2024 INTER-CLUB TENNIS FINALS

TOURNAMENT

SPONSORSHIP

Hosted By Orchard Lake Country Club

August 5th-7th

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 during Tennis 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

https://www.instagram.com/interclub_juniortennis_2024?igsh=MWE2M3hnczNjcDNraA==

Sailing News 2024

Welcome the New Waterfront Director!

Hello Orchard Lake!

My name is Paige Loskill and I am your Waterfront Director starting this Summer! While I already know many of you, I am looking forward to meeting those I haven’t had the pleasure to yet. For those who do not know me, this is not my first year at Orchard Lake. I began in 2021 as a Sailing Instructor under Bruce Lilley and Nate Marsden, the following year in 2022 I was proud to be Head Sailing Instructor along with Ellie Kositzki. Last year in 2023, as Bruce took a step back, I began my role as Assistant Waterfront Director, which lead me to 2024 as Waterfront Director.

I am infinitely excited to take over our beloved Youth Sailing program and foster it into the strong, exciting, and fun facet of this club I know it can be. Throughout the year I plan on implementing a new aura of enjoyment and competition for our kids by collaborating with other programs in the area to begin youth regattas!

This year we will see a few familiar faces down at the Waterfront, but most of the staff this year will be new to the club. We still have our fleet of 8 Flying Scot’s, along with our Lasers, Picos, and Bugs. Our luxury TriToons will be available to reserve again this year.

Our beautiful waterfront that we have grown to love over the years will be back and better than ever this summer; I am incredibly proud and grateful to be able to continue its success. If you’ve never been down to the waterfront, or if you’re there every day, I look forward to seeing you all out on the dock!

All The Best,

Paige Loskill Waterfront Director

Paige Loskill Waterfront Director

2024 Sailing Calendar

APRIL

Sunday, 14 Junior Sports Orientation

MAY

Friday, 10 OLCC Adult Sailing League Begins (7 weeks)

Saturday, 18 Sailing Begins/Dock Opens

Monday, 27 Jim Leslie Regatta

JUNE

Tuesday, 11 Junior Sailing Begins

Tuesday, 11 Ladies’ Sailing Begins

Tuesday, 11 Adult Sailing Begins

Saturday, 15 Around the Island Regatta

JULY

Saturday, 20 Skippers Invitational Regatta

Tuesday, 23 Last Day of Ladies Sailing

AUGUST

Thursday, 15 Last Day of Junior Sailing

SEPTEMBER

Sun., - Mon., 1,2 Commodores Cup Regatta

Sailing Center & Dock Closed for the Season

Youth Sports 2024

SWIM

SWIM

SWIM

SAIL

SAIL

GOLF

SAIL

GOLF

TENNIS

TENNIS

TENNIS

TENNIS

GOLF

GOLF

OLCC YOUTH SPORTS

All Junior Sports Programs Begin Tuesday, June 11th

2024 BLUE CARP

SWIM TEAM CALENDAR

APRIL

Sunday, 14 Junior Sports Orientation/Apparel Sale

Monday, 29 Spring Tune Up @ Cranbrook

JUNE

Friday, 7 Swim Team Kick-off Party

Sunday, 16 Blue vs. White Meet

Wednesday, 19 Team Photo

Sunday, 23 PLCC @ OLCC

Wednesday, 26 OLCC @ FLCC

Friday, 28 Rising Stars @ BCC

JULY

Sunday, 7 OLCC @ BCC

Friday, 12 Mini Meet @ OLCC

Sunday, 14 Apple Island Swim

Sunday, 14 BOH @ OLCC

Sunday, 21 OLCC @ MCC

Thursday, 25 Spirit Night

Sunday, 28 B Finals @ MCC

AUGUST

Friday, 2 A Finals Preliminaries @ PLCC

Saturday, 3 A Finals @ PLCC (Championship)

OLCC BB EVENTS

OLCC EVENTS

OLCC BB CALENDAR

OLCC CALENDAR