December 2010 Newsette

Meridian Hills Country Club

Newsette www.meridianhillscc.org

December 2010

Family Christmas Party Sunday, December 12th, 2010 ~ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Menu

Schedule of Events

Hot Cider and Christmas Punch

Activities and Games begin at 4:00pm in Bogey’s and Bogey’s Bar

Imported and Domestic Cheeses Vegetable Crudités

*Carriage Rides around the Club from 4 - 7pm *Meet Santa and have your picture taken in the Living Room from 4 - 8pm Mixed Winter Green Salad *Music by the Wendy Reed Trio from 4 - 8pm Fresh Fruits, Seasonal Marinated Salads *Crafts and Games in Bogey’s from 4 - 8pm *Face Painting & Balloon Artist from 4:30pm - 7:30pm Herb Crusted Chicken *Jingle John with Live Reindeer stuffed with Boursin with Tomato Beurre Blanc on the Lower Level Patio from 5 - 7pm Roasted Tenderloin of Beef *Special Appearance by Frosty the Snowman* with bordelaise sauce Dinner Buffet in the Ballroom 5 - 7pm Dauphinois Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables Chicken Fingers, Macaroni and Cheese Cookies, Cupcakes, Assorted Desserts & Cookies for Decorating

Fall Dues Waiver Club Reminders

Adults $25.95 Tweens (11-13 yrs.) $16.95 ~ Children (4-10 yrs.) $11.95 Children 3 and under are free!

Reservations required

IN THIS ISSUE

page 4 page 5

Holiday Banquet Options Poinsettia Tree Forms

Meridian Hills Country Club - Indianapolis, Indiana

page 6 page 9

President’s Message Board of Directors Mark W. Ford President Steve Webster Secretary Dan Baker Jeff Cristee Dale Duncan Janet Griffith Estes Haydon Hapak Chris Seger Ken Stella Jim Zoccola Legal Counsel Todd Hillman Treasurer

Management Team Kevin O’Laughlin, CCM Club Manager Ludo Aaron Head Tennis Professional Jack Barber Head Golf Professional Craig Gasaway Banquet Manager Ashley Goldman Communications Coordinator Jim Hess Golf Course Superintendent Kelly Letzler Catering Coordinator Joe Miller Executive Chef John Peterson Dining Room Manager Lisa Strachota Director of Membership & Marketing Meridian Hills Country Club 7099 Spring Mill Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46260 317.255.2496

December 2010

“Tis the Season,” or at least one blur of holiday seasons, and all appears to be reasonably well insofar as your Club’s operations. I know fully that the new Board will continue its role as stewards (not directors of operations) and shall leave most day-to-day decisions to the real professionals. Our interest in members’ recommendations continues to be keen, so please feel free to e-mail your thoughts, even complaints and compliments, as you see fit. We do not pretend to have a monopoly on all the ideas (good and bad) and you can be assured that your Board will be responsive.

Mark W. Ford

For those of our members who missed the Annual Club President Meeting on November 3, I can summarize the annual report by advising that fiscal year 2010 (10/1/09 – 9/30/10) was a successful one and a definite improvement over 2008 and 2009. No club is out of the woods yet, and a great number are nowhere near finding their way, but our emphasis on new members, greater facilities, greater service, and greater value is proving to be extremely attractive in this competitive marketplace. We cannot wander from those touchstones going forward.

Finally, a special (somewhat abbreviated) word of Thanksgiving is in order if for no other reason than the camaraderie shared at your Club with friends, family, and new friends (or at least the opportunity to meet their acquaintance). What a great place to simply relax and enjoy. Let us not lose sight of what we have and what it takes to maintain and improve upon our environment here. Plainly, we all have a great deal to be thankful for.* And with our Thanksgiving 2010 just now come and gone, it is time to turn our attention to the December holiday season. Any number of special events are planned for our members and their families over the next four weeks. We can look forward to seeing one another at the Club and extending a “happy holidays” greeting . . . Tis the Season!

mark.ford@icemiller.com *For you grammarians, my apologies for ending this sentence with a preposition.

Our Newest Additions Maureen and Tony Knoble welcomed a baby boy, Simon, into the world on October 27th. He was 7lbs 11oz and he is their first child.

Congratulations!

www.meridianhillscc.org

Best Wishes Craig Gasaway, our Banquet Manager, on his recent nuptials to Andrea Norcross.

They were married October 23rd in Brownsburg.

We wish Craig & Andrea a very happy future together.

Message from the Manager The 2010 Holiday Season has arrived and there is not a better time for you to come out to the Club and enjoy the festivities. The Club looks beautiful with the holiday decorations and activities are numerous. From the Family Christmas Party with Santa, the annual Candlelight Dinner up to our New Years Eve Dinner Dance, there is something for every member to enjoy.

We certainly hope that you will take advantage of the many offerings available to you in December to enjoy family and friends here at Meridian Hills.

Table of Contents

Kevin O’Laughlin, CCM Club Manager

A few changes in our dining operations will take place after the first of the year. In our quest for fiscal prudence in this ever challenging economy, we have opted, in January and February, to provide a limited dinner menu on Tuesday evenings. Tuesday is typically the slowest night here at the Club, and this will allow us to reduce our labor force significantly during the off season. Again this year we will also be closed for Sunday dinner hours in January, February and March.

Another change will take place after the first of the year with the format and offerings on our Sunday Brunch Buffet. An informal poll of our membership indicates that the majority of those members who join us for Sunday Brunch gravitate toward limited breakfast selections. Beginning in January, our Sunday buffet will be streamlined to a limited breakfast buffet for a reduced price. This will provide a better value and still provide you with the opportunity to order off our regular luncheon menu if desired. On the last Sunday of each month beginning January 23, 2011 we will feature our premier full service brunch buffet similar to what you have been accustomed to. We encourage you to continue to support our Sunday Brunch and hope that more members will find this new format to be a more affordable option.

On behalf of all of the Meridian hills employees, I would like to thank the membership for their generous contributions to the annual Holiday Bonus Fund. This is the one time of year that we are able to recognize and reward all of those individuals who work behind the scenes to ensure that you are provided with outstanding service while here at the club. They truly appreciate your generosity.

As I conclude my eighth year here at the Club, I would like to thank the membership for their encouragement and continued support. I truly believe that I am blessed to be part of such an outstanding organization, and I look forward to many years of serving the membership of Meridian Hills Country Club.

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season. As always, if there is anything we can do to make your experience here at the Club more enjoyable, please let us know.

2 - Presidents Message 3 - Message from the Manager 4 - Membership Update 5 - Club Reminders 6- Holiday Banquets 7-8 Upcoming events 9- Poinsettia Tree 10 - Tennis Update 11 - Golf Update 12-13 Calendars 14 - Club Hours

Ladies’ Duplicate Bridge Ladies Duplicate Bridge is held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month until golf starts again. It begins at 10:00am in the ladies’ card room. All are welcome, you only need a partner to play, not a table of four.

So come join us!

Happy Holidays, Kevin

www.meridianhillscc.org

December 2010

Membership Update

It is both a privilege and a pleasure for me to serve as the new Chairman of the Membership Committee. My predecessor, Jason Challand, and all the Club members who have served on this committee the past few years have established a solid foundation to continue our Club’s impressive performance attracting new members during the most difficult economic environment in decades. Through the outstanding efforts of the Committee and Club members as well, 114 new families became members of Meridian Hills in the last three years! I would like to thank Jason for his devotion and commitment to Meridian Hills the past three years and having served as Chairman for the past two years.

Two retiring members from the Membership Committee also deserve special mention.

Holly Hapak Betz and Jerry Moss helped to recruit new members and also provided valuable counsel and guidance during our committee meetings. Thanks to both Holly and Jerry for jobs well-done!

George Farra I am very happy to announce three new members were elected to the Membership Membership Committee Committee. Bob Lowe is a long time Club member and is a former Tennis Committee Chairman Chairman. His tenure at the Club will provide the Committee with unique insight to matters at hand today. Stephanie Kirk is a realtor and has young children who enjoy many of the activities at the Club. These experiences will serve the Committee very well as we strive to continue to attract younger families to make Meridian Hills their primary destination for leisure and dining. Mike Semler is a former member of the Board of Directors and has served in numerous leadership positions around the Club since he and his family became members in 1997.

The new additions to your Committee (along with returning members David Flaherty, Drew Hamilton, Stan Hillis, Randall Lewis and Erica Mobasser) will help ensure that the momentum generated by Jason, Holly and Jerry will continue into the New Year.

Existing Club members will continue to be our primary source of referrals for prospective new members. If you have a friend, family member or colleague who may have an interest in the club, please tell them about the Fall Dues Waiver. Anyone who applies and is accepted as a Tennis or Golf member, will forego monthly dues until April 1, 2011. New members will still be responsible for the initiation fee, hawk project dues, the quarterly service charge and any additional charges they incur in the club.

We are confident Meridian Hills will offer a unique value proposition and maintain its status as the premier country club in Indianapolis!

FALL DUES WAIVER

Give back to your friends by telling them how they can save this holiday season. Anyone who applies for membership before December 31, 2010 as a Tennis or Golf member and is accepted for membership, will forego monthly dues until April 1, 2011. Make it easy by contacting Lisa Strachota, Director of Membership, at (317) 860-1556 or email at lisastrachota@mhcc-indy.com and she will provide your friends with a tour of the Club, information about membership and assist you and your friends through the membership process.

December 2010

www.meridianhillscc.org

Club Reminders

Welcome New Members

Charles and Michelle Puno Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. 1099 N. Meridian St. Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 429-2642 3859 Meadow Side Ct. Zionsville, IN 46077 (317) 344-2095 Resident Clubhouse Sponsors: Dr. Erik Barrett, Kurt Spitler, Dr. Wade Rademacher, George Young

Michael and Mary Wernke Marcus & Millichap Commercial Real Estate 900 E. 96th Street, Suite 150 Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 218-5327 8015 High Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 257-7408 Resident Tennis Sponsors: Craig Skelton, Jennifer Schaefer, David Drew, Alison Birge

HANDICAP PARKING

The Handicap Parking Spots in our parking lot are for HANDICAP MEMBERS & GUESTS ONLY. We have noticed that vehicles who do not have Handicap Parking Permits have been occupying those spaces that are reserved for those that in fact need them. Please be aware that if we find that you are parked in one of those spots, we will have your car towed.

In case of Emergency

In late October the Club experienced a power outage that lasted for over 6 hours. During this time, our phones, internet and computers were down. We had no way to contact the membership, and in turn, the membership had no way to contact anyone at the Club. Should this ever happen again, please feel free to contact Kevin O’Laughlin, Club Manager, on his cell phone. The number is 317.319.6420.

PLEASE USE THIS FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY.

Club Closed

January 24th, 2011 - February 8th, 2011

Dining Reciprocity: Columbia Club 767-1361

Woodland Country Club 846-2588

As has been the case for several years, the Club will be closed for two weeks in late January & early February for our annual Club maintenance projects. The Club will close beginning Monday, January 24, 2011 and will reopen on Tuesday, February 8, 2011. All facilities will be closed except for the Fitness Center and Paddle Tennis courts. Dining reciprocity has been offered to our members at the Columbia Club, Woodland Country Club and Woodstock Club. Please call each Club for hours of operation and for reservations.

Woodstock Club 926-3348

www.meridianhillscc.org

December 2010

Holiday Banquet Options

Are you entertaining over the Holidays?

Let Meridian Hills Country Club take care of you & your guests this season.

Chef Joseph Miller has created wonderful Three Course Holiday Dinner Menu Selections starting at $32.00 per person

The Library The perfect setting for an intimate dinner party for 20 guests or fewer.

Current Availability (as of 11/29) December 1st, 5th, 7th, & 22nd Make your reservation now!

Men’s Grill The Men’s Grill is available for Private Events in December, call for availability today.

Ballroom Looking for a last-minute venue for a large party?

The Ballroom is perfect for up to 200 guests and is still available limited evenings in December!

Contact Kelly Letzler in Catering at 860-1536 or kletzler@mhcc-indy.com

December 2010

www.meridianhillscc.org

Upcoming Events

Christmas Candlelight Dinner

This is the last night before Christmas the Club will be open. All the holiday chores have been completed, so why not make plans to relax before Santa comes to town?

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 Cocktails at 6:00pm & Dinner at 7:00pm with Vocalist Matt Roush Menu Chef’s selection of three types of hors d’oeuvres Caramelized Onion Bisque Roasted Red Pepper Jam and Gruyère Winter Green Salad Cranberries, Gorgonzola, Toasted Pecans and Port Wine Vinaigrette Chateaubriand of Beef & Crab Stuffed Shrimp Sweet Potato Pave and Roasted Root Vegetables Warm Apple Bread Pudding Homemade Caramel Ice Cream

$38.00 per person Reservations required ~ online reservations available

www.meridianhillscc.org

December 2010

Upcoming Events

New Year’s Eve Dinner Friday, December 31, 2010 Reservations on the half hour from 5:30 - 9:00pm with the Bill James Trio MENU Tomato-Artichoke Bisque with Herb Croutons Spinach & Frisée Toasted Pecans, Gorgonzola Cheese, Sliced Oranges Dried Cherries and Port Wine Vinaigrette ENTREE SELECTION Chateaubriand of Beef with Dauphinoise Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce $48 Herb Roasted Lamb Loin with Rosemary Demi & Goat Cheese Crouton $48

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes Chive Whipped Potatoes with Chili Hollandaise $48 Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass Lobster Risotto and Citrus Beurre Blanc $49

Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast stuffed with Goat Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto $36 DESSERT Dark Chocolate Mousse with Brandied Cherries and Crème Anglaise Reservations are required ~ online reservations available

December 2010

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MHCC Poinsettia Tree Meridian Hills Poinsettia Tree A Time for Remembering...

Again this year, a beautiful seven foot tall red poinsettia tree will be built in our front foyer. This tree has become a MHCC tradition; it made its first appearance in 1990! The tree is made possible by the contributions of our members to remember someone very special in their lives. The donation of $12.50 to cover the cost of the poinsettias can be billed to your account. The beauty of this tree is enjoyed by everyone who visits the Club during the holidays.

NAME: __________________________________________________ IN MEMORY OF: _________________________________________ MEMBER NUMBER:_______________________________________ If you’d like to be a part of our tree building project for 2010, please fill out this form and return it to the Club.

(The charge of $12.50 will be billed to your account.)

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December 2010

Tennis Update

PADDLE TIPS

1. Serve to the backhand side of your opponent. If you serve to the forehand side, make sure you hit a little harder.

2. Drive the return of a serve if the ball arrives in your hitting zone. If you don’t feel comfortable, then lob!

3. Be patient when in a point especially when you are the receiving team! You must wait until you have a valid opportunity to attack a drive and take the net away from your opponents. If you can be consistent off the screens, there will be an opportunity if you wait long enough.

4. If a right hander hits the back screen aggressively with a little spin, the ball will always kick right.

Naturally the ball kicks left from a lefty.

5. Change your strategy if you are losing big. If you cannot hold your serve, perhaps give your opponents a different look. The net player can stand on the same side as your serving partner, and the server will come in to the other side after the serve. This will force the returnee to go down the line rather than cross court.

6. Drive down the middle! This can: -prevent you missing wide -create confusion for opponents -help you miss the net as it is the lowest part of the net -make it more difficult for your opponents in hitting to the sides 7. If you have an easy short ball when your 2 opponents are both at the net, it is a good idea to quickly hit low to their forehand volley. Most players have a ready position toward their backhand side, so you can catch them off guard with a quick shot to their forehand.

8. If you have a weak serve and the returns are killing you when you serve and volley, stay back and let the return come off the screen.

9. STAY CALM AT ALL TIMES. Frustration hurts you more in paddle than any other sport. If you lose a point or two because of anger, it could result in the loss of the match.

10. Sportsmanship, Most paddle participants like to play with players at a higher level. Obviously this is impossible for everyone to do, so please accept playing with lower level players.

Sunday

Monday

PADDLE CALENDAR ~ December Tuesday

Men’s Events

League Night

Women’s Events

Mixed Doubles

5

6

7

12

13

14

19

20

21

26

10 December 2010

27

Men’s Night starts at 5:30pm

Men’s Night starts at 5:30pm

Men’s Night starts at 5:30pm

28

Men’s Night starts at 5:30pm

1

8

Wednesday

Ladies Night starts at 5:30pm

2

Thursday

League Night starts at 5:00pm

3

Friday

Saturday

4

Men’s Play Saturday am Starts at 8:00am

9

10

11

15

16

17

18

22

23

24

25

Ladies Night starts at 5:30pm

Ladies Night starts at 5:30pm

Ladies Night starts at 5:30pm

29

Ladies Night starts at 5:30pm

League Night starts at 5:00pm

League Night starts at 5:00pm

League Night starts at 5:00pm

30

League Night starts at 5:00pm

www.meridianhillscc.org

Mixed Doubles Night

Men’s Play Saturday am Starts at 8:00am

Men’s Play Saturday am Starts at 8:00am

Happy Holidays 31

Golf Update Golf Shop Hours

Tuesday - Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00pm Monday Closed *Golf Course and Driving Range will remain open weather permitting*

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GOLF SHOP CREDIT

Shop Credit MUST be used by Thursday, December 23rd. No exceptions If you need your clubs for the months of January and February, BE SURE to pick them up before the New Year!

Christmas Schedule for the Golf Shop:

Friday, December 24th CLOSED for Christmas Eve Saturday, December 25th CLOSED for Christmas Holiday Sunday, December 26th CLOSED for Christmas Holiday Monday, December 27th CLOSED as normal Monday Tuesday, December 28th Open from 9am – 5pm Wednesday, December 29th Open from 9am – 5pm Thursday, December 30th Open from 9am – 5pm Friday, December 31st CLOSED – New Year’s Eve Saturday, January 1st CLOSED – Beginning of Winter Shutdown *The months of January and February, the Golf Shop will be CLOSED. We will re-open March 1, 2011*

First Tee “Ball Drop” Fundraiser If you haven’t purchased your First Tee Ball Drop tickets yet and would like to participate in this wonderful fundraiser, please call the Golf Shop!

Tickets can be purchased for $10 each, OR $100 for 12!

Prizes include: -Two tickets to the 2011 Super Bowl -Two tickets to the Masters Golf tournament (airfare and lodging included) -4 sidelines tickets to 2011 Colts game, limo ride and $100 downtown restaurant gift certificate -Autographed Peyton Manning Colts helmet -2 Suite tickets to the Indy 500

2010 Toughman challenge results

1st Place: Gary Jacobson, John Fry, Jeff Cristee, Dale Duncan-103 2nd Place: John Dierdorf, Jon Spadorcia, Bert Wilhoite, Joe Wade-104 3rd Place: Jeff Lockwood, Bill McGarvey, Bruce Hubbell, Chris Pesavento-106 4th Place: Steve McGovern, Pat Murphy, Aaron Greenlee, Jim Seymour-106 5th Place: Bob Zoccola, Mike Stewart, Jack Scofield, John Elbin-106 *Tie breaker* Hole #14 Closest to the Pin contest #3 Trey Holland #7 Jeff Cristee #12 Michael Bembenick #15 Aaron Greenlee

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Individual Net Skins Pot Hole Name Score 5 Dale Duncan 2 7 Bert Wilhoite 1 12 Dave Bussard 2 13 Aaron Greenlee 2 17 Brent Eckhart 2

11 December 2010

December 2010 Sunday

Monday

5 Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm

6

12 Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm

13

Clubhouse Closed

Clubhouse Closed

Tuesday

Meridian Hills Country Club Wednesday 1 Pasta Night: Chicken Picatta

Thursday 2 Ladies Duplicate Bridge 10:00am

7 Dinner Special: Veal Liver & Onions

8

9

10 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

11 Closed for Member Dining

14 Dinner Special: Meatloaf

15

16

Ladies Duplicate Bridge 10:00am

17 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

18

21 Dinner Special: Veal Liver & Onions

22

23

24

25 Clubhouse Closed

28 Dinner Special: Fried or Oven Roasted Chicken

29

30

31

Pasta Night: Wild Mushroom Ravioli

Pasta Night: Lasagna

Family Christmas Party

19 Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm

20

26

27

Clubhouse only open for Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm

Clubhouse Closed

Clubhouse Closed

Pasta Night: Chicken Marsala

Pasta Night: Shrimp Diablo

Christmas Candlelight Dinner

3

Friday Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

Clubhouse Closed

New Year’s Eve Dinner

Closed for Member Dining

Visit www.meridianhillscc.org for more information about these events

Saturday 4

January 2011 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Meridian Hills Country Club Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

2

3

9

10

16

17

23

24

Sunday Breakfast Buffet 10am - 2pm

Sunday Breakfast Buffet 10am - 2pm

Sunday Breakfast Buffet 10am - 2pm

Premier Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm

30

Clubhouse Closed

31

Clubhouse Closed

Clubhouse Closed

4 Dinner Special: Veal Liver & Onions

5

6

7

Clubhouse Closed

11 Dinner Special: Fried Shrimp Basket

12

13

14 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

15

Clubhouse Closed

18 Dinner Special: Veal Liver & Onions

19

20

Ladies Duplicate Bridge 10:00am

21 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

22

25

26

27

28

29 Clubhouse Closed

Clubhouse Closed

Clubhouse Closed

Pasta Night: Cheese Manicotti

Pasta Night: Chicken Parmesan

Pasta Night: Shrimp Diablo

Clubhouse Closed

Ladies Duplicate Bridge 10:00am

Clubhouse Closed

Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

Clubhouse Closed

Clubhouse Closed

Visit www.meridianhillscc.org for more information about these events

8

Club Hours of Operation Club Receptionist

Tuesday - Sunday

317.255.2496

Managers Office

Tuesday - Sunday

317.255.2497

Accounting Office

Monday - Friday

317.251.3636

Dining Hours

9:00am - 9:00pm

Golf Pro Shop

317.255.3369

Tennis Pro Shop

Kids Club

317.255.1319

Fitness Center

317.860.1624

Membership

317.860.1556

Catering

317.860.1536

9:00am - 6:00pm

9:00am - 5:00pm

Lunch Tuesday - Saturday 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 5:30pm - 10:00pm Sunday 5:00pm - 9:00pm Brunch Sunday only 10:00am - 2:00pm *Reservations can be made by calling 255.2496*

December Hours Tuesday - Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00pm Monday Closed *Golf Course and Driving Range will remain open weather permitting*

Friday

Saturday

Monday - Sunday

317.255.0605

5:00pm - 8:00pm 8:00am - 12:00pm & 5:00pm - 8:00pm *with reservations* 6:00am - 9:30pm

Lisa Strachota, Director of Membership Kelly Letzler, Catering Coordinator

visit us on the web at www.meridianhillscc.org

14 December 2010

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