December 2022 Newsletter

Raintree Country Club Member Newsletter

From the General Manager

Dear Members,

The Cart Path renovation project is underway and moving along. We should be moving to the other 9 holes of the South Course soon and working towards the North Course after the first of the year. Thank you to everyone for their continued patience, as this project affects quite a bit around the Club.

We have had a terrific year, and the Club is continuing to thrive and move forward, and with this, we have been able to start projects such as the cart paths. The growth and improvement of our Club are only possible with the support and commitment of our Members, and I thank each of you for being such a special Membership and being a part of Raintree Country Club.

General Manager

Jim Troutman

jim.troutman@raintreecc.net

Lastly, on behalf of our staff of more than 100 employees, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the employee holiday fund. This fund is a generous blessing this time of year to our staff, and it is sincerely appreciated.

I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and I look forward to seeing you at the Club.

Troutman, General Manager

Happy Holidays,

Jim

Membership News

Every year our Members show incredible generosity in the community through our Angel Tree donations. This year’s tree will be up before Thanksgiving so you can take your ornament and get shopping early! Our Charities we are working with this year Bright Blessings, Thompson Child & Family Focus, CMPD Animal Care and the Jimmy Core Foundation.

Each of these charities brings joy to families in our community along with helping those who are most in need. Below is information to how you can give this holiday season. Thank you for being such a thoughtful and generous Membership. All the best this holiday season.

We have several ways to give this year. Please read each description to choose what is best for you and we thank you for being such a generous Membership to the community.

BRIGHT BLESSINGS COLLECTING IN-PERSON GIFTS OR ONLINE

Bright Blessings is a 501c3 non-profit organization serving the greater Charlotte region. Thanks to the helping hands and hearts of our volunteers and supporters, the programs of Bright Blessings brought the gifts of joy, care, and hope to more than 17,000 homeless and impoverished children in 2019 alone.

The Angel Tree in the lobby of the Main Clubhouse will have the Bright Blessings Angels on it. It will be up before Thanksgiving, so your family may choose an angel to donate to. The collection box will be in the lobby for gifts or you may click this link to donate through crowdfunding!

DONATE HERE

JIMMY CORE FOUNDATION | TENNIS SHOP IN-PERSON DONATIONS OR ONLINE

The Jimmy CORE Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in the spirit of its namesake. Jimmy Core was committed to helping homeless people eat a full meal in the communities in which he lived and worked.

There are more than 500,000 homeless people in the United States and most are searching for essential life comforts of food, clothing and shelter. This number continues to grow and foundation believes it is our responsibility to help as many of these individuals possible. The foundation will focus on providing essential life comforts so that this group can focus energy on returning to their place in society.

All of the focus will be in Charlotte, NC. This is Jimmy Core’s hometown.

The Jimmy CORE Foundation will have three clear missions:

• Provide food, clothing and shelter for homeless people in Charlotte

• Educate and inspire others to lift this group up to achieve higher levels of living.

• Preserve and maintain the spirit of Jimmy Core.

https://jimmycore.org/donate

THOMPSON CHILD & FAMILY FOCUS

Did you know that last fiscal year, Thompson provided services to over 3,700 clients in the NC, SC, and Florida communities.

Thompson is a leading provider of clinical and prevention services for children and families across the Carolinas. The Charlotte, NC-based, nationally accredited nonprofit agency empowers children and families through therapy, education and prevention-based care. Thompson has four locations specializing in clinical and behavioral treatment, developmental education and proactive care.

Click link below to go to Raintree’s Page for Thompson Child & Family Focus

https://thompsoncff.salsalabs.org/raintreecountryclub/index.html

Animal Care & Control (AC&C) is part of the Support Services Group of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and currently consists of five units including: Field Operations, Animal Sheltering & Medical Services, Customer Service & Community Outreach, Communications, and Administrative Services. In addition to providing regulatory services that contribute to community public health and safety, AC&C has many programs that focus on education, intake mitigation, pet management, adoption and animal health concerns.

AC&C is dedicated to helping the people and pets of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County by providing a variety of medical and support services. AC&C is also here to help educate the public about how to best care for animals and work to keep pets and people safe and together.

AC&C is proud to be a Tier 1 level shelter under the Human Animal Support Services national organization model.

Click link to donate: https://charlottenc.gov/AnimalsCMPD/Donate/Pages/default.aspx

Additionally, CMPD Animal Care is in need of Purina Sensitive Skin & Stomach kitten/cat and puppy/dog food. We will have a collection box in the lobby.

Upcoming Club Hours

CLUB WINTER HOURS

GOLF

• Courses Open Daily

• Tee Times start at 9AM starting December 1

• 10AM SG weekends

• Driving Range Open Daily 7:30AM – 5PM (Closed Tuesdays 12-3)

• Pro Shop: Open Daily 7:30AM – 5PM

LAKESIDE GRILLE & DINING

• Monday: Closed

• Tueseday – Saturday: 11AM – 9PM

• Sunday: 11AM – 6PM

• Halfway Houses Open Daily 9AM-4PM

FITNESS CENTER & CLUBHOUSE

• Sunday – Monday: 5AM – 6PM

• Tuesday – Saturday: 5AM – 9PM

TENNIS

• Courts Open Daily: 8AM – 11PM

• Tennis Shop: Closed Mondays, Tuesday – Friday 9 – 4PM, Saturday 9-3PM Sunday 12PM – 4PM

CHRISTMAS EVE HOURS

GOLF

• Open till 3PM

• North Course – Tee Times 9AM – 9:57AM

• South Course – 10:00 SG

• Pro Shop: Open 7:30AM – 2PM

• Driving Range: Open 7:30AM - 2PM

LAKESIDE GRILLE & 37TH

• Lakeside Grille & 37th Hole 11AM - 3PM

• Halfway Houses: 9AM-2PM

FITNESS

CENTER & CLUBHOUSE

Open 5AM – 3PM

TENNIS

• Courts Open: 8AM - 11PM

• Tennis Shop: Closed

CHRISTMAS DAY

• Club Closed

NEW YEAR’S EVE

GOLF

• Open till 3PM

• North Course – 10:00SG

• South Course – Tee Times 9AM – 9:57AM

• Pro Shop: Open 7:30AM – 2PM

• Driving Range: Open 7:30AM - 2PM

LAKESIDE GRILLE & 37TH

• Lakeside Grille & 37th Hole 11AM - 5PM

• Halfway Houses: 9AM-2PM

FITNESS CENTER & CLUBHOUSE

• Open 5AM – 3PM

TENNIS

• Courts Open: 8AM - 11PM

• Tennis Shop: Closed

NEW YEAR’S DAY GOLF

• Open Normal Hours

• 10:00SG North

LAKESIDE GRILLE & 37TH HOLE

•

New Year’s Day Brunch 10AM - 2PM

• Lakeside Grille Closed

• 37th Hole 12PM - 5PM (Drinks Only)

• Halfway Houses: 9AM-4PM

FITNESS CENTER & CLUBHOUSE

• Closing at 6PM

TENNIS

• Courts Open: 8AM - 11PM

• Tennis Shop: Closed

2022 COUPLES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

The Couples Club Championship took place on November 19 & 20, 2022. The field of 9 Couples vied for title of Club Champion. After some amazingly close scores, Hartmut & Stephanie Bendfeldt won the Overall Gross title by 3 strokes! Gary & Dee Dee Bohannan won the Overall Net title by 1.2 strokes as Johnny Dunbar & Courtney Kim took home second place net honors. A special thanks to all the couples that played, it was an awesome weekend of golf.

WINTER HOURS BEGINNING DECEMBER 1ST

• Golf Shop hours will be 7:30AM - 5:00PM.

• Driving Range hours will be 8:00 – 5:00PM (Adjustments to be made based on daylight).

• Tee Times will begin at 9:00AM on both courses.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE

The annual Holiday Sale will take place on Friday, December 2, 2022, from 5:30PM – 8:00PM. Discounts will be set based on item types and complimentary gift wrapping will be available. The sale will take place in the Golf Shop.

GOLF PROFESSIONAL LESSON PACKAGE SPECIALS

The lesson package sale will begin Wednesday, December 1st. Please take the opportunity to purchase a package of lessons from one of our golf professionals and improve your game for the upcoming season. Lesson packages are also a fantastic gift / stocking stuffer idea.

Lesson Packages are as follows:

PGA Professionals

• 3 (30 Minute) Lessons for $150.00 and a 1 Hour Playing Lesson for and additional $75.00

• 3 (1 Hour) Lessons for $250.00 Golf Professionals

• 3 (30 Minute) Lessons for $120.00 and a 1 Hour Playing Lesson for and additional $50.00

• 3 (1 Hour) Lessons for $200.00

RSMGA TO INTRODUCE NEW EVENTS IN 2023

At the RSMGA annual meeting on Nov. 2, President Pete Marco announced several new events for next year. “We are going to conduct a season-long match play event for RSMGA members with a modest entry fee,” Marco said. “We also will initiate a Player of the Year Award based on overall performance in weekly events and Omega matches. And we are developing plans for a Most Improved Player award.” Marco said the RSMGA Board will work out details for each new event and inform the membership prior to the start of competition in January. Marco appointed a committee to look into creating an RSMGA charity event with proceeds to go to local non-profits.

Marco also reported that the temporary bylaws changes for participation in OMEGA matches had little effect on the number of participants this year—57 compared to 59 last year. A motion was made and seconded to make the bylaws changes permanent. The motion was approved.

RECENT WINNERS

Nov. 16 – Red, White & Gold

Overall – Pete Marco

Red – Richard Woodcock, Ben Orman, Bill Hartsell

White – Bob Kirby

Gold – Tom McCain, Jean Tassy

Nov. 9 – Strike Three

Flight 1 – Frist Place – Rosey Blackwell Flight 2 – First Place – Rich Grippando

Nov. 11 – Three Best Balls

Overall First Place – Pete Marco, Tom Addison, Jim Rembowski, Bob Lawson

Front Nine First Place – Marty Shefflin, Ben Ormand, Jean Tassy, Jim Barnett Back Nine First Place – Pete DeMille, Keven Arnold, Mike Zagora, Sal Maiorana

Oct. 19 – Special 15

First Place – Bill Hartsell, Joel Reichard

THE 2022-23 RMGA BOARD

With the election complete and At-Large members selected, the following Committee Members will serve the RMGA for the upcoming fiscal year. (Years remaining in term in parentheses)

Peter Fowler (1) ~President | Olle Bengtsson (1) ~ Vice President Pete Marco (1) ~ Secretary | Tom Cavanaugh(1) ~ Treasurer

Shane McKiernan (1), Dave Foley (2), Robbie Bigley (2), Charlie Michaels (2), Chris Hamilton (2) John Shaw (2), Parshant Dhiman (At-Large 1), Jim Martin (At-Large 1)

THE YEAR’S FINAL EVENT

On November 12 the RMGA held its Annual Meeting followed by the Tough Day Tournament – a 4-man Captains Choice played on the South Course. The following are the results in each flight:

1st Flight

1. 58 Mark Klinker + Shawn Foley + Frank Giannone + Matt Logan

2. 61 Cole Dorney + Ben Culotta + Mike Jones + Grayson Mumma

3. 63 Robby Bigley + David Boyce Jr. + Ryan Vince + Jason Bennett

2nd Flight

1. 62 Ryan Connolly + Trey Lundquist + Corbin McLeod + Shawn Kinney

2. 62 John Shaw + Mason Formon + Mike Shannon + Sam Little

3. 64 Mac White + Steve Jenkins + Rawls Zollicoffer + Ted Cox

3rd Flight

1. 62 James Harvey + Andy Love + Josh Moser + Scott Schloeder

2 65 Brian Morrison + Brian Richards + Brady Koesel + Charlie Everett 65

3 66 Jarret Lewis + Craig Tramontano + Adam Jupiter + Bernie Rosario + Matt Currie

4th Flight

1 64 Peter Harrison + George Denliker + John Corcoran + Thomas Cammeyer

2 64 Tom Fink + Christopher Waterstreet + Kevin Grabowski + Mark Steepe

3 66 Pete Marco + Paul Danielson + Tom Phillips + Sean Spainhour

INTERCLUB PLAYOFFS – THE FINAL FOUR!

Congratulations to the team of Robbie Bigley, Jay Sylvan, Grayson Mumma, Jeff Morris, Steve Jenkins, Ryan Vince, Paul Fitzgerald and Dave Boyce, Jr. for making it to the Carolinas CGA Final Four.

They lost a close Semi-Final match to Tega Cay, who, in turn, lost in the Finals to the UNC Finley team.

It’s a significant accomplishment by all of the team members! Great Job!

MATT KILGO – RMGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

With the conclusion of the final tournament of the year, the results for the Player of the Year competition are official! Congratulations to Matt Kilgo for an outstanding year!

Player Points

Matt Kilgo 1299.00

Frank Caruso 1020.50

Dave Foley 953.00

INTERESTED IN RESULTS FROM 2022

Simply go to your Golf Genius app and type in cmaqep for the event code. For final Player of the Year status, and a multitude of additional information simply click on the Member Portal. If you want to see additional information, just click on one of the other buttons - your phone won’t explode – I promise!

We hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season! See you next year!

The RWGA marked the end of the season with a brunch on November 10th. Thanks to the Social Committee for providing a lovely setting for food and fellowship. In addition, we were able to recognize a number of our talented ladies for their accomplishments throughout the year.

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS

North Carolina Women’s Golf Association

Congratulations to Ann Contine for winning the NC State Play Day with a gross score of 93 and a net score of 66. Nice job Ann!

Team Match Play

Team Match Play took place monthly on Tuesdays. While each team member gave it their all, Susan Fritsch and Anne Traxler took First Place. Other Winners included:

2nd Place – Barbara Dickie & Dale Yaged

3rd Place – Merph Moyer & Karen Covington

4th Place – Nancy Rebowski & Barbara Blackford

Kudos for a job well done!

RWGA Most Improved

Congratulations to Anne Bowers for being the most improved player of the year for the RWGA!

Ringer Winners

Winners for the yearlong Ringer events were:

Flight 1 – Young Seo & Lisa Miller

Flight 2 - Terry Steepe & Jona Maiorano

Flight 3 – Barbara Blackford & Wenona Van Winkle

Flight 4 – Clara Lee & Barbara Dickie

Red Diamond Flight – Karen Covington & Betsy Garlick

New Executive Board

During our closing meeting following brunch, the gavel was passed from President Barbara Dickie to our new President Barbara Blackford. Other Executive Board Members include: Vice President – Lisa Miller Secretary – Susan Fritsch Treasurer – Barbara Littell

The RWGA ladies want to thank the RMGA for allowing us to have a 50/50 raffle at their last event. We appreciate the support shown to our organization. The winners were: Ryan Revier, Tom Cammeyer, and Peter Fowler.

Thanks again, RWGA Social Committee

From now until the next RWGA season begins in the Spring, we will have tee times on Thursdays that you can sign up for in the locker room on the bulletin board.

The Niners

It has been a wonderful year of playing golf, enjoying fellowship, and, now, getting ready for a New Year with the Niners. Our membership has increased to 46 and growing weekly. Keep spreading the word that we have a wonderful, contagious group of fun ladies that enjoy a fun round of golf. Our closing luncheon was a great success with a large turnout.

CONGRATULATIONS AND A SHOUT OUT TO ALL OUR 2022 END OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS.

Ringer Tournament

Flight 1: Wendy Walter - Low Gross | Leslie Mucha - Low Net

Flight 2: Judy Walsh - Low Gross | Annie McCulloch - Low Net

Flight 3: Marcella Dennehy - Low Gross & Net

Niners Championship

Flight 1: Leslie Mucha - Low Gross | Marguerite Davis - Low Net

Flight 2: Barbara Hansbury - Low Gross | Nancy Kipnis - Low Net

Flight 3: Jane Fisher - Low Gross | Laurann Robertson - Low Net

Overall Championship Winners: Wendy Walter - Low Gross | Leslie Mucha - Low Net

WINTER TEE TIMES

We will have times for the winter at 10:06, 1:06, and 1:15. Currently scheduled on the North Course but that will change as the Cart Path work goes but the times will remain the same.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

8th - Susie Strejc

18th - Annie McCulloch

30th - Bonnie Green

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 2nd - Niners Holiday Party | Wear your festive cocktail attire and dancing shoes! Check out the Menu HERE and the event flyer HERE Many thanks to the Raintree Staff for all their hard work they do for our group every year.

Brian Talley - Director of Communications

Kris Cappuzzo - Director of Golf

Jennifer Sullivan - Director of Catering

Safe travels and Happy Holidays!

Check out this video wrapping up 2022

Pickleball

Pickleball at Raintree has really moved forward during 2022. We now have a fully marked court, a partially marked court and 4 new nets. This allows the group to accommodate 16 players easily and host competitions with other teams.

Congratulations to the Raintree Pickleball team!! They finished a strong 2nd in division 2 south of the Queen City Pickleball League and are already planning for the next season. The contact person for the team is Bob Tokarczyk (bob474747@hotmail.com or 770-356-7146).

Deb Forbis (dforbis2299@yahoo.com or 704-400-5518) is currently scheduling times for the Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday play. The times occasionally change so contact Deb as noted above to get on the mailing list so that you stay current on times. Saturday play is attracting a lot of players who are typically filling up our four courts.

We love to have new players and are prepared to supply paddles and some instructions to get you started. This group is intended for anyone interested in learning this fun sport as well as players out to have a good time while enjoying challenging competition.

The contact person for this group is Roger Littell (8lettrll@gmail.com or 704-737-2573).

If you are new to swim team and are not a year around swimmer and moving up from Little Rays: Contact: Coach Marti @ swimteam@raintreecc.net for a swimmer evaluation prior to season.

A big thank you to everyone that supported me and my efforts to raise money for Carolina Breast Cancer Fund. Was an amazing week to be a part of. Together we raised over $10,000! Absolutely incredible!! This money will go towards patient education and outreach programs, as well as clinical research and treatments in association with Levine Cancer Institute's comprehensive Breast Cancer initiatives. Just a great example of how amazing Raintree members are.

If you wanted to donate and did not have a chance, I will keep my page live and open until this Sunday at 5 pm. We collectively are making a difference!

To donate, click here: https://fundraise.atriumhealthfoundation.org/fundraiser/4159858

Thank you, Marc

NORTH CAROLINA STATE CHAMPIONS!

Congratulations to Raintree members Katie Sarjeant, Dawn Van Hoy, Shannon Horton , Erin Carroll, Niki Koesel(not pictured), & Kim Diaz (not pictured). They are all North Carolina State Champions! Katie, Dawn, Shannon and Erin won the 6.5 combo division while Shannon and Kim won the 7.5 combo division.

Congratulations ladies!! Way to represent Raintree Tennis

Pictured is Marc with the Chief of Breast Medical Oncology for Atrium Health Dr. Antoinette Tan.

of Events

Raintree

Golf Tennis Events Pool

1 Cardio Tennis RWGA 10:06TT

2 3 Beginner Clinic 10SG North Member Holiday Party 4 10SG South Sunday Brunch

5 ACES Clinic 6 Cardio Tennis Curbside Peruvian Chicken

7 ACES Clinic RSMGA 10:00SG S

8 Cardio Tennis RWGA 10:06TT

9 10 Beginner Clinic 10SG South 11 10SG North Sunday Brunch

12 ACES Clinic 13 Cardio Tennis Curbside Meat Lasagna

14 ACES Clinic RSMGA 10:06TT N

15 Cardio Tennis RWGA 10:06TT

16 17 Beginner Clinic 10SG North 18 Santa’s Brunch

19 ACES Clinic 20 Cardio Tennis Curbside Pork Roast

21 ACES Clinic RSMGA 10:06TT S

22 RWGA 10:06TT

23 24 Beginner Clinic 10SG South Club Closes @ 3pM

North New Year’s Eve Dinner

Clubhouse & Lakeside Grille

• Tee Shirts of any kind are not permitted for men, women, and children over the age of 10.

• Men and boys ten and older must wear collared or mock-collared shirts.

• Blue Jeans are permitted as long as they do not have any rips, tears, or holes.

• Hats must be worn forward facing at all times

• Hats are not allowed during Sunday Brunch.

• Hats also may not be worn in the Lakeside Grille or in the Main Clubhouse after 5:00PM.

• Performance Shirts without a collar are permitted in the 37th Hole and Middle Bar.

• Swimsuits are not permitted anywhere in the Lakeside Grille or Main Clubhouse.

• All persons swimming must have proper swim attire.

Fitness Center

• No denim allowed at any time.

• Full length shirt required.

• Athletic pants or shorts.

• Athletic, non-marking shoes.

Golf Course & Practice Facilities

• No denim, tank tops, t-shirts allowed at any time.

• Traditional golf attire is considered collared shirts, slacks or bermuda length shorts & skorts.

• Men’s shirts must be tucked in at all times and hat bills must be worn forward facing.

Tennis Courts

• No denim allowed at any time.

• Traditional tennis attire is required of all Members and Guests.

• No tank tops or sleeveless shirts for Men.

• Appropriate athletic shoes with non-marking soles are required.

ADDITIONAL STAFF CONTACTS

Luis DeJesus

Head Golf Professional luis.dejesus@raintreecc.net

Steve Bogdanoff

Director of Instruction sbogdanoff@pga.com

Brad Fellrath

Course Superintendent bfellrath@yahoo.com

Tom Kennedy

Facilities Manager tom.kennedy@raintreecc.net

Brian Talley

Director of Communications brian.talley@raintreecc.net

Melissa Rodgers

Controller m.rodgers@raintreecc.net

Michael Koshivas

Assistant F & B Director michael.koshivas@raintreecc.net

Sherief Shawky Executive Chef chef@raintreecc.net

Jennifer Sullivan Catering Director catering@raintreecc.net

Arielle Lobrano

F & B Manager arielle.lobrano@raintreecc.net

Isabelle Josey F & B Manager isabelle.josey@raintreecc.net

ASSOCIATION CONTACTS

RMGA Peter Fowler 704.516.0495 RWGA Barb Dickie 336.575.4668 RSMGA Pete Marco pmarcop49@gmail.com R9H Marguerite Davis 704.618.2128

CLUB HOURS

North Halfway House Open Daily 9AM - 4PM

South Halfway House Open Daily 9AM - Dusk

Hours of Operation are posted in advance and are subject to change due to weather or some other unforeseen reason.

A Charlotte Tradition