December 2021 Newsletter

December 2021

Thank you for reading the

Raintree Country Club monthly newsletter.

Each month you will find information to keep you up to date with the latest news and events along with news from our various associations.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS General Manager’s Message ......................................................................... 4 Membership News .......................................................................................... 5 Events & Dining ............................................................................................... 6 Golf .................................................................................................................... 10 Tennis & Fitness ............................................................................................. 16 Calendar ........................................................................................................... 21

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@raintreecountryclubnc Board of Directors Jay Herring: President Laura Sullivan: Vice President Thom Goeken: Treasurer Larry Witham: Secretary Al Andrews Matt Arnold David Boyce Mike Fresina Bill Gray Zach Hall Stuart Hogge Charles Jones Charles Powell Kevin Thompson Stephen Winters Monthly Board Meeting Minutes are on Raintree's Website under the "Club Information" link.

CONTACT US Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Staff.

Clubhouse

704.542.8150

Lakeside Grille 704.542.7239

Golf Shop

704.541.8880

Tennis Shop 704.542.8095

Course Maintenance 704.543.9467

Jim Troutman

General Manager jim.troutman@raintreecc.net

Danielle Landers

Director of Membership membership@raintreecc.net

Kris Cappuzzo

Director of Golf kris.cappuzzo@raintreecc.net

Marc Kantor

Director of Athletics marc.kantor@raintreecc.net

Caroline Ness

Clubhouse Manager caroline.ness@raintreecc.net Additional Club contacts can be found on the final page of the newsletter

December 2021 | 3

From

the

General Manager

Dear Members, As 2021 comes to a close, our Club has so many things to be proud of as we move into the next year. This year we celebrated 50 years of Raintree Country Club and all of our staff are honored to be a part of such a great legacy. So whether this was your first year as a Member of Raintree or your 50th, on behalf of our entire team I would like to say thank you for being a Member of Raintree Country Club.

General Manager Jim Troutman jim.troutman@raintreecc.net

This month we will be wrapping up construction on the Pavilion and we can’t wait to celebrate this new space so be on the look out for an opening event. On December 16th, our annual Member Holiday Party will be taking place in the Main Clubhouse with great food, dancing, and celebration.

Events at the Club have been filling up extremely fast and I want to tell you that we are doing everything we can to expand event capacities. With limitations on staff, it is a delicate balance and sometimes the Lakeside Grille will have to close for major events such as Santa’s Brunch and the Member Holiday Party. Our team is working hard and we appreciate your patience as we continue looking for new team members.

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.

Happy Holidays,

Jim Troutman, General Manager

Membership News Every year our Members show incredible generosity in the community through our Angel Tree donations. This year will look a little different as everything is set up digitally. We are once again working with Bright Blessings, Matthews Help Center and the Jimmy Core Foundation. There will be no collection at the Club.

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

Bright Blessings 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.

Learn more about Bright Blessings by visiting https://www.brightblessingsusa.org/ourorganization Bright Blessings Crowdfunding page for Raintree CC : Bright Blessings Wishlist: please be sure to ship directly to us at 1150-C Crews Rd., Matthews, NC 28105.

Matthews Help Center The mission of Matthews HELP Center is to provide short-term crisis assistance to our neighbors in the Greater Matthews community.

Our vision is to be the central location in our community where help and resources are provided to those in need. The core values practiced daily by all staff state: in everything we do, we will act with respect, compassion and a determination to improve the quality of life for those we serve.

Learn more about Matthew Help Center by visiting https://matthewshelpcenter.org Click to Volunteer with Matthews Help Center Click to Donate Jimmy Core Foundation | Click HERE to Donate 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. A fundraiser will be held annually in the month of July to fund the foundation and the services it will provide the homeless.

The Jimmy CORE Foundation will have three clear missions: • Provide food, clothing and shelter for homeless people in Charlotte, NC. • Educate and inspire others to lift this group up to achieve higher levels of living.

• Preserve and maintain the spirit of Jimmy Core.

RMGA The RMGA Ends its Season with a Busy November!

After a slow October the RMGA closed the 2021 season with two tournaments and an election in what turned out to be a busy November. Here are the results Two-Man Tough Day, November 6 Thanks to the Pro Shop for a unique set-up with difficult tee locations and hard-to-get-at pins – the result was a tough, but fair, set-up.

First Flight Low Gross Marais Lombard + Matt Michel Low Net Grayson Mumma + Mike Jones 2nd Flight Low Gross Ben Culetta + Cole Domey Low Net Josh Moser + Trent Vaden 3rd Flight Low Gross Chris Flannery + John McConville Low Net Jack Brunetti + Jed Wilkerson

4th Flight Low Gross Low Net 5th Flight Low Gross Low Net 6th Flight Low Gross Low Net

Tom Phillips + Rick Winquist Drew Pappas + Tim Hillman Jim Martin + Stephen McIntosh Ken Anthonis + Matt Currie Justin Abernethy +Yogi Patel Derek Martindale + Josef Toth

Turkey Tournament, November 13 4-man team Slambo (ABCD). One gross score and one net score for each hole. Couldn’t be the same ball. A few of the scores were remarkably low as you’ll see below.

1st Place: 118 (-26) Stefan Brewer, Stephen Winters, Jon Luther, Mark Bartholomew 2nd Place: 122 (-22) Marais Lombard, Mason Formon, Mac White, Phillip Bearden

Election Results

The following people were elected to 2-year terms Ollie Bengtsson Tom Cavanaugh Peter Fowler Pete Marco Shane McKiernan 1-Year Terms Parshant Dhiman Charlie Michaels Dave Foley Chris Hamilton Robbie Bigley At-Large (1-Year Term) Mark Steepe | Antoine LeSaux The RMGA Wishes Everyone a Happy Holiday Season!

December 2021 | 10

RSMGA Beautiful November Weather Kept Participation High!

The following are the November events and winners, congratulations to everyone November 3 - All-Ways Open Always one of the RSMGA’s major events, it is a “Nassau style” 4-man team event. The winners for each segment are: Front 9: Tom Phillips, Pete Marco, Fran Baltmiskis, David Burke Back 9: Stu Cojac, Kevin Arnold, Ross Zachary, Blake Robertson Overall: Peter DeMille, Dennis Lazarus, Sal Maiorano, Jean Tassy November 10 - Red, White, and Gold Red Tee Winner: Steve Maag White Tee Winner: David Burke Gold Tee Winner: Pat Reilly Overall Winner: Jean Tassy November 17 - Two-Man - No Scotch Maybe a little bourbon, but no scotch!

Flight 1: Marty Jenkins & Mark Nelson Flight 2: Brian Loher & Larry Witham

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting was held on November 3. A number of By-Law changes were introduced and approved. Also, new executive committee members were elected: President: Pete Marco, Vice-President: Dennis Lazarus, Secretary: Mark Nelson, Treasurer: Tim Burson Many thanks to outgoing President Roger Littell, as well as Roosevelt Blackwell and Bernie Harper who provided very valuable service over the last few years as treasurers for the Association.

Upcoming Events

December 1 10:00 SG North Slambo: 2 Best Balls Net | 3 Man Teams December 8 10:00 SG South 9 Point Threesomes December 15 10:00 SG North Captains Choice: 1 Mulligan per player per 9 | 4 Man Teams December 22 10:00 SG South Individual Low Net: 2 Mulligans per side December 29 10:00 SG North Red Tee Tournament The 2021 Season ends at the end of December and will resume February 16th, 2022.

If you are over 50 and interested in joining the RSMGA please contact: Pete Marco pmarcop49@gmail.com We would love to have you join us!

The RSMGA Wishes Everyone a Happy Holiday Season!

December 2021 | 11

RWGA RWGA ended the season with a breakfast on November 7th and it was a great way to end the season. From now until the RWGA Season returns, we will have tee times on Thursdays that you can sign up for in the locker room on the bulletin board (no electronic signups).

NC State Play Day Winner Recognized Barbara Littell won the NC State Play Day on July 15th with a net score of 68. She received a medal and her name will be engraved on the NC State Play Day plaque.

Playday stats: Every week, the RWGA has a variety of fun events designed for all levels of players. Our group is made up of ladies with a wide range of handicaps and expereince level.

There were 22 play days (5 rainouts) with 42 different members playing at least once.

Of those 42, 38 won money.

We averaged 18 players per week.

There were two players that played at least 20 of the 22 weeks: Susan Fritsch and Clara Lee.

Congratulations to Soon Pang for being the most improved player for the RWGA A new Executive Board was voted in: Barbara Dickie – President Barbara Blackford – Vice President Susan Fritz – Secretary Barbara Littell – Treasurer Attention Ladies!!

The Raintree Women’s Bowling League needs you!!

We are a full handicap league with a focus on friends and fun!! We do also enjoy bowling!!

We bowl on Fridays at Park 10 Lanes on Montford at 1:00, with a 15 min practice time at 12:45. EAch time has 3 members and we currently have some vacancies and would love to have you join us. We will not bowl on the Friday after Thanksgiving, nor December 24 or Dec 31 and our season ends March 25.

For more information, please contact Susan Fritsch (704-996-7812) or Karen Covington (704-641-7818) December 2021 | 12

The Niners Niners Elect New Directors

On Tuesday, November 9, the Niners held their Closing Luncheon and Annual Meeting in the Club Ballroom.

Marguerite Davis was elected President, together with a full slate of directors for 2022.

In a touching tribute, the Ladies also honored outgoing President, Charlotte Reilly, noting her many accomplishments during her two years of service. Thank you, Charlie!

Bradbury, Lennon, McCulloch and Mucha Take Top Awards

At the luncheon, the Niners also honored their top golfers for the season. Keri Lennon won both the Niners’ Championship and Ringer tournaments; and Kelly Bradbury took home honors for overall season play. Annie McCulloch won low net for the overall season and for the Ringer Tournament. Mucha won low net in the Niners’ Championship.

Upcoming Events

• December 3, Holiday Party—Dinner, DJ and Dancing • Winter Play through March 1: Tuesdays 10:30 or 1:06 and 1:15. Sign up in Ladies Locker Room.

December 2021 | 13

Pro Shop News Changes as of December 1, 2021:

•Golf Shop hours will be 7:30AM - 5:00PM. •Driving Range hours will be 7:30 – 5:00PM (Adjustments to be made based on daylight).

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

•Walking will continue to be allowed at any time.

The annual Holiday Sale will take place on Friday, December 3, 2021 beginning at 6:00PM. To allow for safe shopping, the sale will again take place in the ballroom. Merchandise from Golf and Tennis will be available for purchase, as well as, specials on bottle of wine. We are looking forward to another great sale.

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.

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 $100.00 and a 1 Hour Playing Lesson for and additional $50.00 • 3 (1 Hour) Lessons for $175.00

Please Return Golf Amenities

The Golf Shop is requesting any members that may have red towels or cart coolers to please return them as soon as possible. These amenities are for the entire membership and if they are not returned it makes it extremely difficult to provide these items for each round. We appreciate your understanding.

December 2021 | 14

Golf Instruction News The golf season is wrapping up for the year but it’s still a great time to think about being prepared. The Golf Staff and myself are all excited and available to help you take your game to the next level! Check out lesson rates below along with a link to purchase online gift cards for lessons with Steve Bogdanoff, Director of Instruction.

Be on the look out in January as we update the website with programming for 2022!

Member rates: $100 per hour and $80 for juniors 17 and under.

Order Gift Certificate with Steve

Pickleball While the cooler weather and holidays create some challenges, pickleball continues and we have even expanded the time choices.

The REAL good news is that we now have two official pickleball nets and will mark off two courts on court 9. We will still be using some of the usual courts and nets, but you will find that the official nets make a huge difference. Come and try them out.

For those new to the game and anyone else who wants to work on their game we have courts reserved on Saturdays from 9AM 11AM. Equipment, balls and lessons are available for those wanting to check out this fun sport.

We continue to have Friday, Sunday and Tuesday evening times for those whose games are improving and need more challenges.

Our newest offering is on Thursday mornings from 9AM-11AM and is offered to advanced beginners and intermediate players. Beginners, please consider signing up for the Saturday times as teachers and equipment will be available.

Contact info and to get onto the sign up email list: Saturday Fri.,Sat and Tues Thursday

Roger Littell (8littrll@gmail.com or 704-737-2573) Janis Beymer (janis.behymer@gmail.com) Laura Brizes (laura.brizes@gmail.com )

December 2021 | 15

Tennis News Winter Tennis Shop Hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM-4:00 PM Monday: Closed Tuesday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Winter Clinics

Marc will continue to have clinics on Saturdays at 9:00 and 10:00. Clinics will be held all winter, weather permitting. Space is limited and a 24-hour notification for cancellation is required to avoid being charged.

Junior Clinics M/W 5:00-6:30 (12-18) T/TH 5:00-6:00 (4-11)

Current Adult Classes: Tuesday: Stroke clinic 10:00-11:00 Cardio 6:00-7:00pm Friday: Beginner Clinic 9:30-10:30 Saturday: Beginner Clinic 10:00-11:00

Queen City Spring League

Please email the tennis shop (tennisshop@raintreecc.net) if you are interested in playing weekday (women), Saturday (working women) or Sunday (mixed) Queen City in the spring. If you are new to the league, please provide your USTA rating, so that Marc can place you on the appropriate team.

Come do some early Christmas shopping at the Tennis and Golf Sale on December 3rd at 6:00 PM in the main clubhouse! Tennis and club-wide gift certificates will be available for purchase.

ADDITIONAL STAFF CONTACTS Luis DeJesus

Melissa Rodgers

Steve Bogdanoff

Sam Warner

Brad Fellrath

Matthew Bauwin

Tom Kennedy

Jennifer Sullivan

Brian Talley

Arielle Lobrano

Head Golf Professional luis.dejesus@raintreecc.net

Controller m.rodgers@raintreecc.net

Director of Instruction sbogdanoff@pga.com

Director of Food & Beverage sam.warner@raintreecc.net

Course Superintendent bfellrath@yahoo.com

Executive Chef chef@raintreecc.net

Facilities Manager tom.kennedy@raintreecc.net

Catering Director catering@raintreecc.net

Director of Communications brian.talley@raintreecc.net

F & B Manager arielle.lobrano@raintreecc.net

ASSOCIATION CONTACTS RMGA RWGA RSMGA R9H

Peter Fowler

704.516.0495

Anne Traxler

980.230.3229

Roger Littell

704.737.2573

Charlotte Reilly

704.544.8080

CLUB HOURS Clubhouse & Fitness Center

Lakeside Grille

Golf Shop

Tennis Shop

Sunday

5AM - 6PM

11AM - 6PM

7:30AM - 5PM

12PM - 4PM

Monday

5AM - 6PM

Closed

7:30AM - 5PM

Closed

www,raintreecountryclub.com

Tuesday

5AM - 6PM

11AM - 3PM (37th till 6PM)

7:30AM - 5PM

9AM - 4PM

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Wednesday - Saturday

5AM - 9PM

11AM - 9PM

7:30AM - 5PM

9AM - 4PM

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

facebook.com/raintreenc

Halfway Houses Open Daily 9AM - 4PM Hours of Operation are posted in advance and are subject to change due to weather or some other unforeseen reason.

@raintreecountryclubnc December 2021 | 20

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Raintree Calendar of Events | December 2021

Golf Tennis Dining/ Events

1 ACES Clinic RSMGA 10:00SG N

Thursday

Friday

2 3 Cardio Tennis Holiday Sale Beginner Clinic

RWGA Wine Tasting 10:06TT

5 Sunday Brunch 10AM-2PM

6 ACES Clinic

Winter SG 10:00 N

12 Santa’s Brunch

7 8 Cardio Tennis ACES Clinic

Grille & 37th Close 3PM

13 ACES Clinic

14 15 Cardio Tennis ACES Clinic RSMGA 10:00 SG N

Winter SG 10:00 S

19 No Sunday Brunch

RSMGA 10:00SG S

20 ACES Clinic

9 10 Cardio Tennis Beginner Clinic RWGA 10:06TT

27 ACES Clinic

23 Cardio Tennis Beginner Clinic

24 Christmas Eve SG 10:00 S

RWGA 10:06TT

Club Closes at 3PM

30 Cardio Tennis Beginner Clinic

31 New Year’s Eve SG 10:00 N

RSMGA 10:00 SG N

Winter SG 10:00 S

Winter SG 10:00 N

Winter SG 10:00 S

21 22 Cardio Tennis ACES Clinic

28 29 Cardio Tennis ACES Clinic

11 Beginner Clinic

RWGA 10:06TT

Grille & 37th Close 3PM 26 Sunday Brunch 10AM-2PM

Winter SG 10:00 S

18 Beginner Clinic

Member Holiday Party

RSMGA 10:00SG S

4 Beginner Clinic

16 17 Cardio Tennis Beginner Clinic

Grille & 37th Close 3PM

Winter SG 10:00 N

Saturday

RWGA 10:06TT

Grille & 37th Close 3PM All events & specials are subject to change or cancellation

December 2021 | 21

25 Club Closed

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

December 2021