The Springfield Story, May 2023

Springfield Golf & Country Club

2023 Board of Directors

David DeLorenzo President david.delorenzo@gmail.com

703.887.0505

John Astorino Vice President

john.astorino@longandfoster.com

703.898.5148

Caitlin Clark Secretary sheaclark@comcast.net 703.967.8997

Bob Sampson Treasurer bsampson71@gmail.com

703.362.0027

Mike Cozad mcozad@advairac.com

703.926.6758

Tom Davis tdavis@gandrellc.com 703.772.5015

Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com 571.214.4673

John Palladino jape199@aol.com 703.901.0744

Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com 703.862.9370

2023 Committees

Audit

Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com 571.214.4673

Communications

Katie Kissal katiekissal@gmail.com 703.244.4583

Finance

Bob Sampson bsampson71@gmail.com 703.362.0027

Fitness

Gayle Burgoyne gayleburgoyne@aol.com

703.455.3985

Food & Beverage

Brandon Streicher brandon.streicher@gmail.com 414.628.2362

Golf

David Kelly davidnkelly@verizon.net

703.786.0980

Green

Dan Derisio dderisio@yahoo.com 703.618.1720

House

Julie Graham juliegraham10@me.com 703.650.8788

Membership

Jon Danforth danforth.jon@gmail.com 703.409.7383

Personnel

John Astorino john.astorino@longandfoster.com 703.898.5148

Rules

Bruce Nordstrom bnorthstream@yahoo.com 202.494.6558

Social

Jen Palladino jennix4@aol.com 703.303.8779

Natalee Olah olahnatalee@gmail.com

Strategic Planning

Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com 571.214.4673

Swim/Pool Mike Goede goedes@me.com 703.927.0941

Tennis Campbell Palmer campbell.palmer@gmail.com 703.258.2255

Introducing Our New General Manager, Steve Lawson

BY EMILY KAUFFMAN | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

SGCC’s new General Manager and Chief Operating Officer officially began his tenure at the Club on Monday, May 8. His hiring was the result of an extensive, thorough process conducted by a Search Committee composed of SGCC members and the work of GSI, an executive search firm contracted by the Board of Directors that specializes in private clubs.

Steve Lawson joins us from Washington Golf and Country Club where he served as Assistant General Manager, but he began his career in the club industry some twenty-five years ago. He started as an Executive Chef before taking advantage of an opportunity to move to the front of house when a Clubhouse Manager position opened up. “It was a big jump going from managing twentyfive guys in the kitchen to one hundred employees in the clubhouse,” Steve says. “There was a learning curve, but it was fun for me.”

Steve is no stranger to hard work and doing what needs to be done in order to achieve one’s goals. As a young man, he balanced work and his education first by attending culinary school during the day and working in restaurants at night, then by pursuing his college degree with night classes while working at clubs during the day: “You’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.”

Grit and determination are characteristics Steve admires and encourages, and challenging people to reach their potential is

one of the things he’s most looking forward to in his new role here at SGCC: “I’ve been AGM for big properties that do millions of dollars, so it’s not really the challenge [of the job], it’s more about the idea that I’m taking everything I’ve been doing for forever and seeing it culminate. I’m the teacher now, not the learner,” he says. “I still have things to learn, especially on the governance side,” he clarifies, but goes on to explain that he’s most excited to help others develop. “I want to see other people grow. I want to see them afforded the things I was afforded as a young manager and help them fulfill their career goals, to become who they want to be.”

Steve was born and raised in Ellicott City, a small town outside of Baltimore, Maryland. He worked in kitchens as a high schooler, then joined the Marine Corps after graduation. He attended culinary school and began working in the club industry following his time in the Marines. The first club he worked at was Rolling Road Golf Club in Catonsville, Maryland before heading south to Florida and Georgia.

“It was a nice homecoming,” Steve recalls, referencing his return to the area when he began his tenure at Washington Golf. “My family is still based out of Baltimore and my wife’s family is there, too. We were high school sweethearts; we started dating at seventeen, I went to her junior and senior prom—you

know, the whole fairy tale. We’re celebrating twenty years of marriage this October.”

One thing he misses about Florida? Disney World. “My wife and I love the Food and Wine Festival at Disney,” he says, adding that while that might be their favorite, they love festivals in general. While no longer a chef, Steve retains his love of food, and seeking out experiences that celebrate food and beverage is one of the ways he enjoys spending his free time.

Steve also enjoys activities that pose an intellectual challenge— “I like to keep my mind occupied: puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, Wordle.” He’s an avid nonfiction reader, preferring Audible to hard-copy books since he spends so much time driving. Scrolling through his extensive audiobook library, Steve adds “I’ve never read a fiction book that wasn’t required by college. I like autobiographies and biographies; I like getting to know about people.”

A desire to learn about others is part of what Steve loves about working at clubs. He enjoys cultivating member experiences, watching people have fun, and seeing the kids grow up. On the staff side of things Steve notes, “We spend more time with each other than we do with our families, so growing those relationships is important. I have friends from every one of my previous clubs.”

We’re excited to have Steve on our team and to show him what makes Springfield such a special place to belong. Please make sure to introduce yourself when you see him around. A quick note though—you might want to skip the sports-talk if you’re a fan of Washington teams. “I’m a Baltimore guy, so I like the Orioles and Ravens, well, and the Tampa Bay Lightning because I fell in love with hockey while I was in Florida,” he says with a smile. “I know Caps fans won’t like that, but back-toback Cups is pretty good,” he adds before tacking on a quick “Sorry!” and a laugh. 

The Pool Opens May 26

Pool Hours

May 26 - June 18

Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

June 19 - July 31*

Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

*The Pool closes at 4:00 PM on Thursday, June 22 for the 3 Day Member/Guest Tournament

August 1 - September 4*

Monday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

*The Pool closes at 6:30 PM on Monday, September 4 for the Dog Swim. The Dog Swim is 6:30-7:00 PM.

Turf Talk

BY SHAWN GILL | GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

We’re excited to introduce a new event this fall: the Men’s Well, I can’t say it hasn’t been an interesting first month as your new Superintendent! It began with the demolition of the dam spillway and a struggle to lower the water level in the lake to enable repair work and ended with an April drought that saw multiple storms veer around us while we were in desperate need of water during near record-high temperatures. That said, I have received tremendous support from members and staff, making this one of the best experiences in my career. The weather also produced good conditions for firming up the course and producing strong turf. It is always fun, as a turfgrass manager, to watch a golf ball land on the green and take a huge first bounce—not because we want to see frustrated golfers, but because we know this is a sign of healthy grass that is ready to withstand the trials of summer. My only regret is that the “dam” project ate up too much time for me to be able to get out and practice my bump and run shots in the “Ireland like” playing conditions.

As for the dam spillway project, the temporary repair has been completed with minimal disturbance to the course infrastructure or daily golf. We will be doing some repairs to a section of cart path along Hole #4 where the weight of the machines hauling dirt and rock to the site caused some crumbling and sinking in the path. There may be even a bit of extra tilt to the retaining wall, but nothing that looks as though it will cause an immediate problem. The engineer in charge of the design and implementation was happy to see no evidence of large scale seepage around the front face of the structure, so it should function well while water flow and geotechnical analysis are performed to determine the permanent solution. I am excited at the thought of seeing the pond full again going into the summer months.

Some of you may have noticed that a couple of the bee hives were knocked over repeatedly by recent wind storms. Good news and bad news. One of the colonies was lost and is now being reestablished. This can take some time, but we’ve secured the hive to help prevent further destruction. On the other hand, our beekeeper said we have the strongest colony he has

ever seen in the wildflower area in front of #3 tee. After being blown apart and left exposed to the elements for an extended period, this group fought for survival and is now rebuilding. As the beekeeper put it, “This is the colony you want leading you into battle.” Now that the wildflowers and trees are in bloom, the bees can start collecting nectar and producing honey for Chef to use in his recipes.

Speaking of blooming trees, the dogwoods (Virginia state flower) have been out in full force around the course adding a nice splash of color to offset the beauty of all that green grass. It is great to see so many of you enjoying Springfield’s gem. The new tees on Hole #3 have really added character to what was already a signature hole. It’s fun to watch the excitement and fear when people are preparing to hit their shot from the rear teeing ground. I look forward to being a part of creating more exciting additions through future renovations.

By the time you see this, maintenance will have finished with all of our spring aerations. I know it can seem like a never-ending disturbance, but the dividends aeration pays during the rest of the season cannot be overstated. Because of these operations, we will be better able to provide you with premium playing surfaces, day in and day out. I would also like to acknowledge my understanding of how hard it has been to give up your course entirely on Mondays. I can assure you that we are doing everything we can to make the best use of this day. The entire maintenance staff works a minimum of nine and a half hours on Mondays. Speaking of staff, WOW, they are amazing and I am enjoying getting to know a bit more about each one of them and I believe you will as well. In the coming months I will be featuring individuals on my team and introducing you to some pretty impressive people. I look forward to sharing their stories with you. 

Try Something New

BY EMILY KAUFFMAN | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

A 2015 research study found that while 75% of US adults played sports when they were children, only 25% still play sports in adulthood. There’s been a rise in adult sport participation since the pandemic with golf, tennis, and pickleball being among the most popular, but the number of adults engaging in sports is still relatively low despite the physical and emotional health benefits.

It’s one thing to return to a sport you played in your youth, but trying a new sport as an adult can be particularly daunting. Luckily, SGCC has got you covered. We offer beginner clinics for adults in golf, tennis, and pickleball, and if “sports-sports” aren’t your thing, we have a bunch of beginner-friendly fitness classes as well.

In honor of National Physical Fitness Month, this May we encourage you to take a leap and try something new. You’ll find that not only are the physical benefits awesome, but making new friends and having a new activity to engage in with your family is even better.

GOLF

Golf is a fantastic sport for people of all ages. While private lessons are always a great option when learning something new, a group learning environment will amp up the social aspect of the sport and enhance your overall experience.

Operation 36 is a great place for beginning golfers to start. It’s arguably the best way to introduce new golfers to the sport as learning to score from the green backward makes sense and allows beginners to get out and play the course with far less frustration. As our most versatile coaching platform, Operation 36 Academies are offered almost year-round in six-to-eight-week sessions tailored to a specific group (juniors, womens, mens, co-ed).

When asked who typically participates, Director of Golf Josh Tremblay, PGA says, “Honestly? We see it all: beginners, lapsed golfers looking to gain back confidence in their game, and avid golfers looking to hone their short game/scoring clubs.” As an added benefit, learning to play in a mixed group helps beginners master important elements of golf etiquette such as pace of play.

The Operation 36 curriculum allows Director of Instruction Robert Simpson, PGA and the rest of the golf professional staff to tailor each class to the participants’ skill level. For anyone who is nervous about signing up, the professional staff has one thing to say—don’t be! “Most people think they’re going to be the worst one in the class,” says Josh, “but we are all at different places in our journey and the social aspect of learning together

and seeing others struggle and succeed makes it worthwhile.”

Our Women, Wine, and Wedges social series is another fantastic option for beginning female golfers as well as established golfers looking for a lowstress, high-fun environment. These clinics are held three-to-four times a year, usually once a month July through October. A typical Women, Wine, and Wedges clinic includes a mix of new players and established golfers who have invited a friend to try the game and have some fun. For some members, Women, Wine, and Wedges is their entire golf experience and that’s okay the goal is to introduce more players to the game in an inviting, casual environment.

Each Women, Wine, and Wedges clinic includes 45-minutes of instruction and three holes of golf followed by wine and socializing. The feedback on this program has been stellar since it was first introduced several years ago. Not only does it offer a way to try the sport in a relaxed environment, but experienced golfers have appreciated the opportunity to get back to the fun of the sport. Including a mix of beginner, intermediate, and experienced golfers means finding a built-in community of support plus, golf buddies! What’s not to love?

We encourage a group setting for when you’re first trying golf as the social aspect and group learning environment creates a rounded experience. Private lessons are an excellent next step in addition to or following the group clinics. Some people prefer one-onone attention, and often more is less an individual can get a lot out of a thirtyminute private lesson tailored to their specific needs. The most important thing? Be honest with yourself and your instructor about how often you’ll be able to practice in between lessons so that you can develop realistic and achievable goals.

RACQUETS

You’ve heard the saying old dogs can’t learn new tricks. Director of Racquet Sports Branden Beets is here to dispel that myth; after all, dogs are innately good learners and can adapt! “Invest in yourself,” Branden says, “be open-minded and willing to try different things.”

According to the 2015 study, women are almost 50% less likely to continue playing sports in adulthood than men. But of the women that do play, tennis ranks in the top five most popular sports.

Like golf, tennis is a lifelong sport—you can pick it up and keep playing at any age. Our Intro to Tennis clinic is held on Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and is a great way to not only learn the fundamentals of the sport, but to connect with other adults who are new to the game. This clinic offers a lowstress environment for both absolute beginners as well as those looking to get a refresher on the basics. You’ll learn strokes, play fun games, and have some laughs while you alleviate the stresses of daily life hitting balls.

Once you’re ready to level up, we’ve got an Intro 2.0 class as well Live Ball and Tactical Doubles clinics that dig into play patterns and strategy. No matter what your level, our racquets professionals seek to create a safe learning environment where

mistakes are encouraged. “We work on being proactive on the court, not reactive,” says Branden. Take action, make a decision, and then talk it out to learn from it.

Let’s not forget about pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the country. If you haven’t gotten in on the pickleball craze, check out our weekly Beginner Pickleball clinic Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. It’s good for adult members of all athletic abilities. Pickleball is a fun, easy-to-learn game. The clinic is full of people who want to learn the game and be social in the process. Scoring and format are taught right away so participants can start joining open play sessions and meet more playing partners.

The Racquets Department also hosts socials which offer a wide variety of playing opportunities from instructional basics and games to open play and round robins. The April Pints, Patties, and Pickleball social had almost one hundred participants who took over the indoor and outdoor courts, played games, and enjoyed delicious food and delightful company.

Looking for a low-key way to try out tennis or pickleball?

The Memorial Day Social benefiting local charity Leashes of Valor will have opportunities to play tennis and pickleball in a non-competitive, stress-free way. Plus, we’ll have games for the whole family, ping pong, and corn hole all in support of a wonderful cause!

Private and small group lessons are available for both tennis and pickleball. All development plans are tailored to the individual, so no matter what level you’re playing at, our staff can help. Small group lessons with friends or family members are a great way to develop a social routine that yields both physical and emotional benefits.

AT THE FITNESS CENTER

About half of all adults in America engage in moderate exercise on a regular basis, primarily for health reasons. While sports are a fun, dynamic way to get regular exercise, some adults are hesitant because their focus is on winning and individual performance rather than the sport itself or the camaraderie that comes from being part of a team.

Yoga is not a competitive sport, but it can certainly help your athletic performance. Whether you’re an athlete or not, you should give yoga a try. SGCC offers several weekly yoga classes with attendees ranging from prenatal participants to octogenarians and new yogis to those with an advanced practice.

Our Monday morning yoga practice is generally calming and introspective starting with a meditative practice called “the beginner’s mind” which encourages participants to relieve themselves of ego and judgment. Our yoga instructors make a habit of reading the room and helping people who are nervous feel more comfortable. For those who have limited mobility or aren’t comfortable moving through poses on a mat on the floor, we offer Chair Yoga once a week on Fridays. The energy in class is calm, gentle, and encouraging.

The benefits of yoga are numerous: relief from tightness, increased range of motion, improved balance and focus, better sleep, connecting with your breath, relaxation, and more. But the best thing about yoga? It meets you where you are we’re all beginners every day.

Our twice-weekly Strength class on Mondays and Wednesdays is another wonderful option for people looking to become more active. Participants range from teenagers to senior citizens, all at different levels of strength and physical fitness, including those with musculoskeletal issues. The class uses a variety of equipment including weights, bands, BOSU, stability balls, Pilates balls, gliders, and barre, and emphasizes postural and balance exercises. Instructor Brenda Zepf promises if you start strength training twice a week, you will see results: “You might be able to carry two bags of groceries at a time instead

of one. You’ll decrease your fall risk. If you have osteoporosis/ osteopenia, strength training is a must and can help prevent further bone loss if done correctly.”

It’s not unusual to feel self-conscious and overwhelmed in the gym if you aren’t used to working out on a regular basis. Personal training, either one-on-one or in a small group with a friend or family member, is a good way to develop comfort and confidence. “I like the vibe to be positive,” says Director of Fitness Reggie Edwards, “We try to accommodate individual needs, goals, and paces. Personal training is one of the best things you can do for yourself.” Personal training increases workout potential because you have a plan to follow and someone to hold you accountable; it also reduces risk of injury not only from increased strength and balance, but because working with a trainer ensures you learn correct form and understand your limits.

The 2015 research study also found that of the adults who did continue to play sports, 58% said it reduced their stress, 54% noticed a positive impact on their mental health, and 51% said playing sports significantly improved their physical health. Now that you know a little bit more about all the beginnerlevel sports and fitness offerings SGCC has for adults, only one question remains…what’s stopping you? 

Couples Golf

Our first event was held on April 14th. Congratulations to the wining team of Mark and Terri Crook, and George and Robin Alapas. The dates for play in May are Friday May 5th, Friday May 19, and Thursday May 25th. The first date in June will be Friday June 2nd. As the days get longer, we will be able to add more teams to the tee sheet.

If you would like to play in a Couples event and you are not receiving e mail notices, please contact Roger Welch, PGA at rwelch@sgccva.org. He will send you and invite and a link to register on Golf Genius. Each week an email will be sent to sign up for the next event. 

WGA News

Kathleen Tindal, Kathy Soules, Erin Jones, and Claire Giambastiani won first place in the WGA-9/18 Opening StepAside Scramble. Second place was awarded to Judy English, Helen Waters, Edwige Dorel, and Jackie Caggiano. As the golf season is in full swing, please note of our upcoming events:

WGA-9:

• Wednesday morning play

• Thursday afternoon Nine, Whine, & Dine

WGA-18:

• Tuesday morning play

• Wednesday evening Nine & Dine

• Saturday morning play

To learn more about either membership, contact WGA9 Chairman Erin Jones and WGA18 Chairman Kathleen Tindal. It’s not too late to join! 

Retirees Corner

The Red and Blue Teams played to a 19.5 to 19.5 tie in the Retirees Opening Bash on March 28! Steve Bartlett delivered the lowest gross with a 79, while Mark Waters (70) and Jim Workman (71) scored the lowest net scores.

On April 6, Springfield lost 13.5 to 22.5 to a stronger team at Belmont. Steve Bartlett (79), Mike Saylor (79), and Pat Noble (79) turned in low gross scores. Tom Skrobala (72), Rob Jacobs (72), and Jim McClaughry (72) scored our team’s lowest net scores. April 13 saw a 27 to 9 win over Belmont at home. It was a great team effort, with multiple three-point winning teams: Steve Bartlett/Mark Waters, Pat Noble/Bill Schneider, Jesus Medrano/Brad Westermann, George Alapas/ Al Kuhns, and Craig Maxey/Steve Soules. Mark Waters (69) and Mark Spooner (71) led the pack with low net scores.

It’s never too late to join the Retirees! For more information, contact Bruce Nordstrom at bnorthstream@yahoo.com or 202.494.6558. 

Infusions: Sugar, Spice, & Everything Nice

BY LINDSAY WEBB | PASTRY CHEF

Infusions are, simply put, an aromatic ingredient that has been steeped in a liquid until its flavor has been extracted and infused into that liquid. Infusions are a great way to elevate beverages, desserts, and evening meals.

Herbs such as lavender, rosemary, mint, and basil and spices like cinnamon and cardamom can be infused into an abundance of mediums. If you’re looking to amp up the flavor profile of a dessert or cocktail, try infusing simple syrup, heavy cream, or honey. Infused olive oil is a great route for marinades, salad dressings, and other savory endeavors.

Some combination ideas:

• Earl Grey tea infused heavy cream for ganache

• Rosemary and roasted garlic infused olive oil for cooking or dressings

• Basil and vanilla infused simple syrup as a fruit marinade

• Ginger infused simple syrup for homemade ginger ale

• Chili infused honey for a glaze (we use “hot honey” on our BBQ pizza)

• Mint infused simple syrup for cocktails

• Lavender infused honey for tea

To make your infusion, gently heat your simple syrup, cream, or oil to 150°F, then pour over desired herb/spice mixture. Let steep for no fewer than eight hours, then use as desired. A common ratio of herb to liquid is 1:16-1:32 depending on desired potency. As a side note, full-fat milks, as opposed to reduced or skim milk, are best for infusions as the fat binds flavor. Coconut milk is a good dairy-free alternative.

Bonus: If you can boil water, you can make simple syrup. Simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar and water. Combine the sugar and water (a good place to start is a ½ cup of each) in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let it cool, then pour into a glass jar or bottle with a tight seal. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a month.

When infusing simple syrup, you can add your herbs and spices once the sugar has dissolved and then reduce to a simmer for about ten minutes. Let the herbs and spices continue to steep while the syrup cools. Don’t forget to strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve before bottling. Since this method has a shorter infusion time, a higher ratio of herbs/spices is recommended to impart optimum flavor. 

Membership Corner

BY SHELLY GOOREVICH | MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

We’re headed into the heart of our season here at Springfield Golf and Country Club, and interest in membership is ramping up! With the help of our Spring Membership Promotion and Member Referral Program, we’ve welcomed many new families to the Club over the last couple of months, and we can’t wait for you to meet them! Do you know someone who would be a good fit for SGCC? You can find answers to frequently asked questions on the “Refer a Member” page of the website. You can also reach me via email at shelly@sgccva.org. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to some of our newest families:

The Hovers have lived in Daventry for almost nine years. West Springfield was the final stop in Matt’s career in the U.S. Army, and he currently works at the Pentagon as a civilian attorney for the Department of Defense. Kate works as a teacher mentor for Fairfax County Public Schools after teaching at Washington Irving Middle School for eight years. Matt and Kate have three children: William, a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University; Anna, a freshman at Michigan State University (where Matt and Kate met 30 years ago); and Sarah, a junior at West Springfield High School. Matt and Kate have participated in the Member-Guest tournament and social activities at SGCC three times and are excited to finally join the Club!

Paul Nguyen-Ba is a Burke resident with Midwestern roots in Joplin, Missouri. He is a sports fanatic and golf enthusiast with grand plans to golf every day. However, these plans are consistently thwarted by the reality of never having won the lottery, necessitating him to work as a patent and ethics attorney in the Office of General Counsel at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. On weekends, Paul’s golf plans are frequently waylaid by the adorable yet disconcertingly mischievous smiles of his two boys, Roen (4) and Kian (1). Thus, Paul’s very awesome wife, Caroline—a neuropsychologist and paragon of generosity— has kindly agreed to support Paul’s dream with a membership to SGCC where he can golf while exercising communal parenting. Thank you all in advance for fulfilling Paul’s dream!

Trey Parrish and Marie Hackney reside in Fairfax, VA. Trey has lived in the area for over 35 years, and attended Virginia Tech. Marie was born and raised in Augusta, GA before graduating from West Virginia University. They met through work and quickly hit it off. Trey and Marie are both avid golfers and look forward to playing many rounds at SGCC.

The Pellegrinis moved to Alexandria from DC five years ago. Ellen is originally from a small, farm town in Northern Illinois and Giancarlo is from outside of New York City. They feel fortunate to get to enjoy the benefits of living in a close-knit suburban area, while being so close to all of the amazing opportunities and unique sites that DC has to offer. Their daughters, Nelle (3) and Máirín (2) love playing outside and swimming. The Pellegrinis are excited to meet their fellow SGCC members.

Craig and Julie Allen enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, sports (especially Capitals hockey), and theatre, but Craig’s true passion is music of many genres. He has attended the Cruise to the Edge for several years and looks forward to continuing this experience in the future. Both Craig and Julie are excited about the opportunity to spend time with club member friends and make new ones.

Craig & Julie Allen

Trey Parrish & Marie Hackney

The Pellegrini Family

The Nguyen-Ba Family

Michael and Maura Locke have lived down Carrleigh Parkway in Cardinal Forest for the past 25 years. They have four children, two sons and two daughters. Their daughters are married, and they have one grandson. Michael works as a senior program manager for the Department of the Navy at the Washington Navy Yard, DC. Maura is a retired teacher who now has her own reading tutoring business. Michael enjoys playing golf on an occasional basis, and he and Maura are looking forward to playing doubles tennis and learning to play pickleball. They enjoy dining out with friends and attending social events. 

Bridge Banter

BY DON FREDERICK

The May flowers are beautiful here at our Club, but plenty of activities are taking place indoors too. Do you play bridge? If yes, come inside and join the SGCC Friday Evening Bridge Group at one of our upcoming events.

We play relaxed, party bridge on the first and third Friday evenings of each month. Many of us gather for dinner first. If you’d like to join us, call Don Frederick at 703.425.9722. Our next scheduled evenings are May 19 and June 2.

Here are the results of recent sessions:

APRIL 7

First: Ellen & Charles Rolen

Second: Jane & Gerry Gawalt

Third: Mary & Bob Harter

APRIL 21

First: Cindy & Don Frederick

Second: Mary & Ed Kringer

Third: Ellen & Charles Rolen

MAY 5

First: Letty & Ken Silverberg

Second (Tie): Ellen & Charles Rolen

Second (Tie): Mary & Bob Harter 

Michael & Maura Locke

Notes from the Cutting Board

BY TRAVIS SIMMONS | EXECUTIVE CHEF

Happy Mother’s Day from the Culinary Staff!

Breakfast in bed…what a great way to start a lazy spring weekend. When preparing breakfast for a loved one in bed, you’ve got to start with fresh squeezed orange juice. Next I like crispy, thick-cut bacon and an English muffin with a nice jam of your choice. Now, for the main course, fluffy scrambled eggs, an omelet, or, my favorite, French toast casserole.

If you went for the scrambled eggs and would like to step it up just a bit, try adding a little fresh ricotta cheese and chives when you whip the eggs. When it comes to omelets you can add just about anything and they will turn out great, but a pro tip is adding half and half to your whipped eggs. This will provide a level of depth to the flavor and your omelet will rise a bit.

The French toast casserole is great because you can make it the night before. There are many recipes out there, but the one I use the most starts with a layer of brown sugar butter in the bottom of the pan. A trick with this one is to let your diced French toast bread dry out before you place it in the batter. Lastly, you should always finish the breakfast tray with some fresh cut flowers for color. Enjoy and have fun cooking this spring.

Have You Tried Our New Menu Yet?

We put out an updated spring menu in April with several new lunch and dinner items.

On the Bar Fare side we’ve added Chilled Blackened Ahi Tuna which is served with crispy wonton salad and wasabi aioli.

The Birdie is now a fixture on the Salad menu. Haven’t tried that yet? It’s a trio of chicken salad, tuna salad, and egg salad served with sliced tomatoes crackers are another wonderful addition for more texture.

If you’re looking for a little heat, don’t miss out on the Hot Honey BBQ pizza. Instead of marinara, we use a chili-infused honey as the base then top it with mozzarella, peppers, onions, basil, and ricotta cheese. The Crispy Buffalo Chicken sandwich is another great choice that pairs perfectly with a nice, cold beer after a round of golf.

The Mixed Grill Trio is a new dinner entree I’m particularly excited about. It’s perfect for those of you who want a little taste of everything. The Mixed Grill Trio comes with herb-

marinated lamb chops, house made seafood sausage, marinated chicken breast, a vegetable medley, brick oven potato wedges, and cilantro aioli.

The are a few more new items beside the ones I’ve mentioned; give them a try and let me know what you think! 