& Country
2025 Board of Directors
John Astorino
President john.astorino@longandfoster.com
Bob Sampson Vice President bsampson71@gmail.com
Tom Stribling Secretary tjstribling@gmail.com
Dan McCarthy Treasurer danm5691@gmail.com
David DeLorenzo david.delorenzo@gmail.com
Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com
David Kelly davidnkelly@verizon.net
Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com
Harrison Smith hharrisonsmith@gmail.com
2025 Committees
Audit
Dave Nachison dnachison@yahoo.com
Communications
Katie Kissal katiekissal@gmail.com
Facilities & Maintenance
Peter Vogt gmte1e6@verizon.net
Finance
Dan McCarthy danm5691@gmail.com
Fitness
Gayle Burgoyne gayleburgoyne@aol.com
Food & Beverage
John Palladino jape199@aol.com
Golf
Matt Lougheed matthew.lougheed@gmail.com
Golf Rules
Bruce Nordstrom bnorthstream@yahoo.com
Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com
Greens Tom Stribling tjstribling@gmail.com
Dan Derisio dderisio@yahoo.com
House John Palladino jape199@aol.com
Membership Johnny Garstka johnnygarstka2024@gmail.com
Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com
Personnel
Bob Sampson bsampson71@gmail.com
Racquets
Harrison Smith hharrisonsmith@gmail.com
Social
Natalee Siveroni nataleesiveroni@gmail.com
Marie Denslow a93aggie@gmail.com
Strategic Planning
David DeLorenzo david.delorenzo@gmail.com
Swim/Pool
Mike Goede goedes@me.com
General Manager's Message
BY STEVE LAWSON, CCM | GENERAL MANAGER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
At the end of October, we held our Annual Meeting of the Membership. This is a yearly chance to gather the Board, Membership, and Staff and share the Club’s successes as well as goals and happenings for the coming year. Thank you to all those who attended the meeting. It was an incredibly special evening, and watching and witnessing everyone coming together, celebrating and growing with one another, and expressing gratitude was quite meaningful. I was moved by the mutual reciprocity and collective pride, passion, and promise for our Club and its future.
While so much has happened this past year, we are only just beginning. A redesigned website will be launching next month, we are rolling out a new reservation system for fitness and massage appointments, and we are writing the budget for next year. Turkeys are being ordered for Thanksgiving, we are getting ready to decorate for Christmas, and snow plans are being made. Everything we do is with the Membership in mind as we continue to build a vision for the future that puts the Member experience first. So many wonderful things are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share them with you. The Springfield we are building is truly a special and extraordinary place!
The results of the 2025 Board Election were also announced at the Annual Meeting. Each year we hold an election to fill three upcoming vacancies on the Board of Directors. Those elected begin a three-year term in January. I’d like to congratulate Joe English and Charles Rolen on their reelection as well as newly elected Board Member Brandon Streicher. Thank you to all those who ran for the Board. Governing and stewarding our Club is important work, so thank you for your commitment to making Springfield the best it can be.
The current Board Members, Committee Chairs, and Committees worked very hard this year. Volunteering is a core value of SGCC, and the efforts and contributions of all these individuals are greatly appreciated. According to the Club’s governance structure, our committee compositions are based on one-year appointments and terms, beginning in January and concluding in December. This year, a Committee Volunteer Form will be distributed to the Membership, allowing us to gauge the interest and participation of those looking to serve on one of our committees. The form will be included in an upcoming weekly Club News email and will provide a brief description of each committee. Our committees drive work around the Club, so thank you for your consideration in giving your time and talents.
As the holiday season is upon us, I’d like to take this opportunity to request your participation in Springfield’s Employee Holiday Fund. The $95 charge can be found on your October statement, and your support and generosity are sincerely appreciated. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your gratitude for the Staff, who deeply value your kindness and care. All contributions are distributed in mid-December. If you would like to contribute additional support, please contact Melissa Harkins at melissa@sgccva.org.
On behalf of Springfield Golf & Country Club, I’d like to wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season. I hope you take in everything this time of year has to bring and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the season: the twinkling lights, the freshly baked pies and cookies, the laughter of loved ones. Savor the time with family and friends, give thanks for the blessings bestowed, and relish in the memories made and moments shared.
Beyond the Label: Picking the Perfect Gift Wine
BY RYAN JACOBS | ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE
The holidays are a season of celebration, connection, and thoughtful giving. Few gifts capture that spirit better than a beautiful bottle of wine. But with store shelves lined from floor to ceiling, choosing the right bottle can feel daunting. The good news? Your local wine shop is filled with people who love helping you find the right bottle of wine, not necessarily the most expensive one. Whether you’re buying for a seasoned collector or someone who simply enjoys a great glass, a little knowledge can make all the difference when picking out a bottle to gift.
First, consider why you’re gifting the wine. Think about the occasion and your relationship with the recipient. For a party host, go with crowd-pleasers like Pinot Noir or sparkling wine. These are versatile, approachable options that pair easily with food and conversation. For Pinot Noir, look to Oregon, where winemakers craft elegant, food-friendly wines that deliver exceptional quality for the price. When picking a sparkling wine, a bright Prosecco from Italy, a crisp Cava from Spain, or a classic Champagne from France are all festive and friendly choices.
When buying a bottle for a close friend or family member, I opt for a wine with a great story. I try to find a connection with somewhere they’ve visited or a vintage from a year I know is meaningful to them. You can also look into the winemaker’s unique history. One of my favorite stories is that of Madame Clicquot Ponsardin, who was widowed (“Veuve” in French) at 27 and went on to build one of the first woman-owned Champagne houses. She’s credited with creating the first vintage Champagne, launching the Veuve Clicquot legacy in 1810.
For professional gifts, you can’t go wrong with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Champagne. Napa conveys worldclass quality, and Champagne brings timeless prestige. Both signal thoughtfulness and sophistication. Perfect for clients, colleagues, or your boss.
Second, don’t assume price equals quality. There are excellent wines in the $20–$40 range, often made by renowned winemakers under “second labels.” Look for key terms like Estate Grown (meaning all grapes come from the producer’s own vineyards) or Cuvée (a blend of grapes or vintages crafted for consistency and balance). When you step up to $50 and beyond, you’re entering the world of craftsmanship and terroir. These wines set themselves apart based on quality, prestige, and geography, and come from renowned vineyards and winemakers from classic regions around the world. Look for “Single Vineyard” wines made entirely from one distinct site or “Grand Cru” which marks the highest classification in French wine, reserved for the most elite vineyards. These bottles often make memorable gifts for life’s most special relationships.
Finally, never underestimate the power of a personal touch. Add a handwritten note sharing why you chose the bottle — it’s a small gesture that can turn any gift into something truly meaningful.
Golf Season Wrap-Up
BY ALESSANDRA MAURTUA, PGA | DIRECTOR OF GOLF
As the 2025 golf season comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank all our Members, guests, and staff for another outstanding year at the Club. From the opening day in early spring to our final events this fall, the enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and camaraderie on the course made this season truly memorable.
This year, we hosted more than 40 tournaments and league events, including record participation in both our Men’s and Ladies’ Club Championships. Congratulations to our defending champions, Simone Beltz and Eric Walker, for successfully defending their titles!
Our Couples Golf season was a huge success, with all 13 events filled to capacity. Congratulations to our Couples Champions, Matt and Allison Webber, and our Couples Shootout Champions, Eric and Teuta Holbrook. We wrapped up the season with a fantastic Couples Trip to Wintergreen Resort, where 28 Members joined us for a fun weekend of golf and celebration.
The WGA 9- and 18- hole leagues also had outstanding seasons. Congratulations to WGA 9 Champion Trish Duong, WGA Senior Champion Kyong Chang, and WGA Champion Simone Beltz for their great play throughout the year.
We also hosted two successful Member/Guest tournaments and a lively Member/Member weekend. Congratulations to our 2025 champions:
• Member/Member Champions: David DeLorenzo and Chris Huemmer
• 3-Day Member/Guest Champions: John Halfhill and Dave Moody
• Fall Member/Guest Champions: Jonathan DiSciullo and Pat Einerson
• President’s Cup Champion: Trey Parrish
• Senior Club Champion: Pat Holland
• Springfield Cup Champions: Lee and Chad Morgan
Our Members proudly represented the Club in interclub and regional competitions. Both the Senior A and Senior B teams brought home their respective cups, while the Retirees Team advanced to the finals of their League Championship. We’re also proud of all the Members who represented the Club in local and national events.
The Golf Shop continued to expand its offerings with new brands, enhanced personalization, and improved service. Our player development programs also flourished, with strong participation in our men’s and ladies’ clinics.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue enhancing the golf experience for our Members—from programs and events to facilities and services.
Thank you again for your continued support and participation. We’re proud of everything we accomplished together this season and look forward to another great year ahead! Together, we’ll continue to grow, achieve, and elevate the experience for everyone in our community.
2025 Senior B League Champions
SGCC Retirees Head to
Matt & Alison Webber, Couples Champions
Eric & Tea Holbrook, Couples Shootout Champions
Simone Beltz, 2025 WGA Champion
Kyong Chang, 2025 WGA Senior Champion
Trish Duong, 2025 WGA-9 Champion
2025 Men's Club Champion, Eric Walker
2025 Women's Club Champion, Simone Beltz
2025 Member/Member Champions, Chris Huemmer and David DeLorenzo
2025 3-Day Member/Guest Champions, John Halfhill and Dave Moody
2025 Fall Member/Guest Champions, Jonathan DiSciullo and Pat Einerson
2025 President's Cup Champion, Trey Parrish
2025 Senior Club Champion, Pat Holland
2025 Springfield Cup Winners, Lee Morgan and Chad Morgan
Embrace the Winter Arc
BY JACKIE O'SHEA | FITNESS COORDINATOR
As the air turns crisp and the final months of the year settle in, we are presented with an often-overlooked opportunity: the chance to recommit to ourselves. This is not the season to hit pause or wait for January 1st to “start fresh.” Instead, it is the perfect time to lock in with intention and purpose, to take stock of where we are and where we want to go.
The Winter Arc is a journey through the months leading up to the new year centered around the powerful mindset of refreshing, building, and rejoicing in yourself. It is not about drastic change or overnight transformation. It is about consistent, intentional effort. When starting your journey, open yourself to embracing the process, both the highs and the lows, and deciding that your future self is worth showing up for now.
The Winter Arc begins with refreshing your routine. This first
month is all about changing your mindset and “locking in.” It is your opportunity to let go of burnout, autopilot habits, and the feeling of just “getting through” the year. Instead, you are choosing to show up differently, with intention, energy, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Consider what habits can support you in becoming the best version of yourself. Whether that means trying new workouts, setting better boundaries, drinking more water, getting better sleep, or simply taking time to breathe and reflect, this arc is yours to shape. This is the perfect moment to shake things up and challenge yourself to finish the year strong. This is your season to evolve. It is not about perfection. It is about honoring your growth.
Once your routine begins to take shape, you move into the building phase. This is where consistency matters most. You
have done the work to refresh your habits and mindset, now is the time to reinforce them. When the new routine loses its “newness,” motivation starts to fade, and the days begin to feel repetitive, lean in. Instead of giving up, commit to showing up. Not perfectly, but fully. This phase is about meeting yourself where you are, with compassion and honesty, and deciding to grow from there.
Build a lifestyle that supports the version of you who is ready to step into 2026 with confidence. The human body thrives on structure, and your mind thrives on challenge. Each time you follow through, especially when it is hard, you prove to yourself that you are someone who keeps showing up.
Building is not always glamorous. It is often quiet, repetitive, and uncelebrated. But these small daily acts are what lasting change is made of. When you care enough about your growth to challenge yourself, even on the days you would rather not, you shift your identity. You are no longer just reacting to life, you are designing it. Even your hardest days are a privilege. Your worst day might be someone’s best. Build a mentality of gratitude, and it becomes easier to stay motivated. This is not just about progress; it’s about planting the kind of resilience that carries you well into the new year.
The final phase of the Winter Arc invites you to rejoice in yourself. Rejoicing is about celebrating you from start to finish. The “best version” of you was never waiting for a new year or a far-off milestone. That version has always been inside you. You have done the work—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Now, the work is to celebrate yourself with just as much intention. Rejoice in the process that shaped you. Movement, growth, and healing are privileges, not promises.
Take this time to prioritize self-care. This can look like a quiet walk, a long bath, or journaling your growth. It can also look like trying something new that allows you to reconnect with yourself, like meditation, a sound bath, Reiki, or a massage. Speak kindly to yourself. Feel proud of how you have shown up for yourself and celebrate who you are at any stage.
The Winter Arc is not just about finishing the year strong. It is about entering the next one grounded, aligned, and proud of how far you have come. Health is wealth, tomorrow is never guaranteed, and your journey is a gift. Meet yourself where you are, without judgment. Bettering yourself is an act of self-love, and this season is your invitation to embrace that fully.
West Springfield Rotary in Action at SGCC : Kristi's Christmas, December 6
For many years the West Springfield Rotary Club (Rotary) has held its weekly meetings and one of its premier events at Springfield Golf & Country Club. This has allowed Rotary to provide a wide range of community services to the Springfield area including “Kristi’s Christmas,” a once-a-year special event for elementary school kids who cannot afford essentials such as winter coats, let alone toys or other gifts to help celebrate the holidays.
This year’s event on December 6th will start with a morning breakfast at SGCC with West Springfield High School volunteer “buddies,” followed by a trip to the shopping mall for clothes and essentials, and then back to the Club for a holiday celebration complete with Santa and a bunch of fun and useful gifts for the kids.
Rotary sponsors this event but is accepting donations if you would like to help with this very worthwhile event. Contributions and donations can be sent to:
Rotary Club Foundation of West Springfield P.O. Box 2097 Springfield, VA 22152
Coach's Corner: Bee Grateful
BY BRANDEN BEETS | DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS
When I was in sixth grade, I walked a mile and a half to school every day with my two best friends. We spent that time talking about nonsense, laughing, and occasionally engaging in acorn battles. It was late November, and acorns were everywhere. What else would three 12-year-old boys do?
One particularly cold morning, I ran through a bush to dodge a flying acorn and went straight into a beehive. Within seconds, I was covered in bees. I tried running and brushing them off, but nothing worked. I was panicking and in pain when an older man walking his dog came over and started brushing the bees from my jacket. They turned their attention to him, and he ran off down the street. I ended up with about 15 stings, but it could have been much worse. I never saw that man again to thank him, yet his kindness has always stayed with me.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect—to be thankful for teammates, coaches, and even the challenges that help us grow.
The 2025 Interclub tennis season has just wrapped up. While matches were won and lost, what stood out most was the
connection and support within our SGCC teams. Teammates cheered each other on, players adjusted their schedules to attend practices and matches, and there was a genuine spirit of teamwork across all levels. Those small moments—staying late to watch a match, stepping in as a substitute, or partnering with someone new—are what make our club community so special.
We also have plenty to celebrate. Our Men’s Evening, Women’s Evening, and Junior Teams all captured Interclub League titles this year. A highlight for me was hosting both the Men’s and Women’s Evening Semifinals on October 16th. The energy was incredible. Members gathered courtside, teammates cheered passionately, and our Pro Staff was there in full support. It was a true reflection of the positive, connected culture we continue to build within SGCC Racquets.
So, as Thanksgiving nears, remember to bee grateful— for growth, for teammates who lift us up, and for those unexpected acts of kindness that remind us how connected we all are.
Turf Talk
BY SHAWN GILL | GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
I thought things would be slowing down a bit this time of year, but I guess I was mistaken! Over the last couple weeks, we’ve spread 1,200 pounds of fertilizer and sliced in 50 acres of rough seed. Jose Barahona and a few of his crew constructed a small nursery, behind hole #13 tee, of putting green type turf to provide a ready supply of grass plugs that we can use to repair spots where foxes decided to practice their digging technique. It may look like one, but it is not a new tee for the 13th hole so please resist the temptation to go back there and use it as such.
We deep tine aerated all the greens to aid in winter drainage and allow water to enter the subsoil, freeze, and expand, causing soil fracturing and creating needed pore space for roots. We’ll be starting a bunker renovation project on hole #1 immediately following the “Closing Breakfast/@$$ Backwards” Tournament. We’ve taken advantage of the low pond water levels to clean up the spillway apron and apply some sealer and mortar to cracks in order to reduce the flow of water underneath the concrete slab. All this is on top of regular daily maintenance that now includes copious amounts leaf clean-up, and yes, hand watering of tees and greens because of the dry weather we’ve had. Crazy, I know. Suffice to say, it has been anything but slow, but worth every minute when you take a look around and see what good playing conditions you’ve got and realize that the efforts will pay dividends in spades over the coming months and years.
So what have we got planned for the next several weeks, you ask? Dick Purple will begin to mow down and prepare areas in the fairways to become our winter temporary greens if excessively cold weather creates the need for play to stay off of the regular greens. The last few mowings of the tees, fairways, and rough will take place, readying the course to be “buried” in compost come December. Sadly, we must dig up the annual flowers, which are still looking quite nice, to make way for the tulip bulbs that will be planted in many of the beds around the clubhouse. We still have aeration and seeding of rough areas to complete (mostly around greens and the club grounds). Wildflower areas will be mowed down to release seeds for next year’s growing season, and the irrigation pump station will undergo its annual winterization process to ensure it will be protected and ready to go next spring.
Now is also when we make preparations for winter weather work and potential hazards. Trees must be inspected and marked for pruning and removal to maintain a safe environment and improve turf conditions. Multi-purpose equipment needs to be modified for clearing snow, brush cutting, and tree work. Sprayers have to be winterized, heaters in the out buildings need to be cleaned and tested prior to regular operation. It’s a long checklist, but very important to the operation. I added another task to the list following last winter’s mishap with Jack sliding into the freezing water on hole #11. Turn off the air bubblers! There is no need to circulate the oxygen in the water once it cools off, and allowing the entire surface to freeze will keep the geese out which will in turn keep Jack from pursuing his enemy into a possible death trap. I gotta tell you, when I first took over dog duties after Lentz retired, I was not a big fan, but I’ve come to love those two, especially Jack because he just lives to run and serve and please and I’m so glad I was there to help him in his time of need!
The coming cold months are tough, no doubt, when most of the work to be done is outside. However, it affords us time to gather as a team on some of the more frigid mornings and have in-depth discussions about what we can do to continue improving course conditions, fine-tune operational efficiencies, and solve problems that have plagued us (i.e., improving the condition of the rough around the greens perimeter where mower traffic continues to cause turf decline). The crew has a tremendous amount of experience and thoughts about best practices. Tapping into that resource is critical to our success and continues to show them that they are valued for their intelligence and innovation as much as their sheer hard work! It is actually quite rewarding to be proven wrong from time to time by our employees. It shows that they are thinking about better ways to do things and keeps me humble. The frozen mornings also give us an opportunity to provide training and education so that staff can continue to grow within the organization and beyond.
Okay, back to work! The spectacular forecast looks as though it will continue for at least another couple of weeks. I’m seeing nighttime lows in the upper 30’s and lower 40’s with daytime highs consistently in the mid 60’s. Great golfing weather and a chance for us to have the course perfect for you to enjoy!
CLUBHOUSE
Learn More About Our November Events...
21 THANKSGIVING TO GO ORDER DEADLINE
Feeds 6–8 People. Traditional Thanksgiving Meal Ready to Heat and Serve. Pick Up on Wednesday, November 26 Between 5:00 and 8:00 PM. Use the Online Order Form on the Website Under the DINING Drop-Down Menu.
7
COMEDY NIGHT & DINNER 6:30 PM
We've Leveled Up Your Comedy Night Experience with a Delicious Plated Dinner. 6:30 PM Dinner Service, 8:00 PM Comedy Show. Registration Required, $60++. Bar Available by Chit.
7 KIDS NIGHT OUT 6:30–9:30 PM
For Children Ages 6–13. Play Fun Tennis and Pickleball Games Led by SGCC Pro Staff. Wind Down with a Movie in the Members Room. Includes Popcorn and Juice Boxes. Registration Required, $35.
9 LIFE SAVING SKILLS CRASH COURSE 4:00 PM
Learn Essential CPR Techniques and How to Confidently Use an AED, Skills that Could Help Save a Life! Registration Required.
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE TALK 11:30 AM
15
Discover How Stem Cell Therapy can Help Relieve Chronic Joint and Arthritis Pain, Reduce Inflammation, and Promote Healing in this Fascinating Talk with Dr. Shirine Hegazi. Registration Required.
15 LASERS & LATTES 1:30 PM
Dive into the World of Aesthetics and Discover which Treatments Truly Work to Enhance Your Skin Health and Boost Your Confidence. Learn how the Latest Laser and Skincare Technologies can Help you Look and Feel Your Best! Registration Required.
15 PACIFIC NORTHWEST WINE DINNER 6:30 PM
Spend an Evening in the Pacific Northwest with Five Wines from Seven Hills Vineyards Perfectly Paired with Each Course. Registration Required, $135++.
21–22 MEN'S & WOMEN'S TENNIS DOUBLES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Two Divisions: Championship and Social. Register with Your Partner. PLAYERS PARTY on Friday Night.
27 TURKEY TROT 7:30 AM
Sign Up for Our Fun, Family-Friendly Turkey Trot on the Golf Course! With Two Distances to Choose From, Coffee, and Doughnuts, this is the Perfect Way to Kick Off Your Holiday! Registration Required, $25
27 THANKSGIVING DINNER IN THE GRILL 12:00–3:00 PM
Reservations by Table. 1 ½ Hour Time Limit. Email jennifer@ sgccva.org to Make Your Reservation.
28 RUN YOUR TURKEY OFF LIVE BALL
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A Holiday Spin on Our Popular Clinic! Get Back on Your Feet and Run Off Your Thanksgiving Feast with this High-Energy Clinic Featuring Non-Stop Gameplay and Drills Designed to Boost Your Heart Rate and Improve Endurance. Registration Required, $40.
30 GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING PARTY 2:00–4:00 PM
This Popular Holiday Tradition Returns! Register Online and Let Us Know (1) How Many People are Coming and (2) How Many Gingerbread Houses You Need. Charge is Per House ($40++). We Will Provide Icing and Candies for Decorating Plus Complimentary Sweets and Treats. Registration Required.
December 2025
Learn More About Our December Events...
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE 5:00–8:00 PM
Our Way of Saying Thank You for Being Part of Our Community! A Complimentary Holiday Party for Members, Their Spouses, and Their Dependents (No Guests, Please). Jackets Required. Regular Menu Service Not Available.
A Mixed Doubles Pickleball Event with Fun Twists! Registration Required.
BRUNCH WITH SANTA 9:30 AM–2:00 PM
Enjoy Brunch, a Festive Atmosphere, and a Visit with Santa! We’ll have a Professional Photographer on Site, so Just Bring Your Smiles and Holiday Cheer! There are Time Slots for Visits and Photos with Santa; You May Eat Before or After Your Turn. Jackets and Registration Required. $35++ for Ages 5 and Up. Children 4 and Under are Complimentary.
Please Note, Brunch with Santa Takes Place in the Ballroom, Parlor, and Main Dining Room. The Regular Menu is Available in the Bar/Lounge for Those Not Attending the Event.
Experience the Transformative and Healing Power of Sound and Reiki. Includes Guided Meditation, Sound Bath, Group Reiki, and Brief Individual Reiki. Registration Required.
EARLY BIRD NEW YEAR’S EVE PRIX FIXE DINNER
4:00–7:00 PM
A Special Menu for the Early Birds! Choose One Starter, One Entree, and Dessert from a Select and Curated Menu. Reservations Required. Regular Menu Not Available.
6:00–9:00 PM
Ring in the New Year with an Apple Juice Toast! Includes Adult and Junior Buffets, a DJ, Games, and Tons of Fun! Registration Required.
Membership Corner
BY SHELLY GOOREVICH MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Please join me in welcoming some of our newest Member families:
Bob and Kim Harrison have lived in West Springfield since 1997. Both are military “brats,” so they have resided all over the world and the United States. Their time in West Springfield is the longest of any place they have ever lived. Kim and Bob have four adult children and seven grandchildren. Colonel Rob Harrison and Major Thomas Harrison are currently serving in the active Army. Will Harrison is currently the assistant manager at Twin Lakes Golf Course. Kait Harrison Wahl and her husband Bobby reside in NC where Bobby is the CEO of 8ctane Baseball. All their student athlete children graduated from West Springfield High School. Bob retired from the Army in 2004 as a Colonel and then continued to work as a defense contractor and director with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Bob is officially retired as of 30 September 2025 and looks forward to golf and gym time. Kim loves to play tennis and the gym. Bob and Kim have two yellow labs, Bailey and Cooper.
Charlie and Andrea Sauer met in Leawood, KS while attending elementary school, but only started dating later in life when they both ended up on the East Coast. They have three daughters: Anna (14), Madi (12), and Charlotte (10). In 2010, Charlie founded an economic think tank that focuses on public policy education. The Sauers are very excited to start enjoying everything that Springfield has to offer.
Tyler and Kate Suprise live in Burke with their two children, Charlotte (11) and Luke (8), and their sweet pup, Cleo. Kate is originally from New Jersey, and Tyler was born and raised in Wisconsin. Kate attended JMU and Tyler was in the U.S. Marine Corps. They enjoy concerts, wineries, and travel, and Charlotte and Luke play softball and baseball. The Suprise family is looking forward to being active members of SGCC!
Charlie, Andrea, Anna, Madi, and Charlotte Sauer
Bob and Kim Harrison and family
Tyler, Kate, Charlotte, and Luke Suprise
Bridge Banter
BY DON FREDERICK
I’m sure you’ll agree that we have so much to be thankful for, including the wonderful facilities at our Club. Looking for a new way to enjoy its warm and welcoming atmosphere? Do you play bridge? If yes, come join the SGCC Friday Evening Bridge Group at one of our upcoming sessions.
Here are the results of our recent sessions:
OCTOBER 3
First: Cindy and Don Frederick
Second: Robin Alapas and Kit Weyers
Third: Betsy and Roy Carter
OCTOBER 17
First: Robin Alapas and Kit Weyers
Second: Mary and Ed Kringer
Third: Cindy and Don Frederick
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 November 7 and November 21.
Folk Music Folks
BY MERYL WEINER
Calling all folk music enthusiasts! If you’re interested in starting a new group at SGCC that brings people together who enjoy playing instruments and singing folk music, please contact Meryl Weiner at merylweiner1@gmail.com. This group would meet monthly either on Tuesday or Sunday evenings. Let’s make meaningful and beautiful music together, and let’s have fun doing it!
Notes from the Cutting Board
BY TRAVIS SIMMONS | EXECUTIVE CHEF
With the holidays just around the corner, pumpkin spice definitely takes the lead when it comes to seasonal flavors. It seems like every coffee shop and restaurant has at least one item with this description on the menu. Pumpkin spice, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg are popular for good reason; nothing says November more than a fresh pumpkin pie coming out of the oven! The aroma of nutmeg and allspice will have family and friends running to the kitchen from all over the house.
Remember, a little goes a long way, so take it easy when it comes to these spices. They are great additions to a recipe but should not overpower what you are seasoning. We normally use these spices for items like butternut squash, pumpkins, apples, and pears, but I encourage you to try adding them to items like chicken, fish, or pork when roasting them; you’ll achieve a rich holiday flavor in a nonconventional way. As always, play around with the flavors and make it your own!
An often-overlooked holiday ingredient is spaghetti squash. Over the past few holidays, I have worked on featuring this ingredient on all of our menus. This year I'm working on a family-style presentation that I would like to share with you: French Onion Baked Spaghetti Squash. It’s great for sharing, but I’ll be honest, you may not want to because it is that good!
Ingredients:
1 Spaghetti Squash
2 Onions
Chopped Garlic
White Wine
White Sugar
Dried Thyme or Oregano (you may use fresh if you like)
Beef Broth or Soy Sauce
Sliced Swiss or Sliced Gruyere Cheese
Recipe:
1. Cut your squash in half lengthwise, leave the seeds— we will take care of those a little later.
2. Lightly season both sides of the squash with your favorite seasonal spice, salt, pepper, and some extra virgin olive oil.
3. Roast at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
4. While your squash is roasting, you can work on the filling. Cut two onions in half and slice into thin strips.
5. In a medium-heated pan, add your onions, garlic, and dried thyme or oregano. As your onions start to cook, you can add a little white wine to keep them from burning. I also like to add a little white sugar to help with caramelization.
6. At this point your onions should be a nice rich brown color. The last step for your onions will be to add some beef broth or soy sauce. I like to use soy when cooking vegetarian, just don't let it reduce too much because it can overpower the onions.
7. Remove the squash from the oven and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool to the touch you can scrape the seeds out and discard.
8. Fill the squash with the caramelized onions. Pro tip: I like to mix some chopped Swiss or Gruyere cheese into the caramelized onions for added flavor.
9. Put the squash back in the oven for another 30 minutes or until squash is soft.
10. Once completely baked, remove from oven and add slices of Swiss or Gruyere, enough to cover the squash. Place back in the oven for a few more minutes or until the cheese is brown and bubbly.
11. Place on a platter, serve, and enjoy!!
12. You can also garnish this dish with fresh herbs and cranberries for added festive flair.
Retirees' Corner
BY RUSTY ROESCH
The Springfield Retirees defied the odds and made a spectacular showing in the NVRMGA playoffs only to lose the championship to Fort Belvoir by 1 point. First, we earned a spot in the playoffs after finishing the regular season in eighth place overall. Then we decisively won both our quarter and semifinal matches by playing solid, consistent golf in split matches both at home and away. Both Army Navy teams— once occupying first and second places—fell by the wayside, leaving Springfield to face Fort Belvoir in the finals.
We had delivered a decisive win over Fort Belvoir Country Club 24 ½ to 11 ½ in our most recent match against them on September 11th. In the finals on October 23rd, we went from seeming to lose at home to tying it up 9 to 9. Late in the Fort Belvoir portion of the match, we were suddenly tied 8 to 8 with 2 points in the hands of one team with three holes to play. It all came down to the last putt on the last hole. Fort Belvoir
clinched the win 9 ½ to 8 ½ on their course. This has certainly been a season for the record books.
Prior to the playoffs, we last met Army Navy Country Club on our home turf on September 18th. It was tough day for the Springfield Retirees, losing to Army Navy Arlington by a score of 24 to 12. Only the team of Steve Barker and Bruce Sheaffer managed to win 3 points. Charles Rolen and Lee Morgan won 2 ½ points. Low gross scores were shot by both Steve Barker and Bruce Sheaffer, each shooting an 82. Bruce Sheaffer also was low net with a 69 followed closely by Jim Wilson (70) and Steve Barker (71). Bruce Sheaffer/Steve Barker also won second place in the sweeps while Jim Wilson and Steve Soules won third in the sweeps.
To wrap up the regular season, we met Regency Country Club at home on October 2nd. The Springfield Retirees bounced
back dramatically after the previous week’s defeat to win by a score of 29 ½ to 6 ½. Nine of our eleven two-man teams won their matches with eight of twelve teams playing gathering all 3 points. Low gross of 77 went to the team of Jim Yates and Jim Wilson. Jim Wilson was also the low net scorer with a 67. Other notable low nets included Albie Lau, Jim Yates, and Mark Morganfield all with net 69s; Rob Jacobs and Travis Farris with net 70s; and Chuck Carlton with a net 72. Springfield also took all four sweeps places: George Cave/Mark Morganfield won first place with a net 63; Rob Jacobs/FD Rosenberger took second place, also with a net 63; Jim Wilson/Bruce Sheaffer took third with a net 65; and Jim Yates/Ron Devine took fourth place, also with a net 65.
A beautiful fall day coupled with some equally beautiful golf resulted in the Springfield Retirees beating the number one seed, Army Navy Fairfax, on October 9th by a combined score of 22 to 14 to win the semifinals. Springfield dominated at home, winning by a score of 14 ½ to 3 ½, and our team playing away at Army Navy was barely defeated by a score of 10 ½ to 7 ½, thus securing our victory. At home, the teams of Jim Yates/ John Benda and Jim Wilson/Hank Webb each won 3 points, while Brad Westermann/George Cave and Don Bisenius/Bruce Sheaffer won 2 ½ points each. Every team at home tied or beat their opponent. In the away match, the teams of Steve Barker/
Mark Morganfield and Jordan Weinstein/George Alapas won 3 points each. Shooting low gross at home was Hank Webb with a 76 and low net with a 65. Brad Westerman had a net 69 and Jim Wilson shot net 71. Low gross away was Steve Barlett with an 81 followed by Steve Barker with an 82. Jordan Weinstein had low net with a 70. Steve Barker had a net 71 and George Alapas had a net 72.
On October 16th, our win over Army Navy Arlington Country Club started with a chilly morning and finished with a surprise win on glass-like greens. The celebration began with a win by Springfield 15 to 3 on our home turf followed by a huge win 9 ½ to 8 ½ on their course, an unheard-of feat in the playoffs. Highlights from the Army Navy Arlington course included 3-point winners Derrick Smith/Jim Workman and Scott Kidd/ FD Rosenberger. Notable gross scores were delivered by Mike Saylor (74) and Derrick Smith (78). Springfield’s low scores on the Army Navy Arlington course were numerous: Mike Saylor (69), Mark Morganfield (69), Scott Kidd (70), Jim Workman (72), Derrick Smith (73), and Ron Devine (73). Highlights from our part of the match at home included 3-point winners: Jim Yates/Mark Waters, Steve Barker/Bruce Sheaffer, Jack Mayer/George Alapas; 2- and 1 ½ point winners Harry Kline/ Lee Morgan and Jesus Medrano/Albie Lau. Notable net scores were turned in by George Alapas (69), Steve Barker (70), and
Don Bisenius (71).
After reaching the finals held on October 23rd, we lost to Fort Belvoir 18 ½ to 17 ½. At home Harry Kline/Jim Wilson and Mark Waters/ George Alapas each earned 3 points while Jim Yates/Don Bisenius delivered 2 ½ points. At Fort Belvoir, Mike Saylor/Brad Westermann and Lee Morgan/Jesus Madrano each earned 3 points while Mark Crook/Hank Webb earned 2 points. The low gross scores at Springfield went to Harry Kline (83) and the low net went to Mark Waters with a 70.
At Belvoir Mike Saylor shot a gross 73, while Mike Saylor and Jesus Madrano shared low net with a 70. Fort Belvoir carried the day by winning by a single point.
To support highly competitive home and away matches, our Retiree Team needs fresh players every year. Note that it is never too late to join the Retirees (just be 50+ and dream about retirement). For more information on joining, please contact Bruce Nordstrom at bnorthstream@yahoo.com or call 202.494.6558.
Couples Golf Season Wrap-Up
BY SCOTT & DONNA FLOOD
What a great year at SGCC for Couples Golf! Over a series of Thursday and Friday evenings, along with two Sunday afternoons, we saw over 100 participants take part in at least one event, for a total of over 450 rounds. We had an array of different formats every week, from a traditional scramble to “3 Clubs & a Putter” and everything in between.
Matt and Alison Webber led the way with five wins, including the annual Couples Championship, where they narrowly edged out Scott and Donna Flood by one stroke. Eric and Tea Holbrook earned their way into the end-of-year shootout, where they engaged in a marathon battle with Matt and Heather Lougheed that ended with a lipped-out chip on the 11th hole of the competition.
In September, 14 couples travelled to the Wintergreen Resort, where they first tackled the Devil’s Knob course on top of the mountain. This course was affectionately referred to as a
“bowling alley with trees,” and the golf ball industry saw a spike in sales. Down in the valley, Stoney Creek was a little tamer for the next two days, even though Saturday was a slog through the rain. The group had an excellent dinner Saturday night and a great time throughout the weekend. John and Kathleen Tindal won the three-event mini tournament over the weekend with some great golf.
A big, big thanks to Ale, Casey, Cam, and Max for all the help in setting up these events, taking care of the tee times and the scoring, and making all the travel arrangements for the great trip. They are the ones who made this great season possible.
We are looking forward to another fun season in 2026. If you’re even just thinking about joining us for one event, contact the Pro Shop to get your names on the email distribution list. We’ll see you on the course!
WGA-9 Season Highlights
WGA9 Champion
Trish Duong
Golfers of the Month
Ashley Davis (April)
Monika Ruppert (May)
Lena Pitrelli (June)
Pam Inners (July & August)
Carol Staitman (September)
Alison Webber (October)
Outings
Spring: "Splash of Color" hosted by Amy Rosenberger
Summer: "Let's get Groovy, Baby" hosted by Laura Clapsaddle and Shawn Internicola
Buddy Day: "Birds of a Feather (Make Birdies and Par-Tee Together)" hosted by Natalie Mulligan and Sarah Akins
Chairman's Cup: "Wide World of Webber Sports" hosted by Erin Jones and Marcia Bisenius
"Toast to the Champion" hosted by Marie Rose and Karen Kelly
Fall: "Happy Fall Y'all" hosted by Gayle Burgoyne and Liz McDowell
Closing WGA 9/18 "Pumpkins, Putts and Par-Tee" hosted by Alison Webber and Chau Tran
