The Briar Club Member Newsletter
JANUARY - MARCH 2024
FUN AROUND THE CLUB
PAGE 6 CLUB EVENTS
PAGE 14
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF TBC
PAGE 22
HOURS of OPERATION
FRONT DESK Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday - Friday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
RACQUET SPORTS TENNIS COURTS Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
THE BRIAR SHOP Monday - Thursday
8:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday - Saturday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
DINING
LOUNGE BAR Lunch Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Dinner Tuesday - Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
LOUNGE DINING Lunch Tuesday - Friday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Dinner Tuesday - Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
2 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
FAMILY GRILL & TERRACE Lunch Tuesday - Friday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Dinner Tuesday - Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
BREEZES SPORTS BAR Now until March 2 Tuesday-Saturday 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm weather permitting March 2 and on Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
BARRACUDA CAFÉ Opens March 4 Saturday - Sunday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
YOUTH
AQUATICS
HIDEOUT
FAMILY RESORT POOL
Ages 6 & Up Monday Closed Tuesday - Thursday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
KIDS CLUB
Ages 1 - 5 Monday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday - Saturday 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Sunday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
NURSERY
6 weeks - 1 year Sunday-Monday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday - Saturday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Beginning March 2 Saturday - Sunday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm March 11 - 17 Tuesday - Friday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
COMPETITION & ADULT LAP POOL Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday
FITNESS FITNESS CENTER Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
T ABLE OF CONTENTS FROM THE GM FROM THE PRESIDENT FUN AROUND THE CLUB MEMBERSHIP FITNESS RACQUET SPORTS AQUATICS SPECIAL EVENTS CLUB EVENTS YOUTH FROM THE CFO CALENDARS TBC 75 EMPLOYEE NEWS
4 5 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 16 18 19 22 24
3 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
From The
General Manager DANIEL A. MORENO,
GE NE R A L M A NA G E R /CO O
daniel.moreno@thebriarclub.com
W
hat an end to an incredibly busy holiday season. I want to thank our very loyal and dedicated staff for their hard work and the long hours spent at The Club this holiday season. Thank you to all the members that contributed to the holiday fund for our team here at The Club. I know all of them appreciated the extra holiday boost. We, along with other Houston Clubs, continued our tradition of participating in MD Anderson Kids’ Cancer Hospital’s gingerbread house display. 2024 promises to be a great year for The Briar Club. Please help me congratulate Skyler Gentry on his recent promotion to Clubhouse Manager. Skyler started at the Club in 2018 and has steadily worked his way up the ladder. I have no doubt Skyler will continue to maintain our high standards of service within the Club as he takes on his new role. I will be celebrating 8 years of service to The Briar Club at the end of January. What a ride it has been! I have greatly appreciated getting to know everyone here, there is still much to do! CONSTRUCTION The competition pool is on schedule and within budget. We expect to open the pool right at the beginning of March, if we continue to have great weather. This will give us time to dial in equipment, train our staff and have a beautiful new pool for the spring and summer. We completed some small upgrades in the locker rooms along with upgrading our cabling in the fitness center. It was also time to upgrade all our equipment in Breezes, which we did at the end of November. As the campus continues to age, we are working hard to ensure all proper and preventative maintenance programs are in place to provide the amenities you expect from The Briar Club. Jesse Pizano, our Facilities Director, and his staff work very hard on a daily basis to keep everything running and in order. On a normal day, excluding banquets, we have over 700 members coming in and out of The Club grounds. During the summer that number increases to about 1000 a day. GOING FORWARD There are many exciting things happening around The Club. For 2024, you can expect to see more bylaws updates, a possible campus plan preparing for our future, planning for the addition of the parking garage 5th floor and much more. It is important that we utilize every inch of our 5.5-acre property and a master campus plan that looks well into the future will help guide us there. A club that stops developing and planning, becomes tired and complacent quickly. It’s a great time to be a part of this growing Club.
Be st ,
Da n ie l M o ren o
4 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
From The
President MELISSA STRYKER,
20 2 4 PR E S I D E NT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
H
ello and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends, and that 2024 brings you health, happiness, and prosperity.
As we begin another great year at The Briar Club, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My husband, Kevin, and I joined The Briar Club in 2016 after Kevin’s mother and sister became members. Since then, we have made incredible friends, enjoyed innumerable delectable meals and wines, and attended countless of the Club’s varied programming offerings with our friends and family, such as Fall Fest, Candy Crawl, Briar Zoo, Wild Game Dinner, and Lobster Night. Kevin and I are also avid tennis players and have become involved with the Club’s racquet sports community. Through that involvement, I have had the pleasure of participating in many of the Club’s tennis and pickleball programs and Club Championships, and I’ve also had the joy of competing for several HLTA and USTA tennis teams based at the Club. Though the Club as a whole could fairly be considered my “second home,” the tennis courts are where you are most likely to find me. So, if we haven’t met yet, look for me there and please feel welcome to stop by and say hi. Reflecting upon the previous year and the tremendous success that the Club had across all areas and departments, I would like to acknowledge some of the many people who made those achievements possible. First, I would like to thank Kim Wilson and Duy Nguyen for their service on the Board for the last three years. Their dedication, kindness, and good natures not only augmented their hard work for the Club, but also added warmth and positivity to every Board meeting and member interaction. Duy, who graciously served as our President in 2023, will continue his service to the Club as our ExOfficio for 2024, so we will all benefit from his keen insight and intellect for one more year. Second, I would like to thank the other members of the Board who served last year and continue their service into 2024—Sergio Amelio, Lou Black, Scott Dorfman, Marian Hilpert, Meredith Marshall, and Amy Munger—and welcome our newly-elected Board members—Chris Dahan, Katie Padden, and Catherine Rentz. I am honored to serve with each of them and I look forward to working with them this year to continue to make the Club the best it can be for all of its members. Third, I would like to express a note of thanks and remembrance for Belle Petkas, whom we lost last year during her term on the Board. Belle’s zeal and ardor endeared her to her many friends at the Club, and she is sorely missed. Fourth, thank you to the all of the Club’s executive management team, department heads, and staff. Speaking for our entire membership, we greatly appreciate your passion, energy, and commitment to making the Club and Club experiences wonderful, as well as your extensive efforts to ensure that the Club maintains and improves upon its excellent financial position. Last, but certainly not least, thank you—the membership—for the privilege of serving our Club as a Board member and now as President. Our Club is thriving and, with your help, we can make 2024 the best year yet at the Club. So, please reach out to Daniel, the department heads, the Board members, or me if there is anything that we might be able to do to improve the Club experience for you. Cheers!
Be st ,
Me lissa S tr y ker
5 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
F un Around COOKING WITH CHEF
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE
FALL FEST CARS & COFFEE
BRIAR ZOO
6 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
the
Clu
PEARL HARBOR
LUNCH & LEARN
HOCUS POCUS NIGHT
NUTCRACKER MARKET
CANDY CRAWL
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
SATURDAY WITH SANTA 7 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
M embership
L I NDA BE NS ON, DI RE CTO R
membership@thebriarclub.com
OH BABY! Introducing the cutest members of The Briar Club
New year,
new members!
VADA STEWART
Wednesday, October 25
ISLA ELIZABETH TRIPPLEHORN Tuesday, November 21
We love celebrating with you! If you would like your little one featured in the next newsletter, please send their name, birth date, and a photo to communications@thebriarclub.com!
NANNY REMINDER As we get ready to enter the Spring, please review your membership account and let us know any changes to your nanny or caregiver. Nanny forms can be picked up at the front desk, located on our website, or by contacting our Club Receptionist to be sent a form by email. • • • •
All nannies/caregivers are required to be registered. A photo will be taken at the front desk on their first visit. At all times, the nannies/caregivers must carry a cell phone and a valid ID/driver’s license. When visiting The Club nannies/caregivers are to check in at the security gate with your member number.
As always, our goal is safety for our members, guests, and employee partners. If you have any questions about the nanny/caregiver policy, please contact Linda Benson at membership@thebriarclub.com
IN MEMORIAM Please join us in remembering Eyvette Lopez Hetherington. She will be missed dearly.
8 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
Please join us in welcoming our newest members to The Briar Club family! We are so happy you’re here!
September Lauren & Robert Willis Ali Mokaram Tony & Jessica Essalih Rodman Eggen & Elizabeth Ronald Jeff & Kathleen Lyons
October Elizabeth & Ray Cook Henry & Caroline Shine Michael & Bethany McCann Cara & John Hannah Brian & Lauren Zwart
November Margaret & Blake Schwartz Patrick Hildreth & Arienne Willbern Dick Davis Mollie & Andrew Steele Kathryn & Travis Boeker
F itness
RJ PRAT T, DI RE CTO R
rjpratt@thebriarclub.com
A NOTE FROM RJ Although positive changes to our lives can be made any day throughout the year, New Years Day has become synonymous with personal resolution. I would like to encourage all our members and staff here at The Briar Club to embrace the opportunity to create a New Years Resolution for your own health and wellness. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health” and many great philosophers throughout history have been linked to the phrase “health is wealth”. Whether you are already actively participating in wellness related activities or not, there is always an opportunity for us all to improve. If you need help getting started, creating a plan, changing your routine, or just have a question, our Fitness and Wellness Team is here for you! Here’s to a healthy 2024.
CURIOUS ABOUT FITNESS AT THE CLUB?
Ask About Our:
Personal Training, Massage & Physical Therapy - Please contact RJ Pratt at rjpratt@thebriarclub.com Group Fitness Classes - Please contact Cathy Staerker at groupfitness@thebriarclub.com Pilates - Please contact Amanda Bennett at pilates@thebriarclub.com
Save The Dates
January
GROUP FITNESS DEMO DAY
Saturday, January 13 9:00 am - 10:00 am & 10:00 am - 11:00 am Come and experience four unique class formats – DRUM, Spin, Muscle Works, and Barre+Core, each for a 15-minute session! Secure your spot now through The Briar Club app. Don’t miss out on the variety and fun! INSTRUCTORS: Cathy and Heather PRICE: Complimentary LOCATION: Studios B & C
February
FALL IN LOVE WITH PILATES OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, February 3 Time: More details to come!
Embrace your love for Pilates at our open house! Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast ready to bring a friend, this is the perfect opportunity to experience our reformer classes! PRICE: Complimentary LOCATION: Pilates Studio
VALENTINE’S RESTORATIVE YOGA CLASS Monday, February 12 | 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm Immerse yourself in the soothing ambiance of soft candlelight as you unwind through gentle yoga poses, promoting relaxation and inner peace. To enhance the experience, we’ll be treating you to some sweet treats and a glass of wine, creating a perfect balance of tranquility and indulgence. PRICE: $20 per person LOCATION: Check back for more details!
March
GET LUCKY IN GROUP FITNESS
During the month of March, pick up a LUCKY card in the studios, attend the required classes on the card and be entered into our ‘pot of gold’ for a drawing of a free month of Group Fitness and MORE! 9 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
R acquet S ports TBC PRO-AM
Save The Dates
January
WIMBLE-DINK January 6 | 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
105 MIXER February 23 | 6:00 pm
We’re hosting a friendly mixer complete with drinks and appetizers!
Get ready for a day of friendly competition and pickleball fun at the PRICING: $60 LOCATION: Courts 4-7 & Wimble-Dink. Wear your best whites Breezeway and we will see you on the courts!
PRICING: $60 LOCATION: Sports Court & Courts 1-3
PICKLEBALL PRO-AM January 27 | 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Amateurs team up with seasoned pros for a day of skill enhancement, competition, and pickleball. Learn from the best and showcase your skills.
PRICING: More details to come! LOCATION: Courts 1-3 & Sports Court
February
VALENTINE MIXER Febriuary 9 | 6:00 pm Join us for some fun on the courts with a tournament, prizes, your loveliest valentines attire, drinks, and light fare!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LADIES LEAGUE
PICKLEBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS March 1 - 2 | 6:00 pm
It’s time to showcase your skills and compete! Join us for a day filled with pickleball, vying for the title in this highly anticipated event.
PRICING: $60 LOCATION: Courts 1-3 & Sports Court WOODS AND WHITES March 29 | 6:00 pm
Step back in time and swing into nostalgia at our Woods and Whites Men’s Tournament, where we’re bringing back the classic era of tennis with wooden racquets!
PRICING: $60 LOCATION: Courts 4-7 & Breezeway
PRICING: $60 LOCATION: Courts 1-7 & Breezeway
HLTA TEAMS
GREST HITS Open 1
Briar Club HLTA teams are moving up! Congratulations to the following:
10 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
March
BACKHANDED COMPLIMENTS Champ 1 BIRDS WITH FRIES Champ 1
Al be rto Ji m e n e z, DI RE CTO R
tennisdirector@thebriarclub.com
In Case You Missed It HALLOWEEN TENNIS MIXER
Junior Club Championships Results
Main Draw A DAY OF TENNIS WITH LUKE JENSEN
Yellow Ball Winner: CALLEN FETZER Yellow Ball Finalist: ARABELLA MORDY Green Ball Winner: HADLEY NADWORNY
MIXED DOUBLES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Green Ball Finalist: AIDEN VETTICAL Orange Ball Winner: GRETA TORANZO Orange Ball Finalist: JAMES MARSHALL
Consolation Draw JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Orange Ball Winner: HENRY GOODMAN Green Ball Winner: OWEN JEBBITT Yellow Ball Winner: ELLIOT NGUYEN
11 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
A quatics
Jon Di l l e r, DI RE CTO R
poolmanager@thebriarclub.com
Reserve your place for
PRIVATE & GROUP LESSONS! Beginning January 2, you may contact the Aquatics Office to reserve a spot for swim lessons in the spring. Our group lessons will begin March 2 and private lessons are available as soon as the weather permits. Group lessons spots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis, so please contact us as soon as possible to reserve your spot for March.
SPRING
POOL HOURS
BARRACUDA SUMMER SWIM TEAM
The Family Resort Pool will re-open for recreational swimming March 2 11:00 am - 7:00 pm on Saturdays & Sundays
Help The Briar Club keep it’s winning tradition going, and have fun with your friends this summer on Swim Team! Look for additional information and find The Briar Club Barracuda Summer Swim Team schedule in the 2024 Spring / Summer Brochure. Preseason starts April 1st!
SPECIAL SPRING BREAK POOL HOURS
NEW PRIVATE LESSON PRICING- starting January 1
30 minute - $50 | 45 minute - $75 | 60 minute - $100
For the week of Spring Break, March 11 - 17, the Family Resort Pool will be open from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
BECOME A SUMMER SWIM TEAM COACH! Calling all Briar Club Swim Team Alumni! If you would like to help The Briar Club Barracuda’s continue our winning tradition, please attend one of our informational meetings held Tuesday, March 5 @ 7:00pm or Monday, March 25 @ 7:00 pm in The Multipurpose room behind the Aquatics Office.
POLAR BEAR SWIM COMPETITION IS HAPPENING NOW! December 1 - February 29
The Club is hosting our annual Polar Bear Swimming Competition again this winter. This is an endurance race where swimmers will log their total distances swam at The Club each day. Congratulations to last year’s winner Mike Rohan with 242,300m swam.
12 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
S pecial E Vents
PRIVATE EVENTS HIGHLIGHT
Let us help you host the party of your dreams! The Briar Club is your partner in stress-free hosting. If you find yourself in need of creative direction, managing logistics, ensuring the comfort of all attendees, or other assistance, our team is there to help.
Hosting at The Club YOUR EVENT SPACES:
Magnolia Ballroom: accomodates 80 - 350 people Azalea Room: accomodates 60 people Presidents Room: accomodates 40 people The Wine Room: accomodates 18
CATERING:
Our customizable menus cater to all tastes and preferences, ensuring a dining experience that delights every palate. Our team will assist you in ensuring you have the appropriate quantity of food for your party.
PROFESSIONAL EVENT PLANNING:
Our team is here to turn your vision into reality. From coordinating decorations to managing logistics, we ensure a seamless and stress-free event planning process.
CELEBRATING MILESTONES:
Birthdays, anniversaries, corporate milestones – whatever the occasion, let The Briar Club be the backdrop to your celebrations. We understand the importance of these moments and strive to make them extraordinary.
Department Contacts: Jeanette Pizano
Director of Catering & Special Events (713) 622-3667 ext. 2155 | c. (281) 684-8108
cateringdirector@thebriarclub.com
Jeanette has worked in hospitality for over 25 years! She enjoys yoga and pilates and her favorite thing to do to unwind is watch rom coms. Carolina Palacios
Senior Catering & Event Manager (713) 622-3667 ext. 2119 | c. (714) 925-0184
carolina.palacios@thebriarclub.com
With over 19 years of experience,, Carolina has had numerous unique experiences, including working with NFL teams! She enjoys family game nights and loves her dogs (Sophie and Max). Sergio Martinez
Catering & Event Manager (713) 622-3667 ext. 2156
smartinez@thebriarclub.com Sergio has been at TBC for the past 6 years and especially enjoys hosting birthday parties. He loves to read with a good book with a glass of red wine! 13 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
C lub E Vents January
INDOOR PUTT PUTT
Join us for a family friendly putt putt day, withprizes for the best-dressed team, photo opps, snacks, trophies, and more. Sign up in teams of 5 to play!
SNOW DAY
Let is snow! We heard a flurry is in the forecast at The Club. Enjoy a winter wonderland complete with snow slides, snowball fights, hot chocolate and more!
Date: Sunday, January 7 Time: 9:45 am - 12:00 pm
12:15 pm - 2:30 pm 2:45 pm - 5:00 pm Pricing: Adults $40 | Kids $30 Location: Magnolia Ballroom
Date: Sunday, January 21 Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Pricing: $35 per person Location: Briar Lawn
February FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE
Spend your Friday Night with us on The Briar Lawn! Get down to great music, and celebrate Friday with good food and drinks. Get up and dance in the Friday Fun!
APERTURE WINE DINNER
Indulge in succulent dishes and rich wines, each perfectly paired by our food & beverage team, in an elegant setting.
VALENTINE’S SWEETHEART BRUNCH
You and your sweetheart will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a brunch at The Club served with lots of extra love and special dishes.
SUPER BOWL
Watch the Super Bowl with us! We’ll have a big screen out on the lawn and a buffet fit for any tailgate! Enjoy all the in-game action and team cocktails!
14 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
Date: Friday, February 2 Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Pricing: Adults $50 Teens $30 | Kids $20 2 and under $2 Location: Briar Lawn
Date: Friday, February 16 Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Pricing: $250 per person Location: Check back for more details!
Date: Sunday, February 11 Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Pricing: Adults $42
Teens $30 | Kids $20 2 and under $2 Location: Lounge, Grill, & Terrace
Date: Sunday, February 11 Time: 4:30 pm Pricing: Adults $36 Teens $30 | Kids $18 Location: Briar Lawn
Please see The Briar Club website for cancellation policies!
VALENTINE’S DAY
Celebrate Valentine’s day with a special dinner at The Club. Need a place for the kids? Check out our Valentine’s PJ & pancake party!
Date: Wednesday, February 14 Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Pricing: $95 per person
+ $40 optional wine pairings Location: Lounge, Grill, & Terrace
March
Date: Friday, March 2 Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am A new Club favorite, Cars & Coffee Pricing: Complimentary is back! Join us on top of the parking garge for a morning filled with cool cars Location: 4th Floor Parking Garage
CARS & COFFEE
and hot coffee. Have a cool car? Let us know! We would love to show it off.
SPRING WREATH DECORATING
Date: Thursday, March 7 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Pricing: $105 per person Location: Azalea Room
DRIVE IN MOVIE
Date: Friday, March 8 Time: Movie 1: 6:30 pm |
Come together for an adult only girl’s day filled with light fare, desserts, drinks, and a wreath lesson for the Spring! It’s a good old fashioned drive in movie complete with unlimited popcorn, unlimited sodas, and a movie meal!
Movie 2: 8:30 pm Pricing: $35 per person Location: 4th Floor Parking Garage
Date: Saturday, March 16 Time: Check back for more details! Come with us to the Rodeo! We’ll get Pricing: Check back for more details! on a bus (complete with snacks and drinks) at The Club then travel together Location: Rodeo Houston
OFFSITE RODEO DAY
straight to the Houston Rodeo!
BUNNY BASH
Date: Saturday, March 23 Time: 8:00 am - 9:30 am
The easter bunny is coming! Grab the kids and and join in one of our favorite club traditions. Expect egg hunts, bubbles, kids games, easter snacks, photos with the easter bunny, and tons of fun. This is a members-only event.
10:00 am - 11:30 am 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Pricing: Adults $45 | Kids $35 Location: Briar Lawn
EASTER BRUNCH
Date: Saturday, March 31 Times: 10:30 am | 11:00 am | 11:30 am
Gather with friends & family at an elegant Easter Brunch. Enjoy a formal buffet with all your brunch favorites, plus photo opportunities, specialty coffees, and morning cocktails.
12:30 pm | 1:00 pm | 1:30 pm Pricing: Adults $58| Teens $50 Kids $31 | 2 & under: $13 Location: Briar Lawn
15 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
u Y outh
KID’S CLUB - HIDEOUT - NURSERY
Ma k a y l a F lo r u s , DIR ECT O R mflorus@thebriarclub.com fri
JAN 5
mon JAN 15 fri JAN 19 fri JAN 26
fri FEB 9
SOLVE THE MYSTERY
Calling all detectives for an evening filled with intrigue at our Mystery Night! Everyone will be in on the action as you are assigned roles to unlock clues, secrets, and hidden surprises.
January
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Ages: recomended 13 & up (must be at least 10) Pricing: $50 per person Location: Magnlia Ballroom
BRIAR FUN DAY- MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
Time: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Ages: 5 & Up Pricing: $85 per child
POSES WITH YOUR PUPPY
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Ages: 14 & Up Pricing: $35 per person Location: Briar Lawn
ROASTY TOASTY NIGHT
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Ages: 2 & Up Pricing: $30 per person Location: Briar Lawn
Kids can enjoy their day off school with us at the Briar Club! Drop off your child off on the 3rd floor garage.
Get ready for a paw-sitively delightful day! Bring your dogs to the club to stretch, relax, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of yoga.
Gather around the fire for s’mores, dinner, and a movie! We’ll watch together under the stars. Parents, this is not a drop off event- standard Club rules apply.
FAMILY DATE NIGHT: CHINESE NEW YEAR
Immerse yourself in the Lunar New Year filled with Chinese cuisine, performances and themed activities.
16 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
February
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Ages: 4 & Up Pricing: $40 per person Location: Magnolia Ballroom
F eb ru ary wed FEB 14 mon FEB 19 fri FEB 23
fri MAR 1
KID’S NIGHT OUT- VALENTINE’S PJ & PANCAKE PARTY
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Ages: 4 & Up Pricing: $30 per child Location: Azalea Room
BRIAR FUN DAY- PRESIDENT’S DAY
Time: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Ages: 5 & Up Pricing: $85 per child
MOTHER AND SON DATE NIGHT
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Ages: 3 & Up Pricing: $35 per person Location: Sports Court
Drop off the kids for a PJ party with breakfast for dinner! Kids will LOVE our Valentines dinner, and you will LOVE getting to enjoy yours as well!
Kids can enjoy their day off school with us at The Briar Club! Drop off your child on the 3rd floor garage. Let’s boot scoot boogie! Moms, get ready for a rodeo night with your sons. Come enjoy dinner and fun as we make some memories.
March
TEEN BINGO NIGHT Inviting all toddlers to join us for St. Patrick’s Day crafts and fun! Your “lil’ leprechauns” will love fun at The Club!
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00 pm Ages: 11 & up Pricing: $30 per child Location: Briar Lawn
MAR 11-15
BRIAR FUN DAYS- SPRING BREAK
Kids can enjoy their break from school with us at The Briar Club! Drop off your child on the 3rd floor garage.
Time: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Ages: 5 & Up Pricing: $85 per child per day
sat MAR 16
LIL’ LEPRECHAUN PLAYDATE Inviting all toddlers to join us for St. Patrick’s Day crafts and fun! Your “lil’ leprechauns” will love fun at The Club!
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am Ages: 2 - 4 Pricing: Kids: $20 | Adults: $5 Location: Briar Lawn
sun MAR 24
MOTHER & DAUGHTER TEA PARTY Come enjoy high tea in a fairytale wonderland! It’s an enchanted delight and costumes are welcomed!
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Ages: 3 & Up Pricing: Adults $40 | Kids $35 Location: Magnolia Ballroom
mon-fri
17 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
Have a
Question? Ask The
Team!
Your Accounting Team Contacts:
KARI FOSTER, CCM CFO
kari.foster@thebriarclub.com
URSULA CORNISH Controller
controller@ thebriarclub.com
PHAEDRA HARRIS Member Billing
billing@thebriarclub.com *Please get in contact with Phaedra for all your billing inquiries!
MICHELLE BUI
Accounts Payable
payables@thebriarclub.com
Thank you!
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE CFO! Ka ri m . Fo st e r CCM , C FO
kari.foster@thebriarclub.com
The one constant is change. To embrace change is to grow. As we move into 2024, we know that change will be inevitable. How we respond to change is paramount to growth. Change keeps ideas fresh, stimulates creative processes, and challenges us to strive to be better and more efficient. Change reminds us that if we fail to innovate and meet the changing needs of membership, growth will not happen. With a waitlist of approximately 62 people, we are in a growth mode and growth mindset!! We had a very busy and productive Fiscal Year 2023. It seems that 2024 arrived sooner than we thought!! We are thankful that every day provides an opportunity to approach things in a different way and, in 2024, we plan to do just that. We are going to investigate responsible ways to move to paperless member statements. Paperless member statements will provide substantial savings in printing and postage expenses and reduce the amount of labor involved in the production. We hope to implement paperless statements in the summer of 2024. But rest assured, we will have an alternative for those who may not feel comfortable going 100% to paperless statements. In 2024, we hope to see a record of member banquets. As a private club, we are limited to the number of Nonmember banquets due to our 501(c7) status. We have a huge opportunity to accommodate your next birthday, bridal shower, wedding reception, anniversary, reunion party, etc. Please remember the Catering department can transform any room into a spectacular event. We want members to benefit from our banquet space and create a new memory for years to come. The main driver of a private club’s success is member participation, so thank you for participating in our events and consider us every time you want to have lunch, dinner, business meeting, or a special event. Cheers to 2024!!
Be st , Kari
18 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Club closed all day
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6:00 - 9:00 pm Magnolia Ballroon
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
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WIMBLE-DINK
12:00 - 3:00 pm Sports Court
13 9:00 - 11:00 am Studios B & C
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
SUNDAY BRUNCH
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GROUP FITNESS DEMO DAY
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
9:45 am - 5:00 pm Magnolia Ballroom
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11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
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SUNDAY BRUNCH
BRIAR FUN DAYMARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
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SUNDAY BRUNCH
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6:00 - 8:00 pm Briar Lawn
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RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
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POSES WITH YOUR PUPPY
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
8:30 am - 2:00 pm Drop Off on 3rd Floor Garage
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ROASTY TOASTY NIGHT
PICKLEBALL PRO-AM
7:00 - 9:00 pm Briar Lawn
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
12:00 - 3:00 pm Sports Court
SNOW DAY
11:00 am - 4:30 pm Briar Lawn
28 SUNDAY BRUNCH
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
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Club Dining Youth Aquatics Fitness Racquet Sports
19 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
February 2024
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11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
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TIME TBD Pilates Studio
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FAMILY DATE NIGHT - CHINESE NEW YEAR
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
2 5:00 - 8:00 pm Briar Lawn
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
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FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
SUNDAY BRUNCH
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6:00 - 8:00 pm Magnolia Ballroom
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
TENNIS VALENTINE MIXER
6:00 Tennis Courts
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11:00 am - 2:00 pm Lounge, Grille, & Terrace
SUPERBOWL WATCH PARTY
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VALENTINE’S DAY
VALENTINE’S RESTORATIVE YOGA
6:30 - 7:30 pm LOCATION TBD
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KID’S NIGHT OUTVALENTINE’S PJ & PANCAKE PARTY
5:00 - 8:00 pm Azalea Room
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SUNDAY BRUNCH
BRIAR FUN DAYPRESIDENT’S DAY
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105 MIXER
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
6:00 pm Tennis Courts
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
8:30 am - 2:00 pm Drop Off on 3rd Floor Garage
23 MOTHER AND SON RODEO DATE NIGHT
6:00 - 8:00 pm Sports Court
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APERTURE WINE DINNER
5:00 - 9:00 pm Dining
4:30 pm Briar Lawn, Terrace, & Veranda
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
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SUNDAY BRUNCH 11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
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Club Dining Youth Aquatics Fitness Racquet Sports
20 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
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SUNDAY BRUNCH 11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
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PICKLEBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
7:00 - 9:00 pm Briar Lawn
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
PICKLEBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
6:00 pm Sports Court
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SUNDAY BRUNCH 11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
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SPRING WREATH DECORATING
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
6:00 - 8:00 pm Azalea Room
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CARS & COFFEE
9:00 - 11:00 am 4th Floor Parking Garage
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DRIVE-IN MOVIE
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16 OFFSITE RODEO DAY
TIME TBD Houston Rodeo
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
8:30 am - 2:00 pm Drop Off on 3rd Floor Garage
11:00 am Sports Court
6:30 - 8:30 pm 4th Floor Parking Garage
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
BRIAR FUN DAYSSPRING BREAK
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LIL’ LEPRECHAUN PLAYDATE
10:00 - 11:00 am Briar Lawn
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SUNDAY BRUNCH
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BUNNY BASH
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
8:00 am - 2:30 pm Briar Lawn
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
LIL’ LEPRECHAUN PLAYDATE
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10:00 - 11:00 am Briar Lawn
24 SUNDAY BRUNCH 11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEA PARTY
1:00 - 3:00 pm Magnolia Ballroom
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WOODS AND WHITES
6:00 pm Tennis Courts
31 EASTER BRUNCH
10:30 am - 1:30 pm Dining
21 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
Get ready for an amazing year as The Briar Club celebrates its monumental 75th anniversary! We’re thrilled to share some exciting dates for the festivities ahead:
TBC 75 KICK OFF! 1/27/2024 We’re throwing a TBC 75 Kick-Off Party and you’re invited! Celebrate with us on the Briar Lawn as we kick off the start to a great year with fun for the whole family.
PIANO NIGHT 2/24/2024 As part of our anniversary extravaganza,we invite you to an adult only Dueling Piano Night. It’s an evening of music, libations, and celebration. We’re beyond excited for a huge year here at TBC. Stay tuned for more details as we commemorate 75 years of excellence at The Club!
22 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
Celebrating
75 years of
T he B riar C lub 23 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
Honoring
Belle Petkas BELLE PETKAS Member since 2000 Over the past 22 years, Belle’s dedication to The Club was evident in both her time on the Board of Directors and numerous committees. From the start of her membership, she involved herself with aquatics, social activities, and different specialty committees including The Briar Club’s 60th Anniversary. However, what most stuck out to all that knew her, was her love for The Briar Club’s employees.
24 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
Belle’s dedication to our employees was unmistakable, evident in her unwavering passion and steadfast support of the Employee Scholarship Fund. From the inception of the Employee Scholarship Committee, Belle played an integral role, contributing her time and insights to empower our staff through educational opportunities. Her commitment to fostering a sense of community within The Club extended beyond a place for fun, considering this Club as her second home. In recognition of Belle’s contributions and as a gesture of appreciation, we have honored her memory by christening the employee café as “Belle’s Corner Cafe.” This space stands as a lasting tribute to her legacy, ensuring her spirit continues to resonate within the heart of The Club.
B elle’s C orner
Employee News Employee Awards
Q UARTERLY L EADERSHIP A WARD URSULA CORNISH
Controller
“Ursula is confident in her work and a leader to others. She consistantly sets the bar for excellence!”
EMPLOYEES
of the MONTH August 2023
HECTOR FLORES
Banquet Server
“Hector always has a smile on his face. He is always working, always reliable, and always positive.”
September 2023
BLAS RAMIREZ
Bartender
“Blas is engaging and a pleasure to be around. He takes time with you to make you feel special and important.”
October 2023
OSCAR PEREZ
Lead Maintenance
“Oscar is a hard worker and always gets the job done right. He is a team player and wonderful to work with!”
ANNUAL MEMBER’S MEETING 2023 At our Annual Members’ Meeting in November, we had the opportunity to recognize a few of our employees for all the hard work and excellence they have shown in their time at The Club. Thank you to all of our passionate employees! They truly go above and beyond. Congratulations to everyone below! Member & Peer-Voted Awards: Nikki Wilson - Most Member Focused Mashona Washington - Ray of Sunshine Armando Villanueva - Helping Hand & Best Team Player Jon Diller - Mountain Mover Service Awards: Mark Price - F&B 5 years Sylvia Torres - Locker Room 5 years Priscilla Wenneman - Youth 5 years Daniel Cassidy - F&B 5 years Joshua Jenkins - Maintenance 5 years Skyler Gentry - Administrative 5 years Virreina Herrera - Housekeeping 5 years Ganga Gurung - Security 5 years Miguel Rodriguez - Banquet 5years Azucena Pineda - Kitchen 10 years Oscar Lazcano - Fitness 15 years Jon Diller - Aquatics 15 years
LET’S HEAR IT FROM YOU! We’re always looking to recognize our star employees! Is there a staff member who has really made an impact on your Club experience? If you notice an exceptional staff member, drop us a note in the Compliments & Comments section of our mobile app and we’ll help spread the word!
25 / JANUARY - MARCH 2024
THE BRIA R C LUB
2 6 03 T I M M O N S L A N E H O U S T O N , T X 7 702 7 THEBRIARCLUB.COM ( 7 1 3) 622-3667
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF CONTACTS
Melissa Stryker
Daniel A. Moreno
RJ Pratt
President
General Manager, COO
Director of Fitness
Duy Nguyen Ex-Officio
Kari M. Foster, CCM
MaKayla Florus
Chief Financial Officer
Director of Youth
Amy Munger
Vice President, Physical Properties
Sergio Amelio Treasurer, Finance
Scott Dorfman Secretary, Fitness
daniel.moreno@thebriarclub.com
kari.foster@thebriarclub.com
rjpratt@thebriarclub.com
mflorus@thebriarclub.com
Linda Benson
Alberto Jimenez
Director of Membership
Director of Racquet Sports
membership@thebriarclub.com
tennisdirector@thebriarclub.com
Michael Powell, CEC
Jon Diller
Lou Black
Executive Chef
House / Legal
chef@thebriarclub.com
Director of Aquatics
Chris Dahan
Skyler Gentry
Brooke Beatty
Clubhouse Manager
Director of Marketing &
Racquet Sports
Marian Hilpert Youth
Meredith Marshall
Entertainment / Food & Beverage
Katie Padden Aquatics
Catherine Rentz Membership
skyler.gentry@thebriarclub.com
Jeanette Pizano
poolmanager@thebriarclub.com
Communications communications@thebriarclub.com
Director of Catering &
Phaedra Harris
Special Events
Member Billing
cateringdirector@thebriarclub.com
billing@thebriarclub.com