www.merioncricket.com
Special Edition
Vol. CXLIV No. 5 May 2020
CRICKET CHRONICLE The Merion Cricket Club
#KeepTheRallyGoing What began as a light-hearted squash reference from one of Scott Devoy’s Instagram posts, became a mantra for Merion during our quarantine days. As we stepped into this unpredictable, everchanging yet temporary lifestyle, one thing quickly became apparent: Merion staff and members were committed to “keeping the rally going” with each other through mutual support. Learning new skills and creating innovative ways to provide exceptional service to our membership became the norm for our Merion staff.
Due to the economic situation created by coronavirus, difficult decisions were made as Merion’s part-time staff was furloughed and the full-time staff salaries were reduced by 40 percent to manage expenses. A stream of concerned members sent messages asking what could be done to support our staff during these days, and with that, our membership “kept the rally going” by continuing to donate to the Covid-19 Employee Fund. Our membership has offered encouragement to our Board of Government as it wrestles with difficult questions relating to Merion’s Although the Club restaurants closed on finances and future operations. This March 14 for an unknown period of time, unwavering interest and devotion to our Merion members were quickly able to great Club are sincerely appreciated, and avail themselves to Chef Danny and his are a testament to Merion’s underlying talented culinary team’s delicious daily curbside takeout menu. When the availability strength. of items at the grocery stores became We will continue to #keeptherallygoing scarce, the MCC Marketplace became a and modify our programming as we move welcome opportunity to purchase fresh from quarantine to reopening season. Be produce, proteins, dairy—and the very sure to stay connected through Instagram, necessary—toilet paper and paper towels. our private Facebook group, emails, the Our membership continued to offer words website and our virtual Zoom classes and of great appreciation to the staff for offering programs. Look inside to see some of the these important amenities. programming you may have missed and events you’ll want to join.
Dining & Entertainment
TAKEOUT TO A NEW LEVEL
Mother’s Day Sunday, May 10
Make this day special and enjoy some Merion classics together at home by ordering from the Mother’s Day takeout menu. Interested in preparing your own delicious meal for mom? Select quality items from MCC Marketplace to create a wonderful brunch while mom relaxes with a Zoom Yoga Flow and (Mom)osas class at 10 a.m. Surprise mom with beautiful hanging baskets from MCC Marketplace.
Family Bingo Fridays, 5 p.m.
Join Kelsey Hudson, the Kids’ Clubhouse supervisor, for some virtual fun with Family Bingo. View the calendar on the Merion website and click the link to register for the Zoom class. Remember to create your own bingo card. Member Feedback:
Meet the Winemaker and Tasting Thursday, May 14, 6 p.m.
Join us for this very special event as Merion welcomes Adrian Jewell Manspeaker, owner and winemaker of Joseph Jewell Vineyards in Sonoma County. During this virtual interaction, members will have the chance to hear his story and share in these prized wines with a guided tasting. Members will have the opportunity not only to enjoy Adrian’s vast knowledge, but also purchase the wines prior to tasting. From their delicious rosé to the incredible “Gem Series” pinot noirs, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Please check the website for more information regarding the event and the wines that will be featured. We look forward to “seeing” you there!
Click Here to Register
Bingo night was so much fun! And it was great to see Kelsey, Whitney and Mike. Our family really misses Merion and the staff. We have done the Zoom fitness, the live chats with the pros and the challenges. We are getting ingredients to send to Mike for a cocktail and also a mocktail! Thank you for continuing to keep the membership involved! You guys are the best and we are lucky to have you! Can’t wait to get together in person! Stay healthy!
Quarantine Cocktail Program Liven up your spirits at home with cocktail recipes from Merion! The Cricket Bar is now offering a custom cocktail recipe service. Send Clubhouse Manager Mike Collins a list or picture of whatever you have stocked in your home bar, pantry, and/or fridge at mcollins@merioncricket.com, and we will create the perfect drink recipe for you. Learn tips on how to prepare, mix, and garnish like a pro from professional barman, J.D. Strambaugh. Send us what you have, and we’ll send you what you need.
Cricket Chronicle
Special Thanks
Thank you Merion Grounds and Maintenance Departments Throughout these quarantine days and even amidst our two-week closure, our Grounds and Maintenance departments have been working tirelessly to ensure the Club facilities and grounds are ready for the reopening of the Club. Director of Maintenance Bernie Smondrowski’s steadfast dedication to Merion was very apparent as he was often here seven days a week to ensure the safety of the Club, especially during the closure. While he managed aspects of the construction process, he and his team also worked on renovation and maintenance projects throughout the Club. One of the exciting projects the team worked on in tandem with the construction company, W. S. Cumby, was the Kids’ Clubhouse, an exciting new facility which is a muchawaited amenity for parents. The poolside shade pavilions were installed and other
Matt Nuskey installing vapor barrier on pool pavilions.
projects were completed which are often difficult to address during regular hours, including repainting the Courtside Café, and refinishing the Furness Bar and the main stairwell railing, among many others. The Grounds team, led by Director of Grounds Chris Freeman, tackled its typical season-opening procedures as well as some project work during these quiet days at Merion. The clay tennis courts are ready for play as the grounds crew worked aggressively to apply topdressing material, roll the courts and lay down the lines. The courts will be in fantastic shape heading into the season after having additional court down time to roll and prepare the facilities. Chris is working with the athletic staff to determine the proper amenities to maintain member and employee safety as restrictions are lifted and play becomes possible again.
Bernie Smondrowski cutting wood for one of many special projects
The Grounds team was busy with projects including the installation of a USGAspecified drain line on the Great Lawn, a new landscape irrigation line that extends into the new campus, and a highvolume pool fill tap that is connected to the irrigation pump. The team had fun creating “The Groundsmen,” a wellreceived and informative mini-series, which was posted on Instagram and is available on the Merion at Home section of the website. The team continues to offer new services including the Merion Garden Shoppe Curbside Pickup, which offers flowers, herbs and vegetables for planting as well as fertilizers and other garden supplies to keep everyone’s lawn and gardens looking beautiful. Be sure to share your appreciation when you see our Grounds and Maintenance teams when the Club reopens.
Dillon Murphy painting in the Fitness Center.
Kris Markowski installing a vase filler for the Flower Room
Pickleball
Squash
PLAY AT HOME
Training With the season cut short and US Squash announcing that there will be no sanctioned events until August (at the earliest), there’s a great chance to get ahead with off-season training.
Fitness & Footwork
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4 p.m.
We have seen many pickleball courts popping up in many members’ driveways. Join the buzz and set up your own court at home or follow some of the upcoming events to get involved in Merion pickleball!
Virtual Fitness & Footwork
Keep working on your skills with footwork/agility and fitness sessions focused on how to improve your squash conditioning and movement. On Monday and Wednesday, get technical tips you can try from home!
Live with the Pro Fridays, 4 p.m.
Wednesdays, 1 p.m.
Take advantage of some pickleball tips and footwork by Jonathan Moyer and D. You can do it standing in your kitchen or living room. No equipment is needed. View the website calendar for the Zoom link to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Each week on Instagram Live, get together with one of the squash pros to discuss squash topics from pro squash, Club events, coaching and more.
Live Singles Match Watch your email for information about the showcase match of the month. Merion tennis pros will battle for the bragging rights of truly who is the best Merion professional pickleballer during the Covid-19 quarantine! Prize will be nothing, shots are not guaranteed to make you think we are amazing, yet to make fun of the other coaches and watch them run and get beat by the ultimate champion, and who will it be? Jonathan, Marvin, Greg Eger, or Greg Barkley?
Working on reactions with both sides of the racquet, with Dane Sharp
Purchase Racquets Through the Pro Shop For your convenience, the Pro Shop has racquets and balls available for purchase! Call the Pro Shop at 610-642-5800 ext. 240 to order.
Practicing timing and rhythm, with Scott Devoy
Return of serve and move in, with Greg Barkley
Third shot: Make sure you dink it, with Marvin Jolliffe
Using racquet control to improve accuracy, with Fabio Cechin
Vol. CXLIV No. 5 May 2020
Fitness Online Classes Join us for daily fitness classes through Zoom.
Hard Body
Monday–Friday, noon–1 p.m.
Intro to Yoga
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 10–11 a.m.
Flow Yoga
Work your core, with Jen Luistro
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Member Feedback: I live outside of Chicago and have been a member of Merion for over 40 years. I grew up in Bryn Mawr. Please let “D” and Christine know that I have really enjoyed their classes! The classes have made me get out of my office! I have really enjoyed them! D’s noon workouts are so helpful for keeping us exercising at home. He brings his usual infectious enthusiasm to the workouts.
Enjoy a HIIT class, with Antonio Brown
Mother’s Day Yoga and (Mom)osas Sunday, May 10, 10 a.m.
Join Christine this Mother’s Day for a 60-minute yoga flow and guided meditation via Zoom. Christine will take you through slow flows set to relaxing music and finish with an introduction to mindfulness meditation. This is an all-levels-friendly practice that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Follow class with Merion’s homemade mimosa recipe and lunch from the takeout menu. Registration required.
Tennis
Open stance ground stroke workout, with David Blumeris
“Serving aces against this pandemic,” with Jonathan Moyer
“Ending points at the net,” a discussion of aggressive style serve and volley, with Greg Eger
Membership Updates This is your Club. The Committee on Admissions needs your feedback, positive or otherwise, on the candidates in the admissions process. All communication and correspondence will be held in the strictest of confidence. The Committee appreciates your communication via letter or email with comments about any of the following candidates. Email messages may be sent to admissions@merioncricket.com. All Committee on Admissions members are available for a confidential phone call. Contact Kimberly Brady, Director of Member Relations, at extension 202 or email her at kbrady@merioncricket.com.
The Committee on Admissions elected the following candidates in April: Mr. & Mrs. Adam Murray (Diane Hood) Proposer: Lisa Stokes Mr. Peter Rogers Proposer: Chris Ehlinger
Election of spouse or domestic partner: Mr. Andrew Pickens Member: Caitlyn Pickens (Frank)
Continued consideration will be given to the following candidates: Drs. Rick & Jackie Kaiser (Jackie Stern) Proposer: James Vander
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Mack (Cynthia Hutton) Proposer: Frank Rowe
This is brilliant! You are being very creative and all the members should be delighted in addition to having created a new profit center and keeping people employed. Congratulations!
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Elefson (Martine Moschkowitz) Proposer: Mary & Frank Tatnall Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Murphy (Kathryn Turner) Proposer: Susan McEvoy
Dr. Stefanie Porges Member: Gerald Lawrencee
Final consideration will be given to the following candidates: Dr. & Mrs. Robert W. Weisberg (Nancy Glassman) Proposer: McKinley McAdoo Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Matuch (Jessica Reardon) Proposer: Bill Doyle Mr. & Mrs. Michael Piasecki (Debra Bryan) Proposer: Ximena Ahl
Committee on Admissions Lauren B. Royer, Chair Frederick M. Campbell, II Robert F. Grieb Robert Hastings Linda Hauptfuhrer
Member Feedback The outpouring of support and appreciation from our membership has been overwhelming …
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Whitford (Margaret Lehr) Proposer: John Fry
Mrs. Frances Engelbert Elected: September 15, 1964 Died: April 3, 2020
Chrissy Keffer – Chair communications@merioncricket.com Diane Classen Louise Havens Susanna Saunders
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Palumbos (Melanie McMenamin) Proposer: Patrick Campbell
Mr. David Kremin Member: Karen Korfmann
In Memory
Cricket Chronicle Editorial Committee
Lauren E. Patterson Abigail Peterson James G. Staples Peter A. Thompson
Director of Member Relations, Kimberly Brady, kbrady@merioncricket.com
Affinity Clubs Book Club American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins & Where We Came From by Oscar Cásares Thursday, May 21, 6:30 p.m. Each month, the Book Club meets for friendly discussion surrounding a designated book. This month, join us on Zoom. This is the perfect opportunity to stay connected with your Merion friends. Register on the website and you will receive a link to join the discussion.
................................................................ The MCC Marketplace has been a real life-saver (literally) for seniors. Thank you. ................................................................ Wow, what a really nice service! Nice job!! We’ll definitely make use of this. ................................................................ I just wanted to let you know how much we all appreciate your efforts. The food is great and it’s wonderful to come and visit Merion. ................................................................ The club has done a great job, especially the past few weeks, with the programming. I personally have mostly experienced the fitness classes (D and yoga) but I see all the offerings and it’s really a terrific adjustment to help our members. The Marketplace, takeout, movies, clubs, and fitness are all great offerings. Way to go!
What are you doing at home? We would love to see what our members are doing at home! Send us pictures or videos by emailing ckirk@merioncricket.com and you might be featured on our Instagram story or in next month’s Chronicle. Please join us on Facebook and Instagram.
The Merion Cricket Club • 325 Montgomery Avenue, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041-1899 • 610-642-5800 • info@merioncricket.com
