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TABLE OF CONTENTS
letter from the president generally speaking from strokes to glory : inside the seals ’ championship run the art of pastry
2024 junior pga championship racquets at congressional the club foundation get in touch
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
As hard as it is to believe, our summer is ending. And what a summer it has been at the Club! It all started with Memorial Weekend and the Centennial Celebration, which many members said was the best weekend they’ve ever experienced at Congressional.
We followed that with the Summer Soirée and the Presidents’ Cup. The 4th of July was a picture-perfect day, with over 2,000 members and guests joining the celebration. The festivities, capped by an outstanding fireworks display, made it a memorable day for all.
We wrapped up the summer with our Labor Day Weekend celebration, which spanned Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and offered events for all ages. On Monday, I was at the Club and couldn’t believe how many people were at the pools, Stone Bar, and Great Lawn—it was truly an epic weekend enjoyed by everyone. And that does not even include the many other events the Club hosted throughout the summer.
With all that said, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our incredible staff. These events don’t happen by chance—they are the result of great leadership and hard work. On behalf of the membership, thank you for making this summer so special.
Looking ahead, the passage of the maintenance and capital plan will allow the Board to prioritize much-needed Club improvements. The Green and Grounds project is underway, and we are waiting for up-to-date bids and permits. Construction will begin after the Senior PGA Championship in May 2025. Stay tuned for updates on all our upcoming projects. Your support of the plan will allow us to address long-deferred repairs and improvements.
Speaking of exciting future events, we are thrilled to host the Senior PGA Championship in May 2025, over Memorial Weekend. This prestigious event highlights our Club’s esteemed place in the golfing world. As a member, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to purchase discounted tickets until this Sunday, September 15. Please see the most recent issue of the ‘Championship Insider’ for all the details, and we look forward to your participation in this historic event.
As we transition into fall, I encourage you to continue enjoying the beautiful weather and all the Club offers. I look forward to seeing you all soon!
All the best,
GENERALLY SPEAKING
An ‘Interview’ with President Herbert Hoover: Part 2
Article One is a publication dedicated to sharing the untold stories of our Members. You are the fabric of our community. To wrap up our AI interview with the 31st President of the United States, the Club’s first president, and a Member, Herbert Hoover, we use “his” view of history as a window and mirror to our next 100 years.
President Hoover, what were the guiding principles of the day, when the Club started, and are they relevant today?
(“Hoover” speaks with conviction} Well, the early 1920s were indeed a time of remarkable growth and dynamism in the United States. As someone who served as Secretary of Commerce during that period before becoming President in 1929, I had a front row seat to the powerful economic forces that were transforming the nation.
The 1920s had a profound and lasting impact on the rest of the 20th century in the United States and beyond. The 1920s were a time of extraordinary economic vitality and rising prosperity for millions of Americans. It was a decade that transformed the nation in profound ways. The changes that took root during that decade continued to shape American society, culture, and politics for generations to come.
I believe that many of the core principles and values that guided the United States in the 1920s remain just as critical today as they were a century ago. While the specific challenges we face may have changed, the fundamental ideals that define us as a nation endure.
How should we use these principles to shape our actions today and into the future?
{Clears throat and speaks in a measured, authoritative tone} In my view, understanding the 1920s is essential to making sense of the 20th century as a whole. The decade was a crucible in which many of the key economic, social, technological, and political forces that would shape the century first took form. For better and for worse, the 1920s cast a long shadow, and its influence can still be felt in American life today.
Many of the key innovations of the 1920s - automobiles, radios, home appliances, aircraft - continued to transform American life and shape the nation’s economy and society. We saw a flourishing of entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal initiative. People were eager to take advantage of new opportunities and to build a better life for themselves and their families. That spirit of rugged individualism is still alive within our national character.
However, the world has changed dramatically since the 1920s, and we must change with it. Applying these principles and values to the challenges of today requires wisdom, adaptation, and a willingness to learn from the past. But in doing so, we must not lose sight of the timeless ideals that have made the United States a beacon of hope and opportunity for people around the world. If we can remain true to those ideals, while also embracing progress and reform, I know our nation’s best days lie ahead.
As long as humans exist, we will continue to make sense of our lives and our world through the relationships we create and the stories we tell. Our fast-paced, information-saturated world intensifies our need for the meaning, connection, and escape that the Club provides daily.
The history of Congressional is not a single story, but many—and we look forward to helping you write and share yours!
Thank you for reading,
From Strokes Inside the Seals' Championship
Strokes to Glory Championship Run
The 2024 Swim & Dive season for the Congressional Seals was one for the books. Finishing 9-1 and clinching 1st place at the A Divisional Championship, the team’s success was built on hard work, long-term planning, and a rejuvenated team culture. The Seals didn’t just break records—they built lasting friendships and developed crucial skills.
“Our success wasn’t overnight,” shares coach Danny Palm. “We’ve focused on rejuvenating the culture and creating sustainable growth. This season was a big step forward, but there’s still more to do.”
For younger swimmers, mastering all four strokes was key, while older athletes stepped up as leaders, balancing busy summers with their commitment to the team.
The secret to the Seals’ success? Pure energy. “Summer swim should be the most fun part of the year for these kids,” says the coach. Support from parents and the aquatics committee added an extra spark, making every meet and practice a lively event.
The highlight of the season came in the A Divisional Championship when the Seals ended Washington Golf’s 10-year winning streak in their pool, clinching victory by just 3 points. The celebration? A dive into the deep end before their name was even called!
As the Seals reflect on an amazing season, they’re inviting new swimmers and divers to join the fun. It’s a great way to build confidence and friendships while learning important life skills. With off-season swim programs also available, the Seals are ready to continue growing their legacy. Ready to dive in? Join the Congressional Seals Swim & Dive team and be part of something special!
The Art of
of Pastry
Pastry is more than just a dessert—it's an experience, a journey of flavors, textures, and creativity. At Congressional Country Club, the pastry kitchen is a dynamic space where tradition meets innovation, and every creation is a testament to craftsmanship and passion. A talented team of exceptional pastry chefs, led by Chef May Hamoda, brings unforgettable culinary moments to life.
It all comes down to a meticulous approach that blends science and art. Consistency is their mantra, and it starts with precise, standardized recipes that detail every step, measurement, and technique. This attention to detail ensures that each dessert, from a delicate macaron to a decadent chocolate cake, is made to perfection every time.
Ingredients are just as important as technique. The kitchen uses only the finest, freshest ingredients, and it’s no surprise that Valrhona chocolate—a renowned French brand with a commitment to ethical sourcing and exceptional flavor—is the chocolate of choice. Valrhona’s cocoa beans, carefully sourced from select regions around the world, bring unique and complex flavor profiles that elevate each pastry creation.
But beyond recipes and ingredients, the team’s success lies in their continuous pursuit of excellence. Through regular feedback—whether from comment cards or personal conversations with club members—the pastry chefs are always refining their craft.
From the moment the day begins, the pastry kitchen at Congressional Country Club is a hive of activity. The day starts with a quick lineup to go over the production work list, discuss any special events or requests, and celebrate successes from the previous day. Each day is different, and each pastry chef has a unique role to play. Some are focused on baking the Congressional classics, Rum Buns and Almond Cream Pies as well as an array of fresh cookies and assorted breakfast pastries while others work on crafting intricate cakes or banquet desserts.
During quieter moments, the team takes the opportunity to experiment—testing new flavor combinations, perfecting techniques, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. This constant innovation keeps the pastry offerings fresh and exciting, ensuring there’s always something new for members to enjoy.
From Left to Right: Sofia Pena Taguja, Corrina Young, May Hamoda, Cathy Alas, Rin Cordova (& not pictured Brigida Patino).
As the seasons change, so do the menus. The pastry team is eagerly preparing to roll out their new Fall & Winter dessert menu, set to debut at the House Grill, Chophouse, and Pub. The new menu will feature a mix of classic comfort and innovative flavors, designed to surprise and delight the taste buds.
For special celebrations, the team has also developed a new lineup of cake flavors that promises to make every event a little sweeter. Flavors such as Cookies and Cream or a Strawberry Shortcake, Pina Colada or Caramel Macchiato Chocolate.
The team loves to play with flavors, combining ingredients in ways that are unexpected yet harmonious. They bring together the richness of hazelnut, chocolate, cinnamon, and star anise; the brightness of yuzu, basil, and strawberry; the refreshing combination of mint, lemon, and raspberry; and the tropical notes of coconut, pineapple, cardamom, and mango. Each combination is designed to evoke an emotion, a memory, or a new experience.
Above all, the team is motivated by the joy they bring to members. Whether it’s a casual gathering, a grand event, or a special celebration, their goal is to craft desserts that are memorable and meaningful. They love pushing boundaries, experimenting with new techniques, and continuously innovating to keep the experience fresh and engaging.
For members looking to add a touch of sweetness to their next event or simply want to learn more about the pastry offerings, the club’s expert Catering Team are ready to assist. They work closely with the pastry team to bring each member’s vision to life, ensuring that every dessert is a perfect reflection of the occasion.
At Congressional Country Club, the pastry kitchen is more than just a place where desserts are made—it’s where culinary dreams come to life, one exquisite creation at a time.
Zoe Cusack
Jack Kelley
Carson Looney
Baylor Larrabee and Avery McCrery won the
Marshall Carpenter Director of Racquets
Time flies when you are having fun is how the idiom goes and as I look back at my first six months at Congressional, it is certainly appropriate. It is hard to believe that it is already mid-September, and we will be in the throes of our indoor and paddle seasons in just a few short weeks. So far, my time here has been nothing but amazing and the joy and excitement that I feel from seeing the courts fill up is a daily occurrence for me.I love the activity on the courts; in my eyes, this is just the beginning.
Throughout my career, I have prided myself on my passion and enthusiasm for racquet and sharing thejoy they bring. I love sharing that passion and joy with our members because participating in sports is fun and it keeps you feeling young. There have been studies that show that tennis players live an average of 9.7 years longer than people who do not play tennis. This is longer than other sports, such as badminton, soccer, cycling, swimming, and jogging.
As I plan the future of our racquet program, my main goal is to increase our participation in tennis, pickleball, and paddle for both adults and juniors and to make sure that we are having fun and learning along the way. To do this, you will see subtle changes in our programming and structure as we look to offer more classes and round out our social calendar. We have restructured our junior tennis program making it easier to access classes and understand where your child is within the program.
We have a world class facility, and my goal is offering programming and events that keep everyone coming back for more.
I believe that one of the things that makes a program special are the memories that are created. Whether it was the forehand that you crushed during your match, the laughs you shared on the court with friends or the coaching you received from one of our pros, these moments are what make a program fun and keep you coming back. I want our program to feel like an extension of home for our members and whether you play once a year or once a week, we will be here welcoming you with events that you want to be a part of and programming that keeps you active and engaged. These are the staples of what we will continue to bring to the club, all while we emphasize having fun because that is what this is all about.
I am honored to be the Director of Racquets at Congressional and I am humbled to be a part of this historic club. Our membership is truly special, and I have been touched by the support of everyone as I have been getting situated at the club and as my family adjusts to life on the East Coast. Thank you for being a part of our program and if you have not been able to get to the courts yet, I hope that we will see you out there soon!
Racquets at Congressional
A Beacon of Hope in Times of Crisis
Imagine the unimaginable: a house fire that takes away everything you own, or the weight of mounting medical bills despite having health insurance. These scenarios are not just distant possibilities; they are harsh realities faced by many. In these moments of overwhelming loss and uncertainty, The Club Foundation has stepped in to offer support, alleviating the stress and anxiety that often accompanies situations beyond our control.
Established in 2010, The Club Foundation has been driven by a singular mission: to “Be There” in times of need, providing a lifeline to both Congressional staff and the Bethesda community. This commitment to caring is more than just words; it’s a call to action that has inspired countless acts of generosity and kindness.
Over the years, the Foundation has made significant contributions to local organizations like Catholic Charities, Mercy Clinic, and Bethesda Cares—each dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who need it most. Through these efforts, The Club Foundation has woven itself into the fabric of our community, standing as a pillar of support and a beacon of hope.
For the staff of the Congressional Country Club this support has been even more personal. Since inception, The Club Foundation has granted $1,962,811 to help staff members through some of their most challenging times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the club was closed or operating with limited hours, the Foundation distributed $531,000 to staff members struggling to make ends meet.
Thanks to your generosity, the Congressional staff knows that The Club Foundation will always “Be There” for them. These numbers tell a powerful story—not just of financial assistance, but of compassion, empathy, and a deeprooted belief in the strength of community. When the unexpected happens, it’s the human connection, the understanding that someone cares, that makes all the difference. The Club Foundation embodies this spirit, ensuring that no one has to face their hardships alone.
Our board members are also available to answer any questions you might have. Together, we can continue to build a network of support, trust, and hope for those who need it most.
Warm regards,
Scott Doyle, Chairman
Veronica Cole, President
Maxine Harvey, Secretary
Caroline Cheney, Treasurer
Samantha DeNovio, Director
Msgr. John J, Enzler, Director
Kevin R. Giblin, Director
Sean Gormley, Director
Amandeep Lamba, Director
Wayne M. Lee, Director
John P. McLaughlin, Director
Lisa Paro, Director
Derrick Preuss, Director
Jack Railey, Director
Suzanne M. Squier, Director
Anne C. Virostek, Director
Stacy Miller-Arndt Director of Junior Golf jrgolf@ccclub.org
Jason Epstein PGA Director of Athletics jepstein@ccclub.org
Justin Bergo Executive Sous Chef jbergo@ccclub.org
Margarita Gilo Assistant General Manager mgilo@ccclub.org
Noureddine Chirchi Director of Banquets nchirchi@ccclub.org
Betsy Gregory Director of Team Member Engagement betsy@ccclub.org
Sarah Dieringer Graphic Design & Communications Manager sdieringer@ccclub.org
Maxine Harvey Director of Member Services maxine@ccclub.org
Dusan Dimitrijevski Director of Restaurants dusan@ccclub.org
Alexandra Donohoe Director of Membership Events & Front Desk Operations alexandra@ccclub.org
Herb Jenkins Finance & Accounting Manager hjenkins@ccclub.org
Jeffrey Kreafle General Manager jskreafle@ccclub.org
Rachel Krueger Director of Catering rachel@ccclub.org
Aaron Levinson
Head Golf Professional alevinson@ccclub.org
James Lewis
Digital Production Manager jlewis@ccclub.org
Joel Silberstein
Facilities Director jsilberstein@ccclub.org
Theresa Soppelsa Director of Fitness tsoppelsa@ccclub.org
Tracey Stearns Director of Retail tracey@ccclub.org
Matthew Morrison Director of Food & Beverage mmorrison@ccclub.org
Chris Tessone Chief Business Officer ctessone@ccclub.org
Nebiyat Natnael Golf Executive Administrator nebiyat@ccclub.org
Jeff Turok Wine Director jturok@ccclub.org
Danny Palmiotto Director of Aquatics & Bowling dvpalmiotto@ccclub.org
Marshall Carpenter Director of Racquets mcarpenter@ccclub.org
John Scott Rattan Director of Instruction jsrattan@ccclub.org
Pete Wendt Director of Golf Courses & Grounds pwendt@ccclub.org