ON THE BAY
April 2024
G E T I N T O U C H
Laddie hunter, interim GeneraL manaGer 305.964.4048 - gm@dbycc.com
ControLLer 305.964.4042
danieLLa tosta, direCtor oF membershiP & marketinG 305.964.4049 - d.tosta@dbycc.com
CraiG CorCoran, PGa, direCtor oF GoLF 305.256.2500 - c.corcoran@dbycc.com
Jess rose mCdoWeLL, direCtor oF Fitness 305.964.4052 - fitnesscenter@dbycc.com
danieL stoVer, direCtor oF Grounds 305.256.2516 - d.stover@dbycc.com
Pedro Leon, direCtor oF tennis 786.287.2660 - p.leon@dbycc.com
miGueL Perona, direCtor oF maintenanCe 305.254.2112 - m.perona@dbycc.com
Jonathan behee, First assistant ProFessionaL 305.256.2500 - j.behee@dbycc.com
CrystaL hoPkins, direCtor oF Food & beVeraGe 305.964.4045 - c.hopkins@dbycc.com
keVin huLL, bar manaGer 305.964.4045 - k.hull@dbycc.com
Chris CarroLL, restaurant serViCe manaGer 305.964.4045 - c.carroll@dbycc.com
sureLys neGron FiGueroa, exeCutiVe CheF 305.9254.2111 - s.negron@dbycc.com
amanda siLVer, CaterinG & eVents manaGer 305.964.4051 - a.silver@dbycc.com
kathy ViLLamizar, member biLLinG 305.964.4044 - memberbilling@dbycc.com
heydis Perez, aCCounts PayabLe 305.964.4043 - ap@dbycc.com
CheryL Porter, head tennis ProFessionaL 305.256.3366 - c.porter@dbycc.com
meLissa diaz, reCePtionist 305.254.2111 - m.diaz@dbycc.com
President..................................Leo Chomiak
ViCe President.......................... randy miLLian
treasurer.................................steVe JaCobson
direCtors.................................PauL GarCia
sarah kuhn
mark LeVitats
oPi moreira
daryL sheVin
Larry Woerner
C O M M I T T E E S
FinanCe..............................steVe JaCobson/PauL GarCia tennis, PiCkLebaLL & Fitness.......mark LeVitats/daryL sheVin GoLF & Greens..................Larry Woerner/Leo Chomiak house................................randy miLLian/Leo Chomiak membershiP........................dominGo moreira/sarah kuhn LeGaL & by-LaWs................PauL GarCia/Leo Chomiak GrieVanCe..........................PauL GarCia/dominGo moreira
A Letter From The President
Leo Chomiak President Board of DirectorsDear Deering Bay Members,
I hope this letter finds you well at the start of Spring and I am pleased to share some updates with you as we move forward.
Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude to Laddie Hunter, our Interim General Manager, for his dedication and commitment to steering our Club through this transitional period. Laddie’s efforts have been instrumental in ensuring the continued evolution and success of Deering Bay, and we are fortunate to have him leading us during this time.
As we embark on the search for a new General Manager, I am pleased to report that Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace
(KK&W) have received a significant amount of interest in the position. We are currently in the process of vetting applicants and feel we will have several very good candidates to interview and decide from.
In other news, I am excited to announce that the renovation of the second-floor restrooms is scheduled to commence in mid-April. While this project is underway, alternative restroom facilities will be available in the Locker Rooms and at the Fitness Center. We will keep you updated on the progress and provide a concrete start date as soon as it is available.
Additionally, we continue the planning for the Splash Pad, with our team collaborating closely with Deco Pools to finalize the scope of the project. We are also anticipating the delivery of hurricane-resistant shades for the 19th Hole, which will enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of the 19th Hole.
Furthermore, planning for the Phase III Clubhouse Renovation is well underway, and we anticipate reviewing proposals within the next few weeks.
Lastly, I would like to extend a thank you to the entire Deering Bay team for their hard work and dedication in hosting a series of successful events over the past two months. Between the Women’s Golf Member-Guest, Men’s Golf Member-Guest, Women’s Tennis MemberGuest, and Women’s Golf Member-Member, your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for your commitment to excellence.
As we look ahead to April, we have a calendar filled with exciting events, including the Men’s Golf Member-Member, Combined Men’s and Women’s Member-Member Awards Dinner, and Men’s Tennis Member-Guest, among others. I encourage you all to participate and make the most of the opportunities at Deering Bay.
Thank you for your continued support of the Club.
Best,
Leo Chomiak PresidentA Letter From The General Manager
Laddie Hunter Interim General Manager gm@dbycc.comDear Deering Bay Members,
I would like to extend my thanks to each of you for the warm welcome I have received since joining the Deering Bay Team.
In my short time here, I have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful members, and I look forward to meeting even more of you in the days and weeks ahead. Deering Bay exudes a vibrant energy, and I am honored to be a part of this Club as you embark on the next chapter.
One of my primary goals as Interim General Manager is to support the evolution and growth of Deering Bay by contributing to various projects and initiatives around the club. I am committed to working closely with the management team to ensure that these projects progress smoothly and that we uphold the high standards that are synonymous with the Deering Bay experience.
In our efforts to enhance the overall experience for our valued members, we have placed a strong emphasis on cleanliness and continued maintenance throughout the Club. With the recent additions of beautiful new areas and amenities, it is imperative that we maintain the pristine condition of our surroundings for your enjoyment.
I want to assure you that my door is always open, and I welcome any feedback, suggestions, or concerns you may have as we strive to elevate your experience at Deering Bay. I want to reiterate the importance of filling out the ClubIQ surveys. I read each comment and rating that come through daily, and your insights play a crucial role in helping us understand how we can better serve you. Your input is invaluable to us, and I am dedicated to addressing your needs and preferences to the best of my ability.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at gm@dbycc.com with any questions, feedback, or ideas you may have. I am excited about the opportunity to work together to make Deering Bay the best it can be.
Thank you once again for your warm welcome, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Warm regards,
Laddie Hunter Interim General ManagerApril 2024 Calendar of Events
Around The Bay
News From Membership
Daniella Tosta Director of Membership & Marketing d.tosta@dbycc.comDear Deering Bay Members,
As we start the Spring season, we are taking a moment to soak in the amazing journey we’ve had so far in 2024 at Deering Bay. With 496 memberships and counting, our Club is buzzing with excitement, drawing in new faces eager to experience our fantastic amenities and the lively spirit of our community.
The recent surge of residents moving to our area has truly added to the charm of our club. It’s wonderful to see individuals and families actively seeking to join our tightknit community.
To keep up with the growing interest in memberships, we’ve made a small adjustment by putting a temporary hold on the family add-on option. This decision allows us to focus on enhancing the experience for both current and prospective members. Our Membership Committee is hard at work developing a new legacy program, which will offer special perks and privileges to members who are children of our current members. This initiative aims to honor our traditions and strengthen the bonds within our membership.
And here’s some exciting news - Ladies’ Nights are back! Starting in April, these gatherings will be held once a month on Wednesdays. It’s always a blast, giving our female members a chance to catch up, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for our much-anticipated Summer Camp, beginning June 4th. Our camp will give young members the chance to try a variety of activities, including golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, and socializing.
As we head into the future of Deering Bay, our mission remains clear - to enrich the lives of our members and nurture a sense of community that spans generations.
Cheers,
Daniella Tosta Director of Membership & MarketingWELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!
Sponsored by the Alvarez Family
Sponsored by the Battaglia,
Sponsored by the Diaz Family
Sponsored by the Alvarez Family
Sponsored by the Shuk Family
Sponsored by the Shevin Family
Sponsored by the Saba Family
News From Communications
Kylie Bringola Director of Member ServicesDear Deering Bay Members,
It is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from Deering Bay. After three memorable years here on The Bay, my last day at the Club will be Friday, April 5th. As I reflect on my time here, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible community.
I want to express my sincerest thanks to each and every one of our members for your unwavering support throughout my tenure. Your kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication to our Club have made my time here truly rewarding. It has been an honor to support the evolution of Deering Bay and to play a role in its growth and success.
To the Board of Directors, committee members, and my amazing colleagues, I am deeply grateful for your guidance and collaboration. I am proud to have been a part of such a dynamic and talented team.
It has been a privilege to come to work each day and be a part of the operations here. The memories we have created together will always hold a special place in my heart.
While my journey at Deering Bay may be coming to an end, I am excited for the new adventures that lie ahead. I will be relocating to the Broward area, carrying with me the invaluable lessons and cherished relationships I have formed during my time here. Though our paths may diverge, I hope for the opportunity to reconnect in the future.
As I say goodbye, I do so with immense pride in the role I have played in Deering Bay’s history. Thank you once again for your support, friendship, and for making my time here truly unforgettable. I am confident that the Club is in the best hands and has a bright future ahead.
Wishing you all continued success, happiness, and many more memorable moments at Deering Bay.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kylie Bringola Director of Member ServicesNews From Food & Beverage
Crystal Hopkins Director of Food & Beverage c.hopkins@dbycc.comDear Members,
It is with great pleasure that I share some exciting updates and events happening at Deering Bay as we embrace the start of Spring.
Firstly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Christian Carroll, our new Restaurant Service Manager. Chris has seamlessly integrated into our team and is committed to enhancing your dining experience here at Deering Bay. With a strong focus on continuous training, Chris is dedicated to ensuring that every visit to our Club exceeds your expectations. Please feel free to introduce yourselves and share any feedback you may have with Chris directly at c.carroll@dbycc.com.
In line with our commitment to providing diverse and delicious culinary offerings, Chef Surelys and her team have recently introduced four new menus: the 19th Hole, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Menus. These menus have been thoughtfully curated based on your feedback, and we are thrilled to offer a variety of healthier options, including vegan and gluten-free dishes. Your feedback on these new menus is invaluable to us, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.
In addition to our culinary updates, Bar Manager Kevin Hull has been hard at work collaborating with various distributors to expand our Wine Menu. Stay tuned as we introduce exciting new additions to our selection in the near future.
I would also like to express my appreciation for Amanda Silver, whose exceptional event planning skills continue to elevate every occasion hosted here at Deering Bay. As we look ahead, we are eagerly anticipating our Spring member events, including celebrations for Easter, Passover, Mother’s Day, and more. Furthermore, towards the end of the season, we eagerly anticipate hosting many of your families for graduation and birthday ceremonies, creating memorable moments for you and your loved ones.
Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your continued support of Deering Bay.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Very kind regards,
Crystal Hopkins Director of Food & Beveragec.corcoran@dbycc.com
News From Golf
Hello Members,
Another month has come and gone and it’s time for our March recap and look towards the upcoming events in April. We hosted quite a few events in March.
For our ladies, we had our WGA Solheim Cup earlier this month. It was a very well-attended event hosted by Schuchi T. Stanger and Judy Maynes, with the ultimate winner being our European Team. We also hosted our Women’s Spring Member-Member this month, chaired by DeDe Sloto. The tournament was a huge success, special congratulations to our Net Champions Pam Wolofsky and Jill Schwartz, and our Gross Champions Giuditta Cantu and Kim Kaskel.
Unfortunately, due to the weather, the Men’s Spring MemberMember had to be postponed until April 12-13th. We will have our combined Members’ Tournament Dinner on the 13th where we will honor the Ladies and Men’s Member-Member Champions and have a surprise special guest in attendance.
In addition to our women’s events, we had a great turnout for our March 3rd Couples Golf 18-hole event. These couples had some weather to contend with during the tournament, cutting the round short. It still seemed like everyone had a blast and it is great to see the turnout we keep getting for these Couples events. Keep in mind that the Couples Championship is coming up April 14th, so please make sure you sign up if you plan on playing.
As we look forward to April, there is a lot going on to put on your calendars. Before getting into all we have going on in April, I wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who made the tremendous number of events we had going on in March a success. We are going to keep the momentum going through April and towards the end of the season.
April 3rd: Taylormade Demo Day 10:00am-3:00pm
April 4th: WGA Play with the Pros
April 11th: Women’s Red Tee Championship
April 12th-13th: Men’s Spring Member-Member
April 13th: Combined Members’ Awards Dinner
April 14th: Couples Club Championship
April 16th: Women’s Interclub at Ocean Reef
April 17th: Men’s Interclub at Turnberry
April 20th-21st: Men’s and Women’s Club Championship
Hope to see you out there on the Golf Course soon!
Craig Corcoran, PGA Director of GolfNews From The Golf Course
Daniel Stover Director of Grounds d.stover@dbycc.comDear Deering Bay Members,
It has been a challenging season for grass growth here in South Florida. With this winter being the cloudiest since 1940, our team implemented a different approach to combat the weather and safeguard our turf. We significantly reduced the use of plant growth regulators, implemented a more robust preventative fungicide program, and incorporated products designed for low-light conditions. All of these strategies proved effective in preserving the health of our turf. However, the trade-off was slower green speeds due to reduced plant growth regulation. Apart from a few notable tournaments, our team prioritized plant health throughout the season.
Now that temperatures have risen and we’re experiencing more sunshine, we’ve shifted our focus to achieving firmer and faster greens. Pursuing this goal may result in a slightly off-color or brownish appearance on the greens. This discoloration is nothing to worry about and will not harm the turf under current weather conditions. Additionally, as we transition our mowers back to a setup suited for warmer weather, you may notice slight scalping on fairways and approaches. This adjustment is aimed at addressing the tendency for our turfgrass to grow in a puffy manner and minimizing thatch buildup, with no lasting effects anticipated.
In April, our maintenance team begins conducting soil tests to assess the accumulation of organic matter throughout the season. This timing allows us ample opportunity to collect samples, send them for laboratory analysis, and receive results well before summer maintenance begins. The amount of organic matter in the soil dictates the aggressiveness of our summer aerification efforts to maintain optimal levels. Excessive organic matter leads to a soft, disease-prone surface, while insufficient levels can cause issues with fertility and water retention. Over the past three years, we have successfully reduced total organic matter in the top inch by 20% and achieved an optimal range. However, ongoing maintenance is necessary to sustain this level. Based on our current firmness readings, I anticipate minimal adjustments to our upcoming aerification closures, but obtaining detailed laboratory results remains a best practice.
Several other spring projects on our agenda include adding drainage around low-lying areas, resodding weak rough areas, and enhancing plant beds with colorful vegetation. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at d.stover@dbycc.com.
Sincerely,
Daniel Stover Director of GroundsNews From Tennis
Pedro Leon Director of Tennis p.leon@dbycc.comDear Members,
Summer is very much on its way and here on our clay courts we are making history every day. We would like to start by mentioning that our men’s team (7.0 USTA 55+) finished in second place in the league; this is quite an accomplishment and a great boost for our very own men’s program CONGRATULATIONS!
I am delighted to announce the champions of our Women’s Member-Guest: 7.5 Division, Torie Ross and Karen Blakely, as well as our 6.5 Division champions, Heather Drstvensek and Meg Schwanhausser. Please join me in congratulating them on their outstanding performance!
Besides these major celebrations all clinics, lessons, USTA and SFWDL matches continued as scheduled and our teams had a great month of competitions. All the ladies and men have worked extremely hard, and we would like to congratulate them for the great job that they have been doing.
The success of our Women’s Member-Guest tournament sets the stage for our upcoming Men’s Member-Guest event, scheduled for Saturday, April 27th. I encourage all members to participate and make this event equally memorable.
Pickleball remains an increasingly popular activity among our members, drawing both newcomers and seasoned players alike. We will be hosting an organized open play on Saturday, April 20.
Ladies Clinics: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 – 11:00am
Ladies Basic Skills: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 – 11:00am, Wednesday 6:00 – 7:30pm
Men’s Clinics: Monday 6:00 – 7:00pm & Wednesday 7:00 – 8:00pm
Kid’s Group Lessons: Monday & Wednesday 4:00 – 5:00pm
Pee Wee Clinic: Saturday 9:00 – 9:45am
Pickleball clinic (Beginner & Intermediate): Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 – 10:00am.
As a friendly reminder, please utilize the Deering Bay App or Website, or simply call the Tennis Shop at (305) 256-3366 to reserve your pickleball and tennis courts.
Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and participation in our Club events. I look forward to seeing you on the courts soon.
Thank you,
Pedro Leon Director of Tennis and PickleballNews From The Fitness Center
Jess Rose McDowell Director of Fitness jmcdowell@dbycc.comDear Deering Bay Members,
I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits as we dive into another exciting season at Deering Bay. As Director of Fitness, I am thrilled to share some highlights and updates from our department, as well as upcoming events to look forward to.
We kicked off the Spring season with a blast, starting with the Women’s Member-Member event where we offered a rejuvenating 10-minute warm-up stretching session on Wednesday and Thursday prior to tee-time. It was fantastic to see so many of you participating and getting ready to hit the course feeling energized and prepared.
In February, our attendance numbers were impressive, with 814 visits to the Fitness Center and 531 participants in our Group Fitness Classes. Our diverse range of specialty classes, including Miami Bass Dance, FORM, Strength Vinyasa, and Golf Performance Clinic, provided members with unique opportunities to enhance their fitness journey and explore new interests.
March brought forth the March Madness Fitness Challenge, a thrilling opportunity for members to push their fitness and health goals to new heights by completing a Fitness Challenge bracket. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by participants was inspiring, and we are proud of everyone who took part in this exciting event.
I am pleased to welcome two new additions to our team, Destiny and Juan, who have joined us as Fitness Attendants. Please join me in giving them a warm welcome the next time you visit the Fitness Center.
As of the 29th of March, our attendance numbers remain strong, with 689 visits to the Fitness Center and 418 participants in Group Fitness Classes. Your continued support and participation are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you all continue to prioritize your health and wellness.
Looking ahead to April, we have an exciting lineup of events and activities planned, with no intention of slowing down as summer approaches. I am currently collaborating with our Golf and Tennis departments to offer more warm-up stretch sessions, designed to enhance member performance and promote efficient recovery.
On behalf of myself and the entire Fitness team, I want to encourage each of you to keep showing up for yourself and prioritizing your health and well-being. Your dedication to your fitness journey inspires us every day, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at JMcDowell@dbycc.com.
Jess Director of FitnessFebruary 2024 Member Anniversaries
Thank you For Your Continued Support!
30+ YEARS
33 Years: The Feldman Family
33 Years: The Kulvin Family
33 Years: The Kalstone Family
33 Years: The Shapiro Family
33 Years: The Katz Family
33 Years: The Sandler Family
33 Years: The Casuso Family
33 Years: The Gross Family
25+ YEARS
28 Years: The Kruthoffer Family
28 Years: The Rosenbaum Family
26 Years: The Zisook Family
25 Years: The Cagol Family
25 Years: The Siegel Family
10+ YEARS
18 Years: The Sirkin Family
17 Years: The Espinosa Family
15 Years: The Pallot Family
10 Years: The Wong Family
5+ YEARS
9 Years: The Matuk Family
8 Years: The Blakely Family
8 Years: The Cabrera Family
7 Years: The Behren Family
2+ YEARS
3 Years: The Marino Family
3 Years: The Pita Family
3 Years: The Clavero Family
2 Years: The Morrison Family
2 Years: The Perez Family
2 Years: The Rodriguez Family
2 Years: The Pina Family
2 Years: The Smith Family
2 Years: The Cantu Family
2 Years: The Romero Family
2 Years: The Silva Family
2 Years: The Wigler Family
2 Years: The Estrada Family
2 Years: The Garoufalis Family
1 YEAR
The Guarandiano Family