The Creek News April 2023

Joel Inman - General Manager/COO jinman@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9702

Elisha Carson - Controller ecarson@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9703

Patty Fagan - Director of Membership & pfagan@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9706

Erin Schafer - Director of Events eschafer@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9707

Karen Wright - Clubhouse Manager kwright@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9711

John Geller - Service Director jgeller@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9713

Nevada Groulx - Director of Communications ngroulx@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9715

John Slade - Director of Golf Course Operations jslade@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9713

Bob Hennefer, PGA - Head Golf Professional bhennefer@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9712

Peter Rosenblatt - Executive Chef prosenblatt@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9710

Carol MacLennan - Director of Tennis cmaclennan@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9722

Mike Holak - Pool Manager mholak@laurelcreek.org | (856) 291-9723

FRONT DESK | (856) 291-9701 PRO SHOP | (856) 291-9718

Golf Course

Tuesday to Thursday

8:00 a.m. - Sunset

Friday 8:00 a.m. - Sunset

Saturday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. - Sunset

Pro Shop

Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Dining

Tuesday thru Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tennis Courts are open for play

Pool & Oasis Closed for the Season

Joel Inman

GENERAL MANAGER

Blu…Blue Man Group…Songs with blue in them…Blue Ocean…Blue sky…nah…just Blu.

If you haven’t been around the club recently you might not have seen the progress to our addition: Blu. Blu is our newest offering for dining at the club. So what exactly is it? We are imagining Blu will be the more intimate, upscale, Philly style restaurant right here in your club.

Blu will offer a limited number of seats on Friday and Saturday nights in what was once our Terrace room. In addition to that, it will also offer a “Chef’s table” located directly in our kitchen. You will get a front row seat, watching our outstanding culinary team in action, creating masterpieces from our menu.

Our plan is to have a quieter more polished dining experience with a menu that changes weekly. Not only will it change weekly, but it will also be focused on “farm to table” options that are available to us. It will have a new décor including tables, chairs, lights and fireplace. With some luck and hard work we anticipate Blu making it’s grand opening shortly after Mother’s Day in May.

I would also like to address some concerns I’ve been hearing from members and staff alike. As I’m sure you are all aware, the hospitality industry workforce left in droves during the pandemic. Since then, every establishment has had their share of issues getting enough staff to fulfill their needs. We are no exception to this. Even today we are continually on the lookout for talent. We have been lucky enough to fill in some of the vacancies with hard working, excited, young adults. For many of them, this is their first job and they come in with a lot of enthusiasm and ambition. Our management team tries to provide all of them with the training and resources needed to be successful. However, making a cohesive, driven, well trained team takes time. During this process, inevitably, things sometimes don’t go as planned. It doesn’t mean our team doesn’t care or doesn’t want to provide you with a great experience. Each and every one of us comes in trying to make things a little better each and every day. During this time when our management team is training and retraining our staff, I ask 2 things of you. The first is to be patient and be kind to those that are here doing their best to provide you with an outstanding experience. The second thing I ask is that you reach out to me anytime you feel that things didn’t go as you had hoped and planned for. The more I understand what is not happening properly, the more resources I can bring to bear to improve it. I promise I will not see you as if you are a “complainer” as I’ve heard it termed, but more importantly I will see you as an asset in helping me make Laurel Creek the best.

I thank you for your continued support of this great club!

Patty Fagan

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

Happy Spring everyone! Can you believe it’s already April? There’s a lot of great changes happening in 2023. For me, personally there are many exciting changes happening this year. My oldest is graduating high school and heading to Penn State this fall; my stepdaughter is getting married in October; and I just sold my home that I’ve lived in for the past 12 years. I have yet to find my “new home” but I’m staying positive and know that it will all work out even if I am inconvenienced for a while. Change can be scary but in the words of John F. Kennedy, “change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future”.

There have been a lot of changes happening at LCCC this year. We recently launched our new website and mobile app which has had its challenges, but we are confident that this will improve your experience, increase engagement, and streamline our operations. If you don’t have our new mobile app, the instructions to download are on this page.

Another change that I’m excited about is Blu, our new dining experience that will be open in a few weeks. This is sure to set us apart from other clubs in the area and another great reason to be a part of our membership.

And speaking of membership, do you have a friend or colleague that would be a great fit for our Laurel Creek family? Recommending new families to membership is essential for the growth, financial stability, social benefits, better amenities and services, and an overall sense of community within our club. Don’t keep us a secret! The highest compliment you could give me is a referral.

Looking forward to seeing you soon at the Club!

Go to the App or Play store and type in Laurel Creek CC. Two apps may show up. Please see the correct one below:

EXAMPLE

A1 = A001

A11 = A011

A111 = A111

Spouses have same formula but add an A at the end: A001A

LAUREL CREEK COUNTRY CLUB APP INSTRUCTIONS

Please note that when/if you log into the website, it will ask you to change your password. That password will then be the same password you use when you return to the mobile app.

Log in using your member number. Your password is your last name all lowercase. Please mind your zeros.

NEW MEMBERS

The Parker Family

Kate Robertson and son, Hayden

The Robertson Family

Bob Hennefer

HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL

APRIL 1ST – HANDICAP POSTING SEASON BEGINS!

Beginning April 1st, you must post your score after every round. Maintaining a Handicap Index enables you a wide range of competitive golf opportunities. Whether it’s to verify your entry into a local, state, or national championship, a club member guest, Monday outings or used in casual matches with friends maintaining a handicap is crucial to being able to participate in competitive events. At Laurel Creek you must post your score on the day you play after every round. Need a handicap? See a member of our team to get you set up!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BRETT FERNANDES ON ATTAINING PGA MEMBERSHIP!

Attaining PGA Membership is a long and tedious process and shows the true dedication of the Golf Professional to their career. Brett was elected to PGA Membership on March 1st, 2023. Congratulations, Brett!

ALTERNATE LOGO NOW SELLING IN THE PRO SHOP!

You may see an alternate logo on some apparel, golf bags, hats and leather goods this Spring. This is not replacing our current logo, just as with other pieces in the pro shop, we try to get a little creative on select products. We have brought in some of our spring orders with this logo and we hope you find something you like! I would personally like your feedback both positive and negative so we can gauge how we are doing, please reach out to me and let me know what you think!

THE 2023 GOLF SEASON IS HERE!

All ladies with full golfing privileges are invited to join the Laurel Creek Women’s Golf Association. Our 9 Holers and 18 Holers tee off on Wednesday mornings, and our season runs April through October. Play as few or as many weeks as you like. If you have any questions, or would like a membership application, please reach out to Kelly Redcay at kellyanneredcay@hotmail.com.

Opening Day for the LCWGA, scheduled for April 19th, is a 9-hole scramble followed by lunch. This is always a fun event that you won’t want to miss! Our annual Kick Off Cocktail Party is the night before and is a perfect way to meet other LCWGA members. Current and potential members are welcome at the party. (Please sign up for both events on the LC app.)

Unsure about whether the LCWGA is a good fit for you?

Perhaps you have the same excuses that some of our current members had before joining…

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2

3

EXCUSE: I’m not good enough to play and will hold everyone up.

RESPONSE: If you have a bad hole you pick up your ball. We all do. Nobody cares.

EXCUSE: I don’t have enough time to join a league and play golf every week.

RESPONSE: Our 9 Hole group is open to all levels of golfers. You will be done with your round in approximately 2 hours, and you can play as few or as many Wednesdays as you like during the season. Just show up when you can and enjoy our beautiful course with a fun group of ladies.

EXCUSE: I missed the cut-off date, so I’ll wait until next season.

RESPONSE: There is no cut-off date to join our league. You can register at any point during the season. The best time to join is now so you can participate in Opening Day, and other events we have planned for spring, but if you decide not to join now then change your mind in a few months. It’s never too late!

Don’t forget to sign up for Spring Clinics, led by Director of Instruction, Dave Quinn These clinics are a great way for every level of golfer to come together and improve their skills in all areas of the game to prepare for the season. Each week a different topic will be covered. You may choose to attend all clinics or just the ones that interest you the most. For more information, please contact the Pro Shop. (You may sign up on the LC app).

Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. April 6, April 13, April 20, April 27, May 4th. Sundays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. April 2, April 16, April 23, April 30, May 7. $40 per session or pre-purchase all 5 sessions for $150

We’ll see you on the course!

Karen Wright

CLUBHOUSE MANAGER

When dining at the club, please be sure to make your reservation on the new Laurel Creek APP. You will be able to reserve a table for up to 6 people. If you need to make a reservation for parties larger than 6, please call the club and we will be happy to assist you in making that reservation. Please do not make the reservation for 6 and then write in the comment section that the reservation is really for 8 because we may not be able to accommodate your request based on the other reservations that evening. We want your experience to be great and it starts out with making the right reservation.

Master’s Happy Hour Specials April 4th – April 8th

4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Why not try the signature drink of the Masters, an Azalea Cocktail!

Did someone say Date Night?

Every Wednesday is Kid’s Corner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Be sure to sign-up on the App.

New Dinner and Lunch Menu items

beginning April 12th & 13th

Be sure to stop by and try them out!

Looking for a fun night out? Sign-up for

Friday, April 28th at 6:30 p.m.

COMING UP SOON! DATE TBA!

Dave Phinney Wine Tasting Dinner

Creator of The Prisoner

2019 Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Pete Rosenblatt

Daniel Bianco President

Scott Duman

Vice President

John Venne Treasurer

Michael Hughey Secretary

Sean Fox

Kiel Gilliland

Erich Herkloz

Dean Kramer

John Higgins

Greg Markus

Gene Martin

BOARD ELECTIONS ARE UNDERWAY!

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

Extra ballots are located in the admin offices H24

All ballots must be in by Wednesday, April 26th at 6:00 p.m.

EXECUTIVE CHEF

RIGATONI BOLOGNESE

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 qt. canned crushed tomatoes

½ cp. onion, chopped

¼ cp. carrot, chopped

¼ cp. celery, Chopped

2 tsp garlic, minced

¼ cp. olive oil

¼ cp. white wine

¾ cp. milk

2 bay leaves

2 tbsp. chopped parsley

2 tbsp. chopped basil

1 lb. rigatoni pasta

4 tbsp. grated pecorino cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Method: Combine onion, celery, carrot, in a food processor and pulse until fi nely minced.

In a large pot over medium heat sauté minced vegetables and garlic in olive oil until soft, about 10 minutes.

Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, use the back of a large spoon to break up the meat. Add white wine and reduce for 2 minutes, then add milk, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves and season again with salt and pepper.

Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 2 hours, stir in chopped parsley and basil.

Serve over rigatoni pasta and top with fresh grated pecorino cheese.

Carol MacLennan

DIRECTOR OF TENNIS

Are you ready for some Tennis? Check out what’s happening at the courts. Brand new LED lights have been installed on all 4 tennis courts as well as the pickleball courts. The tennis courts are getting their Spring “Makeover” very soon and should be ready for play by mid-April.

We are looking forward to another exciting Ladies Spring League season. LCCC has 3 teams in the Philadelphia Spring League. Matches begin on Monday, April 24th and Wednesday, April 26th. Thank you to our hard working captains Kelly Moye (Monday - Cup 6), Marianne Sims-Kellogg (WednesdayCup D) and Deepa Barot (Wednesday - Cup G). Good Luck Ladies!!! Interested in playing on a team? Email Carol MacLennan at cmaclennan@laurelcreek.org

Weather permitting, Adult tennis and pickleball clinics will begin the third week in April. Registration will open in the app for Adult Clinics as soon as the courts are officially open for play.

After School Kids’ Tennis begins Tuesday, May 9 at 4 pm and runs every Tuesday and Thursday for 6 weeks. After School Red Ball Tennis classes for ages 5 thru 7 will be held every Thursday from 4 to 5:30 starting May 9.

Before you know it, it will be time for “The Racquet Game”, Laurel Creek’s signature tennis game at summer camp. Junior Summer Tennis Camp begins Monday, June 19 and runs for 10 weeks.

New this year…Men’s Advanced Doubles every Tuesday night. Advanced registration required. Level of play 4.0 and above. Pickleball show up and play – Thursday nights starting at 6 pm.

You can now make pickleball court reservations in the new app. Reservations for tennis courts and the ball machine will open as soon as the courts are ready for play. And this year, once you reserve the ball machine, you will automatically be prompted to reserve a court. No need to book each one separately.

Looking forward to a smashing season on the court!

John Slade

DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS

Oneof the important cultural practices we perform on the fairways throughout the year is solid tine aerification.

The heavy duty aerifier used for this process doesn’t create a perfectly vertical hole, but goes in straight and then “kicks” the soil as it comes back out. This slight heaving of the ground helps to fracture the soil beneath, increasing pore space for water penetration, gas exchange, and rooting.

From a golfer’s point of view, the great thing about this process is that it causes minimal surface disruption. You have to look closely to see the aerification holes on this fairway just a couple of days after being solid-tined.

You have to look closely to see the aerification holes on this fairway just a couple of days after being solid-tined.