THE CREEK NEWS JANUARY 2020
The Cowan Family at the Parent Child Cookie Bake
STAFF DIRECTORY & CLUB HOURS Joel Inman General Manager/COO jinman@laurelcreek.org
GOLF COURSE
Elisha Carson Controller ecarson@laurelcreek.org
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. - Dark
Patty Fagan Director of Membership pfagan@laurelcreek.org Erin Schafer Director of Events eschafer@laurelcreek.org Nevada Groulx Director of Communications ngroulx@laurelcreek.org John Slade Director of Golf Course Operations jslade@laurelcreek.org Matt Walbert PGA Head Golf Professional mwalbert@laurelcreek.org
Tuesday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - Dark
PRO SHOP
Tuesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
DINING
Terrace Room Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5:00 p.m. *Unless booked for a private event
PUB & BISTRO
Tuesday thru Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Peter Rosenblatt Executive Chef prosenblatt@laurelcreek.org
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
John Geller Clubhouse Manager jgeller@laurelcreek.org
TENNIS
Carol MacLennan Director of Tennis cmaclennan@laurelcreek.org
Closed for the season until Memorial Day
Mike Holak Pool Manager mholak@laurelcreek.org
Courts are open for play (weather permitting)
POOL
BOARD OF
TRUSTEES
FROM THE
GENERAL MANAGER JOEL INMAN
SHARPEN THE SAW Daniel Bianco President Michael Hughey Vice President Scott Duman Treasurer Sean Fox Secretary Steve Cooper Troy Hopper Michael Kassak Gene Martin Mark Muir Tony Palmer John Venne Ken Zimmer
For anyone who’s read Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” this quote should be familiar. Around here it makes an impact on us. One is obvious and we do what we can during the beginning of this new year to refresh. So now that the wave of craziness called the “holidays” are over, it’s time for the team to sharpen their saw. For many of us, we take time to spend with our family, go on vacation, rest and reflect on what we accomplished this past year as well as what is in store for 2020. Now is the time to charge our batteries, as we all know, spring is right around the corner. The second one revolves around you, our members. We take it seriously that you have chosen us as a place to come and enjoy your time away from your work. This is your time to spend with your family, rest and even though it’s not a vacation, I guess it could be called a “stay-cation”. Your time here should be time to sharpen your saw. Creating these life experiences
that you can one day look back upon fondly is what this is all about. We only get one shot at this ride called life and making the most out of what is important. Take the time to “Sharpen the Saw” by spending time with your family this year and allow us the privilege of helping you do just that. I’m incredibly excited for this new year. While change is never easy it does allow us the opportunity to continue to improve. Further in the newsletter you will see our newest addition to the team. Matt Walbert is coming onboard as our new Head Golf Professional. Even though Matt has a plethora of experience that will help shape the golfing experience, that’s not what excites me the most. What excites me the most is the energy level he brings. His curiosity and desire to continually look to improve all that we do. Matt is going to be an outstanding addition to the team and I hope you can all reach out to him and welcome him to our family. To an amazing 2020! Cheers!
MEMBERSHIP
DIRECTOR
PATTY FAGAN
W
e had an amazing 2019 holiday season of events kicking off December with our Membership Appreciation Night, The Ugly Sweater Party, Two Santa Brunches, Four Cookie Bakes and a partridge in a pear tree. No seriously, our year ended with a sold-out Family New Year’s Eve party where it seemed the parents were having more fun that the kids. The entire LCCC Team thanks you for the support and attendance in all the events we create for you and your families. Each year we try to improve or raise the bar to make these events better than the last. One important way is by asking you, the member. Please help us by completing our survey we send after each event because your opinion and suggestions really do matter. 2019 was also a great year in Membership and you probably know that with so many new faces around the club. Where are all these people coming from? While some families join not knowing anyone, most of the new families have been referred by you. It’s the people who make LCCC great and that is why so many families want to be part of it. Check out the photos on the following page of some new families who have recently joined and make sure to say hello the next time you see them in the Pub or dining in the Bistro. Do you have a neighbor or colleague interested in joining the Laurel Creek family? Now is the time to apply for membership. Please invite them to our Prospective Member Cocktail Party on Wednesday, January 29th from 6 to 8 PM. They will see firsthand what the buzz is all about and why so many people are talking about Laurel Creek Country Club. This is an adult only event and registration is required so email me the names of your guests at: pfagan@laurelcreek.org or call 856-840-4013.
Welcome!
OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
The Mathason Family
The Koerner Family
The Lembesis Family
LCCC members, Mimi & Jack Kelly, welcomed their first child, John “Jack” Patrick Kelly, III on November 30th, 2019. Welcome to the LCCC Family, Jack!
Karl Poplar & Peggy Butchkavitz
FROM THE PRO MATT WALBERT
Dear Members of Laurel Creek, My name is Matt Walbert and it comes with great excitement and pride that I am writing this letter as your next Head Golf Professional. I am beyond thrilled to join Laurel Creek’s talented staff and look forward to creating a premier golf experience for you, your family, and your guests to enjoy. I am originally from the Lehigh Valley, PA and graduated from Penn State University’s PGA Golf Management program. I spent the last two years as the Senior Assistant Golf Professional at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale, where I coordinated the men’s golf program and created a dynamic internship program. Prior to the Union League, I was the Senior Assistant Golf Professional at Saucon Valley Country Club where I coordinated the women’s golf program and played a large role in the merchandising operation. I also spent three years as an Assistant Golf Professional at Merion Golf Club where I coordinated the women’s 9-hole and mixed golf programs and served as the Lead Golf Professional at the West Course. Over the last two months, I have quickly learned how Laurel Creek has such a strong and closely-knit family membership. To me, golf is a multi-generational game that simply brings people together unlike any other sport. My primary goal is to continually enhance the Laurel Creek golf experience to make the game as inclusive and enjoyable as possible for all. I am eagerly looking forward to bringing my enthusiasm to Laurel Creek and getting to know you and your families as the season approaches. Mary, my fiancé, and I cannot wait to move to the area and call Laurel Creek home for decades to come! See you at the Club!
LCWGA
AROUND
THE CLUB
LAUREL CREEK COUNTRY CLUB
Where you don’t join, you belong.
HAVE PHOTOS FROM YOUR GOOD TIMES AT LCCC THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SHARE? Email your photos to Nevada Groulx at ngroulx@laurelcreek.org and they could be in the next newsletter!
FOOD &
BEVERAGE
JOHN GELLER
H
appy New Year! My new year resolution was to slow things down and not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Then I went to CVS on January 2nd and Valentine’s Day was already in full bloom in every aisle. There were heart shaped candy boxes, stuffed animals hanging over the shelves and greeting cards ready to be chosen. I’m just going to jump in like CVS - it’s 27 days until Valentine’s Day and 135 days until Memorial Day! The fact is, both days will be here and gone before you know it. Let the club try and slow your days down. Come over to the club, relax and let us do the cooking for you. Chef is preparing some new menu items in a couple weeks for you to start healthy in the New Year. The amazing thing about the club has been the record attendance at most of our events. Just a friendly reminder to please check out the club calendar on the mobile app or the website and book the events you wish to attend with your family. We often sell out events quickly, so please sign up early before capacity has been reached. If you have any questions about any events or dietary questions pertaining to food items at events, please do not hesitate to ask anyone on the management team or you can email me at jgeller@laurelcreek.org. I know we are a few months from summer but I am excited for what’s ahead at the pool this season. It sounds like we will have a new look to the Cabana area. I will hold off on spilling the details for now, but I’ll share with you that our Wednesday Raft Night just got better with a DJ. I have a good feeling that it’s going to be a great summer for all ages!
CHEF’S CORNER PETE ROSENBLATT
CRĂˆME BRULEE 10 Servings
1 quart heavy cream 9 egg yolks 1 cup sugar, plus more for topping 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped METHOD: Preheat oven to 325, combine the cream, vanilla bean and half of the sugar in a saucepot and bring just to a simmer. Whisk the yolks and remaining sugar together in a bowl, remove the vanilla beans and slowly whisk in the cream adding a little at a time until incorporated. Pour evenly into ramekins and place onto a shallow baking pan. Fill the bottom of the pan with hot water about a third of the way up the ramekin, bake for about 40 minutes until the custard is set. Chill for 2 hours. When ready to serve top each with about 1 Tbsp. of sugar and use a torch to evenly caramelize the top.
AT THE
COURTS CAROL MACLENNAN
KE CAMP? TENNIS CAMP? GOLF AND TENNIS COMBO CAMP? WHAT CAMP FITS YOUR FAMILY? Happy New Year! It’s not too early to start thinking about summer camp for your kids. Laurel Creek offers several options for kids of all ages right here at your club. Ages 4 thru 8: KE Camp 6/22 thru 8/7 - Monday to Friday Full day and Half day sessions available. For more information go to: kecamps.com/camps/laurel-creek-country-club or contact Patty Fagan at pfagan@laurelcreek.org Ages 3 thru 6 Red ball Tennis Summer Sessions 6/15 thru 8/21/20 - Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 am Ages 7 and up Junior Summer Tennis Camp 6/15 thru 8/21/20 - Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Daily half day/full day and full week options available. All levels invited Ages 9 and up Golf and Tennis Combo Camp 7/6 thru 8/7/20 – Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:00 pm Full week only – full day and morning sessions available For more information on our sport camps, contact Carol MacLennan, Director of Tennis at 856-840-4029 or email cmaclennan@laurelcreek.org
ON THE COURSE JOHN SLADE
W
e are proud to announce that Laurel Creek Country Club has retained its designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary� through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International Program. Assistant Superintendent, Don Holgersen, has led this effort since Laurel Creek was first certified in 2002.
In order to remain certified, we must document our continuing commitment to improving in several areas, including environmental planning, water quality management, and chemical use reduction. For those who believe that golf courses are harmful to nature, we would point to some telling before and after pictures. Prior to its construction, the majority of the current golf course property was being mined for gravel and clay. In contrast to the bleak and desolate landscape, as you can see at the top photo, today there is an abundance of flora and fauna on the property. Much of the work we do in wildlife and habitat management takes place behind the scenes. It is therefore very rewarding to have these efforts acknowledged.
January 2020 Sun
Mon
Join us for Brunch every Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Join us for Date Night & Kid’s Club every Saturday from 6:00-9:00 pm
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Kids Eat Free 5:00-8:00 pm Family Fun Night 5:00-8:00 pm
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Kids Eat Free 5:00-8:00 pm Family Fun Night 5:00-8:00 pm
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Kids Eat Free 5:00-8:00 pm
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Family Fun Night 5:00-8:00 pm
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Kids Eat Free 5:00-8:00 pm Family Fun Night 5:00-8:00 pm
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Tue
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Club & Course Closed
Twenty Dollar Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 pm
Twenty Dollar Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 pm
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Twenty Dollar Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 pm
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Twenty Dollar Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 pm
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Designer Bag Bingo 6:00 pm
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Terrace Wine Dinner 6:30 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Chris Stevens Band 6:00 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Class A Kings 6:00 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Oliver Dagum 6:00 pm
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Live Music in The Pub: JB Rocks 6:00 pm
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Live Music in The Pub: Dennis Matthews 6:00 pm Quiz Night 6:30 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Joe Parker 6:00 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Modern Mojo 6:00 pm
Father & Daughter Dance 5:00 pm Live Music in The Pub: The Wayside Shakeup
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Happy Days in The Bistro 6:00-9:00 pm Live Music in The Pub: DJ Music 6:00 pm
February 2020 Sun
Mon
Join us for Brunch every Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Join us for Date Night & Kid’s Club every Saturday from 6:00-9:00 pm
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Kids Eat Free 5:00-8:00 pm Superbowl Sunday Buffet 6:00 p.m.
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Kids Eat Free 5:00-8:00 pm
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Family Fun Night 5:00-8:00 pm
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Kids Eat Free 5:00-8:00 pm
Kids Eat Free 5:00-8:00 pm Family Fun Night - BINGO 5:00-8:00 pm
Wed
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Live Music in The Pub: Oliver Dagum 6:00 pm
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Twenty Dollar Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 pm
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Twenty Dollar Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 pm
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Live Music in The Pub: Chris Stevens Band 6:00 pm
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Valentine’s Prix Fixe Dinner 6:00 p.m.
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Harry Potter Brunch 11:00 a.m. Live Music in The Pub: Modern Mojo 6:00 pm
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Live Music in The Pub: Joe Parker 6:00 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Dennis Matthews 6:00 pm
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Family Fun Night 5:00-8:00 pm
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Tue
Twenty Dollar Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 pm
Twenty Dollar Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Class A Kings 6:00 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Doug Jennings 6:00 pm
Quiz Night 6:30 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Wayside Shakeup 6:00 pm
Live Music in The Pub: Dennis Matthews 6:00 pm
701 Centerton Road - Mount Laurel, NJ - 08054 - www.laurelcreek.org