THE
CREEK MAY 2022
STAFF DIRECTORY & CLUB HOURS Joel Inman General Manager/COO jinman@laurelcreek.org Elisha Carson Controller ecarson@laurelcreek.org
Golf Course
Tuesday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. - Sunset Friday 8:00 a.m. - Sunset
Patty Fagan Director of Membership pfagan@laurelcreek.org
Saturday & Sunday 7:30 a.m. - Sunset
Erin Schafer Director of Events eschafer@laurelcreek.org
Pro Shop
Tuesday to Friday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Karen Wright Clubhouse Manager kwright@laurelcreek.org
Saturday & Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
John Geller Service Director jgeller@laurelcreek.org
Dining
Nevada Groulx Director of Communications ngroulx@laurelcreek.org
Saturday & Sunday
John Slade Director of Golf Course Operations jslade@laurelcreek.org
Tuesday thru Friday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tennis
Bob Hennefer, PGA Head Golf Professional bhennfer@laurelcreek.org
Courts are open for play
Peter Rosenblatt Executive Chef prosenblatt@laurelcreek.org
Closed for the Season
Pool
Carol MacLennan Director of Tennis cmaclennan@laurelcreek.org
ON THE COVER: Lillian Vankoughnett, Linda Toogood, and Marybeth Taras at Ladies’ Opening Day
BOARD OF
TRUSTEES Daniel Bianco President
Troy Hopper Vice President
John Venne Treasurer
Michael Hughey Secretary
Scott Duman
Sean Fox
Erich Herkloz
Troy Hopper
Dean Kramer
John Higgins
Greg Markus
Gene Martin
Ken Zimmer
Joel Inman
GENERAL MANAGER
Family…We all talk about family in different terms. Here at the club, we like to create an environment so that you and your family feels at home. It’s a place where your kids can grow up, learn about golf or tennis or just have the time to be a kid. For others, family is about making memories. Spending time, relaxing at the pool or in the Bistro enjoying yourselves and the conversations you have. You and those you are closest to can come, relax and enjoy the amenities the club has to offer. For me family shows itself in different ways. I’ve spent the past 11 years here leading a team of incredible people who are outstanding…not just at what they do but who they are. Family showed itself recently in a big way. When I go on vacation, John Slade is nice enough to “babysit” my dog, Apollo. Over the years, Apollo always got excited when he would
see John and spend his days on the golf course. He loved John and always had the best time with him. Sadly, this last time while John was watching Apollo, he passed away. John had to make that tough call to me to tell me he was gone. We were all crushed, especially John. You could tell that John loved Apollo and the time he spent with him. This family of choice, my team, went above and beyond not just for what they did at that time, but also since then. It’s during the hardest of times that you see people for who they really are. Sadly for John he had to be there for Apollo, however the silver lining is that Apollo got to spend his final days with his family at his favorite place. “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” – Richard Bach I have the best family anyone could ask for.
MEMBERSHIP
Patty Fagan D I REC TOR OF M EM BERS H I P
I
t’s apparent that Laurel Creek is the club that everyone is talking about just by the number of emails I receive daily from families looking to join. Golf membership has grown significantly since covid, and we now have 18 names waiting for a spot to open next year. However, most joining today are House members, families with young kids who want to enjoy our pool complex or empty nesters who play pickle ball and enjoy Friday nights in the Pub. Regardless, everyone wants to be part of this amazing community I like to call the Laurel Creek family. While we would love to keep adding to the Laurel Creek family, there has been a growing concern that we may have too many members. Your experience is what matters most so a decision was recently made to place a hold on accepting new families to membership. Applications that were “in process” prior to this decision will be granted membership upon completion of the application process and anyone applying now will be notified once memberships become available. Members today are using the club more than ever before. Our dining rooms are busy most nights of the week and the amazing events that we have today are what sets us apart from other clubs. It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago we couldn’t sell out an event even if it were free. It’s a huge compliment to the LC team when events are a success because they truly put their hearts into all the planning. Please don’t let a “sold out” event stop you from placing your name on the wait list. There hasn’t been a sold-out event this year that we weren’t successful in getting everyone off the wait list. So please place your name on the event wait list so we know you want to attend. You’ll often hear me refer to our membership as the “Laurel Creek Family” and I truly feel that we are. We get to witness birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones that you celebrate at the club and it’s a joy to watch your children grow up over the years. We also feel the grief when a member of the Laurel Creek family passes on. I was saddened to hear that Ben Davies passed away at the end of February. Mr. Davies was one of the first members I met when I came to Laurel Creek nearly six years ago. He was a charming man with a wonderful sense of humor, always taking the time to chat with me whenever he was at the club. I didn’t see Mr. Davies much during covid but I was so happy to hear that he had reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Susan Ostergard who he had not seen for more than 60 years. They married just a short time later. Mr. Davies will be sorely missed and we send our prayers to Susan, his sweetheart.
Welcome Mike & Julene Wilson
The Foxen Family
OUR NEW MEMBERS TO THE LCCC FAMILY
James Blocker & Natasia Cooper
The Hocking Family
The Barg Family
Ross Borneman & Illysa Raphael
The Coffaro Family
The Maransky Family
The Saleh Family
The Reeder Family
The Greene Family
The Provine Family
GOLF
Bob Hennefer H E AD GOL F PROF ESSI O N A L Featured Hole of the Month - #1 Painted Turtle The day’s opening tee shot gives you a choice; an aggressive tee shot over the lake for a short iron or wedge approach, or a conservative drive to the right leaving you a long iron or fairway wood in to this difficult green. The two-tiered green, protected by bunkers and a false front and back is the most difficult you’ll encounter throughout the day. Be sure to take a line off the tee that you can carry, even from a mis-hit, and when approaching the green, favor the front section and keep it under the hole.
Instruction Tip of the Month Maximize driver distance Take two clubs, place one along your back right foot perpendicular to your target line. Take a second club and hold it against your shoulders and practice your backswing by turning your shoulders and the club you’re holding past the club that is perpendicular to the ground. This will help you maximize your shoulder turn to hit the ball farther.
Rules Tip of the Month Loose Impediments vs Movable Obstructions: 2 Things you need to know Loose impediments are natural and unattached where as movable obstructions are things that are made my humans, artificial and are easily moveable. If you cause the ball to move by removing a loose impediment, you must replace the ball and add one penalty stroke. If you cause the ball to move when moving a movable obstruction, you still must replace the ball, but there is no penalty.
Staff Changes You’ll notice some new faces around the golf operation as we begin the season. I would like to officially welcome our new golf shop manager, Miranda Casey, as well as our player services managers, Butch Beri and Kyle Sander. Please take a moment to say hello the next time you are at the club! We’re truly excited to have them join our team!
LCWGA
O
pening Day 2022 had all the suspense and drama of a Hollywood blockbuster, with heart wrenching missed shots, nail biting putts and even the brave rescue of two baby turtles by Mary Heselton and Jennifer Goldstein on the 8th hole. Cap all this excitement with magnificent weather and a delicious lunch and this Opening Day was one for the books!
The victory mantle for Opening Day 2022 was awarded to the ferociously competitive team of Linda Toogood, Marybeth Taras and Lillian Vankoughnett with special kudos to Susan Studley (9 holer) and Susan Kaufman (18 holer) for straightest drive and Linda Toogood for 18 holer closest to the pin.
We were excited to welcome some of our new players who bravely marched into the breach: Michelle Ball Heidi Bourke Colleen Burns Lorraine Pelosi Filimon Jennifer Halfpenny Michelle Morelli Dana Phipps Christine Normand and Laura Venne One of the newer players confided to me at the end of the outing that she felt much more comfortable now playing with the group. That’s precisely what we were hoping! Also, returning to the LCWGA family were: Gloria Duenas Noelle Noyes Paola Shore As Paola concluded: “I am happy to be back with all of the ladies and will continue to be here for the rest of the year!” We are so happy that you have returned to us!
A big Thank You to Mary Heselton who took time out of her turtle rescue operation to organize a fantastic event! We look forward to seeing all of our LCWGA players, seasoned and new, 9 and 18 holers, at our Wednesday morning games!
MEET THE
Joshi Family S
am and Reetika were both born and raised in India and met while they were at college in New Delhi. They got married in Toronto in 2003 and have also lived in Singapore before coming to the U.S. In 2016, they bought a home in Laurel Creek on the 15th tee. “We fell in love with the golf course right in our backyard” said Reetika, “A few of our neighbors and friends were members and spoke very highly of the LCCC community. I grew up playing some golf with my dad and Sam and I both love tennis so joining LCCC was an easy decision.”
Reetika was pregnant with her second child when they joined and one of her cherished memories was her baby shower that was held in the ballroom. “We truly love being members at Laurel Creek and have made many new friends over the years. The member events are amazing, and the entire staff makes our time at the club so enjoyable” added Reetika. Sam and Reetika are looking forward to spending summer days at the pool with daughter’s Saanvi (12) and Samika (5). You’ll find Sam playing the occasional poker game with the guys and is also looking forward to playing more golf. Reetika is proud to represent LCCC at the Inter Club Tennis Leagues and would love if we could add bubbles to the tennis courts or even a well-equipped fitness center. “We’d probably double or triple our visits to the club if that’s even possible” Reetika said jokingly. The Joshi family has planted some deep roots in Moorestown with no plans on moving out of New Jersey any time soon. “We love Moorestown, our neighbors around the golf course and friends at Laurel Creek” added Reetika, “we can’t imagine leaving this community so ‘definitely staying indefinitely’…. for now.”
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Karen Wright CLUBHOUSE MANAGER
M
ay is here and we are in full swing of things. We have events planned throughout the month that offer a variety of entertainment and enjoyment. If you are looking for an incredible night out Havana Nights is Friday, May 13th beginning at 7:00 p.m. and there is still time to sign up and we are hoping you will join us. Please remember if you do sign up for an event, our event cancellation policy is in effect. Event cancellations will be accepted up to 5 days prior to the event date with no charge to your account.
SO MUCH IS HAPPENING AT THE CLUB! CAKEBREAD WINE DINNER May 18th and 19th Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.
OUTDOOR WINE SHOW 150+ Wines to Sample, Light Bites Members Only Event Wednesday, June 8th 5:00 p.m.
INSIDE THE ROPES WITH Dave Raymond Wednesday, June 1st 6:00 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres & small plates 7:00 p.m. Event Begins
MEMORIAL DAY BARBEQUE Saturday, Sunday & Monday May 28th 29th & 30th
NEW COCKTAIL MENU Strawberry Lemonade Stateside Vodka, Strawberry Puree, Lemonade Paloma – Patron, Lime, Grapefruit Juice, Club Soda Mai Tai – Captain Morgan, Myer Dark Rum, Grand Marnier, Amaretto, Fresh Juices Mojito – Bacardi, Fresh Mint, Lime Pink 75 – Alibi Gin, St. Germain, Lemon, Rose
CHEF’S CORNER
Pete Rosenblatt EXECU T I VE CH EF SLOW BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS 8 servings 8, 8oz boneless beef short ribs 1 onion, large diced 2 carrots, large diced 2 celery ribs, large diced 4 clove garlic, thin sliced 4 sprigs thyme 2 bay leaf 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 1qt beef stock 1 cup dry red wine 3 Tbsp. olive oil 3 Tbsp. butter, cubed Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 325. Heat a large Dutch oven or sauce pot over medium high heat, season the ribs well with salt and pepper. Sear the ribs in olive oil until evenly browned on all sides, about 2 minutes per side and remove from the pot. Reduce heat to medium low and add the onion, celery, carrots and garlic, sauté until soft about 7-10 minutes. Add tomato paste, bay leaf and thyme, season with salt and pepper, stir well and cook for 2 more minutes. Add 1 cup of red wine and reduce by half, add stock to the pot along with the seared ribs and bring to a gentile simmer. Cover the pot and continue to braise in a 325 degree oven for 2½ to 3 hours or until fork tender. Carefully remove the ribs from the pot and keep warm. For the sauce, strain the braising liquid and reduce it by 1/3 over medium high heat being sure to skim the fat from the surface. Whisk in cubed butter and season to taste.
RACQUETS
Carol MacLennan DI REC TOR OF TE N N I S
T
he Tennis courts are officially open! They will need several weeks of TLC, including rolling, sweeping, and lots of watering. Please be patient as we work to get the courts in excellent playing condition. Always remember to brush and sweep when you are finished playing. Court reservations are recommended and available via the app. You can reserve tennis courts, pickleball courts and the ball machine all on the app. You can also register guests who are playing with you on the app. Adult Clinics are up and running! Don’t forget to register in the app to reserve your place in any clinic. After School Kids’ Tennis starts on May 10th and runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 5:30 for six weeks. ASK Tennis includes Red ball kids ages 5 and up, too! Our popular Junior Summer Tennis Camp begins on Monday, June 20th. We offer flex scheduling for your convenience. You choose the days and sessions that work for you. For more information on Summer Tennis Camp, check out the 2022 Tennis Camp brochure in the app under Racquets. Registration is now open for Junior Clinics and Junior Camp! Be our Guest! Members are welcome to bring guests to play at the courts. There’s no better way to show your friends how much fun it is to play tennis and pickleball at Laurel Creek. It will be even more fun this summer when the “Oasis” is open at the pool. Drinks and noshing courtside will make for a great time at the courts. However, anyone who is not a member is required to pay a guest fee before playing. We’ve made it super easy to register guests on the app. Simply click on “Bring a Guest” and follow the prompts.
TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE MOST POPULAR TENNIS EVENT OF THE SPRING: Ladies Member Guest – Friday, June 3rd. Tennis 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch in the clubhouse. Space is limited, this event fills up quickly.
ON THE COURSE
John Slade D IR E C TO R OF G O L F C O UR S E O P ER A T I ONS After the paver contractor installed the base material for the new driving range mats, it was our turn to get to work on this project.
As is often the case, things started off slowly, then we got into assembly line mode, the guys kept their heads down, and made quick work of this.
There is still some grading and paver work to be done here, but whenever needed, the mats are ready to be used.
Upcoming Events SUN 1
MON 2
8 Mother’s Day Brunch
9
15
22
TUES 3 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
WED THURS 4 Kid’s Club
MAY FRI
SAT
5 Cinco De Mayo Dinner Specials
6 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
7 Live Music: Carl Filbert
12
13 Spring Fling
14 Live Music: Class A Kings
Kentucky Derby Specials
10 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
11 Kid’s Club
16
17 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
18 Kid’s Club
19
20 Live Music: Michaela McClain
21 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
23
24 $22 Tuesday Wine Specials
25 Kid’s Club
26
27 Live Music: Joe Parker
28 Memorial Day Pool Party
Club closes at 3 pm
Live Music: Brat
29 30 31 Memorial Day Memorial Day Club & Course Pool Party Pool Party Closed
JUNE SUN
MON
TUES
WED THURS 1
2
FRI 3 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
SAT 4 Live Music: Carl Filbert
5
6
7
8 9 Outdoor Wine Show
10 11 Live Music: Live Music: Oliver Dagum Dennis Matthews
12
13
14
15
16
17 Live Music: Class A Kings
18 Live Music: Chris Stevens Band
19 Father’s Day BBQ
20 Club & Course Open
21 22 Club & Course Closed
23 Thirsty Thursday at The Oasis with Kenny Curcio
24 Live Music: Michaela McClain
25 Live Music: Doug Jennings
26
27
28
29
30 Thirsty Thursday at The Oasis with Jeff Selby
Twilight Golf
701 Centerton Road - Mount Laurel, NJ - 08054 - www.laurelcreek.org