CREEK
STAFF DIRECTORY & CLUB HOURS
Joel Inman - General Manager/COO jinman@laurelcreek.org
Elisha Carson - Controller ecarson@laurelcreek.org
Patty Fagan - Director of Membership pfagan@laurelcreek.org
Erin Schafer - Director of Events eschafer@laurelcreek.org
Karen Wright - Clubhouse Manager kwright@laurelcreek.org
Ryan Reeves - Director of Food & Beverage rreeves@laurelcreek.org
John Geller - Service Director jgeller@laurelcreek.org
Nevada Groulx - Director of Communications ngroulx@laurelcreek.org
John Slade - Director of Golf Course Operations jslade@laurelcreek.org
Bob Hennefer, PGA - Director of Golf bhennefer@laurelcreek.org
Brett Fernandes, PGA - Head Golf Professional bfernandes@laurelcreek.org
Peter Rosenblatt - Executive Chef prosenblatt@laurelcreek.org
Carol MacLennan - Director of Tennis cmaclennan@laurelcreek.org
Mike Holak - Pool Manager mholak@laurelcreek.org
Golf Course
Tuesday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. - Sunset
Friday 8:00 a.m. - Sunset
Saturday & Sunday
7:30 a.m. - Sunset
Pro Shop
Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tennis
Courts are open for play
Dining
Pub & Bistro: Tuesday thru Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Blu
Friday & Saturday evenings 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Pool & Oasis
Closed for the season
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Joel Inman GENERAL MANAGER
Michael Hughey
President
Dean Kramer
Vice President
John Venne
Treasurer
Erich Herkloz Secretary
Scott Duman
Sean Fox
Kiel Gilliland
John Higgins
Thomas Koerner
Greg Markus
Chris Noyes
Tyler Prime
Ken Blanchard stated that “feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Well we all want to be champions at what we do…including our staff that pours their heart and soul into the experience we provide.
I hear occasionally from members about their experience. I hear the positives about the events we host, the attention to detail we provide as well as the great job our team does in the restaurants. I’d love to believe that everyone feels that way, and maybe you do. I also hear those that are trying to help us improve by being constructive with their comments. Sometimes they say they don’t want to complain and I explain to them that they aren’t…they are simply letting us know where we need to refocus so that everyone has a great time.
As some of you have experienced, we are using a new survey software called Happometer. It is an automated, net promoter, survey system that asks 4 simple questions. It shouldn’t take you more that 60 seconds to respond, even with comments.
To date we have sent approximately 900 surveys trying to solicit feedback. Out of those 900 only 114 actually took the 60 seconds to respond. That’s only a 12% response rate. I’d like to believe that those that don’t respond found everything to be perfect and had nothing to add, however any feedback is better than none. I’d also like to quantify the rating scale for the Net Promoter Score: a 1-6 is a detractor, 6-8 is passive and 9 and 10 are the promoters, just so you know what means what.
So I’ll close this by asking each and every one of you, if you receive a text notification from the club asking for your feedback…help us by providing the breakfast of champions and letting us know what you think.
I hope to see you around the club…thank you and have a great fall season.
Patty Fagan
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp charm of fall, we’re excited to share a host of thrilling updates and events at Laurel Creek Country Club. The coming months promise an incredible lineup of activities designed to foster camaraderie and enjoyment.
A Warm Welcome to Our New Members!
Please join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to the newest members of our Laurel Creek family:
• Rafael Carmelo & Francesca Canales
• Sami & Melany Ijaz
• Cliff & Gabriella Pietrafitta
• Tim & Lisa Stallings
• Michael Swift
• Alice Tian & Glen Wu
We’re delighted to have you with us and look forward to your participation in all the exciting happenings around the Club. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and dive into the wide array of activities and amenities we offer.
Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Events:
• Movie Night on the Range — Friday, September 13th
• Dinner en Blanc — Thursday, September 26th
• Dinner in the Dark — Friday, October 11th
• Oktoberfest — Saturday, October 12th
• Mentalist Performance — Friday, October 18th
• Halloween Party — Monday, October 28th
These events are sure to provide memorable experiences and great opportunities to connect with fellow members. We can’t wait to see you there!
Know Someone Who’d Love to Join Us?
If you know someone who would be a fantastic addition to our Club, now is the perfect time to introduce them to all that Laurel Creek has to offer. Send their details our way, and I’ll make sure they receive the VIP treatment!
Thank you for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. Here’s to a fabulous fall season filled with fun, friendship, and unforgettable moments at Laurel Creek Country Club!
NEW MEMBERS
August 4th
June 14th
Alice Tien & Glen Wu Family
Melany & Sami Ijaz
The Camponelli Family
The Ziegenfuse Family
Tim & Lisa Stallings
Cecilia Leigh Piscopo
Shane Michael D’Angelo
Bob Hennefer
DIRECTOR OF GOLF
We always strive to provide the best experience possible at the club, but sometimes enforcing the rules gets in the way. One of the most common rules that we enforce is the Club’s Dress Code Policy; almost on a daily basis. The most common phrase we say is “Can you please tuck in your shirt”. It is less common for us to enforce the dress code with the membership, and more common that we have to enforce it with your guests for the day.
Other common infractions we see are backwards hats and sweatpants or gym shorts on the range and in the Simulator. We expect our members and guests to adhere to our dress code no matter which area of the facility you are using for the day. We could use your help in following the dress code daily, and informing your guests of our policy before they arrive at the club. Now that we’re moving into the Fall months, we’ll see more jackets and hoodies. While Hoodies are allowed on the golf course and driving range, as well as the downstairs locker rooms. They are not allowed upstairs when seated, and they must have an appropriate golf course size logo.
Golf Attire: All players must be appropriately attired on the golf course and practice range at all times. The Golf Professional has the final determination of attire.
Men (and all male children): Shirts with collars and sleeves, slacks or golf-length shorts are considered appropriate attire. No Cargo Shorts are allowed. Shirts are to remain tucked-in at all times. Hooded shirts are allowed on the golf course, driving range and lower level of the clubhouse including the member’s lounge, pro shop and locker rooms. Tank tops, tee shirts, mesh shirts, sweat shirts or pants, warmup suits, blue jeans or denim, swim wear, cut-offs, gym shorts, tennis outfits, or other athletic shorts are not permitted. Hats/caps may not be worn with peak backwards.
Women (and all female children): Golf dresses, skirts, slacks, golf-length shorts and blouses are considered appropriate attire. Halter tops, tee shirts, cut-offs, mesh tops, sweat pants, warm-up suits, blue jeans or denim, swim wear, tennis dresses, short shorts, or other athletic shorts are not permitted. Hats/caps may not be worn with peak backwards.
Shoes: Street, tennis, running or similar shoes, other than golf shoes shall not be worn on the course. Golf shoes with “soft spikes” are preferred by the Course Superintendent in order to protect the quality of the greens putting surface.
LCWGA
On Thursday August 29th the Nine and Dine Scramble was over, winners of the tournament announced, 28 women were satiated by a yummy Buffet in Blu, and a handful of intrepid women reluctant to let the beautiful evening end remained in the Blu bar to close out the successful event!! It was a ‘Night in PARadise at the Creek’ for members and guests hosted by Susan Odegaard. Mary Ann Stack and Susan Odegaard’s team narrowly took first place at 10 under par while second place was won by Christine Blessing and Karen Bolte’s team. Congratulations to Christine Blessing who captured ‘closest to the pin’ on hole number three with her tee shot under three feet from the pin and congratulations to Eileen Burke whose drive on hole number five soared down the fairway to give her the longest drive of the match!! Members were very happy the Nine and Dine event was resurrected and are looking forward to more of them in the future!
A Nine-Hole Invitational played at Tavistock to the theme of ‘Life’s a Beach’ was captained by Heidi Bourke and Jennifer Halfpenny on Wednesday September 4th. Linda Angstreich, Teri Barlow, Rita Gordon, Joanne Seltzer and Maryann Stack participated along with the captains under a beautiful blue and sunny sky. Congratulations to Heidi Bourke for getting closest to the pin and winning 3rd place with her team.
Labor Day may mark ‘the end of summer’ but there are lots of golf events planned for September and October. Wednesdays in September continue with tournament play for both nine and eighteen holers with sign up on the APP (lots of different and fun formats are planned). The Ladies Senior (age 50 and over) Club Championship will be played on September 7th and 8th and all women members of the club are invited to play (you do not need to be a member of the LCWGA to play in it). Whose name will be engraved on the plaque as part of LC history? On September 11th the second annual Solheim Cup chaired by Christine Blessing, Noelle Noyes and Joanne Seltzer will be played (will Team USA or will Team Europe be victorious) and the Cup has been expanded to include both a nine hole and eighteen-hole event. September 15th ends Round 3 of Secretary’s and President’s Cup and Jersey Girls, captained by Christine Blessing, plays their last match on Tuesday September 17th at Medford Village. Women’s Trenton District Golf Association has three more tournaments of the season: Burlingon Country Club on September 10th (Seniors); Oak Hill on September 17th (closing day) and TOMEC @ Trenton CC (register @ wtdga.org). September 25th is the much-anticipated Member/Guest outing, GOLFING UNDER THE TUSCAN SKY, that begins at 7:45 a.m. for a continental breakfast, 8:45 for a shotgun and lunch/awards after golf. This event planned by Kelly Redkay and Eileen Burke is sure to be a great day of golf AND culture and is open to all Laurel Creek Country Club women with full golfing privileges. Italy right on our own golf course!!!
Finally, the third annual Moorestown Cup event with Moorestown Field Club will be held on October 8th. Contact Stephanie Moccia or Christine Blessing for further details.
So, no need to put your golf clubs away just yet. Sign up for more golf activities at the club to enjoy great conditions; fun competition; good company; hues of scarlet and gold and fresh, cool air!
See you on the Golf Course!!
Ryan Reeves
DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE
Over the past few months, we’ve enjoyed some exquisite dinners at Blu, particularly the delightful pop-up events like our Farm to Table and Tuscan Wine dinners. Chef Pete and his talented team truly excelled in crafting memorable culinary experiences that were both fun and exceptional!
We are thrilled to introduce Saturday Suppers in Blu, launching on September 28th! Join us for an exquisite fine dining experience every Saturday night, designed to make your evenings at the club truly special. Childcare will now be available on Saturday nights, making your evenings worry-free! You can bring your children to our Kids Club, where they’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of games and activities, all supervised by our trusted staff. Enjoy your night knowing your little ones are in great hands!
This Saturday Supper Club menu is heavily inspired by Mid-Atlantic seafood and classic steakhouse favorites including our own house-made pasta, fresh local ingredients, all prepared by our amazing culinary team. We firmly believe that our menu of savory decedent offerings will be exactly what you are looking for on a Saturday night!
KIERAN
(KIWI) HEISLER SERVER
Thank you, Kiwi for all that you do!
Pete Rosenblatt
EXECUTIVE CHEF
The Chefs Table at Blu
Come join us at Laurel Creeks Chefs Table, a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into our newly renovated kitchen. Designed to provide up to 6 guests an immersive front row culinary experience. Our chefs will prepare a sixcourse tasting menu inspired by seasonal locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to reserve your table soon, we look forward to entertaining you.
Cheers!
CHEFS TABLE
SAMPLE MENU
SEAFOOD PLATEAU
Oysters, Shrimp, Snow Crab, Tuna, Lobster
SEA SCALLOPS
Summer Squash, Tomato Butter
GEM LETTUCE
Manchego, Sherry Vinaigrette
TAGLIATELLE
Cacio e Pepe, Summer Truffle
VEAL CHOP
Charred Broccoli, Gremolata
CHOCOLATE CAKE
Salted Caramel Ice Cream
A review of the Chef’s Table from member, Steve Kavney:
“Food was excellent; Chef Dave was very creative with local ingredients; and personalized to our taste. He took time to describe the origin of each course and injected his personality. It was really nice to get know Chef Dave - and he is very talented ! This first-time experience, exceeded our expectations”
Carol MacLennan
DIRECTOR OF TENNIS
JOIN US FOR AFTER SCHOOL KID’S TENNIS
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5:30
Redball Players with Champion Champion: Bryson Leimberg
Orange Ball Champion: Kate Fray
Finalist: James Crowe
Green ball champion: Alexander Charbonné
Finalist: Callum Reid
Junior club champion: Aaron Cohen
Finalist: Maria Julia Bartholo
Family Pizza Night at The Courts
John Slade
DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS
It may sound unusual, but it was great to have an irrigation break, and repair this past week. Why in the world would we want to have to deal with a break in August? Well, for quite some time, we have seen the pump station’s small pressure maintenance pump cycling about four times per hour. This meant that the system was losing one gallon of water per minute somewhere.
It should be noted that by most standards this really isn’t a whole lot of water. For perspective, municipal water systems, which provide our drinking water, often have leaks accounting for over 20% of the potable water supply they are pumping.
Pump cycling four times per hour
You could say that the pump station is now “flat lining,” which is great in this situation. Below, you can see that the black line (indicating the current discharge pressure) is virtually unchanged for a full hour, and hovering right above the red line T10 (the system set pressure).
Other than a lightning strike, this is the first break we have had in two years. The total spent in irrigation parts to make these repairs was $30--not bad for a 35 year old system!
Upcoming Events
