December Park & Farms 2022

Great People make Favorite Places

Baltimore Country Club Staff Newsletter

December Virtual Newsletter

View December Lifestyle

View the Lifestyle magazine to learn more about what’s happening around the Club, departmental updates, and upcoming events.

ON THE COVER:

From Left to Right: General Manager Kent Johnson, Events Manager Carmina Purtell, & Assistant General Manager

Michael Nyerges at the Holiday Champagne Brunch 2021

Great People Make Favorite Places

BCC has created an actionable statement that helps define our philosophy known as The Simple Truth: Great People Make Favorite Places. ◆

Staff Member of the Month

OCTOBER

Joe Hamilton, Golf

Joe’s commitment to enhancing the member experience is apparent every day. His kind demeanor, positive attitude, and eagerness to serve are something our members look forward to when pulling into the Golf Circle. During Phase 1 construction, we lost two major access points to the Golf House and had to relocate our Bag Drop to the parking lot for most of the 2022 golf season. As a result, golf members were required to walk much further to access our golf facilities. Joe took the challenge in stride and used a six-passenger golf cart to shuttle members to and from the lot, making that trek a little easier. Joe’s genuine approach to hospitality is truly something special, and we feel very fortunate to have him on our Team.

Leadership Award

OCTOBER

Pastry

Jenna has worked in a few Culinary positions at BCC, but she has made her mark as the Assistant Pastry Chef. She recently stepped up to lead the department while our Pastry Chef was on maternity leave. She led the Team through some of our busiest events this year, including our Labor Day Celebration and Grand Reopening of the Five Farms clubhouse. She worked tirelessly to ensure the new dessert menu in À la Carte was beautifully presented while simultaneously making desserts for our many banquet events. Jenna is an integral part of the Culinary Team and has grown into her leadership role by creating outstanding desserts and being a true team player to her coworkers.

GREEN FOLDER STORIES

Our staff members take every step to go above and beyond to accomplish our Simple Truth. Often, there are easy ways to make a positive impression on our members, from saying happy birthday or congratulations on an award, but not being afraid to make the big gestures is what sets us apart.

Let us know how you made a positive impact on a member, guest, vendor, or fellow staff member!

Jenna Kropkowski,

bcc YOUniversity

What is BCC YOUniversity?

BCC YOUniversity is a continuing education program geared to promote personal and professional growth for all Baltimore Country Club staff.

Staff Requirement

All year-round Full-time and Part-time staff are required to participate. Seasonal staff are welcome to attend with supervisor approval.

• Full-time staff are required to obtain a minimum of 4.5 credits within the fiscal year (March 1-February 28)

• Part-time staff will be required to obtain a minimum of 3 credits within the fiscal year (March 1-February 28)

• All new staff are required to take one BCC Basic History course

Depending on the hire date of new staff members, some staff credit requirements will be modified; this will be determined on a case-by-case basis. All staff instructors will receive credit for conducting classes, but must still complete the required credit categories as a participant.

EMPLOYER

Through the remainder of 2022, Safe Harbor Contribution of 100% on first 3%, 50% on next 2% and 25% on next 1%. Effective January 1, 2023, Safe Harbor Contribution equals 100% on the first of 3% and 50% of the next 3%.

BENEFICIARY

Naming

Happy Holidays INITIATIVE

The holidays can be a challenging time for many families. We are all feeling the effects of inflation and rising gas prices. BCC’s Helping Hands Foundation is here to offer a helping hand to staff members who need assistance bringing the joy of Christmas to their children this year.

Please have your child/children fill out a Christmas Wish List located in the Five Farms and Roland Park staff breakrooms. Return the completed wishlist to Juanita Bayer or Suzy Jewett. All submissions will be confidential. If you need help, please ask. If you can help, please give.

A Baltimore Country Club Recognized Charity

JUANITA BAYER | jbayer@bcc1898.com

The Helping Hands Foundation was created in 2010 and has helped our fellow staff members with over $55,000 in assistance. We extend charitable aid to staff members of Baltimore Country Club and their families in cases of emergency or financial crisis.

HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE

Email helpinghand@bcc1898.com to request and complete a Financial Assistance Request form. These may also be submitted to any committee member.

Once all necessary paperwork and documentation has been received, the committee members will discuss the request within 48 hours. The requesting staff member may also meet with the board if they so choose.

A decision is made within 72 hours. Any funds awarded must be paid directly to a third party such as an insurance company or doctor office. Cash or checks cannot be given directly to the requesting staff member. All decisions and financial distributions are kept strictly confidential and are not shared with supervisors or managers.

Assistance is available to all staff members whether they are contributors or not.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

CONTRIBUTE VIA PAYROLL

The organization is funded through voluntary staff member contributions that are tax deductible through our 501c3 status. Contributions can be as low as $1 per pay period and can be adjusted at any time. This is a great way to help your coworkers that may find themselves in need of assistance.

If you would like to contribute, or are in need of assistance, please email helpinghand@bcc1898.com or contact any Helping Hands committee member.

CONTRIBUTE

CONTRIBUTE WITH AMAZON SMILE

Every item available for purchase on www.amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) at the same price. Eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages.

1. Go to smile.amazon.com

2. Select “Baltimore Country Club Helping Hand Foundation” as your charitable organization

3. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases

Spotlight

EvEnts meet the team

Caroline Pogust Director of Events Hannah Epple Events Coordinator Sydney O’Rourke Events Assistant

Carmina Purtell Events Manager

What are you looking forwarD to the most During the HoliDay season at BCC?

CAROLINE: I am most looking forward to experiencing all of the varied events for the first time and seeing our members enjoying the club with their families!

CARMINA: I’m always excited to see the club’s holiday decorations for each year and the themes that we come up for all holiday dinner and Santa party to make it interesting for our membership.

HANNAH: I’m excited to see a full holiday season from start to finish and the handmade gingerbread house the BCC Pastry Team creates each year.

SYDNEY: The decorations—especially for the themed events!

Holiday Planning Tips

‘Tis the season to spend time with loved ones and celebrate the Holidays! Here are a few tips when planning a holiday party

1) Have a Vision: Do you want a small intimate dinner party or are you thinking of having all your extended family as well? Decide what you want your holiday party to be first before you create the guest list.

2) Save the Date: Make sure you give your guests ample time to clear their schedule and plan around your party. Weekday and Sunday parties are becoming more and more popular as schedules are getting busier and busier.

3) ‘Tis the Theme: The holiday season is already a theme, but take it one step further by infusing a theme that can carry through the décor, food, and music such as “Silver and Gold” or “Jingle Bell Rock”.

4) Dress to Impress: Decide whether you want your guests in cocktail attire or ugly Christmas sweaters. Either option is great, but you know your guests best. Decide what they’d be most comfortable in and what goes best with your theme.

5) Festive Food: It doesn’t always need to be a sit-down meal. Cocktail style parties or potlucks are great ways to have guests converse in a more relaxed environment.

6) Consider an Activity: Something as simple as a white elephant gift exchange, helps guests interact. If there’s extra room in the budget, find a fun DIY photo booth using the classic polaroid cameras or fly Santa in from the North Pole!

Most of all have fun and enjoy the holiday season!

OPERATIONS

FASHION SHOW LUNCH 268

FASHION SHOW DINNER 169

HOLIDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH 140

ADULT GINGERBREAD PARTY 43

FIRESIDE LUNCH 59

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 104

FIRESIDE LUNCH 72

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 122

CHILDREN’S SANTA PARTY 370

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 175

HOLIDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH 182

CHILDREN’S GINGERBREAD PARTY 208

GINGERBREAD TO-GO 63

FIRESIDE LUNCH 11

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 96

FIRESIDE LUNCH 4

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 153

FIRESIDE LUNCH 41

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 172

CHILDREN’S SANTA PARTY 421

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 174

HOLIDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH 199

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 183

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 181

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 180

CHILDREN’S MOVIE BREAKFAST 105

HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET 196

YOGA TIPS

Rebecca Printen Therapeutic Yoga Instructor

Whether you are planning to visit family, or stay home for the holidays, remember to take some time to relax and practice self-care techniques to avoid holiday burnout. Fatigue, aches, and pains can damper holiday spirits, so it’s essential to listen to your body's needs and prioritize them.

Here are five tips to keep in mind this season:

1. Start your day with a simple yoga practice—nothing complicated or too time-consuming. Follow along with a short virtual class or use a meditation app.

2. Take a breathing break if your day is rushed or stress and anxiety sneaked in. Lie on the floor comfortably, place your hands on your belly, and breathe for 10 minutes.

3. Pause. Before making decisions, take a moment to think about the most straightforward option. Try not to be reactive and give decisions some thought.

4. Get outside! Bundle up for a long walk or a hike. This is especially good after eating a meal.

5. Set boundaries. You can enjoy the season in a way that works for you. For example, if you are feeling tired, get more sleep.

WELLNESS TIP

Dolores Aaronson, Group Exercise Instructor

Give yourself the gift of holiday indulgences BUT do it mindfully. Be considerate of yourself.

TIP: Plan your splurge on holiday appetizers, desserts, and cocktails but be sure you feed your body nutritiously and hydrate with water! You will wake up guilt-free and ready to resume your regular fitness and eating activities.

FITNESS TIP

Jessica Taylorson, Personal Coach

A 15-minute workout is better than a 0-minute workout.

TIP: Try completing this circuit below: 30 seconds of each exercise with 15 seconds between exercises for 2-3 sets.

• Squats

• Push-Ups

• Jumping Jacks

• Plank

• Lunges

• Rows

• High Knees

• Russian Twists

Geervan Pullut J1 Culinary Intern

Anthony Dickson

Bartender

Jordan Wenzle Server Assistant

Katherine Rogers Server

Will Arguello Serving Assistant

Sydney O’Rourke Events Assistant

Stephen Quigley Bartender

Paige Etris Server

Mark Jones Baby Girl

Nick Cannon Twins

Jessica Taylorson Baby Boy

Kate Reinhart Passed her Certified Club Manager exam

Simran Got Married

Chef Kevin Vice President of the ACF Baltimore Chapter

Noah Lorup Bartender

Brad Maempel Cook