Join us for these special holiday nights out with carolers, passed hors d’oeuvres, grand appetizer buffet, and wine. Enjoy a multi-course dinner with special wine pairings. Each dinner will feature a special menu with wine flights included, see menus & details online.
November
December 2024
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you and your family well and enjoying the transition from fall to the holiday season.
After an extended season outside enjoying the beautiful Fall weather, we are now transitioning to our holiday events. This is a month to be grateful for our MSC community, our dedicated staff, and the joy we share here together throughout the year!
The holiday season calendar of traditional family festivities and events are all planned, scheduled and the brochures have been mailed to the membership. Enjoy the diverse options for all members to select from and make your reservation soon as some events are very popular.
Board of Directors
Suzanne M. Eschel
President
Eileen A. Noren
Vice President
Cathy Albrecht
Secretary
Charles E. Glew
Treasurer
Donald J. Holmberg
David H. Melsheimer
Laura K. Mostofi
Matthew J. Revord
Benjamin Rodman
Matthew E. Singer
Nicholas E. Wallace
Michigan Shores Club Staff
Join us for two exciting Speaker Series’ events in November, Gettysburg: The Battle That Changed America with Brian DeToy (11/7) and A Discussion with Author Meg Kissinger (11/19), and Club-favorite Shop-A-Palooza event on Thursday, 11/21.
This Thanksgiving, we will reprise last year’s popular format, featuring a Wednesday night Family Buffet Dinner, a Thanksgiving Day Open House with a special Thanksgiving Brunch, open bowling and paddle,Thanksgiving pick-up meals (and à la carte sides) to go, and fitness and aquatics classes to enjoy before the feasts begin!
The holiday season kicks off the first week of December with a new event, A Night on the Polar Express (12/1) for families, followed by a series of events including the annual Santa Brunch (12/8), Ladies Luncheon (12/4), Gingerbread House Decorating (12/15), and Young at Heart dinner dance (12/19). Come celebrate at our first Hanukkah Candle Lighting (12/15) and Club Brunch featuring Hanukkah favorites (12/29). Our festive multi-course Candlelight Wine Dinners (12/14 and 12/20) are popular — gather your friends and reserve a table. We will continue to host the traditional Holiday Teas (12/11 & 12/12), gift wrapping, Christmas Eve Brunch and New Year’s Eve Dinner.
MSC members have a tradition of generously supporting our staff in November with the annual Holiday Employee Fund. You will be receiving your letter in the mail early this month. As always, thank you for your commitment to Michigan Shores Club.
I wish you good health and joy in the season ahead.
John Hallberg General Manager
John Hallberg General Manager jhallberg@michiganshores.org
Ed Strzelecki Executive Chef estrzelecki@michiganshores.org
+ Complimentary Speaker Series “Gettysburg:The Battle That Changed America”
Thursday, November 12
+ Fitness & Wellness Presents: The Mind Body Connection
Wednesday, November 13
+ Holiday Cookie Baking Class
Thursday, November 14
+ MSC Book Club While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence
Friday, November 15
+ Italian Wine Dinner
Thursday, November 19
+ Complimentary Speaker Series with Author Meg Kissinger
Thursday, November 21
+ Shop-a-Palooza
Friday, November 22
+ Kids Pool Party
Tuesday, November 26
+ Ladies Turkey Shoot Out
Wednesday, November 27
+ Charcuterie Class
+ Family Buffet Dinner
Thursday, November 28
+ Thanksgiving Day Open House & Club Brunch
Friday, November 29
+ John Kern Men’s Turkey Shoot Out
MSC Complimentary Speaker Series in November
6:30 pm Cookies & signature bar
7:00 pm Presentation
Join us in November for two special MSC Complimentary Speaker Series events. RSVP online or with the Front Desk and make your reservations for dinner at the Club before or after the discussions!
Gettysburg: The Battle That Changed America with Brian DeToy
Thursday, November 7
Brian DeToy is a professor at West Point and expert on the Battle of Gettysburg. This discussion draws from his teachings of the battle - and its lessons that remain relevant today. Brian's 28 years of service as an infantryman in the US Army, multiple deployments overseas, and appearances on the History Channel, A&E, and PBS, brings incredible insight to this historic turning point to the Civil War.
A Discussion with Author Meg Kissinger
“While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence
Tuesday, November 19
Meg Kissinger, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author, will help you think about people with mental illness in a new light. Her engaging memoir, “While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence,” has been praised for its incisive reporting, boundless compassion and surprising humor. It was named as an Outstanding Work of Literature winner and an editors’ choice by the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and more.
The MSC Book Club
Thursday, November 14 | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
We’ll discuss Ms Kissinger’s book While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence in advance of her visit.
December
Sunday, December 1
+ Sunday Club Brunch
+ An Evening on the Polar Express
Tuesday, December 3
+ Holiday Gift Wrapping Drop Off
Wednesday, December 4
+ Ladies Holiday Luncheon
Thursday, December 5
+ December Birthday Night
Sunday, December 8
+ Santa Comes to MSC
Tuesday, December 10
+ Gift Wrapping Drop off
Wednesday, December 11
+ Holiday Tea
Thursday, December 12
+ Holiday Tea
+ MSC Book Club Hits, Flops and Other Illusions by Richard Osman
Friday, December 13
+ Holidazzle Ladies' Paddle Event
Saturday, December 14
+ Holiday Family Tea
+ Holiday Candlelight Wine Dinner
Sunday, December 15
+ Sunday Brunch in December
+ Hanukkah Candle Lighting
+ Children’s Gingerbread House Party
Tuesday, December 17
+ Holiday Gift Wrapping Drop Off
Thursday, December 19
+ Young at Heart Holiday Dinner Dance
Friday, December 20
+ Holiday Candlelight Wine Dinner
Sunday, December 22
+ Sunday Club Brunch
+ Holiday Charcuterie Class
+ Family Dinner Dance
Tuesday, December 24
+ Christmas Eve Brunch
Sunday, December 29
+ Sunday Club Brunch with Hanukkah favorites
Tuesday, December 31
+ New Year’s Eve Dinner
November and December Birthday Nights
Thursdays, November 7 and December 5
Seatings at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Celebrate any MSC members who have birthdays during those months! The birthday member will be treated to a complimentary dinner entrée and choice of chocolate or vanilla cake.
MSC Entertaining Series: Charcuterie Class
Wednesday, November 27 | $50 per platter 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | $15.00 per person++
Learn how to make an Instagram-worthy charcuterie platter perfect for a wine night, date night, or holiday party. Enjoy a glass of wine during a short discussion with a chef-instructor.
Shop-A-Palooza
Supporting the MSC Foundation
Thursday, November 21 | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Bring your friends & holiday lists to shop in comfort and style at this feel-good evening at MSC. Over 25 unique artisans offer an array of clothing, stationery, jewelry, skincare and more. Cash bar and light refreshments. No cost to attend. Reservations required.
An Evening on the Polar Express
Sunday, December 1
5:00 pm Buffet | 6:00 pm Movie
All aboard! Wear your favorite winter PJs and enjoy a rousing holiday kick-off at this immersive family movie night at MSC. Punch your ticket for a family-friendly buffet supper at 5:00 pm, followed by a screening of The PolarExpress! Enjoy a hot, hot, hot, hot chocolate station, sweets, and a special surprise goody bag for children as they depart. The film runtime is 1hr 40min. Signature bar for parents. All children must be accompanied by an adult 18+.
Young
at Heart Holiday Dinner Dance
Thursday, December 19 | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Enjoy this jazzy holiday dinner dance for adults. Take a spin on the dance floor or just tap your feet to the sound of a live band. A three-course dinner menu will be served, including wine service. A signature bar will be available during the reception with passed hors d’oeuvres. Singles are welcome. Club formal.
Hanukkah Candle Lighting
Sunday, December 15 | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Enjoy a prosecco toast and light appetizers including jelly donuts and potato pancakes as we celebrate the season of light together! Decorate cookies and enjoy family-friendly activities. Club casual. Member signature bar. Make your reservations to stay for dinner at the Club!
Sunday Brunches in December
Sundays: December 1, 15, 22, 29* 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Our favorite Sunday Club brunch buffet gets dressed up with holiday flair! Enjoy a full family-friendly brunch buffet with stations, juice bar, mimosas and bloody mary bar. Club casual. Register via the Club calendar!
The December 29th Brunch will have special Hanukkah offerings.
*There will be no Brunch on the 8th because of the Santa Brunch.
Dining Holiday Dining at Michigan Shores
This season we’re happy to be offering food and bar service daily in the South End Café and Shawnee Pub. Join us for cozy meals in the Bellows Room, the South End Café's light meals, grab & go, and Sunday Brunch, or quiet evenings in the Oak Room and Shawnee Pub. All venues offer full menus with daily specials.
Please make reservations with Reception, or online using our website/app dining reservation system.
Bring the whole family for a casual dinner before "the big day" and enjoy a no-clean up meal! The Game Room will be open for children aged 3-12 by reservation from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Thanksgiving Club Brunch
Thursday, November 28 | 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Our favorite Sunday Club brunch buffet with a Thanksgiving twist! Enjoy a full family-friendly brunch buffet with omelet stations, carving station, Thanksgiving meal favorites, mimosas and bloody mary bar. Club casual.
$32 per adult ++ | $17 per child (5-12) ++ $12 per toddler (2-4) ++ | Infants at no charge
Register via the Club calendar and specify your seating preference in the South End Cafe, Bellows Club Room, Library, or 1898 Room. Parties of over 8 guests, please make your reservations with the Front Desk. Member signature bar. 48-hour cancellation policy.
Fitness & Wellness
Holiday Season Fitness
As the holiday season heats up, stay in top form at the MSC Fitness Center!
Mental & Emotional Components of Physical Well-Being with Frederick Weinstein
Tuesday, November 12
6:30 pm Cookies & Signature Bar
7:00 pm Presentation
When we speak of the mind-body connection, we assume that the mind and body are two separate entities that are somehow connected. The body is an expression of the mind. Our thoughts, emotions, and resulting biochemistry contribute to perceptions and physical state of being. Learn how our emotional and mental states are connected to physical well-being and how therapeutic massage can be key to unlocking the habit of self-care, allowing us to relax, rehabilitate, and witness how our beliefs affect how we feel in our bodies.
Project Zero Challenge
November 18 - January 5 | $50 to join in*
Stop the holiday weight gain cycle! The Thanksgiving-to-New Year’s festivity circuit brings all the temptations - to eat and drink too much, to sleep too little, to stress out and take care of everyone but ourselves! All this can lead to weight gain we have to deal with in January. All MSC members are welcome to join the Project Zero Challenge to take care of yourself and maintain all the work you put in all year!
* Your $50 entry fee will be returned if you manage to remain the same weight by the end of the holiday season. Plus, a kitty will be created with the entry fees of all challengers who don’t maintain their weight, and will be divided among the successful challengers as a bonus reward! Initial weigh-ins will be November 18-24.
Contact Rodrigo Velarde to sign-up rvelarde@michiganshores.org.
Winter Fitness Memberships for High School & College Kids
Do you have 16-25 year old kids in town for the winter (December - January)?
A $75 Winter Membership Includes:
• Fitness Center access
• Group Fitness Class unlimited pass
• Lap Swim access ($5 per visit)
To sign up, or for more info, contact Brian Kim, bkim@michiganshores. org or call the Fitness Center at 224-408-8299.
Fitness Tip
The gift that keeps on giving
READ ARTICLE
Health Tip Eating to
Beat Disease:
How your body can heal itself
By Vito Scamarcia
READ ARTICLE
Wellness Tip Yoga for Athletes: Enhancing Performance and Preventing Injuries
By Kelly Jacobs
READ ARTICLE
Meet the Staff
Need a little Fitness & Wellness Support this Season? Our staff is here to help! Visit the Website for details and availability.
Personal Trainers
Wellness Practitioners
Rodrigo Velarde
Agata Adamczyk
Carl Shearer
Vito Scamarcia
Rex Lawson
Fredrick Weinstein
Suzanne Allmart
Rodrigo Velarde
Ardath Berliant
Alex Kasper
Paddle Kickoff to an Exciting Paddle Season at
Michigan Shores Club!
We’re thrilled to announce that the official paddle season is now underway!
After a fantastic preseason that started in September, our season kicked off in October and will run through March, bringing together roughly 350 enthusiastic players on teams that range from beginners to advanced levels.
This season, we have 170 men competing across 12 teams, from Series 2 to Series 37. For our ladies, 115 players are engaged in the Day League, spanning Series 1 through Series 17, while an additional 65 are enjoying the camaraderie of the Monday and Sunday Night Leagues (Series B - Series J).
Upcoming Events
Thanksgiving Paddle Events
Enjoy these popular Thanksgiving weekend Paddle outings with fellow MSC members. Details online.
Ladies Turkey Shoot Out
Tuesday, November 26
Flights at 1:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:30 pm
John Kern Men’s Turkey Shoot Out
Friday, November 29
Flights at 8:30 am, 11:30 am
Holidazzle Ladies' Paddle Event
Friday, December 13 | 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm Sign ups begin on November 20.
Play Paddle
Paddle is a fantastic way to stay active outdoors throughout the winter, meet new friends, and deepen your connection to our club community. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, there’s a place for you on the courts, making the cold months fly by in great company!
If you're interested in learning to play paddle, please reach out to Chris Warner at cwarner@michiganshores.org.
Aquatics
This holiday season, the Aquatics Center is buzzing with cheer!
This Fall, Aqua Fitness participants gathered for tea, Aquatics members celebrated another year in the pool, and the Swim Team hosted its first meets! We all look forward to the season ahead!
November is Aquatics Appreciation Month!
Aquatics Member Appreciation Month at MSC gets kicked off on November 3rd at our Annual Appreciation Event from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. We are so grateful for our awesome Aquatics Community here at MSC. We have swimmers who have swum more than 1500 miles in our Patch Club since 2018. We have families that have been taking lessons, who transition to the swim team, who later have become our regular lap swimmers. Our members connect with one another in our sauna, in the pool, the locker rooms, book group, in our Aqua Fitness classes and even around Mah Jongg tiles. We are so proud that our beautiful pool is the centerpiece for a lot of shared energy, encouragement, and community. Around here, we say that we build community one lap at a time, but it is each of you who make those efforts to truly connect. Thank you!
November & December Aquatics Events
Aqua Fitness
Monday - Friday | 8:50 am - 9:50 am
Saturdays | 9:50 am - 10:50 am
Guided Group Swimming
Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Thursday | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Aquatics Members | 1,500 - 4,000 yd workouts
Dolphins Swim Team
November & December
Away Swim Meets | November 6 & December 4
Dolphin Turkey Relays | November 20
Home Swim Meet | December 11
Dolphins Holiday Relays | December 17
Team Holiday Party | December 18
Kids Pool & Pizza Party
Friday, November 22
Aquatics Holiday Hours
Open 6:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
The entire Club will be closed Christmas Day & New Year's Day
January Save the Dates
January 2 | Kids Pizza & Pool Party
Beginning January 6 | Afterschool at the Pool
The MSC Dolphins are off to a great start!
We have 29 Junior Swimmers and 21 Senior Swimmers on our teams. Rex Lawson coaches the Seniors with Hillary Zazove and Mary Lynn coaches the Juniors with Carl Shearer. The first swim meet will be away at the Evanston YWCA on November 6th. There will be no swim practice the week of Thanksgiving. Then the next away meet will be December 4th at Valley Lo. We are excited about all that this year holds for our Dolphins.
Community
Welcome New Members
October
Jim & Jenny Sloan
John & Katherine Sprenger
Whitney & Ian Wolf
November
Rod & Laura Aliabadi
Michael & Isabelle Teplitsky
Elizabeth & Jon Osmundson
Recent MSC Membership Anniversaries
5 years
Stephanie & Kevin Eiden
Blas Puzon & Jennifer Bullock
Kara & Matthew Kline
Jamon & Stacy Mytty
Gregg & Clare Stein
10 years
Ryan & Amy DeVore
Timothy & Rhonda Elliott
Julie & Robert Fleetwood
Christopher & Mary Hesburgh
Stephen & Veronique Markscheid
Robert & Pandora Napoli
Troy & Amy Peters
William & Tracey Uruba
Bradley & Christine Wynn
Reciprocal Club Spotlight
Naples Bay Club Naples, FL
Located at 1800 Tamiami Trail in Naples, Florida, the Naples Bay Club is a frequent destination for our members who travel to Florida in the winter months. With a variety of dining and leisure options, the club is perfect for a visit in either daytime or evening.
If interested in this or other reciprocal opportunities, contact Nick Rumas at nrumas@michiganshores.org for a letter of introduction.
15 years
Fabian & Kathy Carbonell
Christopher & Elizabeth Dunn
Nicole & John Keenan
Stuart & Cara McDermott
Thomas & Elizabeth Molins
Joseph & Elizabeth Vitu
Robert & Sheryl Wall
20 years
Michael & Margaret Bennett
James & Lynne McGrath
25 years
W. Brennan & Meg Smith
Jean Stafford
30 years
Walter & Janet Baker
Richard & Jill Blabolil
Edward & Kristin Casas
35 years
Samuel & Patty Gordon
Alexander & Marianne Lerner
45 years
John Relias
Kids at MSC
The Holiday Season is a busy time at Michigan Shores Club for kids.
We wanted to make sure that you had access to the links for the upcoming events!
The Star Wars Theme Night
Tuesday, November 5 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
This Election Day, drop the kids off in the Game Center for 2 hours of fun! Theme Nights are evenings of supervised activity inspired by a new theme that encourages kids to dress in costume, participate in crafts and games, and then eat pizza with their friends at the Club. $20 includes pizza.
Kids Pool & Pizza Parties
Friday, November 22 | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday, January 2 | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
We’ve added two new Pool & Pizza night dates during Winter Break! The Game Center Staff will meet the kids in the Aquatics Center for an hour of swimming and then take them to the Game Center for pizza. Space is limited, register early! $20 per child with registration, $25 for drop-in.
A Night on the Polar Express
Sunday, December 1 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
A new event in the MSC Holiday event line-up for families! Come for a family-friendly supper buffet, and a hot! hot! hot! hot chocolate bar while we screen The Polar Express. Register online.
After School at the Pool
January 6 - February 3 Mondays 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Come for after-school swimming fun! Brenden (everyone's favorite lifeguard and Game Center staffer!) leads the kids through fun games and open play time. This class is for kids who are able to swim the full length of the pool.
Arts & Crafts for Kids
Fridays, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm in January
Classes for kids (ages 4-7) will resume in the new year! These 3-week sessions are led by Game Center Staff with a new craft each week. $60 for 3 sessions or drop-in for $25.
Birthday Parties at MSC
We continue to be busy with Kids Birthday Party Pool Rentals, and we are thrilled to announce that we are now able to accommodate Kids Birthday Party Rentals in the Game Center. If you are looking forward to a special event this Fall or Winter please reach out now to save your spot. ljohnston@michiganshores.org
Fall Events Recap
Some of our favorite moments from the Fall Fling and other favorite Fall events. Don’t miss a single image! Find all of your favorite images within the online Club photo album. Save the Date for next year's Fall Fling!
Fall Events Recap
Some of our favorite moments from the Fall Fling and other favorite Fall events. Don’t miss a single image! Find all of your favorite images within the online Club photo album. Save the Date for next year's Fall Fling!
