April 2015
MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT FOR THE JOYCE BURNS CUP 2015
w w w. b l a ck d i a m o n d r a n ch . c o m
A Message from John Hilker, General Manager Dear Black Diamond Members:
CLUB STAFF JOHN HILKER
General Manager jhilker@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3440
EMMA BRADLEY
Events Coordinator ebradley@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3440
MATT DIMASE
Director of Golf Course Maintenance mdimase@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-0404
MARY NAPOLITANO
Fitness Center mnapolitano@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3385
BEVERLY PARTAIN
Accounting bpartain@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-0254
BRYAN RICHARD
Director of Golf brichard@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3446
CHRIS SMILGIN
Club Manager csmilgin@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3440
JENNIFER STAUFF
POA Manager NCPM@tampabay.rr.com 352-465-6933
KENNETH TUFO
Executive Chef ktufo@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3449
I am excited and very happy to be your new General Manager at Black Diamond. Together, we will be steadfast in keeping and adding to the proud traditions of Black Diamond. It will be my goal to keep Black Diamond the premier private club in Florida. I began my career in the club industry in 1999. During my career I have served as a general manager, regional manager, regional vice president, and vice president of food and beverage at several private country clubs, semiprivate golf clubs, resorts, and daily fee golf courses throughout the United States. I have worked for proven industry leaders in the club industry, including ClubCorp, American Golf, Fore Golf Associates, and now Escalante Golf. Throughout my career, I have strived to provide the highest levels of quality and service to all members and guests, while operating the business of the club by applying sound business practices and building a strong management team. I earned a Bachelor of Hotel and Restaurant Administration degree from Washington State University. I played junior golf competitively through high school and was the captain of the golf team my junior and senior year. I am married to my wife Lisa and have a 22 year old son Jordan and a 19 year old daughter Jocelyn; we will be relocating from Tampa. I look forward to utilizing my skills and experience here at Black Diamond, to build on the solid foundation and reputation the club has achieved over the years. We have a tremendous history, great golf courses, excellent amenities, and most importantly a strong Member base. I am excited to work with the management team, employees, and membership for the continued operation, growth, and development of Black Diamond. As well as improving upon our shared vision for the club. We are also planning a Manager’s Reception on April 14th at 6:00 pm. My first day at Black Diamond will be April 2. I look forward to meeting each of you and being a part of this fabulous community. Sincerely, John Hilker, General Manager jhilker@blackdiamondranch.com
Membership and Real Estate Corner
Black Diamond Realty is proud to announce that Marty Coogler, Linda Thomas, and Kerry Rosselet each earned the Million Dollar Producer award for 2014. These hardworking professionals are committed to doing their very best to represent and promote our wonderful community. They are a big reason for the year over year growth at Black Diamond. If you see them around the community please congratulate them for their success. We are also pleased to announce that the Marion County Builders Association awarded Black Diamond Development 1st place in “Architectural Design and Detail” for their Burnham Model on Shadow Creek Loop. Black Diamond was able to showcase our community to over 100 guests, vendors, and buyer prospects in the recent Marion County Parade of Homes which concluded March 31. Call the Sales Office today at 352-746-7400 to schedule your appointment to see this award winning home.
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A Message from Matt DiMase Director of Golf Course Maintenance Attention Members: I wanted to give an update regarding the golf courses. It seems like once February ended we went straight into “May-like” weather. In the last four weeks we have applied our annual wall to wall insecticide treatment for mole crickets and fire ants as well as our wall to wall fertilizer + pre-emergent application. We are now going through all DRA’s applying both a pre and post emergent. If you see the DRA’s with a blue tint, it is because a blue dye was used so our spray technicians know where they have sprayed and do not drive through the chemicals tracking it onto the golf course turf. Below is what is taking place on the respective courses: The Highlands Course: • The weekend of March 13th our lake between Highlands #1 and #8 suffered severe erosion. The lake bank washed away causing water, sediment, and even fish to fill the DRA on #1. • What happened was not intentional and we will not be expanding the lake. • I contacted the county and we found a combination of several possible scenarios that caused the damage. This included a faulty valve as well as tears in the lake liner. • The county and I have been working cohesively on the costs of the repairs. • Once all the repairs are made we will replenish the lakes with whatever fish were harmed during the wash out. • We have a new lake liner being shipped to us for the final repair. • The South West Florida Water Management District has been notified of what took place and we are working with them regarding our “lost water.” The Quarry Course: • Due to the poor health of the Oak Tree on the right side of Quarry #1 it will be removed this summer. • The bunker of Quarry #5 has been re-built and the feedback has been positive. We will utilize a similar approach this summer on several other bunkers. The Ranch Course: • My last letter mentioned the diagnosis of Pythium on the Ranch Greens. Since the diagnosis we have applied weekly fungicide applications as well as performed several spikings and pencil tine aerifications. We are currently treating the greens to eliminate any algae to promote the healthiest environment for the Tif-Dwarf to recover. • Please keep in mind Pythium thrives in poor drainage soils that stay wet. We have a lot of greens on the Ranch Course that are surrounded heavily by trees, especially on the East and Westward sides. This is important to mention because even now several greens are shaded up until 9 am and then shaded again by 4 pm. This issue was magnified during the winter months, which prompted us to begin our tree removal. With that being said, our goal is to complete our tree program on the Ranch Course this summer to increase air flow and sunlight, which in turn, will help dry out the surface resulting in overall better turf conditions. • Our plan is to thin out and selectively prune trees within 30-40 yards of all greens. • In order to get the greens to recover, we are applying a foliar fertilizer to the greens twice a week as well as a granular fertilizer once a week with a light top dress. • We removed the tree on the left side of Ranch #7 Green, but this was due to the tree being 90% dead. We have plans to replace that tree this summer. • We also removed the Pine Tree on #5. We were limited on hole locations due to this and we feel this Par 3 will now be able to pose multiple new challenging hole locations. Lastly, this is the time of the year when we transition from our Rye Grass to Bermuda. We do not put down any Bermuda seed during this process. We will lower our heights of cut to increase sun light to the soil where the Bermuda is and we will be watering less to stress out the Rye Grass. Ultimately this will choke out the Rye, and the Bermuda will then fill in. We are and will continue to do everything we can on the golf courses to make them enjoyable and playable for our members. Sincerely, Matt DiMase
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A Message from Chris Smilgin, Club Manager Hello, I would like to first thank every committee member that I have worked with over the past several months to ensure the golf tournaments went smoothly. The Pro AM, Men’s Member-Guest, Couples Member-Guest, Rider Cup, Conquering Cancer, Joyce Burns Memorial, and looking forward to the Ladies’ Member-Guest this month. I have enjoyed being here and learning from the staff as well as the membership here the “Black Diamond Ways.” Thank You! I would also like to thank Doug Egly and Peggy Gleason. Had a great time at the New Year’s Eve party, Valentines Dinner Dance and looking forward to Easter. I will begin posting to the website soon all the pictures taken at these and other events at the club. I have enjoyed the popularity the music events have had here as well. It seems to have started with Mr. Simon and his son, to be joined by Don Gessner and Mike Brough, as well as, Mr. Norris! We have added live music to the Wine Dinners and would like to try some at the A la Carte Nights. I am reaching out to several sources to see about some theater here at the Clubhouse also. As I am nearing my first year here at BDR this will be my first end-of-season in which the Canadian contingent returns to the Great White North. The end of the season will be celebrated on April 3rd with a tip of the hat to the Master’s as well. There will be a Bubba Watson dinner special with Don and Mike on stage singing some Canadian-themed music. I am available if needed for something in the Clubhouse or if we can help out in your home. Have a GREAT month of April! 2015 is almost 1/3 in the books. See you at the Clubhouse, Chris
Fitness Corner •
The Fitness Center is here to help you with your New Year’s resolutions.
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Classes for stretch, tone, core & free weights are offered every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 8:00AM. The price of these classes is $6.00 per person.
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Also available are one-on-one personal trainers for customized training sessions. Call for appointments and prices vary.
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Just a reminder to all members and your guests, please sign the sign-in sheet located inside the Fitness Center when you arrive.
Question- Will eating after 6pm cause someone to gain weight? This question has been asked numerous times and here is the answer: Simply because calories are consumed after a certain time doesn’t mean that it will result in weight gain. The most important thing that determines whether a person gains or loses weight is the number of calories that are consumed and expended. Besides, isn’t it a bit ridiculous to think that it would be OK to eat up until 6pm, but doing so one minute later would result in weight gain? The notion that eating after a certain time will cause an individual to gain weight is simply not true.
See you at the Fitness Center — Mary Page 4
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A Note from BDLGA President Charlotte McKim April has arrived and winter seems to be over. The member-guest is the BDLGA’s last tournament and I hope everyone has signed up as I am sure we will have a wonderful tournament. The “snowbirds” will begin heading out at the end of this month and we hope you all have a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you in the fall.
BDLGA APRIL LADIES’ DAY GAMES (Some games may be switched to different days because of course selection)
APR. 7, 2015 No Ladies’ Day Ladies’ Member-Guest APR. 14, 2015 Ranch Individual game: Beat the Pro APR. 21, 2015 Quarry Individual game: Ka Ching Net Skins APR. 28, 2015 Ranch Team game: skills challenge + surprises
BDLGA FOOD DRIVE The designated BDLGA Food Drive recipient for the months of January-April is SOS. Please deposit your donations of non-perishable food items in the hamper located in the Ladies Lounge. Many needy Citrus County families can be served by your generosity.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
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Ladies’ Member/Guest
April 7, 8, 9th Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday “Over the Rainbow”
GOLF OUTSIDE THE GATES check bulletin board or BDLGA section of website for details
Skyview at Terra Vista Ladies Invitational April 13, 2015 SAVE THE DATE Buckhorn “Doe” Invitational Under the Tuscan Sun April 16, 2015 Lady Bug Invitational May 5, 2015 Heritage Pines
SAVE THE DATE Ladies Publix Invitational May 11-12, 2015 Lone Palm Golf Club Hammer Invitational May 16-17, 2015 Plantation Golf & Country Club, Venice, FL
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Black Diamond Foundation Focus on BIG BROTHERS & BIG SISTERS of Citrus County by Steve Barnes, Board of Directors, Black Diamond Foundation
I’d like to tell you a story about a very kind man who wanted to make a difference in his community. His name is Jim Wood. Most of you know him as a friend, neighbor, and golfer. But the organization known as Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BB&BS) know him as a Big Brother. Jim had time on his hands, and liked kids. So, he set out to help an 8-year-old boy who was being raised by a single mother. He was a nice kid who needed a male role model in his life. Since Jim met him, that young man has completed high school, is working part time, and is trying to find the best place to attend college. Over the years they played together, hung out together, and became good friends. This is just one of the many success stories of BB&BS here in Citrus County. BB&BS is made up of 350 separate corporations located throughout the United States. The Corporation that serves Citrus County, and six other counties in Central Florida, is BB&BS of Tampa Bay. BB&BS is an amazing organization with a terrific track record. The cost to provide monthly mentoring to one child is approximately $1,200 per year. Almost all of that funding is donated. Since 2002, your Black Diamond Foundation has donated $110,500 to BB&BS of Tampa Bay to create and sustain “Big/Little” matches. With every match, we get another child that will almost certainly graduate from high school.
How does BB&BS do this? Well first this is a preventative program. They do not take kids who have been in trouble. They want to get them before that happens. They take boys and girls between 7 and 14 years and have them evaluated by their program staffs - which are mostly psychology majors - to determine which adult would match best with them. The adults who enter the program are also evaluated, given background checks, and training. Once the match is made, the “Big” spends a few hours a month doing some simple activity with their “Little.” Activities could include going to a ball game or the movies, sharing a burger, reading at the library, or just hanging out with a video game. The BB&BS program encourages “Bigs” to stay in their matches for at least one year. Are you willing to make a difference in the life of a local child? There are seven boys on the BB&BS waiting list in Citrus County. Boys are harder to match because men seem a little more reluctant to step up to the plate. Mentoring a boy can be accomplished as either a Big Brother or a Big Couple. So if you would like to make a new friend and keep a kid out of trouble by investing as little as four hours per month, check out the BB&BS program on line at bbbstampabay.org, then call the local program director, Sheri Chancey, at (352) 410-4442. She needs your help, and would like to hear from you.
In Citrus County, 100% of all kids that have been in the BB&BS program for one year or more have graduated. The national average is 80%. In addition, 86% of the kids in the program for more than a year stay out of trouble, and avoid becoming part of the juvenile detention system. That is a huge savings for the community, since the cost for one year of detention is several hundred thousand dollars. That makes the $1,200 annual investment a pretty good deal! There are currently 17 kids in the program in Citrus County. You do the math. Page 6
Black Diamond Foundation Supports New YMCA Literacy Initiative By Susan Pratt, Black Diamond Foundation Board of Directors Building on the foundation established by Stan and Betty Olsen with the gift of the land for the new Citrus County YMCA, Black Diamond Foundation (BDF) is proud to continue its support for the innovative programs developed by the “Y.” The YMCA is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Y’s affordable programs are desperately needed in Citrus County, especially for our school aged children. In 2013, 56% of the students enrolled in the summer camps required financial assistance. Nearly 50% of the children in YMCA programs come from families earning less than $30,000 per year, and 40% come from single parent homes. Over 60% of students in the Citrus County schools qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. Those lunches are provided all summer at the Y camps through the Citrus County School Board. It is noteworthy that no child in financial need is turned away from YMCA programs. Initially, BDF provided funds for general YMCA summer camp scholarships. Over the past two years, BDF provided the funds to help launch the Citrus County YMCA’s new teen summer camp program, providing financial aid for participants. The camp is offered to middle school students from 12-14 years of age. Many of these students’ families do not have the means to pay for camp and so they end up spending the summer at home alone or caring for younger siblings. Unsupervised youth are at high risk for: juvenile crime, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and dropping out of school. The E.P.I.C. Teen Summer Camp program focuses on the importance of healthy living, physical activity and community service. The children learn to develop healthy eating habits, and participate in at least 150 minutes per week of physical exercise, which include running, swimming, recreational, and aerobic activities. They participate in community service activities such as raking Lyngbya from the Crystal River, cleaning up the Chassahowitzka salt marsh trail, and trimming trees and brush, and excavating non-native plants from the Withlacoochee State Trail. The first year, approximately 65 students participated, contributing over 170 hours of community service. This year, your Foundation awarded a community grant of $15,000 to support the YMCA Summer Camp
Learning Loss Prevention Initiative. The grant will provide financial assistance for camp scholarships, as well as literacy materials such as books, educational games, theater props, crafts, and materials. Studies show that all children experience learning loss when they do not engage in educational activities over the summer. Summer learning loss especially impacts low income children, who often do not have as many learning opportunities. They tend to choose less challenging material, and read less. In fact, studies show that for every one line of print read by low income children, middle income children read three. Through the YMCA’s new initiative, reading will take place during each day of summer camp in different ways: • independent reading at the student’s reading level, • partner reading where children take turns reading or children read the same book and then discuss it, and • staff “read aloud” where staff members read to campers from a wide range of literature, and open it up for discussion. Literacy opportunities will be enhanced with field trips to museums and aquariums. Children will also participate in educational games and skits they create using costumes and props. Adding to the program will be the mentoring by older campers and counselors, as well as the encouragement of active parent involvement. One of BDF’s partner agencies, the Citrus County Education Foundation, is also helping the YMCA through its “First Library” program, facilitating the purchase of books through First Book, a nonprofit specializing in providing high quality books at low cost. The Citrus County Library System will also include the Y camps in their summer reading program this year. The hope is that summer learning loss will be reduced, general reading skills will be maintained and increased, and a love for reading will be nurtured. A “win-win” all the way around! Other exciting news is that the YMCA will be breaking ground for its new building in May 2015. The very attractive and comprehensive facility will be a close neighbor, a resource for high level activities that will promote a healthy living style for us all, and provide many opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. Page 7
April Calendar of Events 1
Lunch Schedule Tues. - Sat. 11 am - 4 pm
Knitters & Crafters 10AM
MEN’S DAY
2
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
TRIVIA BUFFET
HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM
5:30-7:30 pm Game Starts 6:30 pm
Reservations Required Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
PARTNER BRIDGE 6:30PM
5
EASTER BRUNCH
11 AM - 2 PM
6
Bible Study 9:30 am
7
8
Knitters & Crafters 10AM HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM
LADIES’ MEMBER-GUEST
Mahjong 12:00 pm
BD FOUNDATION MEETING 4PM
WELCOME PARTY 6:30 PM
CLUB CLOSED
12
Study 13 Bible 9:30 am
Mahjong 12:00 pm
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
19
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPION’S DINNER- 6PM
26
20Bible Study 9:30 am
Mahjong 12:00 pm
Ladies’ Day 5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
21
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
CLUB CLOSED
Study 27Bible 9:30 am
Mahjong 12:00 pm
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
14
A la Carte
CLUB CLOSED
BD FOUNDATION MEETING 4PM CLUB CLOSED
9
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
28
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM Reservations Required
AWARDS LUNCHEON 4 PM
MEN'S DUPLICATE BRIDGE 6:30PM
CLUB CLOSED 3PM No Dinner Service
Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
& Crafters 16 15 Knitters10AM HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM ART CLASS 1:00 PM
Reservations Required Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
PARTNER BRIDGE 6:30PM
CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Reservations Required Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
MEN'S DUPLICATE BRIDGE 6:30PM
CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Reservations Required Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
4
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
A la Carte
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
No Dinner Service
10 BRIDGE 9:00AM 11 LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
LUNCH 17 BRIDGE 9:00AM 18 11 AM - 4 PM
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
A la Carte
No Dinner Service
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
NINE & DINE
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
WINE DINNER 6:00 PM
A la Carte
Reservations Required
& Crafters 29 Knitters10AM 30 HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM
BRIDGE 9:00AM
Reservations Required
No Dinner Service
& Crafters 22 Knitters10AM 23 HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM
3
5:30 – 7:30 pm
24 BRIDGE 9:00AM 25 LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
No Dinner Service
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
TURKEY BUFFET 5:30-7:30PM
Reservations Required
— MEMBERS —
Please help us ensure that your dining experience is satisfactory by calling 352-746-3440 to make reservations in advance for all evening dinner services. Our staffing is based on your reservations. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
* There must be a minimum of 25 players reserved for BINGO Page 8
Hours of Operation
Recipe of the Month - Chef Kenny
Driving Range Monday – Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am – 3:00 pm
Buñuelos de bacalao (salt cod fritters)
Golf Shop Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm ForeTees Internet: 24-Hour Access
These little cod fritters originate from Catalonia and are made with salt cod. Originally introduced by Basque fishermen, salt cod has become a very popular tapas all over Spain. You need to soak the bacalao in fresh water for about 24 hours, changing the water a few times during this period. This will get rid of the excess salt. Makes about 30. Ingredients: • 500g (1lb) bacalao (salt cod) • 1 large potato, peeled • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed • 30g (1oz) self-raising flour • 2 tablespoons milk • 50ml (2 fl oz)olive oil • 2 eggs, separated • small handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped • olive or vegetable oil for frying Directions: First of all, cook the potato for about 20 mins. until soft. Mash it with the milk and some of the olive oil then leave to cool. While this is going on you can drain the cod and cover it with water in a pan. Bring to the boil then turn down the heat and poach it over a low heat for 30-45 minutes until soft and cooked. Remove and drain and when cool enough, remove the skin and any bones, then flake the fish into small pieces. Heat the remaining olive oil and fry the onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute or two. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, there’s nothing worse than burnt garlic for spoiling a dish. Mix the potato, cod, onion/garlic, egg yolks, flour and parsley in a bowl, then whisk up the egg whites into a stiff consistency and fold into the mixture. Fill a saucepan or frying pan to about 3-5cm (1-2in) and heat until med hot (200°C, 400°F) then drop in egg-sized dollops of the mixture. Cook until golden and puffed up. Drain onto paper towel and serve with lemon wedges.
Happy Easter
Tennis Courts Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Pool Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Pool temperature maintained at 84° Fitness Center Open 24/7 with use of Access Code The Clubhouse @ Black Diamond Ranch Brunch: Sunday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Dinner: See Calendar Take-Out Window: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Men’s Lounge Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 noon – close Saturday: 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
TRIVIA NIGHT WINNERS 3-15-15
1st Place: BRIDGERS: $218.00 Milt & Sharron Rosenberg Lorraine Carrier Tom Mangold Mary & Dean Carhoun 2nd Place Tie: JOHNNY COME LATELY: $109.00 Mike & Jan Carter Roger & Dawn Hertz Jerry & Janet Lemmons Neil Decter Sandy Hanson 2nd Place Tie: BRAINS ON THE WANE: $109.00 David & Nicole Ragaini Dennis & Cathleen Spaulding Kent & Nan Rinker Leicle & Jan Chesser John & Mary Jane Bower Page 9