December 2014
w w w. b l a ck d i a m o n d r a n ch . c o m
A Message from Doug Egly, General Manager Dear Black Diamond Members:
CLUB STAFF DOUG EGLY
General Manager degly@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
PEGGY GLEASON
Accounting pgleason@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-0254
MARY NAPOLITANO
Fitness Center mnapolitano@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3385
BRYAN RICHARD
Director of Golf brichard@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3446
KERRY ROSSELET
Membership and Real Estate Director krosselet@blackdiamondranch.com 352-453-5473
CHRIS SMILGIN
Club Manager csmilgin@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3440
JENNIFER STAUFF
POA Manager jennifer.ncpm@wildblue.net 352-465-6933
KENNETH TUFO
Executive Chef ktufo@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3449
I want to thank each of you for being part of such a wonderful club and community. It is a pleasure leading the team responsible for so much of your social and recreational enjoyment. I believe we have one of the best teams in the business and we are all dedicated to providing each of you with the highest level of service. Our agronomy team, led by Matt DiMase, takes great pride in delivering a terrific product on each of our 49 holes. The outside services and golf shop team, led by Bryan Richard, are equally committed to making sure you and your guests receive nothing but the best service and experience possible. Finally, our entire food and beverage staff led by Chris Smilgin are working morning, noon and night to create memorable events and evenings out. We are committed to the long-term success of Black Diamond. We will continue to focus on bringing in new members to the club and building new homes. In 2015, we will increase our marketing budget and efforts to accelerate both real estate and membership sales. In fact, Jonathon Haack, Escalante’s Director of Real Estate, is relocating with his family to Black Diamond to personally oversee all new and resale activity at Black Diamond. Jonathon has been leading the real estate team from our office in Fort Worth, but we believe he will have a much more immediate impact on sales living at Black Diamond. As always, please let us know if you have any friends or family who may be interested in the Black Diamond lifestyle. We have made the decision to raise dues next year. In 2015, the dues and trail fee will be as follows:
Full Golf Widow/Widower Tenured Social Trail Fee
$10,627.50 $ 6,867.00 $ 5,995.00 $ 1,090.00 $ 1,995.00
This is the first dues increase since Escalante took over the club in 2011. In those years, our golf maintenance operating expenses and employee cost through Health Care reform have raised expenses significantly, thus the difficult decision to raise dues. We believe this increase will allow us to continue to provide a product and experience that each of you will appreciate. We are resolute in our vision for Black Diamond and we will continue to invest in our people and the club. Our first priority is and will always be the member experience and we are excited for what is in store for 2015. As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me by phone or email, or please stop by my office any time. Again, it is a pleasure serving you and, on behalf of my entire team, best wishes for a wonderful holiday season. Sincerely, Doug Page 2
A Message from Matt DiMase Director of Golf Course Maintenance Attention Members: I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving Holiday! Any member who traveled, welcome back, and to those who have stayed at Black Diamond I hope you and your guests are enjoying the courses. As we move into December, I want to let everyone know that all weak or high traffic areas were re-seeded. Also, we have applied a wall to wall fertilizer to all areas of the golf course. This includes all over seeded and non over seeded areas. We also sprayed a pre-emergent in all non over seeded areas in November and will do the same in December. Many of you have noticed we began our Quarry Wall clean up. This will be a focus this winter again. We are not only cleaning up the wall along holes 14, 15, 16, but we will also clean along the lake edge on Quarry 15, as well as expand the bunker along the lake edge. We will also remove vegetation from Quarry 13 and 17 during this process and I am looking forward to the finished product.
Reading & Discussion Group
Lastly, I want to wish every member a safe and happy holiday season and I look forward to seeing everyone out on the course.
After Harper Lee wrote To Kill A Mockingbird in 1960, she withdrew from public view and did not write another novel. In 2001, Chicago Tribune journalist Marja Mills traveled to Monroeville, Alabama to land an interview with the reclusive Harper Lee. Instead, she got an interview with her older sister, Alice, who at 95 still works as an attorney. Mills prepared to return to Chicago to write her story. But then she got word that Lee (known as “Nelle” to those close to her) wanted to sit down for a “visit.” Many visits later they were friends, and in 2004 Mills was even invited to move in next door to the Lee sisters’ home. Underneath the plain, clear language of The Mockingbird Next Door is an enchanting portrait of two sisters and the southern town they inhabit. Mills makes a point of avoiding gossip, but that doesn’t matter. The book is compelling and charming; and it brings Harper Lee and her world, both past and present, to life. The Black Diamond Book Club meets on Thursday, December 18th at 4 pm to discuss The Mockingbird Next Door: Life with Harper Lee by Marja Mills. Marja Mills is a former reporter and feature writer for the Chicago Tribune, where she was a member of the staff that won a Pulitzer Prize for a 2001 series about O’Hare Airport entitled Gateway to Gridlock. She decided to travel to Alabama when To Kill A Mockingbird was chosen as the One Book, One Chicago novel. The Mockingbird Next Door is her first book. Mills was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. She is a 1985 graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service; a lifelong interest in other cultures led to studies in Paraguay, Spain and Sweden. Mills lives in downtown Chicago and often spends time in Madison and her father’s hometown of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, pop. 3,500. The selection for January is The Light Between Oceans: Novel by M. L. Stedman. Contact Faeth Houle for more information. Page 3
A Message from Bryan Richard, Director of Golf November is the second busiest tournament month here at Black Diamond and we have crowned some returning Champions and also some new Champions. Our Senior Super-Senior Club Championship took place on November 12th and 13th and we saw Dave Blackshear become a 3-time winner of this event to go along with his 2010 and 2011 Championships. Mr. Jimmy Story became a 2-time winner of the event of which his first win also came in 2010. Our Ladies’ saw Debbie MookSang take the honor this year after beating our 5-time defending Champion Laura Monea for her first victory in this tournament. Joan Beasley was crowned a 2-time Champion of the Super-Senior division to go along with her 2011 Championship. Congratulations to all of our players and to our Champions of this year. The Member-Member events were played over the coldest 2-days that we have had in quite a long time. We had a great tournament, and, after 10 years of competing, our ladies team of Joan Beasley and Linda Thomas were our Overall Low Net Champions this year, with Low Gross going once again to Debbie MookSang and Sandie St. Onge. The team of Bill Joens and Carl Nanni were repeat winners of the Men’s gross division with a single shot victory over Dave Blackshear and Michael Zatzman, who also were tied for low net honors for the tournament. However, the team of Patrick Palonder and Dennis Kelly had the same score, but after a two-hole sudden death playoff came out with the victory. Thank you to all who played in these events. We look forward to all of you playing in this years’ Couples’ Club Championship, scheduled for December 6th and 7th, with a wonderful 2-day event and delicious Champions dinner after play. The sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board. Have a great Holiday Season.
A Message from Chris Smilgin, Club Manager Hello Members: Hard to believe it is already December! I would like to thank everyone who attended the “welcome back/season kick off reception.” A very big thank you to Mr. Blackshear and Mr. Siano for putting on a great “Black Diamond Ranch Invitational Car Show.” Recently it has been wonderful to meet so many more members who spend their summers in other parts of the USA and Canada. Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, the upcoming clubhouse events include Chorale, Christmas buffet and a New Year’s Eve event. I hope everyone has a special Holiday time with family and friends. If anyone is looking to have a holiday event at the clubhouse, please contact Emma Bradley as soon as possible, as dates are almost all gone. In closing, I look forward to closing out 2014 with great memories and bringing in 2015 with much promise and anticipation.
See you at the Clubhouse. Page 4
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve The BDLGA is proud to kick off their annual TOYS FOR TOTS holiday toy drive.
Each year the U.S. Marine Reserve collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to less fortunate children. This tradition began in 1947 and has impacted the lives of millions of children throughout the United States. We encourage all Black Diamond Members to participate in this special gift-giving program that will put a smile on the faces of the needy children of Citrus County. Beginning December 1st and ending on December 16th, your new unwrapped toy may be placed in the clubhouse lobby. The BDLGA has invited a Marine veteran to our Tuesday, December 16th Ladies’ Day luncheon, at which time we will present him with the toys. We hope to make 2014 our biggest toy donation yet. Thank you for your help.
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ia m k D o
A Note from BDLGA President Charlotte McKim
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
BDLGA DECEMBER LADIES’ DAY GAMES (Some games may be switched to different days because of course selection)
DEC. 2, 2014 Full Ranch AABB/CCDD flighted 2 net best balls - diamond tees for AA/BB silver for CC/DD DEC. 9, 2014 Ranch Individual game: gross and net - silver tees DEC. 16, 2014 Quarry Team game: 3 BB front, 1 BB back -silver tees TOYS FOR TOTS DEC. 20, 2014 Highlands to Ranch back Team game: make your own foursome - 2 BB gross and net - silver tees DEC. 23, 2014 Ranch Santa Scramble 2 person team pick your partner - diamond tees
BDLGA FOOD DRIVE This is a reminder that our designated BDLGA Food Drive recipient for the months of September through December is Daystar Life Center! Please deposit your donations of non-perishable food items in the hamper located in the Ladies’ Lounge. Many needy Cirtus County families can be served by your generosity!
I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving. The BDLGA’s annual Toys For Tots campaign is starting, so please donate an unwrapped toy. The Marine in charge of our area’s Toys for Tots will join us for lunch on December 16th. Thank you all for your help and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and here’s to a wonderful 2015.
YOUR 2014-15 BOARD President Charlotte McKim VP Lisa Campbell Treasurer Pat Rueff Secretary Faeth Houle Tournaments Vicky Marinelli Margaret Devendorf Hospitality Barbara Guthrie Rules Barb Flam Publicity Louise Lowy Outside the gate Kooky Lucas Membership Marge Rennick Historian Marge Rizzi Photography Linda Williams Member Guest Dorothy Brice Memorial Tournament Lisa Bishop Eileen Jango C4 Tournament Jane Smart Margo Grodsky
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GOLF OUTSIDE THE GATES check bulletin board or BDLGA section of website for details
Snowflake Invitational December 2 Innisbrook Women’s Golf Association Christmas Invitational December 4 Rio Pinar Golf Club Grasslands WGA Invitational January 22, 2015 The Tradition January 26 & 27, 2015 Country Club of Ocala 2nd Annual Filly Derby Invitational February 23, 2015 Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club
Ladies’ Member/Guest
April 7, 8, 9th Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday “Over the Rainbow”
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Black Diamond Foundation On Making a Difference By Sharron Rosenberg, Black Diamond Foundation Board Member I was asked to write an article about volunteering in Citrus County. I had no idea where to start, until I read this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” I hope you have seen the video made at last year’s Black Diamond Foundation “Million Dollar Celebration.” If not, you can view it at this web address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5lYmoCbHZ8. The video focuses on the charitable organizations Black Diamond Foundation has funded over the years. Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” The Black Diamond community has helped to make life better in Citrus County by giving of their time, talent and treasure. I want to share a few of the opportunities for volunteering that I have discovered over the years as a Black Diamond Foundation Board Member. • Big Brothers, Big Sisters need “bigs” to serve as caring mentors to local children, helping to shape their futures for the better. Share the kinds of activities you already like to do. Play sports. Go on a hike. Read books. Have a burger after a movie. Or, just be there to give guidance or advice. You’ll be an inspiration and making a life-changing impact. (http://www.bbbspc.org) • Nature Coast Ministries has opened the Samaritan Free Dental Clinic in Homosassa, and needs volunteer dentists and dental hygienists to help serve community members who seek treatment there. This is a one-of-akind facility in Citrus County, filling a great need. (http://www.myncm.com) • The Citrus Youth Educational Symphonic Orchestra (CYESO) is in need of music teachers, and any brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments you might have to donate. (http://www.cyeso.org) • Take Stock in Children needs volunteer mentors to encourage local teens from underprivileged backgrounds who have already won two-year college scholarships. (http://takestockinchildren.org)
• Citrus County Family Resource Center is always looking for volunteers. For community members that want to make Christmas brighter for area children, consider the Center’s “Sponsor a Child for Christmas” holiday gift-giving program. The children helped are referred from a number of sources -- such as area abuse shelters, or local teachers/counselors who see a particular need. Some children have been removed from abusive parents and are living in some sort of shelter or foster care. Regardless, the kids you assist are without the things most of us consider basic necessities. The Family Resource Center can take sponsor gifts until 15 December. (http://www.ccfrc.org) These are just a few of organizations that help those in need throughout the area that can always use your time and talent. The Path (http://pathofcitrus.org), Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (http://casafl.org), and Daystar Life Center (http://daystarcitruscounty.org), can use volunteers in many areas. Food pantries need assistance. Schools need tutors. Hospitals and hospice need skilled and unskilled volunteers. Our own Black Diamond Junior Volunteer Corps would appreciate adult support for their projects. A final volunteer opportunity includes serving on the Board of Black Diamond Foundation. We need volunteers who have the time, interest and talent to invest in our mission. Experience in accounting, business, marketing, and leadership are most needed. I know some of you volunteer regularly, and many of you volunteer when needed. I hope that sharing this information on various opportunities might pique your interest in one of them. If so, please contact me or any of the Black Diamond Foundation Board Members; we would be happy to give you the contact information we have to get you moving in the right direction. Ben Linder said, ”Anything you can do needs to be done, so pick up the tool of your choice and get started.” I have always been impressed with the generosity of Black Diamond residents. We really do make a difference!
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Fitness Corner
The Fitness Center is here to help you with your upcoming New Year’s resolutions. 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. Also available are one-on-one personal trainers for customized training sessions. Call for appointments and prices vary. Just a reminder to all members and your guests, please sign the sign-in sheet located inside the Fitness Center when you arrive.
T ip of the Month:
With the holiday eating season upon us, you may wonder. Is strength training the key to better health? Exciting new research on nutrition, exercise and health has shown dramatic ways to reduce body fat without comprising muscle and strength. The answer is simple: Exercise and dieting. Not just any exercise but specifically strength training. A moderate diet in conjunction with an exercise program consisting of aerobic conditioning and weight training (30 minutes each, 3-4 times per week) promote the loss of fat while preserving lean tissue and provide long-term results. Generally, subjects at the end of these studies find they are stronger, healthier, and more physically and mentally active. Results are more likely to be long-term because of the change of one’s lifestyle. Muscle is metabolically active tissue. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn. Including weight training, in combination with dieting, has additional benefits that are especially important to women. It helps maintain bone mineral density and also supports the immune system.
Have a happy, healthy holiday season! Mary
Membership and Real Estate Corner
We at Escalante-Black Diamond Realty would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Welcome to Michael and Cindy Pontbriand, our newest Full Golf Members. They have purchased in Pine Lake Village. Our busy season is fast approaching and based on our sales volume for this year we anticipate a very busy 2015. Sales volume has almost tripled this year over last with 24 total sales. The price point on sold homes has also increased with 8 of the 24 selling for over $350,000 with the highest price at $580,000. Citrus County has only a 5 month re-sale inventory which means new construction inquires have increased. We just completed our newest model home, The Burnham, and have three estate homes under construction. If you are interested in having a market analysis done or would like to speak to one of our sales professionals, please contact the Welcome Center at 352-746-7400.
Kerry Rosselet, Marty Coogler, Linda Thomas and Charlene Angelo Page 8
December Calendar of Events 1
Bible Study 9:30 am
Mahjong 12:00 pm
2
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
CLUB CLOSED
7BRUNCH
9 AM - 3 PM
12:00 pm
A la Carte
CLUB CLOSED
CLUB CLOSED
Ladies’ Day 5:30 – 7:30 pm
SLIDE BOTTOM GIN 6:30PM DUPLICATE BRIDGE 6:30PM
No Dinner Service
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
5:30 – 7:30 pm CLUB CLOSED
29
Bible Study 9:30 am 12:00 pm
Reservations Required
30
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
CLUB CLOSED
HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM
CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Reservations Required Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
LUNCH 11 AM - 3 PM
No Dinner Service
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
5
Reading & HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM discussion group 2 ENTREES FOR $25 - 4pm 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Reservations Required Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
TRIVIA BUFFET 5:30-7:30 pm
24
Knitters & Crafters 10AM
25
A la Carte
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
LUNCH 11 AM - 3 PM
No Dinner Service
DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT Reservations Required Cocktail Hour starts at 7:30PM Dinner starts at 8:30PM Toast at 10:00PM
BRIDGE 9:00AM
NINE & DINE LUNCH 11 AM - 3 PM
A la Carte
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
A la Carte
Reservations Required
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM COUPLES’ CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
No Dinner Service 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
20 LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
26 BRIDGE 9:00AM 27
5:30 – 7:30 pm
& Crafters 31 Knitters10AM 1
6
12 BRIDGE 9:00AM 13 LUNCH
LUNCH 11 AM - 3 PM
CLUBHOUSE CLOSING AT 4:00PM
NEW YEAR’S EVE
BRIDGE 9:00AM
LUNCH 11 AM - 3 PM
LUNCH & Crafters 18 11 AM 17 Knitters10AM - 3 PM 19
Game Starts Reservations Required DUPLICATE BRIDGE 6:30PM CLUB CLOSED 6:30 pm 3PM
Study 22 Bible 23 9:30 am
Mahjong BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
Reservations Required Chorale 7:30 PM
A la Carte
12:00 pm
28
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Study 15 Bible 16 9:30 am
Mahjong
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
Reservations Required
LUNCH 11 AM - 3 PM
Ladies’ Day
12:00 pm
21
HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM
4
Mahjong
Mahjong
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
MEN’S DAY
& Crafters POA Annual 11 10 Knitters10AM 9 Meeting - 3:30PM
CHAMPIONS DINNER
14
Reservations Required
Knitters & Crafters 10AM
Bible Study 9:30 am
8
COUPLES’ CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
Chorale 7:30 PM
5:30 – 7:30 pm
3
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
Lunch Schedule Tues. - FRI. 11 am - 3 pm Sat. 11 am - 4 pm
— 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 9
Recipe of the Month - Chef Kenny Coconut Macaroons Ingredients: 3 cups sweetened, shredded coconut 4 large egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract 1/4 teaspoon salt
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
Equipment: Baking sheet Silpat baking mat or parchment paper Mixing bowl Whisk Mixing spoon
2. Toast the coconut (optional). For deeper coconut flavor and extra-crispy macaroons, spread the coconut on the baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes, or until just barely starting to show some color. Let cool slightly before using. 3. Whisk the egg whites, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Combine the egg whites, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the whites and sugar are completely combined and the mixture is frothy. 4. Combine the coconut and egg white mixture. Pour the coconut over the egg white mixture and stir until the coconut is evenly moistened.
Driving Range Monday – Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am – 3:00 pm Golf Shop Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm ForeTees Internet: 24-Hour Access
Makes about 24 cookies
Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Gather all your ingredients and equipment.
Hours of Operation
The Clubhouse @ Black Diamond Ranch Brunch: Sunday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Lunch: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Dinner: See Calendar Take-Out Window: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
5. Shape the macaroons. Line the baking sheet with a silpat or parchment. With wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the coconut mixture into small balls about 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Space them an inch or so apart on the baking sheet. 6. Bake the macaroons for 15-20 minutes. Bake the macaroons until golden, 15-20 minutes. 7. Cool the macaroons. Let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Macaroons can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week.
Men’s Lounge Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 noon – close Saturday: 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
TRIVIA NIGHT WINNERS 11-6-14
1st Place: BRIDGERS: $139.50 Lorraine Carrier & 2 Guests Bill Joens Ellen Hinsenkamp Fred Richards Milt Rosenberg 2nd Place: LOVE BUGS: $97.65 Bud & Jane Smart Jim & Jeannine Love Les & Mary Bell Donna Rose Marcia Taormina George Adler 3rd Place: BDRP: $41.85 Charlotte McKim Steve & Vicki Marinelli John Bourdeaux Gayle Wilder Steve & Fran Johnson Jim & Dona Wood Jim & Jill Ludowese Page 10