June 2015
MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT 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
BEN DEFAZO
Executive Chef bdefazo@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3449
BILL HARDIN
Membership Director bhardin@blackdiamondranch.com 352-234-8855
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
As we ascend into our slower season where we say goodbye to some of our friends and get ready for the festivities of summer, it is the perfect opportunity to brainstorm and execute ideas that will help us in the up-coming season. With that said, some changes have been made, people have been shifted and added, and we are well on the road to success. For the past few years our very own Bill Hardin has worked countless amount of hours in the Golf Shop from assisting members to running some of the most well renowned golf tournaments here at Black Diamond. Bill is now officially our Membership Director and we congratulate him as he embarks on this new chapter in his life. Another positive addition to our Black Diamond family is Scott Mason, our new Golf Course Superintendent. Although new to Black Diamond, Scott is not unfamiliar with the extensive operations and care it takes for maintaining stellar golf courses. We are excited to have him here and encourage you to get to know him and feel comfortable with any question or suggestion you may have. Inside our dining room, changes have erupted and we continue to enjoy our Executive Chef, Ben Defazo’s delicious creations. Chef is always constructing, conducting and executing new challenges and ideas with his team as we wait with anticipation for the monthly menu change and wine dinner. For the past 60 days I have been here, I have listened carefully to each and every suggestion that has been given to me. With that said, as we all know “Rome was not built in a day” but appropriate changes have been made to allow us to be one step closer to our goals here at Black Diamond. The clubhouse landscaping has been improved, as perhaps over the years the attention to detail may have slipped but we are back on track. All landscape lighting has been either repaired or updated so a casual walk after dinner or stroll around the clubhouse after a late night swim is now capable and safe to do. Our tennis facility has been updated, along with patio furniture being added with bright rust colored umbrellas that accentuate the entire facility altogether. The pool area is now looking refreshed as families and friends soak up the sun and take full advantage of their very own private paradise. We are not only making changes with our landscape, but inside the club house as well. We have put down new carpet in the Golf Shop and hallways that adds both a unique yet soft elegance to it’s surroundings. Regarding our golf courses, we have made the appropriate sod repair to the greens on the back nine of the Ranch and also rebuilt the 9th green of the ranch with a conversion to Tifeagle Bermuda grass. Thank you again for your continued support as more changes will be occurring and very shortly we will be naming our Private Event Director as one has not been officially chosen. The changes that have been made are brief stepping stones but will ultimately aid in the process of helping Black Diamond Country Club reach its fullest potential. Sincerely, John Hilker Page 2
A Message from Ben Defazo Executive Chef Hello Members, I would like to thank all of you for your continuing support of our food and beverage operations. As many of you know, I have been looking for a Sous Chef for a while now. The position is a unique one. It takes a person with an ability to learn and be flexible, along with a personality that the crew can respect. I have interviewed many potential candidates for the position and I have found that person. I did not have to look very far! Alex McGowan has been working in the kitchen with us for 10 months now and has shown great skill and has the ability to help me lead the kitchen in the future. Alex is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in 2009 and has taken his career very seriously. Alex was the Sous Chef at Plantation Resort in Crystal River for a while and then came to Black Diamond. I am very excited to have him on board. I hope in the future as a team, we can produce some very memorable food. Below are photos of our May Wine Dinner.
Crispy soft shell crab with heirloom tomato salsa and charred tomatillo
Seared Opah with Summer Succotash
Grilled Hanger steak with Cauliflower puree and Beat jus
Kiwi Carpaccio with Lemon sorbet and Blueberry Lacquer
Chilled English pea soup with Pancetta and Tendrils
Chef’s Cooking Class Thursday, June 25 3:00 PM
$10 per person $15 per person with Glass of Wine Page 3
A Message from Chris Smilgin, Club Manager Hello: It’s the mid-way point of the year already and so much has happened, spring break, Valentine’s day, Rider Cup, Ladies’, Men’s and Couples’ Member Guest tournaments and Black Diamond Foundation Tournament. Going into this month we have Italian Buffet on Trivia Night June 4th. There will be a Pool Party on June 13 from 5pm to 8pm with Rum Runners and a cook out by the pool to include cold watermelon and ice cream. We would like all the fathers to join us for a BBQ on June 21st. We will be serving Steaks and Shrimp off the Grill. I hope everyone has a great summer here and for those that have gone north. See you at the Club
Welcome Scott Mason Golf Course Superintendent Dear Black Diamond Member: We are very excited to announce that we have chosen a new Golf Course Superintendent for Black Diamond. Among over one hundred resumes we have received, a perfect candidate has finally been chosen to manage all of our golf courses. We are pleased to announce that Scott Mason has accepted the position of Golf Course Superintendent beginning on June 4th. Mr. Mason has an extensive background in Golf Course Maintenance including Golf Course Superintendent of The Bayou Club, Pasadena Yacht and Country Club and Regional Director of Agronomy with Crown Golf Properties. Mr. Mason is an orientated leader with much demonstrated success in golf course operations. Mr. Mason will be joining us from his latest place of employment, being the Bayou Club that I came from as well. Mr. Mason managed the Tom Fazio designed 36-hole facility ranging from preparing the annual maintenance budget, pesticide applications, renovations and developing staff evaluations to training and mentoring programs. After earning his degree of Agronomy at Iowa State University, Mr. Mason started out managing an 18-hole facility. His knowledge and skill continued to grow as he moved from Golf Course Superintendent in Pasadena to Regional Director of Agronomy within the Florida Region. He is no stranger to evaluating new business opportunities and passing on the knowledge. He has provided both direction and coaching in promoting ten fellow superintendents in Florida. Please welcome Scott Mason to Black Diamond. We are all extremely excited to have Mr. Mason leading our Maintenance team into a whirl wind of success. We know at Black Diamond with two of Tom Fazios personal favorite courses, Mr. Mason will take the utmost of care and caution maintaining The Highlands, Diamond Dunes, The Ranch and our best known The Quarry. Sincerely, John Hilker General Manager Page 4
Australian Wine Dinner
featuring Penfolds wine
6:00 pm Thursday, June 18, 2015 (Reservations Required)
$75 PER PERSON WINE RAFFLES
Wine Dinner Reception- Greg Norman Brut
1st Course - Charrd Tomato Soup Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay
2nd Course - Barramundi in a carrot broth Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz Kalimna
3rd Course - Lamb with a pomegranate reduction and yellow beets Penfolds Bin 9 Cabernet
4th Course - Kangaroo and mushroom, celery root Penfolds Rosemont Syrah Balmormal
5th Course - Lemon Pavlova Penfolds Reisling Bin 51
A Message from Bryan Richard, Director of Golf I wanted to start this month’s article out with some wonderful and exciting news for everyone here at Black Diamond Ranch. As many of you know Mr. Bill Hardin has now been promoted and is our new Membership Director here at the Club. This is a tremendous opportunity for Bill to work in another aspect of the Club. Having Bill in this role will enhance Black Diamond Ranch to its full potential. I personally would like to thank Bill for all of his hard work and dedication throughout his 3+ years in the Golf Shop. He took a role on that he knew very little about and excelled far beyond my expectations. Please wish Bill all the best in his future career path. With this being said we have begun the process of hiring a new assistant golf professional. We still have a very active tournament schedule for our summer months and look forward to seeing each and every one of you at the Club. We started off with our Memorial Day Tournament, which had a wonderful turnout of 84 players competed in this special event.
PUTTING FOR FIVERS WINNER - KEVIN CONWAY
PUTTING FOR FIVERS WINNER - LES BELL
PUTTING FOR FIVERS WINNER - REESE NORRIS
PUTTING FOR FIVERS WINNER - JOHN GAY Page 6
Save the Date! Black Diamond Pool Party Saturday, June 13, 2015 5:00 - 8:00 pm {Reservations Required)
$16 per person
Pool side fare
Jerk Chicken Grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa Coconut Rice Grilled Veggies Watermelon & Feta Salad Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Steelpan Duo “Bickley Rivera� $5 - Beach Drinks $1 - Jell-O Shots
Come and relax - just have some fun!! (Will be held inside if there is bad weather) Page 7
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
A Note from BDLGA President Charlotte McKim Hello Ladies. We are now at that point in the year where the snowbirds have left us for their summer in the north as the rest of us are getting used to the heat. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing the snowbirds back in the fall. Also I am delighted that we have a wonderful Executive Committee ready to take over in November and I want to thank all of them for their willingness to serve the BDLGA.
BDLGA JUNE LADIES’ DAY GAMES (Some games may be switched to different days because of course selection)
JUNE 2, 2015 Full Ranch Individual game - Divine Nine Select best two pars 3s, five par 4s and two par 5s. Add together for a nine hole net score. JUNE 9, 2015 Full Quarry Team game 40 balls, Net only JUNE 16, 2015 Highlands to Quarry Front Team game Cha, Cha, Cha, 1-2-1-2-3 Net only JUNE 23, 2015 Highlands to Ranch Back Pick a partner Two person scramble JUNE 30, 2015 Highlands to Quarry Front Team game - Net Bridgeman 3 balls on par 3s, 2 on 4s, 1 on 5s
GOLF OUTSIDE THE GATES check bulletin board or BDLGA section of website for details
The Sunshine Tournament June 8-10, 2015 Team championship Mission Inn Resort
BDLGA FOOD DRIVE The designated BDLGA Food Drive recipient for the months of May-August is The Citrus County Family Resource Center. Please deposit your donations of non-perishable food items in the hamper located in the Ladies Lounge. Many Citrus County families in need can be served by your generosity. Page 8
Summer Bridal Show June 20, 2015, 2-5 pm
Calling all Brides! Vendors, Hors d’oeurves, Radio giveaways, Cash Bar, Complimentary Cocktail Contact: Christina Richards 352-746-3440
Turkey Buffet Friday, June 26 5:30 - 7:30 PM
$21.95 per person
Reservations Required
FATHER’S DAY BBQ SUNDAY, JUNE 21ST 11-2PM
$27.00 pp
TRIVIA THURSDAY JUNE 4TH
GAMES BEGIN - 6:30 PM
DINNER HOURS 5:30 PM ~ 7:30 PM ITALIAN BUFFET $23.95 PER PERSON (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
TRIVIA NIGHT WINNERS 5-7-15 1st Place: BRIDGERS - $128.00 Dean & Mary Carhoun Veena & Anil Ram Lorraine Carrier Pam Blaivie Fred Richards Sharron & Milt Rosenberg 2nd Place Tie: FORGET ME NUTS - $64.00 Kevin & Jan Conway George & Dianne Buck Dave & Lyn Michael Ed & Heidi Baltensberger Jay Hundley & Jan Timmons Bill Reading 2nd Place Tie: BDRP - $64.00 Victory Nery Mark Wolfman Steve Williams Jim Wood John Bourdeaux & Gayle Wilder Jill Ludowese Page 9
Black Diamond Foundation Scholarship Makes a Difference for Local Deputy Sheriff An Interview with Roscoe Watts, Deputy, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office By Charlotte McKim, Black Diamond Foundation Board of Directors I am incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to meet with and talk to Roscoe Watts, a Deputy in the Citrus County Sherriff’s Office. He has had a difficult life, but because of his belief in God and his belief that he could make a difference, he is now doing the job he has always dreamed of – protecting people. He was born in 1978, and when he was young he and his mother lived in Dunnellon, Florida. After an extraordinarily difficult early childhood, he and his mother moved to Camden, New Jersey. Now, I don’t know if any of you know Camden, but I have been there and it can be a very scary place. He was beaten up while walking to school on his first day. His shoes and jacket were stolen. He was around 9 years old. Not a great start, but typical of Camden! Eventually they moved back to Florida and Roscoe graduated from high school. He attended Upper Iowa University on a partial football and track scholarship, and graduated with a degree in criminology. He came home to Florida after graduation. Roscoe worked a number of jobs. He was a counselor at a Browns School, which are schools for those with emotional difficulties, and probably not an easy place to work. After that he worked at the Cyprus Creek Juvenile Prison. Then he joined the military and served his country with distinction. Roscoe is married with 3 children. Tragically, he and his wife lost a son, only two years old, in 2009. That loss devastated him, and he began to fall apart. He then began volunteering at a church. It was that volunteer work which took him to the Thanksgiving Feeding Alliance turkey give-away, that ultimately led to his meeting Black Diamond residents Jay Joines and Bill Joens. Jay and Bill helped him get into Withlacoochee Technical Institute (WTI). Your Black Diamond Foundation grants funds to WTI, and WTI decided to grant Roscoe a scholarship, which is based 50% on financial need. He graduated as the number 1 student in his law enforcement class. Just as an aside, Roscoe bought a truck to commute from Crystal River to Inverness, but the truck didn’t last long. He ended up riding a bicycle to and from classes until he had completed the training. That is 20 miles a day, rain or shine. Now that, in my book, is dedication. Roscoe is now a deputy in the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and doing what he has always wanted to do – make a difference in people’s lives. As a Deputy Sheriff, he does everything: traffic stops; sex crime, domestic violence, and murder investigations - whatever is necessary. He has never wavered in his faith, and the belief that God is who has saved him when needed. I feel particularly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet this man and to listen to his story, and I hope I will have the opportunity to see him again. The world needs more people like Roscoe Watts. Your donations to Black Diamond Foundation help good people like Roscoe in Citrus County, and continue to “Make a Difference” in our community.
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e s u o h b Clu nu Me
Every Wednesday June 3, 10, 17 & 24 4-7 pm
Every Wednesday June 3, 10, 17 & 24th 5:00 pm ~ 7:00 pm (Reservations Required)
POKER NIGHT Every Wednesday night June 3, 10, 17 & 24 6:30 pm in the Men’s lounge
E njoy some f un w i th f r i end s!
DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday June 10th & 24th, 2015 6:30 pm in the Men’s Lounge
PARTNER BRIDGE
Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday June 3rd & 17th, 2015 6:30 pm in the Dining Room Page 11
June Calendar of Events 1
2 Mahjong 12:00 pm
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
CLUB CLOSED
7
8 12:00 pm
14
CLUB CLOSED
FATHER’S DAY BBQ 11-2PM
12:00 pm
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
CLUB CLOSED
22
Reservations Required
23
Mahjong 12:00 pm
29 12:00 pm
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
5:30 – 7:30 pm Entertainment Reservations Required
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
CLUB CLOSED
Knitters & Crafters 10AM
HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM
CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM Reservations Required Putting for Fiver's - 5:30 PM
Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM PARTNER BRIDGE 6:30 PM
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Knitters & Crafters 10AM
HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM Reservations Required Putting for Fiver's - 5:30 PM
Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
SLIDE BOTTOM GIN 6:30PM DUPLICATE BRIDGE 6:30 PM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
4
Game begins 6:30 pm
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service CLUB CLOSED 3PM
Knitters & Crafters 10AM
Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM PARTNER BRIDGE 6:30 PM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
Reservations Required
CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM Reservations Required
Putting for Fiver's - 5:30 PM
Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
DUPLICATE BRIDGE 6:30 PM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
6
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
12BRIDGE 9:00AM 13 LUNCH LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
A la Carte
11 AM - 4 PM
POOL PARTY 5-8 PM
Reservations Required
Reservations Required
No Dinner Service
NINE & DINE
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
5:30 – 7:30 pm
19 BRIDGE 9:00AM 20 LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
AUSTRALIAN WINE DINNER 6:00 PM
24 HAPPIER HOUR 25 4-7PM
No Dinner Service
(Reservations Required)
11
BRIDGE 9:00AM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
17MEN’S DAY 18 HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM CLUBHOUSE MENU 5:00 - 7:00 PM Reservations Required Putting for Fiver's - 5:30 PM
5
Italian TRIVIA BUFFET
Knitters & Crafters 10AM
30
Mahjong
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
Reservations Required
5:30 – 7:30 pm
CLUB CLOSED
28
5:30 – 7:30 pm
16
15
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
21
Ladies’ Day A la Carte
Mahjong
MIXED EVENT
Reservations Required
9 Mahjong
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
5:30 – 7:30 pm
3
A la Carte
BRIDAL SHOW 2:00-5:00 PM
Reservations Required
No Dinner Service
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
TURKEY BUFFET
No Dinner Service
5:30 – 7:30 pm
26 BRIDGE 9:00AM 27
COOKING CLASS 3:00 PM
No Dinner Service
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Reservations Required)
Lunch Schedule Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm
5:30 – 7:30 pm 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.
BINGO WILL RETURN IN THE FALL.
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Membership and Real Estate Corner
Dear Black Diamond Ranch Members, With over half of Black Diamonds home sales coming after Memorial day last year, we thought we would lay out 5 tips to get your home show-ready. Mow the Lawn Twice a Week and with every other lawn cutting, try mowing on the diagonal to add dimension and curb appeal. Create Summer Curb Appeal by trimming the bushes, planting flowers and scattering mulch. Replace the house numbers on your mailbox. Sweep the walk to make your entrance welcoming and warm.
Hours of Operation 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 Tennis Courts Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Pool Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Pool temperature maintained at 84°
Decorate With Summer-Influenced Accents by adding white as a pure summer color. Vivid blues have a calming affect. You can sweep away the cobwebs of winter by replacing accent pillows or throw rugs with brighter, summer hues.
Fitness Center Open 24/7 with use of Access Code
Bring the Light Inside by removing heavy drapes, pull all your blinds to the top and tape the strings underneath. The only time you would leave blinds closed is if there was an undesirable element on the other side of the window, i.e. a neighbor’s trash can.
Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Move the Home Outside by opening patio doors prior to buyers visits. Indoor/outdoor living is the hottest trend in residential real estate currently. Please let us know if you would like help in preparing your house for sale. Black Diamond Realty
The Clubhouse @ Black Diamond Ranch Brunch: Sunday: 9:00 am – 3:00 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
Fitness Corner
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.
Heel Spur Syndrome - With more and more people walking every day I thought this month I would address the heel spur syndrome and how to properly stretch.
1. Before going to sleep, place a towel or belt next to your bed. In the morning before getting out of bed, place one end of the towel or belt in one hand and the other end of the towel in the other hand. Have the center of the towel or belt across the ball of the foot. Not the toes, arch or heel areas. With the knee slightly bent, flex the foot. Pull with both hands to forcibly flex the foot further. It should be a slow even stretch, not a jolt. There should be no pain elicited. If there is any pain, you are pulling too hard, Hold this position for 15 seconds then relax. Do this 4 times. This is a minute exercise to be done first thing in the morning. 2. Have both feet planted firmly on the floor while wearing your shoes. You may have supports in your shoes, or even possibly both. Your feet should be about 1-1/2 feet apart. One foot should be about 12 inches in front of the other foot. With your back straight, bend straight down at the knees. Keep all of your weight on your back leg. Hold this position for 1 minute. Use a table or wall or any support as necessary. Then the foot that was behind should go in front. Again about 1-1/2 feet apart with one foot in front of the other. Bend at the knees and hold this position for 1 minute. This is a 2 minute exercise and should be done 3 times a day. 3. While sitting in a chair with your shoes off, roll a small, empty soda bottle or rolling pin between the ball and the heel of your foot (arch area). Put some weight on the foot. Do this as often as possible.
See you at the Fitness Center — Mary
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