Newsette - December 2011

Meridian Hills Country Club

Newsette www.meridianhillscc.org

December 2011

IN THIS ISSUE Kids Club/Golf Shop Holiday Event page 4 Candlelight Dinner page 5 New Year’s Eve Party page 6 Upcoming Winter Events page 7 Poinsettia Tree sign up back cover

Meridian Hills Country Club - Indianapolis, Indiana

President’s Message Board of Directors Christopher L. Seger President Dan Baker Secretary Bob Zoccola Vice President Jeff Cristee Haydon Hapak Todd Hillman Jim Litten William E. Smith III Ken Stella Jim Powers Treasurer Jim Zoccola Legal Counsel

Management Team

L. Ray Kachel Interim General Manager Ludo Aaron Head Tennis Professional Jack Barber Head Golf Professional Craig Gasaway Banquet Manager Ashley Goldman Communications Coordinator Jim Hess Golf Course Superintendent Kelly Letzler Catering Coordinator Joe Miller Executive Chef Jan Pyritz Accounting Manager

Happy Holidays! With all of the fun things going on around the club this winter (wonderful traditions and a few new exciting activities) I’m excited and grateful to address you as your new MHCC President.

Our Annual Meeting took place on November 15th. For those not present, you will be pleased to know your club is in solid financial condition: positive cash flow and no dues increases are always good news! We discussed the fact that our overall membership is down almost 30 members since this time in 2008. This is a trend we must correct in 2012. We then bid adieu and expressed our gratitude to Mark Ford for Christopher L. Seger his significant contribution as our President as well as Steve Club President Webster and Janet Estes who were on our Board of Directors for three years and were instrumental in some of the great changes that took place around the club these past few years. I can’t thank them enough for their invaluable services.

With the New Year will come a new club manager but in the meantime we are very lucky to have Ray Kachel as our Interim General Manager. With multiple years of management history at some of the finest clubs in the US, Ray seamlessly stepped into this huge position of responsibility and is already making great things happen.

Our national search is well underway for our new General Manager. The Selection Committee is narrowing the field from over 50 qualified applicants to a short list of final interviews. The goal is for our new General Manager to be in place this winter.

Expanding our Membership back to our 2008 levels is an important goal for 2012.

The most effective long term membership strategy is not “giving deals” but instead offering the best product in the market with an energized membership base. Active members are simply the best catalyst for new members. I’m pleased Erica Mobasser will be serving as the Membership Committee Chair leading these efforts in 2012.

In an effort to try to make our club more active year-round, there will be a few immediate things you will be seeing at Meridian Hills. Look to the tennis courts for an ice skating rink and to the golf course for cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Jack is even setting up indoor nets for golf lessons for those who want to keep their swing fine tuned over the winter. I hope to see many of you out there enjoying these fun, new additions.

I wish for you all a happy, healthy holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Lisa Strachota Director of Membership & Marketing Meridian Hills Country Club 7099 Spring Mill Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46260 317.255.2496

2 December 2011

www.meridianhillscc.org

Membership Update Dear Meridian Hills Members, I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to chair the Membership Committee for this coming year. For the past two years I have had the privilege of being a committee member under Chairmen Jason Challand and George Farra. By their example, and that of our Membership Director Lisa Strachota, I have seen the commitment and creativity required to maintain our solid membership and to continue to attract new members. During their time as committee chairs, our membership has been maintained, with a growth of 2 net new members this year. This is a remarkable statistic given these economic times, and places us as one of the premier clubs in Indianapolis.

Erica Mobasser However, as with any healthy company or organization, future success Membership Committee does not come from resting on the accomplishments of previous Chairman efforts, but is the result of continued growth and development. It is the goal of the present Committee to continue this momentum, and we believe that this is the responsibility not only of the Membership Committee, but of every member in our Club.

Table of Contents

At the Annual Meeting on November 15th, I was touched and inspired by the speeches given

by Jack Barber, Jim Hess, and Ludo Aaron. These gentlemen, and so many of the men and women that make up the Meridian Hills staff, dedicate countless hours to the club, and exude a passion for and pride in their work which is contagious. They are extremely supportive of one another and continue to find ways to work, not as separate entities, but as a team to make our Club a place where we as members can escape from our routines, relax with our families, and catch up with friends. I left that meeting inspired to motivate present members to share this gem that we have with others. I ask you to take the initiative to reach out to those individuals who you believe would be a positive addition to our Club; bring them as guests, introduce them to Lisa, and allow her to work her magic.

Our Newest Additions

2 - Presidents Message 3 - Membership Update 4-8 - Upcoming Events 9-10 - Golf Update 11-12 - Calendars 13 - Club Hours 14 - Poinsettia Tree

Congrats to Dr. Chris & Dr. Lara Pesavento, who welcomed twin baby girls, Evelyn Jane and Katherine Elizabeth into the world on July 22nd. Best Wishes to the Pesavento Family!

You may imagine that during the winter there are fewer opportunities to use the Club.

However we will have several events and activities to get us through the interminably cold grey months. Please watch the Newsette and the weekly email for information on cross country skiing, ice skating, bingo, and even an indoor golf net to use when the range is snowed under. We are also bringing back the Couples Indoor Putting Championship golf event which was a tremendous hit two years ago.

It is an honor to represent the Membership Committee and I am excited for what this year will bring.

MERIDIAN HILLS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM Just as we reached back to existing members and provided an opportunity to convert their membership, we are looking at an initiative to reach back to former Class "A" (golfing) members and provide them with an opportunity to restore their membership. To be eligible, a former "A" member must have previously paid their initiation fee in full or are prepared to pay the balance of that initiation fee upon rejoining. A former member is required to reapply through the membership committee (same process as a new member) and, if approved, is obligated to pay $5,000 for every full year since their membership lapsed up to a maximum of $20,000. This program will remain open until year end (12/31/11).

For further details, please feel free to contact our Membership Director, Lisa Strachota, at 860-1556 or via e-mail - lisastrachota@mhcc-indy.com.

3 December 2011

www.meridianhillscc.org

Holiday Availability

4 December 2011

www.meridianhillscc.org

Upcoming Events

Kid’s Club/Golf Shop Holiday Event Come join us for an exciting morning of Holiday festivities!

Saturday, December 10th from 9:00am - 12:00pm in the Meridian Hills Golf Shop/Ladies Card Room

*Kids & Parents* 9:00am - 10:00am

• Enjoy Christmas shopping in the golf shop with Frosty the Snowman.

• Jack and his staff will have items ranging from $5 and up, with some secret Santa grab bags to choose from.

• Children will also receive a gift bag from Frosty the Snowman after they share their Christmas wish list!

*Kids only*

9:30am - 12:00pm

• Following shopping, the parents can leave their children with the Kid’s Club Staff.

• The children will then enjoy brunch & participate in holiday crafts, games, cookie decorating and a Holiday movie!

Reservations

Please call our Member Service Desk at 255-2496

Cost

$25 for each child which includes brunch, all holiday activities and a surprise goodie bag from Frosty the Snowman!

5 December 2011

www.meridianhillscc.org

Upcoming Events

MENU Chef ’s Selection of Hors d’oeuvres Candlelight Stations Winter Green Salad Gorgonzola, Pears, Walnuts, Bacon and Port Wine Vinaigrette ~ Chef Carved Tenderloin of Beef with Bordelaise Sauce Sautéed Shrimp Scampi Chicken Piccata ~ Angel Hair Pasta & Garlic Butter Sauce Selection of Roasted Root Vegetables Dauphinoise Potatoes Champagne & Dessert Station

6 December 2011

Gourmet Selections Including: Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Handmade Petit Fours & Chocolates

www.meridianhillscc.org

Upcoming Events

Reservations are required ~ call Member Services at 255.2496 to make yours today

7 December 2011

www.meridianhillscc.org

Upcoming Winter Events

MHCC ICE SKATING

Come lace up your skates and join us on our very own MHCC Ice Skating Rink! The rink will open as the weather permits, so check the weekly email for updates.

MHCC Cross Country Skiing

We will have cross country courses set up by Jim Hess, for your enjoyment this winter. These courses will open as weather & snow permits. For more information please contact Dr. Sitra Tauscher at doc_sitra@comcast.net.

MHCC MASSEUSE

Vicky Hensley joins us as your personal massage therapist. She is available by appointment only and will be set up adjacent to the ladies locker room.

For more information, please contact Vicky at vicky@vickyhensley.com 8 December 2011

www.meridianhillscc.org

Golf Update

Christmas Schedule for the Golf Shop Saturday, December 24th Sunday, December 25th Monday, December 26th Tuesday, December 27th Wednesday, December 28th Thursday, December 29th Friday, December 30th Saturday, December 31st Sunday, January 1st

CLOSED for Christmas Holiday CLOSED for Christmas Holiday CLOSED as normal Monday Open from 9am – 5pm Open from 9am – 5pm Open from 9am – 5pm Open from 9am – 5pm CLOSED – New Year’s Eve CLOSED – Beginning of Winter Shutdown

*The months of January and February, the Golf Shop will be CLOSED. We will re-open March 1, 2011

9 December 2011

www.meridianhillscc.org

Golf Update Jack Barbers Golf Shop Presents the Ultimate Game Changer!

The Long & Belly Putters Over the next few months Jack Barber’s golf shop will be receiving Long & Belly Putters from Taylor Made, Scotty Cameron and Odyssey. If you always wanted to try one out, now is your chance!

Dooney & Bourke ~ 20% off

Check out Dooney & Bourke online, order it through Jack Barbers Golf Shop and receive 20% off your purchase!

The Masters Ever been interested in going to the best tournament in Golf?

A Carmel based company is offering special packages to this years Masters. Customized packages are available.

If you are interested please contact Russ Allen at rallen@nationalsportingevents.com Or call (317) 587-8680

*A Couple Quick Reminders*

• Shop Credit MUST be used by Friday, December 23rd. No exceptions

• If you need your clubs for the months of January and February, BE SURE to pick them up before the New Year!

10 December 2011

www.meridianhillscc.org

December 2011 SUNDAY

MONDAY

4

5

11

12

18

19

25

26

Sunday Breakfast Buffet 10am - 2pm

Sunday Breakfast Buffet 10am - 2pm Family Christmas Party (no a la carte)

Sunday Breakfast Buffet 10am - 2pm

Clubhouse Closed

TUESDAY

Meridian Hills Country Club WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 1

2

8

9

FRIDAY Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

SATURDAY 3

Clubhouse Closed

6 Dinner Special: Veal Liver & Onions

7

Clubhouse Closed

13 Dinner Special: Fried Shrimp Basket

14

15

16 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

17

Clubhouse Closed

20 Dinner Special: Veal Liver & Onions

21

22

23

24 Clubhouse Closed

27 Dinner Special: Fish & Chips

28

29

30 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

31 New Year’s Eve Dinner

Clubhouse Closed

Pasta Night: Shrimp Diablo

Pasta Night: Chicken Marsala

Pasta Night: Cheese Manicotti

Pasta Night: Lasagna

Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

Christmas Candlelight Dinner (no a la carte)

10

Reminder the Club will close beginning sunday, January 1st and will reopen on Thursday, January 19th for our annual club maintenance projects

Visit www.meridianhillscc.org for more information about these events

January 2012 1

SUNDAY Clubhouse Closed

2

MONDAY

3

TUESDAY

Meridian Hills Country Club WEDNESDAY 4

THURSDAY 5

6

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 7

Club Closed, will re-open on Thursday, January 19th 8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Club Closed, will re-open on Thursday, January 19th

15

16

17

18

19

20 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

21

26

27 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet

28

Club Closed, will re-open on Thursday, January 19th

22

Sunday Breakfast Buffet 10am - 2pm

23

Clubhouse Closed

24 Tuesday Night Limited Menu

Clubhouse Closed

31 Tuesday Night Limited Menu

25

Pasta Night: Shrimp Diablo

(no a la carte)

29

Sunday Breakfast Buffet 10am - 2pm

30

(no a la carte)

Visit www.meridianhillscc.org for more information about these events

Club Hours of Operation Member Services Desk 317.255.2496

Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm Managers Office 317.255.2497

Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm L. Ray Kachel, Interim General Manager gm@mhcc-indy.com

Accounting Office 317.251.3636

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Jan Pyritz, Accounting Manager

Golf Pro Shop

317.255.3369

Tennis Pro Shop

Kids Club

317.255.1319

Tuesday - Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday Closed *Golf Course and Driving Range will remain open weather permitting*

Friday 5:00pm - 8:00pm

*with reservations*

Fitness Center

Dining Hours

Lunch

Tuesday - Saturday 11:30am - 2:00pm

Dinner

Tuesday - Saturday 5:30pm - 9:00pm

Breakfast Buffet

Sunday only 10:00am - 2:00pm

Sunday Dinner 5:00pm - 8:00pm

*Reservations can be made by calling 255.2496*

Membership 317.860.1556 Lisa Strachota, Director of Membership

Catering 317.860.1536 Kelly Letzler, Catering Coordinator

317.255.0605

Monday - Sunday 6:00am - 9:30pm *Call Fitness by Design at 574-0782 to schedule your MHCC orientation for unlimited access.*

WINTER EVENTS Cross Country Skiing Dr. Sitra Tauscher doc_sitra@comcast.net Ice Skating Member Services Desk 317.255.2496 Winter Fitness Rob Hudson 317.506.3488

Massage Therapist Vicky Hensley 317.490.1025 vicky@vickyhensley.com

visit us on the web at www.meridianhillscc.org CLUB CLOSED

January 1st, 2012 - January 18th, 2012 As has been the case for several years, the Club will be closed for two and a half weeks in January for our annual Club maintenance projects. The Club will close beginning Sunday, January 1st and will reopen on Thursday, January 19th. All facilities will be closed except for the Fitness Center and Paddle Tennis courts. Dining reciprocity has been offered to our members at the Columbia Club, Woodland Country Club and Woodstock Club. Please call each Club for hours of operation and for reservations.

Dining Reciprocity: Columbia Club 767-1361 13 December 2011

Woodland Country Club 846-2588

www.meridianhillscc.org

Woodstock Club 926-3348

Poinsettia Tree MERIDIAN HILLS POINSETTIA TREE A Time for Remembering...

Again this year, a beautiful seven foot tall red poinsettia tree will be built in our front Foyer. This tree has become a MHCC tradition; it made its first appearance in 1990! The tree is made possible by the contributions of our members to remember someone very special in their lives. The donation of $12.50 to cover the cost of the poinsettias can be billed to your account. The beauty of this tree is enjoyed by everyone who visits the Club during the holidays.

NAME: __________________________________________________ IN MEMORY OF: _________________________________________ MEMBER NUMBER:_______________________________________

If you’d like to be a part of our tree building project for 2011, please fill out this form and return it to Ashley Goldman.

(The charge of $12.50 will be billed to your account.)