April 2011 Hopline

HOP MEADOW COUNTRY CLUB

April 2011

HOPLINE ...THE PLACE TO BE

President’s Points Table of Contents

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Ken’s Corner

6

Membership News

8

Catering News

10

Paddle News

12

Tyler’s Pub News

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Artist Corner

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New Members

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Bill Heidel, President April, 2011

CLUB SELECTION IS EVERYTHING Golfers the world over will tell you that the above statement is an absolute truism. If the ball is struck properly and with the correct club selection, players will be satisfied with the end result.

CLUB SELECTION IS EVERYTHING also comes into play as prospective members are deciding which club to join. A club is more than lush lawns, a golf course, pool, tennis courts and clubhouse amenities. It’s a lifestyle fashioned through a culture of camaraderie, spirit and tradition.

As you recommend Hop Meadow Country Club to your friends and associates, you will also recall the wonderful times and the friendships that you have cultivated and enjoyed. Our membership campaign to bring in 50 new golf members in our 50th year is off to a fast start, and it is our hope that each and every member will bring at least one new family to the attention of the membership committee. Our goal is high. However, with your help it will be achieved!

Recently I had the pleasure of announcing the first four 50 year club members in the Honorary Membership class. Dr. Leo Bruyette, John Hill, Burton Knust and Chuck Lindberg all reached this status in 2011. Leo was the club president in 1969-70 and again in 1981; Burton and John were founding members while Chuck collected a lot of hardware at many club golf tournaments. When you see these fine gentlemen at the club or around town, offer a big thank you for their 50 years of dedication to Hop Meadow.

Two hard working and committed Board members will retire from the Board this year. Stan Keating, V.P. Golf served for six years, made significant contributions to our golf program and provided a wise and strong voice at Board meetings. Terri Forde, headed our internal and external communications and worked tirelessly for the benefit of all members. Both Stan and Terri will be missed and we thank them for their dedication and contributions to help Hop Meadow become - - “The Place to Be.” As part of our 50th year celebration we will be offering engraved, personalized bricks for sale to all members, current and past. You will be able to customize bricks for your family, individual family members, parents, etc., and the bricks will be installed in the walkways in front of the clubhouse.

Details will be forthcoming, so put your thinking cap on and decide how many you would like to place for posterity.

Spring is here. Let’s all make this the best year in the 50 year history of our great club!

Pool News

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Buy a Brick

Honorary Membership is given to members of HMCC in good standing for 50 years or more. We are pleased to announce the following four families that have recently been approved by the Board of Directors as our first Honorary members hitting 50 years:

Easter Fun

Burt Knust, Charles and Margaret Lindberg, Leo Bruyette, John and Betty Hill

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Honorary Members Mr. & Mrs. John Hill In the very early stages of developing a plan for the creation of Hop Meadow, I recall one of the founders meetings with Merrill Austen, our architect, for a tour of the existing buidings which included the chicken coops which ultimately became dressing rooms for the pool and the barn which was to be remodeled for the clubhouse. The barn still had the stanchons for harnessing the cows for milking and the troughs for feeding them. I asked Merrill how in the world was he planning to eliminate the awful odor and he answered that he had taken special classes at architectural college to prepare him for such an undertaking.

In the early days, the Board worked very hard to make the decisions necessary to create the Club. However, their time was somewhat limited as Board members such as Dick Berry, our 1st President, Jonathan Eno, Brad Sauer, Dick Wassem, John Elsworth, Orin Kilborne, Burt Knust and others still were working. Some of the detail work was left to those of us who had more flexiblity. I served on the House Committee with Burt, the Building Commitee, was appointed to a one man Nominating Committee, and wrote the HopLine. Those were busy times , but we loved creating something and seeing it become a reality.

As construction began and our membership increased, we searched for a venue where we might hold “get-to know-you” parties to which we might invite prospective members. As a minority owner of the Simsbury House property, I was able to make the Carriage House available for parties such as New Year’s Eve. The dinners and music were catered under the direction of our new food and beverage manager, Emma Kufta, who happened to live in the laundry house next to the Simsbury House. These parties were a roaring success and very helpful in increasing our membership.

- Mr. John Hill

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HOP L I N E MANAGEMENT TEAM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Jackie Morr 860-658-7623 x234 jmorr@hopmeadowcc.net HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL Jason Waters 860-651-0686 Jwaters@hopmeadowcc.net DIR. OF GOLF INSTRUCTION Ken Doyle 860-658-7623 x225 GROUNDS SUPERINTENDENT Erick Holm 860-658-0720 TENNIS PROFESSIONAL Jim Whiting 860-651-2905 Jwhiting1958@yahoo.com CATERING DIRECTOR Beth Georger 860-658-7623 x230 bgeorger@hopmeadowcc.net MEMBERSHIP Susan O. Baughman susan@hopmeadowcc.net OFFICE MANAGER Angela Mierzejewski 860-651-0499 angela@hopmeadowcc.net RESTAURANT MANAGER Danielle Hermanowski 860-658-7623 ext. 236 dhermanowski@hopmeadowcc.net TO REACH US:

Erick B. Holm, C.G.C.S. Plowing of the snow, took a majority of our time this winter. Of course the main priority in the winter is to refurbish and sharpen the mowing equipment. Bill DeMur and his assistants start the process right after Thanksgiving and can sometimes work on equipment until the middle of April before everything is ready. Given the age of the majority of our equipment, this process is extremely important to insure the equipment makes it through the next season.

The accumulating snows put a damper on the normal tree work. We were planning on removing some of the evergreens around the course to improve conditions, increase views, and assist the player’s ability to follow their ball flight on errant shots. None of that work was accomplished but we did however, cut down a large pine to the back right of the forth green tee which died last summer. We have also finished pruning dead and weak branches on a majority of the golf course trees. A winter wind storm brought down a tree between eight and fourteen, one between fifteen and eleven, and a spruce tree in the parking lot adjacent to the chipping green.

The cold weather and lack of snow in December allowed us to fill correct the ground contour on the green side of the eighteen fairway bridge. This will prevent excess water collecting at the entrance to the fairway. We will be sodding the area in the spring as early as possible.

When you start getting the golf bug this spring, keep these thoughts in mind. We need dry weather for the course to open. To open the greens, the soil must be firm enough to support the staff and equipment to clean the surfaces (after which the greens are “walk mowed”.)

The soil must also completely thaw so that a cup can be set. Opening too early increases the possibility of “foot printing” (along with “rutting” from the equipment) producing “bumpy “greens during the early part of the season. Traditionally we are able to open the upper golf holes first and the lower holes become playable a few days later. It is likely that upper greens 3-8, and 10-15 will be open first (with greens 5, 7, and 12 a possibility). In the case that a green is too wet to support traffic, we will have temporaries in place and put the green back into play as it dries out. Carts are generally available shortly after the initial opening. They are allowed on better draining holes first and where cart paths make it possible. Check with the proshop for specifics.

See you on the course!

Hop Meadow Country Club 85 Firetown Road Simsbury,Connecticut 06070 www.hopmeadowcc.net Clubhouse Front Desk Reservations The Golf Pro Shop The Tennis Pro Shop Business Office

From the Golf Course Superintendent

860-658-7623 860-658-7623 860-651-0686 860-651-2905 860-651-0499

Ken’s Korner “Happy 50th Anniversary” Spring is here and another golf season is upon us. You know that this is going to be your year!

In order to reach your goals for the new season you have to practice and by practice I mean Diligent Practice. I am here to help you learn how to practice and therefore improve.

I will once again be playing with everyone in the Ken Cup. I play 18 holes, best ball net with

whoever signs up. There will be a sign up sheet in the hall opposite the main entrance to the golf shop. The entry fee is a minimum docation of $20.00 per person made out to TEAM Maureen Jessen for the fight against M.S. Our first Ken Cup is • Friday – May 13th at 12:00 pm On behalf of everyone at Hop Meadow Country Club, I would like to welcome our new Assistant Professional Joe Mongillo. Jason and his staff have some great things planned for the 2011 season. Please come out and participate.

Please make note of the following clinics for April:

Ladies Free Clinics: Rules: Thursday April 28th 9-11am Basics: Friday April 29th 10-11am Open Clinics-Bring a guest.

Range: Wednesday April 13th 5-6pm

Clinics by Ken Doyle Free Admission and open to all membership levels

Women’s Golf Clinics Date

Time

Topic Covered

Thursday April 28

9-11am

Rules

Friday April 29

10-11am

Basics

Thursday May 5

10-11am

Chipping & Pitching

Thursday May 12

10-11am

Putting

Friday May 13

10-11am

Irons

Thursday May 19

10-11am

Woods

Friday May 20

10-11am

Bunkers

Thursday May 26

9-11am Tee Times

Course Play

Friday June 3

10-11am

Rain Date

Open Clinics Date

Time

Area

Wednesday April 13

5-6pm

Golf Range

Tuesday May 3

5-6pm

Golf Range

Wednesday May 18

5-6pm

Putting Green

Wednesday June 8

5-6pm

Golf Range

Tuesday June 28

5-6pm

Golf Range

Wednesday July 6

5-6pm

Start Game Area

Tuesday July 26

5-6pm

Golf Range 4

Golf Professional Jason Waters, PGA Golf is just around the corner. This winter has been long and over the There are also two new special events added to the calendar that will be winter many things have changed for 2011. I want to highlight some taking place in the coming days. of the changes that will hopefully help make 2011 a great year for golf.

On Thursday April 7th at 6pm, the ladies of the club are invited out for 1) Joe Mongillo takes over for Tim Kerrigan. After 3 years of service, a cocktail reception. All ladies are invited. You don’t have to play golf Tim Kerrigan has decided to switch career paths and is pursuing to come. This is a social event. There will be a couple minutes reserved becoming an actuary. With his departure, Joe Mongillo has been hired for me though to try and convince some of the non-playing women to and has begun working. He comes to us from Tumble Brook and brings take up golf in 2011. with him a proven background in junior golf programs. He also is a very accomplished player. If you haven’t met Joe at one of the Happy On Saturday April 9th at 12pm we will be holding a Spring Lunch for the men. This is a great time to start picking some partners for Hours, stop by the shop and say hello. upcoming events, meet new members and get some explanations on the 2) The WGA has added to their tournament schedule a two day Ryder new formats we are introducing.

Cup themed event. We have also scheduled 1 shotgun a month as part of the schedule so our WGA members can enjoy lunch together and For both of these events, if you could register with the golf shop if you are planning on attending, we would appreciate it. grow camaraderie.

We hope to see you out at the club and on the course soon.

3) The Divine Nine have added to their schedule an event where the ladies will join with the WGA in a mixer. There will also be 1 shotgun a month so the ladies can enjoy a lunch together as a group.

Golf Shop News

4) The men have added a One Day Member Guest on a Saturday, a Spring Classic and a Fall Classic. The format for Opening Day and Closing Day has been altered; making it a friendly scoring system for all levels of players.

5) A 5th set of tees has been created and made official, as a combination of white and blue tees that will play at approximately 6300 yards.

6) Programs have been added for Junior Golf Instruction and we are working on support programs to encourage some of our women members to come out and join us for golf.

Dates to Remember Ladies Cocktail Social – Thursday April 7th in the Pub 6:00pm Men’s Spring Luncheon – Saturday April 9th in the Pub 12:00pm Divine Nine Opening Day – Tuesday April 26th Ladies Opening Day – Wednesday April 27th Men’s Opening Day – Friday April 29th Demo Day - Saturday May 1st 11am to 4pm Mixed Opening Day – Sunday May 1st Men’s 3 Day Member Member – June 10th – 12th Ladies Member Guest – Saturday July 16th Men’s 3 Day Member Guest – August 4th – 7th Ladies Invitational – Wednesday September 7th Men’s 2 Day Member-Member – September 10th – 11th Divine Nine Invitational – Friday September 16th

The golf shop is getting stocked up with new apparel and the new 2011 equipment is arriving every day. This year there is a lot of “buzz” with the driver. Callaway is promoting a new composite forging, which makes the driver lighter, stronger and more forgiving. Titleist has introduced a driver that has the capability to not only be adjusted for right and left forgiveness, but also has adjustability with loft and lie. Taylor Made has brought their “ghost” look from their putter to the new drivers.

What does this mean? Well, their drivers and for that matter their fairway woods and hybrids are white. It doesn’t look traditional, but don’t discount it until you try it.

As like in years past, we have planned a demo day with many of the major vendors in the industry on May 1st from 11 to 4. Prior to that event, we will have some availability of demo clubs and if you want to get fit, please let us know and we will schedule a time for you. We fit every club in the bag.

New Asst. Golf Pro joins Hop Meadow Joe Mongillo We have retained a new Assistant Golf Professional for the 2011 season, Joe Mongillo. Joe is a PGA Member and is regarded as one of the top players in the Connecticut Section. On his playing resume, he won the 2008 Assistant’s Championship, finished 2nd in the 2009 Assistant’s Championship, and 2nd in the 2009 Tournament of Champions, losing in a playoff for the exemption in the Traveler’s Championship.

Joe brings with him a lot of experience in junior golf and growth of the game initiatives along with his great ability to play. He will also be representing us in many of the state and section tournaments, bringing some notoriety to Hop Meadow.

Please welcome Joe!

Last season, he was employed at Tumble Brook Country Club. His previous employers include Timberlin Golf Club in Berlin and Hawk’s Landing Golf Club in Southington. Joe also spent a winter in Anguilla working at Temenos Golf Club.

Tommy Cross Many of you know Tommy Cross as he works in the Bag Room at the Golf Shop with Jason and the crew. Tommy is 21, a Junior at Boston College and the reason BC Eagles won the Hockey East regular-season crown for the first time since 2004-05. Tommy is also one of the

reasons the Eagles have the best team defense in the league (2.24 goals against per game). We look forward to seeing Tommy this season and hearing all his hockey triumphs. Congrats Tommy!

Membership News Joe Shiman III, Membership Chairman

This may surprise you. Most new members that join Hop Meadow Country Club were asked. True as the deep blue.

Every year some families make a great choice and move to Simsbury, Canton or a surrounding town then hear about Hop Meadow and seek us out.

Sometimes our terrific realtors who live here in the local area, mention Hop Meadow as a place worth looking at. Some is nice, but this year we are ready for more. And MOST of our new members are asked by a friend or family member to join.

I bet you would really enjoy spending time with the folks over at Hop Meadow Country Club this summer. They have a full membership promotion this year like never before. Can I have them send you some information?

“I bet you would really enjoy spending time..............

Simply send Susan Baughman an email at: susan@hopmeadowcc.net or give her a call at the office (860) 658-7623 x 257 and we handle the rest.

Try it. Be a part of the MOST. In the end, we have seen these new families you ask, thank you the most.

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celebrating

years

1961 – 2011

Hop Meadow combines one of the best golf courses in the region with class leading tennis facilities, swimming and clubhouse amenities catered to members for both day-long destinations or a quick tennis match. It truly is a membership experience where you can drop in, play nine holes in less than two hours or eighteen holes in under four hours without feeling rushed.

Join Us in Celebrating our 50th Anniversary

CELEBRATING YEARS

1961 – 2011

The first 50 families to join as golf members will pay no initiation fee (and there really are only 50 places!)

The 51st family will be welcomed and we have a simple payment plan for their full initiation fee.

No initiation fee means families over age 40, save $8,000.00 and families age 39 and under save $6,000.00. The initiation fee of $8,000 or $6,000 shall be deferred, and fully waived upon the member remaining at the club for two years from the date of admittance.

There will be no better time to join Hop Meadow as a golf member than now. Come and be a part of this special community.

Contact Susan Baughman in Membership today at (860) 658-7623 or Susan@hopmeadowcc.net to setup your personal tour.

“Hand in Hand” with this year’s 50th Celebration of Hop Meadow Country Club is our 2011 Membership campaign.

The magic number is 50!

Catering Director Beth Georger

Wedding Statistics and Trends: Having been immersed in making your events fresh and new here at Hop Meadow I am always attending Wedding Expos and Food Shows, reading endless publications and speaking with brides, event planners and local vendors to keep my finger on the pulse of the latest trends for weddings and events. Here are some tidbits for 2011 Wedding and Event planning I think you may find interesting and some ideas I hope to implement for you this season.

Did you know…

77% of Weddings planned are “first” marriages Weddings are customarily booked between the months of October thru February (that’s why I’ve been so busy…)

Weddings are only booked with an average nine to twelve month lead time and work with at least 43 different vendors from start to finish for their planning. Even with the economy and the challenging times from 2008 to 2011 people are still getting married and spending as much as they did before the recession- although more selective on the importance of good food, wine and entertainment.

Stretching the dollar has showed up in the trends that include…(view table) So when you are looking to plan your next event, come visit me and I will help you plan your perfect event and remember there are those who hear what you say, I listen to what you say and pride myself in meeting my clients wants, needs and desires to make their event the most memorable that it can be.”

Top Themes for 2011 • Organic eco friendly Green Weddings • “Country Fair” Vintage • Whimsical touches and comfortable elegance.

• Long tables vs. traditional round guest tables “to mirror home style” • Lounge Areas- couches easy chairs low lighting

Trends this year are toward less structure in 2011 • outdoor elements with whimsical touches-signage, vintage toppers, glassware • Stations that create an experience • Champagne or non alcoholic bars with mixers and fresh fruits • Sommelier hosting wine bars with uncommon varietals-Torrente’s or Malbecs, Rose Wines • Late night offerings- after glows I call them...Sliders, French fry cones, dessert shots, pops, poppers and ”to go” stations with minis.

• Music Infusion Disc jockey and musicians combined • forgoing favors for a donation to a charity instead • photo booths are still popular this year making a memory book for the bride and groom with personalized photos from the night…

Tastefully yours ~ Beth

Kitchen News Chef Aaron Finally the snow is gone and we can see the golf course and tennis courts again. With the change in season, we are also bidding farewell to some of our winter flavors. We are in the process of replacing several of our menu items with new items with emphasis on the lighter flavors of Spring. Gone are the days of hearty beef and bean soups as well as slow roasted meats and stews. Earthy flavors have made way for

the lighter flavors of spring. People naturally crave different foods this time of year, and some of us are even looking forward to bathing suit season. Chef Aaron and his kitchen staff always try to accommodate your personal tastes as well as dietary restrictions. If you would like for us too offer something in particular, feel free to drop us a line at Kitchen@hopmeadowcc.net.

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Tennis News Jim Whiting will be returning for his 9th year as the Tennis Pro at HMCC. The 2011 Tennis Program is on the website and the packet is available for download.

Important Events to Note: Ladies Member Guest ~ Thursday, June 9th Men’s Member Guest ~ Saturday, August 13th

Tennis Adult Programs offer both men and women of all levels of play options to participate and enjoy the sport. Ladies and Men’s Doubles Round Robins, Men’s & Ladies Hartford League play along with Ladies Wednesday Night Round Robin followed by drinks and dinner in the Pub!

Friday Night Twilight Happy Hour Mixers ~ May 27th, July 1st & September 2nd – Start Time 6pm – All Levels of Play Welcome!!!

No sign up is required & singles welcome.

Five One Week Junior Development Program Sessions: Session I: 6/27 & 6/29, 7/1 Session II: 7/4, 7/6, 7/8 Session III: 7/11, 7/13, 7/15 Session IV: 7/18, 7/20, 7/22 Session V: 7/25, 7/27, & 7/29

Junior “Wednesday” Twilight Socials ~ June 29th, July 13th & August 3rd Twilight Fun & Games with Ryan 6:30pm – 7:30pm Junior Under the Lights Nights 8pm – 9:30pm Junior Tennis Team will begin practice on June 27th Junior After School Programs are offered: June 6th through June 24th

MWF 11:00-12:00 7-10 yrs $45.00/week MWF 12:00-12:30 4-6 yrs $24.00/week MWF 12:30-1:30 11-12 yrs $45.00/week

Welcome New Tennis Professional Ryan McGuire Assistant Tennis Pro to Jim Whiting Ryan McGuire was raised in West Hartford where he spent his summers playing junior tennis at the Hartford Tennis Club. He graduated from Hall High school in the year 2000 after winning a state championship in doubles.

Ryan went on to play NCAA division III tennis for two years at Salve Regina University, in Newport, RI. He also worked at the International Tennis Hall of Fame as a tennis professional and racquet stringer/technician.

In 2008, Ryan moved back to the Simsbury area to attend graduate school at Saint Joseph College. He is currently earning a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

Since moving back to Connecticut, Ryan has been teaching tennis professionally at Simsmore Tennis Club.

Paddle News Paddle Championships Were held February 5th & 6th. Thanks to Patty and Mark Willis for chairing this fun filled event. A good time was had by all that attended, with good weather both days which added to a great paddle event!

The results were as follows: Women’s “A” Doubles Marian Hendershot & Patty Willis def Sara Roundy and Sheryl Schultz Mixed “A” Doubles Patty and Mark Willis def Sara & Sam Roundy Men’s “A” Doubles Phil Rockwell & Mark Willis def Jon Batterson & Sam Roundy Women’s “B” Doubles Kelly Zabel & Jean Robbins def Jen Rodriguez & Jackie Coghan Mixed “B” Doubles Jen Rodriguez & Mark Murnane def Leslie Faraci & Gordon Breslav Men’s “B” Doubles Mark McDonough & Garrett Benton def Chris Morkan & Matt James

March Madness 2011 Event The 3rd Annual March Madness Paddle was a Big Success!!! Thanks There were no winners for the “Trifecta” so all proceeds went into to all from all levels who came out to participate on a perfectly cool the Paddle Fund !! Thanks again looking forward to a 4th Annual and sunny Saturday Morning. The big Winners were the Red Team next year!!! this year: Thank you to Terry Dehm and Kelly Zabel for chairing this annual event.

Katie French- Jeff Jackson Kelly Zabel - Matt James Sara Roundy -Jeff Morris 10

Youth Activities Dolly & Me High Tea We had 15 littles ladies and their dolls stop by the Club on a Saturday morning to drink tea and meet new friends. This was an adorable event sponsored by the Activities Committee. We hope to make this an annual tradition.

Tweeners Dance On March 4th the Activities Committee sponsored a Tweeners Dance for all our Hop Meadow Youth in 5th and 6th grade.

Music was provided by DJ Bob from Entertainment Limited with musical chairs, hoola hoops, plate & cup stacking and the traditional Limbo! What is a dance without the Limbo? The kids had a great time and all attendees were eligible for the chance to win tickets to Taylor Swift. Our lucky winner was Julie Sojkowski shown here with her friends! Congrats Julie.

Little Chef’s Cooking Class On Saturday, March 12th we had 12 Chef ’s appear in the morning to learn from Chef Rice and Chef Sally what happens in the kitchen of the Hop. The Chef ’s put on their aprons and hats and prepared homemade brownies from scratch. They had a great time as the picture shows ~ all smiles and yummy treats to take home and share with their families. This event has been a real hit at the Club and our next Little Chef ’s Cooking Class is scheduled for September 10th! This is a sold out event so register early.

Thank you to a great group of kids ~ we all had a wonderful time with you.

Tyler’s Pub News I regret to inform you that the pub will be closed for renovations till mid July.

April Fools! The pub will be open as always for our normal spring schedule. And with the ground drying out and everything looking a bit greener, spring cocktails are in order…

With Easter Brunch and Mothers Day Brunch on the horizon, I’d like to highlight a new mimosa to our brunch menu! The Blood Orange Mimosa is a wine cocktail made from grape wine and the juice and pulp of the celebrated, crimson-fleshed Sicilian blood oranges.

The finest cultivars are orchestrated to achieve the best combination of flavours, fragrance and color: the darkest-hued, Moro; Tarocco, the tastiest and sweetest and the tender Sanguinello. Light, fruity, refreshing and flavorsome!

Spring beers!

As requested the return of a Belgian White Ale “Blue Moon” will be returning to tap for the summer.

Pilsner Urquell will also be available on tap. As its name claims (“original source” is the meaning of both “Urquell” in German and of “Prazdroj” in Czech); it is the world’s original pilsener, or golden beer. Most popular lagers produced in the rest of the world are based upon this original beer. Pilsner Urquell has a heavier body but slightly less alcohol than typical American-style lagers (with an almost ale-like fruitiness in the malt body) and

more strongly hopped than most pilsener beers.

Even though St. Patty’s Day is passed you can still swing by the pub for a Guinness, Smithwick’s or the classic Black & Tan! Tyler Miller, Bar Manager tyler@hopmeadowcc.net

Mango & Lemongrass Sangria recipe Featured cocktail

1 cup mango nectar 2 cups dry white wine 1 cup pineapple juice 6 oz Triple Sec 1 apple, cored and cut into 1/2 in chunks 1 mango, peeled, cut from pit, and finely diced Ice Cubes 1 stalk lemongrass, peeled and cut into 4 to 6 thin lengthwise slices, for garnish 1 orange, sliced crosswise and then into half-moons, for garnish You basically just combine everything then add ice and garnish, but its always better to let it sit and marinate with the fruit for a day or two!

Wellness Series We were so excited to bring you some wonderful activities to help reduce the winter blues ~ thank you to all members that joined in the Yoga Series offered by Valley Yoga & Wellness Center, Terry Walters Clean Food demonstration and book signing, the Ladies Coffee Social with special guests Ken Doyle and Dorothy Villano from McLean & the Zumba class which is currently in session until April 19th. Beginning April 26th we will be offering a 6 week Spring into Walking Group. All members are encouraged to join us on Tuesday mornings beginning at 9am in the front parking lot to walk the course (cart path). No sign up is necessary, just show up with your walking shoes and a bottle of water. WEATHER PERMITTING

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Membership Campaign Kickoff Party The annual Membership Kick Off Party was a huge success held on March 11th. Musical entertainment by Dan Reilert & Burt Teague, Wine Tasting with our A.S. Goodman representative Ray McKenna and the Artist Reception showcasing Lou Russo Photography. Joe Shiman spoke to the membership creating energy around our 2011 Campaign and encouraging all members to bring prospects to the Club to enjoy the course, tennis facilities, pool and restaurant.

On March 15th from 5pm to 7pm the Membership Committee will be hosting the Prospective Member Happy Hour. Come meet our new and prospective members in the Pub for an evening of great friendship and camaraderie. We will be offering a Parent’s Night Out that evening so please call Susan Baughman, your Membership Director at ext 257 with any prospects you would like to bring and call Becky at the Front Desk to make reservations for the children 860-658-7623 or becky@hopmeadowcc.net

SAVE THE DATE Meet the architect of Hop Meadow Country Club,along with of course, Geoffrey Cornish…on Thursday, June 9th

all look forward to this wonderful special appearance in honor of the Club’s 50th Anniversary.

We are honored to have as a guest on June 9th the Hop Meadow Golf Course architect Geoffrey Cornish. Mr. Cornish is 96 yrs old and will greet all members of Hop Meadow at a special reception at 5pm. We

Founders Dinner May 21st

50th Jubilee – June 18th

Artist Corner

Lou Russo, Photographer

We would like to thank Lou Russo Photography for displaying his black & white photos of Coney Island and decorating our Grille Dining Room for the months of January through March.

Lou and his wife, Cil were at the Club for Hop Meadow’s 2011 Opening Friday Night Happy Hour. They took great pictures of members enjoying themselves and of our beautiful Clubhouse.

Please take a moment and check out the slideshow that is posted on the Club’s website www.hopmeadowcc.net titled “Life at 50”

We Welcome Our Spring Artist Susan Prentice

From Blue Moon Studio in Simsbury, CT. Beginning April 5th www.susanprentice.com Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustrations, Photographer

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Trivia Night A crowd of trivia fanatics came to the Hop on Friday, April 1st . Scott Hannah Trivia Magnifico was on hand to tantalize the members with 3 rounds of brain teasing trivia.

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     

                       









   



           



  



   

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

   16

Junior Golf 2011

Spring After School Clinics May 4th—May 24th Ages 4 to 6 yrs (Introduction to Golf, learn how to hold the club, develop a sense of “target”, understand a proper stance & have fun) $10 per clinic (sign up for each clinic individually) No Clubs Necessary!

We use SNAG Golf for these clinics

April 27th—May 27th Ages 7 to 11 yrs (Get kids interested in golf, re-enforce grip, stance & set up, backswing & balance technique, course etiquette & have fun) $12 per clinic (sign up for each clinic individually) Please bring clubs if you have them

April 28th—May 26th Age 12 & up On Course Instruction (Help transition to competitive golf, re-enforce fundamentals, introduce course situation, enhance rules & knowledge, course etiquette & have fun) Each Junior needs a set of golf clubs $25 per clinic (sign up for each clinic individually)

Spring Junior Sports Academy Tuesday April 19th—Friday April 22nd Age 4 to 6: 9am to 10am ($75) Age 7 to 11: 10:30am to 12pm ($100) Age 12 & up: 1pm to 3:30pm ($150) Five Core Elements of the Junior Sports Academy (Golf Skills, Physical Skills & Fitness, Assessments, Sportsmanship, Rules & Etiquette, Play activities and on-course experience)

To register for a clinic or for questions:

Golf Shop (860)651-0686 or email jwaters@hopmeadowcc.net

Pool News We welcome back Steve Matyczyk as the Pool Director which means we WELCOME BACK SUMMER 2011!.

The 2011 Pool Program is on the website and the packet is available for download.

Dates to Remember Event

Date

Swim Team Sign Up

Memorial Day Weekend May 28-30th

Swim Lesson Sign Up

Sign-ups will be ongoing, Memorial Day through June 15th. Stop by the pool office.

Let’s Shout Schools Out

Pool Party and Buffet – Friday, June 17th at 5-8pm Ages 9-17yrs.

July 4th Celebration

Family Activities, Children’s Parade, Pool Races 12:00 Noon to 3:00pm

Family Fun Nights

Pool Party, Buffet & Karaoke – Friday, July 8th 5:00 – 8:00pm

Family Fun & Swim Team Pool Party & Buffet

Wednesday, July 27th 5:00-8:00 pm

Camp Out

August 19th ~ Sleep over at the pool with games and activities

Junior Championships

Swim Team – July 23rd

Senior Championships

Swim Team – July 24th

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PAVE THE WAY In celebrating the Club’s 50th anniversary the Anniversary Committee has put together a campaign to “Buy A Brick” which will be installed on the walkway in front of the Clubhouse. The bricks make wonderful gifts for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and offer a unique way to honor parents, grandparents or loved ones. It is fun to read all the inscriptions on the bricks leading to the Club’s main entrance. The eight-by-four inch bricks are priced at $100. The money collected will go toward the cost of installing the pathway and helping to offset the cost of the 50th Anniversary Collectors Book that is in the process of being developed and will be available at the end of the year to our members.

Name Hop Meadow Country Clubs Restaurant!

In celebration of the 50th anniversary we are going to name the Restaurant at Hop Meadow Country Club.

Email your ideas to Becky at becky@hopmeadowcc.net Or stop by the Pub to submit your idea.

The top five names will be voted on by the membership and announced at the

50th Jubilee!!

     

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Yes, we’d like to purchase a permanent brick(s). Please engrave our brick(s) as follows: ANY SYMBOL IS CONSIDERED ONE SPACE (PERIOD, COMMA, DASH) ALL TEXT IS CENTERED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

4 x 8 Brick

4 x 8 Brick

EXAMPLE

G

O

2

0

S

T

A 0

N T 2

E

E ,

W

T

O

N

2

0

0

C

H

A

M 3

H P ,

I

I

G

H

2

0

O

N

L

S 0

I

O

N

S

4

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM AND YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO:

Hop Meadow Country Club (Business Office) 85 Firetown Road, Simsbury, CT 06070

Name: ________________________________________ Phone: (_______) _________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________ State: __________________ Zip: __________________ Email Address: __ _______________________ Amount Paid or Billed to Account #: ___________________ th

FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 15 , 2011

If you have any questions, please call Sue Hocevar in the Business Office at 860-651-0499

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  

 

       

           



     

          

     

   

    

 

       

                               

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