Hopline Winter 2011

HOPLINE Cel e brati ng 5 0 Year s 1961 - 2011

Fe brua ry Is sue 2 0 1 1

Winter Hopline 2011

Business connection We have been working to

President’s Points 4

Back in August I wrote that your Board had contracted with the McMahon Group, Private Club Planners

create a Business Directory

and Consultants, to work with us on a membership

for our website that would

development plan.

allow members to connect

Frank Vain, McMahon President,

spent October 25th with the Board, including C.O.O.

with other members...

Jackie Morr and Susan Baughman, Membership. We came out of the all day session with a great many new ideas to implement along with details of our 2011

Paddle news Recap of “Introduction to Paddle” especially for our new members and for established members that have always wanted to know “What is Paddle?”

membership campaign. Joe Shiman, Membership Chair, will introduce an exciting, new program with a goal of 50 new members in our 50th year. This program

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Mark June 18, 2011 on your calendar. Debbie Sanderson, V.P. Activities, and her committee met in early November and selected June 18, 2011, as the date for the 50th Anniversary Jubilee. That evening will be a club wide, fun blast to celebrate our 50th year. The jubilee will be our premier celebration in 2011. A number of additional events will be scheduled throughout the year all tied to this very special anniversary. You should not miss the Jubilee, it will be an evening to remember!

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used starting with cocktails

While you are lining up your friends for the Jubilee, why not have everyone meet at the club for lunch, drinks or dinner - - in your jeans - - and kick off the year in fashion. Yes, you read that correctly! Jeans will be acceptable in the pub, grill and

and hors d’Oeuvres in the

on the golf and tennis decks. After running errands in your jeans, shopping, or on

Grille and Pub rooms which

the way home from a game, why not bring the family in to dine. All decked out

allowed members to mingle...

in your jeans!

Pub news After a long weekend of hitting the slopes or just coming by for lunch; keep your eyes open for several additions to our beverages...

members. Get your friends, neighbors and co-workers lined up ready to join the Hop...The Place To Be.

Holiday gala recap The entire Clubhouse was

will include something for current members in all classes, as well as prospective

Let me take this opportunity to thank each of you for your generosity in giving to the annual employee’s holiday fund. This is the one time of the year that we all can

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demonstrate our appreciation and thanks to the employees for a job well done and for taking such good care of us throughout the year.

Bill Heidel, President

Winter Hopline 2011

HOPL I NE 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 POOL DIRECTOR Steve Matyczyk 860-658-1181 TENNIS PROFESSIONAL Jim Whiting 860-651-2905 Jwhiting1958@yahoo.com CATERING DIRECTOR Beth Georger 860-658-7623 x230 bgeorger@hopmeadowcc.net RESTAURANT MANAGER Danielle Hermanowski 860-658-7623 ext. 236 dhermanowski@hopmeadowcc.net MEMBERSHIP Susan O. Baughman susan@hopmeadowcc.net 860-651-0499 OFFICE MANAGER Angela Mierzejewski 860-651-0499 angela@hopmeadowcc.net TO REACH US: Hop Meadow Country Club 85 Firetown Road, Simsbury, CT 06070 www.hopmeadowcc.net Clubhouse Front Desk Reservations The Golf Pro Shop The Tennis Pro Shop Business Office

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

Nominating Committee Members Announcement The Club Nominating Committee has been formed and the 5 person committee members are Jim Roberts, Mark Mitchell, Bob Eilers, Ken Weinstock and Rob Ecker.

The three Board positions expiring are V.P. of Golf, Greens Chair and Secretary.

The general membership is invited to submit the names of any candidates to be considered to a committee member. By mid-February the Nominating Committee will determine the final slate of candidates that will be submitted for election at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2011.

Dress Code Modified and Approved by the Board of Directors, 11/16/2010

The Board of Directors approved a recommendation from the House Committee to modify the dress code for jeans and denim in the Clubhouse. The intent of the change is to provide a dining convenience to members and encourage more frequent casual dining.

Clubhouse Jeans and denim are allowed to be worn in the Clubhouse Pub, Grille, Pool and Tennis and Golf Decks during open lunch or dining hours of operation. Jeans and denim are not allowed in the Main Dining Room or the Founders Room for dining or functions (only exceptions: A) pasta nights or B) specific themed events when posted).

Members and guests are to be properly attired at all times. Persons in swimsuits, properly covered will be served food & beverage on the deck, but cannot be served in the Clubhouse. Also, there will be: • No bare feet • No tank tops • No shorts shorter than mid-thigh • Jeans and denim must be clean in good repair and will be tasteful in appearance. Jeans and denim with holes, rips, stains or patches will not be allowed.

• Men and boys must wear collared shirts • No hats worn by men in the clubhouse Golf Course Golf attire must be worn on the golf course, practice areas and Pro Shop. Jeans, denim of any kind, cutoffs, shorts shorter than mid – thigh, tennis shorts, bathing attire, tank tops and tee shirts are prohibited.

• For men and children, collared shirts, tucked in, are required at all times.

• For women, conventional golf attire such as that sold in the Pro Shop and blouses should be tucked in unless specifically designed to be worn untucked.

• For all players, caps, visors and appropriate head gear are allowed but may not be worn backward. Any attire with offensive language or designs is prohibited.

Tennis Courts Players are expected to wear appropriate tennis attire and for all males, tennis shirts with collars. Tee shirts are not acceptable for any player. h o p me ad owcc . n e t | 2

Winter Hopline 2011

MEMBERSHIP Joe Shiman, Membership Chairman Hand in hand with this year’s 50th year celebration of Hop Meadow Country Club is our 2011 Membership campaign.

The magic number is 50.

We are very excited with the way things are shaping up for this coming year in membership. As the local economy improves and the Farmington Valley continues to thrive as one of the most desirable areas in Connecticut to raise a family and enjoy the outdoors, we are anticipating many new members looking to join our club in 2011.

And each of us can work as an integral part of this process.

The opportunity begins with our exceptionally relaxing setting. Our club combines one of the best golf courses in the region with class leading tennis facilities and a pool and club house geared toward providing members with both a day long destination or a quick tennis match or nine holes of golf without the wait. It is extremely rare to have access to a golf course like ours with the ability to drop in, play nine holes in less than two hours or eighteen holes in under four hours without being rushed. Your help to add 50 golf families to our membership will enhance this efficient, challenging and rewarding golf experience.

Here is our simple 2011 Membership Campaign: The first 50 families to join as golf members will pay no initiation fee. 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. If you are a social, pool or sporting member today, there is no cost to become a golf member. Your change in membership will take up one of the 50 places. And there really are only 50 places. The 51st family will be welcomed and we have a simple payment plan for their full initiation, 50% when their application is approved then the remaining initiation fee six months later.

No initiation fee means families over age 40, save $8,000.00 and families age 39 and under save $6,000.00. Please share this information with your friends, colleagues at work and neighbors. There will be no better time to join Hop Meadow as a golf member than now. It is so easy for you to help your friends and family and the HMCC community.

Simply share the details of our promotion then ask “Would you like one of the membership folks to give you a call and go through the details?” If the answer could even loosely fall into the category of a “YES” then please contact one of us and we will take care of the rest.

2011 Hop Meadow Country Club Membership Committee Joe Shiman III, Membership Chair Susan Baughman, Director of Membership Terry Dehm Katie French Russell Knisel Jeanne Gerace Jen Volanski Matt James Call Joe Shiman at 860-678-1090 x3019 if you have ideas and would like to participate.

Also, keep a look out for information on our Ambassador group. This group will play a key role in communicating this year’s membership program and help our new members feel welcome at Hop Meadow.

Thanks you and here’s to a successful and prosperous 2011!

-Joe Shiman III

M e m be r Announcement We send our congratulations to Chuck and Brigit Brady as they celebrate the birth of their first grandchild. Charles Wilson Devoe born January 3, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital weighed in at 6 lbs 7oz.

Congratulations!

If you have any news to share with fellow members please send to Susan Baughman, Membership (susan@hopmeadowcc.net) or call her 860-658-7623.

Winter Hopline 2011

Ken’s Corner I would like to thank all those who played in and brought toys to the Dom Lumbruno Toys for Tots Tournament. This is a very spcial day and the children who receive these toys thank you very much. The Salvation Army and Goodworks Insurance will be the recipients of the toys.

Congratulations to Mikayla Sheary for winning her division at the “FCWT” Junior Tournament played at Newport National. Mikayla is a great young lady who is rapidly improving.

Member t o M e mb e r business connection

Hop Meadow Country Club’s Yellow Pages is LIVE!!

Visit www.hopmeadowcc.net to view the latest addition to our website. We have been working to create a Business Directory for our website that would allow

You are not going to develop a new skill (such as learning to draw the ball) overnight. You must avoid the temptation to abandon the learning process when you don’t see immediate results. This improvement delay doesn’t mean that what you are doing is wrong or a waste of time; more likely it means you haven’t given it enough time. Physical skills are learned through repetition of motion. I am here to help you reach your goals.

The Club Learning Center will be open Tuesday through Saturdays throughout the winter.

Please call Ken at 860-836-9759 or 860-6510500 to set up your lessons.

members to connect with other members who specialize in fields or services that are of interest or need to them. Fifty-five businesses are now registered. If you are looking for a specific specialty or service, you can now look in the Hop Meadow Business Directory to see if a fellow member is a specialist in what you are looking for. Go to the Member Homepage and click on ‘Business Directory’ --found on the left navigation panel. You can look up businesses by category or the name of the business. Also, in the Member Directory, it is now noted which members also have a business listed in the business directory.

If you haven’t yet registered to be included in the Business Directory but would like to, please contact Terri Forde at, terri40@comcast.net and she will assist you.

Mark Your Calendar: Come to the Club and meet Ken at the next Ladies’ coffee social on Thursday, February 17th at 9:30am in the lounge. Our very own Ken Doyle, Director of Golf Instruction was honored by the PGA and named the 2010 State of CT Teacher of the Year. h o pme ad owcc . n e t | 4

Winter Hopline 2011

History Note: Remember When?

Veteran members may, while new members may be interested to learn...

S taff S potlights Becky Wasko,

Dining Room Supervisor

A new addition to the Hop Meadow website (www.hopmeadowcc.net) is the ‘40th Anniversary Book’ published and distributed in 2001. For a look back (pictures, people, dates and stories) at our club’s first 40 years, go to the member’s homepage and click on the ‘40 Anniversary Book’ icon. The actual book will come up and you can flip through the pages to areas of interest to you.

With our 50th Anniversary in 2011, we will be updating our story for the last 10 years. Until then, newer members and even those who would enjoy a little stroll down memory lane, are invited to take a look at the 40th Anniversary Book on the website to see just how far our ‘Jewel of the Farmington Valley’ has come.

HOP MEADOW COUNTRY CLUB IS CELEBRATING OUR 50th ANNIVERSARY AND WE HAVE A SPECIAL REQUEST FOR INPUT FROM YOU… Committees have already begun the planning for events, activities and mementos in celebration of our 50th year in 2011. One of those committees, the ‘50th Anniversary Book’ group, needs your help. While the resources necessary to gather facts, dates and descriptions of the club’s evolution have been identified, we need your help in capturing something special.

Over the past 50 years, the club has welcomed many people into the family and sadly said good-bye to many as well. In that time, there have been some notable individuals that through achievements in golf, tennis, swimming; or contributions through a committee(s)/board position(s); or impact through a staff position; or just by their very nature, became part of the fabric of Hop Meadow Country Club. An example of someone whose smile, presence and obvious delight in being on Hop Meadow grounds and in the company of members was Dominic Lumbruno. A long-standing member, golfer and genuine friend to all from age 3 to 93, Dom was a true showcase of the Hop Meadow spirit and will always be remembered for being part of the fabric of this club.

We know there are many (whether existing members or prior members). Not wanting to miss anyone, we are reaching out to you to help us capture them all in a special tribute section of our Anniversary book. Please take a moment to think about those special folks and pass the name and a few words about how they came to be known by you as part of the fabric of your club. You can share by either filling out one of the cards at the reception desk of the club and dropping in the box or sending an email to Terri Forde, (terri40@comcast.net).

Becky celebrated 5 years at Hop Meadow Country Club in November 2010. Becky is the Club’s Dining Room Supervisor responsible for hiring, training and overseeing a la carte wait staff. Becky brings a lot of energy, creativity and support in order to make our members dining experience the best it can possibly be. Becky currently lives in Barkhamsted with her 3 children and when she is not working at the Hop she enjoys spending time at her family’s bakery business in New Hartford, “Little Women’s Kitchen”. She also enjoys hiking, camping, fishing and being outdoors in nature.

Becky is always interested in hearing from our members so please contact her if you have any suggestions as to how to continue to improve your Club dining experience. You can email Becky (becky@ hopmeadowcc.net) or stop by and see her with your valuable feedback.

Winter Hopline 2011

Paddle News On Saturday, December 11th we held a Paddle event focusing on an “Introduction to Paddle” especially for our new members and for established members that have always wanted to know “What is Paddle?”

Sheri Shea ran the clinic for an hour and a half and with the help of Mark Willis and Sam Roundy she provided a lot of information on the strategy of Paddle. It was a great day with energy focusing on Paddle and the wonderful sport HMCC offers our Membership during the cold winter months.

Mark Mitchell, HMCC’s Tennis Chair participated along with Lauren & Tim Willerton, Mark & Patty Willis, Sam & Sara Roundy, Ingrid Budlong, Mark Fletcher, John Schuster, Suzanne Harris, Jeff Cullen and Greg & Nikki Manderlink.

Wellness Series We are pleased to announce our Winter Wellness Series brought directly to your Club!

Here are three opportunities to get out of the cold and come to your Club to participate in one or all of the following as part of our Winter Wellness Series:

1. Yoga for Vibrant Health Back by popular demand, Shelley Dungan, owner of Valley Yoga in Simsbury will instruct you in this wonderful healing art of Yoga. This is a 6 week class held in the Founders Room from 9:30am – 10:45am on Tuesdays. First class begins Tuesday, February 1st. Sign-up today! NO YOGA experience needed and suitable for all ages. Cost is $80pp for 6 weeks.

2. Author Terry Walters Please join us on Wednesday, March 2nd for a special guest appearance by author of Clean Food & Clean Start. Terry Walters is at the forefront of the clean eating lifestyle movement. She is dedicated to making sustainable good health both easy and delicious. She will join us from 7pm to 9pm with a presentation and a cooking demo with a tasting to complete the evening! Cost is $10pp and guests are welcome.

3. Zumba Gold Classes Have you ever wondered what Zumba is? Well….here is your chance to get in on the fun at the privacy of your own Club ~ Zumba Gold will be offered to our active older adults for an exhilarating yet simple to follow steps of Zumba Fitness.

Classes will start on Tuesday, March 15th for 6 weeks.

It is a new year for a new and healthier you! We look forward to being on the road to health together.

P addle C hampionship W eekend Saturday, February 5th & Sunday, February 6th

Please register by emailing Susan Baughman, Membership susan@hopmeadowcc.net

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Winter Hopline 2011

Ho li d ay G al a

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2 5

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Over 170 members attended our December Gala on Saturday, December 18th. Participation was up 30% as compared to last year and the members danced the night away to the great sounds of “Eight

The De c e mb e r 2010 Ga l a wa s Spectacular

to the Bar”. The evening began with valet parking and a champagne welcome as our members arrived. The entire Clubhouse was used starting with cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres in the Grille and Pub rooms which allowed members to mingle and greet one another then it was off to the Main Dining Room for a delicious sit-down dinner of Winter Spinach Goat Cheese Salad, Pan Seared Filet with Sun

Photographed Above 1) Denise and Jeff Jackson; 2) Maureen and Brian Jessen; 3) Debbie & Scott Sanderson; 4) Steve & Lynn Erie; 5) Kirk and Marcy Drees; 6) Jeff and Jackie Coghan; 7) Randy and Shelly Swinford

Dried Tomato & Almond Gremolata and a colossal shrimp followed by dancing and dessert.

Mark your calendars for this very special annual tradition which is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, 2011.

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Winter Hopline 2011

Fam i ly Ti m e L it t le Ch e f ’s Cooking Series The Club’s “Little Chef ’s Cooking Series” was started in 2010 and will continue in 2011.

In our second of this new Club favorite we hosted 23 children on Saturday, December 18th for the 1st Annual Gingerbread House Making class. Each “Little Chef ” frosted and decorated their own gingerbread house while sipping hot cocoa & munching on doughnuts (along with tons of candy canes and frosting!)

Each child left with a Gingerbread House made by their own creation and the spirit of the holiday season was evident in their sparkly eyes and smiles ☺…Surely, this will become a Club tradition each and every December.

Look for our next “Little Chef ’s Cooking Class” scheduled for Saturday, March 12th.

Brun c h w ith Santa Clause The Club hosted its traditional Santa Brunch on Sunday, December 12th with 183 members attending.

Delicious food from

Chef Aaron and his staff was overflowing followed by a chocolate fountain for dipping yummy treats!!! Dancing, games, carolers and a special visit from Santa created a magical day for all who attended. h o pme ad owcc . n e t | 8

Winter Hopline 2011

Member

events

S av e t h e D at e s : 2011 C lu b S pe c i a l E v e n ts Va le n tin e s Fa mily B run c h Febr ua r y 1 3 th

FA M I LY B R U N C H

5th & 6th Grade Tweeners Dance Ma rc h 4 th Do lly a n d Me Hig h Te a Ma rc h 5 th

Sunday, February 13, 2011 11:00am - 2:00pm DJ music throughout the event Adults $24.95++ Children $11.95++ 2 yrs and under complimentary

Win e Ta st in g Ma rch 11 th An n ua l C lub M e e t in g Ma rc h 22 n d Trivia Ni g ht Ap ril 1 s t Ea ste r Brun c h Ap ril 24 th Mothe r’s Day B run c h Ma y 8th

Enjoy a valentine’s brunch with your family & sweetheart with a delectable

Fa mily C l a mbak e June 11 th

selection prepared by Chef Aaron.

Le t’s Sho ut Sc hool s Out Po o l Part y June 17 th

Please call Beth Georger at

50th “Jubile e” C e l e br at ion June 18 th

860-658-7623 x230 or email her at bgeorger@hopmeadowcc.net. To reserve your special table.

(Final seating will be at 1:00pm)

Simp ly White Sum me r N ig ht August 6 th Ha llowe e n Fa m ily Part y October 2 8 th Ad ult Ma sque r ad e Part y October 2 9 th Sa n ta Bru n c h Dec emeber 1 1 th Ho lid ay G al a Dec ember 1 7 th

Winter Hopline 2011

Tyler’s Pub News Welcome back to the start of another great year! Happy 2011!

Whether you’re coming off the paddle courts, stopping in for dinner after a long weekend of hitting the slopes or just coming by for lunch; keep your eyes open for several additions to our beverages. From winter beers, new wines or even espresso, we have the fixes to warm you up during the snowy months!

Everyone truly seemed to enjoy the specialty wine menu at the winter gala so I’ve added three of the favorites to our wine menu; in addition to a few others…

W ild H orse P inot N oir Wild Horse Pinot Noir displays great balance of fruit, spice, and oak.

Fruit grown in Bien Nacido, Premier and Ashley’s vineyards in Santa Barbara County, coupled with contributions from Edna Ranch, Live Oak and Opolo vineyards in San Luis Obispo, make up this Central Coast Pinot Noir. The wine showcases aromas and flavors of bright raspberry, ripe strawberry, and dusty spices leading to a rich, juicy, well-balanced mouthfeel.

S terling V intners C ollection M erlot A majority of the grapes for this generously structured wine come from the Paris Valley Ranch vineyard in Monterrey, situated in the southern end of the valley. The vineyard produces ripe, concentrated fruit. The remainder of the grapes comes from Paso Robles, offering a soft, supple structure.

The flavors are of bright cherry, blackberry and vanilla aromas, counterbalanced with subtle cherry-cola notes. On the palate, mouth filling cherry-berry tannins fold together with rich flavors of blackberry pie and juicy.

W inter B eers

on

T ap :

N or ’E aster W inter L ager Brewed to celebrate Winter in New England, Nor’Easter Lager possesses a Hearty Malt flavor delicately accented by mild winter spices.

O tter C reek B rewing A lpine B lack IPA Dark in color and character, this unfiltered Black IPA exudes caramel and roasted notes while highlighting a bold hop bitterness and citrus aroma. Apollo, centennial, and citra hops intermingle with the deep complexities provided by copious amount of caramel malts and de-husked roasted barley. h o pme a dowcc . n e t | 1 0

The History of Hop Meadow Country Club Governor and U.S. Senator George McLean was a generous philanthropist. He obviously loved Simsbury, its land and its people.

Upon his death, he left a sizable estate, which included several tracts of land. He designated one be called, “McLean Game Refuge”, and set aside funds for the protection and propagation of wild birds, game and fish. Excluded from the game refuge were the land and buildings which he called the “Home Farm.” He willed that, when the trust fund reached a certain level, a home or hospital be built on a portion of this land. It was to be called the “McLean Home” in honor of his mother and his aunt. A part of the “Home Farm” was called the Holly Farm and was leased out for use as a working dairy farm with Holstein cattle. The Holly Farm was having difficulty competing in the milk market and having difficulty remaining viable. It occurred to Johnathan Eno, V.P. of Simsbury Bank that the idea of a golf course on part of the Holly Farm could be a solution. He talked to John Ellsworth, then President of Ensign Bickford who was interested and Orrin Kilbourn, a Simsbury land owner, who not only agreed but decided to help. Thus began the story of Hop Meadow Country Club…..on July 12, 1961 at an organizational meeting the first board of directors was elected with Richard Berry as President.

H op Me a d ow C o un try C lub