Meridian Hills Country Club
Newsette www.meridianhillscc.org
May 2015
Message from the President Board of Directors
Jim Dodson President Kristin Altice Tony Snider Erica Mobasser Jim Sinclair Jim Zoccola Barry Collier Tom Foster W. Tobin McClamroch Mark Linden - Treasurer Jeff Kirk - Legal Counsel
Management Team Steve Roper, CCM, CCE General Manager Ludo Aaron Head Tennis Professional Jack Barber Golf Ambassador Michael Bembenick Head Golf Professional Megan Christman Membership Director Ashley Goldman Communications Coordinator Jim Hess Golf Course Superintendent
A prominent member asked me to lunch a couple weeks ago to discuss the projects and improvements we are making at Meridian Hills. During my tenure as your President, I haven’t had many people complain about things. Naturally, I wondered what might have happened and what mistake might have been made. Did we have a service issue? Did we forget to be inclusive in some manner? What I heard at lunch was far different than what I expected. I learned of the genuine affection this person has for our staff and Jim Dodson what a great part of building a family took place at our club. From Club President this perspective, the places and spaces were important, but at the heart of what makes Meridian Hills special is our wonderful staff. This member wanted to say thank you to our staff for the time and effort they put in to making the experience so memorable. Our General Manager Steve Roper likes to say, “We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.” That saying resonates with me, and encourages me to be grateful of our staff for their dedication to Meridian Hills. Earlier this year we hosted a couple for lunch, during which our server talked about a hamburger competition which had just taken place in the kitchen between chefs. The server was so excited about his work that our friends, members at another club in town, commented that they had never seen any restaurant staff so dedicated and enthusiastic. That level of service and commitment doesn’t just live in our dining facilities, but also on our golf course, tennis and paddle facility, and pool and fitness center. As we enter into the busiest season at the club, join me in remembering to say thank you to our staff, and to recognize them for great service moments. I’m certain that’s how a lady and gentlemen would respond to receiving excellent service. Sincerely, Jim Dodson
Kelly Letzler Catering & Events Coordinator Joe Miller Executive Chef Patrick Necessary F & B manager Jan Pyritz Accounting Manager Jake Schwichtenberg Dining Room Manager Laura Wohlschlaeger Member Services & Communications
SAVE THE DATE
Meridian Hills Fireworks Friday, June 26th
Meridian Hills Country Club 7099 Spring Mill Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46260 317.255.2496
22 May May2015 2015
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party
Message from theGeneral Manager Table of Contents
Please remember our “partner program” launched April 1st and continues through July. There is never a better time to ask a friend, business associate or family member to join. The first time sponsoring members and the new member are winners! Additionally, the Junior Membership is a great value and very affordable for the younger couples. To grow up in the Meridian Hills tradition, enjoy the wonderful amenities, and have the adults and children enjoy our wonderful programs and social activities is priceless! Please see Megan Christman for membership information.
2 ~ President’s Message 3 ~ Message from the gm 4-5 ~ Membership Update 6-7 ~ Upcoming Events 8 ~ PickleBall News 9-10 ~ Golf News Steve Roper, CCM, CCE General Manager
Mark your calendars for the swim team “Meet the Coaches” is Sunday, May 3rd with complimentary sundaes for the kids. The pool opens on Saturday, May 23rd and a Pool Season Opener Party with live music from Dave and Rae is planned for Friday, May 29th. A Luau At The Pool with activities for the kids and music for all will highlight the evening!
11-1 ~ Calendars 13 ~ Club Information
Swim team coach Ed Ahlbrand is enthusiastic about his future at MHCC. His first year coaching the kids on the Marlins swim team, with able assistance from former coach Ashley Gilchrist, will be a building block for a strong summer program. Little Tykes beginners swim classes (starting Thursday, May 14th), water aerobics and other programs will be incorporated with our new Aquatics Director. The new poolside bar and deck service will be available this season as well. It’s going to be a great summer! See you at the club! Steve Roper
*Please Note* Dining Hours AFTER Memorial Day
Lunch
Tuesday - Saturday 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 5:30pm - 10:00pm Sunday 5:00pm - 9:00pm 3 May 2015
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Membership Update
Welcome New Members
Please help us welcome the following new members who were accepted as members of the Club. Carlstedt Mrs. Kasee (Matthew) 6115 Spring Mill Rd Indianapolis, IN 46250 (317) 446-7995 Membership Class: Junior Golfing Sponsors: Adam Broderick and Adam Seger Cosler, Mr. Steve (Lynne) Water Street Healthcare Partners 3762 E 79th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240 (407) 257-4561 Membership Class: Resident Tennis Sponsors: Don Palmer and Nancy Whitacre Edmundson, Mr. Chad (Lauren) The Finish Line 10360 Charter Oaks Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 564-8538 Membership Class: Resident Golfing Sponsors: John Bear and Tim Hoffman Holtmann, Mr. Chris (Lori) Butler University 5360 N Capitol Ave Indianapolis, IN 46208 (317) 513-0535 Membership Class: Resident Golfing Sponsors: Barry Collier, James Danko, and Ken LaRose
4 May 2015
Offenbacker, Mr. Kingdon Echo Engineering 1101 West 116th Street Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 403-5811 Membership Class: Resident Golfing Sponsors: Buffe Challand and Sally Butler Patchen, Dr. Jeffery Children's Museum of Indianapolis 406 Canal Court Sq Drive, Apt. K Indianapolis, IN 46202 (317)847-3708 Membership Class: Clubhouse Sponsors: Stephen A. Stitle and James Bremner Somerville, Ms. Lisabeth “Libby� Re/Max Ability Plus 739 Nottingham Ct Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317)590-4470 Membership Class: Clubhouse Sponsors: Peter Cleveland and Allan Hubbard
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Membership Update Help us continue our success of being the preeminent Private Club in Indianapolis! The finest clubs trace their roots to strong contributions by Members. Members create the environment in which social camaraderie flourishes and new friendships begin. Our Club has prospered through the strength of these relationships for the past 91 years. While we are on solid ground today, we can’t be complacent. Today, our number one priority is to solidify the Club’s future through consistent membership growth. Because current Members are the most effective source of recruiting outstanding new Members, we are requesting that you consider sponsoring a friend or associate for membership at Meridian Hills. Our future success and distinguished reputation lie solely with our members to maintain an active and vibrant Club. Effective April 1st; we are re-introducing a “Partner Membership Program” that will reward you and your sponsored member with a special one year monthly dues credit. How can you help? Please consider someone you know who would benefit from the Meridian Hills experience. Megan Christman, our Membership Director, stands ready to assist and can be reached at (317) 860-1556. Your invitee will receive an introductory packet that will acquaint them with the Club and the details of the Partner Program. In addition, each perspective member will then have the opportunity to personally experience the Club and the numerous amenities our members have come to cherish. This Partner Membership Program is a limited time opportunity from which you and your prospective members can benefit. Enclosed you will find details on the special Partner Dues Credit as well as an Invitation Request Card to be submitted to the Membership department. All prospective members will be subject to the Club’s current membership approval process. Thank you in advance for your support and participation in this initiative that will ensure the continued growth and success of our Club. Warm regards, Jim Dodson Pat Schaefer President, Board of Directors Chairman, Membership Committee Meridian Hills Country Club Meridian Hills Country Club
5 May 2015
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Upcoming Events
6 May 2015
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Upcoming Events
7 May 2015
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Pickle Ball Program Opening Pickle Day
We will have an opening pickle ball party Friday, May 1st from 5:30 to 7:30pm. There will be pickle experts on each court to help with scoring, rules, etc. Pizza and drinks are available. Cost is $10 plus food and drinks.
Basic Rules of Pickle
Usually, pickle will be played with 4 players on a court. Pickle courts are very small. Four courts can be fitted on one tennis court. Sets are scored to 11 points where points can only be won if you win a point on your serve similar to the old volleyball rules. If your partner loses his/her point on their serve, your partner will then have a turn at scoring points. Once you both lose a point on your serve, then your opponents will have a chance to score. The serve must be underhand so the paddle head must be below the wrist on impact. The serve must be hit cross court like tennis and past the tennis service line area which is called the kitchen in Pickle. If the serve lands on the kitchen line , it is out but if it lands on any other line it is in. Both players when on serve should stay back as when returned to them, they both must let the ball bounce or they lose the point. The returner must let the ball bounce or they will lose the point. Once this process has taken place, the point is a GO!!! The most important rule when the point is in play is that you cannot hit a volley (volley is where the ball is struck before it hits the ground) in the kitchen or on the line of the kitchen. Remember the kitchen looks like it is a similar location to the service line in tennis. The server shouts out the score and the servers score will be said first. An example of a score is 5-4-1. The 1 stands for the server is the first player to serve. If the server loses the point, then the score would then be 5-4-2. Naturally the 2 pointing out that it is the second servers time to serve. These are the basic rules of pickle. It may seem complicated but once you play one set you will be ready to go for the season.
Pro Shop
May 1 to May 15 will be staffed daily but with limited hours. May 15 through the summer will be staffed every week day until 6pm and weekends until 4pm. Hoping membership can support pro shop by purchasing paddles, balls and equipment from tennis shop.
How to book a court
Court bookings link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tqGEn6_VuKFcP5jstv3IgOgKHGygWWezPI0wvEOjr24/edit#gid=0
Guest Policy
Members will be able to have the same guest 4 times maximum. This policy is the same policy with paddle, tennis and golf. A fee of $10 will be charged per guest. Members are required to add the guests name on the google doc or tell the pro shop.
Possible organized programming
This may change once we see the amount of interest or lack of during the season. A pickle cost for ladies for being involved in all 4 weekly activities will be $100 per player for the season. A pro will be on site to organize and help during these programming times. The men’s rate for the season will be $80 for the season. This will be the base at the beginning of the season. Players can also opt to pay a one program rate of $40 for season. Lessons Ludo will train all his staff on the rules of pickle, how to play, and how to instruct. Although no one is a true pickle pro at this point, we are confident that all tennis pros will be able to conduct individual and group lessons by June 1. Ludo will be available until then to conduct lessons of all types. Tennis lesson rates will apply. Tuesday pickle night: Cost $40 per player for season Members are invited to play in an intraclub league starting at 530pm. A pro will be on court to fill in and organize the format. An email will be sent out to members every Sunday evening and members have to reply back by Monday 12pm. Pro will then email members back by 6pm to give them their start time. There may be 2 different sessions of play, like a 530pm and 7pm session. With 16 players with 4 courts to play on we feel like the session size should not exceed 24 players per session. A little sitting out in pickle is not a bad thing, players can socialize and watch other players. Wednesday 10:30am ladies morning: Cost $40 for season Ladies simply show up to play Wednesday morning. A pro will be on court to fill in and organize. Friday night social: Cost $40 per player for season This will be similar to the Tuesday night pickle where members have a deadline to sign up and we give them their play time. Again, a pro will be present to organize and fill in if needed. A 5pmand 6:30 session will take place. Saturday afternoon pickle play: $40 per player for season A pro will be present from 2 to 4pm for pickle play. Players do not sign up but come out and play in more of a casual setting. Fill in rate: If pickle players need a fourth pro to fill in as they have 3 players only a fill in rate of $30 can be billed for the pro. Ten dollars per player for the pro.
8 May 2015
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Golf News
Mark Your Calendar
Friday, May 1st Timberman sign up begins Sunday, May 3rd Grand Dad’s sign up DEADLINE Father-Son sign up DEADLINE Wednesday, May 6th Men’s League Opening Night 5:15pm Thurday, May 7th High School Match - Front 9 Reserved 4:30pm Sunday, May 10th Ole’ Buddy Qualifying DEADLINE 7:30pm Wednesday, May 13th Men’s League Week #2 5:15pm Friday, May 15th Couples Twlight #1 5:15pm Saturday, May 16th Men’s ABCD MERGER 8:30am Wednesday, May 20th Defender Direct Outing (20 players) 1:30pm Modified Start, will not effect member play Friday, May 22nd Holiday Tee Times 7am-3pm Saturday, May 23rd Holiday Tee Times 7am-3pm, DEMO DAY 10am - 3pm Sunday, May 24th Holiday Tee Times 7am-3pm Monday, May 25th Holiday Tee Times 7am-3pm Tuesday, May 26th COURSE CLOSED (Monday play begins June 1st) Wednesday, May 27th Men’s League Week #3 5:15pm Tuesday, June 2nd Directors Outing (Invitiations to be sent early May)
Tournament Sign-up Policy
Men’s Events: 3 weeks prior to the event date for all events (excluding Timberman) You may call, email, or sign-up in person on the event board. Ladies Events: Sign-up for 18 Hole and 9 Hole Events will be available on the Ladies Bulletin
Things To Remember:
- Tee Time requests must be turned in by 7:30pm each Wednesday - Tuesday mornings are for 18 Hole Ladies until 11am; first tee opens up after 11:00am - Thursday mornings are for 9 Hole Ladies until 9:30am; first tee open up at 9:00am Bembenick’s Golf Shop will match any price from anywhere on golf equipment - The golf staff offers single lessons and group clinics for all genders and ages - Callaway Golf offers a Trade-In Trade-Up Program that applies credit toward new equipment! All brands of equipment are welcomed to be traded in toward new clubs!
9 May 2015
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Golf News May Hours of Operation Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Golf Shop 8:00am - 7:30pm 8:00am - 7:30pm 8:00am - 7:30pm 8:00am - 7:30pm 6:45am - 7:30pm 6:45am - 7:30pm Range 7:30am - Dusk 7:30am - 6:30pm 8:00am - Dusk 7:30am - Dusk 6:30am - Dusk 6:30am - 6:30pm Course 11:00am 8:00am 9:00am 8:00am 7:00am 7:00am *The practice tee is open until dusk each day, with an exception of Wednesdays and Sundays to allow for clean picking *The practice tee opens later on Thursday monrings due to mowing & maintenance *Golf Course is reserved for Ladies 18 hole group each Tuesday monring until 11am (May - September)
Bembenick’s Golf Shop Update: Ecco Golf Shoes have arrived for both Men & Women!
10 May 2015
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May 2015 SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Meridian Hills Country Club WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
FRIDAY
Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet
3
Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm
10
Mother’s Day Brunch 10am - 2pm No a la carte
4
Clubhouse Closed
11 Clubhouse Closed
5 Dinner Special: Veal Liver & Onions
6
12 Dinner Special: Fish & Chips
13
Pasta Night: Chicken Parmesan
Taste of Asia Night
7
14
8
Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet
SATURDAY 2
9
15 16 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet
Wine Tasting
Closed for Sunday dinner 17 Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm
18 Clubhouse Closed
19 20 21 Dinner Special: Pasta Night: Veal Liver & Vegetable Lasagna Onions
22
Shrimp Feast
23 Pool open for the season at 10am
29
30
Ladies Book Club 12pm 24 Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm Indy 500 Race Buses
25 Memorial Day Open for Lunch & Dinner
26
Clubhouse Closed
27 *Fiesta Night*
28
Pool Season Opener Party No a la carte dinner service
Live Music 31 Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm
While walk-ins are welcome; immediate seating for dinner is ONLY guaranteed with a reservation. Call 255-2496 for reservations
June 2015 SUNDAY
7
Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm
1
MONDAY
8
Clubhouse Closed
Clubhouse Closed
Meridian Hills Country Club
TUESDAY 2 Dinner Special: Fried Shrimp
WEDNESDAY 3 Pasta Night: Shrimp Diablo
THURSDAY 4
9 Dinner Special: Veal Liver & Onions
10
11
12 13 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet
18
19 20 Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet
25
26
Pasta Night: Lasagna
5
FRIDAY
Friday Night Prime Rib Buffet
SATURDAY 6
Twilight Buffet 5pm - 9pm 14 Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm
15 Clubhouse Closed
16 17 Dinner Special: Pasta Night: Fish & Chips Chicken Picatta
Ladies Book Club 12pm
Twilight Buffet 5pm - 9pm 21 Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm
22 Clubhouse Closed
Father’s Day Twilight Buffet
28 Sunday Brunch 10am - 2pm
Twilight Buffet 5pm - 9pm
23 24 *Fiesta Night* Dinner Special: Veal Liver & Onions
All Club Fireworks Party
27
Live Music
29
Clubhouse Closed
30 Dinner Special: Fried Shrimp
While walk-ins are welcome; immediate seating for dinner is ONLY guaranteed with a reservation. Call 255-2496 for reservations
Club Contacts & Hours of Operation Managers Office Tuesday - Sunday
317.255.2497
Member Services Desk Monday - Friday
317.255.2496
Steve Roper, General Manager sroper@mhcc-indy.com
Laura Wohlschlaeger lauraw@mhcc-indy.com
9:00am - 6:00pm
9:30am - 5:30pm
Membership 317.860.1556 Megan Christman, Membership Director mchristman@mhcc-indy.com
Accounting Office Monday - Friday
317.251.3636
Catering & Events
317.860.1536
Food & Beverage
317-255-2496
Jan Pyritz, Accounting Manager janisp@mhcc-indy.com
9:00am - 5:00pm
Kelly Letzler, Catering & Events Coordinator kletzler@mhcc-indy.com
Joe Miller, Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Director chefmiller@mhcc-indy.com
Golf Pro Shop
317.255.3369
Golf Shop, Range & Course May Hours See Page 10
Tennis Pro Shop
317.860.1630 Ludo Aaron, Head Tennis Professional ludoaaron@gmail.com
Kids Club
317.255.2496 (reservations)
Tuesday - Friday: 8:00am-12:00pm Daytime Cost: $10 for the 1st hour, $5 every additional hour Wednesday - Friday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm Evening Cost: $5 per hour, per child **Additional charges apply for dinner service **Additional charges apply PER child if picked up after 9:00 pm Tuesday - Friday: 12:00pm-4:00pm Parents Afternoon Out: Starts, May 26th / Ends, July 31st $35.00 per child / $30.00 per additional child Saturday, Sunday, Monday: Closed
Fitness Center
Patrick Necessary, Food & Beverage Manager pnecessary@mhcc-indy.com
Monday - Sunday 6:00am - 9:30pm * Call Marcus Bastianelli at 317-373-4321 to schedule your MHCC orientation for unlimited access.*
Jake Schwichtenberg, Dining Room Manager jakes@mhcc-indy.com
Dining Hours
Take-Out Orders
Take-out orders can be made by calling the Men’s Grill at 317.860.1546 or the Hostess Podium at 317.860.1632.
Lunch Tuesday - Saturday 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 5:30pm - 9:00pm Sunday 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Reservations
Reservations can be made by calling our Member Services desk at 317.255.2496. Reservations are strongly recommended. Seating upon arrival for dinner is not guaranteed unless you have a reservation.
13 May 2015
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