Rolling Green Fall Newsletter

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ROLLING GREEN GOLF CLUB

Times FALL 2014

From the President

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eptember is here and I look back on an excellent summer here at Rolling Green. We had a cool and enjoyable summer for golf, and I look forward to seeing the change of season as we get closer to fall. We have also seen a lot of improvement around the club with the addition of new staff, menus and updates which enable us all to enjoy our club experience.

I also want to say that this is a club of which I am very proud to be a member. One of the reasons for this is how I see Rolling Green members caring for our community. I want to personally thank you for participating in reinvesting in our community through events such as the J. Wood Platt Scholarship for which Rolling Green raised $17,500 and the Folds of Honor Patriot Golf Days which provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our nation. Rolling Green raised over $1,500 this Labor Day weekend for that. Our tradition of the Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser has always been successful too, and I encourage you to mark your calendar for this event coming up on November 1, 2014. It is a great time of coming together with fellow members and friends to raise money for an excellent cause. I hope to see you there.

Two other things to keep in mind that are happening soon here at Rolling Green are our annual Open Houses on Sunday, September 14th & 28th, and the annual member meeting on Monday, October 27th. And remember, fall golfing here at Rolling Green is absolutely beautiful. I hope to see you on the course for many more months this year!

Mike Rothman President

280 N. State Road, Springfield, PA 19064 d 610.544.4500 d www.Rggc.Org

General Manager’s Message

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s the summer of 2014 has turned into the fall of 2014, I look back on completing my first year here at Rolling Green Golf Club as your General Manger and COO. And although we have more work to do, I am very satisfied with what has been accomplished here as my goal is to always improve your member experience, member value and exceed your expectations.

As a team, we have been focusing on improvements that you have probably noticed. We have added Chef Scott Passarretti who is making significant improvements to the food selection and quality here at Rolling Green. You will notice that both the dining and lunch menus have been recreated, along with fresh weekly additions for your enjoyment. Look for new menus to be coming out this fall as we want to keep the food exciting and new for your dining pleasure. You will also notice that we are sending out random surveys following dining and golf experiences so we can get your feedback.

Please take the time to complete it when you get one of these surveys so that we can continue to improve.

You will also notice that we are striving to improve our communications with you to keep you informed of exciting happenings at the club both on the golf course and in the clubhouse. There are weekly emails from the Golf Shop and the clubhouse, quarterly newsletters, and information that you can access anytime through the Rolling Green app on your smartphone. We are currently assessing our website and making plans to improve it so it also is a valuable and easy source of information for you to use.

A few other improvements you may have noticed are new TVs placed strategically for your enjoyment, including the patio, and live music with John Gill on the guitar on Friday nights.

It is my pleasure to be working hard to make Rolling Green all that it can be. I invite your feedback if you have any ideas or suggestions to offer. With one year complete, I look forward to serving you for a long time to come.

See you at the club!

Mark B. Litrenta, CCM mark.litrenta@rggc.org

Inside This Issue General Manager’s Message .........................................2

Women’s Amateur Updates..........................................8

Strategic Planning Updates...........................................3

9 & 18 Hole Scramble “Rally for a Cure”.......................8

Membership Chair.......................................................4

House Committee Update.............................................9

Hey! Have You Checked Out Our New App?..................4

Key Dates to Mark in Your Calendar............................10

From the Golf Shop......................................................5

From Chef Scott.........................................................10

Grounds Superintendent...............................................6

September Calendar...................................................11

Women’s Golf at Rolling Green.....................................7

October Calendar.......................................................12

Ladies’ 9-Holers...........................................................7

November Calendar...................................................12

Upcoming Event..........................................................7

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Strategic Planning Update

Fellow Members; I hope you are enjoying the last weeks of what has been a beautiful summer. I’d like to take a few minutes and update you on our Strategic Planning process here at Rolling Green. As you will recall, this process will help us address the needs, wants and concerns of our membership through improvements in our golf and clubhouse operations.

Following is a brief summary of our actions to date. / As a reminder, our plan is designed to address the seven major areas that affect our overall performance - Club Governance, Communication, Membership, House Operations, Golf Operations, Greens and Course Operations and Finance. There are many simple and direct actions that can produce near term positive results. / We have been focusing our efforts on improving Club operations that most affect our members and their guests. Most notably, improvements in our food and beverage operations, new standards for member and guest services in our golf operation and some golf course beautification projects have been implemented with positive results. / A new Communications Committee has been created and is developing its strategy and plans to better connect with our members, guests and the local golf environment through both traditional and new media channels. / The Membership Committee is assessing our efforts to market our Club throughout the region and finding ways to attract the best possible slate of member candidates. / We are also assessing some internal operating policies in the areas of Club governance and financial management.

We have just begun the second phase of the planning process working with Chambers USA to build a Facilities Master Plan. This part of the plan will address the Clubhouse and all non-course related areas. Specifically we will focus on deferred maintenance needs such as our electrical, HVAC, and energy management systems, and areas where we can make better use of our existing facilities. An initial assessment of our Clubhouse by Chambers said that, while in need of some attention to the aforementioned deferred maintenance items, the building is in very good structural shape, is very classic in its design, and offers opportunity for improvement in some internal areas that were specifically suggested by our members in our 2013 Membership Survey. As mentioned in prior communications, no plans have yet been discussed or considered and there is no, repeat no, thought to building a new clubhouse.

As always, I am available to answer any questions or discuss any of our plans with you in more detail.

If you have some time and are willing to roll up your sleeves and dig in with us, please let me know. You may email me at jfavato@comcast.net.

I will keep you updated as we continue our planning process. Thank you again for your input and support.

Thank you.

Jim Avato Chairman, Planning Committee

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Membership Chair

Update from the Membership Committee

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’m pleased to report that our strong membership numbers continue, as we are full in several classes of membership, and still have a few Bond memberships available. The club is currently gearing up for two Open House events that will happen on Sunday, September 14th and 28th from 1-4 pm. If you have a co-worker, neighbor, or family member who is considering the benefits of joining a top tier private club, make sure you invite them to this exciting event!

We will be giving away some great prizes along with conducting individualized course tours. Invitations are all around the club and available in the office as well for you to pick up and hand out. If you have any questions about the Open Houses or membership, just ask anyone from the Membership Committee. We will update you on the success of this program and the progress of our membership categories in the fall. Our long term goal is to have a robust waiting list that is consistent with the quality of Rolling Green.

Remember, our best source of new members is always referrals. If you happen to be on site during one of the Open House dates, please take a moment to say hello and make our guests feel welcome.

Please join me in welcoming several new members.

Their contact information is on the website, so please feel free to reach out and invite them to join you on an upcoming round.

John McKenzie Kevin Kennedy Mitch VanZandt Walter Johnson

Open House Dates Sunday, September 14th & 28th 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Have You Checked Out Our New App?

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ownload the Rolling Green Golf Club app on your smart phone today!

That way you can stay informed about all the exciting things happening here from golf course updates, to entertainment and special events. It only takes a minute!

Download it today.

Scan the appropriate QR code for your phone and go directly to the app to download.

Jack Mullen Membership Chairman iphone

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Android

From the Golf Shop

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ith the fall season fast approaching, there is still plenty of golf to be played! Fall is a lovely time to play here at Rolling Green Golf Club. In addition to daily member play, here are some important dates to keep in mind… / Saturday, September 27th – The Rolling Green Cup

L to R: Chris Hoyle, Assistant Pro, Deena Kellogg, Golf Shop Merchandiser, Fred Heller, Assistant Pro, Frank Palumbo, Assistant Pro, Mike Rugg, Head Golf Professional

The top 24 point getters from tournaments played throughout the year are divided into two teams of 12. Teams will face off in a match play format comprised of 9 holes of Four Ball and 9 holes of Alternate Shot. Teams will be determined in a draft taking place on Friday, September 26th in the Flynn Room. / Thursday, October 9th – 12:30 pm – Final Stag Day Members are encouraged to invite guests out for a full day of golf followed by hors d’oeurvre stations and cocktails on the patio. / Monday, October 13th – 12:30 pm - Stanton Freidman Invitational

The Men’s Golf Committee invites you and the partner of your choice to participate in the 4th annual Stanton Friedman Invitational. Teams will compete in a better ball format (Gross Only). Lunch and dinner will be served prior to and upon completion of play. / Sunday, October 19th – 9:00 am – Closing Day Breakfast Cannon Come celebrate the completion of another great year here at Rolling Green Golf Club! Join us for breakfast.

Format will be 2 best balls out of the foursome and there will be prizes for both Gross and Net Winners!

In addition to these events, keep an eye out for information on a Fall Men’s League – Details will be announced shortly!

Finally, we would like to extend congratulations to the winners of the 2014 Club Championship! / Championship Flight – Zac Falone / A Flight – Pete Bottos / B Flight – Mike Lee / C Flight – Greg Stratoti / D Flight – Joe Orsini Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who played!

Thank you, and as always, look for our emails on Mondays with additional happenings and reminders.

Mike Rugg Head Golf Professional

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Grounds Superintendent

FALL 2014

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ith fall golf approaching, I’d like to offer this reminder of golf etiquette from the Green Committee for the care of the course and how you can make a positive impact.

Greens and Ball Marks Carefully repair and press down “ball marks” immediately. Neglected ball marks can result in a lack of smoothness.

Bunker Care The bunkers have been restored to the “flash sand look” thereby providing William Flynn’s dramatic original bunker style. From a practical standpoint, please enter and exit at the bottom of the bunkers. Please do not enter or exit on faces as this will damage slopes.

Daily Cart Restrictions There are only two restrictions: Scatter or Severe under wet conditions. Call (610) 544-8530 or check the Rolling Green app for a daily update of course conditions.

Divot Care Replace a divot immediately and press down to restore the divot. Use divot mix on tees and fairways ONLY if divot explodes on impact. Please do not use divot mix in the first cut and the rough. Again, please replace divots!

ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER I am happy to say that Rolling Green is in compliance with environmental concerns. Here is a list of how we do our part: 1. Equipment wash-down complete with a water recycling unit 2. Sprayer fill station that captures any waste 3. Pesticide storage that safely contains our products we use Currently the Green Committee is working on a course improvement program that will continue to enhance your golfing experience at Rolling Green. The plan is being reviewed and prioritized with architect Jim Nagle of Forse Design whose firm received “Best Renovation Project of 2014 at Buffalo Country Club.” Additional updates will be provided.

As always, my priority is to maintain the golf course on a daily basis for your playing enjoyment. Be sure to enjoy fall golf at the club!

Charlie Carr Grounds Superintendent

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Women’s Golf at Rolling Green Ladies’ 9-Holers

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his has been a fabulous season of golf here at Rolling Green and we are happy to congratulate many of this season’s winners!

9-Holers Husband & Wife Championship “Bedrossian Cup” 1st Low Gross: Kathy & John Donahue (Winner) 1st Low Net: Mary McTernan & Thomas Lee 2nd Low Net: Marion & Reese Crowe 3rd Low Net: UnHui & Yong Choe 4th Low Net: Carol & George Pechin Closest to Pin #3: Gail Feustel - George Pechin Closest to Line #1: Kathy Donahue - Fred Ulmer

9-Holers Member/Guest - “Tiffany’s”

Theme “Breakfast at

1st Low Net Winner: Nancy Barton & Suzanne Carlin 2nd Low Net: Sue Ulmer & Joy Reif 3rd Low Net: Mildred Hall & Judy Hall-Laughlin 4th Low Net: Pat Petroski & Jill Bednar 5th Low Net: Gail Feustel & Marcy Roche Closest to Pin: Gail Feustel (Member)

Joyce Keller (Guest) Closest to Line: Dottie Shannon (Member)

Max Schimpff (Guest)

Winner: Nancy Barton on right & Guest Suzanne Carlin

Upcoming Event Sunday, October 12th End of Season Mixed Event “President’s Cup & Awards Dinner” 3:00 pm cannon

Chairperson: Barbara Capuzzi on right & Guest Joan Gress

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Women’s Amateur Update

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ast month Rolling Green sent a contingent to Nassau Country Club (host of this year’s U.S. Women’s Amateur). Our group was comprised of Co-Chairs Matt Dupre and Dana Yermish, as well as Karen Bogosian, Chris Thompson, Bob Yermish, Mark Litrenta, and Mike Rugg. The time spent there was very rewarding as we were able to meet with representatives of Nassau and other Women’s Amateur future sites, the Tournament Director, USGA officials, and the Golf Channel production manager.

We reviewed course conditions, course set up, signage, clubhouse usage and the flow of contestants, spectators, and transportation to/from the golf course.

We are even more excited and confident that our club and facilities are capable of not only showcasing our golf course, but hosting a first class event during tournament week.

the championship at least fill out a pledge card. We are now in the process of ramping up our corporate fundraising. Dana Yermish is leading this effort and has formed a committee of both Rolling Green members and members of other area private clubs. If your business is interested in supporting the event, either in the form of cash or barter, please contact her.

Please save the date of Tuesday, October 14th – we will be having a membership town hall to coincide with the USGA’s first formal site visit at which we will provide a planning update and have the USGA’s Championship Director discuss any and all issues around the event.

We will be putting together a U.S. Women’s Amateur newsletter - Tournament Times, the first edition of which will be out later this month. Our goal is to ensure we have timely and consistent communication so that our membership is proactively informed and can be involved in the excitement in the two years leading up to the championship.

Our 1926 Club has been successful to date with 92 members pledging over $130,000. However, as we are now less than two years from our event, it is crucial that everyone who wants to monetarily support

9 & 18 Hole Scramble “Rally

for a

Cure”

1st Place: UnHui Choe, Anne Fenerty, Eunice Messick & Helene Snarponis 2nd Place: Ann DeLaura, Lou Ann Luongo, Mary McTernan & Dottie Shannon 3rd Place: Mary Lou Koval, Charlene Krantz & Dorothy Williams Closest to Pin #14: Anne DeLaura (18 Holer) Closest to Line #18: Marion Crowe (9 Holer) & Nancy McElroy (18 Holer) Longest Drive #12: UnHui Choe (9 Holer) & Anne DeLaura (18 Holer)

August 8 – 14, 2016

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House Committee update

What a Summer…

Live Music, Great Food, Great People…

Now Let’s Enjoy the Fall Around the House It’s all about you and enjoying the full golf experience at Rolling Green. Hoping everyone had a wonderful summer both on your vacations and at the Club. I know our staff has been working their tails off to make sure your experience is a memorable one.

Out and About on the Patio

The Food and the Chef What’s up with this Guy? Chef Scott is really bringing a new life to our menus. Both Lunch and Dinner menus have been completely overhauled and now he’s talking about a Bar Menu?

Chef is really focused on what’s happening in the market, what the latest trends are, and providing his special touch to all of his dishes.

Can’t wait to get my next order of wings with that special beverage.

You’ve asked for it and we’re doing it. In last year’s survey you told us we need to use our outside patios more often and you want to hear more music.

We’re listening and hope you’re enjoying what you’re seeing and hearing. Big thanks to Karen Bogosian and Visual Sound for their work on updating all of our sound and visual throughout the club, and also for driving the committee to provide more Live music on the patio.

John Gill has been on the guitar for us.

It’s All About You

You may also be hearing from us from time to time, asking for your feedback in an email survey.

Should only take a minute to complete and it’s a great opportunity for you to tell us what’s on your mind.

There’s a lot going on around the House, and we’re only just beginning. Enjoy the fall and on behalf of the House Committee, thank you!!

Our staff, and our committee want to hear from you. Our commitment is about making the member experience the best that it can be for you at Rolling Green. I dare you to let our staff know how your meal was, good or bad. Pull Mark Litrenta aside and let him know if we’re going in the right direction, and if not what do you recommend we do. And as always, send me your feedback to wn68dn@yahoo.com.

Will Nicolls House Chair

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House Committee update

Key Dates to Mark in Your Calendar 2nd Annual Big Jim’s BBQ Saturday, September 27th – held on the

Lower patio for a limited group of 50 people. Jim Avato (Planning Chairman) cooks, grills and puts a lot of love into his ribs and chicken. Jim donates the food, his 3 days of preparation, the cooking, and even a grill this year; Mike DeFino and Don Hays donate the appetizers….. and all of the proceeds raised by the tickets go to Coaches vs Cancer. Awesome event!!! If you’re a rib lover, you don’t want to miss this event.

Annual Coaches vs. Cancer Event

Saturday, November 1st – we’ve been doing the casino thing now for several years and thinking we need to get everyone up and dancing to celebrate what we’ve accomplished. Save the Date and call for your reservations now. Live and Silent Auction, Food Stations, Live Music, Dancing, maybe some surprises. Proceeds go to the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge. Further details will be released shortly. We might even have a Harvest Pick-Up Golf tourney to go along with it.

From Chef Scott

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all is an exciting time of year for me. I am an avid archery hunter and really enjoy spending time in the woods in the fall. Fall also represents harvest time with a lot of products coming into their own. Squashes are abundant, as are apples, potatoes, cabbages, and beans to list a few. In the fall we are able to start producing hardier dishes because as the weather cools folks are more likely to eat heavier.

Risottos, ollas, and baked pasta dishes are examples. Game is another bonus of the fall and winter months, such as pheasant, venison, and squab. I am looking forward to changing up the lunch and dinner menus while utilizing locally sourced items as much as possible. If you have any menu suggestions, maybe a favorite dish that you would like to see us make, please feel free to e-mail your ideas to me at Scott.Passaretti@rggc.org. See you around the club.

Chef Scott

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September 2014 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

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2

Labor Day

Wednesday

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8:15 SMGA 3:00 Horserace Shootout

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14

8:00 Cannon

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15

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16

Open House 1:00 - 4:00

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28

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PA Golf Assoc Art Wall Champ

PA Golf Assoc Art Wall Champ

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8:15 Cannon SMGA Mbr/ Guest Team Championship Sign-up Ends

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Thursday

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8:00 9-Hole Women B9

(Course and Range Closed)

(Course and Range Closed)

11

12

13

1:00 Cannon Men’s Mbr/ Guest

4:00 Nine and Dine

9:30 Qualifying for Team Championship Flight Sr. Team 2nd Rd.

Live Music

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24

25

Open House 1:00 - 4:00

11

6

Member/ Member

(Sr. Mbr/Guest rain date)

1:00 Fall Mixer

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Saturday

Member/ Member

8:30 9-Hole Women Open Invitational B9

9-Hole Overbrook Invitational Away

Friday

19 Live Music

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Live Music

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Team Championship Round 1

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Team Championship Rd. 3

October 2014 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

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8:15 Cannon Sr. Mem/Mem

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12

3:00 Cannon 9-Hole Mixed F9

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9:00 Closing Day Breakfast Cannon

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14

Rolling Green Invitational

8:00 18-Hole Women Closing Day

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21

Live Music

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9

(Sr. Mem/Mem rain date)

12:30 Cannon Men’s Mbr/ Guest

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16

22

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8:30 Cannon SMGA Closing Day

26 (Closing Day rain date)

27

11:00 Open For Member Play 8:00pm Annual Meeting

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Closing Day rain date if needed

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4:00 Nine and Dine

Saturday

4

Team Championship Rd. 2

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Sr. Team Finals

Live Music

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Live Music

24

8:00-9:00 WGAP Open Day

18

Team Championship Finals

25

Club Stableford

Live Music

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Halloween Live Music

November 2014 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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Coaches vs Cancer

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Veterans Day

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Thanksgiving Day