2024 Board of Directors
David DeLorenzo President david.delorenzo@gmail.com 703.887.0505
John Astorino Vice President john.astorino@longandfoster.com 703.898.5148
Caitlin Clark Secretary sheaclark@comcast.net 703.967.8997
Bob Sampson Treasurer bsampson71@gmail.com 703.362.0027
Mike Cozad mcozad@advairac.com 703.926.6758
Tom Davis tdavis@gandrellc.com 703.772.5015
Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com 571.214.4673
Dan McCarthy danm5691@gmail.com 703.999.9329
Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com 703.862.9370
2024 Committees
Audit
Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com 571.214.4673
Communications
Katie Kissal katiekissal@gmail.com 703.244.4583
Finance
Bob Sampson bsampson71@gmail.com 703.362.0027
Fitness
Gayle Burgoyne gayleburgoyne@aol.com 703.455.3985
Food & Beverage
John Palladino jape199@aol.com 703.901.0744
Golf
David Kelly davidnkelly@verizon.net 703.786.0980
Green
Dan Derisio dderisio@yahoo.com 703.618.1720
House
Julie Graham juliegraham10@me.com 703.650.8788
Membership
Jon Danforth danforth.jon@gmail.com 703.409.7383
Personnel
John Astorino john.astorino@longandfoster.com 703.898.5148
Racquets
Staci Goede staci.goede@gmail.com
Garrett Engeset gengeset@gmail.com
Rules
Bruce Nordstrom bnorthstream@yahoo.com 202.494.6558
Social Natalee Siveroni olahnatalee@gmail.com
Marie Denslow a93aggie@gmail.com
Strategic Planning
Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com 571.214.4673
Swim/Pool
Mike Goede goedes@me.com 703.927.0941
sgcc_racquets sgccvagolfshop sgcc_weddings
Board Report
BY DAVID DELORENZO | BOARD PRESIDENT
We are gearing up for our annual Board Election. Every October, we hold an election to fill three upcoming vacancies on the Board of Directors. Each Board member is elected for a three-year term that begins in January following their election.
The Board begins the process by appointing the members of the Nominating Committee as outlined by the Green Book. The members of the Nominating Committee were voted on at the August 27 Board meeting and are: Caitlin Clark (Chair), Pat Cavanagh, Johnny Garstka, Chris Huemmer, Steve Luddy, and Art Witebsky.
The Nominating Committee is seeking qualified candidates to run for the Board. A qualified candidate is someone who has:
• Been an Active member in good standing for at least four years;
• At least two years of experience with the Club Committee structure by either previously or currently serving on or chairing a Committee;
• The time and commitment to attend Board meetings and chair Committees;
• The ability to develop and support the long-term strategic mission of the Club;
• The ability to work respectfully with Management, Staff, Committees, and Board members to achieve goals;
• The ability to set aside personal agendas and reach respectful consensus on difficult issues;
• The willingness to lead a Committee, even though it may not be the one in which they are most interested; and
• Passion about the continuous improvement of the Club;
• Prior Board and business experience is a plus.
In addition to the qualifications listed above, it is critical that prospective Board members have financial acumen; an understanding of SGCC’s Bylaws, Rules, and Regulations as well as ethical standards; conflict resolution skills; and strategic vision.
Each potential candidate is required to fill out an application and interview with the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will announce the slate of candidates in mid-September.
If you are interested in giving back to our wonderful community and you meet the previously mentioned qualifications, I highly encourage you to apply for candidacy. Serving on the Board is both an honor and a great responsibility. You must have a true passion for our community, not just a singular aspect of the Club, and you must be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time away from your family and your own recreational activities to focus on protecting and enhancing the SGCC experience for our entire Membership. Furthermore, Board members have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of Club which means putting the organization’s well-being ahead of personal interests.
You are also part of a team your desire to run for the Board may stem from a personal perspective, but it is of the utmost
importance that the Board speaks with a united voice once decisions are made. Make it a priority to forge positive relationships with your fellow Board members, Committee members, and the Staff; effective teamwork is essential for making sound decisions and implementing change.
While challenging at times, volunteering to serve on the Board of Directors also comes with a great sense of accomplishment. You will know that you are helping our Club grow and thrive while also enjoying the changes and progress as a Member. Whether you are planning to run for the Board this year or are considering it in the future, I urge you to take the time to understand the Club’s history, culture, and current challenges, and listen to Members and Staff to develop an understanding of what matters most to our community as a whole.
Following the Candidate Announcement in mid-September, Members with voting rights who were not selected by or did not interview with the Nominating Committee may opt to
run by petition. Each petition candidate is required to obtain signatures of support from 40 other voting members (i.e., not spouses, social members, silver members, etc.) by the set deadline.
The Election is conducted digitally by a third-party vendor. Personalized ballot links will be sent to the primary email address the Club has on file. Please check your profile and ensure we have the correct email address for you. Voting members will have ten days to cast their ballot, with the Voting Window closing promptly at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
The Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM. At this meeting, the Board and Management will discuss the state of the Club, announce the winners of the election, and answer questions from the Membership. A quorum is required for the meeting to run, so please plan on joining us in the Ballroom.
Coach’s Corner: Why Not You?
BY BRANDEN BEETS | DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS
Every four years during the Olympic Games, we get to witness some of the most talented athletes showcase their skills in front of the world. One of my favorite events is the 100-meter dash where the fastest men and women in the world compete with one and another (and themselves). I can’t imagine the kind of pressure these sprinters experience. If you leave the starting blocks too early you are disqualified, but if you don’t get a perfect start, you might never make up for the tenths of seconds you let go. It seems to me, the amateur athlete, that the pressure of performing at the Olympics would be an overwhelming factor of performance.
American sprinter Noah Lyles went to high school in Alexandria, Virginia, and won the gold medal in the Men’s 100m. He was the first American to win the claim as “Fastest Man in the World” since 2004, and, afterward, his message to the world was this:
“I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why not you?”
Our fall tennis and adult programming is now underway. This is a great opportunity to use your club membership and take advantage of access to our racquet sports program. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played before or if you haven’t picked up a racquet since you were a kid. Come try our Intro to Tennis or Beginner Pickleball clinics; if you’ve got children or grandchildren, encourage them to try a Junior Intro class. Why not you?
“What you have does not define what you can become.”
— NOAH LYLES
What a great message! Continuing in sports throughout your life has a number of advantages. It’s a stress reliever, it’s a break from reality, it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, it can improve your long-term health, and help you continue to develop… at whatever age. We all have stressors in our lives, maybe even health issues, but the belief that you CAN, is a powerful thing.
If the thought has crossed your mind that just maybe you’re ready to be on one of our Club teams Why not you? We have junior and adult teams for all levels from beginner to advanced players that play at all times of the week (day, evening, and weekends). You don’t have to be available to play every week to play on a Club team. The beauty of playing for an SGCC-sponsored team is that it’s not the Olympics! You’ll have time to develop, create new relationships, and learn and engage with our excellent Pro Staff. We are here to help guide you on your journey. Get rid of any fears you have inside, you CAN do this!
Membership Corner
BY SHELLY GOOREVICH MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Jonathan and Amber Duke met in Arlington, VA in 2021, got married at St. Rita Catholic Church in October 2023, and currently live in Lorton in their first home together. Jonathan is an executive at a data media analytics firm and Amber is a journalist and professional political commentator. Jonathan is originally from Paducah, KY and is completing his education at University of Kentucky. Amber is from Frederick County, MD and received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University. They are excited to enrich their physical and social life with the amenities and community here at SGCC.
Tim and Elizabeth Moran met in Chicago in 2002 when Elizabeth’s tennis partner brought her to Tim’s “going away” party as he was headed to graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis. They successfully navigated the long distance thanks to a new long distance phone plan called “Friends and Family.” Tim, Elizabeth, and their daughter, Katie, moved to Northern Virginia from Albuquerque, NM in 2010. Tim works in cybersecurity for MITRE Corporation in McLean, Elizabeth is the Director of Talent Acquisition for Bloomberg Industry Group in Alexandria, and Katie is a rising sophomore at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School and is a competitive dancer. The Morans are excited to join a vibrant, family-oriented country club to spend their free time and expand their social network. Tim and Elizabeth are looking forward to joining the SGCC pickleball community and preparing for the empty nester lifestyle that will arrive well before either of them are ready.
Andrew Orzel and Elizabeth Norton live in Alexandria, VA, and have resided in the DC area for over twenty years. Originally from upstate New York, Andrew attended Hamilton College and teaches government and economics at a local high school. Elizabeth grew up in Bar Harbor, ME, has degrees from American University and the University of Maryland, and works for a commercial real estate firm. In their free time, they enjoy travelling to national parks, hiking, golfing, visiting wineries, and cooking.
Tim & Elizabeth Moran
Jonathan & Amber Duke
Andrew Orzel & Elizabeth Norton
Anthony and Cheryl Pagano have lived in Burke since 1999. Both grew up in Western New York and graduated from Syracuse University. Anthony earned his J.D. from George Washington National Law Center and is a partner with Venable LLP, where he has practiced design and construction law (transactions and disputes) for 30 years. Anthony also coached travel soccer for Braddock Road Youth Club, holds a national “D” level license as a referee, and served on the BRYC Board of Directors. Cheryl worked as a graphic designer for nine years before turning to volunteer work after the couple’s sons, Brendan and Nathan, were born. Brendan graduated from George Mason University with a mechanical engineering/computer science degree and works as an engineer for Rovisys, Inc. Nathan is a Business major at GMU and runs his own soft-wash and pressurewashing business, GoodNeighbor Exterior Services, LLC. The family looks forward to playing and learning golf, meeting the SGCC community, and sharing pictures of their two dogs, Marty and Henry, with anyone willing to look at them.
Jason Spangler is originally from central PA and grew up in a neighborhood that bordered a country club, where his family were members (his dad was a scratch golfer). Jason’s wife, Poornima Chandra, is from Atlanta and is a child of immigrants from India. They have been married for nearly 21 years and have lived in Arlington for the last 18 years, after moving from Brooklyn, NY shortly following the birth of their eldest child. Neela is 18 years old and just graduated from Wakefield High School. She will be a freshman at the University of Georgia this fall. Their youngest daughter, Jaya, will be 16 in October and will be a junior at Wakefield. The family enjoys sports, having fun together, as well as many other activities, with Jason currently being the only golfer in the family. They look forward to being part of a new community here at Springfield.
The Webb family has happily called West Springfield home since 2015. Jonathan and Lara are parents to Jackson (18) and Lila (13) and their sweet labradoodle, Cooper. As a family, they enjoy traveling and exploring DC’s museums. Individually, you are most likely to find Jonathan cheering on every Philadelphia sports team but especially the Eagles go Birds! Lara is happiest trying out new recipes to share and Jackson is excitedly preparing for his first year at William & Mary. Lila is the family athlete, both in the pool and on the basketball court. They are looking forward to meeting other members around the club!
Jason Spangler, Poornima Chandra, & daughters, Neela & Jaya
Anthony, Cheryl, Brendan, & Nathan Pagano
Jonathan, Lara, Jackson, Lila Webb
Notes from the Cutting Board
BY TRAVIS SIMMONS | EXECUTIVE CHEF
As summer starts to wind down, the food festivals ramp up. If your vacations tend to center around beaches, I encourage you to branch out and consider food-centric destinations for your next journey out of town. Looking for some inspiration? I’m going to share the top three food cities I’ve visited as well as some culinary festivals and events I’ve got on my bucket list.
Coming in at number three on my list of favorite food cities is Asheville, North Carolina. If you’re looking for a drivable mountain getaway with fantastic food and drink, look no further. As the once-home of the Vanderbilts, this mountain town has it all including a thriving culinary scene and some amazing breweries. I like to start the day off at one of the many rooftop restaurants looking out on the Blue Ridge Mountains before exploring, taking in the incredible street art, and doing some behind-the-scenes tours at the city’s many breweries. I especially enjoyed myself touring Green Man Brewery.
Denver, Colorado takes second place as another destination with fantastic, city-wide food and drink. Make sure to check out the River North district or “RiNo” as the locals call it. The city is home to a unique and inspiring fusion scene. There are too many restaurants to cover, but I’ve never had a bad meal in Denver.
My hands-down favorite city to visit is New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s not just the food or Mardi Gras that make NoLa such a great place; it’s the city’s history combined with southern hospitality. There is just something special about walking through the French Market and ending up at Café Du Monde for fresh beignets and coffee. The sights, sounds, and aromas all come together to make New Orleans an absolutely unforgettable city.
Now, when it comes to bucket list destinations, I have always wanted to go to Spain during the last week of August. This is when the small town of Buñol plays host to some 50,000
people for their annual Tomato Festival, La Tomatina, complete with tomato fights in the streets. What started as public brawl in 1945 is now a beloved tradition. The tomato fights make use of over-ripe tomatoes that farmers would otherwise be unable to sell. If you are planning to go, make sure to dress comfortably, protect your toes, and be ready to get very dirty. Don’t forget to wear white (just not something you want to stay white) as it is part of the tradition!
The next bucket list foodie festival is the Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany. Started in 1900, this international competition is held every four years with competitors representing 67 different nations making for a diverse and comprehensive experience unlike any other. Competitions take place over five days, and there are a variety of both team
and individual events in which chefs compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
Taking us back to the U.S. is the last bucket list festival I’ll share with you: the Aspen Food and Wine Classic. The festival boasts three terrific days where you can sip, taste, and discuss all the food and wine you want. Held annually in mid-to-late June, the Aspen Food and Wine Classic has grown over the years due in part to Bravo’s popular series “Top Chef.” Winners of the show are featured during the festival along with celebrity chefs and up-and-coming restaurants.
I hope you keep this list in mind and think outside the box the next time you are planning a trip!
image courtesy of Cafe Du Monde [@cafedumonde]
image courtesy of IKA [@ikaolympics]
image courtesy of Food & Wine
image courtesy of When In City
Get to Know the Newest Members of Your Golf Staff
BY EMILY KAUFFMAN | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION
We introduced Alessandra Maurtua, PGA back in the spring when she first joined SGCC as our new Director of Golf, and you already know our Director of Instruction, Robert Simpson, PGA. Who you might not know as well is the team of golf professionals Ale has assembled to help facilitate the golf program and enhance the Member experience.
Casey Weston is a Class A PGA Professional who joined the SGCC team in May as our Head Golf Pro. His family introduced him to the game as a young child, and he fondly recalls afternoons spent on the course with his parents and two older brothers: “I remember those four all playing and I would just whack my tee shot, run up, get my ball, and get back in the cart.”
Golf quickly became Casey’s favorite sport. By the time he was a teenager, Casey was playing on his high school team and working at golf courses so he could play as much as possible and stay immersed in the game. He went on to play Division III golf at the University of Puget Sound.
His time spent on golf teams rank among some of Casey’s best memories: “I played a lot of other sports, but the golf team just felt more intimate. You go on a trip with four other guys rather than a big team. It’s less rigid than other sports, too; you can go to the pool after a match, you don’t have to be as strict with what you eat...at least not on the teams I was on! In college, my second hole-in-one was during a qualifying round with three of my teammates and it was just super fun.”
Casey ultimately decided to combine his love of the game with his business degree to begin a career in the golf industry. While he already has the hard-earned Class A designation under his
belt, Casey looks forward to continuing his education through the PGA and hopes to one day become a Director of Golf so he can balance his appreciation of the operations side of the business as well as his passion for coaching.
Like any other golfer, Casey looks up to the pros his favorites are Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Arnold Palmer and dreams of playing specific courses. “If I could play any course, it’d probably be Augusta,” says Casey. “It’s so iconic. It looks like a fun course to play, especially the back nine. I was able to go there in person for the first time this year. I like the idea of seeing a course like that and seeing how the pros play it; it would be interesting to try and play.”
Casey uses his admiration of pro players to evaluate his own golf game more objectively: “In the last year, I’ve been focusing on figuring out what to work on based on higher level statistics. There are apps where you can compare how you’re playing to a Tour player, etc. For example, if I’m breaking even for putting compared to a Tour player and losing half a shot around the green, losing three shots with my irons, and losing eight shots with my tee shots, that better be where I’m focusing my energy
because that’s how I’m going to get the most bang for my buck. If I try to get better at putting, there’s only so much better I can get, but there’s a lot to work on in those other areas.”
The way he approaches improving his own game isn’t just about getting better at the sport he loves; it also helps ground him as a coach. “It’s important to work on your own game so you understand what your students are going through,” says Casey.
Casey hopes that regardless of the outcome of their lesson his students stay positive and avoid beating themselves up: “To play your best golf, it’s about acceptance accepting whatever outcomes have already happened and accepting the fact that the future is unknown, and then using that acceptance to play freely. It’s a lot easier and more enjoyable to play golf when you’re focused on what you are trying to do rather than playing with fear or anxiety about your score or how well you’ll finish. At the end of the day, you’re spending time with people outside in a beautiful setting; no matter what’s going on, that’s good.”
Cameron Consolvo, one of our assistant golf pros, is likely a familiar face as he interned at SGCC for several summers before taking on a more permanent role. He is enthusiastic about his sport, especially as new talent emerges: “I’ve obviously always looked up to Tiger [Woods], but there are so many young kids now that it’s just exciting to see a bunch of twenty-year-olds getting out there.”
Cameron’s father got him involved in the game when he was in high school. He played on his high school team and although he had a fantastic year of golf when he was a senior, including being one of only six from his area to make Regionals, and entertained the idea of playing more seriously after graduation, he opted to pursue a business degree at James Madison University and play club golf instead. When he was a college sophomore, Cameron started to consider the idea of a career in the golf industry. He began interning at SGCC under Josh Tremblay, PGA the summer before his junior year and has been part of our team ever since.
Cameron is currently working on his PGA Level 1 certification and looks forward to digging into it this winter. He plans to pursue operations and has appreciated being able to shadow Ale this season. While he likes coaching and giving lessons, it
is the behind-the-scenes work of creating tournaments and managing the day-to-day aspects of the golf department that inspires him the most.
“I really enjoyed Twilight League this season,” says Cameron. “Ale gave me the reins for that and it was the first thing I’ve been in charge of here. It was a short, six-week season, but I think it was smooth and turned out well. I love communicating with those guys and having the chance to actually create the tournament and the pairings. We had a draft night, it was just a bunch of us on the Patio, but it was a really good night. The captains would send me their lineups and then I would pair them up. It was a ton of fun and I got to play in the actual tournament as well which I loved.”
Jason Moore joined the SGCC team as an assistant golf professional in May. He got into golf when he moved to North Carolina at age ten thanks to some friends who used to take him out on the course. Jason’s favorite golf memory is making a dunk eagle his senior year of high school with his dad on the bag. “He tackled me!” Jason recalls.
After high school, Jason went on to play three years of golf at Belmont Abbey College, but he didn’t plan to make it his career. It wasn’t until two years after college that he changed his mind: “I climbed power poles for a year, then did estimation work for a power company, and I realized I hated looking at the same four walls every day, so I decided to get back into the golf business.”
Jason is in the process of obtaining his PGA Level 1 certification and is thankful for how supportive SGCC has been of his educational endeavors: “I worked such long hours at my last club I didn’t have the energy or time to do anything but crash when I got home then get back up and do it again.” Jason says his flexible schedule enables him to study and complete the course work he needs to achieve his certification.
There are three tracks within PGA certification, and Jason is pursuing a future in teaching and coaching. He uses his own experiences with coaches, both good and bad, to guide his approach, noting that coaches have a big impact on their students. He hopes to one day work specifically with junior golfers looking to make the jump to collegiate or professional level golf. For Jason, the mental aspect of the game, especially developing confidence, is crucial to success. When coaching his students, Jason strives to get them to understand the importance of believing that they can make it from anywhere.
Bridge Banter
BY DON FREDERICK
The summer is rapidly drawing to a close and a nip will soon be in the air. Looking for a new way to step inside and enjoy our beautiful club? Do you play bridge? If yes, join the SGCC Friday Evening Bridge Group at one of our upcoming events.
We play relaxed, party bridge on the first and third Friday evenings of each month. Many of us gather for dinner first. If you’d like to join us, call Don Frederick at 703.425.9722. Our next scheduled evenings are September 6, September 20, and October 4.
Here are the results of our recent sessions:
JULY 19
First: Lydia Peck and John Korfonta
Second: Robin Alapas and Kit Weyers
Third: Mary and Bob Harter
AUGUST 2
First: Robin Alapas and Kit Weyers
Second: Mary and Ed Kringer
Third: Pat Fischer and Elaine Voss
AUGUST 16
First: Kit Weyers and Charles Rolen
Second: Pat Fischer and Elaine Voss
Third: Cindy and Don Frederick
SGCC’s Annual Guys & Gals Tournament
BY RUSTY ROESCH
Karen and Bob McNamara organized the 2024 Guys and Gals tournament, and everyone agreed that it was a tremendous success. It all started with an enjoyable breakfast in the Grill followed by eight foursomes kicking it all off at 9:00 AM sharp with a shotgun start.
The weather was perfect for golf and the players were ready for a net two best ball competition. After eighteen holes, Michael Cifrino, Steven Barker, Terri Crook, and Joyce Jolly led the pack with a record breaking minus thirty. Soon Chang, Choon Yoon, Prudence Brooks, and Elizabeth Carter finished in a strong second place with a competitive minus twenty-eight.
Two foursomes also took home extra awards by winning closest to pins: Jordan Weinstein (21’8” on hole 11) and George Alapas (21’6” on hole 4) both captured closest to pin wins for their foursome.
The highlight of the day, however, was Christine Gray’s hole in one on hole number thirteen. She was excited to score her first hole in one and celebrated with a round of drinks for everyone. The minus two strokes that she contributed to her foursome’s score were appreciated all around and she went on to play the rest of the match quite well. At lunch many were already talking about next year’s event.
Labor Day Picnic at the Pool
12:00 - 8:00 PM
Golf Course Open
Last Day of the Pool Season
Men’s & Women’s Doubles Tennis Club Championships 6:00 PM
Wine Tasting Class 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Family Movie Night Dinner: 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, & 6:30 Movie @ 7:00 PM
Women, Wine, & Wedges 3:00 - 5:00
Fall Member/Guest
Drunken Ribeye Night 5:00 - 9:00 PM
TaylorMade Fitting Day 2:00 - 6:00 PM Fall Member/Guest Club Championship Qualifying
Wine & Oysters 5:00 - 9:00 PM Titleist Fitting Day
Men’s & Women’s Doubles Tennis Club Championships 8:30 AM Junior Tennis Club Championship
How to Recognize & Respond to Medical Emergencies 3:00 PM Paint & Sip 6:00 - 7:00 PM
CLUBHOUSE CLOSED MONDAYS HALF
Learn More About Our September Events...
LABOR DAY PICNIC AT THE POOL
12:00 - 8:00 PM
Our Labor Day Picnic at the Pool Will Have Fun for All Ages to Include Live Music, Yard Games, and an Inflatable Obstacle Course! Check Out the Website for the Full Menu. Registration is Required. Food Wristbands: $24++ for Adults and $16++ Kids Ages 5-11.
17 WINE TASTING CLASS 6:00 - 7:00 PM
“Where Fog Meets Soil” Learn About & Taste 4 Different Wines from Sonoma and the Russian River Valley. Led by IMPERO Wine Rep Alex Kazak. Includes Light Fare. Registration Required, $30++. Members Only, Space is Limited.
Social and Championship Divisions. Round 1 Begins Friday at 6:00 PM Followed by Cocktails and Dinner in the Members Room. Knockout Rounds Begin Saturday at 8:30 AM. Register with Your Doubles Partner. $45++
13 FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
Families are Invited for Dinner and a Movie in the Ballroom!
We Have Multiple Seatings for Dinner (5:00, 5:30, 6:00, & 6:30) with a Delicious Themed, Family-Friendly Menu. We Will Screen COCO at 7:00 PM. Registration Required. 14 WOMEN, WINE, & WEDGES 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Women’s Golf Clinic & Social | Join Your PGA Coach in a Fun, Stress-Free Environment Focused on Helping You Improve Your Short Game. We Will Cover Short Game Staples (Pitching, Chipping, Bunker Play) from 100 Yards and In. Sign Up with Your Friends & Make Some New Ones! While Learning, Enjoy Some Hors d’Oeuvres & Sip Wine. Registration Required | $65++
15 GOAT YOGA 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Join us for a member favorite, Goat Yoga! Bring Your Own Mat/Towel and Enjoy an Outdoor Yoga Class with Baby Goats! This Event is Perfect for Adults and Children Ages 9 & Up. Registration is Required, $40/person. Rain Date is September 29.
Save a Life! Learn How to Identify a Medical Emergency and Learn What to Do. This Complimentary Class Includes CPR Instruction, But Not Certification. Registration Required. Complimentary. 24 PAINT & SIP 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Get Your Friends Together to Enjoy a Glass of Wine or a Cocktail While Doing a Painting Led by Anita! Includes Canvas, Paints, Easel, One Glass of Wine or Cocktail, and a Light Snack. Registration Required. $30++
& OYSTERS 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Join Us for Our Friday Night Buffet Featuring Fresh Shucked Oysters, a Carving Station, and a Wine Tasting by Ancient Peaks Winery. Dining Reservations Highly Encouraged.
JUNIOR TENNIS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 12:00 - 4:00 PM
10U Orange Ball, 13U Green Ball, and 17U Yellow Ball. Registration Required. $20/player
Wine Tasting Class 6:00 - 7:00 PM
School’s Out Golf & Tennis Day Camp 10:00AM-3:00
School’s Out Golf & Tennis Day Camp 10:00AM-3:00 PM Singles Championships
Adult Halloween Mixer & Putt Putt Party 7:00 PM Champagne Tasting 5:00 - 8:00 PM Men’s Pickleball Member/Guest
Learn More About Our October Events...
PAINT & SIP 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Get Your Friends Together to Enjoy a Glass of Wine or a Cocktail While Doing a Painting Led by Anita! Includes Canvas, Paints, Easel, One Glass of Wine or Cocktail, and a Light Snack. Registration Required. $30++
SCHOOL’S OUT GOLF & TENNIS DAY CAMP
3
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
For Ages 6-15. Includes Half Day on Golf Course, Lunch, & Half Day on Tennis Courts. Registration Required. Learn More Online. 4 SCHOOL’S OUT GOLF & TENNIS DAY CAMP
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
For Ages 6-15. Includes Half Day on Golf Course, Lunch, & Half Day on Tennis Courts. Registration Required. Learn More Online. 4 MEN’S & WOMEN’S SINGLES TENNIS
POPPIN’ BOTTLES CHAMPAGNE TASTING
5:00-8:00 PM
$25 to Taste, If You Purchase Two or More Bottles of Champagne that Evening, We Will Waive the Tasting Fee. No Registration Required, Simply Join Us in the Clubhouse.
WINE TASTING CLASS 6:00 - 7:00 PM
“Wines of the Pope” Learn About & Taste 4 Different Wines with a Rich Religious History Among Monks and Popes. Led by IMPERO Wine Rep Alex Kazak. Includes Light Fare. Registration Required, $30++. Members Only, Space is Limited.
18 ADULT HALLOWEEN MIXER 7:00 PM
Ages 21+ Only. Includes Haunted Putt Putt Course, Creative Cocktails, Food Stations, and Music. Costumes Encouraged. Registration Required, $40++.
6:00 - 10:00 PM
Fun for the Whole Family! Haunted House, Outdoor Movie Theater, Hay Ride, Magic Show, Turbo Tubs, Giant Alligator Slide, Cyclone Swings, Inflatable Trick or Treat Trail, Themed Food and Beverage Stations. Registration Required, Adults and Children $30++ (4 & Under Complimentary)
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 7:00 PM
Plateaus — A Sign You’re on Target
BY MOLLY FIELD | COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE & YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Anytime we do enough things repetitively, we will master them. Some of those efforts are “done” when we’ve mastered them, but when it comes to fitness and health, the human body keeps learning and learning and learning. Very similarly to our brains, our bodies can handle a lot of what we give them and, most often, come back for more.
Sometimes though, the body does not come back for more; the body decides to stay where it is and pout to get your attention. We run into “static” in the body when we have met a certain threshold by doing the same thing frequently, in the same way, and in the same headspace.
For example, say you’re a runner and you’re training for a marathon. Most non-runners can’t start out on day one of training and go 26.2 miles. They also don’t just hop on a treadmill for mile after mile of the whole distance. Most marathons happen rain or shine and on uneven terrain. There are many other people all around you; some zip right by you and others trip you up. Given all this excitement, and the distance, most people want to wrap up a marathon in about four and a half hours. But say you’re in Paris and it’s gorgeous out; you might want to take eight hours to finish a marathon (which is
about an 18-minute mile, a slower walking pace). It’s possible.
So, let’s say you’re in the former camp. You start training at that Parisian marathon pace, the 18-minute mile. GOOD FOR YOU! As the weeks go by, you need to speed up to your race day goal pace of six and a half miles per hour, which is a decent jog or slowish “run,” clocking a mile every nine minutes.
Regardless of your sport or your training, at some point you will probably start to feel as though you are “stuck” and that nothing’s changing despite your allegiance to your training, diet, sleep, and hydration program. Congratulations, you’ve hit a plateau.
Here’s a frustrating fact: the longer you’ve been at something, the more likely the plateau. It might now seem like it, but that’s actually pretty good news. It means you’ve achieved a level of fitness you didn’t have before you started. Plateaus can take many forms, including energy, stamina, enthusiasm, and endurance stalls.
That’s all a plateau is: a stall in your program. Plateaus can occur in many dynamics: careers, weight loss, relationships,
recovery, athletics, or mental health. If we ignore them, they become louder.
In this context, we’re discussing health/athletic and training plateaus. When on a plateau, it feels like you’re on a “training” treadmill. Plateaus are honest and stubborn; they won’t budge until you do. So, if you’re truly working your program, when you hit one (which you will because we all do) what might the plateau be telling you?
1. You’re boring your body. You need to shake up your workout routine. We have you covered: we offer more than 20 group fitness classes (nearly all are on-site and included in your membership) over at the Tennis and Fitness Center. During the week, we have at least two different types of classes every day ranging in start times from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You’ll find each day’s offering on the Club App and website under Calendar.
2. You’re not pushing hard enough. When in one of our aerobic classes or using one of our aerobic or resistance machines, is it hard for you to talk? Are you sweating? Are you thirsty? Are you watching the clock? If you answered “nope!” to any of those questions, you might need a brush up. If you’re unsure whether you’re on track or not, talk to one of our certified trainers or instructors for insight or to book a private training session. Chances are, you could demand more of your body.
3. You aren’t resting properly (or enough). Conversely, during your off days, are you actually RESTING? How’s your body doing? Are you ALWAYS training? When not actively training (which means moving less intensely with some nice breaks… like a chacha) are you in the moment, enjoying what you’re doing, or are you thinking about how you should be training? Stop. Wear flip flops… throw a dance party… have a froyo.
4. Some things to consider: How have you been feeling? How’s your temper? Are you sleeping enough? How have you been nourishing your body? How do your joints feel? When was the last time you sat still for more than an hour? How’s your social life? How’s your digestive system? Do I sound like your mother? Don’t answer that.
If (most of) question #4 has you thinking, we’ve got so many ways to address that. Did you know your body heals and muscles repair when you’re at rest? Or that deep sleep helps
your brain
Have you ever had a massage here? Did you know we offer Thai, heated stone, deep tissue, and other types of body massages? What about a facial? Did you know we have an esthetician? Have you used our saunas or steam rooms yet? Listen to your body if you’re achy and take some time to recover. How about the sauna for up to 10 minutes before a massage? Now you’re talking.
While plateaus are annoying, they are essential. We work hard every day. It’s important to pause occasionally to see how far we’ve come before we get going again. While an object at rest tends to stay at rest, a runaway train is going nowhere until it breaks down.
Now that performance purgatory is sounding familiar, and we’ve provided an overview of what training plateaus can mean, we can change up your routines. If you decide to intensify what you’re currently doing or are interested in switching to something completely new, please consult with your healthcare provider first.
If you are involved in an aerobic-intensive sport or activity, sometimes breaking the plateau is as simple as going from steady state to intervals or adding ten minutes even if you have to slow down to finish. When those extra ten minutes begin to fly, it will be time to fold more intensity bursts into your workouts. It’s your program!
Other ways to switch it up: you can cheat on the treadmill, it’s okay. Try one of our elliptical machines or our rowing machine, both offer a full-body, and therefore more demanding, workout. Consider some free weights or a group fitness class… how about both at the same time? How about trying heavier weights on your third consecutive class? If you’re devoted to the resistance machines, how about a stretch class to breathe slowly which aids recovery? How about playing tennis or pickleball? Each of these opportunities are offered at SGCC!
If all of these ideas sound great, but they don’t align with your schedule or you really need someone to help you at your pace, encourage you, and hold you accountable, give us a shout. Any one of our fitness, tennis, or golf instructors can help you blast your plateau, increase confidence, conditioning, and performance. We really want to inspire you to shake it up, have a good time, work out a little differently, move a lot differently, and, of course, get back on track.
Keep moving!
Turf Talk
BY SHAWN GILL GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
It looks like the never-ending summer of 2024 is finally about to leave us, but not without a fight. The last days of August saw temperatures topping out right around 100 degrees while your Greens Department was wrapping up core aeration of greens, tees, approaches, and bentgrass green surrounds.
We ran into a couple of hiccups that added some challenge to an already difficult operation. First, an unexpected thunderstorm rolled in quickly early Monday afternoon (first day of the planned aeration), which left a muddy mess on a bunch of the greens and had the staff running for cover or to their cars to roll up the windows (showing my age I guess since their haven’t been roll up windows on cars in at least a decade). Then our aerator had the clutch fail after a mere five tees were completed on Wednesday. But your stellar greens crew really stepped up! They were here from 5:30 AM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday completing greens and surrounds and then worked in the 980 sun on Wednesday to get us to a point where we could open the course for play Thursday afternoon. The place really came through it all pretty well and I look forward to seeing you all back out here.
With this last intense process behind us and nicer weather on the way, it will be great to be out of “survival mode” and back to getting and keeping the course in pristine condition. We’ve got the 2-Day Member/Guest on the horizon and the whole staff down here is looking forward to giving you something to show off. Even though August is just fading away, it seems like my favorite event, the Club Championship, is right around the corner. I absolutely love to play the game, but it actually gives me even greater pleasure to watch SGCC’s best compete for the ultimate prize on a course that we’ve gotten meticulously prepared and playing just a bit on the extra challenging side.
On a completely different note, there have been many changes instituted under the leadership of Steve Lawson, and the one I enjoy the most is the New Member Orientation. It has been a great opportunity for me and the other SGCC Department Directors to meet and introduce our newest members to everything SGCC has to offer. I have had some wonderful conversations and received great feedback, thoughtful questions, and interesting suggestions. It has been an informal and intimate way for new members to feel comfortable interacting with staff who are here to provide a great experience for them.
It has also made me think about how much I enjoy getting to know all of the members here at Springfield. I was warmly welcomed from the day I arrived here; the friendliness of the membership here should be the role model for clubs everywhere! I want to encourage all of you to grab me, call me,
or message me at any time. Engagement with the membership is not only one of the most rewarding parts of my job, but every interaction provides me with an opportunity to become better at my job and provide a better experience for all of you.
Now it is time to introduce you to another long-time member of our Greens Department. As I’ve heard it told, Francisco Carranza was the first new full-time employee hired by Lentz nearly 24 years ago and he has been a dedicated employee ever since. I count on him to perform sensitive tasks such as deep tine aeration on greens. I can always rest easy knowing that the operation will go smoothly and we won’t have any irrigation heads destroyed in the process. He helps to train new workers and sets the example in how to be ready for work each morning. He arrives early every day and is the first to welcome me with a smile and a friendly “good morning, Shawn” even though it is zero-dark-thirty and we’d all like to be back in bed. In all the time he has worked here, Francisco has used public transportation and good old foot power to get to work. Regardless of the weather, at least during the time I’ve been here, he’s never missed a day or even been late. It doesn’t matter if it is freezing, hot and steamy, raining or snowing; he gets here. That is huge and something to be celebrated. He is courteous and friendly to members and staff alike, so don’t hesitate to say hi next time you see him. Lastly, if there were a contest, he’d certainly win the best dressed award! While you will most often see him in his uniform, before and after work he’s got the cleanest and nicest outfits of any employee I’ve ever worked with, including golf staff.
Tennis Anyone? SGCC Racquets Has Something for Everyone
BY KATIE KISSAL | COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR
Starting a new sport can seem intimidating and is often frustrating. However, the energetic and rousing scene that emerges from the southwest corner of the SGCC grounds accurately depicts the fun and camaraderie on the tennis courts. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced baller, SGCC has something for players of all levels.
Tennis is truly a sport that can be learned at any age and enjoyed on several levels. “The idea of our program is to make sure there is something for everyone,” said Racquet Sports Director Branden Beets. “We want to be able to meet you where you are [in your game], and then help support whatever your goals may be. Some are learning to play, some just want to play socially with their peers, and some are looking to take their game to the next level.”
Meeting a player at their level and elevating their game is exactly what member Michelle Lease experienced. “I played a little bit of tennis when I was a kid. As a young adult, I stepped away from the game and only played about once a year,” she said. “When we joined SGCC, I started playing again and probably came in as a low intermediate player. The tennis programming has elevated my game immensely, and I’m now playing the best tennis I’ve ever played.” Michelle is a member of SGCC’s Ladies’ Interclub A-Team and is considered an advanced player.
As a sport that develops, relies on, and supports eye-hand coordination, footwork, and endurance, tennis provides invaluable physical and mental benefits. According to the United States Tennis Association (USTA_, playing three hours of tennis a week can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by 56% and add 9.7 years to your life (compared to sedentary individuals). Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are utilized while playing, and social interactions are created and deepened.
According to Beets, “It’s a thrill to see members of all levels enjoying tennis, and our racquets staff are committed to providing programs for everyone to enjoy from the junior and
adult beginners to the advanced players.”
Juniors
There are three distinct pathways for junior players:
• High-Performance Academy Pathway: For advanced juniors with the skill level and commitment to elevate their game. Classes include Academy Prep, Academy, and High School Team.
• Developmental Pathway: For juniors who play once or twice a week; learning basic strokes, simple tactical patterns, and becoming acquainted with the basics of tennis. Classes include Tiny Tennis, Baseliners, Grinders, and Hot Shots.
• Summer Camps and Holiday Camps: For players of all skill levels, emphasizing fun rally skills and games. This includes 1-Hour Summer Tennis Camp, 5-Hour Summer Tennis Camp, and Golf and Tennis Camp.
Adults
There are different ways of categorizing levels of experience and skill in adult tennis. The USTA uses the basic tennis rating system (NTRP), which rates players from 1.0 (beginner) to 7.0 (professional). At SGCC, that rating system is taken into consideration along with the following categories and programs:
• Beginner/Intermediate Level: Classes include Intro to Tennis, Intro 2.0 Tennis, and Tennis Live Ball.
• Advanced Level: Classes include Tennis Live Ball, Play with The Pro (3.5+), and Night Owls (4.0+).
SGCC sponsors teams of varying levels in Interclub matches and the Northern Virginia Tennis League. Racquet professionals are available to help members determine what level best matches their skills and what programming would best suit their goals.
Springfield Retirees Earn Best Winning Percentage in the League
BY RUSTY ROESCH
With eleven season wins so far, the Springfield Retirees have maintained a first-place position in our division and, as of press time, moved to the best winning percentage league wide. Army Navy Country Club (Arlington) is right behind us by only onehalf game. There are many more games coming up including some more tough ones on the road. Several other teams remain in the hunt for a playoff berth in the fall and a chance at the finals.
July 18 was a typical summer day in Northern Virginia and we lost a very tough match at Army/Navy Country Club (Fairfax) 29½ to 6½. The Peter Lee/George Alapas team was the only team delivering 2½ points against a very strong team. Peter Lee and George Alapas also captured second place in the sweeps with a highly competitive net 64. Jim Workman scored a low gross with a 79 and George Alapas delivered the low net for the day with a 69.
A week later on an overcast and somewhat cool day, we prevailed over an always tough Heritage Hunt Country Club Team 23½ to 12½ on our home course. Multiple teams delivered three points each to carry the day: Charles Rolen/Steve Thormahlen, Brad Westermann/Jack Mayer, John Benda/Mark Morganfield, Johnny Harper/Rex Simmons, George Alapas/Tony Caggiano, and Bob Brien/Mike Cifrino. Third place sweeps winners included John Benda/Mark Morganfield (64), while Brad Westerman/Jack Mayer (64) collected fourth place. Low gross scores for the day included Harry Kline (76), Brad Westermann (78), and Hank Webb (79). Multiple players helped deliver this important win with impressive low net scores: Jack Mayer (67), Mark Morganfield (67), Bob Brien (68), Brad Westermann (69), and John Benda (69).
On August 8, we proved once again that it takes more than a hurricane to dampen the Springfield Gladiators’ spirit as we braved the rain and defeated Army Navy Fairfax at home by a score of 22 to 14. With almost every team scoring points, Harry
Kline/Mark Waters along with Tom Skrobala/Peter Lee were our three-point winners in some very tough conditions. Mark Crook/George Cave and Albie Lau/Rusty Roesch delivered 2½ points each. The low gross score for the day was shot by Mark Crook (78, net 70) while Mark’s playing partner and new retiree team member, George Cave, shot a net 67 and tied for low net honors with Peter Lee. Mark Hite and Greg Gerlach each shot net 71’s. Mark Crook/George Cave won the sweeps with a net 64 while Jim Workman/Steve Bartlett captured second place with a net 65. The team of Jim Wilson/Dan Rose claimed third place with a net 67 to bring home the win.
On a very nice day full of sunshine, Springfield prevailed on August 15 at Mt. Vernon Country Club 20 to 16. Three-point winners included Jim Workman/Johnny Harper and Bruce Sheaffer/David Close. Mike Saylor/Hank Webb, Tom Skrobala/ Jesus Medrano, and Peter Lee/George Alapas each delivered 2 1/2 points. First place in the sweeps went to Jordan Weinstein and Bill Wydo with a record-breaking team net of 58! Charles Rolen/Jim Wilson were close behind with a net 60 and third place in the sweeps. Harry Kline scored the low gross score for the day with 70 (net 66). Low net scores went to Jordan Weinstein (58), Charles Rolen (74), Mike Saylor (76), Jesus Medrano (66), and Albie Lau (66)
Note that it is never too late to join the Retirees (just be 50+ and dreaming about retirement). To support both home and away highly competitive matches, our Retiree Team needs new players every year. For more information on joining, please contact Bruce Nordstrom at bnorthstream@yahoo.com or call 202.494.6558.
