THE BRIAR CLUB MEMBER NEWSLET T ER JANUARY-MARCH 2019
H O U R S O F O P E R AT I O N WINTER & SPRING 2019
Front Desk
Dining
Fitness
Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Friday 8:30 am - 9:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
LOUNGE BAR
FITNESS CENTER
LUNCH Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tennis
TENNIS COURTS Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
THE BRIAR SHOP Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday - Saturday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday 12:00 - 6:00 pm
Aquatics FAMILY RESORT POOL Opening March 2 Saturday - Sunday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Spring Break March 13-18 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
COMPETITION & ADULT LAP POOL Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
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DINNER Tuesday - Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
LOUNGE DINING LUNCH Tuesday - Friday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm DINNER Tuesday - Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
BC BISTRO LUNCH Tuesday - Friday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm DINNER Tuesday - Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
BARRACUDA CAFÉ & BREEZES SPORTS BAR Opening March 2 Saturday - Sunday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Spring Break March 12-17 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Youth HIDEOUT Ages 6 & Up Monday Closed Tuesday - Thursday 4:00 - 8:00 pm Friday 4:00 - 10:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 10:00 pm Sunday 11:00 - 6:00 pm
KIDS CLUB Ages 1 - 5 Monday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm Sunday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
NURSERY 6 weeks - 1 year Monday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Sunday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
THE BRIAR CLUB MEMBER NEWSLET T ER
CONTENT F E AT U R E S
pg. 3 pg. 4
pg. 5 pg. 8
pg. 14
From the General Manager From the President Welcome Home Clubwide & Dining Events Event Calendars D E PA R T M E N T N E W S
pg. 7 pg. 9
pg. 10 pg. 11 pg. 12
pg. 13
Membership Dining Fitness Youth Aquatics Tennis
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THE BRIAR CLUB
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
I
t’s hard to believe that 2019 is upon us. My three-year anniversary is this month and what a ride it has been so far. I would like to extend a huge thank you to our leadership team here at the Club for their continued dedication and hard work. I would also like to thank Claire Curtin for her leadership as President of the Briar Club in 2018. We are very excited about what lies ahead as we continue to grow. A primary focus this year will be the upkeep and maintenance of our campus. The bar floors are scheduled to be replaced in January, tennis courts 4-9 are scheduled to be repaired and resurfaced in the first quarter, and new fitness equipment will be arriving in early January. That’s just the beginning! We have an obligation to you, the Members, to provide the best possible facilities and equipment we can. If you have any suggestions or see any issues around campus that need attention, please feel free to contact me at any time or email our maintenance team at facilities@thebriarclub.com. Please save the date for our annual Wild Game Wine Dinner, which will be held on January 19. Chef promises to deliver some fantastic dishes which will be paired with some spectacular wines. Many don’t know this, but a vast source of our ingredients are literally from the Briar Club gardens located here on campus. We have plans to expand our garden choices in the near future. As we continue to grow our banquet business, please keep the Club in mind for all of your future events. Our professional catering staff, led by Rebecca Mahon, will provide you with a personal experience from start to finish. It’s incredible how the Club has grown over the last few years. In previous years, the Club was a 2.7 million dollar food and beverage operation with a total of 110 employees. This year, we are budgeted to hit 6 million dollars in food and beverage revenue with a total of over 183 employees. That is definitely healthy growth and will continue as the years go by. Thank you to Linda Benson, our Membership Director, for leading the charge and collecting canned goods for the Houston Food Bank. We were able to deliver many boxes of canned goods for Houston’s less fortunate. Also, I hope you had an opportunity to visit the Disney castle gingerbread house located in the lobby over the holidays. The castle was delivered to MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Center on December 21st for all the kiddos to enjoy. The Briar Club, along with the Petroleum Club, River Oaks Country Club, the Forest Club, and the Houston Racquet Club all participate in this very moving holiday tradition. I would like to thank Rick Walton and the many committee members that worked so hard on updating the Club’s bylaws. As we look ahead, it is now time to visit our house rules. Just like the bylaw process, I encourage each of you to take a look at our current house rules located on the Club’s website. Thank you for all your continued support as we strive to provide the ultimate experience for you in all areas of the Club. If I may ever be of assistance, please feel free to call, stop by, or email me at any time. Yours in service, Daniel Moreno
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THE BRIAR CLUB
FROM THE PRESIDENT
I
am writing this in December, knowing it is for our January-March newsletter, and so I am motivated both by a spirit of gratitude for things just past and hope for things to come. Interesting things have happened in 2018, but there are equally excited times ahead. Your Club is growing and becoming an even more special place, and I am honored to have new opportunities to be a part of it. I want to take this opportunity to recognize and express our gratitude to our three outgoing Board members: Claire Curtin (who also served as our 2018 President), Bruce Derrick, and Paige Hagle. They have served faithfully and well. At the same time, we welcome Kenneth Held, David Huff, and Charlie Vetters to the 2019 Board. Thanks also to all of you who voted in the recent Club election, and to the Nominating Committee, which worked hard to provide us with a terrific slate of candidates for Board positions. All of the amendments to the Club bylaws passed by overwhelming margins, and we deeply appreciate your input and thoughtful votes on that process. Our goals for 2019 are to continue the review of our policies and procedures, especially the House Rules, to ensure that we are in step with the way we actually use the Club and interact with each other. We will also continue to study additional capital projects to fine-tune the campus, and we intend to put new emphasis on strategic planning, to ensure that our financial, facilities planning, and membership forecasting are consistent and coordinated. There is a critical intersection among demands for cash for debt service, capital improvements, and subsidization of Member benefits that cannot be funded by operating revenues alone. Initiation fees and dues must be allocated responsibly in those competing directions, and in 2019 we will put new emphasis on this kind of strategic planning while continuing to seek steady improvement in our basic Club operations. I have great confidence in our management team and in my fellow Board members, and I look forward to working with all of them toward the continued success of the Club. When I ran for a position on the Board of Directors, my main objectives were to see that every demographic was adequately represented, that our communications were clear and understandable, and that our governance was effective and responsible. Those are still my goals today. Our management staff is accessilbe and sensitive to your concerns, and any time you have an inquiry or comment you should feel free to send an email to our General Manager, Daniel Moreno (manager@thebriarclub.com), or our Assistant General Manager, Samantha Van Veen (samantha@thebriarclub.com). You will find them responsive and receptive. Club officers and directors are equally approachable, but what you tell us in passing may not be relayed as promptly and accurately as in a message you send directly to Daniel or Samantha. Nevertheless, feel free to stop me if we cross paths as I go to the Fitness Center each morning, or send me a text message (all of my contact information is in the Membership Directory on our website), if you know something you think I should hear personally. If I don’t already know you, I’d like to meet you. Best regards, best wishes, and I look forward to seeing you at the Club. Rick Walton 2019 President, Board of Directors
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WELCOME HOME We are delighted to introduce our newest members of the Briar Club and welcome them to their new home away from home. If you see them around the Club, be sure to give them a warm welcome!
Michael & Sheri Baldwin
Rachel & James Berry
Jaime & Whitney Casas
Paul & Yasmin Egge
Matthew Falcone & Kelsey Sproull
Hugh & Holly Heslep
Matthew & Brianna Hubbard
Brian & Jennifer Jacobsen
November 2018
September 2018
October 2018
October 2018
October 2018
September 2018
Sheri Henriksen November 2018
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November 2018
November 2018
Larry & Myriam Laird
Timothy & Carrie McInturf
Anthony & Katherine Phillips
Richard & Katherine Rose
Ryan & Amy Siegfried
Christine & Jan Spin
Dianne Webber
Ann & Craig Willey
James & Nancy Yardley
November 2018
November 2018
October 2018
October 2018
November 2018
September 2018
November 2018
November 2018
October 2018
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS LI N DA B ENS O N, D I RECTO R O F MEMBER SH I P m e m be r sh i p @th e br i ar club.co m
Happy New Year! It is hard to believe we are already in 2019, after the record year we had in 2018. I truly feel that the Briar Club is on a roll to another successful year! I would like to offer a big thank you to everyone who donated at our November Member Mixer. Your gracious donations helped us FILL THE BIN for the Houston Food Bank. It was a great time for a great cause! Don’t forget to check out our Weekly Beacon for upcoming events, such as our Wednesday Night Rendezvous, our Thursday Night Wine Flights, and much more. The Weekly Beacon is emailed to all of our Members on Tuesdays. If you aren’t receiving it but would like to, please get in touch with us at communications@ thebriarclub.com so we can make sure you are on our list!
W E F I LLED T H E B I N!
Thank you to all of the Members who helped us fill the bin at our Member Mixer this November! Members gathered together for hors d’oeuvres, drinks and good company on Thursday, November 29. We also collected donations for the Houston Food Bank and encouraged Members to help us “fill the bin.” Member Mixers are a great way to get to know fellow Members and show off your Club to your friends and family. We already have plans for our next Member Mixer in April, so stay tuned for more details and make plans to join us!
I want you all to know that the best part of my day is walking around the Club saying hello to all of you and being introduced to your friends, family members, and business associates. Your referrals have been the driving force behind the growth of our Briar Club family. Please know my door is always open! Thank you again for all of your support and I’ll see you around the Club. If you would like to refer someone to become a member, please contact Linda at membership@ thebriarclub.com. Linda loves leads!
NEW ARRIVAL S
We are always excited to see the Briar Club family grow by two feet! If you would like your little one featured in the next newsletter, please send his or her name, birth date and a photo to communications@thebriarclub.com.
Mary Knight McEntee November 7, 2018 Daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth McEntee
Isabelle Schkud
October 22, 2018 Daughter of Marc and Emily Schkud
Samuel Alexander Warren
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November 3, 2018 Son of Brian and Katie Warren
CLUBWIDE & DINING EVENTS JANUARY
FEBRUARY sun
feb 3 sun
jan 13
WINTER WONDER BRIAR LAND
Join us for snow slides, snowball fights, and winter-themed games, crafts and treats. We’ll have snow much fun! Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm Pricing: $20.00++ per person Location: Briar Lawn
SUPER BOWL PARTY
Whether you watch for the game, the commercials, or the halftime show, you can catch it all at the Club! Join us for an appetizer bar and drink specials. Don’t forget to wear your jersey! We would be thrilled to have the kids join us! Kids and families are welcome to watch the game on the Briar Lawn, weather permitting. Time: 4:30 pm Pricing: $20.00++ per person Location: Lounge Bar / Bistro / Breezes Bar / Briar Lawn
thurs
feb 14
MARCH
VALENTINE’S DINNER
Treat your Valentine to a romantic dinner. Join us for a prix fixe threecourse menu, designed by Chef Michael Powell just for this special day. Plus, enjoy a few surprises and a glass of champagne on us. Contact our Receptionist to make a reservation.
fri
mar 8
jan 19
fri
Indulge in exotic flavors with a decadent meal featuring wild game and wines to complement each course. Make it a date night! Drop the kids off at our Kids Night Out party and enjoy the evening worry-free.
jan 25
SCHOLARSHIP DINNER + “PETER AND THE BEAR”
Delight in a performance of “Peter and the Bear”, a fun twist on “Peter and the Wolf”, by ROCO. Then, enjoy a dinner reception to benefit the Briar Club Employee Scholarship Fund. Time: 5:30 - 9:00 pm Location: Magnolia Ballroom
We’ll be watching “Mary Poppins Returns.” Get ready for an evening that will be practically perfect in every way!
SNEAK PEEK:
WILD GAME WINE DINNER
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Pricing: $89.00++ per person Location: Magnolia Ballroom
It’s spring and warm weather is here! Spend a night under the stars with dinner and a movie on the Briar Lawn.
Time: 5:30 - 9:30 pm Games & Dinner: 5:30 - 7:00 pm Movie starts at 7:30 pm Pricing: Adults: $20.00++ Ages 3 & Up: $12.00++ Ages 2 & Under: $1.00++ Location: Briar Lawn
Time: Seatings at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm Pricing: $75.00++ per person Location: Lounge Dining Room
sat
MOVIE NIGHT ON THE LAWN
fri
feb 22
GO TEXAN DAY
Show your Texan pride as the city of Houston gets ready to rodeo! Dance the night away with live music, and enjoy a barbecue, a mechanical bull and activities for all ages. Don’t forget your western wear! Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Pricing: Adults: $32.00++ Ages 3-12: $18.00++ Ages 2 & Under: $1.00++ Location: Briar Lawn
sat
apr 7
MOTHER & DAUGHTER TEA Mothers and daughters of all ages are invited to dress up for afternoon tea, with sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats for dessert. Wear your pearls, hats and dresses and make plans to join us for a tea-lightful afternoon! Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm Location: Magnolia Ballroom
EVENT DETAILS: All events are subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to the Membership via email and the website. These events do not apply to the a la carte dining minimum. All events are available online at least a month in advance. Reservations may be made by visiting us online or calling our Receptionist at (713) 622-3667. Some events may have a cancellation policy; please visit us online at www.thebriarclub.com for specific cancellation policy information.
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DINING S A M EH NAWA R , D I RECTO R O F F O O D & BEV ERAGE fbdi r e c tor@th e br i ar club.co m
Let’s say goodbye to 2018 and celebrate 2019! We achieved a lot of great things in 2018, like implementing new silverware and logoed china, which complement Chef Michael’s excellent food and provide you with an enhanced dining experience. We rolled out several updates to our a la carte menu, which reflect seasonal offerings and ensure fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. We even grow our own greens and herbs right here in the Briar Club garden! We began Thursday Night Wine Flights, a weekly tradition featuring a hand-picked selection of wines from all around the world. We cooked for you and your loved ones with our Thanksgiving and holiday to-go orders, and
had many of you join us at the Club for our holiday brunches. Every one of our Food & Beverage team members aspired to provide you with excellent service and an enjoyable experience every time you dined with us. We are proud of everything we have been able to offer you this year, and we plan to do more in 2019. We have created a fantastic 12-month calendar full of longtime favorites and new experiences that will be available to you soon, so you and your family can start planning. I am proud to be a part of the Food and Beverage team, and I am looking forward to another wonderful year. I hope to see you at the Club soon!
weekly dining events Wednesday Night Rendezvous 5:00 - 7:00 pm The Lounge Bar Enjoy complimentary light bites and half priced drinks!
Thursday Night Wine Flights 5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide Sample a few wines, handselected for you each week.
Sunday Brunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge & Lounge Bar Join us for a delicious Sunday Brunch with family and friends!
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WILD & WINE
GAME DINNER
Saturday, January 19 | 6:00 pm Indulge in exotic flavors and rich wines. Menu and wines to be announced soon! Visit us online at www.thebriarclub.com. Reservations are essential.
$89.00 per person, tax and gratuity not included.
FITNESS A MY PAT T ER S O N, DI RE CTO R O F F I T NESS f i t n e s s di r ecto r@th e br i ar club.com
Happy New Year and welcome back! Some new fitness “toys” were delivered over the holidays, so stop by and check out the newest additions to the Fitness Center. My focus for 2019 is to create more functional space and maximize the overall square footage in the Fitness Center, allowing for better flow during our peak hours. We’ve rearranged the free weight space, upgraded some pieces in our cardio line, brought back the beloved plateloaded calf raise machine, and will be giving our studio a facelift with six new GymRax bays. These bays will allow for additional suspension training (TRX) as well as pull up bars and storage solutions.
f itness events + news sat
jan 5 tues
jan 8 tues
jan 15
SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP
Arm yourself with the knowledge to avoid danger, stay safe, and protect yourself. This class is co-ed and open to Members and non-Members ages 15 & up.
BOD POD® TESTING
Test your body composition using this fun and easy machine! Sit still as the machine measures how much air you displace to determine your body fat percentage.
NUTRITION SEMINAR
Join our resident dietitian and nutritionist Brittany Link for a nutrition talk, which will include breakfast and tips for setting you up for success in the new year.
If Reformer Pilates is your class of choice, it is now easier than ever to join with our new class pricing. All classes are one flat rate of $35/class. Join Misty, Priscilla, Ana, Michelle or Matt in our Pilates Studio this season. Check our schedule online or call the Fitness Desk at ext. 2145 for more information. On January 8, we’re kicking off the season with our first wellness event of the year. The mobile BOD POD® team will be on campus to offer body fat testing. If you’ve ever been curious to know your body fat percentage or are interested in a baseline for your wellness goals, register for this easy test. You’ll find more information on our Fitness page online. Sweat once a day!
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am Location: Azalea Room Pricing: $20.00 per person Register: Online
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 am & 4:00 - 6:00 pm Location: Fitness Center Pricing: $55.00 per person Register: Contact the Fitness Desk at ext. 2145
Time: 11:30 am Location: TBA Pricing: $10.00 Register: Online
PERSONAL TRAINING RATES
Effective January 1, 2019, the rates for personal training will be: 30 min. 45 min. 60 min. session session session 1 person $55.00
$65.00
$75.00
2 people $43.00
$48.00
$50.00
3 people $38.00
$41.00
$44.00
4 people $35.00
$39.00
$41.00
To book an appointment with any of our personal trainers, please call or stop by the Fitness Desk.
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YOUTH G I NA DEPA M P H I LI S , DI RE CTO R O F YO U T H g i n a @ t he br i ar club.co m
Happy New Year! 2019 is going to be a fantastic year for all. This year, the youth department will be focusing on events for all ages. Over the next couple of months, we have several fun family events planned. We also have a Kids Night Out event each month for ages 5-12 years old, which will give parents the opportunity to enjoy a nice evening at the Club while the kids have an equally good time! We’ll have a make-your-own
pizza party in January, a MAD science night with crazy experiments in February, and a painting party in March. We also will have a Briar Playdate in March for both Members and friends with children ages 1-6 years old! Please make reservations for these events to ensure a good time for all. I love feedback and suggestions, so please stop by for a chat or email me.
youth events BRIAR F U N D AY S When school’s out, Kids ages 5 & up the following days sports, and arts &
it’s time to play! can join us on for fun games, crafts each day!
JANUARY
Monday, January 21
FEBRUARY
Monday, Feruary 18
sun
WINTER WONDER BRIAR LAND
sun
VALENTINE’S POLAR PLUNGE
fri
MOTHER & SON DATE NIGHT
fri
TEEN FOAM & POOL PARTY
jan 13 feb 10
MARCH
Monday, March 11 Tuesday, March 12 Wednesday, March 13 Thursday, March 14 Friday, March 15
TIME Drop-Off: 8:45 - 9:00 am Pick-Up: 2:00 pm PRICING $60.00 per day, per child For more information and to register your child, please visit us online.
mar 1 mar 29
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Join us on the lawn for snow slides, snowball fights, and plenty of winterthemed games, crafts and treats! We’ll have snow much fun!
Enjoy a winter swim in the warm competition pool or take a polar plunge into the cold water! Enjoy hot cocoa and Valentine’s cookies too.
Enjoy a night of intergalatic fun at our Star Wars-themed date night, complete with games, dinner, character interactions and noodle battles!
Teens are invited to hang out at the pool with their friends! Enjoy swimming, dinner, games, music and a foam pit!
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm Location: Briar Lawn Ages: 3 & up recommended Pricing: $20.00 per person
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm Location: Family Resort & Competition Pools Ages: All ages Pricing: Complimentary
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm Location: Magnolia Ballroom Ages: All ages Pricing: $30.00 per person
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Location: Family Resort Pool Ages: 6th Grade & Up Pricing: $25.00 per person
AQUATICS JON DI LLER , D I REC TO R O F AQ UAT I CS poolm a nage r@th e br i ar club.co m
Every winter at the Club, the topic of pool temperatures resurfaces. FINA, the governing body for swimming sports, dictates the precise temperature for competitive swimming and other water sports. In addition, the American Red Cross has recommendations for pool temperature that can be used as a guide. In setting temperature goals for each of the Club’s pools, the Swim Committee has been guided by these standards and has taken several factors into consideration. These include different age/ skill levels of usage groups, ideal temperature ranges for different types of aquatic activities, pool locations, and number of participants. The FINA standard for lap swimming is a range between 77-82°F. The Swim Committee decided that the Club should have one pool be a warmer option and one pool be a cooler
option. The temperature goal of 82-83° for the Competition Lap Pool was chosen so it could accommodate those lap swimmers who prefer warmer water and would also accommodate our Barracuda and USA Swimming team practices and youth swimming lessons. The Adult Lap Pool goal of 78-79° was chosen so that adults who swim at a more strenuous pace can swim their workouts without being overheated. The pool heaters at the Club operate with a 1° variance so the actual water temperature in the pools during cooler months can vary. Pool temperatures are taken daily and are posted at the pool security gate in order to enable Members to choose cooler or warmer water. The Club aims to make the water temperature as consistent as possible.
aquatics news SWIM LESSONS
SUMMER SWIM TEAM
Beginning January 2, contact the Aquatics Office to reserve a spot for swim lessons! Group lessons start on March 4 and private lessons begin as soon as weather permits. Group lessons are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Be on the lookout for information on the Briar Club Barracuda swim team in the 2019 Spring/Summer Brochure! Preseason starts April 1 and the regular season runs from April 29-June 23.
CALLING SWIM TEAM ALUMNI!
POLAR BEAR COMPETITION
If you would like to help the Barracudas continue their summer streak of excellence as a swim team coach, please attend one of our informational meetings on Tuesday, March 5 or Monday, March 18 at 7:00 pm.
The Club is hosting our Polar Bear Swim Competition through February 28. A running tally of distances swam will be kept and awards will be given for the top swimmer in each age group!
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TENNIS BRE T T EM ER SO N, DI RE CTO R O F T ENNIS te n n is di r ecto r@th e br i ar club.com
As we begin 2019, I want to briefly look back on 2018 and my first eight months at the Briar Club. Programming, events, and our facility all saw significant changes last year. We sustained success from our Members on many HLTA teams and in team and individual USTA events and competitions. Two of our HLTA teams, Team BOOM! and Team One Up!, have moved up a division. Our Pro-Am saw membership compete with some of the best players in Houston in what was a memorable weekend for all who attended. The Junior Tennis program continued to develop future Club champions, and participation in our deveopmental program continually rose. Pickleball was a pleasing and welcome addition, serving as an excellent way to cater to a wider range of racquet sport enthusiasts. I’d like to thank our membership
for their support and for embracing all we have done and continue to do. 2019 brings new challenges and provides more opportunity for us to evolve and improve with the interests of our Membership. Our facilities will see marked improvement through court resurfacing and additional features that will only serve the betterment of our program. Programming and events will follow the trend towards catering to our growing participation and interest from all demographics. Our overarching goal is to have an avenue for all Members to utilize and enjoy the tennis facilities and its services, no matter their experience or familiarity with the sport. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any and all inquiries. I’m looking forward to a great year on the courts. Cheers!
tennis news PRO-AM 2018
Our 2018 Pro-Am, held on November 2 and 3, was a fantastic event. Thank you to all who participated, and congratulations to our winners and finalists! Federer Flight Champions: John Faulk & James Low Federer Flight Finalists: Scott Boyd & Jon Wiegand Nadal Flight Champions: Danny Savitz & Nicklas Kroon Nadal Flight Finalists: Ryan Synnott & Greg Jones Williams Flight Champions: Melissa Stryker & Zach Dailey Williams Flight Finalists: Paige Hagle & Zach Yablon Graf Flight Champions: Stephanie Sanders & Gonzalo Anderson Graf Flight Finalists: Laura Rozelle & Mike Alcott
did you know? Roger Federer has appeared in a record 11 Wimbledon gentleman’s singles finals, winning 8 times. Rafael Nadal has appeared in a record 11 French Open singles finals, winning all 11 times.
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JANUARY 2019 S
M
T 1
CLUB CLOSED
New Year’s Day
6
BRUNCH
7
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
8
BOD POD TESTING
W 2
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
14
NUTRITION JUMPSTART
Register online!
15
NUTRITION SEMINAR
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Fitness Center
8:45 am - 2:00 pm Drop-off on second floor parking garage
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
9
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP
5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
10
11
12
18
19
21
BRIAR FUN DAY
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT 5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
17
22
23
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR 5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
29
30
KIDS NIGHT OUT
6:00 - 9:00 pm General Purpose Room
5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
24
25
SCHOLARSHIP DINNER + “PETER AND THE BEAR”
8:45 am - 2:00 pm Drop-off on second floor parking garage
28
WILD GAME WINE DINNER 6:00 - 9:00 pm Magnolia Ballroom
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
9:00 am - 12:30 pm Tennis Courts
BRUNCH
16 RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
HLTA LEAGUE BEGINS
27
5
9:00 - 10:30 am Azalea Room
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
2:00 - 4:00 pm Briar Lawn
BRUNCH
4
S
6:30 - 8:30 am & 4:00 - 6:00 pm Fitness Center
WINTER WONDER BRIAR LAND
20
3 BRIAR FUN DAYS
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
BRUNCH
F
METABOLIC RATE TESTING
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
13
T
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT
26
6:00 - 9:00 pm Magnolia Ballroom
5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
31
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR 5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT 5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
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FEBRUARY 2019 S
M
T
W
T
Valentine’s Dinner
F
S
1
2
8
9
thursday, february 14 · featuring a prix fixe menu 3
BRUNCH
4
5
6
7
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
2:00 - 4:00 pm Competition Lap Pool & Family Resort Pool
FITBOWL 2019
9:00 am - 1:00 pm Fitness Center
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
SUPER BOWL PARTY
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
4:30 pm
10
BRUNCH
11
12
13
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
BRUNCH
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
18
BRIAR FUN DAY
19
20
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
BRUNCH
5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
14
VALENTINE’S DINNER
15
16
22
23
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT 5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
21
8:45 am - 2:00 pm Drop off on second floor parking garage
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
24
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT
6:00 - 10:00 pm The Lounge
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
17
VALENTINE’S POLAR PLUNGE
25
26
27
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT 5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
28
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: SINGLES 12:00 - 2:00 pm Briar Lawn
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RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR 5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT 5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: SINGLES
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: SINGLES
6:00 - 9:00 pm Briar Lawn
12:00 - 2:00 pm Briar Lawn
GO TEXAN DAY
KIDS NIGHT OUT
6:00 - 9:00 pm Briar Lawn
6:00 - 9:00 pm General Purpose Room
MARCH 2019 S
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Spring Pool Season BEGINNING MARCH 2 SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
POOL OPENS SAT & SUN
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: MEN’S FINAL
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: LADIES’ FINAL
5:30 - 8:30 pm Tennis Courts
3
BRUNCH
4
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
5
SWIM TEAM COACHES MEETING 7:00 - 8:00 pm
6
ADULT SWIM SOCIAL
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
BRUNCH
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
11
BRIAR FUN DAYS
8:45 am - 2:00 pm Drop off on second floor parking garage
12
13
BRUNCH
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
SWIM TEAM COACHES MEETING
19
20
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR 5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
BRUNCH
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
25
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT 5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
14
3:00 - 5:00 pm Briar Lawn
16
22
23
5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
21
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: DOUBLES
26
27
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT 5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
28
6:00 - 9:00 pm Briar Lawn
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR 5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: DOUBLES 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Briar Lawn
KIDS NIGHT OUT
6:00 - 9:00 pm General Purpose Room
29
SPRING TEEN POOL PARTY 7:00 - 10:00 pm Family Resort Pool
BRUNCH
BRIAR PLAYDATE
15
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT
31
11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Lounge
9
5:30 - 9:30 pm Briar Lawn
7:00 - 8:00 pm
24
11:00 am - 2:00 pm Tennis Courts
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
5:00 - 7:00 pm Lounge Bar
18
MOVIE NIGHT ON THE LAWN
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
POOL OPEN
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
17
8
5:30 - 7:00 pm Briar Lawn
RENDEZVOUS HAPPY HOUR
10
7
2
MOTHER & SON DATE NIGHT 5:00 - 7:00 pm Magnolia Ballroom
SPRING BREAK MARCH 12-17 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
S
30
WINE DINNER 6:00 - 10:00 pm Azalea Room
THURSDAY NIGHT WINE FLIGHT 5:00 - 9:00 pm Clubwide
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employee scholarship
The Briar Club Employee Scholarship Fund encourages the Club’s employees and their children/grandchildren to meet their highest potential through education. Founded in 2016 by a group of dedicated Members, the Scholarship Fund exists to enhance the quality of the lives of the Club’s employees and strengthen their families, provide financial support in the pursuit of educational goals, and benefit the greater Houston area by developing an educated workforce. Last year, the Scholarship Committee awarded three scholarships to deserving students.
fund
We partner with the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) to manage investments, administer the paperwork and application process, and evaluate and select the grantees based on criteria set by the Scholarship Committee. The Briar Club Employee Scholarship Fund is made possible by the generosity of our Members. If you would like to contribute, visit the Employee Scholarship Fund page under the Our Club section of our website.
scholarship
dinner
Families are invited to join us on Friday, January 25 at 5:30 pm for an evening hosted by the Briar Club Scholarship Committee. Delight in a performance of “Peter and the Bear” by ROCO, Horse Head Theatre Co. and Magpies and Peacockes. This fun twist on “Peter and the Wolf” will be performed at the Houston Zoo the next day, and the Briar Club is getting a special preview performance! Afterwards, join us for a dinner reception to benefit the Briar Club Employee Scholarship Fund. To register, contact our Receptionist at (713) 622-3667 or receptionist@thebriarclub.com.
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S U N JOI for
It’s hard to believe, but spring will be here before we know it! Make plans to celebrate Easter at the Club with two great events. BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY Saturday, April 13 Two seatings: 8:30 - 10:30 am & 11:30 am - 1:30 pm EASTER BRUNCH Sunday, April 21 beginning at 10:30 am Registration for each event will open 30 days prior, so mark your calendar! Full details will be available online soon.
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T H E B R IA R C L U B
2 6 0 3 T I M MON S L A N E H OU ST ON , T X 7 7 0 2 7 T H E B R IA R C LU B . C OM (713) 622-3667
2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF DIRECTORY
Rick Walton
Daniel A. Moreno
President, Membership
Larry Labanowski
General Manager, COO manager@thebriarclub.com
Vice President, House/Legal
Samantha Van Veen
Orion Campbell
samantha@thebriarclub.com
Secretary, Aquatics
Brenda Bowman Treasurer, Finance
Assistant General Manager
Chief Financial Officer cfo@thebriarclub.com
Linda Benson
Claire Curtin
Director of Membership
Ex-Officio
membership@thebriarclub.com
Dan Carter
Michael Powell, CEC
Tennis
Kenneth Held
Executive Chef
chef@thebriarclub.com
Youth
Rebecca Mahon
David Huff
cateringdirector@thebriarclub.com
Fitness
Mary Majors Payne
Entertainment/Food & Beverage
Charles Vetters
Physical Properties
Director of Catering
Director of Human Resources personnel@thebriarclub.com
Allison Wagner
Marketing & Communications communications@thebriarclub.com
Brett Emerson
Director of Tennis tennisdirector@thebriarclub.com
Amy Patterson
Director of Fitness fitnessdirector@thebriarclub.com
Gina De Pamphilis Director of Youth
gina@thebriarclub.com
Jon Diller
Director of Aquatics poolmanager@thebriarclub.com
Jill Varas
Member Billing billing@thebriarclub.com
Sameh Nawar
Food and Beverage Director fbdirector@thebriarclub.com