The Briar Club 2023 Q3 Newsletter

The

Hours of Operation

FRONT DESK

TENNIS

AQUATICS

FROM THE General Manager

DANIEL A. MORENO, GENERAL MANAGER/COO daniel.moreno@thebriarclub.com

Briar Club Family,

I always enjoy catching up with members, if you are around The Club or just want to catch up on Club happenings, please set up a time and let’s visit. My office door is always open. Our next lunch with the GM event will be held on July 13th at 11:30 am. We would love to see you there.

On the great news front, the city plans on repaving Timmons Lane this summer. We will do our best to communicate road closures and more as we receive information. We have long waited for this news, and the result should end with a smooth drive into The Club’s garage and valet areas!

We are on schedule for the renovation of our competition pool. Please remember to check your inbox with information about temporary walkways, pool usage and poolside F&B service. Our goal is to make this process as painless as possible. Construction is scheduled to wrap up in February of 2024. The finished product is going to be great and worth the wait.

The strategic planning committee along with the House Legal Committee have been working to revise a few issues with our bylaws that need updating. An updated bylaw change means a vote by our equity members, please stay tuned over the next few months as we communicate those changes to the membership. More to come.

I want to send a special thank you to Mike Alcott for his years of service to The Briar Club. We wish you well with your new position at River Oaks Country Club and hope you will come back to see us soon! Also, we will need 1100 tickets to the ROCC tennis tournament next year! Seriously, thank you Mike for being a huge part of the BC family. Our team here at the Club are the heart and soul of what makes The Briar Club such a special place.

Best,

Daniel Moreno General Manager/C.O.O.

FROM THE president

Duy Nguyen, 2023 PRESIDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As I sit down to write this letter, halfway through my year as president, I am filled with a profound sense of appreciation for our Club. The Briar Club and our staff have stood as a testament to our dedication, passion, and shared values that define us as a Club. It is my honor to serve you toward a future filled with wonderful experiences and good memories.

Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to everyone for “pardoning our dust” as we start construction on the Competition Lap Pool. We will endeavor to provide you consistent updates through The Beacon as our staff works to keep you informed in attempt to make this process run smoothly. With renovations soon underway, we invite you to join us in saying goodbye to the old competition lap pool with our "Trash the Pool" Party. This will be an opportunity to have fun and get a little messy, as we prepare for a new pool! Keep a lookout for more details to come.

At The Briar Club, safety is always a top priority. In this spirit, I kindly urge parents to remain vigilant in keeping their children in our designated safe areas around The Club. By working together to prioritize the well-being of our younger members, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The ongoing construction serves as a testament to our continuous efforts to improve our facilities. Over the years you have seen the growth and evolution of our offering to our members. We believe it is the responsibility of the board and the leadership team to ensure The Briar Club provides the highest quality amenities for all our member use cases. You can see examples of this in the new clubhouse, the lawn area, the clay courts, and the Family Grill. Whether you attend The Club for our fitness facility, racquet sports, swimming pools or restaurants we want the experience to be commensurate with the highest of expectations. Our new competition pool is another step in our progression.

Finally, I want to take a moment to highlight the remarkable success of The Club's Employee Scholarship Fund. Through our partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation, we continue to provide invaluable support to our dedicated staff and their families. The recent recipients of the Briar Club Employee Scholarship Fund are listed in the back of this newsletter, and I encourage you to learn more about this incredible initiative and consider contributing to its ongoing success.

As we embrace the summer season, I invite each of you to stay cool, savor the exceptional offerings of the Club, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. The Briar Club remains committed to providing an extraordinary experience for our members, and I eagerly look forward to seeing you all at The Club.

Wishing you a wonderful summer,

Duy Nguyen

2023 President, Board of Directors

F

un Around

father-daughter dance

Fall Centerpiece Class

cinderella brunch

crawfish boil

the lu C

tres de mayo

briar club golf tournament

Bunny Bash

Barracudas

Summer Swim Team 2023

Here's to a wonderful season! We couldn't be more proud of each and every one of our exceptional swimmers, whose dedication and hard work shone brightly in the pool! We eapecially love seeing the return of numerous coaches who once swam as Barracudas themselves, showcasing their enduring passion and dedication to our team. Together, let's continue making waves and fostering a legacy of excellence!

aquatics

Jon Diller, DIRECTOR poolmanager@thebriarclub.com

Jr. Guard at The Briar Club

The Junior Guard Program will teach children and teens between the ages of 714 how to detect and assist distressed swimming victims, how to make rescues, use lifeguarding equipment, how to make basic rescues, and the fundamentals of CPR and First Aid. This is a great introduction to lifeguarding, and is full of great information for kids to learn about.

Junior Guard is offered Tuesday - Thursday on July 11 - 20th from 3:00 - 4:30 pm and is $50 dollars for all 3 days.

USA Swimming @ The Briar Club

The club is excited to offer another year of USA club level swimming at The Briar Club with Inspire Aquatics. Anyone who is interested in becoming a stronger swimmer and improving while having the option to compete at meets throughout the winter is welcome to join.

New Swimmer Evaluations

All new swimmers will need to do an evaluation with Coach Mike for group placement before the season starts in late August. Please sign up with Coach Mike at mike@inspireswimmingclub.com

There will be a 2 week trial period starting August 21 - September 1 where swimmers can try out the USA practices before making a commitment for the season. You can find additional information such as group descriptions, pricing, and schedules on the Briar Club aquatics page.

Learn to Swim Programs

Back to School Time!

All youth private and group swimming lessons continue throughout the summer and continue into the fall/winter. Sign up for after school times now to reserve your spot.

Contact Andrew at swim@thebriarclub.com to sign up and check for availability.

Membership

Member Mixer

To The Club

Welcome

Welcome New Members!

Please join us in welcoming the newest members of our Briar Club family! Please say hello if you see them around The Club!

March

Kathryn Faucher & Gregory Sands

Daniel & Dani Bass

Rachel & Michael Delaney

Christiaan & Kathy Terrell

Michael & Christine McFadden

Ryan & Brittany Jewett

April

Sam & Auna Freedman

Kimberly & Cameron Byrd

Shawn & Jen Kavoussi

Jeremy Crow & Lindsay Johnson

Wendolyn & Christopher Hearn

Taylor & Blake Allday

May

Kaitlyn & Michael Scheurich

Lisa Moss & Paul Raymond

Arielle & Dylan Blackford

Grant & Sarah Pinkerton

LINDA BENSON, DIRECTOR linda@thebriarclub.com

Summer at the Club!

Gear up for Summer at The Briar Club! We have exciting things coming your way this season and want to make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun. With this in mind, we kindly ask that you take a moment to make sure all of your information is up to date on The Briar Club website. This includes your email, home address, and phone number. Keeping your on-file information up to date ensures we are able to reach you effectively with important Club updates, Newsletters, and our weekly "Beacon" email.

Updating your information is quick and easy. Simply visit The Briar Club website and log in to your account. If you need any assistance or have questions, please email Linda Benson at linda@thebriarclub.com.

Thank you and we look forward to an amazing summer at The Briar Club!

Oh Baby!

Introducing the cutest members of the Briar Club!

We are so excited to celebrate with the Wicker family and Linardi Family! Please meet:

If you would like your little one featured in the next newsletter, please send their name, birth date and a photo to communications@thebriarclub.com!

In memoriam

Katherine Bloome Wicker

Gabriel Linardi

Please join us in remembering William Robbins, who was a member since 2004, Rev. Greg Buffone, who was a member since 1997, and Randall Fertitta, who was a member since 1987. We remember all and are so grateful for the life they lived. They are sincerely missed.

Fitness

House Rules reminders

Summer is here! Students are out of school, college students are home for the next couple of months, and we want to remind everyone that our policies may be different from the ones you are used to at other fitness facilities. Please see a full list of rules under the “House Rules” section of the website and please see below for some rules we would like to highlight:

• Athletic attire must be worn at all times with the following specifications: Shirts must be hemmed and cover the midriff; closed toe athletic shoes must be worn unless noted in a specific area. Cutoffs, swimsuits, and denim are prohibited in the Fitness Center.

• Cellular phones and other mobile devices may not be used for social media purposes on the fitness floor, in our locker rooms, or in our spa areas. Please use common courtesy when using mobile devices for working out and place them on mute or use them in conjunction with your headphones. Please reserve your phone calls for the Fitness Lobby or outside of the Fitness Center.

Gear up for our annual Triathalon !

Saturday, September 9

We are beefing up the competition this year! Join us in competing against members from River Oaks Country Club, Houston Racquet Club, Royal Oaks Country Club, and Lakeside Country Club. The Triathlon is a family friendly event and open for all ages and skill levels! The event will consist of a 300-yard swim, a 10mile bike on a stationary cycle, and a 3-mile run through the River Oaks neighborhood. Refuel and celebrate the race with a breakfast spread and drinks provided by River Oaks Country Club.

Time: 7:00 - 10:00 am

Price: $30 (includes registration, t-shirt, breakfast, and drinks)

Location: River Oaks Country Club

Fun Fact from our director

"Did you know that Briar Club members took the top 2 spots in both the “Male 49 and Under” and the “Male 50 and Over” during last years Triathlon? I want to note that The Briar Club did not have any female participants last year, but if we did, I am sure we would have swept all the categories!"

- RJ Pratt

"Mamaste" Yoga

RJ PRATT, DIRECTOR

Grocery Store Tours and Lunch & learns

July

GROCERY STORE TOUR: TRADER JOE’S

Wednesday, July 19 | 10:00 - 11:30 am

Farm-raised, grass-fed, organic? What does it all really mean, and which should you choose? Join us in navigating grocery store labels and learning to make informed and healthy decisions in choosing which products to buy.

LUNCH AND LEARN: POPULAR “DIETS” AND WHAT WORKS

Tuesday, July 25 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

With so many amazing grocery store tours and lunch & learns coming your way, we put together a guide to help you choose which event is right for you-- who knows, maybe you’ll join us for all!

First, here's a quick note on both:

Grocery Store Tours

All Grocery Store Tours are complimentary and set in small groups of 5 for an intimate shopping experience.

Lunch & Learns

All Lunch and Learns are $30 per person.

All Grocery Store Tours and Lunch & Learns are lead by our Registered Dietitian Brittany Link.

We look forward to seeing you there!

your BC fitness guide Enjoy!

There are so many diets these days it is hard to keep them straight. Should you go Keto or Vegan, are Lectins good for you or bad for you? Learn how to navigate the diet culture, what works, what not to do and how to eat for the long term with us.

August

GROCERY STORE TOUR: COSTCO

Tuesday, August 10 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Grocery shop with us through Costco as we explore the meanings behind labels and understand how you can fuel your body. We will guides you through the aisles, helping you make informed and healthy choices when selecting products in bulk.

LUNCH AND LEARN: FUELING FOR SPORTS

Tuesday, August 25 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Whether you are a competitive athlete or just getting into a regular gym routine, nutrition can bring your performance and recovery to the next level. Learn how to fuel your body for your best results, energy and performance. We will also cover good snacks and meals for pre and post workout as well as for tournaments with multiple games in one day.

September

GROCERY STORE TOUR: SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET

Wednesday, September 19 | 10:00 - 11:30 am

Embark on an immersive grocery store tour through Sprouts Farmers Market, guided by our Registered Dietitian Brittany Link. We will explore the aisles, discover nutritious gems, and gain valuable insights into making wholesome choices that will elevate your shopping experience.

LUNCH AND LEARN: EATING FOR IMMUNITY

Tuesday, September 25 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Have you ever heard the phrase Food is Medicine? Most people think about weight when they hear nutrition, and while it is true the two are related, there is so much more you can do for your body with the foods you eat. Learn how food can be use to boost your immunity and help you fight a number of diseases and viruses. Take control of your health and learn how to be the best version of yourself.

Kid’s Club - Hideout - Nursery

Let’s Play!

Makayla

Florus, DIRECTOR

mflorus@thebriarclub.com

fri july 14

TEEN CREATE YOUR OWN VIDEOGAME NIGHT

Embark on an epic adventure at our Create Your Own Video Game Nightwhere aspiring game developers can design, code, and bring their imaginative worlds to life!

sat aug 5

LIL' KID PLAYDATE: FACE PAINTING

Join us for a lil' kid playdate filled with face painting and popsicles, where kids can explore their imagination through colorful designs and delight in frozen treats!

sun aug 6

sat aug 19

BLUEY CHARACTER BRUNCH

Meet Mom, Dad, Bingo, and Bluey in a morning filled with dancing, sweet treats, and adventure! Families can enjoy brunch while mingling with all your Bluey character favorites.

MERMAID PARTY

Drop the kids off into an enchanted realm where real mermaids come to play! Make a splash at our mermaid party where you can embrace your inner mermaid, swim, play games, enjoy brunch, and create magical memories that will last a lifetime.

July

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Ages: 11 & Up

Pricing: $85 per person

Location: Multipurpose Room

August

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Ages: 2 - 3 years

Pricing: $20 per child

Location: Briar Lawn

Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Ages: 2 & Up

Pricing: $30 per person

Location: Magnolia Ballroom

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Ages: 5 & Up

Pricing: $50 per person

Location: Family Resort Pool

fri sep 1

TEEN POOL PARTY

Make a splash at our electrifying teen pool party, where the sunset fun meets cool beats, fun water activities, and the perfect setting to create unforgettable summer memories with friends.

September

Time: 8:00 - 10:00 pm

Ages: 11 & Up

Pricing: $30 per person

sat sep 16

sun sep 17

sat sep 23

LIL' KID PLAYDATE: FARM DAY DRESS UP

"Hats on, boots on, yeehaw! Sing a little song about the turkey and the straw." Join us for a farm day dress up playdate, complete with cowprint, bandanas, and a bounce house!

COOKING CLASS

Ignite your creativity with Chef Michael Powell and our talented culinary team. Aspiring chefs can sharpen their skills, explore new flavors, and unleash their inner culinary genius in a fun and interactive environment.

KID’S MAGICAL NIGHT OUT

Drop the kids off for an enchanting evening of at our Kids Night Out! Kids will enjoy a magician, learn tricks, and maybe even create some magic themselves!

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Ages: 2 - 4 years

Pricing: $30 per child

Location: Briar Lawn

Time: 3:00 - 6:00 pm

Ages: 8 - 14 years

Pricing: $100 per child

Location: Kitchen

Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Ages: 5 & Up

Pricing: $30 per child

Location: President's Room

Location: Family Resort Pool camps!

SUMMER FUNTASTIK

June 26 - August 11

8:45 am - 2:00 pm

Ages 5 - 12

SPORTS CAMP

June 26 - August 11

8:45 am - 2:00 pm

Ages 7 - 12

AFTER CAMP CARE

May 30 - August 11, 2023

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Ages 5 & Up

Have you signed up for camp yet? We still have spots available for our July and August sessions! Don't miss out on all the summer fun!

C

lu

4TH OF JULY

Join us for an Independence Day celebration complete with a family cookout! Its a red, white, and blue extravaganza with live music, face painting, soda toss, and more!

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

Join us for a Friday Night Live Lawn Party, where the music is upbeat, the drinks are flowing, and the atmosphere is electric! Gather your friends and enjoy an evening of live music and delicious food. It's the perfect way to kick off the weekend in style.

LUAU NIGHT

Aloha! Enjoy a tropical paradise without leaving Houston, as we transform The Club into an oasis. Enjoy Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, refreshing drinks, a roasted pig, fire dancers, Hula dancing, and a fun-filled evening that will transport you to the islands.

LABOR DAY

Celebrate Labor Day, as we fire up the grill for an All-American cookout. Bring your loved ones, relax in the summer sunshine, and enjoy a feast fit for champions on this well-deserved holiday. Let's bid farewell to summer together.

July

Date: Tuesday, July 4

Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Pricing: Adults: $26 | Teens: $24 |

Kids: $16 | 2 & Under: $1

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Pricing: Adults: $36 | Teens: $30 |

Kids: $18 | 2 & Under: $1

Location: Family Resort Pool

Date: Friday, July 28

Time: 5:00 - 7:30 pm

Pricing: All Inclusive- Adults: $50 | Teens: $30 | Kids: $20

Location: Briar Lawn

August

Date: Friday, August 25

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Pricing: Adults: $32 | Kids: $20 | 2 & Under: $1

Location: Briar Lawn

September

Date: Monday, September 4

Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Pricing: Adults: $26 | Teens: $24 |

Kids: $16 | 2 & Under: $1

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Pricing: Adults: $36 | Teens: $30 |

Kids: $18 | 2 & Under: $1

Location: Family Resort Pool

Vents E

"GEEKS WHO DRINK" TIVIA NIGHT

Calling all trivia enthusiasts! Get ready to put your knowledge to the test at our Trivia Night. Gather your brainiac buddies for an evening of friendly competition with "Geeks Who Drink".

90 UNDER 25 WINE SOCIAL

Enjoy a night of light bites and an assortment of wines! We will be drinking bottles which are rated 90 points or more and are under $25 per bottle.

LOBSTER NIGHT

Enjoy an indulgent evening out with this beloved Club tradition! We look forward to hosting you for live Maine lobster, prime rib, seafood dishes and more. You can register with Reception on August 8. Please note the Lounge is adults only.

A Few Reminders!

Date: Thursday, September 7

Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Pricing: $25 per person (Join in on teams of 4!)

Location: Veranda

Date: Saturday, September 16

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Pricing: $40 per person

Location: Briar Lawn

Date: Saturday, September 23

Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Pricing: $99 per person + optional wine pairing for $40 per person

Location: Lounge & Grill

1. All Club events will have a 48-hour cancellation policy unless otherwise noted. Please see The Briar Club website for individual cancellation policies!

2. Remember! Our house rules state that "Any Member with a party size of ten or more, must book at least 48 hours in advance through The Club’s catering department. "

While we are happy to accomodate you and your guests, please fill out our request form if you plan on bringing a party of 10 or more to the pool area. This form will help us better manage the resources and facilities at The Club and provide the best possible service to all members. We aim to enhance your experience at the pool by ensuring that appropriate staff members are available to assist you and your guests, as well as maintain the optimal level of safety and comfort for everyone. Additionally, it will help us manage any potential overcrowding and ensure that all members have ample space to enjoy the pool facilities!

Tennis

Championships Results

Singles Club Championships

Mens Open Winner: John Stiver

Finalist: John Faulk

Mens A Flight Winner: Garrison Ziff

Finalist: John Phelps

Ladies Open Winner: Melissa Stryker

Finalist: Emma Nguyen

Doubles Club Championships

MEN:

Winner: Keith Rassin & Dan Carter

Finalist: Eddy Blanton & Robbie Avery

LADIES:

Winner: Kate Cancelmo & Courtney Freels

Finalist: Emma Nguyen & Mary Volf

JR. Club Championships

Red Ball (8& Under) Division

1st Place: James Cole

2nd Place: Beckett Marandi

3rd Place: John Hapgood

Orange Ball (10& Under) Division:

1st Place: James Marshall

2nd Place: Logan Martinez

Green Ball (12 & Under) Division:

1st Place: Asher Gurr

2nd Place: Elliott Nguyen

3rd Place: Owen Jebbitt

Yellow Ball (14 & Under) Division

1st Place: Vince Volf

2nd Place: Asher Bravo

3rd Place: Ella Nguyen

Yellow Ball (18 & Under) Division

1st Place: Hudson Holton

2nd Place: Boone Roeser

Alberto Jimenez, DIRECTOR tennisdirector@thebriarclub.com

Clay Court Maintenance

We are happy that so many of you are making use of our beautiful clay courts! We will continue to complete daily maintenance on Courts 8 & 9 between 3:00 - 4:00 pm. As a courtesy to those scheduled to play after you, we kindly remind you to sweep the courts and lines at the end of your reserved time.

Join

FACILITY UPDATE

New windscreens have been installed on courts 8 & 9 as well as new shade structures which greatly improve the aesthetics of your tennis facility.

To contact the Briar Shop, please call 713-552-2121 or email briarshop@thebriarclub.com.

Lessons

Men's Member-Guest

PicklebalL leagues:

A Level Tuesday nights 7:00 pm B Level Thursday nights 7:oo pm

Tennis Leagues:

Men’s A Level Thursday nights 7:00 pm

Pickleball Competitive Play

Member Guest Tournament

Ladies Division

1st: Place: Susanna Townend

2nd: Place: Sydney Kerns

3rd: Place: Annette Gregory

Juniors

Mens Division:

A DIVISION: Winner: Dan Carter Finalist: Keith Rassin

B DIVISION: Winner: John Phelps Finalist: Jay Register

current winner: Steve Grace

Men’s B Level Tuesday nights 7:00 pm

current winner: Patrick Sermas

Ladies Wednesday nights 7:00 pm

TBC SCHOLARSHIP

Congratulations Scholarship Winners

"I am currently seeking a Criminal Justice major with a Forensic Science minor. I plan on being a Crime Scene Investigator. I knew I was on the right track after taking a class named 'Investigation Process' where I enjoyed learning about DNA, trace, fingerprints, etc. I love Sam Houston because of the connections I've made with teachers and staff due to it being a smaller university. When I’m not doing homework, my free time is spent doing my hobby which is playing soccer, with my siblings."

"I am majoring in nutrition at Texas A&M with plans for PA school to become a Physicians Assistant. One of the things I love most about TAMU is the sense of community that you find all over campus, especially at football games. I also love that since it’s a pretty big campus, there are so many opportunities to get involved, and so many helpful resources. My favorite class is probably chemistry because I really like math and science, and chemistry combines the two. I also really like doing labs because it’s really cool to actually get to see everything come together after you’ve been learning about it. A part from school, I love soccer and played competitively from ages 7 - 17 and now I just play for fun every now and then. Also, recently I picked up pickleball with some of my friends and I’ve really enjoyed it! On the other hand, I also enjoy a variety of crafts such as making friendship bracelets, painting, or drawing."

" I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Painting at The University of Houston. As a passionate artist, my main focus lies in portraiture (also my favorite class). The thing I love most about U of H is that I can freely compose when painting. I can freely choose from subject to painting style, materials and painting sizes. Beyond my academic pursuits, I build Gundam model kits, which allows me to explore my craftsmanship and attention to detail. "

Interested in making a donation? Here's How!

The existence of the Employee Scholarship Fund is solely due to the incredible generosity displayed by you, our members. We express our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication to fostering higher education opportunities and enhancing the lives of Briar Club employees and their families. If you would like to make a donation via credit card, please visit ghcf.org/donation--ghcf. Under Fund Designation, please notate Briar Club Scholarship Fund. If you would like to wire cash, stock or other marketable securities, please contact the Donor Services Department at (713) 333-2210 or donorservices@ghcf.org.

julia valverde

an nguyen

Kasey Riascos

Employee News

Employee appreciation Day

showing some extra love!

Celebrating the backbone of our success: our incredible employees! On National Employee Appreciation Day, we honored the dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions of our team. They truly make a difference every day!

EMPLOYEES of the Month

“Briana is a hard worker and always seeking new ways to help. She is kind to all and we are lucky to have her!"

“Maria is reliable, dependable, teachable, so so much more! She always has a positive attitude and inspires others with her care and quality of her work!"

Show some love!

Attention members! We want to hear from you! We want to recognize the outstanding staff members who have gone above and beyond to make your experiences at The Club truly exceptional. If you've had a remarkable encounter with a staff member, we invite you to send it in via The Briar Club app. Your feedback will not only shine a spotlight on their outstanding service but also help us continue to provide the highest level of hospitality. Together, let's celebrate and appreciate the exceptional team that makes The Briar Club an extraordinary place to be.

BRIANA TALLY Kid's Club Attendant

MARIA RAMERIZ Pantry Cook

Financial Updates

from our CFO, Kari M. Foster, CCM

Greetings from the CFO…..

The Briar Club is a desirable club with a great location! After the renovation in 2016, many Houstonians are seeing the increased value of belonging to The Briar Club. As a result, the waitlist to join the club continues to grow, which has created a different financial mix for the club due to the cap on the number of Equity members. In the past, Initiation Fee Income helped to offset any operational needs and fund Capital Replacement or new projects. Due to having a waitlist, the income from Initiation Fees has been significantly reduced. As such, the way of thinking around operating and capital dues needs to evolve.

The 2024 Budget Planning process is challenging our thinking and providing the transparency to consider many different factors for the 2024 fiscal year.

Operational Dues

Non-profit organizations (most private country clubs), which have the 501c7 designation budget each year to break even. Although the club allows non-member events in our banquet operations, the amount of income received from non-members is limited to 15% of gross revenue. Given the club budgets to break even, Operating dues (revenue) should be set at an amount that completely funds the operation. Operating Revenue is consumed each month via paying for goods, payroll, healthcare, taxes, supplies, etc. Each year there are inherent increases to the budget of private clubs, which include, but not limited to:

• Insurance

• Wages

• Goods/Inflation

• Utilities

As a management team, we continually review contracts and meet with vendors to ensure we are achieving the best rates and cost savings, as appropriate. We are also always thinking of ways to optimize spending, such as going “paperless” either with member statements, newsletters, or member receipts/chits.

Capital Dues

Capital Dues should cover all Capital replacement/addition needs that are obligatory in nature. These expenditures are for items the club currently owns and needs to replace. Typically, this is due to the service life of the asset being exhausted and/or due to the usage of the asset making the replacement essential.

A Reserve Study provides data to ensure that assets are being replaced in a timely manner, which keeps all equipment working to ensure smooth operations. It provides visibility to the assets that need to be replaced and ensures funds are available with the complement of a thorough Capital Dues Plan.

For example, if a refrigerator needed to be replaced, but just keeps being repaired, the impact of that decision may create more spoilage, if the unit keeps breaking down, which is an additional cost/loss to the club. Additionally, there may be an interruption to the flow of operation in the back of the house (kitchen), which can ultimately impact employee productivity.

In summary, a Reserve Study Model accomplishes visibility to three main items:

• Sources of Capital Income

• Capital Spending Needs

• Replacement (Obligatory)

• New (Aspirational)

• Ways to Fund the Gap

Over the past few months, the club conducted a comprehensive Reserve Study that encompassed the following:

1. Audit of all Fixed Assets on Property.

2. Review of Depreciation Schedule for any assets that needed to be added or disposed of, if no longer on property.

3. Collaboration with Department Heads to review the fixed assets in their areas and plan what is needed for not only the 2024 Fiscal year, but also over the next 20 years based on the current service life of each asset. *In process –completion set for mid-July*

4. Executive management review to refine and determine which replacement items are necessary for business continuity in 2024 and beyond. *In process – completion set for mid-July*

5. Review of this data by the Reserve Subcommittee of the Finance Committee and Finance Committee, which will include a recommendation of the optimal level of Capital Dues and future structure. *In process – completion set for July/August*

In the past, Initiation Fee Income and Loans funded “New” or Aspirational Capital, for example: Competition Pool or New Clay Courts. With the reduction of Initiation Fee Income due to having a waitlist, there are other ways to generate funds for new/aspirational capital build. Closing the gap on funding may include one or a combination of the following:

• Capital Dues Designated for specific projects: occur on monthly basis in Year 1 to provide funds when needed for new project.

• Capital Assessments: typically, one-time amount billed to members to fund a specific project.

• Loan Funds: We currently have $6MM available capital on the new Reducing Revolver Loan with Amegy Bank

• Increase Initiation Fees: Waitlists generate more demand, which makes an increase in Initiation Fees possible.

The key to successful financial performance is planning and then adherence to the plan. It is essential to anticipate future needs and determine a prudent approach to ensure the club continues to fund daily operations and replace assets in a timely manner. This helps to boost productivity and morale amongst the staff, in addition, to refreshing the “look and feel” of The Briar Club.

If you have additional questions, please let us know.

Best, Kari

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THE BRIAR CLUB

2603 TIMMONS LANE HOUSTON, TX 77027 THEBRIARCLUB.COM

(713) 622-3667

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Duy Nguyen President, Physical Properties

Melissa Stryker Vice President, Food & Beverage

Scott Dorfman Secretary, Swim

Sergio Amelio Treasurer, Finance

Jeff Wood Ex-Officio

Marian Hilpert House / Legal

Amy Munger Tennis

Belle Petkas Fitness

Meredith Marshall Youth Kim Wilson Membership

STAFF CONTACTS

Daniel A. Moreno General Manager, COO daniel.moreno@thebriarclub.com

Samantha Van Veen, CCM Assistant General Manager samantha@thebriarclub.com

Kari M. Foster, CCM Chief Financial Officer kari.foster@thebriarclub.com

Linda Benson Director of Membership membership@thebriarclub.com

Michael Powell, CEC Executive Chef chef@thebriarclub.com

RJ Pratt Director of Fitness rjpratt@thebriarclub.com

MaKayla Florus Director of Youth mflorus@thebriarclub.com

Jon Diller Director of Aquatics poolmanager@thebriarclub.com

Brooke Beatty Marketing & Communications communications@thebriarclub.com

Phaedra Harris Member Billing billing@thebriarclub.com