The Briar Club 2023 Q4 Newsletter

Hours of Operation

FRONT DESK

TENNIS

The last day of the pool season will be Sunday,

YOUTH

AQUATICS

Family Resort Pool October 2 - 22 Monday-Friday Closed Saturday - Sunday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

The last day of the pool season will be Sunday, October 22

Adult Lap Pool

Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday

-

FROM THE General Manager

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

Idon’t know about you, but I am ready for cooler days! I never thought I would look forward to 95-degrees, but now after the summer we've had, I almost consider that as nice weather.

The Club continues to march ahead, and business continues to remain strong. Alberto Jimenez, our Tennis Director, has found his stride leading our tennis department. Congrats to Mashona and Paula for their recent promotions. Jon Diller, our Aquatics Director, has finished another successful summer swimming season keeping everyone safe. Makayla, our Youth Director, has continued to build on the success of the youth department by adding more events and having a record year for camp revenue. Our entire F&B team, led by Chef Micheal, Skyler Gentry and Jeanette Pizano just recently finished a record-breaking revenue year. Our F&B program recorded 8 million dollars in revenue for fiscal 2023. Thank you to all our team here at The Club for your continued dedication. We are very excited to begin 2024! Also, thank you to our Club President, Duy Ngyuen, for his service to The Club over the last year. His support and strong leadership should not go unnoticed.

Traffic on Timmons

Please be very cautious when crossing Timmons to and from the garage. The safest way to cross Timmons is three stories above it, so make sure to utilize the sky bridge when crossing. Also, there will still be many more instances when Timmons is shut down to one lane for construction. Please follow the traffic safety crew’s instructions. We’ve had a few instances now where the traffic safety crews have been hit by passing cars. Please use caution.

Breakfast is Here!

As I write this, we are finalizing the plans to offer breakfast service here at The Briar Club. Beginning October 3rd, we will open the Grill for early morning diners. This is an incredibly exciting step with our food and beverage programming. Chef Micheal and Skyler have been working hard to ensure breakfast service goes off without a hitch.

Annual Meeting

As we approach the Annual Meeting date of November 9th, you will begin to see communications regarding a few bylaw changes. Per the bylaws, the Board is required to hold a town hall meeting to discuss the upcoming proposed changes. That town hall meeting will be held on October 11th at 6:00 pm in the Azalea Room. The bylaw changes include changes to the Disciplinary Process, along with the addition of the membership category, Awaiting Equity.

Best,

Daniel Moreno General Manager/C.O.O.

Duy Nguyen, 2023 PRESIDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

An early happy holidays from The Club. As we enter into the final quarter of the year, I am honored to be able to reflect on the amazing experiences we have shared. The dedication and passion of our staff, coupled with your continued support, have made this a truly special place for our community.

As we approach our annual meeting on November 8th, I thought I would take the time to highlight a few points. Like the rest of the US, The Briar Club has been affected by inflation. Many private clubs across the Country are increasing dues to keep up with the level of services, programming, and facilities expected by their memberships while facing increases in labor, product, and utility fees. Management has done a stellar job keeping our operational costs in line and even below the averages of other Clubs, however in utilities alone, we are expecting over a $40K increase in 2024. This has made our budgeting process more difficult for all involved. Thank you to the Budget Subcommittee and the Finance Committee for their due diligence and efforts with the 2024 budget. With guidance from the Finance Committee, the Board voted to recommend to raise operating dues by $15.00 and property maintenance (capital) dues by $15.00. This will add a total of $30.00 in increased monthly fees. The dues increase will be seen on your December statement.

Our Club attorneys have spent many hours looking over our Club’s bylaws and have made recommendations to House Legal, Strategic Planning and our Board of Directors regarding needed changes. One of those items is the following: The proposed addition of a new membership category titled “Equity in Waiting”. The Equity in Waiting category will place Junior members who have reached the age of equity conversion into a category which will require equity dues and other related fees equity members pay without obtaining equity. Currently equity applicants have priority over converting juniors. Which means a junior could be a junior for years after the required conversion age until an equity spot opens. Our current waitlist is currently around 2 years and is still growing. The newly proposed Equity in Waiting Category places these affected members on the waitlist for Equity and comes with the ability to vote on elections and creates a path to obtain Equity once their position on the waitlist is up.

Please take time and read the notice from The Club regarding other bylaw changes which include the deletion of a non-used membership category and the reworking of our membership disciplinary process. To bring our bylaws up to date, we can expect periodic changes to them moving forward.

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the remarkable success of The Club's Employee Scholarship Fund. Through our partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation, we have provided invaluable support to our dedicated staff and their families. I encourage you to learn more about this initiative and consider contributing to its ongoing success. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who make The Briar Club so exceptional. I also want to express my gratitude to Belle Petkas and her family for their work with the Scholarship program. We will miss you, Belle.

To our Board of Directors, I wanted to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the time you've dedicated to The Club and for your service. It has truly been an honor to have had the opportunity to serve as your Club President. This experience has only solidified my belief in the promising future of The Briar Club. Once again, thank you for your support and dedication.

It’s been a great year at TBC! Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and memorable end to the year!

Duy Nguyen 2023 President, Board of Directors

F

un Around

Fall Centerpiece Class

Sports Camp

Paint the pool

Funtastik Camp

the lu C

Luau Night

Labor Day

Tennis

The Briar Club USTA 4.0 Team won the 4.0 City Wide Championships.

Roster:

Marian Hilpert

Kate Cancelmo

Sheena McCarthy

Kendall Vincent

Jennifer Ray

Lou Black

Sydney Kerns

Lisa Barnett

Courtney Freels

Claire Smith

Paige Lane

Anna Claire Hankamer

Ellen Chandler

Angela Johnston

Lucy Suell

The Briar Club USTA 4.0 Team achieved a notable victory by winning the 4.0 City Wide Championships. Their consistent hard work, coordinated teamwork, and strategic approach throughout the tournament were key factors in their success. Demonstrating their tennis skills and resilience, they secured the championship title through well-executed plays and effective communication on the court. The team's dedication and focused effort paid off, solidifying their position as a competitive and accomplished group within the tennis community.

Give it up for our City Wide Champs when you see them around The Club!

Get in the holiday spirit!

Don't miss out on our upcoming events:

OCTOBER

Strings & Solids Tennis/Pickleball Crossover

Saturday, October 14

Mixed Doubles Club Championships

October 20 - 22

Halloween Mixer

Friday, October 27

NOVEMBER

TBC vs. ROCC Pickleball Interclub

Thursday, November 9

Pickleball Club Championships

DECEMBER

Holiday Ladies' Tennis Mixer

Friday, December 8

Friday, November 17 - Saturday, November 18

Whether you're shopping for the perfect gift or looking to elevate your own game, we have you covered!

New Arrivals

Explore our latest arrivals, including Supergoop, Original Penguin, and Addison Bay. From stylish apparel to every day essentials, we're excited to continue to grow our offerings.

Premium Brands & Merchandise

The Briar Shop proudly houses brands like Peter Millar, Lululemon, Yonex, Selkirk Pickleball, Wilson, Babolat, Lacoste, Nike, Uomo Sport, and Yeti, among others! You'll find everything from high-quality apparel to specialized equipment.

Customization & Personalization

Elevate your style by exploring our co-branded merchandise and apparel offerings. We provide options for custom orders and monogrammed shirts, allowing you to create a personalized touch to your tennis and pickleball gear.

To learn more about our holiday offerings, product availability, and services, contact The Briar Shop at 713-552-2121 or email us at briarshop@thebriarclub.com.

Alberto Jimenez, DIRECTOR

tennisdirector@thebriarclub.com

Junior

Program

Enroll your child in our Junior Tennis Program to kickstart a lifelong love for the game!

AGES 3-4

Monday - Thursday 4:00 - 4:45 pm

AGES 5-9

Monday - Thursday 4:00 - 5:00 pm

AGES 10 & UP

Monday - Thursday 4:00 - 6:30 pm

COMPETITIVE RED BALL & ORANGE BALL

Fridays

5:00 - 6:00 pm

COMPETITIVE GREEN BALL & YELLOW BALL

Saturdays

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Feeling competitive? Interested in taking your game to the next level? We've got a league for you!

Membership

LINDA BENSON, DIRECTOR membership@thebriarclub.com

Serve on a 2024 Club Committee!

Committees are an excellent way to get your voice heard and help drive decisions in each department. We would love to have you join our team!

Any Member can Serve on a Club Committee!

Any Member, regardless of membership category, is welcome to volunteer for one of the Club Committees: Aquatics, Entertainment/Food & Beverage, Finance, Fitness, House/Legal, Membership, Physical Properties, Tennis, and Youth. Each committee consists of roughly ten (10) Club Members and is chaired by one member of the Board of Directors.

Time Commitment

The Finance and Membership Committees meet once per month. The remaining activity committees meet regularly, as needed. Meetings typically last between 1-1.5 hours. Regular participation is essential to every committee.

Committee Selection

Committee selections will be made by Committee Chairs by the end of December 2023. Committee Chairs may limit the number of participants.

How to Join a Committee

There are several easy ways to submit your Committee Volunteer Form! Fill out our form online and submit it directly to us. You can also download the form from our website or pick one up from our front desk, fill it out and email it to Linda Benson at membership@thebriarclub.com.

All forms must be submitted by Friday, December 1 at 5:00 pm. A complete form must be submitted for consideration.

In memoriam

Please join us in remembering Charles G. Riepe II, who was a member since 2008, Martha Erwin, who was a member since 1962, and Belle Petakas, who was a member since 1988 . We are so grateful for the life they lived and they are all deeply missed.

Welcome New Members!

Let's extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our Briar Club family! When you come across them at The Club, please take a moment to say hello and make them feel at home.

June

Julie Meyer & Andrew Osterhus

Hillary & Aaron Strassner

Andrew Koehler & Natalie Mulvey

Leah & Jacob Halevy

Harrison & Kellie Hastings

David & Meghan Johnson

Erin & David Halprin

July

Jordan & Rachael Schuler

Gabe & Bridget Vick

Bradley & Meagan Glover

Maria Hadjialexiou & Taylor Johnson

Austen & Karen Morris

August

Scott & Blair Belsky

Krisina Zuniga & Richard Houghton

Mert & Alkim Arslan

Ignacio & Camila Cubero

aquatics

Jon Diller, DIRECTOR poolmanager@thebriarclub.com

2023 Polar Bear

The Club will be hosting our annual Polar Bear Swimming Competition again this winter. This is an endurance race where swimmers will log their total distances swam at The Club each day. A running tally will be kept and a prize will be given to the top swimmer.

Congrats to last year’s winner: Mike Rohan who swam 242,300 m. That is the same distance as swimming from Houston to Austin ! Houston

Austin

2024 Swim Lessons Waitlist

It’s never too early to start thinking about the upcoming 2024 swim season. We will start accepting swim lesson requests for springtime on January 1st. Email Andrew at swim@thebriarclub.com to get on the list and reserve prime time March swimming lesson spots.

Floating Pumpkin Patch

The best way to pick a pumpkin in the Texas heat!

October 22 @ 2:00 pm

Celebrate the end of pool season with a floating pumpkin patch! Pick out a kid-sized pumpkin to decorate poolside. Please reserve your spot by registering on the Club Calendar.

Registration closes on Saturday, October 21.

A 24-hour cancellation policy applies.

Fitness

Upcoming in Group fitness

October

PILATES ‘PIE/LATTES’ OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, October 14 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Join the Pilates Team for 20 minute demonstration classes. It's a great way to find which class is right for you, and celebrate with tiny pies and coffees!

Sign up on The Briar Club App

SPOOKY SPIN

Tuesday, October 31 | 10:00 - 11:30 am

Join us for a not-so spooky spin class. Costumes are encouraged!

Sign up on The Briar Club App

MONSTROUS MUSCLES

Tuesday, October 31

Join us for a class so good it's scary. More information to come!

November

‘HUFF AND PUFF’ AFTER YOU STUFF

Friday, November 24

Don't let the Turkey get you down! Join us for after-Thanksgiving classes. More information to come!

December

CANDLELIGHT YOGA

Monday, December 11 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm

All is calm, all is bright. Join us for Candlelight Yoga.

Sign up on The Briar Club App

JINGLE BELL JAM

Monday, December 18

These special holiday classes are designed to get you into the holiday spirit. Let's be merry and bright as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

RJ PRATT, DIRECTOR

October Fitness Challenge

The annual October Fitness Challenge is here again! Please join your fellow members and staff in proving TBC is “the healthiest club” in the Houston area. This year will be a five-club competition between River Oaks Country Club, Houston Racquet Club, Dallas Country Club, and The Briar Club. We have redemption on our mind this year, having lost the 2022 challenge to the Houston Racquet Club and River Oaks Country Club. Help team TBC to hoist the trophy in the air in 2023! All event participants will receive a T-shirt and your shirt will be available to pick up in the Fitness Center starting the last week of September. All proceeds from this event are donated to The Briar Club Employee Scholarship Fund.

DATE: October 1 - 31

TIME: Any time! Join in the competition all month long.

PRICE: $20 (all proceeds will go to The Briar Club Employee Scholarship fund!) LOCATION: Anywhere!

Register now, online on the Club Calendar!

HOW TO PLAY: Just start moving! Log your workouts each time you exercise throughout the month of October to earn points for team TBC. POINTS CAN BE LOGGED MANUALLY ON OUR WORKOUT SLIPS AT THE FITNESS DESK OR BY USING THE TECHNOGYM APP The added benefit of using the app, is that it can track all your movement throughout the day whether you are exercising at The Club or out walking the dog!

HOW TO WIN: The team that scores the most points at the end of the month is the winner of “the healthiest club” title and will take home the trophy for the year.

BONUS POINTS: Bonus points will be earned for winning weekly team challenges. The schedule of weekly challenges can be found in the Fitness Center, The Beacon, and The Briar Club social media pages through the month of October.

Win points for The Briar Club by...

Workouting Out at The Club Walking Your Dog Playing Pickleball Swimming

Just get moving!

Kid’s Club - Hideout - Nursery

sat oct 7-8

mon oct 9

Makayla Florus, DIRECTOR

mflorus@thebriarclub.com

fri oct 27

sat oct 21

HOCUS POCUS NIGHT

FAMILY CAMP OUT

Families are invited to camp on the Briar lawn for an unforgettable night filled with dinner, swimming, s'mores, a movie and more!

BRIAR FUN DAY

Let's have fun and spend the day at the club! We will have a full day of fun- from enjoying the outdoors to making crafts for halloween!

SPOOKY TODDLER PLAYDATE

Join us for a not-so-spooky playdate! Bring your costumes to dress up and do Halloween crafts.

Carve pumpkins with the Sanderson Sisters- everyone's favorite wacky witches! We'll watch the movie and celebrate the season together. Parents, please note that this is not a drop off event.

fri nov 3

sun nov 5

fri nov 17

S'MORES & MOVIE ON THE LAWN

Enjoy an evening under the stars! Sit back and relax as we watch Disney's "Pocohontas" on the lawn, eat melt-in-your-mouth s'mores, and bask in the cool weather!

BRIAR ZOO

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears oh my! -- Just kidding! Come to Briar Zoo for a petting zoo and lots of fun. Join us for an animal-filled adventure that's perfect for the entire family.

"A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING" BOOK NIGHT

There's no better way to usher in the seaon of thanks than good ol' Charlie Brown! Drop the kids off for crafts, a reading of the book, and of course, coloring and "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" movie!

october

Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 am

Ages: all ages

Pricing: $150 per family

Location: Briar Lawn

Time: 8:30 am - 2:15 pm

Ages: 5 & up

Pricing: $75 per child

Location: Drop off on 3rd floor garage

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Ages: 2 - 4

Pricing: $20 per child

Location: Multipurpose Room

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Ages: 5 & up

Pricing: $40 per person Location: Briar Lawn

November

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Ages: 5 & up

Pricing: $20 per person

Location: Briar Lawn

Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Ages: all ages

Pricing: $35 per person

Location: Briar Lawn

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Ages: 5 & up

Pricing: $40 per child

Location: Briar Lawn

sat nov 18

from nov 20-22 & 24

fri nov 24

LIL' TURKEY PLAYDATE

Bring your "lil' turkeys" for some fun as we do arts and crafts for Thanksgiving!

BRIAR THANKSGIVING FUN DAYS

Thanksgiving Fun Days at The Briar Club are here to add extra warmth and joy to your holiday season! Join us for a time filled with exciting games, crafts, and the spirit of Thanksgiving.

FAMILY MAGIC SHOW

Prepare to be spellbound as we invite you to our Family Magic Show! Get ready for an enchanting evening, as our talented magician performs a captivating array of mind-boggling tricks, illusions, and sleight of hand.

sat dec 2

sun dec 3

sun dec 10

sat dec 16

from dec 26-29 jan 2-5

"THE GRINCH" BOOK NIGHT

Drop off the kids for a night filled with everyone's favorite grouch, the Grinch! We will enjoy hot chocolate and cozy up for a book reading and movie night.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

Celebrate Christmas Around the World as we explore holiday traditions from different countries. From crafts to sampling delicious treats, each activity will transport young minds to various corners of the globe.

ETIQUETTE CLASSES

This interactive and fun lunch introduces the timeless art of polite conversation and social graces while cultivating confidence in our young participants, preparing them for a bright future.

FROZEN TODDLER PLAYDATE

Let it go! Meet Anna and Elsa at The Club for a Frozen themed playdate. We'll enjoy crafts and sing our favorite princess songs.

BRIAR WINTER FUN DAYS

Join us for Winter Fun Days at The Club, where the chilly season turns into a playground for games and crafts with friends as we celebrate winter's magic together.

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Ages: 2 - 4

Pricing: $20 per child

Location: Multipurpose Room

Time: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Ages: 5 & up

Pricing: $75 per child per day

Location: Drop off on 3rd floor garage

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Ages: 5 & up

Pricing: $35 per person

Location: Magnolia Ballroom

December

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Ages: 5 & up

Pricing: $30 per child

Location: Multipurpose Room

Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Ages: all ages

Pricing: $40 per person

Location: Magnolia Ballroom

Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Ages: first class: 4-6 | second class: 7 & up

Pricing: $85 per child

Location: Magnolia Ballroom

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Ages: 2 - 4

Pricing: $20 per child

Location: Briar Lawn

Time: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Ages: 5 & up

Pricing: $75 per child per day

Location: Drop off on 3rd floor garage

Fall Fest

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

Join us for our adult only Fall festival, featuring food, wine tastings, live music, and so much more!

Note: the pool / poolside dining will close at 4:00 pm on this date.

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Pricing: $75 per person- all inclusive Location: Briar Lawn

C lu

Candy Crawl

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

Trick-or-treat in an immersive experience throughout The Club! Meet some of your favorite characters, take photos, and collect candy. Don’t forget your costume!

Time: 2:00 - 8:00 pm

Pricing: $40 per person Location: 2nd floor

Spooky Cookout

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

We heard all that trick-or-treating works up an appetite! Join us for a "spooky" cookout & movies after Candy Crawl!

Time: 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Pricing: Adults $24, Kids $12, 2 & Under $2 Location: Briar Lawn

Trivia Night

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

A fan favorite, Trivia Night is almost here! Join us for trivia, drinks, and appetizers as you and your team go head to head for the grand prize.

Sign up in teams of 4!

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Pricing: $25 per person Location: Briar Lawn

France Vs Italy Wine Social

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

Immerse yourself in the rich world of wine as we explore the distinct flavors of France and Italy. Cheers to an unforgettable evening, and may the best wines win!

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Pricing: $45 per person Location: Briar Lawn

Hundred Acre

Wine Dinner

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Indulge in an evening of culinary delights, perfect paired with the renowned Hundred Acre wines.

Cocktails Hour starts at 6:30 pm. Dinner will be served at 7:15 pm.

Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Pricing: more details to come!

Location: Wine Room

Thanksgiving Brunch

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Come together with friends and family over a Thanksgiving meal, featuring all your favorites prepared by Chef Michael Powell and The Briar Club culinary team.

To-Go Pickup is available from 9 am to 12 pm on Thanksgiving Day.

Seating Times: 10:30 am | 11:00 am 11:30 am | 12:30 pm | 1:00 pm

Pricing: Adults $56, Teens (Ages 1317) $39, Kids $28, 2 & Under $4 Location: 2nd Floor Dining

Vents E

Holiday Lunch

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15

Champagne Wine Dinner

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

For the Champagne lovers, we give you a night filled with perfectly curated pairings and delectable courses.

Cocktail Hour starts at 6:30 pm. Dinner will be served at 7:15 pm.

Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Pricing: $250 per person Location: Wine Room

Saturday wit h Santa

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

Santa Claus is coming to The Club for some holiday fun! This outdoor, activity-focused event includes live music, games & activities, and roaming characters! Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities and breakfast foods on-the-go to help you capture every minute of the fun.

Three Sessions: 8 am-9:30 am | 10 am-11:30 am | 12:30-2 pm

Pricing: Adults $40, Kids $30 Location: Briar Lawn

Gingerbread Decorating

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13

Wreath Decorating

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7

Enjoy a florist workshop where you create your own wreath to adorn your home for the holiday season! There will be light bites and seasonal drinks as well!

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Pricing: $95 per person

Location: Azalea Room

Create the gingerbread house of your dreams at our decorating party! Each family will receive one house included in their reservation, plus all decorating materials. Additional houses can be purchased for $40 each.

Parents, please note: this is not a dropoff event. A parent or guardian must be present throughout the entire event.

Two Sessions: 4-5:30 pm| 6:30-8 pm

Pricing: Adults $36, Kids $24, 2 & Under $6 Location: Magnolia Ballroom

Come celebrate the season with a festive lunch on a lovely December afternoon!

Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Pricing: $85 per person Location: Veranda

Holiday Brunch

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

Celebrate the season at this elegant brunch, featuring a full buffet with favorites, holiday cocktails, and more.

Seating Times: 10:30 am | 11:00 am 11:30 am | 12:30 pm | 1:00 pm

Pricing: Adults $56, Teens $39, Kids $28, 2 & Under $4 Location: 1st Floor Dining

New Year's Eve Bingo

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

This family friendly New Year’s Eve party features bingo games, music, cocktails, a buffet dinner, and, of course - PRIZES! Finally, we’ll count down to “midnight” before the night is over!

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Pricing: Adults $50, Kids $30, 2 & Under $4- all inclusive Location: Magnolia Ballroom

Food & Beverage

Tis' the season

Join us for Fall Fest!

Coravin

by-the-glass selection

As the weather begins to cool off, many of us look for a glass of red wine. Whether you're nestled in the lounge bar or relaxing on the veranda while your children play on the lawn, indulge in the plethora of selections available from our Corvain by-the-glass collection. This specialty curated list showcases a range of premium wines that can be enjoyed by the glass, ensuring that the quality of the remaining contents in the bottle remains uncompromised. Discover renowned labels such as Spottswoode Winery, LA Jota Vineyard, and an array of other distinguished high-end producers.

We invite you to Fall Fest, a celebration of comforting Fall flavors, all set against the backdrop of crisp weather, food from local vendors, live music, and all inclusive drinks. Immerse yourself in a tantalizing selection of small plates, ranging from fresh shucked oysters to the timelessness of classic risotto and the richness of paella, among other delectable dishes. We assure you, you are in for a treat!

Sunday, October 8

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Price: $75 per person

Location: Briar Lawn

from our kitchen to yours

As we gather together for the holidays, we wanted to share a little piece of The Briar Club for you to take home! Please enjoy Chef's special Bread Pudding recipe. We would love to see your results!

Tag The Briar Club on Instagram

Baking Instructions

• Preheat Oven to 250d.

• Butter a 11 x 8 x 3 cake pan.

• You will cook this in a water bath so make sure you have a bigger deeper pan than the one you are baking the bread pudding in!

Holiday Bread Pudding

Makes 8 generous servings

8 ea Eggs, beaten

3 C Heavy Cream

2 T Pure Vanilla Extract

2 C Sugar

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

½ tsp freshly grated Nutmeg

4 oz day old French Bread

1 T Butter

Enjoy!

• Mix the eggs, cream, and vanilla in a large bowl. Combine the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg separately. This helps evenly distribute the spices and prevents clumps in the cream mixture. After the sugar and spices are mixed thoroughly, add it to the cream mixture and stir until fully incorporated and the sugar has dissolved.

• Add the bread to your baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making certain that all the bread thoroughly soaks up the custard. Allow it to rest 30min to an hour. Cover your baking dish with foil. Create the water bath using hot water. I place the bigger pan in the oven, add the baking dish then pour the hot water about ¼ way up the baking dish. Bake at 250 for 2.5 hours. Remove the foil, increase oven temp to 300 and bake uncovered for another hour. It should be golden brown and slightly firm, creamy but no longer runny.

Beverage

Have you met our Director of Catering & Special Events?

Introducing Jeanette Pizano, our new Director of Catering and Special Events! With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Jeanette is here to bring your visions to life in the most extraordinary ways. Get ready to elevate your gatherings with Jeanette's expertise and creativity. Welcome to the team Jeanette!

Planning a Holiday Party?

Jeanette Pizanno cateringdirector@thebriarclub.com

Whether it's corporate meetings or festive celebrations, The Briar Club is here to ensure your holiday season is free from stress. If you're facing challenges in organizing your gatherings, seeking fresh ideas, or require assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We're enthusiastic about aiding you in coordinating your entire event. From managing portions to ensuring everyone's comfort, we're dedicated to ensuring the seamless execution of your occasion.

Take The Holidays To-Go!

Hello Briar Club Members,

We are all very excited about our holiday programming this year at The Club. Keep an eye out for our Holiday to-go menu packages for Gingerbread Decorating, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These packages provide a great opportunity to take a break from cooking at home and allow us to do the work for you. In addition to these comprehensive meal packages, we are happy to prepare small or large orders for you at any time with some advance notice. Need a special cake, appetizer, side dish or main course? From simple to extravagant we can accommodate your requests yearround. Many culinary delights await you as the weather cools off, we look forward to serving your family’s needs.

Chef Michael Powell chef@thebriarclub.com

cheers! -

Michael

Celebrating Our Team

The BC extreme Team Challenge

A Day Filled With Teamwork and Fun!

We are thrilled to share the success of our BC Extreme Team Challenge- It was a day that brought our staff together, promoting teamwork and fostering lasting memories.

Nikki Wilson, our Bar Lead at The Club, spearheaded BC Extreme Team Challenge. Nikki succeeded in bringing everyone together for a day of fun and healthy competition. We formed teams, dressed up to show our team spirit, and embraced a series of challenges showcasing our staff’s problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and of course, a silly side. Witnessing everyone’s support for each other (regardless of their team) made us incredibly proud of our staff! From relay races to trivia, mini-games, and more, our employees demonstrated their commitment to excellence and the value they place on working harmoniously together.

At The Briar Club, we take immense pride in our exceptional team and the positive work environment they help create. Events like the BC Extreme Team Challenge underscore the importance of camaraderie and how it enhances our ability to deliver exceptional experiences to our members!

The Briar CLub Hero Award:

Lisa Philson and Oscar Lazcano demonstrated quick thinking when a member suffered a major stroke while working out in our Fitness Center. Their rapid responses proved to be lifesaving! Their synchronized efforts and composure under pressure ensured the member received immediate care, directly saving his life. We are immensely grateful for their valiant actions and are proud of their quick reaction in such a difficult situation. Lisa and Oscar, thank you- your compassion is abundantly evident, and you're both incredibly deserving of our first-ever "TBC Hero Award."

Recognizing true heroes!

Employee News

Employee Summer Party

Here's to our amazing team!

Honoring the cornerstone of our Club: our exceptional staff! Our employee summer party is a tribute to their dedication and a time to get to enjoy The Club. Their consistent efforts create a meaningful impact daily!

EMPLOYEES of the month

“Oscar continues to show his care and dedication through his teamwork and care for members in the fitness center and out"

Catering Coordinator

“Sergio is on top of details, organized, and always ready to go above and beyond for members and co-workers alike. He has a positive attitude that makes him a joy to work with."

Quarterly leadership Award

Storeroom Manager

“Sam is always positive and eager to help. He is someone you can always relay on and is a natural leader."

Show some love!

Attention members! 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.

SERGIO MARTINEZ

impacting lives through

The Employee Scholarship Fund

Since it's creation in 2016, the Employee Scholarship Fund has helped encourage higher education from generous donations from our members. Please find our reciepients below from 2018 - 2023. Some have been impacted year after year through your generosity!

Veronica Martinez

Kristen Bui

Aline Granados-Reina

Cristian Orozco

Lorin Rodriguez

Andrew Staerker

Cristy Pineda

Vanessa Cantoran

Jaelene Arias

Lennyn Perez

Alexis Tzul

Kasey Riascos

Julia Valverde

An nguyen

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 The 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.

Happy Holidays

A word from our CFO, Kari M. Foster, CCM

Reflection is an essential part of growth. Whether it is reflecting on personal growth, the development of an employee, or the successful operation of a private club. Reflection allows us to learn from mistakes, make necessary adjustments, and turn missteps into learning opportunities. As we reflect on the past fiscal year, we created valueadded experiences for membership, improved benefits for employees, impacted professional development of staff, and strengthened the financial planning process.

Reflection also allows us to continue best practices and lead with optimal results. As we look to the future, the opportunities to continue to make a meaningful impact on the operation are abundant. In the next fiscal year (FY 2024), we will continue to negotiate with vendors for optimal pricing, continue long-term financial planning (operational and capital), continue to develop and challenge staff, continue to create efficiencies in the operation, and continue to provide exceptional experiences for members. The FY 2024 Financial Plan builds upon a successful FY 2023, where the financial results were favorable to budget and reflected strong demand in the value proposition of membership in The Briar Club, as evidenced by the robust waitlist.

Private clubs are not insulated from inflationary pressures, as they relate to overall economic factors, such as insurance increases, utility increases, and wage pressures to stay competitive in the market. The FY 2024 Financial Plan considers these pressures and shares the challenge of overcoming those additional costs with members and staff. The capital plan for Obligatory Capital needs (replacement of assets that wear out) was also carefully reviewed. We are confident in the strategy to ensure the funding of Obligatory Capital needs in a reasonable and responsible manner.

December will be here before we know it, so we wish to all a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season!!

Best,

Kari

Candy Crawl

The biggest event of the year...

Wondering what the buzz is all about?

Families are invited to trick or treat throughout The Club! You’ll knock on each door and be surprised at what’s in store. Last year we met characters like Aladdin, Buzz Lightyear, The Candy Man, Chase from Paw Patrol, Princess Tiana, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and so many more! Meet your favorites, take photos, and collect candy in immersive, interactive environments. Don’t forget your costume - this is trick-or-treating, after all! Parents, we have treats for you too! Drink options are available along the trail.

So, what's in store for this year?

Everyone knows, the best part of trick or treating is the surprises (and the candy!) so, without giving too much away, see if you recognize the following!

"faith, trust, & pixiedust!" | "just swish & flick" | "It's a-me" | "Am I ken-ough?"

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

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

Jeanette Pizano Director of Catering & Special Events cateringdirector@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