Life & TimesMarch 2016

MissionEstero Country Club provides a welcoming environment for its members, families and guests

through exceptional golf, dining, tennis, fitness, lifestyle and social experiences.

March Events

1 Book Club, 12:002 Men’s Golf Invitational Practice Round2 Comfort Food Buffet, 5:30-8:303-5 Men’s Golf Invitational7 Annual Meeting, 9:009 ENHLGA Member Guest, 8:45 Shotgun9 Prime Rib Buffet, 5:30-8:309 New Member Mingle, 6:0010 Reservations Open for the 30th Anniversary Party, 9:0010 Gin Group, 5:00 Cocktails & Dinner, 7:00 Gin10 Vines Veterans’ Association, 5:0010 Wine & Canvas Painting Party, 5:3011 Oh My Guinness Tennis Party, 5:3011 Ping Demo Day, 10:00-2:0012 New & Current Member 9 Hole Golf Mixer, 4:0012 Karaoke Night, 7:00-11:0014 Fishing Tournament, 8:0014 New Member Orientation, 9:3015 ELGA Member Guest, 1:00 Shotgun17 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance with Hot Topic18-19 Men’s Tennis Invitational, 8:3019-20 Club Golf Championships, pm tee times20 ArtWalk & GreenMarket, 10:00-2:0021 Bird House Tour with Brian Beckner, 7:3022 BINGO & Buffet, Buffet 5-7:00, BINGO 7:0023 Turkey Buffet, 5:30-8:3024 Ladies Who Lunch, 11:0024 Gin Group, 5:00 Cocktails & Dinner, 7:00 Gin25 Dinner Entertainment by Joe Johnson, 6:00-9:0027 Easter Brunch, 11:00-3:0028 Miami Open Tennis Trip

Board of

GovernorsSkip Loper - President

Doug Dalrymple - Vice President

Carol Berger - Secretary

Tom Spaeth - Treasurer

Don DiBrita

Barry Freedman

Mike Kennedy

Bob MacDougall

Tom Rush

Committee ChairsFinance - Tom Spaeth

Golf - Doug Dalrymple

Greens - Mike Kennedy

Grievance - Carol Berger

Heritage/Memorial - Carol Berger

House & Entertainment -

Don DiBrita

Legal & By-Laws - Tom Rush

Long Range Planning - Tom Rush

Membership & Marketing -

Barry Freedman

Personnel - Carol Berger

Property - Bob MacDougall

Tennis - Tom Rush

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President’s ReportSkip Loperskiploper@comcast.net

Trivia Winners

1st Round Winners - Fab 5Kevin & Pam Daley, Marie Dellavalle,

John & Judy Lynett

2nd Round Winners - Dbl D’sVicki & David Jackson, Nancy Scully,

Claudia Cappa, Dick & Brenda Hollander, Michelle Alfuth

As you know, the Board of Governors will begin a new term on March 7th and welcome Karen Adair, Paul Clark and Margo Newell to its ranks. While the agenda and proxy have already been distributed, I feel compelled to stress how important it is for you to return a signed proxy. Unless we have signed copies representing at least 50% of the eligible votes, we will be unable to either hold the election or fill the vacancies created by Carol Berger, Doug Dalrymple and Tom Rush leaving the Board due to the expiration of their term. Therefore, please return your proxy today – even if you plan to attend the meeting on March 7th.Our meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. In addition to an overall status of operations, we will discuss:

• Financialresultsandprojections• MembershipandMarketingactivitiesandresults• CourseconditionsandtheeffectofElNino• AMasterPlanfacilitiesupdate(courseandclubhouse)• Aquestionandanswerperiod 2016 promises to be an exciting year and will be critical in defining the future of our Club. We need your input and involvement – as well as your attendance and proxy on March 7th.

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Membership ReportColleen SowerbyMembership Sales Director

with

Hot Topic

Reservations starting Tuesday, February 16th, 9:00am

72 Hour Cancellation PolicyGuests Welcome

Market Salad BarIrish Cheddar Ale SoupFruit Scones, Soda Bread, Rolls

Chef Carved Prime Rib of BeefChef Carved Steamship Corned Beef Grilled Salmon with Pesto Cream SauceChicken Pot PieBraised Cabbage, Baby CarrotsParsley Red Bliss Potatoes

Andes Candy Fudge BrowniesGuinness Bread PuddingFresh Cut FruitIce Cream Sundae Bar

$28++

Thursday, March 17th, 2016Cocktails starting at 5:30pm

Buffet Seatings: 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00Dinner Music 7:00-8:00pmDance Music 8:00-10:00pm

As we write our March newsletter articles we pause to think about how another season has almost gone by. This past month we welcomed 5 new trial members and 26 rentershavejoinedourfamilyofmembership.“WelcomeAboard” flags are placed on the new member’s tables when they dine with us the first few times. Please stop bytheirtablesandwelcomethemtoECC.Lastyear’snewgolfmembersandtheirsponsorsenjoyeda Sunset Wine Tasting Cruise aboard the Naples Princess and fun was had by all. As always we appreciate your memberreferralstotheclub.Friendsinvitingfriendstojoinisthebestinvitationtomembership!Pleasestopbymy office any time for membership information to share with your friends, family and business associates. We are celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year and have someincentivesinplacetoenticenewmemberstojoinour ranks.

New Trial MembersMr. and Mrs. John and Patricia Delaney - PAMr. and Mrs. Don and Kathleen Orlando – Belle LagoMr. and Mrs. Mike and Susan Guggino - New JerseyMr. and Mrs. Mark and Sue Martens – PA

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016Bingo Buffet Reservations available

5:30, 6:00 & 6:30 pmin ForeTees Dining Events or call the Club.

No a la carte menu available.BINGO to start at 7:00pm.

No need to make a “just BINGO” reservation.

Seasonal Salad StationAntipasto Skewers

Vegetable and Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Korean Beef SatayPetite Chicken Wellington

Pigs n Blankets with Grained MustardFried Fish Bites with Lemon Caper Tarter Sauce

Cookies

$15++

Coming in AprilMen’s Shootout

April 1st

Egg Me On Tennis MixerApril 2

All Community Golf Outing & BBQApril 3rd

Book ClubApril 5th

Trivia NightApril 5th

Sneaks N CleatsApril 6th

Tenderloin BuffetApril 6th

Ladies ShootoutApril 8th

ECC 30th Anniversary PartyApril 9th

Men’s InterclubApril 11th

Fishing TournamentApril 11th

Ladies Who LunchApril 14th

Vines Veterans’ AssociationApril 14th

Mixed ShootoutApril 15th

Karaoke NightApril 16th

New & Current Member Golf MixerApril 16th

BINGOApril 19th

Italian BuffetApril 20th

Sunday Partners GolfApril 24th 4

Easter BuffetSunday, March 27th 11:00am - 3:00pm

Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!

Reservations starting Friday, February 26th, 9:00am72 Hour Cancellation Policy - Guests Welcome - Casual Attire

SaladsAmbrosia

Greek Artichoke & Kalamata OliveFresh Market Salad Bar

Cold SelectionsFresh Fruit Display

Smoked Salmon Assorted Breads & Pastries

$35++ includes

Juice & Coffee

Hot SelectionsOmelet StationFrench Toast

Applewood Smoked Bacon and SausageFresh Made Waffles and Maple Syrup

Chef Carved Ham w/ Honey Dijon Apple-Pear ChutneyChef Carved Leg of Lamb with Demi-glace & Mint Jelly

Chicken Coq au VinBlackened Grouper with Mango Salsa & Key Lime Aioli

Potato CasseroleBaby Vegetable Medley

DessertsAssortment of Chef’s Selections

Egg Hunt on-going throughout the day

Kid Friendly Items Include:Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Mac & Cheese

Ages 0-3 Free, Ages 4-11 $17.50++

ECC 30th Anniversary PartyCelebrate with Us!

Saturday, April 9th, 2016

Members Only, Tables of 8 (limited tables of 10), Reservations Starting Thursday, March 10th at 9:00am, Casual Attire (No Denim), 72 Hour Cancellation Policy

Music by the Steve Peterman Trio5:30 Bar Opens

6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 Dinner ReservationsDinner Music 6:00 - 8:00Dance Music 8:00 - 10:30

MENU

Caesar Salad or

Cranberry Walnut SaladBaby Greens, Sundried Cranberries, Candied Walnuts and Crumbled Blue Cheese with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Entrée Choices

Grilled Filet MignonBacon-Blue Cheese Butter, Demi Glace,

Whipped Yukon Potato and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $42++

Twin Lobster TailsDrawn Butter, Saffron Risotto

and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $50++

Surf and TurfBacon-Blue Cheese Butter, Demi Glace, Drawn Butter,

Whipped Yukon Potato and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $58++

Pan Seared Sea BassCrawfish Veloute, Tarragon Pesto,

Saffron Risotto and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $42++

French Cut Chicken SaltimboccaProsciutto, Sage, Lemon-Herb Jus,

Saffron Risotto and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $33++

Dessert 30th Anniversary Special

Chocolate Crunch, Caramel, Mango Gelee, Chocolate and Raspberry Mousse

ECC 30th Anniversary PartyCelebrate with Us!

Saturday, April 9th, 2016

Members Only, Tables of 8 (limited tables of 10), Reservations Starting Thursday, March 10th at 9:00am, Casual Attire (No Denim), 72 Hour Cancellation Policy

Music by the Steve Peterman Trio5:30 Bar Opens

6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 Dinner ReservationsDinner Music 6:00 - 8:00Dance Music 8:00 - 10:30

MENU

Caesar Salad or

Cranberry Walnut SaladBaby Greens, Sundried Cranberries, Candied Walnuts and Crumbled Blue Cheese with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Entrée Choices

Grilled Filet MignonBacon-Blue Cheese Butter, Demi Glace,

Whipped Yukon Potato and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $42++

Twin Lobster TailsDrawn Butter, Saffron Risotto

and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $50++

Surf and TurfBacon-Blue Cheese Butter, Demi Glace, Drawn Butter,

Whipped Yukon Potato and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $58++

Pan Seared Sea BassCrawfish Veloute, Tarragon Pesto,

Saffron Risotto and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $42++

French Cut Chicken SaltimboccaProsciutto, Sage, Lemon-Herb Jus,

Saffron Risotto and Garlic Buttered Asparagus $33++

Dessert 30th Anniversary Special

Chocolate Crunch, Caramel, Mango Gelee, Chocolate and Raspberry Mousse

General Manager’s ReportCraigRollinson,CCM,CCEgeneralmanager@esterocc.com

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Committee Volunteers Needed

What committee would you like to serve on? We are looking for interested and dedicated

individuals who want to share their ideas and comments on how we can make the Club a

better place for everyone. A copy of the member biography form, for the selection process, is

available at the front desk.Please turn in your bio form by

Monday, March 7th.

ECC Committees:

Finance

Golf

Greens

Grievance

Heritage/Memorial

House & Entertainment

Legal/By-Laws

Long Range Planning

Membership/Marketing

Personnel

Property

Tennis

Tennis ReportTomFunk,USTAtennispro@@esterocc.com

The winter tennis season is in full swing and we have some great matches and events coming. As our team matches are getting fewer and social court time becomes more necessary, please remember to start calling in for teamcourtsor reservingyour timesonForeTees.Also, remember to tellyourCaptainswhatagreatjobtheydidthisseason.Itisalotofworkandcoordination to schedule players, matches, make-ups, refreshments, etc. I am so proud of all our Team Captains. They have put together a great season andhaveworkedhardtobefairwiththeteamplayers(whichisnotalwayseasygivensomanydifferentschedules).We will be having our team season reviews in April. This is where we review how the season went and try to forecast the needs for the next year. Have you noticed the Night Tennis players on Tuesday evenings and the Pickleball players on Thursday afternoons? If you haven’t, we invite you to stop by and check out the fun. Tuesday Night tennis starts at 5:30pm and PickleballPlayis1:00to2:30pmweekly.Fortheearlybirds,don’tforgetthe morning Drop-Ins, Monday – Thursday from 7:30 to 9:00am. March is also our annual bus trip to the “Miami Open ProfessionalTournament”. If you have always wanted to see up close Professional Tennis thiseventisonetosee.CalltheProshoporseeTomFunkfordetails.Iwishall our members a great spring and I will see you on the courts.

The weather has finally started to cooperate, so I hope everyone is taking advantage of it and playing a lot of golf and tennis. After our March 7th Annual Meeting, the Board will select our committee chairpersons for 2016/2017. With this change, each committee chair will be looking to populate their committees. Volunteerism is the lifeline of all great clubs, so please give strong consideration for applying to one of our many committees. Please see Lisa at the Club for a committee application form, which should be turned in by Monday, March 7th. Pleasehelpmakeadifferenceandjoinacommittee.As everyone is aware, we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year and we will mark the occasion at theSeasonFinalepartyonApril9th. It shouldbea terrific party and reservations open up 30 days in advance on Thursday, March 10th. It should be another spectacularECCpartynight!

Golf ReportBen Pittman, PGAgolfpro@esterocc.com

Pace of Play is always a hot button issue, and it is important that we do everything we can to minimize delays for everyone on the golf course. You will play better and have more fun. Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. It is simply about being more efficient with your valuable time, as well as everyone else’s.Adoptingthismindset–andnotbeingafraidtoshareitwithyourfellowplayers–willultimatelyaddenjoymentto your golf experience. Here are some recognized tips for improving pace of play:

Start smartConfirmyourteetimeinadvanceandmakeitapointtoarriveattheteeearlywithyourgolfequipmentinorder,readyto play. Remember essentials like extra balls, tees, gloves and appropriate clothing for the day’s weather conditions.

“Tee It Forward” Play from a set of tees that is comfortable for you – one where you are more likely to hit lofted irons into greens instead of hybrids or fairway woods.

Plan your shot before you get to your ballOnce you are off the tee, think ahead. Determine your yardage and make your club selection before it is your turn to play. Very often, you can do this while others are playing, without disruption. If you take your glove off between shots, haveitbackonbeforeitisyourturntoplay.Evenasmallsteplikethissavestime.

Keep your pre-shot routine shortPick your line of play once and trust yourself. Try to take no more than one practice swing, then set up to the ball and play your shot. Most importantly, be ready to hit when it is your turn.

Aim to play in 20 secondsFromclubselectiontopre-shotroutinetoexecution,strivetohityourshotin20secondswhenitisyourturntoplay.Help keep play moving at a brisk pace.

When sharing a cart, use a buddy systemDon’t wait in the cart while your cartmate hits and then drive to your ball. Get out and walk to your ball with a few clubs. Be ready to play when it is your turn and then let your cartmate pick you up. Or, drive to your ball after you drop your cartmate off and then pick him or her up after you hit.

Be helpful to others in your groupFollowtheflightofallteeshots,notjustyourown.Onceinthefairway,helpotherslookfortheirballifyoualreadyknow the location of yours. Volunteer to fill in a divot or rake a bunker for another player if needed. Be ready to attend the flagstick for others.

Keep up with the group in front of youYour correct position on the course is immediately behind the group in front of you, not immediately in front of the groupbehindyou.Arriveatyournextshotjustbeforethegroupinfrontleavestheareainfrontofyou.

Be efficient on the putting greenMark your ball and lift and clean it when you arrive at the putting green so you will be ready to replace it when it is your turn to play. You can usually line up your putt while others are putting, without disturbing them. Leave your clubs on the side of the putting green closest to the next tee, and leave the green promptly after holing out. Wait until the next tee to record your score.

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Superintendent’sReportNathan Gingrichsupt@esterocc.com

Just recently, I read my own communication in the January newsletterandthetitlewas“RollBabyRoll”.Thearticletalkedabout firm playing conditions and brown spots in fairways. I had to laugh because between the time I wrote the article and its publication, we had 10 inches of rain making the topic irrelevant to the point. It was humorous. The wet areas that were throughout the course really showed who was listening to communications from the Golf Shop and who wasn’t. The extremely visible nature of tire ruts in wet areas served as a reminder of the damage golf carts are capable of when used improperly. Golf carts, even during dry conditions, damage the course in a more chronic nature than what we experienced during January. By continuously parking our carts in the same place or exiting our carts in the same place, we wear out the turf. If a player is truly following the 90 degree rule, which is in effectmostdaysatEsteroCC,theywouldintheoryexit/enterthe hole in a different location each time they play the course. This is because each time anyone plays the course, they hit their drive to a different spot and thus drive to a different point on the cart path before they enter the hole and hit their second shot. This principal results in a natural distribution of wear dictated by the distance eachgrouphits their tees shot.Essentially, ifyou find yourself entering and exiting every hole in the same location each time you are not using your cart properly. Forthose of you who like the ball to sit up on the fairways, you should be especially interested in following the 90 degree rule and encouraging your friends to do so as well. By riding down the middle of the fairway and waiting to exit the fairways, you are putting excess wear on the turf causing it to become tight to the ground. Hopefully, when I read this communication at the beginningofMarch,wehavedriedoutsignificantlyandtheElNinoweatherpatternhassubsided.However,justbecausethecourse has dried out doesn’t mean that we all can’t impact it less by truly following the 90 degree rule.

Carts

A Letter from the Treasurer

InaccordancewiththequarterlyreportingrequirementsdiscussedinArticleIX,Paragraph1,SectionCoftheClub’sBylaws,Iampleased to provide summary data on the current financial condition of the Club. Accordingly:

Operating Results: ForthethreemonthsendedJanuary31,2016,netoperatingincomewas$65,234favorabletobudgetand$76,488favorabletothesame period last year. The favorable variance to budget can be attributed to expense controls by management, timing issues that willself-correctaswellasincreasedFood&BeverageandGolfShopMerchandiserevenues.

Balance Sheet:Ourbalancesheetcontinuestobeextremelystrong.CurrentAssetsare$765,769higherthanayearagoduetoasignificantlyhighercashbalance.CurrentLiabilitiesare$265,285higherthanayearagoduetoincreaseddeferredduesrevenue.

Capital:InJanuary,theclubenteredintoGolfCourseMaintenanceEquipmentLeasePackage#4.Sixnewpiecesofgolfcoursemaintenanceequipment,withacostof$222,241,were leasedfor4years. Ourcurrentoutstandingobligationonall4 leasepackages totals$453,426.MostotherbudgetedCapitalexpenditures,asistradition,willoccurthissummer.

Should anyone wish to review the summary Balance Sheet and/or Operating Income Statement, feel free to contact our Controller, Dana Aerts, in the Accounting Office.

Tom Spaeth, Treasurer

ECC Fishing Contest

Select Mondays, January - AprilMarch 14th & April 11th

Meet in the Breezeway at 8:00 am8:00 am - 10:30 am in any Vines Lake

Fisherman must return to the Breezeway at conclusion of contest each week.Fish to be measured by contestant.

Please bring your own ruler.Categories:

MONTH: LONGEST FISH / MOST FISHSERIES: LONGEST FISH / MOST FISH

Pick a Lake & Cast - Catch & ReleaseCall Norm Berger with questions and to sign-up.

Annual Meeting

Monday,

March 7, 2016

9:00am

Men’s Invitational

March 3rd - 5th, 2016

Optional Practice round on Wednesday, March 2nd.

Please check your calendars for Club closures during the

Invitational.