President’s Report
By: Marc Allan Staley
The number 21. A few interesting facts about the number 21.
Once you reach the age of twenty-one, you know you’ve hit a pretty important milestone. It means you can drink and gamble. The 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition.
Did you know that twenty-one used to be the legal voting age in most states until the 26th Amendment was passed?
Chester Arthur was our 21st President.
Did you know a giraffe can clean its ears with its 21 inch tongue?
It is the number of letters of the Italian alphabet.
BLACKJACK!
The traditional 21 gun salute. The custom stems from naval tradition, where a warship would fire its cannons harmlessly out to sea, until all ammunition was spent, to show that it was disarmed, signifying the lack of hostile intent. As naval customs evolved, 21 guns came to be fired for heads of state, with the number decreasing with the rank of the recipient of the honor.
Illinois was the 21st State to join the United States.
When you Google “Interesting Facts about the number 21” the 13th item that shows up is “21 amazing facts about pigeons from the Pigeon Control Resource Centre (PCRC)”. Didn’t know I should be amazed about Pigeon facts, but…oh well.
Lastly, sports is an obvious connection for most numbers. Baseball players Bob Lemon, Warren Spahn and Roberto Clemente all wore the number 21.
Most importantly 21 is my sons number in football for the LeRoy Oatkan Knights, who I think are headed for a tremendous season in his Senior year (shameless plug).
What a strange way to start my first Staff-o-Gram article as President is what you may be saying to yourself. So, why is the number 21 so important?
In 2016, if we can net 21 new regular members, we could normalize our Regular Membership Dues AND eliminate the Dues Adjustment. The Dues would be lower than our current Regular Family and Individual Membership Dues. I know the Membership Committee is doing all they can do to add new members. We are ALL members of the Membership Committee – talk to that friend that is on the fence. That co-worker. Neighbor. We can do this. The Bucket Program was established to create this Vision for us.
The membership incentive program (ie Bucket program) is available to the Regular, Intermediate, Social with Golf and Social membership categories. The new member can bucket with an existing member or it can be two new members. It is available for the 2014 and 2015 golf seasons. A Regular family membership is normally $4245 and under the Bucket program it would be $3045. A Regular Individual membership is normally $4045 and under the Bucket program it would be $3045. The Intermediate, Social with Golf and Social membership categories will get a 20% discount for both the new member and the existing member. All prices are plus tax. If there are dues adjust- ments or an assessment, it will be added to the Bucket Price. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact our Membership Chairman Joe Muscarella at (585)737-5877.
I would like to congratulate incoming Board members Paul Colombo, John Harrower and Mike Houseknecht. We are glad to have you on the Board and look forward to a great year. I would also like to introduce Joe Muscarella as Vice President of the Club. As most of you know, Joe does a tremendous job as our Membership Committee Chair. Finally, I wanted to send a special Thank You to our outgoing President, but still a Board member for two more years, Marc Staley. The energy and enthusiasm you brought to the Board in 2013 was contagious and I hope that I can continue the momentum you started. Thanks for all you do.
The Board’s first task was completing a budget for 2014. This was, as usual, a very difficult budget to assemble. Our 2014 budget did increase 2.98% from the 2013 budget. There are several reasons for the increase, notably:
Labor cost increases (primarily related to minimum wage increase to $8.00/hour in 2014) • GHIN system increase by RDGA from $13 to $18/member/year
New Golf Cart Fleet (we have increased the number of carts from 45 to 50 as well)
Property tax increases
Continued DryJect® aeration for fall aeration. Most would agree that the fall aeration was very successful and while slightly more expensive than our spring aeration, was very positive for the health of the greens and enhanced playability very quickly.
Won’t bore you with statistics. As an engineer I spend a lot of time looking at numbers. I won’t ask our membership to do the same.
If you remember one thing from this article, please make it the number 21.
Luncheon Held for Past Presidents
All of Stafford’s Past Presidents were invited to lunch on Thursday August 22nd, 2014. 20 of the 24 living past Presidents were in attendance. It was very special to see this group all together. It’s a great fraternity of Leader- ship at Stafford. 22 of the 24 living past Presidents ARE STILL MEMBERS! What made the day even more special was that Mr. Max Mason, our oldest living President, was celebrating his 96th Birthday. A “Golf Cake” was presented to Max, and the men, led by Mr. Paul Battaglia broke into a very shaky rendition of “Happy Birthday”.
The menu, selected by our then current President, Marc Staley and host of the luncheon, included a mixed green salad, cucumber gazpacho soup, Filet Mignon BLT’s, and sweet potato fries…..along with Max’s Cake! Following the lunch, President Staley moderated a roundtable with the goal of discuss- ing 3 areas of the Club. The Course, the House, and the Membership. Many great ideas and suggestions were shared. It was mutually agreed upon by all in attendance that the Past Presidents wish to continue this tradition of meeting for a
formal luncheon once a year to discuss all things Stafford.
Mr. Staley opened the Luncheon by thanking all the past Presidents for their tremendous commitment and stewardship of the club, and closed the event by encouraging the men to remain involved and engaged in the direction of the club. “Once a President, always a President” they were told.
20th Running of Travis Cup Upcoming
Before getting into the 2014 Travis Cup, I want to give a special shout-out to Ralph Garnish for the masterful job he did in heading-up Stafford’s hosting of the 2013 Travis Cup. From start to finish, and in every detail, it was the most impressive Travis Cup on record, and showcased all that we love about Stafford CC.
And, now it’s on to the 20th annual Walter J. Travis Cup that will be hosted by Cherry Hill Club on Saturday, August 9th. Put it on your calendar. You’ll enjoy being there, whether as a team member, or a spectator watching the action and supporting our team.
A very strong Travis Cup team core emerged from the 2013 Club Championships.
This core group is led by Jim Scorse, reigning Men’s Club Champion. Jim was on
Stafford’s first Travis Cup team, in 1995, and has been one of our leading points-getters in his several Travis Cup appearances. We are very pleased to welcome Tina Lambert to the Travis Cup as our women’s Club Champion. As of this writing, the Senior Champs are to be determined.
Other Travis Cup team slots will consist of both Men and Women A, B, C, and D flight players, the 2014 Junior Champion, and Golf Professional. Procedures for determining the handicap flight players will be announced soon.
Looking back at the 20 year history of the Travis Cup, this somewhat biased observer would declare it a success given the enjoyment it has brought to the vast majority of its many participants, and the manner in which it continually meets the goal of recognizing and celebrating the Travis-connection among the participating clubs. In addition to the fun associated with the event, especially during those seven years the Stafford CC team was victorious, the event opened the door for reciprocal arrangements that would not have occurred otherwise (Cherry Hill Club and Lookout Point CC). The memories stirred by this 20tth anniversary are particularly sweet, at a personal level, given that the event originated at Stafford CC when, inspired by the Ryder Cup fervor rampant in the Rochester golfing community during 1994-95, I created the concept and proposal that launched the Travis Cup. Over the years, the Travis Cup Competition Committee, comprised of representatives from each participating club, has done a terrific job of melding various ideas in the refinement and conduct of the event. Somewhere, “The Old Man”, Walter J. Travis, grand designer of our golf courses, is raising a toast of Old Crow as a nod of gratitude to all who have been a part of the Travis Cup over the years. Salut!!
2013 Travis Cup Report
Judging by the positive comments from all four teams and the several honored guests, Stafford’s hosting of the 19th playing of the matches was a resounding success. That is, with the single exception, from our perspective, that Stafford did not win. We placed a close second to Lookout Point CC, much better and much closer than last year. Orchard Park CC was third and Cherry Hill Club fourth. Lookout now leads in the number of wins – eight to our seven. The tournament opened with singing of the U.S. and Canadian National Anthems by Batavia’s Scott Grefrath and the honorary striking of the first ball by CCB’s Albert “Bert” Wright, Grand Nephew of Walter Travis.
Congratulations to our team for their fine effort and stellar play, and thanks to everyone who participated in the qualifying process. Our team: Leslie Harrower, Pat Garnish, Stephanie Lapple, Pat Call, Carol Wescott, Francesca Fuller, Mike Rogers, Justin Pfalzer, Tom Bero, Skip Lamont, John Lapple, Eric Haile, Don Gnann, Dean Kendall, Jerry Buchinger, Paul Boylan. It is worthy of note that this was the first time a brother and sister played on the same team – John & Stephanie Lapple.
Stafford has led by example with the many volunteers who maintained pace of play working as spotters / fore caddies on eight holes: Shirley Haefele, Carol Kendall, Dave & Marilyn Helvie, Ed & Shirley Homsey, Steve & Karen Percassi, Scott & Nancy Herring, Matt & Kathy Haefele, Mike & Mary McCarthy, Carol Emerson & Dave Allen, Jim & Sara Cook, Dorothy Schillinger, Sam Haile. Our gratitude to you for the time and attention you invested.
The Golf Staff was flawless from the bag boys caring for the players as they arrived to Mike handling the scoring, and of course all Julie’s help with our team shirts and mementos for players of all clubs. Thanks again to you all.
Brett, Pat, and Gina were very helpful making things easy to plan and organize. The kitchen staff created sumptuous meals and brought them in at reasonable and attractive prices, while the hospitality staff was attentive and efficient, nearly transparent in their duties.
As you can see, the team it takes to field a team and host the matches extends far beyond the players only. It has been a pleasure and honor to again serve as Tournament Chairman among so many fine individuals.
Ralph Garnish
Superintendent’s Report
By: Peter Cavanaugh
The first day of Spring is March 18th, a few days away. It can’t come fast enough. Hopefully, by the time you are reading this, some warmer temperatures will have begun to melt away the heavy snow pack, on way to the beginning of the 2014 golf season.
The winter service work on the equipment is right on schedule. Dave Wallace and Greg Smith have been busy sharpening the reels and preparing the mowers for the rigors of another season. The important work they do now ensures that the equipment performs the way it should with minimal down time throughout the golfing season. The only interruption to the work is having to plow a lot more then we have had to in previous years.
Snow mold can develop on the turf when pro-longed snow cover persists along with very cold temperatures, much like the winter so far. The course usually has a few areas that are effected but in general it usually comes through winter in good shape, however, this winter has been anything but usual.
There is a lot of sticks and limbs down on the course. The first priority of returning crew members will to get the course cleaned up and ready for play. Our veteran staff of seasonal help have mostly checked in and are eager to get work as soon as the weather breaks.
The construction on the new half way house has continued throughout the winter and is shaping up beautifully. Hats off to Joe Laurie and the crew who has forged ahead despite the coldest of days and snowy weather.
Hang in there, if good things come to those who are patient, then it’s going to be a glorious Spring.
Women’s Association
By: Tina Bucceri
Dust off those clubs, organize your golf bag, and put on your seat belt! It is going to be an exciting and fun golf season, filled with great guest days, our major tournaments, “Ladies’ Nights Out”, awesome club activities, and our Tuesday/ Thursday ladies’ golfing events.
A few important dates to save, just to start:
May 1 – Ladies’ Opening Meeting and Dinner
5 PM cocktails and conversation begin!
May 8 – Thursday AM golf games begin
(sign-up book in locker room)
May 13 – First “Ladies’ Night Out” 6:30 PM
You and Your Beautiful Skin
May 29 – Thursday PM league begins
June 24 – Match Play begins
July 10 – AM Guest Day
August 14 – SUPER Guest Day (PM) and Dinner
(Watch out……this is going to be something!)
This is just a glimpse of the many activities your golf committee has organized for you….many, many more details will be explained at our opening meeting and dinner. We’d love to see your toes on Stafford’s Welcome Mat May 1st. This dinner and meeting is a fun opportunity to see each other after a winter I want to forget, to meet our new members, and to welcome an exciting golf season. (Dinner invites and meal selections will be mailed to you in the near future.)
As your women’s association President for the 2014 season, I am very anxious to help you in any way I can to make it a “great ride”! Do not hesitate to contact me with your questions or concerns – we’ll learn the answers together!
See you on #one tee…..
Golf Committee and Website Report
by Jim Niziurski
Some of what’s being reported here is a revisit of topics covered during our General Membership meeting of this past October; but, it’s important to get that info out to the entire club.
Based on feedback from many who participate in our Club Championship, we’re implementing some changes in 2014: The Senior Club Champions (both men and women) will be determined during the Medal Play tournament in June. This change will allow our Seniors to compete in the overall and flight championships in August.
The Senior Champions will be determined by 36-hole stroke play… no match play
Senior classifications: Senior (55-59), Masters (60-69), Legends (70+)
Start times during the overall Club Championship matches in August will be delayed until 8:00am. Flight finals on Sunday will be delayed further… better aligning the Flight participants to stick around for the overall championship match in the afternoon.
As communicated in our email blast of Nov 14th, based on the hole-by-hole scoring data recording throughout 2013, our hole handicaps have been adjusted. The following is our 2014 scorecard that incorporates those handicap changes and includes our new Yellow Tees:
We’re proud to announce that we will host 2 premier events during 2014… a USGA Junior Championship Qualifier on June 23rd, and the RDGA (Ryan) Championship during July 16-19. It’s an honor to be asked to host such prestigious events, and we’re confident that our staff and membership will present SCC as the hidden gem that is our club. We’ll be looking for lots of volunteers to help with administration, scoring, marshalling, fore-caddying, etc. As soon as our club opens, requests for volunteers will be posted on our website, via email and at our club… please volunteer!!
The 2014 golf and social schedule is a work in progress, but the Calendar on our website is filled with what’s been planned so far. All of the details for the golf tourneys (e.g. format, handicapping, etc.) aren’t provided yet, but they’ll be provided well in advance of each event. Check out the Calendar and begin planning your 2014.
We still have plenty of Mondays available for “outside events”. If your work group, or church, or high school, or college, etc. are planning a golf event during 2014, please encourage them to consider our club for that event.
Several changes and upgrades have occurred behind the scenes to enhance the performance of our website. We continually ask for your feedback… what’s working well for you, and how can the site be improved? What information do you need that’s missing on the website? Send your thoughts and comments to webmaster@staffordcc.com. And don’t forget to have other members of your household sign up for a website account so that they’re always aware of what’s going on at our wonderful club.
Pro’s Report
By: Eric Haile
As we watch the snow fly, it certainly has been a great winter for snow sports! But let’s just say it, enough is enough! It is time for green grass and GOLF! As I start my 17th year as your head golf professional, I look forward to working with the new Board of Governors and committees to provide a fun-filled golf season for all at SCC. I am always looking for new ideas, so if you have one please pass it along.
I am excited for this season, as there is lots to look forward to. We will start the season with a brand new fleet of golf carts from Club Car. Our lease with EZ Go has come to an end and Club Car provides the best service and product at the best price. We were able to increase the number of carts from 45 to 50. This will help to reduce the number of rental carts we need to bring in for every outside event and some in house events as well. This will save the Club money on all of these events. We are excited and hope the membership enjoys the new ride!
I am extremely proud that Stafford C.C. has been chosen to host the RDGA District Championship, aka The Ryan, in July! As we get closer to the Championship, I will be providing information on SCC course availability, which courses within the District will be available for “reciprocal” play and volunteer opportuni- ties. The RDGA has given an early heads up that the golf course will not be available for regular play very much during the Championship. We will have reciprocal courses available to us, however, I am not sure exactly which courses they will be yet. The Golf Shop will certainly do our best to accommodate you and your group during the week, but make sure you leave some spectator time. The competition and golf is always great!
I am in the process of firming up staffing in the Bag Room and Golf Shop. Many of
our experienced bag staff will be returning, however, there will be a few new
faces. The Bag Room will be open and accepting golf bags and speed carts April
1st. Please be sure to let a staff member know if you need a new bag tag or if you need your speed cart labeled upon bringing your equipment for the season.
April is typically a slow month for play, due to the if’y weather, so it is a great time for clubs to be re-gripped. Check for worn, smooth or torn grips. We will be happy to replace them for you. April Grip Special: 14 grips for the price of 12 (excludes putter and specialty grips).
Titleist is once again offering a limited time promotion on their engraved ProV’s. Buy 3 dozen ProV’ and receive 1 FREE. All must be engraved, example: E-dog. If interested, please contact me at golfproehaile@gmail.com.
The 2014 Golf Calendar is now on the website, www.staffordcc.com. Be sure to mark your calendars for all the fun and competition SCC has to offer!