HOPLINEFebruary Issue 2012

Hop Meadow’s Clubhouse Roof was Replaced in January 2012

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On December 3, 2011 your Board convened twenty four members with financial and/or marketing expertise for a Roundtable discussion similar to one held three years earlier. The objective of the three hour session was to develop and bring forth recommendations and suggestions to assist the club in its continuing efforts to grow revenue and membership roles.

Ed Several, PGA Golf Exhibitions, led off the meeting with an excellent discussion entitled “Survival by Redefining Success.” Ed provided a clear look into today’s challenges facing the private club industry along with the road map that will most influence success. He stressed that clubs such as ours need to implement the following.

1. Differentiate and offer value based on what members define as important2. Offer excellent programs and services to maximize the relevance of the club to its members3. Clubs that carefully identify segments of the source community for new members and align the business model and identity of the club

to carefully defined market segments will prosper4. Four factors that will most influence success:

• An objective market analysis• A flight to quality• The diversification in expectations• True market differentiation

In summary Ed stressed that, “The clubs of the future that prosper will be relentless in pursuing continuous improvement, in executing careful and deliberate market research, and in understanding that clubs are a part of – and not an exception to – changing social norms.”

The Roundtable participants contributed a number of solid recommendations that were brought forth to strengthen our club in the short and long term. These ideas will be vetted by the Board, studied and acted upon in a timely fashion. A few of the most promising are noted below:

1. Improve financial credibility thru greater transparency and regular open meetings2. Increase and improve club surveys to establish bench marks and goals3. Develop incentives for members who bring business to the club, such as, events, new members, outings, parties, etc.4. Improve the HMCC food and beverage brand. Differentiate HMCC dining experience from local restaurants5. Examine buying cooperatives for purchasing chemical and fuel6. Promote internally and externally that HMCC will host non-member functions7. Enhance website to incorporate video for prospective members 8. Develop themes around “a place where people know you”, a quality, enjoyable dining experience, a place to raise a family and kids are

safe here, etc.9. Expand and publish golf reciprocity programs for member benefit10. Develop a guest/cart fee at a lower price point to generate off-peak revenue

As you can see, we have a lot of great ideas to put into action. We have already implemented a few and will continue to work on the rest. The Board and I thank and praise the participants of the Roundtable discussion for their willingness to spend a Saturday morning “putting their thinking caps on” for the benefit of us all.

Bill HeidelPresident

President’s Pointsby Bill Heidel

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ManageMent teaM

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICERJackie Morr860-658-7623 x234Jmorr@hopmeadowcc.net

HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONALJason Waters860-651-0686Jwaters@hopmeadowcc.net

DIRECTOR OF GOLFINSTRUCTIONKen Doyle860-658-7623 x225

GROUNDS SUPERINTENDENTErick Holm860-658-0720Eholm@hopmeadowcc.net

TENNIS PROFESSIONALJim Whiting 860-651-2905 Jwhiting1958@yahoo.com

EXECUTIVE CHEFAaron Theriault860-658-7623 x228kitchen@hopmeadowcc.net

CATERING DIRECTORBeth Georger 860-658-7623 x230 Bgeorger@hopmeadowcc.net

MEMBERSHIP &MARKETING DIRECTORSusan O. Baughman 860-651-0499 x257Susan@hopmeadowcc.net

FOOD & BEVERAGEDIRECTORBob Berger860-651-0499 x240Bob@hopmeadowcc.net

OFFICE MANAGERAngela Mierzejewski 860-651-0499 x246Angela@hopmeadowcc.net

RESTAURANT MANAGERDanielle Hermanowski860-658-7623 x236 Dhermanowski@hopmeadowcc.net

H O P L I N E

The greatest part of a New Year is that we all get a fresh start. The scary

part is that our progress toward some particular goals begins at ZERO.

So here we are finalizing our 2012 Membership Campaign, knowing that

gravity will bring us some new members. At the same time, let us be

inspired and challenged knowing that most new members that join us this

year will be the result of our collective actions.

Our last campaign, “50 for 50”, was a success that we all should be proud

of. We added 30 new full memberships. I mark your success by the

crowds of smiling faces at the pool, on the dance floor at our terrific events, in the packed paddle hut

surrounded by energetic folks ready for their next match, and in the golf tournaments, playing like

a Green Jacket rests on every shot. We are proud.

In 2012 there will be an opportunity for each of us to use and share this energy. This year’s campaign

begins with you. Each current member will be provided with a reward worth up to $5,000 dollars.

This can be used by you and your family to move to a new membership class, if this is the right

time for you. Or this reward can be shared with a friend or family member for their use. Using

this reward will dramatically reduce, or in most cases, completely eliminate the 2012 initiation fee.

Unlike our last campaign, this reward is eligible for all membership classes. This is a time to belong.

Ask a friend to join your club so they can lounge with you at the pool, play a tennis match with you

on our tennis courts, or even walk in your putt line on our pristine greens.

Keep a look out for your special package and information on our membership kick-off event.

February 4th began the year of the Water Dragon in the Chinese calendar. It is said Dragon years

are ideal for swimming, tennis, golf, making new friends, food and dance… or at least that is how I

read it. Let’s make sure the best of all this happens here at Hop Meadow Country Club!

Joe Shiman III

Membership

Membership Newsby Joe Shiman

2012 Membership Campaign Kickoff Reception

Saturday, March 105:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Join us for an informative reception to launch our 2012 membership campaign. Enjoy complimentary open bar from 6 - 7 pm.

Prospective Member Cocktail ReceptionFriday, May 4th at 5:30pm - 7:30pm on the Golf Deck

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Ken’s Korner

Golf is back on TV and Spring is

just around the corner. How are

your New Years resolutions doing?

If one of your goals is to lower your

handicap and enjoy golf more, give

me a call and I can help you with

that “Golf Spring Cleaning”.

I am in my teaching room Tuesday through Saturday so

please call me directly on my cell (860)-836-9759 or home

(860) 651-0550.

DiD you know youR DiReCtoR of Golf instRuCtion ken Doyle HolDs tHese awaRDs?

• SpauldingNortheastTeacheroftheYear

• CTPGATeacheroftheYear

• CTPGAProfessionaloftheYear

• CTPGAHortonSmithAwardWinner–Education

• GolfMagazineTop200Teacher

• GolfDigest#1TeacherinConnecticut

Ken recently returned from Orlando, FL where he was

engaged as a speaker at the PGA Merchandise Show. Ken

spoke to fellow PGA Professionals on “Best Practices”

followed by a question & answer session. Call Ken today to

perfect that golf swing because we all know Spring is right

around the corner.

ken’s 2012 lesson Rates:Members 1 ½ hour $125 3 lessons $300 10 lessons $900 1 year $2,000

Non Members 1 ½ hr lesson $150 3 lessons $400 10 lessons $1,200

1 year $3,000

Golf NewsJason Waters

As I write this first Hopline article for 2012, I

am sitting in my hotel room in Orlando after

just attending the PGA of America National

Meeting. What I heard all of this day and

what will be an occurring theme this whole

week in Orlando is the growing enthusiasm for the game of golf and how

PGA Professionals can help make this happen.

As I walked out, I thought about our situation at Hop Meadow and

how the three PGA Professionals and one PGA apprentice will have an

impact on the 2012 season. Our goals will be simple:

1. Encourage our active members and their families to take full

advantage of our beautiful golf course.

2. Find a way to introduce the game of golf to our members and families

who do not currently play or utilize the golf course, breaking down

some of the barriers that the game of golf has.

3. Help get more people to know about all the good things we have at

Hop Meadow and encourage them to join our family.

This will not be easy. We realize you as members have a lot going on

outside of Hop Meadow. We just want to ensure we are offering options

for you and your family to enjoy our great facility.

In the coming weeks, we will begin to roll out some of our golf programs

planned for 2012. Please take a look at them. We are spending time not

only creating new opportunities, but also improving programs previously

offered. What helps make these programs successful are having people

participate in them.

The Hop Meadow staff will be working hard to encourage all of you to

participate. Don’t be surprised if you get a phone call from someone in

the shop every now and then letting you know of an opportunity we

would like you to take advantage of, or asking you to join us for a round

of golf. All of you are important to us and we want to see you at the

course. We are fortunate that we get to spend every day in what I always

refer to as the best office in the world.

If there is anything I can do to try and help make your Hop Meadow

experience better, please do not hesitate to let me know. I enjoy all forms

of feedback. Let’s hope spring comes early and we have a year of better

weather than 2011.

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Greens ReportErick Holm

Winter Storm Alfred

It’s the middle of the winter and we are still

in the process of cleaning after Winter Storm

Alfred. Having to balance the storm clean up

with leaf removal and late season mowing, it

took us until the end of December to finish the initial clean up phase

which was to remove anything that the storm left on the ground.

Since the middle of December, the “professionals” have been removing

many of the “hangers” and broken limbs in the tree canopies. Work in

the immediate areas of the club house, proshop and the paddle courts is

complete, with just the stump grinding left to do. With no snow through

the middle of January, the crew’s main focus has been on the upper holes

where the soils drain better and the large equipment can operate with

minimal damage to the golf course. The work will continue through the

remaining winter months and the seasonal grounds crew will be brought

back earlier to insure the golf course is cleaned up before the season begins.

A few individual trees are damaged to the point that corrective pruning

would leave only a few limbs, so complete removal is the only option. In

some cases we will need to plant a replacement tree in the spring.

Some of the trees on the hill sides of nine, ten and sixteen have severe

damage or have been uprooted. These will have to come down also and

will require specialized heavy equipment for the clean up process. When

all is said and done, the golf course will still have its character and present

a challenge to all levels of golfers.

Erick B. Holm, C.G.C.S.

Hop Kid’s ClubParent’s night outSaturday, March 10thFriday, March 23rdFriday, April 20thFriday, May 4thHours are 5:30pm-8:30pm

Make a craft to take home, eat a delicious dinner and watch a

PG movie all at the Club while Mom and Dad enjoy dinner with

their friends. Offered once a month to all Hop Kids ages 3-11 yrs.

$15++ per child

Dolly & MeSaturday, March 2411:30am – 1pm

This was a big hit last year with all our Hop Meadow young girls

getting dressed up, sipping tea, eating tea sandwiches & cookies

with their dolls. The girls enjoyed meeting new friends at the

Club or seeing some of their friends they know from Hop Camp

or the pool.

Bunny Brunch & egg HuntSaturday, April 7A Hop tradition and well received. Easter eggs are filled and

spread out along the lawn for all the children to gather in their

baskets. The Easter Bunny hops in to visit with song and dance

~ lots of good Easter fun with great food, DJ music to dance “the

bunny hop”.

little Chef’s Cooking ClassMarch 17th 9:45am – 11:30amThe Hop Meadow culinary team will bring out your child’s inner chef with our little chef cooking classes. We will teach your children to cook and create culinary masterpieces. The Little Chefs class welcomes your child to join us on a culinary adventure for one or more of our fabulous winter/spring cooking sessions taught by our very own executive chef Aaron.

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Maureen with son, Ben

Family Fright Night in 2011, never be forgotten! Little Will Coghan repaeated over and over “Me Buzz!” and all the children enjoyed the pumpkin painting at the family friendly event. Snow began falling at 1 pm, but the party went on with pumpkin painting, DJ, pin the nose on the pumpkin, donut eating contest, and tasty treats. The power went out at the Club around 4:30pm and the Club was closed for approximately nine days before it could be restored for Member use. History was made on this date, October 30th, 2011 in the Northeast and in Simsbury, CT.

“Adults Only” Costume Party was a fun evening for the “big kids” with dancing, great food & drink until the wee hours of the evening.

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Welcome back to Hop! In the past couple months Bob, myself and our wonderful Allen S. Goodman representative have been working hard on preparing the best wine menu we can offer. While contemplating what bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal, or just an appetizer and some friends; you’ll notice we’ve kept some of your favorites but added a bunch of excellent new wines.

Grandes Perrieres Sancerre, 100% sauvignon blanc, from the village of Sancerre in France’s Loire Valley. Perhaps the most famous village for sauvignon blanc on the planet. Crisp, lively, and a touch chalky, this is classic seafood (oysters, anyone?) wine.

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc, from Northern California, is lip smacking, with passion fruit, lime zest and papaya notes.

Albert Bichot Pouilly Fuissé is a 100% chardonnay from the area of southern Burgundy that includes the villages of Pouilly and Fuissé. There is no oak, just the delicate taste of pure chardonnay.

Gloria Ferrer Brut is dry and crisp. From Sonoma County, Gloria Ferrer Brut has made Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of the year.

Chateau St. Michelle Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. Planted forty years ago, Cold Creek is one of the most exceptional vineyards in the Columbia Valley. This delicious cabernet delivers power, structure and rich concentrated black fruit.

14 Hands Merlot offers classic Washington aromas of blackberries, plums and black cherries. While soft and approachable, this wine maintains a firm backbone of tannins.

Albert Bichot Burgundy Pinot Noir is classic red Burgundy: focused, mouth watering, savory and food friendly.

Razor’s Edge Shiraz offers yummy, unbridled, juicy flavors from South Australia’s McLaren Vale.

Ridge Lytton Springs. Made of a field blend dominated by ancient zinfandel vines, this powerhouse is one of the greatest (and most famous) California zins.

Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Chante Cigale (the song of the Cigale) is the sound of Provence. It is also the name of one of the greatest wines of the region. Describing it as a blend of grenache and syrah doesn’t do justice to this richly nuanced, fabulously balanced wine. To taste this wine is to love it!

From new wines, new vodkas, winter beers and fresh espresso we’ve got the fix for the next few cold winter months! Come swing by the Pub for a drink and say hello!

Sincerely Your Bar Manager,

Tyler

Bar News by Tyler Mil ler

Maureen with son, Ben

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Hop Meadow Country Club is pleased to

announce Jim Whiting has signed on for

his 10th season as the Club’s Director of

Tennis. I had the pleasure to interview Jim

about his time at the Hop and here is a

little insight as to how Jim found his way

here and why he continues to bring superb

tennis instruction to the members and

create great tennis events that are talked

about year after year ~

“What brought you to Hop Meadow Country Club?”

Jim: “I was working in Madison, CT at a private club and received a

call from Al Valbuena who was the owner of the Simsbury Tennis Hut

and also the Canton Racquet Club. He told me Hop Meadow was

looking to fill the Tennis Pro position. I met with Chuck Pfeil, who

was the General Manager at Hop Meadow. I remember even today

what Al Valbuena said about the Club, “What sets Hop Meadow apart

from other private country clubs is the low key, laid back attitude of

the membership. The members are casual, friendly and fun.

“What is it about Hop Meadow that keeps you returning year after year?”

Jim: “It is the members for sure! Delightful people and working with

the kids and watching them grow and be involved with their families

is a daily blessing. The relationships have been so very special in

my life and I am forever grateful to all the Club members that have

become part of my family.”

“As you celebrate your 10th season as Director of Tennis at HMCC do you have any highlights you would like to share?”

Jim: “Well the first thing that comes to mind is of course Ivan Lendl.

He has provided Hop Members and the public an opportunity to

watch him play in tennis exhibitions with fellow members and other

amateur tennis players. What a gift of himself to offer his time, talk

with members, answer questions and be gracious at the same time.

He is one of the top 10 tennis players of all time! Currently Ivan is

coaching Andy Murray who just finished playing in the Australian

Open and I was in contact with Ivan encouraging him through the

duration of the tournament. He always replied to my messages, which

was fun!

Another important person that I have met and have developed a

close and personal friendship is member, Phil Rockwell. Phil was

on the tennis courts with Bob Glasspeigel the day I came in for the

interview. Upon leaving he asked me “how did the interview go?”

I replied, “Very well thank you.” He left me by saying, “I really

hope you get the job.” And I did, which has been the best decision

I could have made for myself professionally and for my family. The

Rockwell’s have become good friends of Karen and me and they were

in attendance at our daughter Rachel’s wedding, which meant the

world to us.

J im Whiting, Tennis Director Signs on for 10th Season at Hop Meadow Country Club.

Conversations with Susan

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Member Spotlight

Phil Rockwell has been selected as the 2011

Connecticut Senior Games Athlete of the Year.

The Athlete of the Year program was developed

to identify and reward Connecticut Senior Games

athlete’s accomplishments both on and off the

field of play.

Mr. Rockwell will be presented with this honor at

the annual Director’s Club Banquet to be held at

the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on Thursday,

February 23, 2012.

Phil Rockwell, who is married to Cynthia, has

been a member of Hop Meadow Country Club

since April 1990. Since he joined, he has won

more than 40 club championships in a variety

of categories, including men’s seniors and mixed

doubles. He is a New England-ranked tennis

and paddle tennis player. Club Tennis Pro Jim

Whiting says, “Phil epitomizes sportsmanship

and fair play, win or lose.”

Phil is the winner of the bronze medal (60s singles,

tennis) in the 2007 National Senior Games in

Louisville, Ky. He also represented Connecticut

in senior singles tennis in Pittsburgh (2005), San

Francisco (2009) and Houston (2011), and is the

recipient of the 2011 Connecticut Senior Games

Richard P. Garmany Award.

Congratulations, Phil!

Paddle News

It has been a great season of Paddle so far at Hop Meadow Country Club. An

“Introduction to Paddle” Clinic was held in early November to encourage new

and established members the opportunity to come and learn this great winter

sport. Two casual mixed paddle events have taken place with many members in

attendance, lots of laughs, food & drink served courtside.

Join in on the Annual March Madness Paddle Event on Saturday, March 3rd from

9am-12:30pm. Sign up by calling Susan at 860-658-7623 ext. 257

or email susan@hopmeadowcc.net

2012 Hop Meadow Paddle Championships

Division “A” Men – Winners: Jon Batterson & Sam Roundy

Division “B” Men – Winners: Gordon Breslav and Russ Knisel

Mixed Paddle – Winners: Patty and Mark Willis

Women’s – Winners: Patty Willis & Marion Hendershot

Division”A” Men Runners-up: Chuck Brady & Mike DeVoeWomen’s Runners-up: Jen Murnane & Lauren Willerton

Phil Rockwell

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The Little Chef ’s Gingerbread House Decorating event was

a success with over 40 children participating. Houses were on

display in the Clubhouse during the Santa Brunch the following

day! The holiday cheer continued with the Annual Holiday Gala

complete with good friends, great food and lively entertainment.

Holiday Memoriesat the Hop Meadow Country Club

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A graduate from the School of the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, MA, Karen Suponski studied under Sante Graziani and Leon Hovsepian. Her concentration was on drawing still lifes and life study in charcoal, silverpoint, graphite, and colored pencil. A few years ago, a friend gave her a box of Rembrandt pastels. She then discovered that she really enjoyed working in that medium and started reading books on the subject and was inspired to get serious about painting regularly.

Karen began studying with Christine Ivers, who has been a wonderful mentor and teacher. Karen is fascinated with the reflective nature of objects, particularly in subjects that demonstrate the reflective qualities like glass, pearls and silver. In 2010 she became a Signature Member of the Connecticut Pastel Society.

Please join us as we host Karen at Hop Meadow on Friday, March 2nd from 6pm – 8pm for our Artist Reception at the Club with complimentary wine and cheese.

http://karensuponskiart.com

Have you seen the new pastel art on the walls in the Grille dining room?

Artist’s CornerKaren Suponski

Sweetheart Dinner – February 11

Dolly and Me High Tea - March 24

Annual Club Meeting – March 27

Bunny Brunch & Egg Hunt – April 7

Elegant Easter Brunch – April 8

Ladies’ Cocktail Social – April 19

Mother’s Day Brunch – May 13

Memorial Day Poolside Picnic & Parade – May 28

Clambake – June 9

Upcoming 2012 Club Events

Father’s Day Fishing Derby – June 17

Let’s Shout Schools Out Pool Party – June TBD

Independence Day Celebration & Pool Party – July 4

Simply White Summer Night – August 4

Masquerade Party - October 20

Halloween Family Party - October 26

Santa Brunch - December 9

Holiday Gala - December 15

tO ReaCH US:Hop Meadow Country Club85 Firetown Road, Simsbury, CT 06070 www.hopmeadowcc.net

Clubhouse Front Desk 860-658-7623 Reservations 860-658-7623 The Golf Pro Shop 860-651-0686 The Tennis Pro Shop 860-651-2905 Business Office 860-651-0499

It’s important for you to find inspiration from a number of different sources when it comes to your health and wellness, simply because life just happens and it’s really easy to get off track.

new YeaR, new YOU!This winter, Hop Meadow is offering several different wellness speakers and classes to inspire, motivate and inform you on interesting topics.

sPeakeR seRiesPart of our 2012 Wellness Series will include presentations by two wellness speakers, coffee and muffins. There is no charge for these events.

Reiki & eneRGy MeDiCineSpeaker: Kathy BrackettThursday, February 23, 10:30 a.m.Founders RoomDo you want to age gracefully and feel strong and full of energy? Kathy Brackett will present and demonstrate Reiki, a Japanese technique used for deep relaxation that allows the body to heal itself.

fenG sHuiSpeaker: Karen Elizabeth RowanThursday, March 22, 10:30 a.m.Founders RoomKaren is an Advanced Certified Samvahan Vibrational Healer, Life Coach and Feng Shui Consultant. She is the founder and owner of the Rhythm of Life Healing Centre in Canton, CT

yoGa foR ViBRant HealtHClasses focus on improving your flexibility, strength and balance while enhancing your posture, coordination and mental focus. Yoga classes are a great way to quiet the chatter of daily life, relieve stress and feel great.

Classes start weekly Tuesday, February 7 - March 1310:00 - 11:15 a.m.Founders Room$90/per person for six weekly classes, payable to Valley YogaOr drop in for $20/per class

ZuMBa ClassCome dance your way to better balance and improved cardiovascular health in a fun, partylike atmosphere! Classes start Tuesday, March 15 and run weekly for six weeks. This low impact, easy to follow latin-inspired fitness class will keep the groove in your life! Tuesdays, March 20 - April 249:45 - 10:45 a.m.Founders Room$60/per person for six weekly classes

aQua Blast ClassHave a blast while you engage in a challenging aquatic workout that harnesses the power of the water resistance for improving your aerobic fitness and total body strength. Workouts include core strengthening and total body toning using low impact moves andresistance equipment.Minimum of 4-6 consistent participants needed.Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning February 26:15-7:00 p.m.McLeanTherapeutic Pool & Wellness Center75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CTPlease contact Carol MacLeod directly to sign up at 860-658-3750 Mon-Fri 7:30-noon or email herat carol.macleod@mcleancare.org$50/per month | Drop-in rate $8/class

2012 Wellness Series .