President's Letter
From Charles J. Crooks, 2013 Pines President, January, 2013:
The Pines Country Club, Inc. enjoyed a successful 2012. Our membership census included 412 golfers and 65 pool members. These numbers made it possible to modernize the facility, reduce long-term debt and operate profitably within a dues structure that is very competitive with private clubs of comparable quality in the mid-Atlantic region. The club is doing well.
2013 Club Management
The Pines Country Club, Inc. is governed by a board of directors that is elected by the shareholders. Here are the 2013 directors: Buddy Baker, Secretary and Clubhouse Committee chair; John Campbell; Charles Crooks, President and Executive Committee chair; Linda Vona-Davis, Pool Committee chair; Mike DeProspero, Treasurer and Finance Committee chair; Jack Forbes, Nominating Committee chair; Bill Frame, Course Committee chair; Cheryl Hook; Chris Ilardi, Vice-President and Personnel Committee chair; Russ Koon, Membership and Marketing Committee chair; Kevin Staddon; and J.T. Straface, Executive Committee member and Tournament Committee chair.
A few years ago our board dedicated certain directors to serve as liaisons for each of the three administrative department heads: Mike DeProspero communicates with Tammy Everly, our Controller; Chris Ilardi communicates with Russell Reid, our Head Golf Professional; and Bill Frame communicates with Mike Bogroff, our Course Superintendent. This system has served the club well in the execution of club policies and in maintaining an effective flow of communications. Our Executive Committee (club officers and J.T. Straface) manages the day-to-day issues that arise between the monthly board meetings. We utilize e-mail to keep the remaining directors advised. In this way we have managed to keep the operation running smoothly and profitably. With all this in place, the job of Pines President is a pretty easy gig, really.
2013 Club Committees
The club committees are very important to our operations. Committees research operational and policy issues and report to the directors who utilize that work in managing the club. Shareholder status is not required for committee service. Please consider serving on a club committee, contribute to our success in 2013.
Food & Beverage Services
The Boston Beanery became the club’s new food and beverage tenant in April of 2012. While our golf course and pool remain members-only, our restaurant and bar are open to the public. This tenancy has been popular and mutually successful. Consider meeting your friends at the club for watch parties. The Beanery will ensure it is a festive occasion.
2013 Clubhouse Renovations
Changes to the clubhouse facility are under way, including construction of a fireplace and new booth seating in the restaurant. The club contracted with Davis Kitchen & Tile to completely remodel the restroom facilities, too, so you know they will be nice. Everything is scheduled to be completed well in advance of the 2013 golf season, so remember this when March Madness rolls around.
New Course Equipment
In 2012, the club replaced some of the heavy equipment used by Mike Bogroff’s grounds crew including a new 46 h.p. multi-purpose Kubota tractor. If you played golf at the Pines you know the excellent conditions persisted along with the fine weather very late into the year. Our financial plan calls for replacement of the original (1971) single-line irrigation system with a modern multi-line programmable system that will provide more coverage and greater efficiency. Such a system will make one of the best courses in the region better still. The club’s progress in reducing long-term debt these past five years has brought us steadily closer to this goal.
2012 Capital Improvements
The club installed new lighting for the front and rear parking areas, new paving of the front parking lot (136 vehicle capacity), enlargement of our pool and overflow parking areas and extensive grading work on the driving range. The driving range now offers a series of three target greens at measured distances as well as upgraded hitting stations on both tiers.
2012 Golf Events
The Junior Clinic program enjoyed another successful season and the Ladies’, Men’s and Senior Men’s associations were all well attended. The club also hosted several popular golf events, including two team match-play competitions. Club associations and events are great ways to make new friends and find playing companions.
Golf Simulator
Golf is already under way for 2013. Our award-winning Head Professional, Russell R. Reid, installed a simulator in the downstairs of the clubhouse in February of 2012. The winter league is getting started. The simulator is also available for private use on a reservation basis, just call the pro shop: 304.296.3466.
2013 Swimming Pool Memberships
Pool memberships for 2012 sold out in March. As of January of 2013, we have only 20 memberships remaining, so hurry. The pool opens Memorial Day weekend and closes Labor Day weekend. You can also book the pool for private events, just call the club’s business office: 304.296.3462.
2013 Social Calendar
Our Social Committee organized several successful events in 2012 and the 2013 calendar is currently being planned. Look for news on a Valentine’s Day event on February 15 (a redemption opportunity in case you got busy and forgot), a spring fling event, an end-of-season event as well as holiday and New Year events. The Boston Beanery folks are great collaborators with us on these events, so be sure to come out and have fun with your friends at your club.
We are expecting a great 2013 and we appreciate your membership. See you soon.
Charles Crooks
2012 Club President