Issuu

T H E B U Z Z

MARCH / APRIL 2026

BRETT CURLEY, CCM

As we move into spring at Charlotte City Club, there is a noticeable and welcome sense of momentum throughout the Club one driven by ren member engagement and a calendar full of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and gather.

Overthepastyear,we’veseenencouragingsignsacrosstheClub:strongereventparticipation,fullerdining rooms,andmoremembersbringingguestsandcolleaguestoexperienceallthattheClubhastoofferThat energyiscarryingusstraightintoanexcitingspringseason.

Theweeksaheadofferavarietyofopportunitiestoconnect.WebegintheseasonwithourFirstFridaySpring Fling,arelaxednetworkingeveningdesignedtoencourageconversationandcommunityShortlythereafter, memberscangatherforourSt.Patrick’sDaybrunch,along-standingClubtraditionthatcontinuestobea favoriteyearafteryear.LaterinMarch,weinvitememberstoexperiencesomethingabitmorewhimsicalwith our“DowntheRabbitHole”MadHatter–themedbrunchfeaturingAliceherselfonMarch29.Astheseason continues,welookforwardtowelcomingfamiliesandfriendsforourEastercelebrations,markingthearrivalof springattheClub.

WearealsoexcitedtolaunchthenextchapterofourculinaryprogrammingwiththestartofourAroundthe WorldDinnerSeries,offeringmembersachancetoexploreglobalflavorsandthoughtfullycuratedexperiences righthereattheClubTheseevents andmanymore areintendedtocreatereasonstogather,linger,and reconnect.

Amidthispositivemomentum,wealsoapproachanimportantgovernancemilestonewithourupcomingAnnual Meeting WhilethemeetingwilladdressrequiredClubbusiness,itisequallyintendedasanopen,informational forum.TheBoardofGovernorsandmanagementteamwillshareahigh-leveloverviewofwheretheClubstands todayandthestepsunderwaytosupportlong-termsustainability.Thefocuswillremainforward-lookingand centeredonthefutureoftheClub.Weencourageyoutoattend.

Whatcontinuestobeclearisthatengagementmatters Themoreourmembersparticipate inevents,dining, bringingguests,andsharingtheClubexperience thestrongerandmorevibrantourcommunitybecomes. Welookforwardtoseeingmanyofyouthisspring atClubevents,aroundthediningroom,andattheAnnual Meeting aswecontinuebuildingmomentumtogether

Warm regards,

Brett Curley, CCM General Manager/COO

Clubs RECIPROCAL

AsmanyofyoutraveltotheDCareaoften,areyouawareofallthereciprocalclubs atyourdisposal?ReachouttoCarrieifyou’dliketovisitanyoftheseamazing locations.

Army&NavyClub | 90117thSt NW,Washington,DC20006

CosmosClub | 2121MassachusettsAve,NW,Washington,DC20008

CapitolHillClub | 3001stSt.SE,Washington,DC20003

TheGeorgetownClub | 1530WisconsinAve NW,Washington,DC20007

TheUniversityClubofWashingtonDC | 113516thSt.NW,Washington,DC20036

TheCityClubofWashington | 55513thSt.NW,Washington,DC20004

ThroughourpartnershipwithInternationalAssociateClubs,thereisalso WineLAIRDC | 112022ndStNW,Washington,DC20037

Army & Navy Club

City Club of Washington

GeorgeTown Club

Cosmos Club

Capitol Hill Club

University Club

WineLAIR

MARCH EVENTS

Thursday, March 5

Book Club

Friday, March 6

Global Thinkers Roundtable

SPRING FLING Networking Friday

Wednesday, March 11

Test Kitchen

Barley & Hops with Sierra Nevada Brewing

Thursday, March 12

Test Kitchen

Live Music Supper Club

Friday, March 13

Chef’s Counter

Sunday, March 15

St Patrick’s Day Brunch with Irish Dance Performances

Wednesday, March 18

Mahjong

Whiskey & Humidor Society

Friday, March 20

Global Thinkers Roundtable

Wednesday, March 25

Wine Cru

Thursday, March 26

Live Music

Sunday, March 29

Down The Rabbit Hole Brunch

Test Kitchen

Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 12 | Dinner Service

Join us for an exclusive Test Kitchen experience where Chef-inspired specials are presented tableside. Guests are invited to taste new dishes in development and share feedback that helps shape future menus - a unique, interactive way to be part of our culinary creative process. These will be full plate specials, priced individually.

St. Paddy's Day Brunch Sunday, March 15 | 10:30 AM - 2 PM

GetreadytogogreenatourSt. Patrick’sDayBrunchintheUpper Club!Enjoyfestivefoodanddrink specialswhiletheRoyalAcademyof IrishStepDancebringstheluck(and thekicks)withliveperformancesat 11:30AMand1:00PM.Greatbites, flowingdrinks,andplentyofIrish spirit sláinte!

Down the Rabbit Hole Brunch Sunday, March 29 | 10:30 AM - 2 PM

Tumble down the rabbit hole and join us for a magical brunch experience in the Garden Room from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Enjoy tea, sweets, and delightful brunch treats as Alice herself joins us for a charming afternoon inspired by Wonderland. A perfect gathering for families and fans of all things curious and whimsical Space is limited; the clock is ticking so don't be late for this important date.

APRIL EVENTS

Thursday, April 2

Book Club

Friday, April 3

Global Thinkers Roundtable Networking Friday

Sunday, April 5

Easter Brunch

Wednesday, April 8

Barley & Hops

Thursday, April 9

Live Music

Supper Club

Wednesday, April 15

Mahjong

Whiskey & Humidor Society

Friday, April 17

Blackbird Vineyards

Blending Experience

Global Thinkers Roundtable

Sunday, April 19

Garden Party Brunch

Wednesday, April 22

Wine Cru

Thursday, April 23

World Book Day

Live Music

Around The World Dinner Series: 2nd Stop Tanzania

Friday, April 24

Queen City Corral

Member Mixer

Thursday, April 30

Grand Cru

Bordeaux Blending Experience with Blackbird Vineyards

April 17 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Register to attend this exclusive, hands-on Bordeaux wine blending experience led by Bill Schissel of Blackbird Vineyards. This immersive evening invites members to step into the role of winemaker - tasting, learning, and crafting a custom Bordeaux-style blend from barrel samples This intimate, interactive experience is ideal for both wine enthusiasts and curious beginners.

Garden Party Brunch

April 19 | 10:30 AM - 2 PM

Join us in the Upper Club for a delightful Spring Garden Brunch, complete with seasonal brunch favorites and sips of spring from the bar. At 1:00 PM, transition into a guided floral arranging class, and leave with your own arrangement; a beautiful take-home piece of spring.

World Book Day

Thursday, April 23 | 5 PM - 10 PM

CelebrateWorldBookDaywithaneveningfor bookloversintheUpperClub.Joinusduring dinnerandbringabookyou’veloved(orone you’rereadytopassalong)toswapwitha fellowmember.Discoveranewread,sparka conversation,andenjoythesimplepleasure ofsharingstoriesonandoffthepage Bringabook.Takeabook.Leaveinspired.

AROUND THE WORLD Dinner Series

Grab Your Passports & Travel the Globe — One Dinner at a Time

Embark on a culinary journey without ever leaving the Club. Our Around the World Dinner Series invites you to experience the flavors, traditions, and stories of cultures from across the globe through thoughtfully curated multi-course dinners and immersive dining experiences

Each dinner in the series showcases an authentic regional menu inspired by its destination, paired with intentional storytelling, ambiance, and cultural elements that bring each country to life Whether you join us for one evening or commit to the full passport, this series is designed to delight curious palates and adventurous spirits alike

Choose Your Passport

Selecttheexperiencethatbestfitsyourtravelplans:

Option1:SingleDestinationDinner

Perfectforaone-nightgetaway

$70++perperson Food&Experience

$100perperson Food,Beverage&Experience

Option2:3-DinnerPassport

Exploremore,savemore

$200++perperson Food&Experience

$275perperson Food,Beverage&Experience

Option3:FullPassport–All6Dinners

Theultimateglobaldiningexperience

$400++perperson Food&Experience

$575perperson Food,Beverage&Experience

What to Expect

Curatedmulti-courseregionalmenus Optionalbeveragepairingsinspiredby eachdestination

Ashareddiningexperiencedesignedto connectmembersthroughfood,culture, andconversation

Whetheryou’resamplingasingledestination orcollectingstampsallyearlong,theAround theWorldDinnerSeriesoffersan unforgettablewaytoexperienceglobal cuisine,righthereatCharlotteCityClub.

Seatsarelimited.Passportsarehighly encouraged.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Grace Ramsey

WelookforwardtowelcomingourSpring Artist-In-ResidencethefirstofApril.

GraceRamseyArtistBio:

GraceRamsey(b.1990)isanemerging Americanabstract-expressionistpainter basedinCharlotte,NorthCarolina. Alwaysacreative,Gracespenttimestudying atThePrattInstitutebeforetherecession forcedhertopivot,whenshethen discoveredtheperformingartsand dedicatedthenextthirteenyearstraveling theworldasaprofessionalaerialistand contortionist Itwasthisexperienceasan acrobatthattrulyinformedherabstract paintingstyle,withherworknowinfused withsweepinglinequalityreminiscentof movementthroughintheair.

Returningtopaintingfull-timein2022, Grace'sartworkexploresself-actualization throughbothdeepintrospectionand relationshipstocommunity,family, environment,andlovers.Herworkexplores richemotionalnarrativesthroughrhythm, gesture,andscale Gracetakesaesthetic inspirationfromhertravelsthroughAsiaand acrosstheUnitedStates,withstrong influencefromyearsspentdrivingacross theAmericanWest.

Grace’sworkhasbeenonexhibitatArtFair JacksonHoleinJackson,Wyoming,The HamptonsFineArtFairinSouthampton, NewYork,andRedDotMiami.Herworkcan befoundinprivatecollectionsacrossthe UnitedStates,andshehasbeen commissionedtocreatemultipleworksfor financeandinvestmentfirmsinCharlotte

Artist Statement: Harmony:

Harmony stands in a new period of recovery after prolonged dissonance, and is marked by a return to color. This series establishes an intentional, slow-paced method, shifting compositions from raw expression to a formal investigation of balance, rhythm, and density.

Triadic color harmonies function as the backbone for each composition. Additional color choices are made based on each harmony, always making sure to keep the initial palette at the forefront. The paintings forgo the use of white or black to maximize vibrance and avoid muddiness. Working in varying layers, the paint is applied in different levels of thickness before some layers are carved away with silicone sculpting tools to reveal colors underneath, thus prompting the eye to dance across each canvas.

At certain intervals, watery-thin layers of color are added to achieve a shimmering, iridescent quality between color transitions. Subtle pigment congregates at the edges of puddles, lending softness to contrast the structural quality of the overall piece. The resulting works sustain a quiet intensitystructures of light and color that dance and breathe.

NEW MEMBERS

SHANNON BAGATO

MARTY THOMAS

Shannon K. Bagato serves as Vice President of Law, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Compliance Officer at TTX Company, where she has worked in-house for over 20 years. In this role, she manages the company’s legal affairs including commercial transactions, litigation, labor and employment, regulatory issues, compliance, and government relations Additionally, she is responsible for organizing quarterly Board of Directors meetings, orienting new directors, and advising the Board. Shannon has also participated in key internal committees such as Enterprise Risk Management, ESG, Employee Engagement, and Business Donations & Charitable Contributions, and currently serves on the Boards of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks.

MartyThomasjoinedTTXinNovember,2024asCorporateExecutiveVice President.Inthisrole,heoversawSupplyChain,InformationTechnology, FinanceandFleetManagement InDecemberof2025Martywaspromoted toPresidentofTTX BeforejoiningTTX,Thomasspent29yearswithGE Transportation/WestinghouseAirBrakeCorporation(Wabtec)wherehe heldleadershiprolesofincreasingresponsibility,includingShiftSupervisor, FieldServiceEngineer,LocomotiveServiceshopPlantManager,Global LeanSixSigmaMasterBlackBelt,BNSFandUPRRAccountExecutive, EnterpriseQualityExecutive,andSr.ExecutiveGlobalOperationsfora$3.6 billionbusinesssegment.

Hebringsextensiveexperienceinlean,plantmanagement,NorthAmerica Class1railroadmechanicaloperations,integratedsupplychains, manufacturing,aftermarketremanufacturing,supplier/customer commercialnegotiations,P&Lleadership,globalfleetassetmanagement, enterprisequalityandacquisitionintegration.

ThomasearnedhisBSinTechnologyfromMontanaStateUniversity–NorthernandanMBAfromFrostburgState University–Maryland.Outsideofwork,heenjoysspendingtimeoutdoorswithhisfamilyinthemountainsof Montana.

RAFIC KORBAN

Rafic Korban works in his family’s business, SPARX Logistics a global freight forwarder specializing in building efficient, transparent supply chains for companies around the world. Growing up between Charlotte, NC and Hong Kong shaped who he is today and gave him an international outlook that he brings into both business and life.

He’s been fortunate to travel widely, meet people from all kinds of backgrounds, and learn from every interaction. He enjoys cigars, wine, and whiskey, and is a huge sports enthusiast, especially rugby, Formula 1, surfing, and MMA. Rafic believes in building strong relationships, staying curious, and connecting people and opportunities wherever possible

AMANDA HOFFMAN

OriginallyfromKansas,AmandaHoffmannlivedasa happynomaduntildecidingtoputdownrootsin Charlottetobeclosertofamily.Shedescribesherselfas “aggressivelycurious”andishappiestwithagoodbook, anengagingconversation,oralongwanderthrougha newcity.

Amandarunsaconsultingandcoachingpracticewhere shehelpspeopleandgroupsgetclearaboutwhatthey wantandhowtomovetowardit afocusthatshapesher publicspeakingandthebookshekeepsthreateningto finish.Beforelaunchingherpractice,shespentyearsin corporatepeoplestrategy,wheresheidentifiedrecurring patternsinhowpeoplethink,grow,andgetstuck.She shiftedintoentrepreneurshipinordertobuildherown approachesthatfitrealhumanneedsratherthan organizationaltemplates

Athome,shesharesspacewithtwocats BradandScott whoseemconvincedthey’retherightfultenants.She tendstounwindwithmoviesthatleanclever,funny,or surprising.Amandaislookingforwardtomeeting thoughtfulpeopleandfindingherplaceinthecommunity attheCharlotteCityClub

CHEF’S RECIPE

Chimichurri

Ingredients

Serves4

•1cupfreshparsley,finelychopped

•2tablespoonsfreshoregano,finelychopped (or2teaspoonsdried)

•4clovesgarlic,minced

•½cupoliveoil

•3tablespoonsredwinevinegar

•1teaspoonsalt

•½teaspoonblackpepper

•½teaspoonredpepperflakes(adjusttotaste)

•Optional:juiceof½lemonforextrabrightness

Directions

1 Combine the parsley, oregano, and garlic in a bowl

2. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3. Stir until everything is well mixed.

4. Taste and adjust acidity or salt as needed.

5. Let it rest at least 15–20 minutes so the flavors meld.

STAFF INTRODUCTION

JES QUICK, BANQUET CHEF

1. What brought you to Charlotte City Club, and what excites you most about your role as Banquet Chef

What gained my interest in the Club, was the attention to detail when it came to creation and quality on a plate Being a banquet chef excites me because the members get to try my creation and taste my passion for food in every bite

2. How would you describe your cooking style in three words, and why?

Taste, note,and create. I love all styles of cooking. I build on taste, note if it’s better with or without, and BOOM! An amazing dish is created.

3. Banquet menus are all about moments. What’s your favorite type of event to cook for at the Club, and what do you love about it?

I love cooking for Grand Cru. I just love coming up with a unique pairing with the wines

4. What’s one dish or menu you’ve created that you’re especially proud of?

The last Grand Cru menu and the display of it all

5. When members attend an event at Charlotte City Club, what do you hope they experience through the food?

I hope the Members experience something so unforgettable That is being talked about in rooms you will never imagine

6. How do you approach creating menus that feel elevated but still approachable for our members and their guests?

I’m always trying my best to give them an amazing experience. So, when my mind starts wandering with ideas, I talk to our executive chef, and he helps me dial it down.

7. What inspires you in the kitchen — ingredients, travel, family traditions, or something else entirely?

I would say something that inspires me is just my passion for food. The kitchen is like the mall to me. I just love inventing and creating an amazing experience.

8. What’s one behind-the-scenes detail about banquet service that members might not realize, but you think is pretty special?

How everyone comes together; back of house, front of house, to make every event a cool event for the Members.

9. Outside of the kitchen, what do you enjoy doing when you’re not at the Club?

Creating different food at home, and journaling

10. Is there a fun food fact, favorite ingredient, or “chef secret” you’re willing to share with our members?

Honey never expires, and ketchup was once a medicine.

Springisaseasonoffreshstartsandnew growthandourbeverageprogramisblooming rightalongwithit!We’reexcitedtointroduce newwinesby-the-glasswithmorefrequent featurerotations,abrand-newcocktaillist,and anall-newreserveby-the-glassselection.

Overthepastfewmonths,welistenedcloselyto memberfeedbackandlearnedthatvarietyand thoughtfulsurprises,pairedwithcorefavorites, weretoppriorities.Astheseasonunfolds,our by-the-glasslistwillreflectjustthat:sixtoeight consistentwinesalongsidethreetofourrotating features Theseselectionsarechosenfor quality,enjoyability,andyourfeedback.The “most-loved”mayearnapermanentplaceonour by-the-bottlelist It’safun,interactivewayto exploreandhelpshapewhat’spouredatyour club.

Ournewcocktailmenuwelcomesthechanging weatherwithbright,creativeflavors-froma lavendercosmohintingatwarmerdaystoa smokedfigold-fashionedforlingeringcool nights,plusacrisppineandcranberrymargarita inspiredbywinter’sfinalbreeze.Besuretoask ourtalentedbarteamaboutthestoriesbehind eachcreation.

Andfinally,forthosemomentswhenyou’ve dreamedoftryingatrulyspecialbottlewithout theheftypricetag,ournewreservelistmakesit possible.FeaturingstandoutwineslikeOpus One,Châteauneuf-du-PapeBlanc,andPritchard Hill.Theseselectionsareavailablein3oz.or6 oz.poursalongwithfullbottlesandarebeing pouredusingtheCoravinsystemwhichuses Aragongasinjectiontokeepthemfresh.Asan addedincentivewearefeaturingmostwinesjust abovecost!

Wecan’twaittowelcomeyouaswestepintothis newseason,withfreshflavors,excitingoptions, andnewwaystoexploreallthatyourbeverage programhastooffer.