OCTOBER 2026 MEN’S MEMBER MEMBER CHAMPIONS JIM GROSS & TOM BERNETICH
LAUREL CREEK COUNTRY CLUB MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
THE CREEK
OCTOBER 2026
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dean Kramer President
Erich Herkloz Vice President
Chris Noyes Treasurer
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HOURS OF OPERATION GOLF COURSE Tues to Fri 8 am to Sunset
PUB & BISTRO Tues to Fri 11 am to 9 pm
GRILLE BAR Thursday 11 am to 9 pm
Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am to Sunset
Saturday 9:30 am to 9 pm
Friday 9 am to 5 pm
SIMULATOR HOURS Tues to Sat 9 am to 10 pm
Sunday 9:30 am to 8 pm
Sat & Sun 9 am to 5 pm
PALMER HOUSE Tues to Thurs 10 am to 5 pm
POOL & OASIS Closed for the Season
Sunday 9 pm to 8 pm
Tyler Prime Secretary
PRO SHOP Tues to Fri 7:30 to 6 pm
Joe Canataro
Sat & Sun 7:00 am to 6 pm
Scott Duman
TENNIS Open for Play
Sean Fox
Kiel Gilliland
Dan Katona
Thomas Koerner
Greg Markus
Friday 10 am to 6 pm Sat & Sun 9 am to 5 pm
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Board of Trustees & Hours of Operation
6 Laurel Creek Women’s Golf Association
10 Employee of the Month & The Event Edit
2 General Manager Insights
7 Event Ad
11 On the Courts
3 Membership Matters
8 Event Ad
12 From the Greens
4 New Members
9 At The Table
13 & 14 Club Event Calendars
5 The 19 th Hole
OCTOBER 2026
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General Manager Insights ElishaCancelli
As fall is now in full swing, my team and I are excited for another busy and engaging season at the club. October can bring some of the best golf weather of the year, and Dan is still down at the courts with a full schedule of programming. We hope you take advantage of the beautiful days ahead and enjoy all the club has to offer.
During our busiest periods, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings from approximately 6:00–8:00 p.m., we may need to limit takeout orders. These “blackout windows” help us maintain the quality of food and service for both members dining at the club and those enjoying meals at home. A few tips to make takeout easier:
Our Food & Beverage team also has a great lineup of fall events planned, including our signature Annual Halloween Party. We have some spooky surprises in store and hope you’ll join us for what is always one of the most fun nights of the year! A Quick Note About Reservations Fall brings busy schedules filled with school, sports, and family activities, which can often lead to lastminute dining or takeout plans. We love having you and your families at the club, and reservations help us provide the best possible experience. Reservations allow us to: • Accommodate your preferred time and, when possible, location. • Prepare for special dietary requests. • Help our culinary team plan appropriately for the number of diners. • Schedule the right number of staff to provide the service you expect. We understand that plans don’t always allow for advance notice, and we are happy to welcome you with or without a reservation. However, when you know your plans in advance, we encourage you to make a reservation—it helps us prepare and serve you better. A Note About Takeout Takeout is another great amenity we are happy to offer our members. Our goal is to do everything we offer well, and our culinary team holds takeout orders to the same high standards as meals served in the dining room.
• Order early: Pickup by 5:30 p.m. will typically ensure availability. • Consider a later pickup: Takeout generally resumes around 8:00 p.m. when a blackout is in place. • Use weekdays when possible: We have more flexibility for takeout during the week. • Plan around major club events: Takeout is not available when à la carte service is closed for a major event. • Plan ahead when using your monthly minimum. If you are approaching the end of your monthly minimum period, please allow yourself some flexibility. Waiting until the final day — particularly if that day falls on a Friday or Saturday — may mean that takeout availability is limited. These guidelines are not intended to be prohibitive. They are simply designed to help us balance the many ways our members enjoy the club while maintaining the quality and level of service we strive to provide every day. Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the club and our team. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an engaged membership, and we look forward to spending the beautiful fall season with you, your families, and your friends. There is a lot happening at the club over the next few months, and we hope you’ll make the most of it!
OCTOBER 2026
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Membership Matters PattyFagan
October is here, and this is always such an exciting time at Laurel Creek. The fall calendar is packed, our social season is in full swing, and there is so much happening around the Club over the next few months. I’m thrilled to share that we currently have 17 Fall Trial Membership applications in process! We are very excited to welcome these new families to Laurel Creek and hope many of them will choose to continue their membership with us in 2027. There is still time to participate in the Fall Trial, which runs from October 15 through December 15. If you have friends, neighbors, coworkers or family members who have been thinking about joining Laurel Creek, this is such a great, risk-free way for them to experience the Club before making a commitment. Trial families can enjoy golf, practice facilities, racquets, dining and member events and really get a feel for what membership at Laurel Creek is all about. And don’t forget, members receive a $1,000 referral credit for anyone they refer who ultimately commits to membership following the trial. As we head further into fall, our event calendar really starts to pick up. We’ll kick things off with one of my favorite family traditions, our Halloween Party on Monday, October 26th. Last year we had over 900 members and guests attend. Can we break 1,000 this year? I can’t wait to see all the costumes, and that includes the parents too! I’m also really looking forward to this year’s Moulin Rouge Fall Gala on November 13. Our team has been working hard on the details, and I think it is going to be such a fun night. With so much happening between now and the end of the year, be sure to check the Dining & Social tab in the Laurel Creek app so you don’t miss anything. Speaking of events, this is also the time of year when our Executive Team begins planning the entire calendar for 2027. It’s a much bigger undertaking than you might think! We start with our annual traditions and then work together to add new events and ideas, many of which come directly from suggestions made by our Membership Experience Committee and our members.
We also do our best to look at school calendars and local events so we can avoid conflicts whenever possible. Of course, there will always be the occasional back-to-school night or community event that pops up after our calendar is set, but we really do put a lot of thought into creating a calendar that works for as many of our members as possible. Our goal is to have the 2027 events loaded into the mobile app by the end of January. While registration won’t open until approximately six weeks before each event, you’ll be able to look ahead and save the dates for the events you don’t want to miss. And finally, I’m especially excited about something new we are starting in November. The first Friday of every month will be our New Member Happy Hour in the Pub from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. We’ll have complimentary hors d’oeuvres and half-priced drinks, and I’ll be there each month to help introduce our newer members to some familiar Laurel Creek faces. Friday nights in the Pub are always a lot of fun, and one of the things I love most is how welcoming our members are. So, if you’re new to Laurel Creek, please come out, grab a seat at the bar and meet some new friends. And to our longtime members, if you see someone you don’t recognize, introduce yourself and make them feel at home. Sometimes all it takes is one introduction to make someone feel like they truly belong. There is so much to look forward to over the next few months, and I can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the Club this fall! See you at the Club!
OCTOBER 2026
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New Members The Govin Family
OCTOBER 2026
The 19th Hole
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BobHennefer
START YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT LAUREL CREEK
The Laurel Creek Pro Shop is now online, making it easier to shop Laurel Creek apparel, golf gear and accessories from wherever you are. With the holiday season approaching, the new online store is a convenient way to get a head start on your shopping, whether you're looking for a gift for a fellow golfer, a family member or something for your own wish list. The online Pro Shop features premium brands including Lululemon, FootJoy, Johnnie-O, B. Draddy and more, along with a selection of merchandise that you won't find in the Pro Shop. Shop men's, women's and youth apparel, headwear, footwear, golf bags, accessories and more, with new options available online. Many items can also be personalized with your choice of Laurel Creek logo, making it easy to create a gift that feels uniquely Laurel Creek. And the online store isn't just for members. Friends and family are welcome to shop, too, making it easy to share a little Laurel Creek spirit with everyone on your holiday list. With 24/7 shopping, direct-to-door shipping and a wide selection of golf and lifestyle merchandise, the Laurel Creek Online Pro Shop is a convenient new way to shop for the holidays and beyond. Scan the QR Code or tap the photo below to visit the store today!
OCTOBER 2026
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LCWGA
A Season to Remember! As another wonderful golf season begins to wind down, we have so much to celebrate! From tournament victories and spirited team competition to relaxing getaways and memorable times together, this season has been filled with great golf, friendship, and plenty of fun. Jersey Girls Tournament — A Big Win! Our season had a fantastic highlight by winning the Jersey Girl’s league. Our ladies brought their A-game, combining great shots, steady play, and plenty of team spirit. Congratulations to everyone who participated and helped bring home the victory! It was a wonderful accomplishment and a great reflection of the talent and camaraderie within our league. Special thanks to Rita Gordon for leading our team! Secretary’s Cup The winning continued with our Secretary’s Cup Tournament which is a season long event. Our golfers once again showed their competitive spirit and love of the game. We are thrilled to celebrate our winners Julie Knowles and Sue Studley and congratulate all of our players for their outstanding effort.
Jersey Girls
Secretary’s Cu p
Solheim Cup Match The Solheim Cup Match brought out plenty of friendly rivalry, team spirit, and excitement. Golfers were divided into teams United States and Europe, and competed in the spirit of the Solheim Cup. The day was filled with great matches, enthusiastic cheering, and lots of laughs. Team US won this event! The match was followed by a special theme lunch. Shore Retreat One of the most relaxing highlights of the season was our shore retreat where we traded our usual golf routine for a perfect combination of spa time, golf, and a wonderful dinner together. It was the ideal getaway—a chance to unwind, enjoy golf, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation, and spend time together off the course. The laughter and memories made during the retreat will surely carry us through the offseason! Thank you to MaryAnn Stack for organizing this event!
Solheim Cup
Finishing the Season Strong It’s hard to believe that our golf season is coming to an end. Looking back, this has been a season filled with wins, competition, relaxation, friendship, and fun. Let’s enjoy these final rounds, celebrate everything we accomplished together, and finish the season with the same enthusiasm and spirit that carried us through it.
Shore Retreat
OCTOBER 2026
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OCTOBER 2026
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At The Table RyanReeves As a member of a private club, you should expect your dietary preferences and food-safety needs to be fully addressed so that you can be served safely and enjoy your meal. As hospitality professionals, we take allergies, dietary restrictions, and food aversions very seriously. Clear communication is the best way to ensure that these needs are understood and properly accommodated. It is crucial that we accurately identify whether a member’s reaction to food is the result of a food allergy or a food intolerance. Food Allergies Allergies are the first and most important consideration we address. According to research published by ScienceDirect and Global Pediatric Health, food allergies are chronic conditions that can be life-threatening and are becoming increasingly common. Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a particular food protein. Although some reactions may be mild and cause only minor discomfort, we take every allergy seriously. Severe food allergies can cause serious reactions, including anaphylaxis. Whether a member has been with us for twenty years or is a brand-new infant addition to the family, we want to prevent any situation that could cause harm. The nine major food allergens recognized in the United States are:
These are commonly used ingredients and may be present in many foods and beverages throughout the property, so informing your server about any allergies is essential. Food Intolerances and Dietary Restrictions Dietary restrictions are the second consideration we address. These may include food intolerances, which occur when the body has difficulty digesting or processing a particular food or ingredient. Food intolerance can cause unpleasant symptoms, usually without involving the immune system or creating a serious medical emergency. We take dietary restrictions just as seriously as allergies because we want to prevent physical discomfort and ensure that you have a pleasant, enjoyable dining experience. Food Aversions Finally, food aversions are strong dislikes of ingredients or foods because of their taste, smell, texture, or even the thought of eating them. They may result from a past unpleasant experience, sensory sensitivity, or personal preference. This is also taken seriously. Our chefs and team want you to enjoy your meal fully and do not want anything to negatively affect your dining experience. We have recently completed extensive dietaryawareness training with our entire food-andbeverage team. We have established policies and procedures for both the dining room and the kitchen to help ensure that we safely serve the meal you expect and deserve. If appropriate, dietary information shared with us during your time at the club may be added to your member profile to help expedite future service. Even though our team is trained to gather and communicate this information, please continue to inform us of any questions, concerns, or changes, especially those involving the safety of you and your family while you are here at Laurel Creek.
OCTOBER 2026
July Employee of the Month KatelynMinarcik
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The Event Edit August Employee of the Month ErinSchafer
Fall Event Season Is Here! As the fall event season gets underway, we’re so excited to introduce a brand-new event this year! While our annual Ladies Night Out is taking a little hiatus, we’re bringing everyone together for something new and special: Our 1st Annual “Friendsgiving”! Gather your best girlfriends and join us for a cozy fall evening filled with good friends, favorite drinks, delicious fall-inspired foods, and great entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, laugh, catch up, and celebrate friendship while enjoying all the best things about the season. Grab your girlfriends and come celebrate Friendsgiving with us! More details coming soon — you won’t want to miss this one! Congratulations to Katelyn “Kate” Minarcik, our September Employee of the Month! Kate has been a valued part of the Laurel Creek team since 2019, serving our members with a welcoming attitude and genuine care. She has a talent for making everyone feel comfortable and appreciated, and she’s especially great at helping new members feel at home at the club. Her commitment to serving others extends beyond Laurel Creek. Kate is also a new mom and a volunteer firefighter, two roles that reflect her caring and giving nature. We appreciate all that Kate does for our members and our team, and we’re proud to recognize her this month. Congratulations, Kate!
NOW is the time to booking your holiday party! Celebrate your employees, toast with family, or enjoy a cocktail party with your closest friends. Whether you’re planning a business event, corporate dinner, intimate gathering, or simply looking for a reason to celebrate the season, we have options to make your event special. Let us help you create a holiday celebration your guests will remember! Book your date now before we fill up! Gather. Celebrate. Make memories.
OCTOBER 2026
On the Courts DanBatchelor
October is here, and there is still plenty happening on the courts as we make the most of the fall weather! Club Championships Underway Our Tennis and Pickleball Club Championships are underway! Best of luck to everyone competing. Please continue to coordinate with your opponents and complete your matches by the scheduled deadlines. We look forward to crowning our 2026 Club Champions – and awarding perhaps the most coveted prize at the club: a reserved parking space! Liz Hepp Memorial Round Robin Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Liz Hepp Memorial Round Robin in September. It was great to see so many members come together to remember Liz and support a meaningful cause. Fall Clinics Continue We still have a full lineup of adult and junior tennis and pickleball clinics throughout October. There is still plenty of time to get out on the courts, so take advantage of the remaining weeks of the season while the weather is still nice. Check the app for the latest clinic schedule and registration. End-of-Season Ladies Day — October 9 Join us on Friday, October 9 for our End-of-Season Ladies Day as we wrap up another season of ladies’ tennis. 9:00–11:30 AM — Round Robin 11:30 AM — Lunch in Blu We hope to see you there! See You on the Courts There is still plenty of tennis and pickleball to be played before the season comes to a close. We look forward to seeing everyone on the courts throughout October!
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From the Greens JohnSlade
The Grounds team starts as early as possible at all times of the year. Preparing the golf course ahead of play is critical for both member satisfaction as well as our productivity--once we have to wait for a group to play through, things spiral down rapidly. With daylight arriving later each day, it is definitely tricky this time of year, and we must push back our start time accordingly. The team members' safety is our number one priority, and even with lights, operating equipment in the dark is less than ideal. We often dot pin placements a day ahead of time, since a headlamp really doesn't allow you to thoroughly evaluate what will be a good location or not.
And then we have those times when it's dark out, you think you are following the contour of the green with your mower, and suddenly realize that you're in the approach. By the time we get to Halloween this year, sunrise will be at 7:28 A.M. and the end of Daylight Saving Time (that night) will be appreciated.
OCTOBER 2026
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OCTOBER SUNDAY
4
11
Breakfast with The Birds
18
MONDAY
5
12
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Build a Buddy Brunch
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
Pasta & Wine
Live Music BRAT
Live Music Rich Cassenti
8
9
10
6
7
Burgers & Brews
Asian Night in Blu
Pasta & Wine
13
14
15
16
17
Pasta & Wine
Live Music Chris Stevens
Live Music Beth Tinnon
Burgers & Brews
19
THURSDAY
Live Music Ginger Cole
Live Music Sunshine Jones
Camp Night at LCCC
20
21
22
23
24
Burgers & Brews
Bourbon Tasting
Pasta & Wine
Trivia Night
Live Music Mike Margarite
Longevity Advantage: Peptides & Hormones Seminar
Blu After Dark Live Music Sophie Coran
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Burgers & Brews
Annual Halloween Party
Burgers & Brews
Wine Dinner
Pasta & Wine
Live Music Oliver Dagum
Live Music Perry Curcio
OCTOBER 2026
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NOVEMBER SUNDAY 1
MONDAY 2
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
3
4
5
6
7
Burgers & Brews
Dinner in The Dark
Pasta & Wine
Live Music Matt Flynn
Live Music BRAT
11
12
13
14
Pasta & Wine
Fall Gala
Live Music Dennis Matthews
20
Mah Jongg Class 1
8
9
10
Burgers & Brews Mah Jongg Class 1
15
16
17
18
19
Burgers & Brews
Winter Wine Show
Pasta & Wine
Live Music Chris Stevens
Galsgiving
Blu After Dark
MahJongg Class 2
22
23
Storybook Brunch
24
Burgers & Brews
25
30
21
Live Music Sophie Coran
26
27
28
Thanksgiving Buffet & Thanksgiving To Go
Live Music Jay Milley
Live Music Carl Filbert
Club closes at 4 pm 29
Club Closes at 3 pm
www.laurelcreek.org