SEPTEMBER 2026
PHOTO: CAMP NIGHT
LAUREL CREEK COUNTRY CLUB MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
THE CREEK
SEPTEMBER 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 Tues & Wed 11 am to 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am to Sunset
Saturday 9:30 am to 9 pm
Thursday 11 am to 9 pm
SIMULATOR HOURS Tues to Sat 9 am to 10 pm
Sunday 9:30 am to 8 pm
Friday 9 am to 5 pm
PALMER HOUSE Tues & Wed 10 am to 5 pm
Sat & Sun 9 am to 5 pm
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
Thursday 10 am to 7 pm
POOL & OASIS Saturday & Sunday 11 am to 7 pm
Friday 9 am to 7 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 for July & August
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
SEPTEMBER 2026
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General Manager Insights ElishaCancelli
It's hard to believe that fall is already upon us, but here it is! While we are all a little sad to see summer drift away, fall brings some of the best golf weather and course conditions of the year. Now that vacations are behind us and everyone is settling back into the rhythm of daily life, we hope you’ll find time to enjoy all the wonderful things we have to offer this fall. September is shaping up to be an action-packed month at the Club! We are looking forward to the popular Fall Member-Member Tournament on September 25th and 26th, with the Pairings Party on September 24th. That will be followed by the always-fun Beat the Pro event on October 3rd and our final one-day Member-Guest of the year on October 15th. We hope you’ll join us for all of these great fall events. Dan and his racquets team are continuing to offer a full array of daily programming. Don't forget that on September 11th, we will host a Tennis Round Robin in memory of our dear member, Liz Hepp. All proceeds will go toward her GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses. On the food and beverage side, the team has put together a fun-filled lineup of fall events, with something for everyone. Our Blu After Dark series will return monthly this fall, beginning Friday, September 11th, for those night owls who enjoy a high-energy, nightclub-style atmosphere. If that’s not your speed, Dîner en Blanc on September 16th will offer a refined and elegant dining experience, featuring a menu thoughtfully curated by Chef Pete. For the little ones, our ever-popular Character Breakfast will take place on September 27th. We'll round out the month with our Cakebread Wine Dinner on September 30th, an event no wine lover will want to miss! New this year, our pool will remain open every Saturday and Sunday throughout September. Come enjoy our heated pool or simply relax and take in the beautiful fall weather at the Oasis Bar, featuring football specials every Sunday in September. Finally, over the past several weeks, you have received several communications regarding our Club Survey, and I want to sincerely thank the 487 members who took the time to respond. Your feedback is invaluable, and your input will truly help shape the future of the Club for years to come. As we turn the page to a new season, we are excited about all that is ahead. From great golf and tennis to memorable dining experiences, family activities, and simply enjoying time together at the Club, there are so many opportunities to make the most of the fall. We hope you'll take advantage of everything the Club has to offer and, most importantly, spend some time with family, friends, and fellow members along the way. Here's to a wonderful fall season at the Club; we can't wait to share it with you!
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Membership Matters PattyFagan
Fall Is in the Air at Laurel Creek! I’m not quite sure how it happened, but summer flew by! The kids are back in school, the days are getting a little shorter, and we are heading into one of my favorite times of the year at Laurel Creek. While summer may be winding down, things at the Club certainly are not. In fact, our calendar seems to get even busier as we head into fall and winter. Along with some of our favorite traditions, including Halloween and Character Breakfast, we have some exciting new events planned that I think our members are really going to enjoy. There is always something happening at Laurel Creek, and I love seeing our members take advantage of everything the Club has to offer beyond the golf course. Speaking of golf, I want to thank everyone who participated in our first-ever Member & Staff Golf Outing. What a fun day! I’ll admit, stepping onto the course with my foursome was a little intimidating, but everyone was incredibly patient with me and I even managed to hit a few good shots! More importantly, it was such a great opportunity for our members and staff to spend time together outside of our usual roles and just have fun. We received such positive feedback that we are already looking forward to making this an annual Laurel Creek tradition. And while we’re talking about traditions, mark your calendars for Friday, November 13, because this year’s Fall Gala is going to be one to remember. We are bringing Moulin Rouge to Laurel Creek! I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but ladies, consider this your official notice to start shopping for those gala dresses now. It is going to be a fabulous night! Finally, I am especially excited that we have brought back our Fall Trial Membership for 2026, something we have not offered since before COVID. From October 15 through December 15, prospective members and their families will have the opportunity to truly experience Laurel Creek, including unlimited golf, practice facilities, tennis and pickleball, dining and member events. A $6,000 fully refundable deposit is required, and if they decide to continue membership, that deposit is applied toward their 2027 membership category. If you have a friend, neighbor, coworker or family member who has talked about joining Laurel Creek, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the Club. 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 say goodbye to summer, I’m really looking forward to everything ahead. The events are wonderful, but what continues to make Laurel Creek special is the people who fill them. I hope to see all of you around the Club this fall!
Staff Scramble
SEPTEMBER 2026
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New Members The Govin Family
SEPTEMBER 2026
The 19th Hole
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BobHennefer
PACE OF PLAY: TIME, POSITION & YOUR RESPONSIBILITY PACE OF PLAY: TIME, POSITION & YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Our standard pace is 4:08, but pace of play is about more than the clock. With a busy golf season underway, here’s a quick reminder of how we evaluate pace at Laurel Creek. THE BENCHMARKS Foursomes: 4 hours, 8 minutes Threesomes: Approximately 3 hours, 35 minutes Twosomes & Singles: Expected to play faster These are benchmarks, not guarantees. When the course is moving faster, groups should make every effort to keep up. POSITION MATTERS A group can be under 4:08 and still be out of position. If you are more than a full hole behind the group ahead with an open hole in front of you, it’s time to pick up the pace. If you begin losing sight of the group ahead, please don’t wait for a GPS reminder or a member of the Golf Staff. Look ahead, stay aware and work together to close the gap. Our staff may provide a GPS reminder, speak with your group, monitor pace or ask a faster group to play through. In rare cases, a group’s position may need to be adjusted, including skipping a hole. HOSTING GUESTS? YOU SET THE PACE. Members are responsible for the pace and conduct of their guests. You know the course and how to keep your group moving — please help your guests understand and enjoy the Laurel Creek experience. A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Yes, we track pace of play and know each group’s average pace. Continued failure to follow our guidelines may result in written correspondence, with repeat violations potentially referred to the Club’s Code of Conduct Committee. We don’t want anyone racing around Laurel Creek. We simply want everyone to enjoy their round, their playing partners and the course. Every group affects the groups behind them. A little awareness from everyone keeps the golf experience better for all.
SEPTEMBER 2026
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LCWGA As summer winds down and the golf season begins its final stretch, it’s hard to believe how quickly the season has flown by. We’ve enjoyed plenty of great rounds, friendly competition, memorable shots, and—of course—a few stories that seem to get better with every retelling! Our President’s and Secretary’s Cup events are coming to an end. It’s been a great competition so far!
🇺🇸 Upcoming Member-Guest Tournament: Fairways and Fireworks
One of the highlights still ahead is our Member-Guest Tournament, featuring the festive theme “Fairways and Fireworks.” It’s the perfect opportunity to invite a special guest, enjoy some spirited competition, and celebrate the friendships that make our golf league so much fun. Get ready to bring your best game, your team spirit, and your patriotic flair! Whether you’re hoping to post a low score or simply looking forward to a wonderful day with friends, this promises to be a memorable event.
🏌️ Wrapping Up a Great Season
As we look toward the end of the season, let’s take a moment to appreciate everything that makes our women’s golf league special. From competitive matches and league events to casual rounds and time spent together after golf, this season has given us plenty to celebrate. The final weeks are a great reminder to enjoy every round, cheer on your fellow golfers, and make the most of our remaining time on the course. There will be plenty of opportunities for one more birdie, one more great drive, and maybe one more “I almost made that putt!” before we put the clubs away for the year. Here’s to finishing the season strong, celebrating our members and guests, and making our final rounds some of the most enjoyable ones yet!
🎆
Fairways ahead, friendships always—and maybe a few fireworks along the way!
⛳
SEPTEMBER 2026
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SEPTEMBER 2026
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SEPTEMBER 2026
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At The Table RyanReeves
As summer winds down, we’re excited to bring you a full lineup of events featuring family fun, live entertainment, seasonal dining, and memorable experiences for the whole club. Celebrate the end of summer with us at our Labor Day Pool Party this Monday, September 7th! Enjoy a day filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, music, pool slides, bounce houses, and obstacle courses. Bring the whole family and make the most of the holiday weekend with fun for all ages. Beginning after Labor Day, the pool will remain open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you poolside throughout the remainder of the season! Blu After Dark is back on Friday, September 11, beginning at 9:00 p.m. Join us at Blu Restaurant & Lounge for a nightclub-style evening featuring music, a late-night bar menu, and an energetic atmosphere. Gather your friends and enjoy a night out at the club. More details, including the event end time, will be announced soon. Our Annual Character Brunch returns on Sunday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join us for a fun-filled morning with some of our favorite family-friendly characters. This special event is perfect for children, grandchildren, cousins, and friends of all ages. This year’s brunch has received our largest response ever, with an extended waitlist. Due to the tremendous demand, the Pub and Bistro will be closed during the event so we can accommodate as many guests from the waitlist as possible. We look forward to welcoming families for a memorable morning of delicious food and character fun! Join us at Blu Restaurant & Lounge on Oct. 7th and 8th for an unforgettable Asian dining experience. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with happy hour, featuring hors d’oeuvres and bubbles. Guests will then be seated promptly at 7:00 p.m. for a multicourse Asian-inspired dinner featuring exceptional cuisine, elegant presentations, and memorable flavors. This theme was a favorite at our last Fall Gala, and we are thrilled to bring it back for another special evening at Blu. Stay tuned for some exciting information regarding our Brunches in Blu. We are reimagining what that service includes and looks like and giving it a new refresh. We look forward to welcoming you!
Seafood Night
SEPTEMBER 2026
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July Employee of the Month
August Employee of the Month
We are proud to recognize Aiden Kitts as our
We are proud to recognize Jose Manuel
Employee of the Month for July! Although
Ramos Medina as our August Employee of
Aiden has only been with us for one summer,
the Month!
he has already made a meaningful impact on
Ramos Medina has been a valued member of
our Maintenance/Tennis Department. As a
our
part-time employee balancing the demands
dependable,
of college, Aiden consistently demonstrates a
consistently goes above and beyond to help
strong work ethic, professionalism, and a
his coworkers and make Laurel Creek better.
positive attitude. He approaches every task
His positive attitude, calm demeanor, and
with enthusiasm, takes pride in his work, and
willingness to step in wherever needed have
is always willing to step in and help wherever
earned him the respect of both staff and
needed.
management.
Aiden’s eagerness to learn, reliability, and
Jose has also demonstrated exceptional
commitment to teamwork have made him a
leadership in challenging situations. From
valuable member of our club. He accepts
transporting and installing a donated kitchen
feedback, continues to grow his skills, and
grill to calmly extinguishing a buffet fire
brings a level of dedication and maturity that
during Camp Night, he consistently puts the
is truly appreciated. We are grateful for the
safety and well-being of others first. Jose’s
effort and energy he brings to our team and
skill, compassion, and reliability make him an
congratulate Aiden on this well-deserved
outstanding member of our team, and we are
recognition!
fortunate to have him at Laurel Creek.
AidenKitts
JoseManuelRamosMedina
kitchen
For the past two years, Jose team. and
He
is
professional
a
talented, cook
who
SEPTEMBER 2026
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On the Courts DanBatchelor
September is here, and while summer may be winding down, there is still plenty happening on the courts at Laurel Creek! We had a fantastic summer of Junior Tennis Camp, and a big thank you to all of the juniors, parents, and coaches who made it such a fun season. We’re looking forward to carrying that momentum into the fall with a full lineup of junior clinics for all ages and levels. Our adult clinics will also continue throughout the fall, so there will be plenty of opportunities to keep playing as the weather starts to cool down. We wrapped up the junior summer with a great turnout for our Junior Club Championships. It was a fun day of tennis, with some great matches across all four divisions. Congratulations to everyone who competed and to our 2026 Junior Club Champions:
Red Ball Brandon Barg Second from left
Orange Ball: Cole Piekarski On the right
Green Ball: Alexander Charbonne On the right
Yellow Ball: Emma Cowan On the right
Our Adult Club Championships are also now underway. Good luck to everyone competing over the coming weeks – we’re looking forward to seeing some great matches and crowning our 2026 champions! Upcoming Events • Labor Day: Live Ball Clinic: Start your Labor Day on court with a fun, fast-paced Live Ball session. Expect plenty of points, movement, and competition! • September 11: Liz Hepp Memorial Round Robin: Please join us for a special morning of tennis as we come together to remember and celebrate Liz. Liz was such an important part of our tennis and pickleball community, and we look forward to honoring her with a morning on the courts she loved. • September 26: Pickleball Club Championships: It’s time to find out who will take home the titles! Join us for our 2026 Pickleball Club Championships and a fun day of competition with our Laurel Creek pickleball community. Be sure to find your partner and sign up through the app. There is still plenty of tennis and pickleball ahead this fall, so keep an eye on the app for clinics, events, and opportunities to play. See you on the courts!
SEPTEMBER 2026
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From the Greens JohnSlade
Weather is often part of these blog posts, as its impact on the Grounds Department's operation can't be overstated. If you are hoping for something different this week, you may be disappointed... August has delivered rain-a lot of rain. Through August 30 we received 7.80" of rain at the golf course. Most of us understand that an inch of rain is a pretty good storm, but if you dig deeper into the math, the numbers can be staggering.
The irrigation pond is at capacity.
An acre inch of rain is 27,154 gallons. So if we multiply 27,154 by the 7.80" of rain in August, you find that every acre of the golf course was hit with 211,801 gallons of water. With a gallon of water weighing 8.34 pounds, that is 1,766,422 pounds of water per acre during the month. #9 fairway alone had close to eight million pounds of water land on it!
SEPTEMBER 2026
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SEPTEMBER SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY 1
6
7
8
Labor Day Pool Party & BBQ
Course Closed
WEDNESDAY 2
9
THURSDAY
14
SATURDAY
3
4
5
Pasta & Wine
Live Music Doug Jennings
Live Music Dennis Matthews
10
11
12
Pasta & Wine
Live Music Chris Stevens
Live Music BRAT
Blu After Dark
Club Closes at 4 pm
13
FRIDAY
15
16
17
18
19
Burgers & Brews
Diner en Blanc
Pasta & Wine
Live Music Matt Flynn
Live Music Dave Murray
Trivia Night
20
21
22
23
Burgers & Brews
27
Character Brunch
28
29
30
Burgers & Brews
Cakebread Wine Dinner
24
25
26
Pasta & Wine
Live Music Sophie Coran
Live Music Carl Filbert
SEPTEMBER 2026
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OCTOBER SUNDAY
4
MONDAY
5
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
6
7
Burgers & Brews
Asian Night in Blu
THURSDAY
12
13
14
Burgers & Brews
18
19
Build a Buddy Brunch
SATURDAY
1
2
3
Pasta & Wine
Live Music BRAT
Live Music Rich Cassenti
8
9
10
Pasta & Wine Asian Night in Blu
11
FRIDAY
Live Music Doug Jennings
Live Music Sunshine Jones
15
16
17
Pasta & Wine
Live Music Chris Stevens
Live Music Beth Tinnon 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
www.laurelcreek.org