REHOBOTH BEACH COUNTRY CLUB
TALON TALK JULY 2026
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
IN THIS ISSUE
CARPIU “C” CHERECHES General Manager/COO
General Manager’s Message
SPASKA IVANOV Assistant GM/Director of Operations
Welcoming our new HR Strategist & Compliance
HEATHER FEATHER Director of Finance
Anniversaries
BETHANY ACKERMAN Membership & Communications Director
Talon Tribe News & Updates Celebrations & Milestones
RACHEL RIDGEWAY HR Strategist & Compliance
Pet of the Quarter
PAT MASTRIAN, PGA Director of Golf ALAN FITZGERALD, CGCS MG Golf Course Superintendent EMMA CIOFFI Racquets Director
Employee-Submitted Photos Employee Engagement Save the Dates 1925 Eagle Foundation
Disclaimer: For the best viewing experience, please view this Issuu on a computer as opposed to a phone.
Scrapbook
221 West Side Drive Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Clubhouse: 302-227-3811 Golf Shop: 302-227-3616 rehobothbeachcc.com 02
NEWSLETTER | 2026
GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE Thank you for making every day
Our
Members'
satisfaction
matter.
continues to impress, and that is a direct reflection of your dedication.
As we move through what has been
Thank you for caring so deeply
our busiest season yet, I want to take
about your craft and for consistently
a moment to recognize something
striving for greatness!
that
often
goes
unseen:
the
commitment, pride, and passion each
It's also important to remember
of you brings to work every single
that your impact extends beyond
day.
the Members we serve. The way you approach
your
work
influences
Every interaction you have, every
every Talon Tribe member. Whether
detail you notice, and every extra
you're working side by side with a
effort
colleague,
you
make
contributes
to
supporting
another
something much bigger than "just a
department, or simply setting up
job". You create experiences that
the next shift for success, your
become lasting memories for our
attitude and effort make someone
Members and their guests. Whether
else's job easier and help our entire
it's a warm greeting, a perfectly
Club perform at its best.
prepared meal, immaculate grounds, or exceptional service behind the
Success at RBCC is never the result
scenes, your work is the reason RBCC
of one person—it's the result of
continues to deliver an experience
over 200 professionals who choose
that people remember long after they
to support one another, take pride
leave.
in their work, and remain
Carpiu "C" Chereches GM/COO
committed to a shared standard of greatness. Thank you for everything you do. Thank you for your professionalism, your teamwork, your resilience, and your
passion.
Together,
you
continue to raise the standard, exceed expectations, and create unforgettable
experiences
every
day. I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished this season, and even more proud of the people who made it possible.
JOIN COFFEE WITH C Saturday, August 1 8:00am in the Eagles Nest FOLLOW RBCC FOR NEWS, UPDATES & INFO
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welcoming our new(ish) hr strategist & compliance We are excited to welcome back Rachel Ridgeway to the Tribe! During her previous three years of employment, she dedicated time to strengthening employee culture, policies, procedures, and Tribe Culture Committee activities while offering a safe space to talk. She also started and launched our staff brand, the Talon Tribe, an initiative that continues to shape our workplace today. We are thrilled to have her back and look forward to the positive energy and ideas she brings. In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for more information
Bethany Williams Membership & Communications Director
regarding employee events and engagement opportunities, as well as an upcoming employee survey and additional initiatives. Rachel’s office is located on the second floor, on the left-hand side when entering the Ballroom. She is always available and welcomes any employee who would like to stop by to ask questions, share feedback, or simply connect. Again, let’s give a warm welcome to Rachel!
Hi Talon Tribe! I'm so happy to be back as your Human Resources representative. My first week back has been all about getting caught up on everything that has changed (or stayed the same) in the year that I was gone. Please stop by my new upstairs office to say hi or look for me around the property. I'm looking forward to meeting all the new faces and greeting those I worked with previously. Over the next month or so, keep your eyes open for announcements regarding the annual Talon Tribe Satisfaction Survey, the Talon Tribe Wellbeing Committee and end of season events. See you around the club!
Rachel Ridgeway HR Strategist & Compliance
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! ...and all of your stories SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS THE EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION BOX
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Have suggestions or anything you’d like to share with the leadership team? Let us know.
NEWSLETTER | 2026
Follow the new TALON TRIBE INSTAGRAM @TALONTRIBE
Stay up to date with Talon Tribe events, news & announcements!
V I E N R N S A A E RIES B I R T
CELEBRATING
30 YEARS Ray Bantilan
THANK YOU FOR 30 YEARS OF SERVICE AT RBCC! For three decades, Ray has been a dedicated foreman whose hard work, leadership, and commitment have helped keep our course in exceptional condition. From early mornings to the busiest days of the season, Ray has consistently led by example, ensuring that every detail is taken care of and every Member enjoys a first-class golfing experience. His knowledge, experience, and willingness to lend a hand have earned the respect of his coworkers and the appreciation of everyone who has had the pleasure of working alongside him. Ray's pride in his work and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on both our team and our course. Please join us in congratulating Ray on 30 outstanding years of service. Thank you for your commitment, hard work, and all you've done to make our golf course a place we're proud to call home. Here's to this remarkable achievement and many more great memories ahead! 06
NEWSLETTER | 2026
V I E N R N S A A E RIES B I R T
Alexa Doggett
Alan Fitzgerald
5 YEARS
3 YEARS
Thank you for your hard work & dedication!
Courtney O’Neil
Tim Hack
1 YEAR
1 YEAR
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CONGRATULATIONS TO RBCC EXECUTIVE CHEF,
Carolyn Torres RBCC’s Chef Carolyn Torres honored in Club + Resort Chef’s Class of 2026 as a 40 Under 40 Chef! A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Carolyn Torres started at RBCC in August of 2022 after seven years at The Peninsula Golf & Country Club. Before that she was on a tour of exceptional professional experiences at five-star and five-diamond institutions across the country including Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC; The American Club Hotel and Spa in Kohler, WI; and The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. Torres also attended Florida International University, graduating with a degree in Hospitality Management. A snippet from the Q&A session with Club + Resort Chef and Carolyn Torres: Club + Resort Chef (C+RC) What does it mean to you to be a C+RC 40 under 40 honoree? Chef Carolyn Torres (CT): Being part of 40 Under 40 represents leadership, impact, and the responsibility to help shape the future of the club industry. I am a chef who goes beyond execution, building strong teams, elevating standards, and delivering meaningful experiences while balancing creativity with accountability. For me, this recognition represents a generation committed to honoring tradition while pushing clubs forward and changing the outdated perception of kitchens as a “backyard band of misfits.” I am focused on building a new culture for culinarians, one rooted in passion, discipline, mentorship, and long-term growth. Club + Resort Chef (C+RC) What quote summarizes your culinary or career philosophy? Chef Carolyn Torres (CT): I have two: “Cooking is an act of love, a way of sharing who you are," and "Always doing the right thing even if it's hard." Club & Resort Chef featured the Class of 2026 40 Under 40 & you can read Chef Carolyn’s full profile here.
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Thank you, Mike Vieria The man on the mower is Mike Vieira, a valued member
We wanted to recognize Mike in this edition of Talon Talk
of our team for several years. Mike was known for his
to let him know he remains an important part of our
incredible work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to
company family. Mike, thank you for your hard work, your
help with anything that needed to be done. No matter the
friendship, and the example you've set for all of us. We
task, he approached it with dedication and a smile.
are grateful for the time we shared with you and continue to keep you and your loved ones in our thoughts.
About a year ago, Mike was diagnosed with cancer. Even after his diagnosis, he continued working until his health no longer allowed him to do so. His last day with us was in mid-September 2025. Mike stopped by the office with donuts to visit the team and share an update on his journey. He recently learned that his doctors have given him an estimated 1–2 years to live. While the news is heartbreaking, seeing Mike's strength, kindness, and positive spirit reminded us all why he meant so much to our team.
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“Nothing ever seemed to slow Mike down, and even as health challenges made it harder for him to be at work every day, his frustration came from wanting to help the team, not from stepping away. We’re grateful that he’s doing well and wish him nothing but health and happiness as he officially retires. Mike will always be a special member of the Talon Tribe, and we can’t wait to see him often at our GCM get-togethers.” -Alan Fitzgerald, Golf Course Superintendent
NEWSLETTER | 2026
Warm Welcomes & Best Wishes We'd like to extend our heartfelt thank you to Chelsee for
Please join us in wishing Chelsee the very best and giving
her dedication and positive impact on our team. We wish
Nicole and Alenah a warm welcome!
her all the best as she begins an exciting new chapter in Florida!
“How lucky am I to have something
At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome Nicole and
that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Alenah to our concierge team! We're excited to have them join us and look forward to the energy and service they will bring to our Members.
– Winnie the Pooh
June Employee Luncheon CELEBRATING THE WORLD CUP The Talon Tribe celebrated the World Cup at the June Employee Luncheon with a delicious lunch featuring foods inspired by countries from around the world. The fun continued with Sticky Soccer, a Binho Board tournament, EA Sports soccer video games, and Spotkick. Employees dropped their tickets for a chance to win raffle prizes, making it a memorable afternoon of teamwork, fun, and global celebration.
DON’T FORGET!
Submit your Tribe Vibe to be entered into the Tribe Vibe Raffle!
HOW TO SUBMIT A TRIBE VIBE: 1. Email HR 2. Stop by the HR Office 3. Fill out a printed Tribe Vibe NEWSLETTER | 2026
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talon tribe
Season Kick-off Party at the Starboard
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NEWSLETTER | 2026
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Tribe Takes PGA Show BETHANY SPEAKS AT THE PGA SHOW For the second year in a row, Director of Membership and Communications Bethany Williams spoke on an education panel with three other industry professionals from Desert Mountain, the Club at Olde Cypress, and the National Golf Course Owners Association at the PGA Show. The topic for the session was “The Modern Club Growth Engine: How to Attract, Onboard and Keep Members for Life.”
BETHANY WITH RAPPER, JA RULE DANNY ACKERMAN, BETHANY WILLIAMS, JESSE WILLIAMS, & RYAN ACKERMAN
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Tribe Takes PGA Show THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF HEADED TO THE PGA The Professional staff went to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, one of the largest and most influential gatherings in the golf industry. While there, the team participated in multiple educational seminars covering topics such as best practices, retail trends, technology, and member engagement. In addition, more than 18 vendor meetings with vendors such as Johnnie-O, Greyson, Varley, Lilly Pulitzer, Turtleson, Ashworth, Saint Croix, SanSoleil, and Moorlow took place, giving them the chance to explore new products, equipment, and services that enhance both the golf shop and the overall member experience this year.
CMAA World Conference C, SPASKA, BETHANY & HEATHER ATTENDED THE CMAA WORLD CONFERENCE In February, C, Spaska, Bethany and Heather traveled to Anaheim, California to attend the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) World Conference. The week-long conference consisted of networking with other industry professionals and vendors, education sessions (one with NFL star Drew Bledsoe), an idea fair, and a business expo. The education sessions focused on a number of topics including leadership, AI, data analytics, capital planning, employee culture, and future club trends.
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Chautauqua C, Spaska, and Bethany attended a preconference
group
event
called
Chautauqua where they “ride and reflect” enjoying
a
bike
conversation
with
ride
and
other
deep
industry
professionals about the club business and personal development. They did get rained out one day, so bowling it was!
Congratulations CLASS OF 2026 Caleb Anthony University of Delaware BA in Internal Relations
Alenah Richberg Gwynedd Mercy University BS in Marketing, Minor in Psychology
Maiden Litchfield University of Delaware BA in Interpersonal Communications
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Celebrations & Milestones CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations, C She said yes! C got engaged to Tiana
Congratulations, Bethany Who is expecting a baby boy in September
Congratulations, Cosi Who welcomed a baby boy in March
Pet of the Quarter Meet Kane, Tony & Erika's four-legged MVP! When he's not busy being the best boy, Kane can often be found lending a paw to Tony on the golf course. This Fourth of July, Kane proudly took on the important role of "Course Quality Control," making sure everything was ready for the big day. From supervising setup to testing the pond waters and boosting team morale with tail wags,
Kane
Kane proved that every great grounds crew needs a furry assistant
Submit an entry for a chance for your pet to be featured in the next issue of Talon Talk! Send a photo & description to Alyssa at Marketing@rehobothbeachcc.com 20
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Employee Submitted Photos
PHOTOS ABOVE SUBMITTED BY JIM COURDREY
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY RAY BANTILAN
NEWSLETTER | 2026
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TALON TRIBE CROSSWORD 1
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3
4
5
6 7 8
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10
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12 13
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21
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ACROSS
DOWN
1 SOMMELIER
2 RACQUETS DIRECTOR
5 HEAD OF HOUSEKEEPING
3 PREVIOUS CLUB PRESIDENT
6 HORTICULTURIST
4 FACILITIES MANAGER
8 GENERAL MANAGER
5 MERCHANDISER
10 HR
7 EXECUTIVE CHEF
12 FITNESS SPECIALIST
8 CLUB PRESIDENT
13MEMBER SERVICES
9 COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
14FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER
11CAMP DIRECTOR
15DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP &
16 POOL SUPERVISOR
COMMUNICATIONS
19 PASTRY CHEF
the first person to complete the crossword puzzle correctly will win 4 hours of pto! Print this page & send a
17 HOSTESS
20EVENTS MANAGER
photo of your completed
18 CENTENNIAL LOGO
22 GOLF DIRECTOR
crossword puzzle to
21 AGM 23 SUPERINTENDENT
Rachel at HR@rehobothbeachcc.com
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Save the Dates
September
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END OF SEASON BONFIRE & PARTY 5:00pm
ALL EMPLOYEE LUNCHEON
December
HOLIDAY PARTY
16
14
10:30am
6:00pm
WE ARE THE TALON TRIBE.
September
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SCOTT TALBOTT President BLAKE CAREY Secretary BRIAN BARROWS Treasurer JACK BERBERIAN MARGARET COLLINS LILY GOSNEAR CINDY HENSCHEL BRIAN LACHANCE RIKO METZROTH
The 1925 Eagle Foundation is officially accepting applications for scholarships and grants FROM Talon Tribe Members!
SHARON COVINGTON Ex-Officio
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A GRANT IN AID
info@rehobothbeachcc.com 302-227-3811 ext. 241 www.rbcc1925.org
REHOBOTH BEACH COUNTRY CLUB 221 West Side Drive
Connect with Us!
office@rehobothbeachcc.com 302-227-3811 www.rehobothbeachcc.com
Rehoboth Beach Country Club