The Springfield Story, May 2026

2026 Board of Directors

Bob Sampson President bsampson71@gmail.com

Tom Stribling Vice President tjstribling@gmail.com

John Astorino

Secretary john.astorino@longandfoster.com

Dan McCarthy Treasurer danm5691@gmail.com

Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com

David Kelly davidnkelly@verizon.net

Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com

Harrison Smith hharrisonsmith@gmail.com

Brandon Streicher brandon.streicher@gmail.com

2026 Committees

Audit

Dave Nachison dnachison@yahoo.com

Communications Katie Kissal katiekissal@gmail.com

Facilities& Maintenance Court Bateman courtney@bateman.law

Finance Dan McCarthy danm5691@gmail.com

Fitness & Pool

Gayle Burgoyne gayleburgoyne@aol.com

Golf

Harrison Smith hharrisonsmith@gmail.com

Golf Rules

Bruce Nordstrom bnorthstream@yahoo.com

Greens

Tom Stribling tjstribling@gmail.com

Handicap

Jordan Weinstein ideaguard@gmail.com

House Joe English jenglish@bsbllc.com

John Palladino jape199@aol.com

Membership

Charles Rolen rolencw@gmail.com

Johnny Garstka johnnygarstka2024@gmail.com

Racquets

Brandon Streicher brandon.streicher@gmail.com

Strategic Planning

John Astorino john.astorino@longandfoster.com

Letter from the President

My Fellow Members,

Since joining SGCC in 1997, the sense of welcome and warmth I feel here has never ceased to amaze me. The friendships my family and I have formed over almost 30 years of membership create a sense of home and community. I have many fond memories of my time here, including everything from celebrating my mother’s 90th birthday to playing golf with my grandchildren and watching in real time as they developed a love for the game.

The Club is a special place all year round, but the magic really shines in the spring and summer. The warmer weather means more time on the golf course and tennis courts, more outdoor events, and, eventually, the return of days spent at the pool whether you’re there for swim team, to soak up the sun, or to participate in one of our adult swim programs.

Something special is happening at Springfield because here we are not only allowed to be ourselves, but encouraged to do so. The Staff and Committees dream up events and programs to entertain us, bring us together, and help us get where we want to go. We do our part by showing up, welcoming one another with warm smiles, handshakes, and hugs, then creating community that extends beyond the Patio, golf course, racquets courts, and pool. The Fitness Center’s inaugural Color Run last month is a prime example. The morning was chilly and overcast, but from the volunteers to the runners, everyone showed up bright and early, full of enthusiasm, and ready to have fun.

Our desire to turn moments into memories is what brings our community together and allows us to embrace each day with excitement. I see it on the Patio where friends and family gather for meals and conversation; I see it on the golf course

as teammates cheer each other on or give one another a goodnatured ribbing; I see it in the impressive turnout for tennis championship watch parties and parents working together to make Saturday morning swim meets possible.

We are beginning the month of May with a dedication ceremony for the new clock at the cart staging area. It is my sincere hope that this clock serves as more than a way to measure minutes and hours; that it is a monument to the time we share and the impact we have on one another. Every smile, warm greeting, and friendly wave creates another thread of connection tying us to one another and this Club we call home.

As we grow and define what it means to belong to Springfield Golf & Country Club, one thing that will never change is the way we support one another and the pride we have in our community. So, thank you for each moment you spend here, sharing yourself, enriching our community, and being part of the “something special” happening at Springfield.

I look forward to seeing you and your families sharing time at the Club in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Bob Sampson

Board President

Coach’s Corner

BY BRANDEN BEETS | DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS

At a recent conference, a simple idea stayed with me: Be the Q-Tip.

When people need a cotton swab, they rarely ask for one. They ask for a Q-Tip. That brand did not just join a category, it became the category. That is what great branding really is: not a logo or slogan, but a feeling and a reputation built over time.

It made me reflect on our Racquets Department at Springfield Golf and Country Club.

What are we known for?

When I look across our courts, I see more than tennis and pickleball. I see purposeful programming designed to help players improve and stay engaged. I see events that bring together competition and community. I see new opportunities, like our interclub pickleball league, social live balls and upcoming Mommy & Me programs giving Members of all ages

and backgrounds a unique experience that can’t be found just anywhere.

Our goal is for Springfield Golf & Country Club to be your “home away from home,” but at the Racquets Department, we also want to be the first thing that comes to mind when Members think of competition, connection, and growth. It’s not enough for us to tell you that our teams feel like communities and that our coaching staff brings energy and expertise to the courts every day. We want you to experience it for yourself and know it for the truth.

So, whether you’ve been playing for years or you’re just thinking about getting started, this is your invitation. Join a clinic. Play in an event. Step onto the court. Let us “be the Q-Tip” when you think of community at SGCC.

See you on the courts! 

Words of Wellness

BY JACKIE O’SHEA | FITNESS COORDINATOR

There is a question quietly lingering behind nearly every unlocked phone screen: Are we all doomed?

This question reflects a growing concern about how modern digital habits are shaping the human mind. Between endless scrolling, algorithm-driven feeds, and constant notifications, many people experience what is often referred to as “brain rot.” This term describes the gradual deterioration of mental clarity, focus, and intellectual engagement caused by overexposure to low-quality or overly stimulating online content. Put simply, it is what happens when the brain becomes accustomed to constant digital noise and begins to struggle with slower, deeper forms of thought.

Closely related is doomscrolling, the compulsive consumption of endless streams of online content—often negative or overstimulating—despite the emotional exhaustion it produces. Together, these habits create a cycle of overstimulation, distraction, and mental fatigue that is increasingly common in everyday life. Although “brain rot” is not a formal medical diagnosis, the concerns behind it are taken seriously in discussions of cognitive health. Some researchers have also explored the concept of “digital dementia,” a theory suggesting that excessive screen use may contribute to cognitive decline resembling early memory and attention issues.

The effects of brain rot are subtle at first, but they accumulate over time in ways that reshape how the brain functions. One of the earliest and most noticeable changes is a reduced attention span. Short-form content platforms are engineered to deliver rapid, continuous stimulation, gradually training the brain to expect quick rewards. As this expectation strengthens, slower and more sustained activities—such as reading, studying, or engaging in deep conversation—can begin to feel unusually difficult or even exhausting.

Excessive screen exposure has also been associated with changes in brain regions responsible for attention, decision-making, and impulse control. Some studies suggest alterations in gray matter density, which plays a key role in processing information and maintaining focus. When the brain is repeatedly forced to switch between fast-moving stimuli, it can enter a state of cognitive overload, weakening memory retention and reducing the ability to engage in deep, analytical thinking.

This process creates a reinforcing feedback loop: the more time a person spends consuming fast-paced digital content, the more the brain adapts to that level of stimulation. Over time, this leads to reduced patience, difficulty concentrating on long tasks, and a growing preference for instant gratification. Modern apps intensify this cycle through features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and personalized recommendations, all designed to maximize engagement by triggering repeated dopamine responses.

At the neurochemical level, the pattern becomes even more significant. Rapid dopamine spikes—associated with reward and motivation—lead to desensitization, increased craving, and reduced satisfaction. At the same time, serotonin, which supports mood stability, may decline when screen time replaces restorative behaviors such as sleep, exercise, and meaningful hobbies. Oxytocin, the hormone linked to social bonding, can also be diminished when digital interaction replaces in-person connection. The result is a mind that feels overstimulated yet under-fulfilled: restless, fatigued, and emotionally disconnected.

Over time, these effects may extend beyond mood and attention, contributing to weaker emotional regulation, reduced self-discipline, and difficulty sustaining focus on complex tasks. While researchers continue to investigate potential long-term structural changes in the brain, the concept of “digital dementia” remains under study rather than confirmed diagnosis. Importantly, however, these effects are not necessarily permanent. The brain possesses remarkable neuroplasticity, the ability to adapt, rewire, and recover in response to healthier patterns of behavior.

One of the most effective ways to support this recovery is through regular physical exercise. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes neural growth, improves focus and emotional regulation, and reduces stress. Experts commonly recommend about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, along with short movement breaks throughout the day. Even modest changes can significantly reduce mental fatigue and improve attention.

Beyond physical activity, cognitive recovery depends on rebuilding deeper forms of engagement. Learning new skills— such as music, languages, cooking, or puzzles—strengthens memory, improves focus, and enhances neuroplasticity by requiring sustained attention. These activities directly counteract the fragmented thinking patterns reinforced by constant scrolling.

So, are we all doomed? Not exactly. However, we are undeniably shaped by the environments in which we spend the most time. Brain rot and doomscrolling are not personal failures; they are predictable outcomes of systems designed to capture attention. Still, the brain is not fixed. It adapts and strengthens in response to repeated behavior. Every choice away from passive scrolling—every walk, workout, conversation, or period of focused effort—helps restore cognitive balance.

Counteracting brain rot ultimately means restoring what the digital world often replaces: cultivating delayed rewards through hobbies and learning, supporting mood through rest and physical activity, and strengthening social bonds through real-world connection.

We are not doomed. Yet we are at a turning point, one in which attention itself has become something worth protecting. The future of our minds depends on whether we continue to consume endlessly or choose instead to engage fully with the world beyond the screen. 

Golf Pro’s Pointers

BY ALESSANDRA MAURTUA, PGA | DIRECTOR OF GOLF

Growing up, I looked up to players like Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sörenstam. It wasn’t just how much they won, but how they went about it: the consistency, confidence, and the way they carried themselves. They set the standard for what women’s golf could look like, and for many of us, they were a big reason we fell in love with the game.

It is easy to see how much the game has grown since I was a child, especially for womens and girls. Golf as a whole saw a surge of participation during the pandemic, but data from the National Golf Foundation found that 28% of people hitting the

course in 2024 were women (that equates to almost 8 million women). Women’s golf today is more welcoming, more active, and more connected than ever. We’re seeing that growth as more women are joining the PGA program as well as right here at Springfield with more ladies teeing off, joining golf groups, and participating in clinics and events.

Our ladies golf program continues to grow, and more importantly, it continues to engage a wide range of players. We have a strong group of competitive ladies who are out there playing at a high level, but just as important, we’ve created an

environment where newer players feel comfortable getting started and sticking with the game. That balance is what makes the program work.

We’re also fortunate to have some very accomplished players within our membership. Several of our ladies played at the collegiate level, and we’ve had Members go on to qualify for prestigious United States Golf Association events. That kind of depth raises the level of play across the board and gives our young ladies something to work toward.

One of the biggest areas of growth for us has been our ladies golf schools. These have been a great way to welcome more women into the game in a setting that feels comfortable and approachable. They’re structured, social, and focused on building confidence. We’ve seen a lot of those participants playing more, joining groups, and becoming part of the golf community here at the club.

It’s been really rewarding to watch that progression. More participation, more improvement, and more engagement across the board.

This spring, we’re excited to host a Qualifier for the U.S. Women’s Open for the second year in a row. It’s quickly becoming something our Members really enjoy. There’s a great energy around the club that day, and it’s a unique opportunity to see high-level competition up close. It’s also a reflection of where we are as a club and our commitment to supporting and growing women’s golf.

For me, it’s pretty special to think about it full circle. The players I grew up watching helped shape my passion for the game, and now we get to play a small role in growing it for the next generation—whether that’s through someone picking up a club for the first time, improving their game, or competing at a higher level.

And we’re just getting started. 

Membership Corner

BY SHELLY GOOREVICH MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

James Cantrell is an attorney with a firm in DC, and Estella is a patent examiner for the USPTO. Their son, Carter, will be off to college in the fall where he will play wide receiver. The Cantrells moved to the area from New York City in 2019, and now that they are about to become empty-nesters, James and Estella want to be a part of a place with a sense of community. They love the SGCC facilities and very much look forward to all social aspects of the Club. James does golf occasionally, and he is excited for that opportunity as well.

Mike and Rhonda Doll are true Springfield locals: they both attended Washington Irving Middle School and West Springfield High School. After graduation, Mike earned his degree from Mary Washington College and has since built a distinguished career as an Executive at Parsons Corporation, contributing his expertise to the Defense Industry. Rhonda followed her passion for education to James Madison University before attending George Mason University for her master’s in education. A dedicated educator, Rhonda is now in her 22nd year of teaching at Keene Mill Elementary, where she continues to shape the young minds of our community.

The Dolls have proudly raised their two children in the same community they call home. Their daughter, Emma, a 2023 graduate of WSHS, is currently a sophomore at JMU. Their son, Spencer, is finishing his senior year at WSHS and is eagerly preparing to head to Richmond to join the VCU community this coming fall.

As new members of SGCC, the Doll family is eager to dive into club life. You can expect to see them frequently on the greens as they look forward to playing plenty of golf, attending social events, and—most importantly—building lasting friendships with their fellow Members.

The Palmer family balances high-energy careers in technology

with a deep commitment to family and community. Scott serves as a Program Manager for a federal government contractor supporting the Army JAG Corps, while Kathryn is a Principal Enterprise Architect at Navy Federal Credit Union. While they thrive in fast-paced professional environments, their personal focus is centered on raising their three active boys: George (8), Charlie (6), and Alex (2). Proud Virginia Tech alumni (‘08 Pamplin College of Business), Scott and Kathryn met, graduated, and married (‘09) in Blacksburg. The Palmers believe in active service, volunteering with the PTA, the Arthritis Foundation, and their HOA Board. They look forward to finding a dedicated space to golf, relax, and build lasting connections with other Members and their families.

Tannor and Joanie Portland have been married for about a year and love to be active locally as well as traveling and exploring new places. Tannor is an avid, but not yet great, golfer, and he enjoys getting out on the course whenever he can. Joanie loves playing pickleball, swimming, and exercising. They have a Corgi named Archie, who is convinced he is the cutest dog ever. They are excited to join SGCC, meet new people, be a part of the community and enjoy everything the Club has to offer.

Tony, Lisa, Ethan, and Kathryn Sarrge live in Annandale. Tony is the owner of a wealth management firm with over 23 years of experience helping families grow their assets. Lisa serves as the CFO of an international real estate company. Their son, Ethan, is a recent graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder and currently works as a project engineer, while their daughter, Kathryn, is a junior at Syracuse University majoring in Economics.

The Sarrges have a long history of involvement in club communities, including a membership at Thousand Acres Golf Club. They also enjoy spending time at their property in Swanton, MD, in the Deep Creek Lake area. They look forward to the possibility of becoming engaged and active members of the SGCC community.

Ursula Vogt is excited to officially join Springfield as a Legacy Member. Having grown up coming to the club and spending summers working at the pool, Springfield has always been a special place to her. Ursula is a graduate of Virginia Tech and James Madison University, and works as a school psychologist with Fairfax County Public Schools. She’s especially looking forward to spending time at the pool this summer, getting into pickleball, and reconnecting with the SGCC community. She feels incredibly lucky to be part of this club and can’t wait to make more memories here.

Paul and Meghan Wehausen relocated from Pittsburgh to Northern Virginia in 2019. Paul is originally from Southern Maryland and is a small business owner of a controls company. Meghan is from Philadelphia and has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Pittsburgh. Their daughters Anneliese (6) and Genevieve (5) enjoy gymnastics and swimming. They are excited to be a part of the SGCC family. 

Bridge B anter

BY DON FREDERICK

The May flowers are beautiful here at our Club, but plenty of activities are taking place indoors too! Do you play bridge? If yes, join the SGCC Friday Evening Bridge Group at one of our upcoming events.

Here are the results of our recent sessions:

APRIL 3

First: Ellen and Charles Rolen

Second: Robin Alapas and Kit Weyers

Third: Mary and Ed Kringer

APRIL 17

First: Robin Alapas and Kit Weyers

Second: Betsy and Roy Carter

Third: Karen and Bob McNamara

We play relaxed, party bridge on the first and third Friday evenings of each month. Many of us gather for dinner first. If you’d like to join us, call Don Frederick at 703.425.9722. Our next scheduled evenings May 1, May 15, and June 5. 

CLUBHOUSE CLOSED MONDAYS

2 FOR $35 TUESDAYS, 5:00–9:00 PM

HAPPY HOUR THURSDAYS, 5:30-7:30 PM

FRIDAY BUFFET, 5:00-9:00 PM

BREAKFAST, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 7:00-10:00 AM

SUNDAY BRUNCH, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier

Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 PM

Clock Dedication Ceremony 4:00 PM

Cinco de Mayo Kick Off Buffet 5:00–9:00 PM Kentucky Derby Party 5:00 PM Mother’s Day Brunch

Walk of Fame Celebration 5:30 PM

World Team Tennis Tournament 6:00–9:00

Rosé the Afternoon Away 12:00–3:00 PM

Seating at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, & 1:00 PM

Drunken Ribeye 5:00 PM

Music on the Patio 6:00–9:00 PM

Pool Opening Day 4:00–9:00 PM

Member/Member

Member/Member

Adult Pickleball Party

Memorial Day Picnic 4:00–9:00PM

Learn More About Our May Events...

CINCO DE MAYO KICK OFF BUFFET

5:00–9:00 PM

Mexican-themed buffet, $30++. Dining reservations strongly encouraged.

CLOCK DEDICATION CEREMONY 4:00 PM

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Complimentary small bites and champagne toast following the ceremony.

DERBY PARTY 5:00 PM

Enjoy themed beverages and bites plus prizes for Best Dressed and Best Bonnet. Bourbon tasting available by chit. Registration encouraged.

6 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN QUALIFIER

Tee times will begin at 7:30 AM off #1 and #10 for morning play and at 1:00 PM off #1 and #10 for afternoon play. Spectators are welcome (walking only).

8 WALK OF FAME CELEBRATION 5:30 PM

Join us at the entrance to the Racquets & Fitness building where we’ll raise a complimentary champagne toast to our champions while recognizing every participant who helped make this season’s competitions strong, spirited, and memorable.

8 WORLD TEAM TENNIS TOURNAMENT

6:00–9:00 PM

Four teams led by our coaching staff as captains, battle it out in a fast-paced, high-energy competition featuring two doubles courts and one singles court each round. Spots limited, registration required, $30++.e.

9 ROSÉ THE AFTERNOON AWAY

12:00–3:00 PM

Join us as we explore the world of rosé! We’ll be offering a variety of different styles featuring 15 wines from multiple vendors. Registration required, $55++.

10 MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

A classic formal brunch to celebrate the holiday. Seating available at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM. Jackets and registration are required. Adults, $48++, Kids 5–11, $20++, 4 & Under, Complimentary.

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DRUNKEN RIBEYE NIGHT 5:00 PM

Includes baked potato, broccoli mornay, salad bar, & dessert station. $45++, dining reservations encouraged

MUSIC ON THE PATIO 6:00–9:00 PM

Featuring Evan Ross.

MEMBER/MEMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

Two-person teams competing in five 9-hole stroke-play rounds, each utilizing a different format. $600 per team ($300 per person), includes cart fees, breakfast and lunch on the course both days, heavy hors d’oeuvres reception on Sunday, trophies for winners, credit book money for the Champions, and $100 awarded to the lowest scoring team of each flight for each format. The deadline to register is Saturday, May 9 at 6:00 PM.

POOL OPENING DAY 4:00–9:00 PM

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The pool is open for the season! Join us starting at 4:00 M to welcome in the swim season and start counting down to summer.

MEMORIAL DAY PICNIC 4:00 – 9:00 PM

Food 4:00–8:00 PM. Live Music 6:00–9:00 PM. Cornhole Tournament starts at 5:00 PM. Registration is required, includes food wristbands: Adults, $30++ Kids 5–11, $18++ Children 4 & Under are complimentary.

MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY

Golf course open. Breakfast and lunch available, no dinner service.

ADULT PICKLEBALL PARTY

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Deadline to register Wednesday, May 27 at 5:00 PM.

Pool Summer Carnival 1:00–5:00

Music at the Pool 6:00–9:00 PM

Lords of the Paddle 6:00–9:00 PM

Music on the Patio 6:00–9:00 PM Ladies Tennis Social 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Summer Camps Begin

Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 PM

Pirate Pool Party 3-Day Member/ Guest Golf Tournament 3-Day Member/ Guest Golf Tournament 3-Day Member/ Guest Golf Tournament

Pool Closes at 4:00 PM

Clubhouse Closes at 3:00 PM

CLUBHOUSE CLOSED MONDAYS

2 FOR $35 TUESDAYS, 5:00–9:00 PM

HAPPY HOUR THURSDAYS, 5:30-7:30 PM FRIDAY BUFFET, 5:00-9:00 PM

BREAKFAST, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 7:00-10:00 AM SUNDAY BRUNCH, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Learn More About Our June Events...

MUSIC ON THE PATIO 6:00–9:00 PM

Featuring Midnight Flight.

LORDS OF THE PADDLE 6:00–9:00 PM

A new signature event hosted by SGCC open exclusively to junior pickleball players, with participation from River Bend, Westwood, and Trump National. Co-ed competition with 16U & 12U Divisions. RSVP with Kristine Kraujina at kristine@ sgccva.org.

POOL SUMMER CARNIVAL 1:00–5:00 PM

School’s out for the summer! Celebrate with us at the Summer Carnival at the Pool!

MUSIC AT THE POOL 6:00–9:00 PM

Featuring David Thong

LADIES TENNIS SOCIAL 11:00 AM –6:30 PM

Breaking News: Mob Wives Take Over SGCC Racquets! Calling all SGCC Ladies! Grab a friend and sign up for our annual Ladies Tennis Social. Limited spots available, registration required. $100/person. 22

SUMMER CAMPS BEGIN

Various camps offered throughout the summer. See the website for more details and dates:

• STEAM & Movement Camp

• Camp SGCC

• Half Day Art Camp

• One-Hour Tennis Camp

• Full-Day Tennis & Pickleball Camp

• Golf & Tennis Camp

• Golf Camp

PIRATE POOL PARTY

Ahoy mateys! More information to come.

25 POOL CLOSES EARLY AT 4:00 PM FOR 3-DAY MEMBER/GUEST

25-27 3-DAY MEMBER/GUEST GOLF TOURNAMENT Golf course closed to non-participants. Reciprocal tee times available. 27 CLUBHOUSE CLOSES AT 3:00 PM FOR 3-DAY MEMBER/GUEST

Notes from the Cutting Board

BY TRAVIS SIMMONS | EXECUTIVE CHEF

I often get asked what my journey to becoming a Chef has looked like. Normally, I just run through the Cliff’s Notes version of my resume and keep the conversation moving, but that’s not really fair. It does a disservice to all the folks that helped me get where I am today and to the huge role food has played in my life.

You see, for a career Chef, how we got where we are is a loaded question, and—pardon the pun—in my case, it’s an onion with many layers. Layers of failure, defeat, blood, sweat, and tears followed by some of the highest highs you CAN’T imagine and triumphs that few will ever enjoy in their careers.

Over the years I have worked with some amazing Chefs and cooks. I will do my best to honor those that came before me, as I stand on their shoulders today. These are the ones that truly sent me down the path.

The Value of a Dollar

As they say, there’s no better place to start than at the beginning. For me, that means my grandmother. She grew up during the Great Depression and was one of thirteen children. My grandmother also had the privilege of raising me, and much to my luck, she was the family cook.

From a very early age, I can remember my grandmother in the kitchen on Production Mode. Today we would say she was pulling a shift. I remember her prepping, cooking, cooling, labeling, and storing food to be transferred to what seemed to me to be an Army base but was actually a church event or our annual family reunion.

It’s the family reunions that stick out to me the most. Coming from such a large family, you can imagine the attendance. Everyone would bring a covered dish or two, but my grandmother would go all in. Over the years, it seemed like when we arrived, it was Go Time. The rest of the family’s level of respect and curiosity about what was on the menu each year always stood out to me.

As a 7-year-old, being that close to greatness and celebrity was inspiring. The week leading up to reunion I would spend hours in the kitchen watching, learning, and tasting. For the first time in my short life, I saw someone with a passion for food.

Now, from time to time, I’m sure my grandmother would argue that raising me was no walk in the park. One spring afternoon when I was 14 years old, I came home from school and found my grandmother standing on the front porch. This was not her normal spot after school, and she was not wearing her normal expression.

“It’s time for you to learn the value of a dollar,” she said, “and you’re not coming in the house ‘til you have a job!” We’d been going back and forth for about ten minutes when one of my good friends from high school came rolling up to the house. Seeing what was going on, he immediately jumped out of the car and said, “C’mon we’re going to be late; it’s your first shift as our new dishwasher...get in, let’s go!”

Aptitude for Food

When I began working in the kitchen, I told myself it was just a job. I was comfortable on the line, perhaps young and a bit raw, but I could handle myself when tickets would absolutely rain from above. The restaurant was extremely popular, and everything was fast paced which gave my young mind the opportunity to grow in organized chaos and disorder.

At the start of each shift, I would clock in and check in with my Kitchen Manager to ask what the wait time for night was looking like. On a given night, she might tell me 45 minutes. “Hmmm, it’s busy,” I’d say.

“What are you waiting for?” she’d reply, without skipping a beat. “Jump in, let’s go!”

I learned so much at that restaurant, and it’s when I truly fell in love with kitchens. It’s hard to describe, but those moments when the veterans of the line would look at me in silence and give me a head nod while cleaning up for the night were everything. No words, just respect for not letting my station go completely sideways during the rush.

One of those nights my General Manager walked through the kitchen and stopped to chat with me. He asked, “Simmons, what’s your plan after high school?” I told him I was going into tech because it was the way of the future. He frowned and shook his head, “You have found your place in the world. You have an aptitude for food. Good job tonight!”

That simple acknowledgment from the GM changed the entire course of my life.

Man on a Mission

Shortly after culinary school, I found myself working two jobs in Asheville, North Carolina. My first shift of the day was from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. My second shift was at a franchised restaurant from

5:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The hotel was where I could practice all the new skills I had learned in school. The restaurant was just, well, easy money.

As you can see, I might have been burning the candle at both ends. One day Chef Knepp (Executive Chef of the hotel) walked up to my station and said, “Simmons, you should quit your job at the restaurant and focus on your career.”

I looked up from my prep station and said with those deer -caught-in-the-headlights eyes, “Okay.”

You need to understand what I had just agreed to. This Chef was a nightmare to work with, an H.R. headache to say the least. Honestly, he makes most celebrity Chefs look like kindergarten teachers. He would regularly go off on me, throwing knives and hot sauté pans, and yelling at me from one side of the kitchen to the other. When I told him okay, I had just signed up to start the program without knowing.

A few months later he approached me and said, “Give me two years and I will set you up for success in this industry.” At that time, he also recruited me to Washington state to open a new hotel. I had an amazing three years under his wing. Occasionally he would look at me and say, “Look at him, that’s a man on a mission.”

At the end of my tenure with him, I’m sad to say I got him fired. Stay with me here, I can feel you pulling away and gasping. My mentor and friend had taught me so much and maybe this was my last lesson: Stay true to your craft and sometimes you must make the hard decisions. Two days later, I was promoted to Executive Sous Chef of a 4-star hotel in Washington state wine country. I had just turned 25 and that one stung a bit.

Over the years I have met so many amazing people and learned so many life lessons. I owe an entire career to those people and those lessons learned. Maybe the biggest lesson of all is the journey of a Chef is never complete, so I’ll leave you here for now. Maybe I’ll share the story of how I got into country clubs and wound up joining the team at SGCC another day! 

Pool Review

H O U R S

P H A S E O N E: May 22* – June 16

MONDAY–THURSDAY 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

– 9:00 PM

12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

P H A S E T W O: June 17 – July 31**

& TUESDAY 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

* The Pool will open at 4:00 PM on Opening Day, Friday, May 22; **The Pool will close at 4:00 PM on Thursday, June 25 for 3 Day Member/Guest. On Friday, July 3, Food Service will end at 4:00 PM and the Pool will stay open until 10:00 PM. The Pool, Sea Lion Café, and Pavilion will close one hour earlier than normal on Saturday, July 4. Full season hours can be found online.

Make a Splash

P

O O L

S I D E P R O G R A M I N G

Swim Lessons

We offer swim lessons for children, teens, and adults of all abilities. Whether you know the basics, are starting from scratch, or are trying to make the cut on a new team, our experienced staff can help you achieve your goals! All of our instructors hold Water Safety Instructor certifications with the American Red Cross, are credentialed with local swim school, and/or have certifications with USA Swimming.

PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS

There’s no “one size fits all” approach to swim lessons we customize private lessons to suit your swimmer’s needs, strengths, and challenges. Swimmers are matched with instructors based on skill level and availability. Private lessons are scheduled at a day/time that is convenient to both instructor and student. Private lessons are $35/half-hour.

GROUP SWIM LESSONS

We offer group swim lessons for children ages 4 and up who are able to participate in a small group setting while parents wait/watch from a distance. For the safety of all swimmers, children who do not willingly participate in class will be referred for private lessons so we can better meet everyone’s needs.

The goal of group swim lessons is to promote confidence and safety in the water while building skills like balance, floating, treading water, breath control, kicking and stroking, and jumping and diving. As students improve their endurance, skills will become more refined and instruction will focus on freestyle and backstroke. Lessons are tailored to meet students at their level and maximize opportunities for progress.

Advanced registration is required for group lessons. We are offering three sessions this summer:

• Daytime Session, 1:00–1:30 PM meets June 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, & 12 ($120/swimmer)

• Afternoon Session I, 4:15–4:45 PM meets June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, & 18 $120/swimmer)

• Afternoon Session II, 5:15–5:45 PM meets June 24 & 26, July 1, 8, 10, 15, & 17 ($105/swimmer)

For more information about swim lessons and to be paired with an instructor, email SGCC.SwimLessons@gmail.com.

Swim Team

SGCC's junior swim team is open to Member Dependents age 18 and under who are able to swim the length of the pool safely and consistently. No experience is necessary! As long as your child is able to safely participate in practice, we are happy to teach them the strokes. Please note, swimmers cannot participate in another swim league.

In addition to practice, our season consists of five dual meets and two invitational meets. Our team caters to swimmers of all abilities, and is competitive within the Dominion Country Club League. We are home to league record holders, year-round swimmers, beginners, and a solid group of swimmers who are just there to have fun! We are known for our friendships, daily dance parties, doughnut days, team dinners, and end-of-season banquet.

Our league differs from neighborhood pools in a few ways. Unlike most neighborhood pools which have an "A" team and a "B" team with multiple meets per week, all of our swimmers compete together in one meet on Saturday mornings. Additionally, our swimmers are able to compete in four individual events and one relay at each meet which means they have more opportunities to swim.

Swim Team registration includes all practices, all meets, after practice treats, pep rallies, social activities, and more!

Practice is offered daily during the week. We encourage swimmers to attend as often as possible; most Sea Lions practice three-to-five times a week. For families unable to attend morning practices, evening practices are offered on Mondays and Thursdays.

For more information, please email sgccsealions@gmail.com.

SWIM TEAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE

SWIM MEET & MORE SCHEDULE

May 26 - June 17*

*Team Dinner & Pep Rally on June 12; No practice on June 17 Practice Sessions run Monday–Friday from 5:00–7:00 PM; Specific Session Assignments Depend on Registration

June 18 - July 17*

*No evening practice on June 29 or July 2; Practice for All Star participants continues week of July 20, times TBD Practice Sessions run Monday–Friday from 8:00–10:00 AM; Specific Session Assignments Depend on Registration

Evening Practice Mon & Thu, 5:15–6:00 PM

Adult Swim Squad

Looking for a fun, challenging way to stay active this summer? Adult Swim Squad is perfect for former swimmers, those looking to meet fellow Members, or anyone wanting to try something new! This class offers a full-body workout while focusing on stroke mechanics and technique. It is open to all skill levels. Advanced registration is required for this class and can be found on the Fitness & Pool Calendar.

Adult Swim Squad meets on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning June 1.

Water Aerobics

Water Aerobics is a fantastic non-weight-bearing exercise for adults of all ages! As social as it is active, water aerobics combines cardio and strength training in a supportive aquatic environment, making it ideal for all fitness levels—and with the weather heating up, it’s the perfect way to stay cool while getting fit.

Water Aerobics meets from 11:00-11:55 AM, Monday-Friday beginning June 1, 2026 and runs through the Friday before Labor Day. You can drop-in for class or purchase a package by emailing fitness@sgccva.org.

Water Aerobics Class & Package Pricing

Daily Drop-In

$10/person/class

Friday, June 12 Pep Rally & Team Dinner

Saturday, June 13 Meet, details TBD

Friday, June 19 Pep Rally

Saturday, June 20 Meet @ SGCC

Friday, June 26 Pep Rally

Saturday, June 27 Meet, details TBD

Monday, June 29 Relay Carnival @ SGCC

Friday, July 10 Pep Rally

Saturday, July 11 Meet @ SGCC

Friday, July 17 Pep Rally

Saturday, July 18 Meet, details TBD

Saturday, July 25 All Stars Qualifier

Sunday, July 26 All Stars Final

Sunday, July 26 End of Season Celebration

10-Class Package

12-Class Package

$95/person

$105/person

Unlimited $135/person

Please note, packages are billed at the time of purchase and are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Poolside Yoga

Our 7:00 AM Friday morning Yoga class and our 10:00 AM Friday morning Chair Yoga will move outdoors starting June 5! Practicing yoga outside can enhance your connection to nature, boost your mood, and increase mindfulness as you breathe fresh air and feel the natural surroundings. In the event of bad weather, classes will be held indoors in the studio. Please remember to register for the classes in advance. 

Nanny Pass

Please familiarize yourself with our Nanny Policies:

• Instead of paying individual guest fees, there is an annual charge for nannies: the Nanny Pass.

• The Nanny or caregiver will be issued a Nanny Pass after registering with Club Office with their name, photo ID, and the Member's name and Club number.

• A photo ID must be presented along with the Nanny Pass for access to the Club and when requested by appropriate Staff members.

• Nanny Passes expire after one year. They are nonrefundable and non-transferable. If a Member hires a new Nanny, a new Pass is required.

• Nanny Passes must be turned in to the Club when the Nanny is no longer employed by the Member family.

• Nannies are not Members. They may use the Pool and Clubhouse when acting as caregivers for Member Dependents, and they may take Member Dependents to golf and tennis programs, but they may not book courts, tee times, etc.

• Nannies cannot bring guests other than those of the Member's Dependents.

• Nannies may not consume alcohol.

• Nannies must be at least 16 years old.

• Relatives may act as Nannies without a fee. However, they must still be registered with the Club Office and they will be charged a guest fee when visiting the Club with the Member as they are acting as guests, not nannies or caregivers.

• Members assume responsibility for all actions, conduct, and charges by the Nanny.

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REGISTER YOUR NANNY

Nannies must be registered annually with the Club Office with their full name, photo ID, and the Member’s name and Club number.

GET THE PASS

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Nannies must come into the Club and have their photo taken by Club Staff to be printed on the Pass. To make an appointment for a Nanny Pass, email frontdesk@sgccva.org.

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USE THE PASS

Nannies must have the Nanny Pass with them at all times on Club grounds. The Nanny Pass must be presented at all check-in locations and when requested by appropriate Staff members.

COST & RENEWAL

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The Nanny Pass costs $275* and is good for one year. Families registering two Nannies simultaneously may get the second pass at a discounted rate of $200. Families who replace their Nanny mid-year will be charged $275 for the new Pass, but will receive a $75 credit upon receipt of the previous Nanny’s Pass. Nanny Passes and information do not carry over, and must be renewed every year.

*all fees subject to change

Our complete Nanny and Caregiver Policy can be found online on the Governance page of the website. 

Pool Events

May

Join us to open the pool for the 2026 season! The pool will be open from 4:00–9:00 PM.

Let’s go Sea Lions! Evening practices will be held until school is out for the summer.

June

A fun, full-body workout for adult swimmers. Meets twice a week on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Water Aerobics meets Monday–Friday from 11:00–11:55 AM. You can drop-in or purchase a multi-class package. Runs until the Friday before Labor Day.

Turf Talk

BY SHAWN GILL | GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

Each month, I like to look back at my previous month’s article and as well as last year’s from this time. It helps me see where we’ve been and what we are doing to move forward. I can’t help but notice that the old saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same” very much applies to what the Greens Department does day in and day out. So many of our actions are geared toward keeping the course conditions consistent and excellent, which requires many of the same actions be repeated over and over again, month to month, year to year.

Language is subjective; “consistent” and “excellent” do not mean the same thing to everyone and are definitely not absolute in the interpretation of their definitions. As I look around at the

course this spring, I like what I see, but I also recognize room for improvement in nearly every facet of turf and landscape maintenance here at SGCC. And that is the way it should be. The minute we start to think that we’ve got everything dialed in and that all we need to do is maintain the status quo is the minute we should be hanging up our Superintendent’s moniker and heading to different pastures.

In Steve’s annual All Employee Meeting, he emphasized trying to be a little better each day. I love this and I like to think that I’ve lived my career and my life following this path. In fact, many times it is hard not to over pursue, resulting in taking on too much, running yourself down, and not being able to do

the things you do as well as you should. So, I, along with the entire Greens department, look at each day as an opportunity to make the course and the Club a just little bit better in the hope that over time this will result in monumental changes that make the Member experience second-to-none.

Looking back over the last few years, I recall how the pre-work meetings used to go and what they have evolved into. It used to be me standing in front of the staff, doling out assignments quickly so we could all run out the door and get started (the time constraints we face each day grooming the course for play are real and stressful). But as time has gone by and I’ve seen the insight and desire to be a part of the process from each member of the staff, I realize that taking some extra time to get daily input and discussing small “teaching moments” pays off a hundred-fold. The morning gatherings now take more time, but I would argue they make the operation far more efficient, making the employees feel more engaged and resulting in the course and grounds getting a little better each day. Without a doubt, I am sure that without the drive and care of the crew, my successes would be fewer and less impactful.

I’ve pointed out numerous times the longevity of service that many of the Greens crew have. As with any operation though, people move on, some retiring and some going on to new opportunities. This gives us a chance to introduce new people to the wonderful world of golf course maintenance. One of my favorite things has always been training new employees. As I go through all the intricacies involved in each of the tasks we perform, I get excited and re-amazed by how complex even the smallest things we do are. Watching tenured workers get excited in the same way as they teach and instill their knowledge is even more satisfying.

We’ve got a couple guys who are just incredible at this! They take the time to patiently guide people who have never worked on a golf course or even seen equipment like ours and continue to help them until both are confident that the skills and knowledge required to produce excellence are firmly in place. When I ask the trainer how the newbie is doing and whether they are ready to fly solo, I see the pride in their smile as they praise the ability of the trainee, recognizing that they have now helped the next generation to appreciate what they have learned. I never tire of celebrating the extraordinary contributions of YOUR Greens team!

I guess I should also give a bit of an update on where we stand on the course. As I said earlier, I am quite pleased with where the course conditions stand right now. Entering the heart of the golf season, all the turf areas are in a good agronomic position for success. From now until fall aeration, the focus will

be ensuring the conditions do not decline and looking for small ways to improve.

As seems to be a common theme every year at this time, there are some weed issues out there (almost exclusively in the roughs) that we will continue to treat so that playability and aesthetics remain as expected. Looking at the course, it might be hard to tell, but we are currently in a drought warning stage here in Northern Virginia. Fortunately, we’ve had timely, small amounts of precipitation that have helped keep the turf adequately hydrated, with the exception of the drain lines in the fairways (but if that is the only problem, I’d count that as a success).

We had to irrigate more than expected in April (although that has been a reoccurring theme over the last few seasons) and so, the pond level is down significantly. It is not worrisome yet and the upper pond on hole #15 is full and sending water to the main pond continually at this point. Fairway and rough aeration were completed in mid-April along with solid deep tine aeration of the greens. This has helped what little rain fell to reach deeper into the soil profile where the healthy root masses are able to suck it up and continue to grow deeper, setting us up as well as possible to face the summer stress period.

I’ve watched balls landing in the fairway leap forward and roll out nicely. That puts a smile on MY face. I just hope I can get out there a bit more often to play the game we all love on your beautiful golf course, preferably teeing it up with Members so we can pick each other’s brains and find new ways to make this place a little bit better tomorrow. 

Retirees Recap

BY RUSTY ROESCH

With two games under our belt, Springfield Retirees are off to a good start for the 2025 season with a decisive win at home and a loss on the road.

On a blustery season opening day, the Springfield Retirees got a chilly reception from Army Navy Arlington Country Club on their course. Unfortunately, we finished the day by losing 29 to 7. The single bright spot of the day was the 3 points earned by Dan Rose and new member Michael Salkind. Low gross scores for the day included Mike Saylor with a 78 and Richard Lion with a 79. Notable net scores were Jordan Weinstein (71), Jim Workman (72), Dan Rose (73), new member Pak Fong (75), Walter Burkhardt (76), Michael Salkind (77), and Jim Yates (79).

It was a beautiful day for golf on April 9th, and the Springfield Retirees rose to the occasion by soundly defeating visiting Regency Country Club 28½ to 7½. There were numerous highlights including 3-point winners Derrick Smith/Steve Barker, Richard Lion/Walter Burkhardt, Scott Kidd/John McClelland, Al Kuhns/Mark Spooner, and Albie Lau/Mike Cifrino. 2 ½ -point winners included Jim Yates/Hank Webb, Jim Wilson/Greg Gerlach, and Gary Fedorochko/Pak Fong. Bill Schneider/Robert Wooding and John Benda/Ban Tran each delivered 2 points. In addition, the sweeps were all won by Springfield: first place went to John Benda/Ban Tran; Al Kuhns/Mark Spooner captured second place; third place went

to Richard Lion/Walter Burkhardt; and Jim Wilson/Greg Gerlach captured fourth place.

Notable low gross scores for the day we reported by Derrick Smith and Richard Lion, both scoring a 78. Low net scores included Robert Wooding (70), Walter Burkhardt (71), Greg Gerlach (71), Ban Tran (72), Al Kuhns (72), Derrick Smith (73), Richard Lion (73), Hank Webb (73), Gary Fedorochko (73), and Peter Lee (73).

Looking ahead, we have a busy month beginning with an away match at Army Navy Fairfax Country Club on May 7th before traveling to Washington Golf and Country Club on May 13th for our annual friendly mixed-team competition on their course. The following day, we host Mount Vernon Country Club on our course. Next, we host Washington Golf and Country Club on our course for another mixed-team competition. For our final match during May this year, we will travel to Mount Vernon Country Club on the 28th.

To support highly competitive home and away matches, our Retiree Team needs fresh players every year. Note that it is never too late to join the Retirees (just be 50+ and dream about retirement). For more information on joining, please contact Bruce Nordstrom at bnorthstream@yahoo.com or call 202.494.6558. 