March 2015 - The Lakes Golf and Country Club

March 2015
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GOLF SPRING FASHION IS HERE
Golf Fashion
by Claudia Benjamin
S
pring is looking very bright
this year; from Golf Fashion
to Resort Wear, the colors
are vibrant and cheerful. The Lakes
Golf Pro Shop has a nice selection of the
latest Spring ladies’ and men’s fashion
trends to freshen up your wardrobe. We have the latest ladies’
fashions from EP Pro, Daily Sports, Puma and Polo Golf. For the
gentlemen, we have Tommy Bahamas, Peter Millar and Straight
Down, just to name a few. We also have shoes, bags and the
current products in golf clubs. There is something for everyone!
We offer special orders too! Hope to see you soon!
Lakes Demo Day - February 16th, 2015
Page 2
GOLF NEWS
HOLE-IN-ONE NEWS
Jerry Hagood
Rob Cowie
Rick Fee
January 9, 2015
Hole: #9 North
Tom Duff, Jerry Hagood,
David Denton and Warren Gomes
February 7 2015
Hole: #4 North
Bruce Cowie, Marlene Cowie and Rob Cowie
February 8, 2015
Hole: #3 North
Rick Fee, Janet Slade and Rob Cowie
Alignment Tips
by Mike Clifford, Director of Golf
I
have had a tendency
to draw (or hook) the
ball since about the time
I started playing golf,
because of that I generally
aim to the right of my
target. It’s pretty simple
stuff. If the ball generally
moves left toward the
target, then I need to aim
right, otherwise I’ll be left all day long. This
alignment is not a conscious move; it’s just
based on the majority of the shots I have been
hitting for a while.
Many times when golfers are having a hard
time, I hear them say, “My alignment is off”.
After watching them hit a few balls, I see them
slicing and they are aimed well left of their
target. Now that is a good thing! If they aimed
right at the target and hit that slice, they would
find their ball out of bounds right or definitely
well right of their target.
LAKES MEN’S GOLF
ASSOCIATION (LMGA)
by Emil Krein
T
he Men’s President's Cup was a successful
event and the winner was Doug Swartout.
Runner-up was Mike Hageman, Jeff LaBrec
and Emil Krein tied for third. Hugh Gillard,
Rich Felix, Rich Ostrowski , and Paul Richards
were other flight winners playing for the
Championship.
Detailed plans are now being put into place
for “The Battle of the Pros” scheduled for April
22nd at 1:00 p.m. We regard The Lakes Golf
Professionals as very special for making The
Lakes golf what it is today. Volunteers are
needed to make this event a success! Sign up at
the Proshop.
Your Lakes’ Men’s Golf Association welcomes
your suggestions. Drop us a letter and we will
try and make events even better. Your home
clubs may have different events, which we
could implement at The Lakes.
Congratulations to our Men’s Club Champion,
Brian Alexander, who defeated Tom Smith, last
year’s Club Champion. Congratulations to Roy
Evans, who won the Consolation Event.
Mike Hageman Presidents' Cup Runner Up and
Doug Swartout - President's Cup
The Men’s Shootout event has been cancelled.
To accommodate those members, who signed
up for the event, a new two-day Guest Day
has been planned. The event will be referred
to as, “The Men’s Invitational”, on March 26th,
27th, and 28th. We will have a Stag Party
on Thursday night followed by a Shotgun on
Friday and Saturday; which will include a full
breakfast and lunch. One Better Ball Format
of the twosome will be played on both days.
The ball hooks or slices, because the clubface is
The cost of this event is $350 per team. Any
closed or open at impact. A grip change by a
golf professional will quickly change the flight of additional members wishing to bring a guest
to participate can sign up at the Pro Shop or
the ball. The same professional will tweak your
alignment (and a few other things in your setup) Foretees.
and you are on your way to a better golf game. Our next upcoming Men’s Super Saturday will
The point I am making is that correcting your
alignment will not change the curvature of the
ball. You will need to change the curvature
of the ball and then you can change your
alignment. Once getting the ball hooking or
drawing, your shots will stop going to the right
and you may start changing your alignment on
your own.
Good golfing!
your support to make The Lakes Men’s Golf
Association successful.
be held on March 21st. Come on let’s get our
entries in early! The ladies are filling their events
and putting us fellows to shame. We need
First Flight Winners - Gary Pillar, Dick Enders,
Larry Morris and George Brace
Second Flight Winners - Ray Shurtz, Chuck
Killion, Jack Langdon and Jim Naekel
Page 3
GOLF WRAP UP
LLGA News by Carla Dilley, LLGA Chair
C
an it really be that we are over half way through the season?
November, December, January and February are already
gone! But don't worry! There are so many fun events
scheduled in the next few months. You’ll be kept very busy! Just
thinking back to the February Guest Day, “Tropical Fever”, and how
it was a perfect day. We had Hawaiian themed music playing on
the Driving Range, as we warmed up with a balmy tropical breeze.
It truly felt like we were trans-ported to a tropical island! Thanks to
Peggy Mason and her Committee for a very fun golf event! The
new Play Days continue to be popular with over 80 participating in
January. Sign-ups are now being taken for the March 19th Play Day. Please be sure to
sign up for these NEW fun days. If you signed up and can’t play, PLEASE cancel as soon
as you know you can’t play. We had 10 of 80 ladies NOT show up to play and it wasn't
fair to all of the others. Your help is needed to cancel out.
Our LLGA Member/Member Tournament, “Ladies in Red”, was a wonderful success and
many thanks to Gayle Placeres, Marla Franklin and the rest of the Committee. Thank you
for a FUN time!
LLGA 201 Club Championship
February 21, 2015
Overall Club Champion
Kathy Hanson
256
Runner Up
Mim Bernstein
264
First Flight
1st Gross
Pam Rich
265
2nd Gross
Carol Boswell
272
1st Net
Liz Aragon
229
1st Gross
Nancy Asivido
282
2nd Gross
Lindsay Novey
283
1st Net
Connie Cobbe
229
1st Gross
Kay Sigmund
285
2nd Gross
Judy Barnes
291
1st Net
Susan Denton
227
1st Gross
Marla Franklin
282
2nd Gross
Marlene Langdon 290
1st Net
Carol Moore
227
Susan Kozak
313
2nd Gross
Diane Naekel
319
1st Net
Joyce Gannon
232
Second Flight
Third Flight
The Club Championship, “The Lakes Olympiad”, was in February. We were proud to
honor Kathy Hanson as our 2015-2016 Club Champion. CONGRATULATIONS Kathy!!! A
big thank you to Marlene Langdon and her Committee, the theme worked so well and
everything was coordinated! We appreciate ALL of the ladies that played in the Club
Championship. We encourage you to play in it next year if you didn't play this year. We
have our mixer, “March Madness”, and the “Roaring Twenties” themed Desert Reflections
coming up in March. I don't know about you, but there is a lot to do! We haven't even
men-tioned our April and May events yet!
Fourth Flight
On a business note, your LLGA Board is working hard to review the Standing Rules and
Bylaws listening to your suggestions and applying them to create a more inclusive and
updated golf pro-gram for your enjoyment. The LLGA Board meets the first Monday of the
month so please submit any items to Carla Dilley the Friday before the meeting. Watch for
these new changes to be highlighted in future Ripple’s articles.
Fifth Flight
All of this wouldn't be possible without the excellent volunteers that work hard to offer
these creative and fun events. I have received so many positive compliments and
comments from the Members, please know you have a great LLGA Board and many other
supportive volunteers working hard for you! Thank you!
1st Gross
I hope to see you on the golf course!
LLGA Club Championship Mixer
February 26, 2015
1st Flight
1st
2nd
2nd Flight
Rosemary Gillard
108
3rd
Jeannie Morris
113
1st
Gayle Placeres
Cindy Michael
Shirley McEvoy
Gail McFadyen
Julie Murray
Ty Messenger
Marlene Neale
Vicky Hammond
Gloria Baldwin
Dotti Gough
112
4th
Cathy Richards
Nancy Pentz
114
2nd
Linda McCracken
Mary
McCourtney
Susie Silston
Doreen Christian
Maureen
Macdonald
Christy Taxon
Suzy Etheridge
Rosanne Larson
Mary-Ann Stowe
3rd
Joanne
Supplee
Libby Henrich
Cindy
Thompson
113
4th
Sharon
Davenport
Blanche Myer
Shirley Gitlin
A Player:
Dotti Gough
C Player:
Doreen Christian
B Player:
Joanne Swartout
D Player:
Donita Wilson
113
Beverly Braig
Anne Camil
CLOSEST TO THE HOLE
Page 4
110
113
EVEN PARS
Championship Flight Winners - Marla Franklin,
Pam Rich, Susan Kozak, Kay Sigmund and
Nancy Asivido
Championship Mixer Second Flight - Gloria
Baldwin, Marlene Neal, Gail McFadyen and
Gayle Placeres
Assistant Golf Professional - Carrie DeGree and
Club Champion Kathy Hanson with Trophy
Olympiad Centerpieces
Championship Mixer First Flight - Sally Varriale,
Rosie Gillard, Julie Murray and Cindy Michael
Club Mixer Decoration
Club Championship and Mixer
by Marlene Langdon
C
ongratulation to our 2015 Club
Champion Kathy Hanson!
Forty ladies played three days of Stroke
Play competition. Kathy made her way to the
top of the leader board to a well deserved win.
Kathy was presented with a dozen red roses, a
gold medal and crowned with Laurel Leaves in
with our theme of “The Lakes Olympiad”.
Sixty-six ladies played in a 1, 2, 3 Best Ball Mixer
with two playing from the Silver Tees and two
from the Red Tees. Our first place winners were
presented with “The Lakes” medals.
Flags from various country and balloons filled
the dining room symbolizing the Olympiad
with a Greek themed luncheon and our own
“Olympic Torch” for dessert.
A special thanks to the organizers of the event;
Gloria Baldwin, Vicky Hammond, Nancy
Landis, Marlene Langdon, Elly McBeth, Janet
Rosentreter and Jo-Anne Swartout.
Kathy Hanson - Winner of the 2015 Club
Championship
Club Champion Kathy Hanson and Runner Up
Mim Bernstein
Page 5
SWING INTO ACTION
Oahu Flights First Place Gross - Guest, Cheri
Gosey, Nancy Asivido and Guest
Oahu Flight First Place Net - Carol Boswell,
Guest, Linda Hahn and Guest
Maui Flight First Place Gross - Guest, Taeko
Kolbeck, Gayle Placeres and Guest
LLGA Fabulous Luau February Guest Day!
by Peggy Mason
Kauai Flight First Place Net - Bridgette Haigh,
Two Guests and Karen Franco
T
he weather was perfect for our Fabulous Luau February Guest Day! Our Golf
Professional Staff handled everything beautifully.
Executive Chef Mark fixed a terrific breakfast with very interesting and tasty Brie Cheese
Croissants with a yogurt parfait bar with all of the goodies.
Lunch was served family style with all of the yummy wonderful preset food on the tables
upon arrival. A typical Hawaiian plate lunch, consisting of Coconut Chicken with pineapple
sauce, Kailua pork (wrapped in banana leaves), salmon, macaroni salad, green salad with
a traditional Hawaiian dressing including Hawaiian Kings sweet bread. The tables were set
with colorful pastel linens and napkins with banana leaf place mats!
One hundred thirty orchids in colorful pots were used for decorations and tee prizes. The
Golf Professionals and servers wore Hawaiian shirts and during the event there was a
background of Hawaiian music. Two pineapples marked the tee locations.
Not pictured:
Maui Flight - First Place Net Darlene Waldbauer, Sally Varriale and their guests
Chairman Peggy Mason.
Kauai Flight First Place Gross - Guest, Connie
Cobbe, Guest and Linda McCracken
Committee: Nancy Asivido, Karen Avery, Carol Boswell, Sally Variale and Lois Rosen.
Niners Home & Home
by Ann Mix
T
he Lakes Niners hosted our annual Home & Home
Golf Tournament on February 9, 2015. This year we
played with PGA West. The shotgun started at 9:00
a.m. A wonderful luncheon followed golf. “Keep The
Planet Green" was our theme.
A big thank you to all our terrific staff for making this event
a special day. The Niners would like to sincerely thank the
Co-Chairs for this event; Bobbie Baronsky, Marilyn Keroff
and Joanne Sheridan. All your hours of hard work truly
paid off.
The winning foursome included:
■■ Paulette Farnsworth and Dorothy Webb from The Lakes
■■ Jean Norfolk and Laurie Aarsby from PGA West
Congratulations!
Fun ahead! Go Niners!
PGA West Guest, Dorothy Webb, Paulette Farnsworth and Guest
Page 6
TEEING IT UP
Red Dahlia Flight First Place Gross - Linda
McCracken and Connie Cobb
Red Rose Flight First Place Net - Denise Petrella
and Georgia Jones
Ruby Red Flight First Place Net - Mary Tamaki
and Janet Rosentreter
Ruby Red Flight First Place Gross - Lois Rosen
and Vicky Hiebsch
Red Dahlia Flight First Place Net - Kris Grassman
and Gayle Placeres
Red Rose Flight First Place Gross - Bridgette
Haigh and Karen Franco
LLGA MEMBER/MEMBER
by Gayle Placeres
T
he 32nd Annual LLGA Member/Member
was held on February 12th and 13th. It
was a “Ladies in Red” theme with a Partner
Better Ball Eclectic format. There was a great
turnout, with 162 players. All the players were
dressed for the theme. The room was very
festively decorated with bright red everywhere.
Red Hot Flight First Place Net - Doreen Christian
and Carol Moore
The food that Chef Mark prepared was enjoyed
by everyone and once again, his creativity
shined through.
Not pictured - Red Hot Flight - First Place Gross Ellen Barnes and Wava Baker
Red Velvet Flight First Place Gross - Lynne Monk
and Ty Messenger
Red Velvet Flight - First Place Net - Mary Enders
and Paulette Reid
Ruby Slippers Flight First Place Net - Diane
Cuccio and Linda Burton
Ruby Slippers Flight First Place Gross - Sharon
Salman and Cindy Thompson
Diana Thronsen, Gayle Placeres Co-Chair, Janet
Rosentreter, Marla Franklin Co Chair and Donna
Dillon
Page 7
GOLF WELL PLAYED
The Lakes Can-AmTournament
February 15th, 2015
The Match VIII February 16, 2015
by Mike Clifford, Director of Golf
T
his year’s Match was different than the past seven (7) matches in
that the Men’s and Ladies Club Champions joined Nicole Castrale
and Jeff Brummett. Tom Smith, our Men’s Club Champion, Jeff
Brummett, our Head Golf Professional, and the Battle of the Pros
Champion took on Nicole Castrale and Kathy Hanson, our Ladies Club
Champion.
This Match was a warmup for Nicole, who joins the LPGA Tour in a few
weeks when they play in Phoenix.
Jeff and Tom played from the Black Tees, Nicole played from the Gold
Tees and Kathy Tee’d it up from the Silver Tees.
On the first hole, Nicole hit her sand wedge to within a foot from the
hole for a Gimmie Birdie and the ladies went one (1) up. While Nicole
hit her drive into the water on the second hole, she took a drop and
promptly knocked her Iron within ten (10) feet and dropped the Putt
for Par, which was good enough to win the hole and take a two (2) up
lead.
Page 8
The 3rd, 4th and 5th holes were pushed. However, on the Par for the
6th hole, Nicole hit her Iron Shot to within eight (8) feet. Jeff responded
with a terrific shot two (2) feet from the hole. Nicole made a nice Putt for
a Birdie and Jeff tapped his Birdie Putt right on top. The ladies remained
two (2) up with three (3) to play.
Jeff and Tom hit seriously long drives on the Par 5 #7 North. Tom hit a
spectacular second shot within ten (10) feet of the hole for an Eagle Putt,
which he proceeded to make and bring the men to within one (1) hole
of tying the ladies.
Nicole played the very long 8th hole as well as she could with a perfect
drive and an amazing 185 yard shot into the wind just twelve (12) feet
from the hole. Tom almost holed his shot out of the greenside bunker,
but Nicole closed out the Match by rolling her third Birdie in eight (8)
holes into the right side of the hole.
The gallery that numbered just under 100 Members was certainly very
well entertained.
We wish Nicole and husband, Craig, well on the LPGA Tour this year!
WHAT'S YOUR GAME?
Dinner & Game Night
February 19, 2015
O
ur first Dinner & Game night was held
on Thursday, February 19th. We had
122 members who attended this event.
It was a fun night! Don't miss our next Dinner
& Game Night on April 16th.
Long Time Residents
by Phyllis Present
W
e bought our home at The Lakes in 1982 from a set of layouts
showing different models. The Sunrise Company had set up
a trailer on the desert sand, where now stands the Marriott
Desert Springs, with artist renderings of what the new resort would
look like when built. Then, as now, we had a home in the Hollywood
Hills and two little girls. They could not ride their bikes nor roller skates,
because of the terrain and we felt this would be an ideal place for them
to find such freedom.
When the Clubhouse was finally built, our little girls could bike over to
the coffee shop and order bagels with cream cheese and sit outside
munching away. On their return, they would proudly announce they
had “breakfast at the Club”.
We have spent almost every Thanksgiving at the Club, celebrated Easter
Eggs hunting, playing Tennis and the many activities that were available.
We are now three generations driving to The Lakes, same place, same
events, but times have changed with age. The drive has gotten longer
For variable reasons, as the houses were built, we had problems with our and my husband, Henry, a WWII Veteran, can no longer play golf,
first and second choice and ended up with our third, which we still own but enjoys the Driving Range. We enjoyed the summers at 110 with
less people around, though these are no longer viable. Although, our
and love. We finally moved into it in 1984. We enjoyed coming down
both in the season and even in the summer. My husband loved the golf trips here are less frequent and mainly in the season, we still enjoy our
connection to The Lakes, which continue with our children and family.
course, and since he manufactured golf clubs for various companies, he
The wonderful time and memories will never be erased.
got to try out some of the clubs.
Page 9
LAKES EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Page 10
LAKES EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Page 11
7
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
3
FRIDAY
Page 12
Easter Egg Hunt
8:30 am
26
19
Dinner at the Club
Dinner at the Club
Dinner at the Club
MVR Closed
Easter Sunday Brunch
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
12
5
Prime Rib Night
Mountain View Room
Prime Rib Night
Mountain View Room
27
Prime Rib Night
Mountain View Room
The Lakes’ Learning &
Discussion Group 4:00 pm
20
Prime Rib Night
Mountain View Room
13
6
Duplicate Bridge 6:45 pm
28
Duplicate Bridge 6:45 pm
21
Duplicate Bridge 6:45 pm
17th Annual
Battle Of The Pros
International Buffet Night
Mountain View Room
Handcrafters 1:00 pm
Bridge 1:00 pm
Bridge Lessons 9:30 am
Dinner & Game Night
LLGA Guest Day
LLGA & Niners
Rally For The Cure
Committee Appreciation
Golf Tournament & Dinner
23
Chef’s Cooking Demo
29Putter’s Club 9:15 am 30
International Buffet Night
Mountain View Room
Handcrafters 1:00 pm
Bridge 1:00 pm
Bridge Lessons 9:30 am
22
Putter’s Club 9:15 am
International Buffet Night
Mountain View Room
Handcrafters 1:00 pm
Bridge 1:00 pm
Bridge Lessons 9:30 am
15Putter’s Club 9:15 am 16
International Buffet Night
Mountain View Room
Book Club 7:00 pm
14
Wine Society Meeting
Handcrafters 1:00 pm
Bridge 1:00 pm
Duplicate Bridge 6:45 pm
Niners Pairings Day
8 Bridge Lessons 9:30 am 9
Putter’s Club 9:15 am
International Buffet Night
Mountain View Room
Wine Society Dinner
Handcrafters 1:00 pm
Bridge 1:00 pm
1 Bridge Lessons 9:30 am 2
Putter’s Club 9:15 am
2
1
23
22
30
16
15
9
M
S
29
Dinner at the Club
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W
26
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T
MARCH
27
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F
28
21
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S
Dinner at the Club
Friday Night Scramble
24
8
MVR Closed
All Member
Pro Am Tennis
Tournament & Dinner
Niners Year End Party
17
10
Dinner at the Club
S
31
25
18
17
24
11
10
4
26
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27
20
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W
MAY
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21
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7
T
29
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1
F
30
23
16
9
2
S
Dinner at the Club
Dinner at the Club
Season Ending Party
M
25
18
3
Hiking Club
Seder Dinner
Spring Fling Picnic
Board Meeting 12:00 pm
11
4
SATURDAY
TUESDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
ACTIVITIES
APRIL 2015
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
13
20
27
12
19
26
29
22
15
8
30
23
16
9
24
17
10
3
25
18
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S
Dinner at the Club
Final Sunday
28
21
14
7
2
1
F
Dinner Santa Fe Grill
31
Dinner Santa Fe Grill
24
Dinner Santa Fe Grill
17
MVR Closed
Mother’s Day Brunch
10:00 am - 1:30 pm
10
3
6
5
T
W
30
23
16
9
2
T
24
17
10
3
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28
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27
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Prime Rib Night
Mountain View Room
29
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8
1
M
25
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Prime Rib Night
Mountain View Room
Final Monday
11
4
28
21
14
7
S
26
19
12
Book Club 7:00 pm
All Member Cinco de Mayo
Season Ending Tennis
Exhibition & Dinner
5
Handcrafters 1:00 pm
Bridge 1:00 pm
Bridge 1:00 pm
Bridge 1:00 pm
Bridge 1:00 pm
Handcrafters 1:00 pm
27
Handcrafters 1:00 pm
20
International Buffet Night
Mountain View Room
Final Wednesday
Handcrafters 1:00 pm
13
International Buffet Night
Mountain View Room
6
28
21
14
7
LLGA Mixer
29
22
15
8
Dinner Santa Fe Grill
Dinner Santa Fe Grill
Dinner Santa Fe Grill
Dinner at the Club
Final Friday
Dinner at the Club
Niners Friday With Friends
1
30
23
16
9
2
Dinner at the Club
Final Saturday
Dinner at the Club
Board Meeting
2:00 pm
JUNE
T
FRIDAY
APRIL
M
S
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
WEDNESDAY
MONDAY
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
ACTIVITIES
MAY 2015
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Page 13
ITS ALL ABOUT THE PUTT
New Member Non Golf Member Putting Contest
by Pat McFarland, New Member Welcome Committee Member
The Lakes Country Club New Member Putting Party was held on Sunday, February 8th. The New
Member Welcome Committee hosted this event to introduce New Members to the Putting Course
on Running Spring Drive. Members were given excellent putting instruction by two of our PGA
Assistant Golf Professionals, John McCarthy and David Goldstein. Everyone played in teams of
four (4) on an 18 hole course. Competition kept all the players involved and enjoying a perfect
afternoon on a small part of the grass that we all call, “The Lakes Golf Course”. It was a great
opportunity for our non-golf Members to receive some instruction, meet two of our Assistant Golf
Professionals and get acquainted with each other.
Everyone regrouped in the Santa Fe Grill after playing to enjoy a no host cocktail time and hear
the results of the tournament.
Happy winners, each receiving a $10.00 credit in the Pro Shop:
■■ Men - Two Way Tie - Jack Seaborn and Charles Burkett
■■ Ladies - Pat Garvey
Thanks to all those who attended and to the Welcome Committee Members who volunteered
as Team Scorers and Hostesses.
Thank you to John McCarthy and David Goldstein, who not only organized the event but
provided excellent instructions.
Welcome to all of our 2014-2015 New Members!
Page 14
PUTT IT UP
Lakes Putter's Club 2015 February Winners
These two ladies made the Longest Putt of 40 feet, which no one has done in a year!
The Lakes Putter's Club Group
Ellie Dobler and Barbara Hirsch
Page 15
ALL FUN AND GAMES
Point of Contact Tip
by Marcin Rozpedski, Sports Director
T
he Point of Contact with the ball
seems to be a challenge for some.
You may be striking the ball too
high; in turn, your swing becomes high
to low rather than low to high. Your ball
is landing short or into the net, let’s wait
for the ball to drop. You need to hit a
ball when it’s dropping rather than at the highest point of the
flight. This will give you more time to move your feet and get
you in a better position to strike a deeper and cleaner ball.
New Ball Machine
by Marcin Rozpedski, Sports Director
W
e are very happy to announce that
we have purchased a top of the line
“Playmate Ball Machine”. This machine
has IPLAYMATE “LIKE MY DRILL” APP, which is a
great way to create and control your own drills,
customize skill level and speed, shots, create
your own library and lots more just by using a
Bluetooth. Some other features include the ability
to share drills with friends. A regular remote control
is available as well.
The Lakes Davis Cup Tournament 2015
High Bad Point of Contact
Page 16
Good Low Point of Contact
USA
VS
THE
WORLD
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN
Lakes’ Annual Fashion Show & Boutique
Friday, February 27th, 2015
Page 17
GEOLOGY AT ITS BEST
San Andreas Hike
February 7th, 2015
Guided by Phillip Ferrante
Page 18
HIT THE TRAILS
Living Desert Hike
February 14th, 2015
Page 19
Widgeons
SECURITY NEWS
by Christina Fredericks
T
here has been a plethora of widgeons on
Lake 13 this year. I counted at least 48 just
the other day and they have been seen
in front of the Fitness Center on Lake 6. The
field marks are easy to see; a white pate over
January 2015 Security Statistics
by Bill Markson, Director of Security
Missing Property:
Patio Chairs removed from Pool #42
Dog Bite:
Member’s dog bit another Member (IR to BOD)
Dog Bite:
Member’s dog charged and bit Member’s dog,
knocking Member to ground (IR to BOD).
Gate Strike:
Vehicle exiting the Main Gate, failed to wait for barrier arm to reset as
directed.
Member Injury:
Member lost his/her balance while descending the stairs adjacent to Tennis;
falling and fracturing his/her ankle.
Vehicle Accident:
Member drove into parked vendor golf cart, causing moderate damage to
both vehicles.
Member Injury:
Member fell and fractured his/her wrist while playing Pickleball.
2015 YTD Statistics; Patrol Officer Response Review
the head, iridescent green eye patch, brown
coverlets and a white back with a black “butt”.
They travel and live in compact flocks eating
grass and insects. The whistling noise they
make is entertaining as if to say, “I’m OK, you
OK? Did you see that? Should we fly away?”.
They winter here in fresh water ponds and lakes
and spend their summers in northern areas. It
won’t be very long until they start their way
back north where they will breed. Their eggs
are incubated around 20 days and the chicks
are born precocial (feathered and eyes open). If
General Response Type
January
2015 YTD Total
Member Assistance or Complaint
112
112
Open Garages Observed / Closed
64
64
Medical Emergency
5
5
Residential Burglary (Attempted or Actual)
0
0
Vehicle Burglary/Theft
0
0
Dog Bite
2
2
73
73
1
1
Alarm Responses by Security Staff
Missing Property
2015 YTD Statistics; False Alarm System Review
Patrol Officer Responded False Alarms
January
2015 YTD Total
Alarm Responses Handled
73
73
Member-User Error
32
32
5
5
Vendor-User Error/No Code
Unit Found Secured/Nobody Home
9
9
18
18
Alarm Service, Testing, Installation
9
9
Unit Found Secured & No Fire/Nobody Home
0
0
Member/Realtor Aware Alarm System Issue
the mother hen senses a predator, she'll feign
an injury after drawing the ducklings to safety
and steers the predator away.
Updated Feather Guard Footnote: I wrote
about Feather Guard in the January Ripples to
help keep bird strikes from your windows. This
month I heard about another product, Window
Alert. It’s a clear decal of a hawk that birds see
in UV light and alerts them to avoid the area.
You can see
both of these
products in the
aerobics room
windows at the
Fitness Center.
Window Alert is
only $6.95; I feel
a small sum to
keep birds safe.
Page 20
Visitor Passes Entered & Processed into the ABDI Access Control System
(Excluding custom passes created for Member or Club Events).
January
2015 YTD Total
4,185
4,185
February is Set Your Alarm Month.
This month in February, we have an ongoing effort to ensure that all Member alarm systems
continue to send signals to the Main Gate in case of an emergency or fire. Security will be
reviewing the Alarm Signal Received Report on a quarterly basis. If you use your alarm system on
a regular basis, you don’t need to do anything. If you use your alarm system infrequently or not
at all, you will only need to arm and disarm your alarm system a few times during the month of
February. You do not need to set your alarm off and require the Security Patrol to respond, only
to allow your alarm system to send the required signal to the Main Gate.
DID YOU KNOW?
EPC/SECURITY COMMITTEE Chairman's Report
I
by Barbara Charness
would like to acknowledge the hard work of the
EPC/Security Committee Members and all the
Volunteers that have made a commitment to
support our Community in the event of a major
disaster. As they say, It takes a Village” to make
a plan work. In this case, I am speaking of our
Emergency Preparedness Plan. Aspects of the Plan
call for volunteers to help support the Search and Rescue Team (SAR) and
the Medical Operations Team. Our Committee Members have worked
diligently to recruit our Community Members to be volunteers to support
these two major aspects of the Emergency Preparedness Plan. If you are
interested, please contact one of the following Members:
Search and Rescue
David Chandler
(760) 340-9379
[email protected]
Zone Captains/Volunteers
Stan Sibell
(760) 776-5895
[email protected]
Medical Center
Janet Simpson
(760) 238-6910
[email protected]
Security
Mary Barnett
(760) 404-0822
[email protected]
If you would like to know more about what the different volunteer
responsibilities entail, please refer to The Lakes Emergency Preparedness
Plan on our website, or call the contact Member in charge of the desired
area. Your help is needed!
Our in-house Security Team, managed by Director of Security, Bill
Markson, continues to do an outstanding job for our Members. Please
remember to use your house Alarm System when you leave your home
on a daily basis, and particularly when you leave for an extended period
of time. The Security staff continues to do monthly checks of the alarms
to make sure that every Member’s alarm is in working order. Also, in the
event of an emergency, major or otherwise, it is important that Security
has your house key on file.
Be safe, and please adhere to our speed limit of 25 mph, while driving in
The Lakes.
Handcrafters
by Toni Channer
T
he Handcrafters recently completed a blanket for the 29 Palms
Marine base. Many hats were turned in for Project Linus in the
Coachella Valley.
The Handcrafters continue
to meet Wednesdays from
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
in the Tennis Lounge.
All levels of expertise are
always welcome! Bring a
project of your choice.
by Bill Markson, Director of Security
“It is every Member’s responsibility to be personally prepared”
Living in California and as Palm Desert is essentially on top to the San
Andreas Fault, everyone should understand what may be experienced
during an earthquake. Remember, there generally will not be
any warning prior to an earthquake; however, small tremors may
precede a larger earthquake. The descriptions of observable damage
associated with earthquakes of varying magnitude (Richter Scale) are
listed below as a reminder of what may be expected:
1.Damage will vary from average to heavy. Furniture will
topple, most brickwork will crack and some walls will fall. Well
water may certainly be affected.
2.All buildings will experience heavy damage. The ground will
crack; underground pipes and foundations will shift.
3.Virtually all brickwork and plaster will be destroyed, railways
will shift and bend, large cracks in the ground will appear and
bridges will collapse. This will essentially cut us off from the
outside world.
4.Destruction of man-made structures. Waves will be seen
rippling through the ground with some objects being thrown
into the air. No vehicle traffic will be possible in or out of the
Coachella Valley.
There will be no professional help, no law enforcement and no fire
departments available for an extended period of time. Life at The
Lakes will no longer be considered normal and this will be no different
anywhere else within the Coachella Valley. Who will be responsible for
providing help after this life changing disaster?
Initial emergency response and continued management of the disaster
will fall squarely on the The Lakes Membership itself. That means that
everyone should be personally prepared for their own well-being in
addition to responding as the Membership in general, to help one
another. Emergency Preparedness Disaster Response requires Member
volunteers to sign up and receive some basic training beyond that of
general personal survival. Volunteering does not require intensive
or time consuming training, only a commitment and willingness to
volunteer in whatever limited capacity you might choose for the
betterment of The Lakes Country Club.
Please feel free to contact any of the following Emergency
Preparedness Coordinators:
■■ Search & Rescue; David Chandler ([email protected])
■■ Security; Mary Barnett ([email protected])
■■ Medical Center; Janet Simpson ([email protected])
■■ Zone Captain; Stan Sibell ([email protected])
■■ Volunteers; Kim Pontius ([email protected])
■■ Animal Control; Blanche Myer ([email protected]).
In Memoriam
We offer our sympathy to the family and
friends of our beloved Lakes' Member
Chuck McNeil of 189 Ranch View Circle passed away on
Monday, February 16th. He is survived by his wife, Janet
and 1 son. He was a Member of The Lakes since 1997.
CERT training programs are free and open to all adults. Attendees,
who successfully complete this training, will receive a backpack
with basic emergency equipment and a FEMA (Federal Emergency
Management Agency) Certificate. To register, visit www.rivcocert.org
or call 951.955.4700
Page 21
President's Report
March 7, 2015 Annual Meeting
by Dave Grassman
I
would like to welcome all
of our Members to The
Lakes Country Club Annual
Meeting.
Today, marks the culmination
of twelve (12) months of
dedication by your Board
of Directors, our Management Team and their
staff, plus our Membership in assisting our Club
to prepare for an exciting and productive future.
Together, we have all helped to make a difference
in how our Club allocates its resources and more
importantly how we make decisions that will affect
our long term growth and prosperity. Whether
you visit our outstanding 27 hole golf course, our
Tennis and Pickleball facilities, the Fitness Center,
the Clubhouse, our many pools and spas or our
excellent Food & Beverage offerings, you can
sense the pride our Members have in their home.
Many influences have led to our success this
year, but I believe that two require special
mention. The guidance from our many
committees are a very important factor as to
how we govern and make decisions in the best
interest of our Membership. We all appreciate
their advice and service to our Club. Also, I
would be negligent if I did not give a welldeserved thanks to our twelve (12) Member
Steering Committee for their perseverance and
dedication in defining the initial goal necessary
to improve our decision making process; that
being the proposed CC&R Amendment. We
all owe the Steering Committee our sincere
gratitude for an outstanding accomplishment.
As you may know, the results of the CC&R vote
were announced today at our 10:00 a.m. Open
Meeting. The proposed CC&R amendment
passed with a final count of 669 yes to 84
opposed. Our Members spoke with a clear
message. We care about our Club and we
want our vote to count.
To many of our Members, today’s election
represents a changing of the guard. During
this meeting, we will be saying goodbye to
Dave Walters and Paul Chasey, who each will
have completed their three year terms. We owe
Dave and Paul our genuine thanks for their hard
work and dedication. We will also be honoring
George Brace, who was elected last year to
serve out Beth Reich’s remaining one year
after her untimely passing. George has been
a valuable addition to our Board and has our
heartfelt thanks.
Yes, we will be offering our sincere thanks to our
three departing Board Members for their long
hours of service to our Club. At the same time
though, we will be bringing in three new Board
Members with fresh, innovative ideas as to
how our Club can cope with an ever-changing
Page 22
CLUB NEWS
marketplace. I, personally, view our elections as
a time of renewal when new concepts can take
hold and hopefully bold ideas will rise to guide
us through an uncertain future.
In parting, I have truly relished my year serving
as your President. The opportunity to exchange
thoughts with so many of our Members
regarding your ideas, concerns and vision for
our Club has been extremely rewarding. I have
very much appreciated your trust and support
for all that we have tried to accomplish in a
relatively short period of time.
Ballot Measure for the proposed
First Amendment to the
Consolidated CC&Rs
March 7, 2015
VOTING TALLY
Approve
Disapprove
Abstain
669
84
1
2015 - 2016
Board of Directors
Annual Meeting
At the Association's Annual Meeting held on
March 7th, George Brace, Barbara Charness
and Dick Enders were each elected to serve
a three year term on The Lakes' Board of
Directors.
Congratulations to all.
At its organizational meeting immediately
following the election, the new Board
elected the Corporate Officers and appointed
the Chairs for the Architectural/Facilities/
Landscape Committee, the Finance
Committee and the Strategic & Long Range
Planning Committee.
Chuck Fox, President
Alan Taxon, Vice President
& Architectural/Facilities/Landscape
Committee Chair
George Brace, Secretary
Bob Baldwin, Treasurer
& Finance Committee Chair
Dave Grassman
Strategic & Long Range Planning
Barbara Charness
Dick Enders
Don Hagen
Michael Trollope
Thanks to all who voted and attended the
Annual Meeting.
General Manager's Report
by Sandy Seddon, GM/COO
I
t’s that time of year
again. We are
budgeting! So I
thought I would take this
opportunity to discuss
fiduciary responsibility
as it relates to the Board
of Directors. The mere mention of fiduciary
responsibility may scare some Members away
from Board service, but it shouldn’t. Managing
the Association’s finances is one of the Board’s
most important duties, but it doesn’t have to be
complicated.
Fiduciary duty means protecting assets,
budgeting responsibly, planning for the future,
investing wisely and observing laws and
regulations that affect The Lakes resources.
Fiduciary duty requires the Board to ensure
that the assessments you pay are used
properly to maintain the Community and cover
insurance, contracted services, utilities and
other needed materials and services. The Board
is obligated to make ethical and legal decisions
that best serve the entire Association.
Board Members fulfill their fiduciary duty by:
■■ Establishing and Adhering to a Budget.
A good budget is developed through an
objective, step-by-step process based on
historical data and careful research.
■■ Reviewing financial statements regularly. The
statements include a balance sheet, budget
comparison report, income report, check
registry and more.
■■ Putting Policies in Place to Reduce the Risks of
Fraudulent Activity. These include, for example;
requiring two signatures on checks, not signing
blank checks and sending payment only when
an invoice is received.
■■ Hiring an Accounting Firm to Perform an
Annual Audit. An auditor will look for missing
check numbers, missing bank statements,
duplicate payments, payments to unfamiliar
vendors or suspicious journal entries.
■■ Adopting an Investment Policy. A good
investment policy protects principal, liquidity
and yield.
■■ Conducting a Reserve Study and Updating
It Regularly. A Reserve Study identifies the
expected remaining life of each major
component, estimates the cost to replace it and
the amount that should be saved on a monthly
or annual basis.
You will be happy to know that the above
practices are performed diligently by our
Board. As a reminder, the budget will be
presented for the Board’s consideration at the
May 9th Open Meeting.
MANAGERS CORNER
Financial Report for the Month
Ending January 31, 2015
Food and Beverage - $10,669 under budget.
by Ron Phipps, CFO
T
he following are the usage statistics for the month of
January, both 2014 and 2015 are shown for comparative
purposes.
Golf Memberships
Jan-14
Jan-15
Golf Rounds
Jan-14
Jan-15
Golf Members
485
474
Member Usage
5,473
5,149
LMGA (Men's) Golf Members
323
322
Guest Usage
424
402
LLGA (Ladies) Golf Members
This entire variance was due to the
transferring of costs out of the department
related to the Clubhouse Repairs to the
buildings internally plumbing. Originally,
these repairs were coded to this department
as the repairs started with the kitchen
floor drains. However, as the repairs were
completed, it was noted that several of the
original cast iron main line drain pipes had
failed, which are related to the whole building
and not just Food and Beverage.
257
240
Tenant Usage
36
27
Golf Pro Shop- $5,662 over budget.
LLGA (Ladies) Associate
Members
21
26
Family Member
93
90
LLGA (Ladies) Niners
63
73
UnAcc. Family Member
0
2
The entire variance is related to Payroll and
Related costs. The employee makeup of this
department changed from previous years,
which has created a variance in employee
related benefits in the amount of $3,500.
Additionally, the structure of the department
changed in the fall and we have some payroll
burden based on this new structure.
LLGA (Ladies) Social
Hole In One Club
Tennis
2
2
396
389
Jan-14
Jan-15
Member Usage - Tennis
876
667
Member Usage – Pickle
n/a
255
Member Usage – Paddle
n/a
69
Guest Usage
203
204
Total Usage
Organized Play
681
836
6,707
6,506
Individual Members
690
692
Different Households
429
423
Fitness
Jan-14
Jan-15
Member Usage
3,401
3,557
145
101
Total Rounds
Guest Usage
1,079
1,195
3,546
3,658
Individual Members
163
169
Individual Members
Total Usage
588
581
Different Households
117
128
Different Households
394
382
Balance Sheet
Noteworthy Balance Sheet comments are the
following:
■■ Our total Reserve Replacement, Roof
Investments and Cash balances at month end
total $3,826,000
■■ Member Accounts Receivable totaled
$555,000 net of the allowance for doubtful
accounts.
■■ The number of members 90 days
delinquent stood at ten (10) as of month end.
As it relates to financials, this month we will only be focusing on the month ending January 31,
2015. For the month we were $17,992 under budget.
■■ 26 Properties have closed escrow since July
01, 2014.
The following are the department results for the period. We will focus on the departments with
variances of $5,000, which are highlighted in red.
■■ As of March 4, 2015, there are 46
properties listed for sale and 11 in escrow
Dept
Dues - Operating
Actuals
Budget
■■ There are two (2) bank owned properties.
Diff
1,052,930
1,044,810
8,120
(49,040)
(59,709)
10,669
3,644
9,306
(5,662)
(198,348)
(196,791)
(1,557)
Fitness & Spa
(15,513)
(18,652)
3,139
Tennis
(21,287)
(20,643)
(644)
(432,699)
(434,726)
2,027
(64,183)
(63,170)
(1,013)
(238,518)
(241,431)
2,913
36,985
18,994
17,992
Food and Beverage
Golf Pro Shop
Golf Course Maint.
Facilities Maint.
Security
General & Admin.
Total
Due - Operating - $8,120 under budget.
A difference in Golf Memberships as compared to budget (474 vs. 460) resulted in the positive
variance. It should be noted that we are now above the projected number of Golf Members
and the positive variance should continue in the final few months of the fiscal year.
■■ Currently, there are six (6) liens filed against
Members with four (4) at the attorney for
collection and two (2) being prepared to be
sent.
■■ Four (4) Members have had a pre lien letter
sent to them during the month.
■■ The outstanding roof loan balance is now
down to $727,500.
ŘŘ 52 Members - Large Roof Assessment
@ $200 per month – Current Payoff is
$10,339.54
If you require any maintenance repairs,
(i.e., lights) please call Facilities
Maintenance 760.568.4321 x160
Page 23
161 Old Ranch Road
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Phone: 760.568.4321
Fax: 760.773.5142
Editor: Alisa Ramirez
Copy Editors: Sheila Valentine
& Lori Pillatzke
Website: www.thelakescc.com
Submissions to Ripples are due by
the 20th of the previous month.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
"The Lakes Country Club’s mission is to provide high quality dining, social, golf, tennis and recreational experiences in an environment
which fosters camaraderie for our members and their guests.”
C
C
Carter & Company
The Lakes Country Club Sales
Phone: 760.568.9999 │ Website: www.lakescc.com
Active Listings: 48
In Escrow: 10
SAVE THE DATE!!!
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015, 1-4 PM
THE POKER RUN!
STAY TUNED FOR A LIST OF THE
VERY SPECIAL UPGRADED HOMES
AVAILABLE TO TOUR, AND PARTAKE
IN SEEING IF YOU CAN GET THE BEST
POKER HAND IN THE LAKES!
Peggy Mason
760.989.1888
Ruth Bartsch
760.831.7539
Michael Folk
760.578.7538
John Caskey
760.578.0608
Jennifer Carter
Owner/Broker
760.578.0808
Nita Caskey
916.616.5380
Lorise Braviroff
760.673.6906
Ruth Crook
760.779.5007
Steve Carter
760.413.5298
Brian Cloutier
760.898.3200