October 2018 Thistle

TTHE HISTLE

OCTOBER 2018

2 The Thistle October 2018

FROM THE CLUB PRESIDENT IN THIS ISSUE 2
2
Jeff Mapstone Club President 3
General Manager 3
As we move from summer to fall, we realize that each season brings us different experiences Pro Shop 3
and joys at the Club. Fall is a special time of year and the crisp cool evenings and changing Golf Instruction 4
colors make our golf course and grounds a sight to behold. There is still plenty of golf to be Locker Room 5
played and events to enjoy, so make sure you stop for a moment and take it all in. Sam Urzetta Scholarship 6
Thistle Fitness 7
On the horizon is our Pet Blessing event and Family Halloween Party which are favorites for Mixed Greens & More 8
the kids and adults. On November 3rd, we host the long-awaited Mixed Greens. For those who Communications
have experienced this event from over 10 years ago, you know this will be the biggest party of October Calendar
the year. We will transform our Club into Las Vegas—it will be an extravaganza you don’t
want to miss. So far, we have 300 people signed up and there’s still room for more. Guests The Thistle is published each
are welcome, so gather a group of friends and get registered and ready for an amazing evening. month by The Country Club
of Rochester and mailed to
This month we are reminded of the great legacy of our long time golf pro and gentleman, members’ homes. A digital
Sam Urzetta. The Sam Urzetta Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2014 to honor
Sam and his outstanding contribution to CCR as our Club’s Pro and most importantly as a edition is also available
gentleman and a role model. The 2018 Scholarship has been awarded to Club employee, online at ccrochester.org.
Alyssa Bileschi. Congratulations to Alyssa as it was unanimous and well deserved. We have
a committee working on a number of ways our members can support this scholarship fund; Editor: Pam Salmon
it is a wonderful tribute to Sam, a tremendous benefit to our staff and we want to see it grow. [email protected]

All the best,
~ Jeff

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Mike Smith, CCM, CCE

On my way home from Minneapolis last weekend after a brief vacation, my family and I were waiting in the airport and I had
a chance to thumb through a few LinkedIn articles when this quote showed up on my feed: “It costs $0 to be a good person.”
It’s a simple quote with a universal message and one I feel compelled to share for this month’s article.

In January 2007, I joined the staff at The Country Club of Rochester as the Clubhouse Manager under the direction of Al Antonez.
Being new to the Club and not having grown up in the golf world, I was curious about the Club’s history and the people who were
so connected to golf. One person whom I met early on was Sam Urzetta. Sam had a strong passion for the game of golf, not only
playing, but teaching and mentoring as well. What impressed me most was how Sam connected to our CCR staff. In my
observations, teaching golf or winning championships was secondary to what he believed in, which was learning about people
and helping any way he could, and this included our employees. Sam’s legacy remains strong and represents our Club in many
ways. This month, CCR Food & Beverage team member, Alyssa Bileschi has been awarded the 2018 Sam Urzetta Memorial
Scholarship. Alyssa was chosen by the Scholarship Committee based on her hard work and dedication to the Club, involvement
at Nazareth College, community service and commitment to exemplifying the type of person Sam Urzetta connected to most.

The pool is now covered for the colder months and the colorful leaves are beginning to fall, but we keep fond memories of the
summer full of sun and fun we just enjoyed. If you were at the pool this summer, you most likely were in the presence of CCR
member, Mrs. Molly Laiacona, swimming her daily laps. I would personally like to applaud Mrs. Laiacona for her accomplishment
in swimming 132 miles in our Club pool this summer, breaking her previous record of 124 miles from a few years ago. To visualize
the distance of this feat, it would be like driving from Rochester to the Pennsylvania border, which by car is a two-hour drive.

Have a wonderful October, we’ll see you at the Club!
~ Mike

FROM THE PRO SHOP 3

Michael C. Urzetta GOLF INSTRUCTION
PGA Head Golf Professional
[email protected] | 585-385-1600 Jeff St. John
PGA Director of Golf Instruction
September was a very active & successful month on the golf [email protected] | 585-385-5357
course. I would like to take a moment to personally thank all
who participated in the Member-Member Tournament! In GOLF SIMULATOR EDUCATIONAL TRAINING
addition to serving as the team championship for our Club,
this event also is a fundraiser for the Sam Urzetta Memorial Saturdays, October 13 and November 10
Scholarship Fund. My father was a big believer in education 8:30 am and 10:30 am
and helping young people, and the scholarship is a fitting
tribute to the ideals he represented. This year’s event raised Online Registration Required — Space is Limited
$3200 for the scholarship fund and we can’t thank you enough!
As we begin to wrap up our
Hope to see you all for many more good days of golf this Fall. regular golf season and
~ Michael transition into an increase in
usage of the Golf Simulator,
2018 MEMBER-MEMBER WINNERS now’s the time to become
reacquainted with the room
Low Gross Champions Low Net Champions and equipment. I am offering
several golf simulator training
Patrick Cahill Mike Reed sessions this month and next.
We will cover the basics of
Kelly Frank David Halladay using the simulator equipment
such as start-up, practice mode, play mode and shut-down.
Score: 140 Score: 129
GOLF SIMULATOR RULES OF USE
REVENGE
 Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday, 6am–10pm
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 ~ 9:30 am SHOTGUN  Usage limits: 60 minutes per player, per session
This annual CCR tradition features an entertaining
2 hours per member/member family, per week (lesson
“cross-country” format and is a great way to end time not applicable)
the season. Create your own foursome or the  Please sign in your entire party in the sign-in book
Golf Shop can try to assist with a pairing. located in the Simulator Room.
Register: Golf Shop, Email or Call  Please do not enter Simulator Room before your
[email protected] 585-385-1600 scheduled reservation.
 Please complete your session 5-minutes prior to
Please remember to use remaining Pro Shop the next reservation to allow for timely transition.
credit before October 31, 2018  Please turn off the projector when not in use.
 Do not leave clubs and bags in the room when not using
Simulator. The Club is not responsible for lost
or stolen items.
 Please return Simulator area the way you found it.

 A reminder that there is a second hitting bay in the
Men’s Locker Room during the winter months.

 Golf Simulator Guest Fee: $20

FROM THE LOCKER ROOM

Sam Valvo
Locker Room Manager
585-381-1800 x2265

With the onset of fall and all the great amount of golf still being played, it had come to my attention the that compressor with
the blower wand was not working properly. Upon inspection, the compressor was faulty and not powerful enough to handle
the spike cleaning or any jobs in the cart barn below the locker room, which is also important to clean carts, inflate tires, etc.
The new replacement unit is much larger and has air storage capacity which makes it easier for its intended use. In an effort to
help keep debris outside the building, we ask that you please make it a habit of blowing off your golf shoes before entering the
locker room. Feel free to let me know how it works! We greatly appreciate your cooperation!

4 The Thistle October 2018

SAM URZETTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

THE LEGACY SAM URZETTA
OF A GREAT MAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Sam Urzetta Scholarship was established in the name of 2018 RECIPIENT
The Country Club of Rochester’s beloved golf professional,
the late Sam Urzetta, to give back to those who give to us,
our CCR employees. Sam Urzetta, a Rochester golf legend was
head professional here at the Club for 37 years, from 1956 to
1993. Sam was considered one of the finest gentleman golf ever
produced and he continued to educate and influence golfers
even after retirement, until his passing in 2011 at the age of 85.
Our hope is to continue carrying on Sam’s mentoring influence
by helping provide financial assistance to our CCR employees
pursuing higher education.

ABOUT THE SAM URZETTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ALYSSA BILESCHI

Who Qualifies? Alyssa is a senior communications and media
CCR employees and their children can apply for the scholarship major with a minor in digital marketing and
to be used towards expenses at 2 or 4-year college. Recipients design at Nazareth College. She is interning this
are selected by a committee which includes our Club manager, fall in Washington, DC through a program called
a member from the Urzetta family and CCR members serving on the Washington Internship Institute. She has
the selection committee. Scholarships are one-time grants but started a position as an undergraduate intern at
can be reapplied for each year. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human
Rights, where she works closely with the Courts
How are scholarships funded? Team and Communications Department on key
The scholarship fund is supported through the contributions of issues in the political sphere.
CCR members and proceeds from the annual Member-Member
Golf Tournament. Alyssa began working at CCR in November 2016
as a banquet server and has since then, worked
Why Contribute? as a front of house server. She says, “The last
 CCR members have always been known as pillars of the two years working here have taught me the
value behind tradition, family, and excellence.
community, who are philanthropic for the betterment of I am grateful for not only the work experience
Rochester. Why not support those who provide an enjoyable I have gained here, but also for the connections I
experience for us at CCR? have made with my co-workers and the members
 Sam Urzetta was a big believer in the power of education at CCR. As I spend this semester studying and
according to his son, Mike. A contribution would be a great interning in DC, I also look forward to coming
honor to Sam, one of CCR’s longest serving employees. back to my CCR family!”
 Providing educational assistance could be a difference
maker in attracting quality employees to the CCR team. Previous Scholarship Recipients

Is the Contribution Tax-Deductible? Hillary Mekayo-Bakou 2017
The Sam Urzetta Scholarship was established as a 501(c)(3) with Will Hager 2017
administration at the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Chris Evans 2017
Maggie Kreienberg 2017
SCHOLARSHIP FUND CONTRIBUTIONS Alexandria Guinness 2016
Financial contributions are accepted Edward Kreienberg 2016
year-round. Adam Pembroke 2015
Benson Hager 2015
For more information or to make a Taylor Badger 2015
contribution, please contact: Matt Mattia 2015
The Community Foundation Steven Philip, Jr. 2014
500 East Ave. | Rochester, NY 14607

585-271-4100 | www.racf.org

Be sure to designate “Sam Urzetta
Scholarship Fund” on your contribution

THISTLE HALL FITNESS 5

Anne Osovski | Athletic Director ADULT INSTRUCTIONAL PADDLE TENNIS
[email protected] |585-385-5360
Begins Saturday, October 27
GOT PAIN? 10 to 11:30 am

Do you find yourself saying, “my knees ache, Men’s & Women’s Round Robin
my feet hurt, my back is tight, etc.?” If so, Email Huy Nguyen to sign up:
I’d like to invite you to a very informative [email protected]
workshop on alternative methods for
managing chronic pain. Our Junior Paddle Program continues to grow and Session
1 is currently full. If you have a junior interested in joining
Beth Flannigan from Whole Person Wellness ran such a our paddle program, please contact Huy.
successful Eating Local Workshop this past summer at CCR,
we are bringing her back! On October 10th from 6:30-8 pm, A TEAM ABOVE ALL...ABOVE ALL, A TEAM
we will host a panel of wellness providers including an
acupuncturist, chiropractor, massage therapist, essential oil By Laura Fischer, CCR member
expert and CBD product specialist. There are so many
non-invasive, non-prescription/over-the-counter medications CCR’s “B” women’s tennis team was tenacious this year
and non-surgical options to treat pain, it’s hard to know what securing not one but two league championships. Twilight
is best for an individual’s own situation. During this workshop, Tennis was won by CCR “B” with only two points over a
you will hear from a panel of providers talk about the benefits strong Midtown team. On Friday’s interclub doubles
of their services/products and you will be able to visit with each league, Division “B” was won by the same group of CCR
provider to ask questions after the discussion. members by only 1 point over very competitive club teams.
Tennis Captains leading the team to both wins were Beth
On a personal note, I had chronic shoulder pain and after six Siebert and Kasia D’Anza!
months of dealing with the pain, I was ready to book surgery
until I decided to try regular massage therapy. I had great THE BEST EXERCISE FOR ALZHEIMER’S
success, thankfully avoided surgery and now have full range
of motion of my shoulder and no more pain! Aerobic exercise is the exercise of choice for improving
cognitive function, recent studies have shown.
Light appetizers and cash bar will be provided, including In an article published in this past April’s Journal of the
juices from Breathe yoga studio. American Geriatrics Society , researcher Gregory Panza
states, “Aerobic activity increases heart rate more, which
Alternative Therapies to Treating Chronic Pain [increases] blood flow to the brain, leading to adaptations
due to neuroplasticity and the release of chemicals that
Wednesday October 10 6:30—8 pm enhance memory and mental clarity,”
$30pp registration required space is limited “Although all types of exercise are important to help
older adults keep their independence and perform
Join us to learn about alternative healthy treatment activities of daily living, a fitness professional who is
options for pain. Meet and talk with these local providers: designing an exercise regimen for a patient or client
with a family history of, early signs of or [a diagnosis of]
• Dr. Jose Balseca, Attune Chiropractic Alzheimer’s disease may want to consider emphasizing
• Renee Nearpass, Perinton Family Acupuncture aerobic activity as the primary modality in the exercise
• Jessica Gogolski, Perinton Yoga prescription,” he says.
• Amy Stewart, Organica Jane ~ Massage & Essential Oils
• Jim Mackenzie, CBD Oil Distributor I would love to introduce you to the various cardio
options in Thistle Fitness, including an overview of
KEYPAD ENTRY COMING TO THISTLE FITNESS our class and equipment offerings. Please reach out
via phone or email. ~ Anne
To add security in Thistle Fitness, we are
installing keypads on our fitness center doors.
Member families will have access to Thistle
Fitness using their member number. We will
communicate to you once the keypad
entries are active.

6 The Thistle October 2018

CLUB LIFE

Amy Beardsley-Comerer|Clubhouse Manager
[email protected] | 585-385-5355

Family Halloween Party
Saturday, October 27 ~ Noon

Our Family Halloween Party is an afternoon of family, food Tuesday, October 9  Hagen Pub
and fun for the kids AND kids-at-heart! We encourage the
entire family to join the festivities in Halloween costumes. Cocktails 6:00 pm  Buffet Dinner 7:00 pm
We’ll have a kid-friendly lunch buffet that the adults will also
love beginning at Noon. Outdoor activities include a petting Salad with Assorted Toppings & Dressings
zoo, spooky fun spider ride, bounce house, hayrides and more. Southern Fried Chicken & Gravy
CCR kid’s favorite, Charlie from The Charlie & Checkers Show
will entertain us with silly songs and magic. This Club tradition Roasted Garlic Smashed Yukon Potatoes
brings our families back year after year and we expect this year Cole Slaw
to be no exception. Online registration is open!
Warm Pear & Apple Crisp

$15.95 per person
Online R.S.V.P. is Required

Saturday, November 3 ~ 6 pm to midnight EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

Think of Mixed Greens as THE adult social event of the year! September 2018
CCR, Oak Hill and Monroe are reviving a long-standing tradition
that disappeared more than a decade ago. Just over a month Pam Salmon, Communications
from now, we’re bringing back one of the best collaborations in
food, drink, entertainment and music! In keeping with “Mixed Pam has been with us for just over a year and a half and has
Greens” tradition, each club will have a different theme. made a huge impact on Club communications. She has
worked extensively on enhancing The Thistle, improving its
On November 3rd for one night only, CCR transforms into overall content and quality. Pam has also increased member
Fabulous Las Vegas! Show-stopping decor, amazing themed connection through email and social media interaction. Her
food stations and specialty cocktails, entertainment and expertise was highly instrumental in the design and launch
surprise celebrity appearances are just the beginning of what of our new website and mobile app. In addition to handling
will be the most fabulous night of the year! Rochester’s hottest member communications, Pam works closely with our
party band, Shine, will rock our stage all night long. department heads to create concise and effective
communication strategies for their programs and events.
• $150pp — all-inclusive pricing includes food, alcohol and Congratulations to Pam on her hard work and being named
entertainment all—night—long! Employee of the Quarter!

• Start the evening at your
home club and rotate from
club to club via provided
transportation.

• Limited spots are still
available, but register soon
as this event will sell out!

CLUB EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS 7

With the amount of activity taking place in all areas of CHILDREN’S
our Club, your inbox can become jam-packed with Club ETIQUETTE CLASS
communications. We have been working to establish a Saturday, November 10 ~ 6:00 pm
new email communications strategy that will continue to
keep you informed, but also give you the freedom to choose Reservations required ~ space is limited
your email topic preferences. With guidance from our
Communications Committee, we are implementing the Distinguished Speaker Series
following email schedule:
Weekly Email Updates—Sunday afternoon WARD STARE
This email will provide news and information from all areas Music Director, RPO
of the Club including, golf, dining, events, fitness and more.
Weekend Dining—Friday afternoon November 15, 2018
Complimentary Happy Hour offerings, dining features and 6:30 pm
weekend specials.
Mid-Week Reminders—as needed Online Registration Open
These emails will focus on sign-ups or important reminders
for golf, fitness and Club events. Thanksgiving is the time for families to gather, enjoy
Opt-in Email Groups each other’s company and share the simple pleasure of
You have the capability to choose the type of emails you
want to receive. a delicious meal. Let us handle the menu this year!
Here’s how to choose your email topics: JEN HOUCK | CATERING & EVENTS MANAGER
1) Log in to the website and click ’My Profile’ Email: [email protected]
2) To the right, find Opt-in Groups (see below) Phone: 585-385-5353
3) Checkmark the groups you would like to receive
Thanksgiving Order Deadline: Friday, November 16th
information about—be sure to scroll down to see
all groups.
4) Click ‘Update Opt In Groups’ and you are set!
You can change your preferences, opting in or out anytime.

Up Next...
 Push notifications on our new mobile app
 A new look for your Thistle Newsletter
 Streamlining our social media tactics

DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP

In the app store, find: Country Club of Rochester
and download to your mobile phone and/or tablet.

LOGGING IN TO OUR MOBILE APP
Your username and password are the same
credentials you use to log on to our website.

OCTOBER 2018

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6
Men’s Golf
9 Burger Night Guest Day PM dining
SOUTHERN in Thistle Grill in Thistle Grill
Dining Closed FRIED 10 PM dining 13
CHICKEN PAIN THERAPY in Thistle Grill only Golf Simulator
DINNER WORKSHOP
78 Burger Night 11 12 Training
16 in Thistle Grill Mah Jongg PET
Sunday Brunch & 17 9:30a
Egg & Omelet Bar 23 BLESSING
Burger Night PM dining
Game Day in 30 in Thistle Grill in Thistle Grill
Thistle Grill 24 20
Greenskeeper’s
Sunday Supper Dining Closed Burger Night Wine & Dine Revenge
Specials in Thistle Grill Date Night PM dining
31 18 in Thistle Grill
14 15 Mah Jongg 19
Burger Night 27
Sunday Brunch & in Thistle Grill Adult Paddle
Egg & Omelet Bar begins
FAMILY
Game Day in Wine & Dine HALLOWEEN
Thistle Grill Date Night PARTY
25 PM dining
Sunday Supper Dining Closed Mah Jongg in Thistle Grill
Specials

21 22 26

Sunday Brunch &
Egg & Omelet Bar

Game Day in
Thistle Grill

Sunday Supper Dining Closed Wine & Dine SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD
Specials Date Night 6 PM—MIDNIGHT

28 29 CCR | OAK HILL | MONROE

Sunday Brunch & CCR becomes fabulous Las Vegas
Egg & Omelet Bar for one fabulous evening!

Game Day in R.S.V.P. REQUIRED:
Thistle Grill ONLINE OR CALL 381-1800

Sunday Supper Dining Closed
Specials

THE COUNTRY CLUB OF ROCHESTER
2935 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14610