November_Dec 2019 Final Final Final

News from the Ridge

November/December 2019 Oak Ridge Country Club

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Oak Ridge Country Club

Established 1921

700 Oak Ridge Rd., Hopkins, MN Dear Members;

55305

Business Office: (952) 935-7721 As many of you have heard, my name is Gary Singer and I am your
Golf Shop: (952) 939-5460 new President. I have been at Oak Ridge for over twenty years. I love
Starter: (952) 939-5461 to play golf and be with my friends. I have met a lot of these friends
by being a member of Oak Ridge. I have seen many things in my time
Swimming Pool: (952) 939-5462 here from building a new building to our current project on the golf
Tennis Clubhouse: (952) 939-5463 course. I have not always agreed with everything we have done but it
Greens Department: (952) 938-6900 is not all about me, it is what is best for Oak Ridge.

Club Officers
President Gary Singer
Past President Carole Kaplan
Vice President Andrew Todd
Secretary Howard Liszt
Treasurer Jason Sondell

Board of Directors I recently was asked by a member what do I want to accomplish as
Howard Chanen president. I have several answers to that question. One of my
Kara Frank priorities is to help in any way I can to get our golf course back into
Joe Gleason prime condition. I also want to increase the size of membership. I
Carole Kaplan want to get more members to come to our club events. How we do
Howard Liszt these things? We do it by people talking to people and inviting them
Jeff Noddle to these events where they can meet other members.
Jeff Robinson
Gary Singer We have a great staff starting with our new General Manager, Jake
Jason Sondell Hawley. Jake has been with us since April. If you have not met him
Andrew Todd yet, hopefully you will soon. He is here to run our club, answer
Gail Tilsner questions and listen if you have problems or complaints. I would like
Ellyn Wolfenson to close by thanking Carole Kaplan for working so hard to make Oak
Drew Zamansky Ridge great again. This is a team effort so please join the team.

Committees Thank you,
Admissions / Member Relations
Gary Singer
Joe Gleason President
Finance

Jason Sondell
Golf

Kevin Ryan, Co-Chair
Gail Tilsner, Co-Chair

Greens
Andrew Todd

House
Kara Frank
Long Range Planning
Kara Frank

Pool
TBD
Tennis
Ellyn Wolfenson

NReiwdgsefrEodmitothr:e
Karey Wideman

PAST PRESIDENT’S LETTER

November 1, 2019

Dear Oak Ridge Members,

On October 22nd, after serving as President of the Oak Ridge Board of Directors for the past two years, I have
passed the gavel to Gary Singer to lead us into the future. I’m not sure there is another member that cares about
Oak Ridge more than Gary, and I know we are in good hands.

I can’t thank you enough for the honor of serving as your President. Although the past two years haven’t been a
“picnic”, I have to tell you, I enjoyed every minute of it. We have accomplished a lot. We refinanced the
building and as a result were able to install a state of the art irrigation system. Without this system, we would
have never been able to replace the grass. In some minds, this might have been a good thing, but I can assure
you, it is the best thing we could have done for the future of Oak Ridge.

We have redecorated the Oak Grill and have remodeled the 1921 Pub. We installed a new floor in the ballrooms
and have upgraded the tennis complex as well as made major improvements to the pool.

We also hired a new General Manager and he hired a new Executive Chef. We are well on our way to being the
vibrant club that we are all sure will be the future of Oak Ridge for the next 100 years.

Both Steve Schachtman and Rick Ross will be leaving the Board after many years of service to Oak Ridge.
They have been invaluable to the Club and I know, if we need them, they won’t be far away. In their place, we
welcome two new members to the Board of Directors - Kara Frank and Drew Zamansky. I look forward to the
new energy they will bring to the Board.

I am grateful to Jake, Wendy, Ed, Todd and the entire staff at Oak Ridge for all the support they’ve given both
me personally and the Club as a whole during my tenure. We have a great family here and I look forward to my
continued relationship with each of them.

To my Board - thanks again for a job well done! We have a lot to be proud of! I can’t wait to see what the future
will bring!

Sincerely,

Carole Kaplan
Past President

GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Ladies and Gentlemen of Oak Ridge,
Oak Ridge Country Club
We have already seen the first cars loaded up on carriers to head south. It seems like just a minute ago I was
being told of how the carriers were a sign of the summer season being upon us. I’d like to wish those of you Staff
wintering in warmth to enjoy your winter, enjoy the south and bring us back strength for the 2020 season. We
will miss you! Jake Hawley
General Manager
Another major right of passage has come and gone with the Halloween party convening last weekend. We Wendy Robinson
hosted 350 family and friends for a fun-filled night of costumes, food, music, and some spooky, scary Director of Business
activities. I was very impressed with how well the staff works together to make the event enjoyable for all of Administration & Finance
you. Please take a moment to thank them when you cross their paths. I hope everyone got a chance to take
in the dessert display put together by Oak Ridge’s own Violeta. What she put together in five short days was Emily Sparks
truly a masterpiece. I saw many folks taking pictures. I know it all tasted as amazing as it looked. Did you Human Resources
know that we routinely host student volunteers from UW Stout in Menomonie? This year six School of
Hospitality students joined us to help execute the function. In return, Oak Ridge donates to their student Jeff Wissman
association which helps these young adults explore opportunities in their field of study. We could not have Assistant Contoller
had the coverage and service without these folks. We are fortunate to be able to have such a good relationship Karey Wideman
with the program.
Marketing &
Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be upon us. In an effort to serve you best, please make sure to make Membership Director
your reservations well enough in advance so that we may successfully accommodate as many of you as
possible. The Food and Beverage department works very hard to make sure each of you has a memorable Sue Johnson
experience. Last minute calls will likely lead to an undesirable seating location or a time slot you’re not Service Manager
excited about. The staff at the front desk will be happy to arrange your reservations.
Kim Trzpuc
I’d like to use the balance of the space to thank our Club volunteers. Mrs. Carole Kaplan, THANK YOU for Catering Director
your steadfast leadership over the term of your presidency. We sat in my office one day and were chatting and
Mrs. Kaplan was feeling relieved that her term as President is coming to an end. NO KIDDING! The pool Tim Jones
was refinished, the ballroom floor was converted to wood, the tennis shop got a face-lift, the 19th Hole was Executive Chef
remodeled and changed to the 1921 Pub, the Club’s mortgage was refinanced, she helped set new protocols
for an emergency capital fund, she spearheaded a sorely needed irrigation system upgrade, she lead the 16th Josh Hildebrand
Hole project, the golf course Master Plan and ultimately our current golf course project. She has led Oak Sous Chef
Ridge through some very necessary and difficult processes. She should be applauded and thanked for the
countless hours of fretting and second guessing. Mrs. Kaplan has come through all of this and still says, “I Darrell Scharber
love Oak Ridge.” we are all fortunate to have been served by such a dedicated woman. Beverage Manager

Mrs. Kaplan, thank you for all you’ve done, for all you’ve sacrificed and for all you’ve achieved. If anyone Ben Munyon
wants to thank her...she’ll take a Tito’s and soda with a lime. Assistant Dining Room Manager

I’d also like to thank Mr. Steve Schachtman for his herculean efforts while serving the Oak Ridge Ed Bialek
membership while President and as a Board member. Mr. Schachtman’s institutional knowledge of Oak Ridge Director of Sports Activities/
is second to none and an asset for which the club should be grateful. Mr. Schachtman, thank you for all the
time you’ve spent counseling me on the “how’s” and “why’s” of Oak Ridge. Head Golf Professional
Mike Marshall
Mr. Rick Ross, your thoughtful and purposeful methodology was a valuable instrument as the Club navigated
its way over the last six months. I very much appreciated watching and listening to you as you parsed each Assistant Golf Professional
issue always trying to gather all perspectives. Thank you. Katie Clark

Mrs. Kara Frank and Mr. Drew Zamansky, thank you for stepping up to serve your fellow members and staff Director of Merchandising
as the newest Oak Ridge Country Club Board members. What an excellent opportunity for all of us to engage Todd Kranz
in the process of governance with fresh ideas and perspectives. We are truly fortunate to benefit from your life
experiences and hope we can enrich the club experience together. Golf Course Superintendent
Justin Ellison

Assistant Golf Course
Superintendent
Barb Meyer

Head Tennis Professional
Erik Mitchell

Building Engineer
Steve Miller
Pool Director

Mr. Singer, welcome to the Presidency of Oak Ridge Country Club! We have some spectacular opportunities
ahead of us. I know that under your leadership and the support of the Board, committees and staff that we will
be bringing Oak Ridge into our next stage with the changes to the golf course and with our 100th Anniversary
within sight.

I look forward to a winter of planning, progress and purpose.

See you at the Club!

Jake

Food Beverage

& happenings

Welcome to fall Everyone!

I would like to thank those that joined us for our two smaller events these last couple of months. We made it just in
time to get through one last outdoor cookout and the conditions were perfect for fireplace cookery and axe throwing.
The Kitchen Table event turned out to be as much fun for the staff as it was for those in attendance. It was an exciting
experience transforming the banquet kitchen into a small event space and sharing the kitchen with those eleven
members made the night.

As of the 13th of October, we have started to offer waffles on the breakfast menu. With the positive feedback from the
Omelette & Waffle Brunch, we are planning for future brunches with waffle, pancake and omelet stations. Look
forward to dates and times popping up in your emails from the Club.

As you see more events being scheduled, please sign up and we look forward to seeing you there.

Tim Jones New Breakfast Hours
Executive Chef
Starting in November, breakfast is available in
the Grill on Saturdays and Sundays only.

ecvleunbts November
Events
kidsMNiogvhiet

WEDNESDAY,
NOVEMBER 13TH 6:00PM

Friday, November 1st

Movie starts at 6pm

Parents can catch up with their friends in the

Grill while we entertain the kids with a movie!

ecvleunbts

November Events CONTINUED..

Oak Ridge Book Club
Thursday, Thursday,

November 21st December 19th

12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm Discussion

Please note: The Clubhouse will be closed on Friday, November 29th

to - go Menu details
on page 14

December Events ecvleunbts

kids Movie KIDS’
Night COOKING
CLASS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH
1:00PM-2:00PM

Friday, December 6th Menu coming soon LIMITED TO 15 KIDS
AGES 5-10 YEARS
Movie starts at 6pm

Parents can catch up with their friends in the

Grill while we entertain the kids with a movie!

December Events CONTINUED.. ecvleunbts

Menu
Coming

Soon

FAMILY HANUKKAH PARTY

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22ND
5:OOPM-7:30PM

FAMILY HANUKKAH BRUNCH NEW YEARS EVE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29TH Rockin Family Countdown
11:00AM-1:00PM
TUESDAY, December 31st

6pm - 8:30pm
* Food Stations * DJ/Dancing * Games *

* Glitter Tattoos * Balloon Drop *
And more!

coguorlfse Golf Notes

Greetings Oak Ridge Members,

As I reflect back on the season, this was the most challenging year that I have ever experienced during my career. The golf
staff did an amazing job under trying circumstances in this shortened season. After the golf calendar was adjusted to take into
consideration of the course renovation project, the staff had to plan, promote and run events for women, men and juniors in a
condensed period. Member participation in most of the events remained robust but there was some participation drop off in
other events. The energy and enthusiasm that the staff put into making the events great was top notch! While the course has
been closed, the staff has made arrangements for over 2,000 rounds of reciprocal play at the participating courses. Even though
the course is closed, the staff is hard at work trying to make your golf experience a good one. I would like to take this
opportunity to recognize my hard-working staff for their efforts this season. Their dedication to their job makes my job an easy
one!

Mike Marshall finished his tenth year at Oak Ridge. I rely on Mike to be the second in command of the Golf Operation. There
is no task that he is not afraid to handle. His main goal here is to help ensure your experience at Oak Ridge is first rate. He
brings a high energy level and great enthusiasm to work with him every day. Mike also specialized in club fitting and the
organization of all the demo days. Because of his efforts, members had the correct club that helped improve their game as well
as make it more enjoyable. Mike increased his lesson load after David Branstad’s departure, and he helped to organize the PGA
Junior League with Eric.

Katie Clark has completed her seventh season on staff as merchandiser. Due to her efforts, the golf shop always looks
remarkable and inviting. Her skills and efforts do not end with just the merchandising part of the operation. I rely on her for
much more and she is not afraid to take on any project. She lent her insight with many of the events to help give them a new
twist. She was also instrumental with the women’s weekly events to help insure they run smoothly. She is quick to help answer
your reciprocal golf request. Katie brings her bubbly personality with her to work every day. She is bringing in more lifestyle
merchandise into the golf shop this off season to help fill your needs.

Eric Speck completed his first season on staff. He brought a larger than life, gregarious personality to the staff. His quick wit
made him an instant favorite with the staff and the junior golfers. His main responsibilities were the Tuesday Men’s League
and the Wednesday evening Nine and Wine League. He also oversaw the junior programming, camps and clinics after David
Branstad left. Eric and Mike organized and ran the PGA Junior League team as well.

Zach Tollefson and Paige Davis helped immensely this summer. They both have a can do attitude. They were able to do
anything that was asked of them and completed it very well. They were the glue that held the golf staff together. We are
looking forward to their return next season!

Jorge Cordero was the Energizer Bunny in the locker room to help make sure it looked crisp and clean as well as all your needs
were met daily.

Hopefully you will agree with me that we have one of the finest staffs in golf at Oak Ridge. As winter approaches, we will have
time to reflect on the season and evaluate the operation. We will look at our strengths and weakness and develop a plan that
will help improve the operation and insure you will enjoy your time at Oak Ridge. Planning has begun on ladies and men’s and
family golf events for 2020; we are looking forward to an even better season next year. Remember the golf simulator is already
available and we will be running a league again as well as some other special events. Simulator booking procedures, rates and
league information is listed in this newsletter as well as in the “Weekly Drive” emails.
Thank you for a great season!

Ed Bialek, PGA
Head Professional

golf

Lessons from Mike & Eric

Fees
$25 per hour total for usage
$400 season pass
$100 league fee
$500 league + season pass
$10 guest fee + $25 per hour usage (season pass does not include guest usage and fees).
May book up to five days in advance, two weeks for league play.
1 hour maximum time slot per day per membership (members may share time max 2 hours)

Hours League Info WINTER LESSONS
Sunday 9-6 $100 Entry
Monday Closed Two player teams will
Tuesday 9-5 play 9 holes on 10
Wednesday 9-5 championship courses
Thursday 9-10 League Play will begin
Friday 9-10 December 1st
Saturday 9-10

How to Sign Up
Online sign up is available now through
ForeTees. Simply login to ForeTees as normal
and click the HD Simulator Golf tab. From there,
go to reservations and proceed to make your
reservation by clicking on the date you desire and
then click on an open time in the green shaded
area next to the time you would like.
Reservations can be made five days in advance
for regular use and two weeks in advance for
league play (must call the golf shop for all
reservations more than five days out). Currently,
online reservations are only available for Golf
members. Please keep in mind that we only have
one Simulator, so we ask that all members be
respectful when making and canceling
reservations.

golf

Lessons from Mike & Eric

GOLF SIMULATOR LEAGUE

Format

Play takes place on a new golf course every 2 weeks. Teams will play a nine-hole 1 of 2 net best ball against
the field. Points will be awarded for first through last place each week in each flight. No points will be awarded
to teams missing a week. Teams can always play their rounds in advance to help keep up with the time frame.
Teams may play separate times as long as they turn a scorecard into the Golf Shop.

Price

$200 per team

Handicapping

Handicap will be 75% of your USGA Oak Ridge course handicap. Revisions will be done after every 3 rounds.
Handicaps will be rounded up to the nearest stroke.

Week of Bandon Dunes (Pacific Dunes)
French Lick
December 1st – 14th Harbour Town
PGA National
December 15th – 28th Nicklaus North
Pebble Beach
January 5th – 18th Banff Springs
Torrey Pines
January 19th – February 1st Troon North
Bay Hill
February 2nd – 15th

February 16th – 29th

March 1st – 14th

March 15th – 28th

March 29th – April 11th

April 12th – 25th

April 30th: 6:30-8:30pm – Appreciation Night

Scoring 6th - 5 points
7th - 4 points
1st - 10 points 8th - 3 points
2nd - 9 points 9th - 2 points
3rd - 8 points 10th - 1 point
4th - 7 points
5th - 6 points

Total points at the end of the 10-week league will determine the final standings. There will be a first half, second
half and overall winners.

Prizes will consist of Golf Shop credit.

gshoolfp fashion on the fairway

Now that the temperatures are starting to drop...
You will find a nice selection of fleece and outerwear to keep you warm and fashionable this fall.

We will have new collectionos fnromtCohluembfia,aViinreywardaVyines, Peter Millar and Footjoy for men.

For ladies, new sweaters, layering & outerwear collections from Vineyard Vines, Columbia & Sunice.

Trunk Show
November 21st 6:30pm-8:30pm
Bobby Jones, Columbia, Sunice, Straight Down, Garb & Corkcicle will be here in conjunction with Sports Trivia Night!

Need Gifts?
Looking for something for yourself or a gift for the upcoming holiday season? Make sure to stop by the Golf Shop first;

we are your one stop shop and are happy to help you find just what you are looking for. Don’t forget with the Mill
River pricing, you are paying well below retail! Also keep in mind we can special order an assortment of apparel and

accessories from a wide variety of companies!

We also offer FREE gift wrapping, and we can ship packages for you…no long lines to wait in!

Starting November 5th the Golf Shop Hours will be:
Tuesday – Saturday
10am – 2pm

Looking for a new way to make your company shine?
Whether it is a gift for your clients or staff,
promotional giveaways or company uniforms…
Have the Golf Shop help you put together the perfect fit for you!

Here are a few ideas, but the sky’s the limit!

Choose from an assortment of premium, high quality companies:

Titleist Adidas
Sterling Cut Glass Gear
Foot Joy Peter Millar
Tervis Tumblers Vineyard Vines
Nike Under Armour
Columbia Club Glove
Level Wear Johnnie-O

AND MANY MORE!

Ready to get started? Have questions?
Please email [email protected] or call the Golf Shop at 952-935-7721

to-go menu

To-Go orders must be placed by November 24th to ensure the best quality and
service we can offer. All to-go orders must be picked-up between 11:00am–4:00pm
on Thursday, November 28th.

Complete Traditional Dinner $ 395.00
(Serves 14-16 people)

Cooked Whole Free Range Turkey (20-22# Average)
Mashed Potatoes and Turkey Gravy
Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Sage Bread Stuffing
Fresh Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
Homemade Cranberry Relish (3 pints)
Dinner Rolls (2 Dozen)
Pumpkin, Apple and Pecan Pie with Whipped Cream

Whole Cooked Free Range Turkey: $ 165.00
Cooked Fresh Free Range Turkey (20-22# Average)
3 quarts Turkey Gravy

Ala Carte Prices Per Person
Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Turkey Gravy $ 3.75
Sage Bread Stuffing $ 3.75
Fresh Green Beans with Toasted Almonds $ 3.75
Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows $ 3.75

Fresh Cranberry Relish $ 6.50 per pint
Roasted Turkey Gravy $ 9.75 per quart
Sliced White Turkey Meat $ 11.95 per LB
Carving Turkey 11# Average $ 99.00 each
Dinner Rolls $ 12.00 per dozen
Caramel Rolls $ 13.00 per dozen
Assorted Muffins $ 13.00 per dozen
Sugar Free Pies 10” (Apple, Cherry or Blueberry) $ 19.00 each
Pumpkin Pie 10” $ 15.00 each



Oak Ridge Country Club
700 Oak Ridge Road, Hopkins, MN 55305

(952) 935-7721

Sunday Monday Tuesday WednesdayThursday Friday Saturday
12

november Movie Night

3 456 78 9
Clubhouse Family Fun

closes at 5pm Happy Hour

10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Wine & Canvas Family Fun
Clubhouse Happy Hour
closes at 5pm
20 21Golf & Trivia 22 23
17 18 19
Night Family Fun
Clubhouse Book Club Happy Hour
closes at 5pm
27 28 29 30
24 25 26 Thanksgiving
Frozen Brunch Clubhouse
Dinner Club closed
closes at 5pm

1 234 567
Movie Night
decemberClubhouse
closes at 5pm 12 13 14
Trivia Night Family Fun Raw Bar
8 9 10 11 Happy Hour

Kids Cooking Clubhouse Clubhouse
Class
closes at 5pm closes at 5pm

15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Book Club Family Fun 28
Teen Cooking Clubhouse Clubhouse Shabbat
Class 26 Dinner
closes at 5pm closes at 5pm Club closed
22Hanukkah Happy Hour
Family Party 23 24 25 27

Clubhouse Club closed Club closed Family Fun
closes at 5pm
Happy Hour

29 30 31 NYE
Hanukkah Family Party &
Brunch
Gtill Dining