(President’s Report – May-June 09 Newsletter)
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Bud Townsend
Look what some growing weather has done to our new greens. It won’t be much longer now before we will have a new Sussex Pines Country Club and it will be second to none on Delmarva. Seeing those new greens blossom the way they have really gets the old blood flowing. I should point out, however, we will not play them before they are ready. How about the beautiful condition of the rest of the course! All the new sod around the greens, the reworked bunkers, top-dressed fairways and deep troublesome roughs (that’s why they’re called roughs) are in as good condition as I can recall. Thanks go out to all who participated on course clean-up day.
It’s not all about the golf course—have you noticed the vast improvements to the clubhouse? Thanks to all our selfless members, the grille room has taken on a new look as well as the pillars at the house entrance. I can’t leave off the new ceiling tiles, which have been replaced to enhance the overall interior. So many members have contributed so much work, it is impossible to name them all. I will express a sincere thanks to Neil McCauly for his endless painting. If any member has talent for painting, carpentry, landscaping, etc., let us know because we can always use an extra hand.
On May 1st we entered into a coalition with three other clubs to extend unlimited golf and clubhouse privileges to any of the four clubs. They are, in addition to SPCC, Seaford CC, Caroline CC in Denton and Green Hill Yacht and CC in Salisbury. To play golf at these courses, you must be a golfing member and the only charge is to rent a cart from the host club, which is priced at the host club’s prevailing rental fee. We are in the process of getting cards out to all our members. We are encouraging the use of cash or credit cards when playing golf or using the clubhouse at each of the other clubs. They will do the same when visiting us.
Also, on May 1st we had a remote broadcast by WGMD, hosted by announcer Dan Gaffney. The purpose was to promote our membership drive and open house. The promotion was well attended by members and many were interviewed by Dan, all stating how great SPCC is. The follow-up open house on May 2nd created a lot of outside interest. Some new members were brought on board and some free memberships were drawn as prizes. Approximately fifty interested people took advantage of our hospitality and played golf with excellent responses seeing the progress of the new greens. Many have expressed an interest in becoming members—let us hope, knowing the importance of new members. The membership committee has done a great job. As ambassadors of SPCC, let us all promote our club and make every effort to bring new in members.
As mentioned in the last newsletter, we are pursuing those resigned members who left with outstanding charges. We will also be following policy and by-laws in retrieving delinquent accounts. Many have come in and paid, but there are still thousands of dollars still to go. These monies are necessary for our financial stability. Thanks to our new controller and active finance committee for helping us protect the best interests of SPCC. Thanks are also in order to this Board for its support and willingness to allow our general manager to manage. Management decisions are not always popular but they are necessary if we are to succeed.
Please get to Dr. Allen Foster regarding the donation of items to be auctioned on May 16th. Members are urged to help in this fund-raiser. Time is short and we need a lot of help.
As stated in the last newsletter, we will attempt to keep posted on the website and notices at the club any updates that are in the best interest of SPCC.
UNTIL NEXT TIME !!!
