. As I ponder my thoughts for the final News Letter of 2008 the words seem hard to come by. We as members have been through a transition unlike anything we have experienced before. Yet even with the course conditions I still see many familiar faces playing golf and enjoying the food and fellowship of the clubhouse. There are so many of you that have shown your loyalty to SPCC.

We have all been playing golf under the same conditions and have made the best of it while we are going though the renovations of our greens. We must remind ourselves what a wonderful club we all have and the spring of 2009 will be the testament of our membership.

The economy has affected everyone’s life style and we in the clubhouse are no exception. The restaurant business has held its own just barely; however the banquets have fallen far short of our 2008 budget. The profit margin on banquets has fallen short and the bar business has taken a huge decline.

We lost several tournament banquets due to the course conditions and we have been in competition with other local restaurants, firehouses, American Legions, VFW’s and public courses just to name a few. These hard times have affected us all not just Sussex Pines. The restaurant business as a whole is suffering greatly. There were once lines outside one of your favorite restaurants but now you can have the best table anytime day or night.

The clubhouse held its first Comedy Show on Friday October 17th. You showed your loyalty by 108 members and sold the show out. We need your same participation in the up and coming events your club will be hosting.

Friday November 7, 2008: Sussex Pines Seafood Bake back by your request. $24.95 + grat. (See Chef’s corner for menu details) Regular menu will also be available.

Thursday November 27, 2008: Annual Thanksgiving Dinner $17.95 adults, children under 12, $9.95 + grat. Service 12 to 4 reservations required. Dress code applies in the Sussex Room • Please note: There will NO Regular Lunch or Dinner service on this day.

Friday December 12, 2008: Sussex Pines Annual Christmas Party $16.95 + grat. Dress code applies in the Sussex Room. We need a minimum of 60 members to attend. Regular menu in Grille Room. See Chef’s corner for details.

Sunday November 2nd. Lunch service will be from 11AM to 5PM.

Sunday December 7th. Lunch service will be from 11AM to 3PM.

• Note: The clubhouse will close at 3:00PM Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24th. We will re-open on Friday December 26th.

Wednesday December 31st. New Year’s Eve Dinner at SPCC. Service from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Regular dinner plus four specials will be served. Champagne will be available. We need your participation on this special evening. Please make your reservations in advance.

• Dinner Specials:

Rack of Lamb
Stuffed Salmon with crab
Surf & Turf
Stuffed Pork Chop with apple dressing

In closing the year 2008 at SPCC, I would like to personally thank each and every member and employee for their support. 2009 will be my 5th year serving on the board. This has been undoubtedly the toughest position I have ever encountered for myself and my committee. We have given our all to make your experience in the clubhouse a pleasant one. The year 2009 will bring a lot of challenges for our club and at this point we none know what lies ahead. What I do know is with love, support and most of all loyally we together can make it happen for SUSSEX PINES CC

Happy holidays to one and all with good health and joy for 2009

Nancy Riale, House Chairman
Lisa Mc Vey, Co-Chair & Sub- Committee.