McCall Matters
October 2009
September…Football…final charge in Baseball…cooler weather…excellent time for golf…children back in school...does it get any better than this?
The above is how I started my September article. Now it is October and the Phillies have no closer and I really don’t know which Eagle team is going to show up.
What I do know is there is a lot of activity here at McCall. Is the recession over? All I know is that the phones are ringing and the rooms are filled!
Bob Casler and his fantastic clubhouse crew are again planning their Halloween event. You MUST bring the children out! It was a great event last year and Bob promises it will be even better this year!
If anyone signed up for the McCall VIP program this year, please make sure you redeem your initial $100 in Pro Shop merchandise. When you sign up for the VIP for $100 you get $100 in Pro Shop merchandise right back. Many have not redeemed their initial $100. Call Jim McCormick, our PGA Golf Professional, at the Pro Shop, 610-734-7903, and he will tell you when the fall merchandise will be in. The VIP pass is good up until December 31st, 2009.
Congratulations to Debbie Valinsky, McCall’s Executive Assistant, on hitting her first birdie at McCall on Hole #2.
Bob Murray our Golf Chairman was featured in the July/August edition of the Golf Association of Philadelphia magazine for his many years of volunteer service at the GAP events. Go to www.gapgolf.org to read about it. Great job Bob!
Listen; there are great articles in this month’s issue of McCall Matters so I will stop here. Read on and enjoy!!!!
Chet Gratkowski, General Manager
Course Update
D-Day! Every year we have one and it always comes in different shapes, colors, smells, tastes and sizes; you never know until the day it gets here. This year it was Wednesday, August 26th.
On the weekend before, the course took on an additional 4” of rain. On Monday the sun came out strong and the temperature went to 85 degrees. On the course we were doing all we could to get rid of the excess moisture. On Tuesday the sun was back again and temperatures rose to 87 degrees. We were still trying to get rid of excess moisture. We spiked, threw down sand to suck up the water, and we were holding.
Then D-Day, the sun was back and the afternoon temperature shot up into the 90’s. Anywhere you went it was a little too wet, and the course did not like it at all. The roots just boiled away and the turf was gone. It did not matter if it was greens, tees, fairway or rough. The greens were hit the hardest, so we aerated right away. #6, 9, and 12 responded right away to the venting process. #8 green was and is slower to respond. I sent a soil sample to a leading sports turf laboratory, which confirmed the green had no air space in the root zone and grass cannot grow without oxygen. We had already started what the lab recommended, aerate and get air into the root zone. Over the past several weeks #8 has started to respond.
After four straight Mondays of coming in and having to put the whole course back together due to heavy rains we finally got a break over the Labor Day weekend. The weather has been okay since then. The staff is in the middle of our hardest time of the year, aerating everything that stands still, so watch out. It will take us into October because we do it in a way to minimize any inconvenience to you, the golfer. We have already done greens, collars, approaches and tees. Next will be fairways and then the rough.
So thank you in advance for your patience and if you don’t have any patience, tough, because these are things we have to do for the good of the course. Finally, I am always thankful for the new people I meet on my way through life. Most of the people I have met here at McCall are in that category. But one who I have only known a couple of years makes my time at McCall a little lighter and looser. Always ready for a laugh or just to here me complain and try to make sense of all the goofy stuff that happens here. Pete Cardarelli or Pro Shop Pete or Pistol Pete or whatever else you call him has been a great addition for me to McCall. He treats all our members with respect and courtesy and again he is just a good guy to be around. As always, may your drives be straight, your putts be true and take care of this beautiful place we work on together.
Joe Candelore, Director of Golf
Pro Shop
Pro Shop Hours
Monday – 2 PM to 6:30 PM
Tuesday thru Friday – 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday – 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
If the weather is questionable, please call the Pro Shop at 610-734-7903 for daily updates.
Tournament Results
Thank you to everyone who played in the Breakfast Invitational.
Winners were:
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
16 under Par 12 under Par 12 under Par
Ron Logan Scott Neumann Chris O’Brien
Jerry Sweeley Chris Coughlin Bill McLaughlin
Tony Greco Bill Flick Jim Naughton
Chet Gratkowski Jimmy Flick Bill McCabe
Of Special Interest
We had a couple of “Hole-In-Ones” last month. Congratulations to: Bob Dunn and Howard Loflin. Bob had his on the 10th hole. Yes, the 10th hole is a par 4 and Howard had his on the 9th hole. Great shots!
Upcoming Events
Fall Scramble 5 Person Teams, Guests Welcome.
Sunday October 4th Breakfast at 9:30 AM, Golf at 10:30 AM
Cost: Members - $35 Guests - $60
Jim McCormick, PGA Golf Professional
Golf Committee Report
I hope that you’re taking advantage of our usual great golfing weather during late September through October, even into November. We need to make up for all the missed time during the “rainy season” that we endured. I hope that you’re signed up to take advantage of our great season ending event, the Fall Scramble on Sunday, October 4.
The Golf Committee would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Patriot’s Day collection over the Labor Day weekend. This definitely is a cause worthy of your support.
The Golf Committee has implemented the revised meeting schedule that was reported back in June. The first meeting under this new arrangement was held on September 23. This new schedule will have six meetings per year, held in January, February, April, June, September and December. Meetings can be added at any time if needed. The various Committee chair heads and members of the Club staff will continue to keep in close and constant touch, especially during those periods without a scheduled meeting. Please be sure to contact me, or any member of your Golf Committee, should you have any issues, concerns, questions or suggestions. The reduction in the number of meetings will make it easier for you to come out and attend our meetings and to participate in the running of your Club.
Golf Association of Philadelphia:
GAP has announced the first three events of the 2009 Winter Tour – October 26 at Jericho National GC; November 6 at Whitemarsh Valley CC; November 12 at North Hills CC. There will be a fourth event the week of November 16 – TBA. These are low-pressure net (handicap) events, which are played on some nice courses. The entry fee is $30 per event plus the golf cart charge. There is no greens fee for these events. There is a similar four event series in March. For more information, and online entries, see the GAP website: www.gapgolf.org or call the GAP office at 610-687-2340.
This is the time of year that GAP puts out an invitation to all members to consider signing up to be a tournament volunteer for next year – starters, scoreboard recorders and on-course score recorders. It is not difficult work at all and they provide training. If you have any questions about this program, or the duties, call Kirby Martin at GAP. Or, better yet, ask me, John O’Rourke, Howard Hansell, Bob Fitzgerald or George Hilley. We are all active volunteers.
GHIN Handicap System – Reminder that the system closes down at the end of October for posting of scores recorded in our local “cold weather area”. It opens back up in April. Scores for rounds played during this time in the “warm weather areas” (Florida, South Carolina, Arizona, California, etc.) should be kept and posted when the system reopens.
Even though we are entering the last portion of the season, this is not the time to slack off on care of the course – repair ball marks, replace divots, rake traps, observe white line and stake directional markers. Joe Candelore and his team still need our help in keeping our course in shape.
On the administrative side, please note that I have changed my primary email address. It is now robertmurray009@comcast.net. Your comments, ideas, suggestions and questions are very welcome here, as well as at my backup address ncrow1seat45@yahoo.com.
Bob Murray, 2009 Golf Chairman
Women’s Golf League
The Women's Golf League meets every Wednesday at 8:30 AM. There is an 18-hole group and a 9-hole group. If you would like more information, please call the Pro Shop at 610-734-7903 or Mary Lawler at 610-357-8456.
Mary Lawler, President
Tennis
For information, log on to www.mccallgolf.com to find out more about tennis or contact Bambi Dudley at 610-688-4974 or email her at www.corporatetennis@comcast.net.
Bambi Dudley
Conference Center
Here we are already in October. The weather has been great for golf. Soon there will be frost on the pumpkins and the air will be crisp and clean. Fall is my favorite season. During the month of October the Grille Room hours of operation will be 8:00 AM till 2:00 PM Tuesday thru Friday. Saturday and Sunday we will remain open till 4:00 PM. Just a reminder, during Eagles 1:00 PM games, we will serve 2 for 1 beers and Pub style food specials in the Grille. A special thank you goes out to Ernie Zappacosta for planning a special luncheon for our greens department on September 25th to show his and the “Spaghetti Potters” appreciation for a job well done this season. I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Breakfast Invitational on September 6th. All who attended had a great day. Again Chef prepared an awesome luncheon.
Remember the Fall Scramble will be held on October 4th. If you haven’t signed up there is still time. This event is always a sell out so give a call to the Pro Shop to sign up. On October 24th we will hold our second annual Halloween Festival. This was an awesome time last year, so please sign up early by calling Kathy Cullen at 610-734-7901 or email her at kathy.cullen@mccallgolf.com . Flyers are available throughout the Conference Center. Adults and children are $10 per person and don’t forget prizes will be awarded to the best costume. Mark your calendar now for the Breakfast with Santa on December 5th. Poker Night will be held on October 1st. For more information contact Rick Bunn at Rick.Bunn@infrasourceinc.com.
In the Grille and Sun Porch, Tom Naughton and Danny Block have been doing a great job with Sunday Breakfast. Congratulations to Omar Canty and his fiancé who are to be married at the Club on October 3rd. May the happy couple enjoy their day. As we move into November look for our new schedule for The Grille at McCall.
In our catering department September was a busy month starting with NA-YGN Exelon East Annual Event and the Exelon Generation Women in Leadership Conference. Our senior groups Annunciation and our own St. Lawrence Laurentians held their opening luncheons followed by the Trottman/Wilson wedding, PAISBOA and our annual Merion Mercy Golf Outing. Finishing the month with our PECO monthly FLS meeting and our Ladies Closing Golf Luncheon. Our staff did an awesome job this month.
Also I would like to mention Anthony Yacovelli a behind the scenes young man that has been a great help to me this month. Thank you Anthony your efforts have not gone UNnoticed.
Don’t forget we still have dates on our December calendar. McCall will prove to be a great place for your holiday party or even a company dinner. Lisa Mills will be glad to plan a special menu or even a cocktail party. Give her a call at 610-449-8326 or email her at meetatmccall@mccallgolf.com.
Everyone have a great Fall Season! Remember my door is always open. Stop by and say hello or if you have questions or comments email me at bob.casler@mccallgolf.com.
Robert Casler, Clubhouse Manager
Outside Events & Marketing Update
Happy Fall Everyone!
Our fall calendar is filling in nicely. People are refocused now that the children are back in school and summer is over. We are already booking their fall parties as well as their holiday parties at this time. I have also booked a communion party for next spring…so if you need a spring date now would be the time to book it.
In October, we have a class reunion for Bonner & Prendi High Schools, Omar Canty’s (our weekday grill person) wedding, a class reunion for Lamberton H.S., a wedding on the 10th, St Joe’s softball banquet, a retirement dinner for World Communications Charter School, a class reunion for West Catholic H.S., a 40th wedding anniversary party, a birthday party and a shower.
During this school year of 2009/2010 we will be working with Drexel University developing additional marketing in exchange for use of our outside activity facilities. This should also help bring sports banquets and other business to the Conference Center.
Our holiday menus are ready for the season. Please contact me if your company, family or organization plans a holiday event and we’ll work towards having it here at McCall. Our marketing is in place for the remainder of the year. Each item will be reviewed at the time of renewal for consideration for next year’s budget.
Let us help make your next event a great one. Contact me at 610-449-8326 or www.meetatmccall@mccallgolf.com and we’ll get started today!
Lisa Mills, Marketing Director
Culinary Corner
I welcome autumn with open arms as it is my favorite season. Growing up in South Philly, I remember my school trips to Linvilla Orchards where I would come home with a variety of apples. Then I would spend all day with my grandmother as she would be playing Frank Sinatra's (Autumn Leaves) song, and I would be peeling all those apples and help bake apple pies, apple pastries and my favorite, apple crisp. I would like to share an easy recipe that my grandmother and I prepared together.
Apple Crisp
8 cups tart apples 1 cup brown sugar
4 tbs. sugar 1 tsp. salt
2 tbs. lemon juice 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2/3 cup sifted all-purpose flour 2/3 cup butter, melted
2 cups uncooked oats
In a 9” x 12” glass baking dish, combine apples, sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon and toss with melted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Top the apples with the oat mixture. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees oven, for 30-35 minutes, or apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream or top with whipped cream.
Chef Bill
October, 2009
