McCall Matters
November 2009
Every year in August and September I start to put together the budget for the BA and McCall Golf and Country Club. Last year in 2008 was no exception. The budget was developed and approved. The main goal moving forward was the renovation of both the Grille at McCall and the banquet area. Improvements in these areas were necessary to compete with other facilities and to increase business at McCall.
In working with financial committees of club boards over the years, it was always determined that dues should be raised every year by some degree. Costs in all areas are always rising. Budgets are put together with not only increased revenue in the food and beverage department but most importantly to hold down costs in all areas of the operation. Keeping that in mind as much as you try to hold down costs, monies are still needed to keep the club competitive. It is also necessary to keep the entire club in good working and attractive condition. The band-aid approach is the worst kind of upkeep.
McCall at the present time has no initiation fees, minimums or assessments. We work as close as we can to control costs AND we are working diligently to increase revenue, particularly in our food and beverage area.
Last year we started to see a real meltdown of the economic situation in today’s world. Many clubs held their dues the same for 2009. We had a modest increase. Our budget was passed prior to the collapse of the market. In looking back I feel what we did WAS in the best interest to you the members of McCall.
The 2010 budget was passed at our September board meeting. I want to inform everyone that there will be NO dues increase for 2010. If you read what I wrote above, it is generally not a good idea NOT to raise dues, even if it is small. Again, due to the market this past year, we were able to pass a budget relying on cost freeze and increased revenue. Please keep in mind though that dues will need to be paid by February 28th. If they are not paid by that date, a $50 reinstatement fee will be assessed. Everyone will receive his or her dues letter for 2010 by slow mail, towards the end of December. If anyone has moved during the golf season, please call Debbie Valinsky at 610-734-7913 with your new home address.
Please help us out by recommending McCall to any friend, family or business associate, in hosting an event here.
As a reminder there is no golf calendar beginning in November, as the season has finished. Keep an eye out beginning with the April 2010 golf calendar.
Again, I cannot thank enough the entire staff at McCall. They are really hard working and dedicated people trying to make your visit the best it can be!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Chet Gratkowski, General Manager
Course Update
We are Penn State. That is what you say when you are a PSU graduate like me. Fight, Fight, Fight for the Cherry and White, that’s what you say when you are a Temple U. grad like me. So for all you non-college graduate complainers you are running out of excuses. Two plant science degrees and as we all know turf is a plant. On the course staff we also have a two-year Rutgers grad, a Rutgers turf grass certificate grad, and a couple of guys with certificates from Purdue online courses. In addition to about 80 years of turf grass experience. We do know what we are doing. McCall is not for everybody. After all variety is the spice of life, it makes the world go around. If you are not happy here at this great place, don’t be a cancer just move on. There are 100’s of courses not too far away, but if you enjoy McCall we are very glad to have you as a member. I know we can’t please everybody but we try anyway. There are bumps but if you come to us with a concern we will try to smooth them out. If you have a concern, chances are we are right in the middle of correcting it and we will tell you what we are doing and why. I spread a lot of information about the course but it is obvious that the right information doesn’t get out. So why get all hot and bothered when you could just call, email or the most drastic, see me eye-to-eye.
Membership at McCall is a great deal. You get a country feel at a bargain basement price. If you are a PECO guy who earned McCall by working for PECO for years, it’s a no brainier. If you are an associate, invited to share our Club, you can’t beat it. We have tried very hard to make all members feel the same and this generates comments from both sides. Everybody thinks they deserve something extra. We feel you already get it by being a member. Some members won’t be back either by their own choice or not invited back, but like I said McCall is not for everybody. No one place meets everyone’s needs. You can’t constantly complain about a place and then say it is a great place at the same time. You can’t constantly ask for more services and then drive by the Grille at McCall to another bar and not support it. It does not add up. Anyhow you get my point. If you don’t like McCall, maybe your happy place is just right down the street. If you base your membership here on whether someone works or does not work here, follow them. You will be the one missing out. I have a lot more to say but I have a course to take care for our members. Thanks for being one.
Joe Candelore, Director of Golf
Pro Shop
Pro Shop Hours - Effective Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday - 12 Noon to 5 PM
Tuesday thru Sunday - 7 AM to 5 PM
Daily Guest Fees: All guest tags will be $20 every day
Twilight - $10 after 2 PM
The Pro Shop is happy to announce a new vendor here at McCall. Starting in November, Greg Norman’s clothing line and outerwear will be available in our Pro Shop. Greg Norman is one of the global leaders in golf-inspired sportswear that combines performance, luxury and style. Influenced by one of the world's leading golf professionals and identified by his four-color shark logo, Greg Norman’s Collection has become a complete lifestyle brand since 1992. In the spring of 2010 the complete collection of shirts, shorts, sweaters, jackets and accessories will be featured.
Should be very cool!
Holiday Kickoff Sale
Friday, November 27th until Sunday the 29th all members will get a 20% discount on selected items in stock such as all Ashworth and Monterey clothing, Nike shoes, Tour Edge clubs, Ping clubs and more. All VIP members will get everything at 12% over cost. Any special orders for you or a loved one needs to be in by November 30th to ensure delivery for the holidays so come visit us and get all your shopping done for the golfer in your life! We also have lots of great gift ideas for the season, so be sure to stop by and check them out!
Range and Practice Areas
The driving range is closed for the season. The practice areas will remain open for chipping and bunker practice. You can hit your own balls only off the mat at the 75-yard marker on the range.
Tournament Results
Winners of the Fall Scramble were:
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
13 under Par 13 under Par 12 under Par
Chris Coughlin Ken Travetti Larry McKeogh
Shawn Coughlin Jude Scarpello Fran Foley
Jim McGee Greg Travetti Chris Rose
Chris Friel Steve Silvano Dave Brown
Rick Bunn Amy Dalessandro Bill Rose
Thank you to everyone who played in the Fall Scramble. It was a great way to end the 2009 season.
Winter Golf Lessons
Don’t let winter stop you from working on your game. Improve your swing for next spring. We have an indoor facility for working on your game. Full swing or short game, I can put a program together for you. Also video lessons are available. Cost is $30 per half hour. For more information, please contact me at 610-734-7924.
Jim McCormick, PGA Golf Professional
2010 Golf Team
There are 58 members who have qualified for the 2010 golf team. McCall will be fielding two teams again for 2010. There are 34 golfers with a USGA handicap of 12.9 or lower. I will be sending the invitation letters out to the qualifiers this month. It would be appreciated if you could let me know your availability for the matches. This will help the captains set up the teams. If you have any questions regarding the golf team, please contact me at 610-420-0090.
Bill Flick, Golf Team Chairman
Golf Committee Report
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
Now that our golf season is winding down, the Women's Golf League would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at McCall Golf & Country Club for their support during our 2009 season. We will be starting again in the spring and McCall Matters will keep you informed about the start of the 2010 season.
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
November is upon us and the golf season is coming to a close. The weather was extremely cooperative for the Fall Scramble. As I gaze out the window the leaves are starting to change, soon there will be frost on the pumpkin and leaves on the ground, which proves to be a challenge for our greens department. I would like to thank everyone who participated with the Halloween Festival. Everyone had a great time.
Joe Candelore and his staff did a great job grooming the golf course for the Fall Scramble and the Golf Pro and his staff did a super job as well. The entire staff should be commended for a job well done. Thank you for your positive letters and comments about the great food and service at the Fall Scramble.
In our catering department, October has been the busiest month McCall has ever seen. Yeah! We are moving in the right direction. We started the month with the Bonner Prendie Reunion, along with the Canty/Shaw wedding, and our senior groups (Annunciation and the St. Lawrence Laurentians) fall luncheons. Later in the month we saw the Traband Wedding, St. Joseph Softball and World Communications Anniversary Dinner. The West Catholic 55th Reunion and the Kerrie D’Lutz 40th Anniversary Party were very pleased to hold their events here at McCall. Finishing the month with our PECO monthly FLS meeting and a few baby showers along with the 2nd Annual Halloween Festival helped make October a successful month.
In the Grille and Sun Porch at McCall, October business has been status quo. Omar and Tom did a great job throughout the season. Starting November 1st the Grille operation will change along with the season. Monday thru Friday the Grille will be closed. Saturday and Sunday it will open at 8:00 AM till 4:00 PM. Look for Eagles game specials in the Grille after golf during 1:00 PM games.
Remember the holiday season is right around the corner. Be sure to sign up early for our Breakfast with Santa. Breakfast with Santa will be held on December 5th. Look for a flyer coming soon. For reservations call Kathy Cullen at 610-734-7901 or email her at Kathy.cullen@mccallgolf.com.
For Thanksgiving, Chef Bill will have available a small take-out menu with some special accompaniments and assorted pies. I will post the special flyer. Give me a call at 610-734-7900 to discuss what you need to make your Thanksgiving dinner special.
Don’t forget we still have some dates on our December calendar. McCall will prove to be a great place for your holiday party or even a company dinner. I will be glad to plan a special menu or even a cocktail party so just call me at 610 734-7900 or email me at bob.casler@mccallgolf.com. See you at the Club!!
To you and yours have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Robert Casler, Clubhouse Manager
Outside Events & Marketing Update
The holidays are just around the corner!
Now that summer is over people are in “work” mode and refocused now that the children are settled back in school. Our fall calendar is filling in nicely. This October is the best we have had since I have been here.
Along with booking fall parties as well as holiday parties, some people have called and chosen dates for spring events such as communion and graduation parties. So if you need a spring date now would be the time to book it.
Coming up in November we have several showers, an anniversary party, Darby Creek Association celebrating an anniversary, a school reunion for West Catholic H.S. and a birthday party.
We have started working with Drexel University and have developed a marketing agreement with them in exchange for use of our outside activity facilities. This should also help bring sports banquets, meetings and holiday parties and other business to the Conference Center.
We are now talking with Temple University to create a working relationship with them as well. This partnership should give us great exposure and bring new business to McCall.
The holidays will be here quickly; they are only a couple of weeks away. Let us do the cooking and set up for you so you can enjoy your family and friends. Book a holiday party with us.
Most of the advertising for 2010 is in place. We have changed a few items. One, which is coming up shortly, is a bridal guide, which will be in the newspapers. I will have more information on that for you next month.
Let us help make your next event a great one. Contact me at 610-449-8326 or meetatmccall@mccallgolf.com and we’ll get started today!
Lisa Mills, Marketing Director
Culinary Corner
I hope everyone had a great time at our Halloween Festival. With Thanksgiving just around the corner let McCall help you with your dinner or possible one of our delicious pies. Check your email for our special Thanksgiving Take Out menu.
With the Holiday season fast approaching I know many of you do not have time to prepare all the food for your guests. I will also have available a Holiday Season Take out menu. Again more details will follow.
Don’t miss our Breakfast with Santa which is always is a sell out. If I can help you with recipes our just some cooking pointers stop by and we can set something up.
With many people out shopping around the holiday season don’t forget we are still having our great Sunday breakfast. McCall is not just for golf any more.
Enjoy the recipe below Great for any Holiday Party!!
Chicken with Wild Mushroom and Balsamic Cream Sauce
Cook Time: 20 min
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
Salt
1/2 pound orzo pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 6 ounces
Pepper
2 tablespoons butter
12 cremini or baby Portobello mushrooms, sliced
12 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
12 white mushrooms, sliced
2 large shallots, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, eyeball it
3 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half, a couple turns of the pan
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, a generous handful
Instructions
Heat
a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and add orzo pasta. Cook to al dente.
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add extra-virgin olive oil, 2
turns of the pan. Season chicken liberally with salt and pepper and add to the hot
skillet. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan
and cover with foil to keep warm.
Cook stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes or until the shallots are wilted. Sprinkle
the flour into the pan and cook 2 minutes more. Whisk in the stock, balsamic vinegar and
the cream. Turn the heat up to high and simmer for about 2 minutes or until thickened.
Slice the chicken on an angle. Add the parsley and the chicken back to the skillet to heat
up, about 1 minute.
To serve, pile orzo on dinner plates and top with the sliced chicken and sauce
Chef Bill
November, 2009
