Life & TimesEstero Country Club at The Vines

December 2015

Board of

GovernorsSkip Loper - President

Doug Dalrymple - Vice President

Carol Berger - Secretary

Tom Spaeth - Treasurer

Don DiBrita

Barry Freedman

Mike Kennedy

Bob MacDougall

Tom Rush

Committee ChairsFinance - Tom Spaeth

Golf - Doug Dalrymple

Greens - Mike Kennedy

Grievance - Carol Berger

Heritage/Memorial - Carol Berger

House & Entertainment -

Don DiBrita

Legal & By-Laws - Tom Rush

Long Range Planning - Tom Rush

Membership & Marketing -

Barry Freedman

Personnel - Carol Berger

Property - Bob MacDougall

Tennis - Tom Rush

MissionEstero Country Club provides a welcoming environment for its members, families and guests

through exceptional golf, dining, tennis, fitness, lifestyle and social experiences.

December Events1 Reservations open for New Year’s Eve, 9:001 Book Club, 1:002 Gin Group, 5:00 Cocktails & Dinner, 7:00 Gin2 Tenderloin Buffet, 5:30-8:30 Reservations3 Ping Demo Day, 10:00-2:003 Fit for Tennis Class, 2:004 Christmas Ball, 6:00 Cocktails, 5:30-7:30 Reservations6 Estero Challenge Golf, 1:00 Shotgun with dinner to follow7 Hoop It Up Fitness Class, 9:30 9 Ask a Fit Pro, 9:0010 Mrs. Claus Ladies Tennis Mixer, 9:3010 Edison Light Tour, 6:3011 New Member 9 Hole Golf Mixer, 3:0011 Christmas Carolers during dinner service13 Holiday Breakfast Buffet, 10:00-2:0016 Turkey Buffet, 5:30-8:30 Reservations17 Reservations open for Gatlin Western Show, 9:0017 Gin Group, 5:00 Cocktails & Dinner, 7:00 Gin18 Winterfest Tennis Mixer, 5:0020 Holiday Breakfast Buffet, 10:00-2:0020 Sunday Partners Golf, pm Tee Times28-30 Santas Tennis Boot Camp, 1:00-3:0031 New Year’s Eve Party, Reservations 5:30-9:00

Oil Painting Class - Mondays, 1:00 Stretch & Flex - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:30

Yoga - Mondays & Fridays, 8:30Triple Play Fitness Class - Fridays, 9:30

Morning Groove Fitness Class - Saturdays, 8:00Happy Hour - Thursdays 5:00 - 8:00Partners Bridge - Wednesdays 7:00

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Depart Club at 6:30pm and return at 9:30pm

Enjoy a self-guided tour of the museum & grounds lit up for the holidays!

Mini-coach transportation provided, $33 includes transportation & admission.

Sign-up online to reserve your space.

Sign-ups are non-refundable once purchased. Dinner is not included.

If you wish to dine at the club prior to boarding the mini-coach,

please make a 5:30pm dinner reservation.

Holiday Nights Estates Tour

Thursday, December 10th

President’s ReportSkip Loperskiploper@comcast.net

Holiday Breakfast BuffetSunday, December 13th & 20th

10:00 - 2:00Fresh Seasonal Fruit Display

Assorted Mini Muffins and PastriesAssorted Toasts and Jellies and Jams

Norwegian Smoked Salmon with Mosaic of Condiments and Mini Bagels

Chilled GazpachoSun Harvest Juice Station

Eggs BenedictApplewood Smoked Bacon

Sausage Thyme LinksBreakfast Potatoes

French Toast (13th) or Pancakes (20th)Cheese Blintz with Strawberry Sauce

Chef ’s Station - Carved Pit HamMade to Order Eggs and Omelet Station

Freshly Made Waffles with Whipped Butter, Strawberry Sauce and Maple Syrup

Includes Coffee & Hot Tea

$18.00++ (Children 0-3 Free, 4-12 $11++)

$5.00 Bloody Marys - $3.00 Mimosas

Casual Attire * Guests WelcomeMake Reservations on the website under the

Dining Events Tab or call the Club

Pictures with

Santa &

Mrs. Claus

ECC Fishing Contest

Select Monday’s, January - AprilJan. 11th, Feb. 1st, March 14th, April 11th

Meet in the Breezeway at 8:00 am8:00 am - 10:30 am in any Vines Lake

Fisherman must return to the Breezeway at conclusion of contest each week.Fish to be measured by contestant.

Please bring your own ruler.Categories:

MONTH: LONGEST FISH / MOST FISHSERIES: LONGEST FISH / MOST FISH

Pick a Lake & Cast - Catch & ReleaseCall Norm Berger with questions and to sign-up.

ECC Fishing Contest

Select Monday’s, January - AprilJan. 11th, Feb. 1st, March 14th, April 11th

Meet in the Breezeway at 8:00 am8:00 am - 10:30 am in any Vines Lake

Fisherman must return to the Breezeway at conclusion of contest each week.Fish to be measured by contestant.

Please bring your own ruler.Categories:

MONTH: LONGEST FISH / MOST FISHSERIES: LONGEST FISH / MOST FISH

Pick a Lake & Cast - Catch & ReleaseCall Norm Berger with questions and to sign-up.

I would like to thank the 130 members who took the time

to attend our Opening Meeting on November 16th. While

attendance was good, I do wonder why I didn’t see the

other 350+ members attending. The theme centered upon

how best to strategically move our Club forward in the next

few years. We also noted that:

•TheClubcontinuestobestrongfinancially.

•TheFoodandBeverageoperationhasimplemented

numerous changes which have been well received

by the membership. More change is on the horizon.

•PlansareinplacetodevelopaMasterPlanforboth

theClubhouseandCourse.WewillhaveFocus

Groups forming in the next few months to refine it,

and we plan to have a Membership vote in early March.

I hope this note finds you preparing to enjoy the holidays

and ring in the New Year. 2016 promises to be an exciting

year and will be critical in defining the future of our Club.

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Superintendent’sReportNathan Gingrichsupt@esterocc.com

Tennis ReportTomFunk,USTAtennispro@@esterocc.com

DirectoryUpdatesShepardson -Southwind Community listing address should be 8461-3

Happy Holidays,I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather. Our fall season is going very well. The morning Drop-In group has been very activewith some new faces alongwith our daily players. Forany new members, the Drop-In Group is very social and plays Monday thru Thursday beginning at 7:30am. When you arrive you can “drop –into” play, which means you can show up anytime during the play time. Our team play is in full season also. If you are considering more competitive play, and like the team tennis concept, I encourage you to come out and meet the teams and players. Most teams still have room for players to join in. Call the tennis shop for Team play days and Clinics.Watch your calendars for Special Holiday Tennis Events. Each month there will be fun events for our members to participate in. Just remember, your enjoyment and participation is the biggest part of any events success. Just a reminder for anyone still returning, the ice chests on the tennis courts were removed in November. Don’t panic, we still have ice available for drinks by theSnackBar.Allcourtsstillhavewaterandcupsonthem.ForthosewhomissedouropeningBootCamp,pleasejoinusforSanta’sBootCamponDecember28thtothe30th.Iwishyoualla Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

TheweatherwehavebeenexperiencinginSouthFloridaoverthe last month has been extraordinary. Given that our average temperatures for this time year are 81/64 we have been onaverage about 7 degrees above each of these numbers. During the first two weeks of November we haven’t had a single day of below 85. These temperatures have caused what wouldbe characterized as extremely abnormal growth of all plant material including our turf. This time of year we are normally removing a mowing from our schedule and placing more of an effort toward landscaping and general course cleanup whereas this year we have had to add a mowing to our schedule. The good news in this is that the golf course is lush and green. The bad news is that the added mowing has taken away from some of the detail work we normally have completed at this point of the year. We are aware of these issues and hope that by the time this letter is published to have a good handle on things like landscaping and edging. I can assure you the golf course maintenance department is fighting hard against Mother Nature to keep the golf course and landscaping to the accustomed standard. With any kind of extended normal weather we will begin to win the battle. Thanks to all for your patience and continued support while we work to improve your course.

December Tennis Events

Mrs. Claus Ladies Tennis MixerThursday, December 10th

Winterfest Couples Tennis MixerFriday, December 18th

Santa’s Boot CampMonday - Wednesday, December 28th - 30th

Stretch & Flex-Tuesday&Thursday7:45amMorning Groove-Saturdays8:00amTriple Play -Fridays9:30amYoga-Monday&Friday8:30am

Specialty Fitness Classes Tennis Workshop Series - Thursdays once a month 2:00pmFitForeGolfSeries-Thursdaysonceamonth3:00pmHoopItUpClass-Mondaysonceamonth9:30amGlideFitness-Mondaysonceamonth9:30am

DecemberFitness

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More information on classes can be found on the ECC website in the members only section.

Sign-up for all classes on ForeTees or call the Club.

General Manager’s ReportCraig Rollinson, CCM, CCEgeneralmanager@esterocc.com

Partners

Grab a Partner and come join the Gin Group!Have cocktails and dinner or just come for Gin.

Please call Doug Dalrymple with questions, 239-482-6050.

Sign-up on the website under Dining Events or call the Club.

Schedule:December 2nd (Wednesday) December 17th (Thursday)

January 7th & 21st (Thursdays)February 11th & 25th (Thursdays)March 10th & 24th (Thursdays)

April 7th & 21st (Thursdays)May 4th & 18th (Wednesdays)

Open to

all members5:00 Cocktails6:15 Dinner7:00 Gin It is great to see most of our members back and enjoying the Club.

The staff in all departments has worked very hard over the summer planning all of the activities for season.TheFood&Beveragedepartmenthasspentmanyhoursdevelopinglifestyle activities and the new lunch & dinner menus. Hopefully, you all have noticed the increase in the number of items and variety of food offered. One of the important efforts this season from our culinary team is to provide the freshest, highest quality ingredientspossible.Inournewmenus,youwillseetheFarmtoTable emblem, which is our commitment to sourcing, whenever possible, locally fresh, natural, quality ingredients to serve our members and guests. We will be helping the local economy also by sourcingouringredientsfromSWFlorida.Lessfuelconsumptionand carbon monoxide emissions are an added bonus. Hope everyone enjoys the changes we have made and look forward to seeing you at the Club.

Partners Bridge

Everyone Welcome!

Wednesdays, 7:00 pmBegins November 4th

Sign-Up in the Dining/Events tab or call the Club.

Make a separate dinner reservation on ForeTees or call the Club.

Questions, call Bob or MaryAnn Wagner239-267-3961

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New

Year’s

EveDinner Dance

with DJ EntertainmentThursday, December 31, 2015

Dinner seatings from 5:30 pm - 9:00 pmBar Service 5:30 to Midnight

Dinner Music 8:00 - 9:00Dance Music 9:00 - 12:00

Guests Welcome, Reservations Starting Tuesday, December 1st at 9:00am

Casual Attire (No Denim) 72 Hour Cancellation Policy

Caesar Salad or Southwest Seasonal Salad

Entrée ChoicesGrilled Filet Mignon (7oz) – Porcini-Roasted Garlic Compound Butter,

Veal Demi, Whipped Potatoes and Steamed Asparagus $40Twin Lobster Tails – Drawn Butter, Garden Blend Rice

and Steamed Asparagus $48Surf and Turf – Porcini-Roasted Garlic Compound Butter,

Veal Demi, Drawn Butter, Whipped Potatoes and Steamed Asparagus $56

Olive Oil Poached Halibut – Sweet Tomato Vinaigrette, Garden Blend Rice and Steamed Asparagus $38

Half Roasted Cornish Game Hen - Florida Orange Marinade, Herb Jus, Whipped Potatoes and Steamed Asparagus $31

Dessert Chocolate Trilogy – Chocolate Cake with a Trio of Chocolate Mousse,

served with Raspberry Compote and Whipped Creamor

Vanilla Sundae with Hot Fudge, Chopped Nuts, Whipped Cream and Cherry

THANK YOU!!!On October 25 ECC partnered with Affordable HomeownershipFoundation(AHF)toraisefundstoreplaceleakingroofsforthreeLeeCounty veterans. The opening ceremony included a proclamation by Mr. Nick Batos,thefirstMayorofTheVillageofEstero. Twenty three Guns and Hoses bagpipers and a drum corps preceded the presentation of the flag by the JROTC from Estero High School. (who knewyou could find that many bagpipe players inthisarea!)Thiswasfollowedbyagolfscramble, silent auction and dinner. Just before dinner the three recipient veterans were escorted to the head table with militarymusic fanfare.After dinnerwehad a live auction and as the crowd left, theywere treated to illuminated tribute signs around theAmericanflag in the rotunda. This was a wonderful day and was successful beyond our expectations. Allthreeveteransaregettingtheirnewroofsaswellasaneveningthey will never forget! There will be ribbon cutting ceremonies at all three homes as they are completed and we will share pictures of theeventsinnextmonth’snewsletter.Thefundsraised($68,500inin-kindandmonetarydonations,over$29,000thedayoftheevent)over and above that needed for the roofs will help other local veterans with housing needs. The tournament was so successful because of the tremendous support of the ECC membership! Thank you so much for yourparticipationandgenerosity!WeareverygratefultotheBoardofDirectorsforallowingAHFtouseourfacilityforthistournamentand look forward to seeing you next year on October 23rd, 2016.Committee Chair Margo Newell

10•25•15

GOLF TOURNAMENT

RAISE THE ROOF

They were called to duty to serve their country.

Now it’s our chance to give backin their time of need.

Golf’n FORE Roof’n - A Mission For Veterans Daypresented by

A Great Day of Golf is planned on Sunday October 25, 2015 with a Shotgun start at 1:00 pm at the beautiful Estero Country Club at the Vines.

Estero Country Club has partnered with Affordable Homeownership Foundation Inc. whose mission for this golf tournament is to replace the roofs and needed maintenance on three

veterans homes here in Lee County.

There will be a Putting Contest, Hole-In-1 Contest, Team Contest and a Silent Auction.

operation impact RAISE THE ROOF

AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP FOUNDATION INC.

Coming in JanuarySunday Breakfast Buffet Starts

Jan. 3rd, 10:00-2:00

Book ClubJan. 5th, 1:00

Saturday Dinner StartsJan. 9

Fishing TournamentJan. 11, 8:00

Husband & Wife Club ChampionshipJan. 10th & 17th

Dinner EntertainmentJan. 23rd & 29th

Driver’s Safety ClassJan. 25th, 9:00

Chef DemoJan. 30th

Partners Bridge

Everyone Welcome!

Wednesdays, 7:00 pmBegins November 4th

Sign-Up in the Dining/Events tab or call the Club.

Make a separate dinner reservation on ForeTees or call the Club.

Questions, call Bob or MaryAnn Wagner239-267-3961

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Membership ReportColleen Sowerbymemberships@esterocc.com

Happy Holidays Everyone!Thank you for all of your new member referrals this past year. Our membership is growing thanks to your efforts! OurSunsetThankYouCruiseissetforJanuary28thforall those who qualified during our Membership Referral Campaign. During the fiscal year ended November 1, we grew from 275 golf members to 307. While we have experienced some resignations and downgrades since starting the year, November 1, our expectations are that it will again be a busy year. The real estate market is seeing tremendous growth and especially around us with Hidden Harbor, Corkscrew Shores, Pelican Preserve and BellaTerrabeingactivefeedercommunities.Pleasecontinueto refer your friends to the club – Estero Country Club has a great membership and we hope to add to the family as the year progresses. Contact me anytime to arrange for informationand/oran invitation tobesent toyournewmember prospects.We wish you and yours a wonderful New Year!!

Christmas Carolers

during dinner service onFriday, December 11, 2015

Come and join the festivities!

Reservations 5:30pm-8:30pm.Make your reservations on ForeTees or call the club.

Reservations open Wednesday, November 11th.

New Equity Members

Mr. Charles Graham & Ms. Lynn WapplerSocial–BelleLagoTampa,FL19816CasaVerdeWayclg1748@msn.comlynntpa@msn.com813-505-7178

Ms. Elizabeth St. GermainSocial–GrandPalm8341-4GrandPalmDriveElizabeth0828@gmail.com239-293-3162

New Annual Tennis

Ms. Roseann McGee

January Dinner Dance & show

Gatlin Group western showsaturDay, January 16th, 2016cocktails & Bar open 5-6:00pm

seateD for Dinner 6:00pmshowtime 7:00pm

Pear SaladBaby Greens, Chayote Squash, Shaved Radish,

Dried Cherries, Grape Tomato and Poppy Seed Dressing

EntréeFilet and Shrimp

(6oz Filet and 3 Shrimp)Brandy Peppercorn Cream,

Mango-Pineapple Salsa, Roasted Red Potatoes & Haricot Verts

DessertCitrus Panna Cotta

Chocolate Ganache, Mango Pearls, Pomegranate Drizzle and Italian Cookies

$32++

Members OnlyTables of 8 (limited tables of 10)

Reservations Starting Thursday, December 17th at 9:00amCasual or Theme Attire (Denim Allowed)

72 Hour Cancellation Policy(Dietary restrictions required 72 hours in advance)

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Golf ReportBenPittman,PGAgolfpro@esterocc.com

Golf Guest 6 Pack 30% discount off of regular rate!

6 Pack Cost: $450 + tax

Regular Rate: $648 + tax Limit: 4 packs

Must purchase between

11/15/2015 and 12/15/2015.

Must be redeemed by 10/31/2016.

Available to Gold, Silver & Sport members.

YOU MUST NOTIFY THE GOLF SHOP EACH TIME YOU WISH TO USE ONE OF YOUR GUEST PACK ROUNDS

Beth McCann - 10/25/15 - #13Honey Gemino - 11/3/15 - #8Steve Surdell - 11/12/15 - #17

Congratulations

During this time of year, we all focus our attention on reconnecting with family and friends. Many of you leave Floridawiththataiminmind,whilesomeofusstayintowntocelebratetheholidayseasonwithour“FloridaFamily”right here at Estero CC. The Golf Shop wishes to convey to you the gratitude we feel for having such a wonderful place to work and for allowing us to create a welcoming environment for you, your family members, and your guests. We strive to provide an exceptional experience for you every day, and we are constantly rewarded by seeing the smiles on your faces and knowing that we play a role in making Estero CC home for you.The Golf calendar is relatively light for the month of December, but there are a few things to make note of. The Estero Challenge is scheduled for a 1:00pm shotgun on Sunday, December 6th. We will conduct a New Member Mixer on Friday the 11th and another round of SundayPartnerson the13th. Monday,December14thwill be adeparture from our normal schedule as we host Ladies InterclubIIwithan8:30shotgun–theOpenPlayshotgunwillbeat1:00pmratherthanthecustomary12:30.AlsoinDecember, there will be some special hours of operation, so please be aware that on Christmas Eve and again on New Year’s Eve, the Golf Shop will close at 2:30pm, and all club owned carts must be in by 3:00pmOh,don’tforgettosignupfortheBloodyMaryOpen.Itappears that some of you are customarily over-served at your New Year’s parties, so we will again delay the shotgun startuntil10:00am.YoumaysignupnowonForeTees,orfeel free to contact the Golf Shop for more information.Happy Holidays from all of us in the Golf Shop.

ECC Member Holiday Donations

This year, you can donate items through the Club to the Salvation Army.

Please bring your donated items to the Club by Sunday, December 13th

and we will take the items to the local Salvation Army for distribution.

Items for donation:Unwrapped Children’s Toys

(especially Infant - 2 years oldand 11 - 12 years old)

Food DriveDonations of canned food items being collected to be donated to the Commmunity Cooperative.

Thank you!!!

Christmas BallFriday, December 4th

Entertainment by Wendy Renee5:30 Cocktails Available

5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 or 7:30 Dinner ReservationsDinner Music 7:30 - 8:00Dance Music 8:00 - 10:30

SaladPetite Seasonal

orJulienne Vegetable Salad over Romaine Hearts

with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Choice of EntréeFilet Mignon (7oz) with Horseradish-Chive Compound Butter,

Veal Demi, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Haricot Verts $40

Seared Butterfish, Aged Balsamic Buerre Blanc, Red Pepper Relish, Rice Pilaf and Haricot Verts $36

French Chicken Breast, Sausage and Cheddar Stuffed, Herb Veloute, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Haricot Verts $29

New Zealand Lamb – Full Rack, Dijon Crust, Veal Glace, Whipped Potato and Grilled Asparagus $45

DessertNew York Style Cheese Cake with Crushed Candy Canes

orVanilla Sundae with Hot Fudge, Chopped Nuts,

Whipped Cream and Cherry

Casual Elegant Attire (Jacket for Men Required)Guests Welcome - 72 Hour Cancellation Policy

Reservations starting Wednesday, November 4th, 2015 9:00 am