The Briar Club Q1 Newsletter 2016

T H E B R I A R C L U B N E W S L E T T E RFirst Quarter 2016

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H O U R SO F O P E R A T I O N

Office HoursMonday-Friday9:00 am - 5:30 pm(713) 622-3667

Adult Lap PoolMonday-Friday5:00 am - 9:00 pmSaturday6:00 am - 8:00 pmSunday7:00 am - 8:00 pm

Competition Lap PoolMonday-Friday5:00 am - 9:00 pmSaturday6:00 am - 8:00 pmSunday7:00 am - 8:00 pm

The End ZoneMonday5:00 pm - 11:00 pmTuesday-Friday4:00 pm - 10:00 pmSaturday-Sunday12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Fitness CenterMonday-Friday5:00 am - 9:00 pmSaturday6:00 am - 8:00 pmSunday7:00 am - 8:00 pm

Tennis CourtsMonday-Friday5:00 am - 9:00 pmSaturday6:00 am - 8:00 pmSunday7:00 am - 8:00 pm

The Briar ShopMonday-Thursday8:00 am - 7:00 pmFriday-Saturday8:00 am - 6:00 pmSunday12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

BreezesSaturday*11:00 am - 9:00 pmSunday*12:00 pm - 8:00 pm*Weather permitting.

The Kids ClubAfter Clubhouse OpensMonday8:00 am - 12:00 pmTuesday-Thursday8:00 am - 9:00 pmFriday-Saturday8:00 am - 10:00 pmSunday8:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Loft (Ages 7 & Up)Until Clubhouse OpensTuesday-Friday4:00 pm - 6:00 pmSaturday9:00 am - 6:00 pmSunday12:00 pm - 6:00 pmAfter Clubhouse OpensTuesday-Thursday4:00 pm - 7:00 pmFriday4:00 pm - 9:00 pmSaturday9:00 am - 9:00 pmSunday12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Lounge BarLunch and BrunchTuesday-Friday, Sunday11:00 am - 2:00 pmDinnerTuesday-Thursday5:00 pm - 9:00 pmFriday-Saturday5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Lounge DiningLunchTuesday-Friday11:00 am - 5:00 pmDinnerTuesday-Thursday5:00 pm - 9:00 pmFriday - Saturday5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

BC BistroLunch and BrunchTuesday-Sunday11:00 am - 2:00 pmDinnerTuesday-Thursday5:00 pm - 9:00 pmFriday - Saturday5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

DINING RESERVATIONS

Due to the excitement around the opening of the Clubhouse and its new dining amenities, we strongly encourage that Members place reservations in advance before arriving to the Club.

Reservations for our dining rooms can be made by calling our friendly receptionists at (713) 622-3667, or by email to [email protected].

Please Note: The Briar Club’s new website is currently under construction, and is expected to be live in April! Until then, reservations must be made through the Club via phone or email. Thank you for your patience during this time!

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A L E T T E R F R O M T H E G E N E R A L M A N A G E R

Dear Briar Club Family,

I am truly honored to be your new General Manager here at The Briar Club. I want to thank the Search Committee and the Board for entrusting me as the next leader of this fine Club. What a journey the Club has seen! My wife Jen, our son Collin (7 months) and I are proud to be a part of the next chapter.

The family atmosphere of this Club sets it far above the rest. We have many challenges ahead, but we will continue to strive and make The Briar Club one of the best family experiences we possibly can. I want to say a big thank you to Asif Ehsan (Eric, CFO) for his Interim GM role here at the Club, and to Casey Newman as well for her hard work during the construction project. It has been a big

undertaking, but after walking through the facilities I can tell you it is well worth the wait.

My door is always open and suggestions are always welcome. If there is anything with which I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Daniel Moreno, Briar Club General Manager/COO

Yours in service,

Daniel MorenoGeneral Manager/COO

The Briar Club

[email protected]

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A L E T T E R F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the President of this wonderful Club in 2016. These are exciting times at the Briar Club as we begin what promises to be the most transformative year in the Club’s history. In a few weeks, our new Clubhouse will open to Members, and I do not think you will be disappointed. In fact, the combination of our new world class kitchen, new expanded family dining BC Bistro, beautiful but still cozy Lounge Bar and Lounge Dining, together with Executive Chef Michael Powell and our great food & beverage team is going to make Members very happy - and just may make our new Clubhouse as popular as any spot in town.

The second level banquet facilities, Magnolia Ballroom and Azalea Room, and meeting rooms are scheduled to open in March and complete our new world class Clubhouse.

The new Club is now rapidly taking shape right before our eyes, with the recent opening of the Adult Lap Pool and the new Kids’ Club in early January, and the Fall 2015 opening of the End Zone Bar & Lounge and completion of the Men’s Locker Room expansion.

The final phase of our renovation has already begun, and includes the new Family Resort Pool in the heart of our campus, the Barracuda Café for poolside and casual outdoor dining, three new tennis courts and green space “club commons”, and should be completed by May of this year.

While there have been a number of inconveniences during

construction, hopefully in just a few months we can all celebrate and agree that the end result was worth the disruption and sacrifice. The Briar Club has been a special place and family club for more than half a century, but our historic renovation elevates this Club to a best in class stature. Thank you to our membership, past and present Club leaders and Board Members, and to our staff for making all of this happen. The new Briar Club is truly an amazing achievement and a testimony to the dedication and can do spirit of so many people at this Club and to years of planning and dreaming leading up to this historic project.

MEMBERSHIP: A GREAT STORY

The growth in new membership over the past three years has exceeded all expectations and, better than anything, tells the story of a remarkably successful transformation at our Club. 2015 was a record breaking year with 110 new Members; and in the past three years over 300 new Members have joined the Briar Club. This is a ringing endorsement of the Master Plan vision, the renovation of our campus, and the value that a Briar Club membership represents to families in our community.

Those new Members and their families have not only brought new energy and ideas and new interests to the Club, but they also enhance and strengthen our financial resources through initiation fees and Club utilization. They represent another generation of families and the future leaders of our Club, the lifeblood of what we are as a Club.

Will Garwood, Briar Club President

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I would like to especially recognize Linda Benson, the best Director of Membership you will ever find, and the strong leadership of David Mordy as Membership Committee Chair in 2015.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW GENERAL MANAGER:DANIEL MORENO

I want to welcome our great new General Manager, Daniel Moreno, to the Briar Club. I have enjoyed getting to know Daniel over the past two months, and I look forward to working with him in 2016. I know our Members and staff are really going to like Daniel; we are truly blessed to have found a leader like Daniel as we begin this historic new chapter.

In case you missed the announcement introducing Daniel Moreno as our new General Manager, I want to share with you a little about his background. Daniel is an accomplished club management executive, with more than 16 years’ experience in the industry. All of Daniel’s professional experience is regionally based in and around Houston, and includes first-hand knowledge leading clubs through significant expansions. Daniel most recently served as General Manager/COO of the Petroleum Club of Houston, where he managed its recent relocation and expansion. Prior to the Petroleum Club of Houston, Daniel served as General Manager of the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club, where he oversaw that club’s rebuilding in the wake of its near-total destruction by Hurricane Ike in 2008.

The Board is excited to have found a General Manager with the energy, passion, approachability, and operational skills that Daniel brings to the Club. With our new GM and our Executive Chef now in place, this Club has a core management team and staff that is not only the equal of any Club in the country, but also still young enough to be here for years to come.

Finally, I want to thank Mark Worscheh for an outstanding job managing the GM search. As Search Committee Chair, Mark provided focus, insight and leadership throughout the process. The Committee conducted an extensive nationwide search that took more than three months before unanimously deciding that the best fit for The Briar Club was right here in Houston. All of the Search Committee is to be commended for its great efforts in the hiring of our new General Manager.

WELCOME OUR NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF: MICHAEL POWELL

Fall 2015 also saw the arrival of our new Executive Chef, Michael Powell. We should all be very excited to have an Executive Chef of the caliber, talent, experience and dedication of Michael Powell as we launch our new world class kitchen and dining facilities. I would like to particularly recognize Shannon Huff, our great 2015 Food & Beverage Chair, for her outstanding work in leading the Chef Search Committee.

We may look back on the arrival of Daniel and Chef Michael as two of the best decisions in Club history. I am excited about what they bring to our members and our Club.

OUR GREAT STAFF

I want to recognize and thank our staff for their truly extraordinary efforts on behalf of this Club and its members. You have performed virtually around the clock these past 18 months to keep our Club almost fully operational in the midst of non-stop construction. At the same time, you have worked to prepare for the launch of the new Clubhouse and all our new facilities. In so many ways you are the heart and soul of this Club. You have demonstrated a dedication, professionalism, cheerfulness, and fondness for the Club and its Members and families that is remarkable. You have been on the front lines every day and not only kept this Club running, but have maintained a high level of service during this historic transition. We have always known we have a great staff; but if we did not fully realize how good, how dedicated, and how talented, we know now. All of our staff has contributed so much over the past year, but I want to recognize a few in particular:

● Casey Newman and our great Clubhouse Management staff: Elizabeth Griffin, Samantha Van Veen, and Chloe Trammel. Casey, you and your team are second to none anywhere in the country. As Clubhouse Manager, Casey has done amazing work leading the team and preparing for the successful launch of our new Clubhouse.

● Asif Ehsan (Eric), our great CFO: Eric is simply the best in the business. Working as Interim GM, Eric, together with Casey and the staff, did a remarkable job of running this Club over the past five months. Eric and Casey have both provided indispensable support to our Club Committees, the Board, and to your President during this historic transition.

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● Taisa Reina: Taisa has put in long hours as a one-person HR Department, providing essential and critical services to our Club and to our employees. Taisa has worked tirelessly and cheerfully during this transition to oversee a successful and fair employee furlough process. Not all of you may know Taisa, but she is always there for our staff and for every one of our employees - she has earned the complete trust and respect of all who have worked with her.

● Gina DePamphilis, Director of Youth, and Jon Diller, Director of Aquatics: Gina and Jon have both worked tremendously hard to keep our pool and Aquatics operations going during challenging conditions. Jon is now stepping up to head Aquatics, and Gina is focusing on Youth as our new Kids Club opens to great Member anticipation. Both departments could not be in better hands.

● Jan Vick and her Tennis staff: Despite all the construction and the loss of one of the courts, Tennis continues to be so well run and organized that we almost take it for granted. In addition to our great Tennis Director, Jan Vick, I would like to recognize Head Tennis Pro Mike Alcott and Assistant Pro & Tennis Shop Manager, Alberto Jimenez, for all they do at the Briar Club.

● Rich Andrae, Director of Fitness, and his staff: Through all the construction disruptions to our campus, Fitness is one area of the Club that has been a refuge and a go-to facility for all Members. Both Rich and his team, Stephanie Kampf and Larry Zikes, have done a great job serving as the heart of our Club over the past nine months. When all else fails, you could always go to the Fitness Center. Well done, Rich and team!

● Cesar Escobar, Club Property Manager: Cesar and his team are on the job 24/7 to keep our busy Club running. Their efforts during construction and dedication to the club have been extraordinary.

THE BUILDING COMMITTEE:A REMARKABLE FOUR-YEAR LEGACY OF SERVICE

The Building Committee has put in a tremendous amount of work over the past 3 years to oversee the development and successful completion of our construction project.

Chris Boeker, Bruce Derrick, Cletus Dodd, Scott Frasier, Joe Santamaria and Rob Sigler are all now in their fourth full year on the Building Committee.

I think it’s fair to say that no group has ever done more or worked harder on behalf of your Club. This group has been the project manager to the Club, overseeing a vast and complex construction project to build a new Briar Club. They have put in countless hours meeting with contractors, consultants, and vendors to keep the project on course and to deliver value on your investment.

Their dedication to the Club and its Members is truly extraordinary and should never be forgotten. It can only logically be explained as a labor of love, for clearly it reflects a love for this Club. Under the leadership of Rob Sigler, Chair of the Committee for a third consecutive year, and the virtually full time commitment and service of Cletus Dodd and Joe Santamaria from the very earliest stages of the original Master Plan Committee, this group has literally put in countless hours on this project.

They have met once or twice weekly for the last three-plus years - long and involved meetings with countless follow-up calls. For a few of these individuals, we are talking about well more than 1,000 hours of service over the past three years on behalf of our Club. They have asked for little, if anything, in return. I encourage you to seek them out and thank them for their commitment and incredible contributions.

THE BRIAR CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS:COMING AND GOINGS

Two valuable members of the 2015 Board of Directors have completed their terms. Tim Peters served as a Director from 2011-2013 (his second term of duty), Club President in 2014 and Ex-Officio in 2015. His guidance, positive outlook, and detailed knowledge of club operations will be missed. Tim is a Briar Club lifer, so though he may be off the Board he can always be found around the Club.

Bob Fraizer served as Chair of the Tennis Committee in 2013, and Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee for the past two years. It would be hard to find a more dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced Treasurer than Bob. His financial acumen could be relied upon, as could his thoughtful counsel as a member of our Board.

Bob was always looking to protect the best interests of the Club and its Members, and he helped the Board to stay focused on what was at stake for its Members in making decisions. His good judgment, affability and steady

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influence will all be missed.

I want to welcome three outstanding new members to our Board of Directors in 2015: Claire Curtin, who so ably served this fall on our GM Search Committee; Bruce Derrick, a four-year veteran of our Building Committee and member of the original Master Plan committee; and Paige Hagle, a past President of this Club returning for another tour of duty. Larry Labanowski is to be heartily commended for his leadership in chairing the Nominating Committee for the past two years.

Finally, I want to say thank you to our Past President, Rob Sigler. If there were to be a Briar Club Hall of Fame or Ring of Honor, Rob would get in on the first ballot, and it should be unanimous. His leadership of the Building Committee over the past 3 years has been extraordinary. Fortunately, Rob will serve as Ex-Officio on our Board in 2016 and will again chair the Building Committee in this final year of our construction project.

It would be hard to overstate Rob’s contributions and commitment to the Club. An architect, developer, and builder by training, Rob has brought all of his considerable experience and skill to bear on behalf of this Club. The last year has been as challenging and as exciting as any time in Club history; a time of difficult decisions and of great accomplishments. Through it all, Rob provided resolute and steady leadership, always exhibiting a sense of optimism and cheerfulness. No President has ever given more to this Club.

When you see Rob around the Club, please thank him for his hard work, his leadership and remarkable commitment to the Club.

CONCLUSION

The importance of The Briar Club to our Members and families should never be underestimated. We have long been a special place, a family club that is relaxed and friendly, unpretentious and easy for Members to use, and always nearby. A place where families were raised and kids grew up, a recreational oasis and backyard hidden in plain sight between Timmons Lane and Saint Street. Surely, we are also one of the busiest and most heavily-used member clubs anywhere. Our Members and families come and go each day from 5:00 a.m. until late at night to swim, play tennis, and work out in the Fitness Center.

The Briar Club will continue to be all those things. But now, it will also be the place where your daughter has her wedding reception, your son has his rehearsal dinner, a grandchild’s christening celebration, a special 50th or 75th birthday celebration; the place where you take your spouse on a special occasion, hold a graduation celebration dinner for family and friends, and that place you want to take out-of-town friends for a dining experience that holds its own with the finest in Houston; or simply go with friends to watch the big game.

The renovation of our entire campus has elevated this Club and its facilities to best-in-class status. We are near completion of the new campus that will be our home for the next 60 years. Our prime location and the Master Plan improvements make the new Briar Club a unique and valuable resource that would be almost impossible to replicate; even more importantly the value and benefits of your membership have increased significantly. The Briar Club always had the spirit and heart of a great family club; now it has the facilities and campus to match. You belong to one of the finest Clubs in the country.

I want to conclude by saying thank you to our Members for making it all possible. Our wonderful new Club is the direct result of your support, sacrifice, patience, and belief. Let’s keep the momentum going and make 2016 a great year. Our best days at The Briar Club lay ahead.

Sincerely,

Will GarwoodPresident, The Briar Club

THE BRIAR CLUB MISSION STATEMENT

The Briar Club is a private recreational and social club where a community of families and individuals enjoy the highest standards of Aquatics, Fitness, Tennis, Children’s Programs and Quality Cuisine. All programs are presented in attractive surroundings and a comfortable atmosphere, with service provided by a highly-

qualified, professional staff.

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MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEASUNDAY, APRIL 242:00 PM - 4:00 PM RALLY THE FAMILY

EVENTSTHROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Enjoy a delicious spring breakfast and professional photos with the Easter Bunny, plus premium crafts, games, cookie decorating and the best part of all...an Easter Egg Hunt!

Saturday, March 26, 20169:00 am - 11:30 am

PRICING:Adults: $24.00++Teens (13-18): $16.00++Kids (4-12): $11.00++Ages 3 & Under: $1.00++

Reservations are essential!

Register online at www.thebriarclub.com or by calling (713) 622-3667.

Bring the whole family to the Club to enjoy a delicious Easter brunch in the Magnolia Ballroom! Please note that reservations are absolutely essential for this event.

Sunday, March 27, 201611:00 am - 2:00 pm

PRICING:Adults: $32.00++Teens (13-18): $20.00++Kids (4-12): $14.00++Ages 3 & Under: $1.00++


Don your “Sunday Best” or your chicest attire for an afternoon tea with your daughter! Mothers and Daughters of all ages are welcome to attend the second annual event of this new Briar Club tradition.

Sunday, April 24, 20162:00 pm - 4:00 pm

PRICING:$25.00++ per person

Reservations are essential!


Taking part in traditions is one of the perks of being a Briar Club Member. You and your family can be the first to establish this new tradition of events called “Rally the Family”! Throughout the year, the Club will invite families to join together as teams in different tournaments and challenges to bring everyone together.

Please be on the lookout for our first Rally the Family events in the Club Calendar!

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA!SATURDAY, MARCH 269:00 AM - 11:30 AM EASTER BRUNCH

SUNDAY, MARCH 2711:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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M E M B E R S H I PW E L C O M E O U R N E W M E M B E R S !

Last year, The Briar Club welcomed a record 110 new Memberships into the Club family! We are so thankful for each Member who referred, sponsored, or befriended our newest Members and made them feel welcome at our beautiful Club. As the Clubhouse, new Kids Club and Lap Pool complete and we look forward to the completion of the Resort Pool this year, we are excited for the next group of new Member families and individuals to join in the fun!

Any Member can sponsor a new Member, regardless of category or tenure at the Club! To refer a friend, family member or colleage to The Briar Club, please contact Linda Benson, Director of Membership, at (713) 552-2159 or email [email protected].

MEMBERS: AUGUST-DECEMBER 2015Paul & Jenna AtwoodSarah & Thomas BayKate & Andy BellinTodd & Karen BlueJohn BoylanDavid & Elizabeth ClementCaroline & Paul CornettRobert & Leia CromwellVictor & Shelli DenenburgSteven & Brittany DouglasMichael DrifmeyerRichard & Marie EarthmanGeorge & Ana EisenhauerDavid & Corinne FinanLollie & Edwin FrankAndrew & Cheryl FosslerRicky & Sandy GanimGlen GonzalesSara Beth GoodRachel & Paul GoydanRegina & Paul (Sr.) GoydanJason & Amanda GreenwaldPhilip & Connor GullyLouise & John HanaJeffrey & Krishali HoffmanJeffrey Holm & Xianping Jiang

Debra HovnatanianMichael & Amy HoweRichard & Julie HowellThomas & Jeanne KingClay & Holly KhrovjakMelissa & Max KlupchakCharlie & Elizabeth LeykumKeith & Julia LittleBobby & Michele MarandiAndrew McCooey & Ewan DinsdaleTed & Amy McNultyKathleen & Christopher MorganGordon & Rebecca MorrisonBa Nguyen & Gwendolyn DawsonGeorge W. & Elizabeth ParkerIzabella & James RoweShelley & Matthew SteinBryna StrykerCourtney & Mark TeshoianSarah & Anthony TringhesePatrick & Mirela Van PeltAlison & Jeffrey WeaverStephanie & Benjamin WiegandMargaret & Theodore WissinkMike & Dominique Yusim

WELCOME, LITTLE ONE!BRIAR BABIES

Jack McConomySon of Meghan & Andrew McConomyWelcome to the Briar Club Family, Jack!

IN MEMORIAMDr. Carey Stratton Hill, Jr.Member Since 2007

Robert KrouseMember Since 1966

Thomas Melo Member Since 1996

LINDA LOVES LEADS! REFER YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Our Director of Membership, Linda Benson, loves membership leads! Feel free to send a name of a friend or family member to Linda at (713) 552-2159 or by email to [email protected].

Linda Benson(713) [email protected]

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As many of you know, the majority of our Food & Beverage staff were furloughed during the past few months, as construction progressed on the Clubhouse without Food & Beverage operations. We are happy to report that the Club has successfully kept our furloughed employees engaged through training sessions, the first of which saw attendance from every furloughed employee! We are as excited as ever to welcome our favorite familiar faces back home with the construction completing in the Clubhouse.

During our most recent training session, our Clubhouse Manager, Casey Newman, and Interim Executive Chef, Michael Powell, led our wait and kitchen staff through a Food & Beverage Boot Camp, where they practiced proper techniques and new interfacing skills. We can’t wait to see them put this knowledge to good use!

WELCOME OUR NEW F&B MANAGERS!Please help us welcome our two new leaders in Food & Beverage, Chef Michael Powell and Eric Robison! These two will become familiar faces to you as you enjoy our new dining spaces in the Clubhouse.

E M P L O Y E E SC L U B H O U S E S T A F F T R A I N I N G

Eric RobisonFood & Beverage [email protected]

Chef Michael PowellInterim Executive [email protected]

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CONSTRUCTION PROGRESSWE’RE ROCKING AND ROLLING INTO PHASE 3!

M A S T E R P L A NP H A S E 3 I S U N D E R C O N S T R U C T I O N

As Phase 2 ends with the opening of the Clubhouse, Kids Club and Adult Lap Pool, Phase 3 springs into life with the construction of the Family Resort Pool, Skybridge, and, eventually, three new Tennis Courts. At the time of publication, administrative and service staff are moving into the Clubhouse, preparing for our grand opening! With staff out of the temporary trailers, additional construction work for Phase 3 can now progress.

Please read on over the next three pages for photos and descriptions of each new Member area of the Clubhouse, as well as our Special Event amenities. We know that you are as excited as we are to have Phase 2 behind us and enjoying Briar Club life in the new Clubhouse! Thank you so much for your patience and support.

THREE NEW TENNIS COURTS COMING SOON

RESORT POOL CONSTRUCTIONSUMMER FUN

Summer is just around the corner, and work is well underway on the Family Resort Pool! From the second floor of the Wellness Center, or the top of the Parking Garage, you can view the full layout of the Pool already laid in gunnite and concrete. As the Clubhouse opens, Members will be able to see the Pool appear before your eyes. We can’t wait for Spring 2016!

As administrative staff moves from the temporary office trailers and into the Clubhouse, we are making way for the additional three new tennis courts and green space. This green space will be the perfect spot for families to run, play and enjoy club-sponsored activities! We know that our Tennis Members are anxiously awaiting the construction of these new courts. Stay tuned!

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C L U B H O U S EM E M B E R D I N I N G R O O M S

BC Bistro is the Club’s family-friendly dining option inside the Clubhouse. Open for lunch on Tuesday - Sunday, and for dinner Tuesday - Saturday, the BC Bistro offers casual fare in a comfortable atmosphere, perfect for lunch with your tennis team or a relaxing dinner with the family. The BC Bistro features a buffet with action stations, warm and inviting interiors, and wide windows letting in natural light to the dining area.

The Lounge serves as the Club’s adult dining and cocktail space. One half of the Lounge is Lounge Dining, a beautiful space with gorgeous millwork and furniture for treating friends, clients and family to a relaxing dinner in the dining room. The Lounge Dining offers fine cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere, providing a refined dining experience. Lounge Dining is open for lunch on Tuesday-Friday, and for dinner Tuesday-Saturday.

The Lounge Bar is the other half of the Lounge, separated from Lounge Dining by a spacious bar. The Lounge Bar is the perfect space to watch sports or catch up on news on the Bar’s big screens, while grabbing a drink or a bite to eat. The Lounge Bar will soon become the hot spot to meet up with your fellow Members and socialize. The Lounge Bar will be open for lunch on Tuesday-Friday, for dinner on Tuesday-Saturday, and brunch on Sunday.

LOUNGE DININGADULT DINING

LOUNGE BARADULT COCKTAILS & DINING

BC BISTROFAMILY DINING

Located in a separate room with similar signature hardwood interiors, the Wine Room is an extension of the Lounge Dining room for private dining. The Wine Room is the perfect venue for a group looking for an intimate space for lunch or dinner. The Wine Room is also equipped with state-of-the-art audio & visual equipment for Members who wish to hold business meetings. Members will be able to book the Wine Room through the Catering Department.

WINE ROOMPRIVATE MEMBER DINING

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C L U B H O U S EC A T E R I N G & S P E C I A L E V E N T S

The Club’s largest and most versatile banquet space, the Magnolia Ballroom seats up to 350 guests. The room can be easily divided into two or three smaller meeting spaces, each accommodating at least 100 guests. The space is beautifully adorned with custom chandeliers and modern art, and features an outdoor covered terrace with expansive views of the Club’s campus.

The Azalea Room is a lovely interior room located on the second floor of the Clubhouse, spearated from the Magnolia Ballroom by a large pre-function space. With a seating capactiy of 90 guests, the Azalea Room is the perfect setting for a corporate meeting by day, and a celebratory dinner or reception by night.

It’s never too early to begin planning for your spring, summer and winter events! We encourage you to be one of the first to hold an event in our brand new Clubhouse! For packages, pricing, room information and availability, please contact Elizabeth Griffin, Director of Catering & Special Events, at [email protected] or (713) 552-2155.

Bookings & Deposit InformationReservations for a Briar Club Member’s party may be made at their leisure. Reservations for non-member events may book up to 15 months in advance of the event date. Events will be considered confirmed upon the receipt of the room reservation agreement and a non-refundable deposit. Additional deposits may be required prior to event date. All deposits will be applied as credit toward the total cost of the event. The cancellation policy applies. Each room may be subject to a room minimum or subsequent surcharge to reach room minimum.

AZALEA ROOMSPECIAL OCCASIONS

PLAN YOUR SPECIAL EVENT AT THE CLUB!WEDDINGS, BUSINESS MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

MAGNOLIA BALLROOMSPECIAL OCCASIONS

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Y O U T HI N T R O D U C I N G T H E N E W K I D S C L U B

The Briar Club is excited to present the brand new Kids Club for all Briar kiddos to enjoy! While this amenity is new and exciting, the Youth Department stresses the importance of placing reservations before your visit to the Club. To guarantee a space for your child in the Kids Club, a reservation must be placed no less than 24 hours prior to your visit - especially on the weekends. To place reservations, please send your name, child’s names and your requested times to [email protected]. Online reservations for the Kids Club are coming soon!

Children may stay up to 4.5 hours a day. For the health of all of the little ones in the Kids Club, we ask that if your child is under the weather, that they do not utilize the Kids Club.

Please Note: The Kids Club is a babysitting service, and is not licensed through the State of Texas as a childcare facility. Parents must stay on premises at all times while their child is in the Kids Club. Please keep your cell phone handy, just in case! KIDS CLUB HOURS

OF OPERATIONSPRING 2016

Hours of Operation Before Clubhouse OpensMonday-Sunday8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Hours of OperationAfter Clubhouse OpensMonday8:00 am - 12:00 pmTuesday-Thursday8:00 am - 9:00 pmFriday-Saturday8:00 am - 10:00 pmSunday8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Email [email protected] to place reservations for your child.

CHECK-IN CUBBIESORGANIZATION

NEW FURNITURE & DECORDESIGN

A new facility wouldn’t be complete without new furniture, toys and cabinetry! Colorful and contemporary kid-sized furniture is paired with fun rugs, new toys and activity stations, and a bright new mural! The Kids Club does not have any television screens in the facility, allowing your children to learn and play distraction-free.

When you check your child into the Kids Club, their belongings will be placed into a cubby for safe keeping and easy access! Along with their personal items, the Kids Club attendants will keep their Daily Activity Schedules with each child’s cubby, so that you take a record of their stay at the Kids Club home with you!

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Y O U T HT H E K I D S C L U B F E A T U R E S

While at The Kids Club, your children are encouraged to learn & play in an active, structured environment. The Youth Department has developed a Daily Activity Schedule that serves as a general itinerary for each child’s visit, ensuring that there’s never a boring moment!

In addition, each child will have a record of what they did during their stay, including meals, naps, bathroom breaks, activities, and mood observations. This is designed to help you get the most out of your Kids Club reservation and have all the details of your child’s visit available at your fingertips.

The Youth Department has arranged for a temporary custom-built and painted wooden play structure for the new Kids Club! This fun activity station features a small climbing wall and provides an area for kiddos to get their wiggles out and play pretend with friends.

In addition to this structure, The Kids Club features more new play structures and activity areas, like toddler play areas, reading stations, a car and train set-up, play-pretend kitchen sets, soft building blocks for forts, and an art station with colorful chairs!

NEW PLAY STRUCTURES PLAYTIME & LEARNING

DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULEPLAYTIME & LEARNING

Separated from the commotion of the general play area is a brand new nursery. The nursery is fully equipped with supplies for diaper changing, feeding and care taking. A beautiful large window facing the check-in station allows Kids Club attendants to easily monitor children in the nursery at a glance, in addition to routine check-ins.

We are working hard putting the final touches on the Nursery for our Briar Babies! Please stay tuned for additional information in late February!

NURSERYNEW FEATURE COMING SOON!

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THE END ZONE BAR & LOUNGEFOR ALL ADULT MEMBERS

Monday5:00 pm - 11:00 pmTuesday-Friday4:00 pm - 10:00 pmSaturday-Sunday12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Accessing the End Zone You may access the End Zone by walking towards the new Adult Lap Pool and ascending the staircase to the left.

A Q U A T I C SN E W A D U L T L A P P O O L

It is finished! In January, The Briar Club was proud to release the Adult Lap Pool for Member usage. Located in a tranquil area of the Club, behind the Fitness Center and adjacent to Courts 8 & 9, this new six-lane lap pool is sure to become a favorite destination of adult Members and their Guests who wish to relax, exercise, or sit in the sun and read a book or check emails in peace.

Overlooking the Adult Lap Pool is the End Zone’s terrace, an equally relaxing space to enjoy a drink and conversation with friends after a tennis match or during a big sports game. Currently open seven days a week, and also accessible from inside the Men’s Fitness Center Locker Room, the End Zone is quickly becoming a favorite Briar Club hangout. Please come check out these new amenity areas during your next visit to the Club!

HOURS OF OPERATIONSPRING 2016

Monday-Friday5:00 am - 9:00 pmSaturday6:00 am - 8:00 pmSunday7:00 am - 8:00 pm

Please note that this amenity is reserved for adult Member and Guest usage only (ages 18 and older).

YOUTH PROGRAM:CLUB BARRACUDASYOUTH WINTER SWIMMING

Club Barracudas give children an opportunity to participate in a swim practice that will review all strokes appropriate for their age groups in a fun and positive atmosphere! Children must have participated in fall swimming to participate in these workouts in February and March, due to limited lane availability.

Club Barracudas Practice ScheduleTuesday & Thursdays with Coach Victor8 & Under: 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm9 & Up: 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Questions? Contact the Aquatics Department at (713) 552-2126 or by email at [email protected].

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SUMMER SWIM TEAMSTARTS MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016

Your child is invited to participate in a special Briar Club tradition - the Briar Barracuda Summer Swim Team!

Swim Team PracticeMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday4:00 pm - 7 & Under5:00 pm - 8-10 Year Olds & Silver Level USA Swimmers6:00 pm - 11-14 Year Olds & Gold Level USA Swimmers(Gold USA Swimmers practice will end at 7:30 pm.)Fridays - Fun Team Activity Days!4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Swim Team Pricing$285.00 for May and June

Pricing includes all practices, t-shirt, swim cap, snacks, swim team parties and end-of-year swim team banquet.

A Q U A T I C SY O U T H P R O G R A M M I N G

GROUP SWIM LESSONSSTARTING MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Lessons will be offered on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.

Seahorse - Beginners (3 & 4 Year Olds)$120.00 monthly for eight 30-min. swim lessonsBeginning group lesson for swimmers to introduce water adjustment, floating, big arms and rolling over on their backs for a breath, and backstroke.

Dolphin - Intermediate (4 & 5 Year Olds)$120.00 monthly for eight 30-min. swim lessonsOnce your child has mastered all the skills in the Seahorse class, they will be introduced to side-breathing, will continue to improve backstroke, and will be introduced to diving.

Lil’ Barracudas - Advanced (5 & 6 Year Olds)*$150.00 for four weeks of twice-weekly swim lessonsLil’ Barracudas is a 45-minute swim team preparation class. Lil’ Barracudas will improve their freestyle, strengthen their backstroke, work on their diving and breaststroke!

*Swimmers must be able to swim halfway across the pool independently in Freestyle and Backstroke.

PRE-SEASON SWIM TEAM WORKOUTSSTARTING MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

These workouts are designed to provide a kick-start for swimmers who will be participating in the Barracuda Summer Swim Team in 2016! This workout is strongly recommended for all new Members and new Barracuda participants. Workouts will emphasize stroke development, endurance and speed in preparation for competitions in a team setting.

Pre-Season Workouts Practice ScheduleMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday4:00 pm - 7 & Under5:00 pm - 8-10 Year Olds & Silver Level USA Swimmers6:00 pm - 11-14 Year Olds & Gold Level USA Swimmers(Gold USA Swimmers practice will end at 7:30 pm.)

Pre-Season Workouts PricingOne Day per Week: $50.00 per monthTwo Days per Week: $80.00 per monthThree Days per Week: $115.00 per monthFour Days per Week: $130.00 per month

Questions? Contact the Aquatics Department at (713) 552-2126 or by email to [email protected].

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F I T N E S SU P C O M I N G M E M B E R E V E N T S

Looking for an exciting way to exercise and have fun together? Join Tony Perez for our first session of couples dance lessons - “Sizzlin’ Salsa”!

Contact Stephanie Kampf at (713) 552-2135 or [email protected] for more information on how to register. Minimum of five couples!

Sizzlin’ Salsa Couples Dance ClassEight Wednesdays, Starting March 26:30 pm - 7:30 pm$520.00 per couple for eight (8) classesDrinks & Hors D’Oeuvres to Follow Class

Tony Perez is the founding artistic director and instructor behind Mambo Fe Dance Company, hosting workshops and performances all over the country. Mambo Fe’s style is a fusion of mambo, salsa, cha cha & oriental. Learn more about Tony and Mambo Fe at www.mambofe.com.

March Madness ChallengeMarch 1 - 31, 2016

Get into the spirit of the “Madness” with this challenge! See how many points you can score through exercise in the month of March! In this challenge, you’ll earn two points for a cardio workout and one point for a strength workout.

Memorial Day Beach ChallengeApril 1 - May 13, 2016

Summer is around the corner! Select your beach on the map and exercise your way there by converting your exercise to map miles!

Save the Date - Wellness Seminar“Never Too Old to Get Into Shape”Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 11:30 am

For more information about these happenings, please contact [email protected].

FITNESS CHALLENGESMARCH & APRIL 2016

NEW PROGRAM: COUPLES WEEKLY DANCE CLASS8 WEEK SESSION, ONE CLASS PER WEEKSTARTS MARCH 2, 2016

“After a tendon injury in 2013 ended my four times per week love affair with tennis, I became literally stuck, unable to find an activity to replace the workout and camaraderie I so enjoyed on the courts. I lost my motivation, stopped coming to the Briar Club on a regular basis, and consequently, fell woefully out of shape.

Late last fall, however, I mustered enough courage to sign up for a Saturday Pilates Demo Day. I actually liked working on the intimidating apparatus, agreed to give it a try, and nervously began private instruction Pilates training with Pris Foster.

I am hooked! Pris is patient and gentle, yet encouraging and inspiring. She has adapted poses and positions to compensate for my injury and is helping me build my confidence on the Pilates reformer. I feel fantastic when I work with her, in mind, body and soul. I brought two friends (also true beginners) to a session, they’ve both jumped on the bandwagon, and now Pris is working to accommodate our crazy schedules. In short, Pris has sparked a renewed excitement and energy for my personal fitness and well-being, as well as for the Briar Club. Pris is a true gift to the Briar Club, and from the number of clients clamoring for her time and talents, I am so grateful I can call myself one of her students.”

PILATES TESTIMONIALJULIA HUMPHREYS, BRIAR CLUB MEMBER

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T E N N I SU P C O M I N G M E M B E R E V E N T S

PRICING: $30.00++ per person

Price includes tournament play, tennis balls, and awards.

CANCELLATION POLICY24 hour cancellation policy is in effect. Cancellations must be made within 24 hours of the event, else the full price of the event will be billed.

Kick off spring with this social tennis mixer for Mens & Ladies!


CANCELLATION POLICYThe 24 hour cancellation policy is in effect. Cancellations must be made within 24 hours of the event, else the full event amount will be charged.

Partner up with your son or daughter in this fun Parent-Child doubles event! All ages and levels are welcome.


Pricing includes tournament play, tennis balls, and awards.

Contact (713) 552-2121 or [email protected] with any questions.

SPRING MIXEDDOUBLES MIXERFRIDAY, MARCH 47:00 PM - 9:00 PM

PARENT-CHILD DOUBLES TOURNAMENTSATURDAY, MARCH 5 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: MIXED DOUBLESFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 29


Price includes tournament play, tennis balls, and awards.

CANCELLATION POLICY24 hour cancellation policy is in effect. Cancellations must be made within 24 hours of the event, else the full price of the event will be billed.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: M/L SINGLESFRIDAY, MARCH 25 - SUNDAY, MARCH 27

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Y O U T HF E B R U A R Y C L U B E V E N T S

Join us in the Kids Club for some complimentary Mardi Gras fun! We will be making masks and having a parade!

Saturday February 6, 201610:00 am and 4:00 pm

Sunday, February 7, 201610:00 am and 4:00 pm

This is a complimentary event. Register online at www.thebriarclub.com or by calling (713) 622-3667.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Briar Club at our Valentine’s Day Party! We’ll have games, Loft fun and a dance party, as well as a nachos & quesadilla dinner with a Valentine’s dessert.

Friday, February 12, 20166:00 pm - 9:00 pm

AGES: 5 & UpPRICING: $20.00 per child


KIDS’ “NACHO AVERAGE” VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12

MARDI GRAS FUN IN THE KIDS CLUB!SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

“J’aime l’art” means “I love Art” in French! Join us for a night of canvas painting, crafts and games. We will also be providing homemade pizza and dessert.

Saturday, February 27, 20166:00 pm - 9:00 pm

AGES: 5 & UpPRICING: $25.00 per childPricing includes special art supplies for each child!


BRIAR FUN NIGHT - “J ’AIME L’ART!” ART PARTYSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

All above events are not drop-off events. Parents must remain on-campus for the duration of the time that their children under 12 remain at The Briar Club.

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Y O U T HM A R C H C L U B E V E N T S

Join us for Funtastik Camp during Spring Break!

Monday, March 14 - Friday, March 18, 20168:30 am - 3:30 pmLunch and snack included for each child.

AGES: 5 & Up

PRICING: $300 for the entire week, or $60 per dayThis is the only Funtastik Camp offering daily rates.

To register, please contact the Youth Department at (713) 552-2130 or [email protected].

SPRING BREAKFUNTASTIK CAMPMONDAY, MARCH 14 - FRIDAY, MARCH 18

Calling all mini Briar chefs! Each child will have their own apron and will make their own spaghetti dinner and dessert, before watching “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”.

Saturday, March 12, 20166:00 pm - 9:00 pm

AGES: 5 & Up

PRICING: $20.00 per child


BRIAR FUN NIGHT - LET’S MAKE DINNER! SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Inviting all Briar Club Moms to join us for a playdate with your little ones aged 1-3. After the playdate, Moms can have lunch with their friends and kids can go to the Kids Club! (Kids Club Reservations are strongly requested for after the social.)

Tuesday, March 8, 201610:00 am - 11:00 am

CHILD’S AGES: 1-3 years old


TODDLER TUESDAY SOCIALTUESDAY, MARCH 8


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Y O U T HA P R I L C L U B E V E N T S

Calling all Lego enthusiasts, kiddos who love constructing and building, or Briar Kids who just wanna have fun! Join us for a Lego building contest, dinner, and a screening of “Lego Movie”!

Friday, April 1, 20166:00 pm - 9:00 pm

AGES: 5 & Up

PRICING: $25.00 per childPricing includes Legos for each child to take home!


Don’t miss our most fun teen event of the year! Briar Teens bring their friends to the Club, and we bring all the foam we can fit onto the Sports Court!

Saturday, April 26, 20167:00 pm - 10:00 pm

AGES: 7th Grade & Up

PRICING:$20.00 per Member$25.00 per Guest (may bring cash/check)


TEEN FOAM PARTY 2.0 SATURDAY, APRIL 16

BRIAR FUN NIGHT - LEGOSFRIDAY, APRIL 1

Bring your children to The Briar Club for “upscale storytime”, featuring engaging live storytelling from varioius organizations in the Houston community. Mark their calendars for our first event! All ages are welcome to attend.

Saturday, April 2, 20163:00 pm - 5:00 pm

PRICING: $10.00 per person


IMAGINATION INSPIRATIONSATURDAY, APRIL 2


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G U E S T P O L I C Y U P D A T EF R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S

My guests are coming to dine only. Will I be charged a guest fee or have a visit limit?No. You will not be charged a guest fee for your guests who are coming to The Briar Club to dine only. In addition, a guest’s dine-only visit will not be subject to the twelve (12) visit limit. That part of our guest policy has not changed.assistance with, please feel free to contact me at any time.

I have a nanny/babysitter/guardian take my child(ren) to The Briar Club in my stead. Will I be charged a guest fee for their visit?

No. If your nanny/babysitter/guardian of your child(ren) is accompanying them as their guardian to The Briar Club, they will not be charged a guest fee as they are not considered guests. However, these persons must be officially listed on your membership account. To add your nanny or babysitter to your membership account, please contact Linda Benson, Director of Membership, at (713) 552-2159 or [email protected].

I am a grandparent, and my young grandchildren (whose parents are not Members of the Club) come with me to the Club. How does this policy affect me?

The $5 per visit guest fee will apply for each grandchild attending the Club with you, as they are considered your guest(s). However, the 12-visit limit will not apply to any child under the age of 25. They may attend the Club with you as many times as you like.

I have an adult child (over the age of 25) who attends the Club with me. How does this policy affect me?

Because your child is over the age 25, they are considered a guest and are subject to the $5 guest fee. However, because they are your child, the 12-visit limit will not apply to them. In addition, your child is also eligible for a Legacy Membership. Please contact Linda Benson at (713) 552-2159 or by email to [email protected] for more information about Legacy Memberships.

My child has a non-Member friend accompany them to swim/tennis lessons or Funtastik Camp. How does this policy affect them?

All non-Member children (under 25) who are guests of your children are subject to the $5 guest fee per visit, which will be charged to your Membership account. However, there is no visit limit for children under the age of 25. This means they can continue taking lessons with your children at the $5 per visit rate to your account, subject to the terms of the program(s) to which they are enrolled.

THE BRIAR CLUBGUEST POLICY

Individuals may accompany members as guests up to 12 times per annum. The same individual may not exceed 12 guest visits per annum, even if visits are divided amongst multiple members. Parents and children of members and their respective spouses are exempted from this limit. Guests are not permitted to use any of the Club facilities except when accompanied by a member or as holders of a Guest Card as provided herein. Members are responsible for the behavior of their guests, including people attending member-sponsored parties or activities, and are liable for any damage to Club property by their guests. Guest fees shall be charged for the use of the Club’s swim, tennis, and fitness facilities and are posted in the Club’s Newsletter.

Staff Directory

Daniel MorenoGeneral Manager, [email protected]

Asif Ehsan (Eric)[email protected]

Casey Newman, CCMClubhouse [email protected]

Linda BensonDirector of [email protected]

Samantha Van VeenDirector of Member [email protected]

Michael PowellExecutive [email protected]

Elizabeth GriffinDirector of [email protected]

Taisa ReinaDirector of Human [email protected]

Chloe TrammelDirector of [email protected]

Jan VickDirector of [email protected]

Rich AndraeDirector of [email protected]

Gina De PamphilisDirector of [email protected]

Jon DillerDirector of [email protected]

Robin MunozMember [email protected]

2016 Board of Directors

Will GarwoodPresident

Rob TrabandVice President, Membership

Clark LordSecretary, House/Legal

David MordyTreasurer, Finance

Rob SiglerEx-Officio, Building,Strategic Planning

Cletus DoddEntertainment/Food & Beverage

Shannon HuffTennis

Kathleen O’ReillyAquatics

Bruce DerrickPhysical Properties

Claire CurtinYouth

Paige HagleFitness

THE BRIAR CLUB2603 TIMMONS LANE, HOUSTON, TX 77027(713) 622-3667 | WWW.THEBRIARCLUB.COM

The Briar Club Q1 Newsletter 2016

Documents

Transcript of The Briar Club Q1 Newsletter 2016