Country Club Committee Holds First Opening Meeting of the Season

The Country Club Committee, chaired by board member Mort Gitter, held its first open meeting of the season at 7:30 p.m. in the VIP Room on Thursday, June 5.
Gitter spoke about several new programs being instituted this season. This past year, the Country Club started a family golf membership in a limited capacity. Through this, they have gotten five new golfers. Gitter said that they might broaden which family members are eligible to take advantage of it in the future.
“That’s a great start but it’s a little bit below what we anticipated. Hopefully that will pick up,” Gitter said.
During the months of June and July, Gitter said there will be a “guest day” on Tuesdays where golf, tennis and general members can bring a guest free of charge to use the pool or the tennis courts after regular play hours. He said that the hope is this will “stimulate some interest in our community.”
At some point there will also be a free nine-hole golf outing for residents of the Towers to participate in.
Gitter also said that spinner bikes have been added to the gym, the foyer and hallways of the Country Club have been re-carpeted and modified, new chairs for the ladies card room and patio furniture have been ordered, and pool repairs have been made.
Gitter said that a concern that has been raised during committee meetings is the format of some functions. Citing the
Memorial Day Dinner Dance being canceled due to lack of member interest, he said that smaller events may need to be planned instead.
Although Gitter said that the Country Club is not facing serious financial difficulties, he said that there are some concerns about membership decreases.
“We are paying our bills, we are meeting our obligations, and we certainly have sufficient monies to carry us through this year,” Gitter said. “However, all is not great.”
As of May 31, 2007 there were 983 general members, 226 house members, 49 tennis members, and 311 golf members. As of May 31, 2008, the membership numbers are 1,042 general, 180 house, 44 tennis players, and 277 golfers.
Focusing on the decrease in golf members compared to how many there were as of December 31, 2007, Gitter said that the hope is that more members will join, although he still thinks there will be a greater decrease than last year. He said that the drop in golf membership could result in a revenue loss of more than $100,000. He also said that there have been fewer guests and rounds of golf played so far.
“We must figure out a way to increase our golf membership,” Gitter said. “We must, in conjunction with that, contain our costs consistent with the necessity of being fair to our employees.”
Following Gitter’s report, Towers Men’s Golf Association President Ed Vesel, Towers Ladies’ Golf Association President Ina Rudolph and Annelies Karp and Jerry Rubin of the Tennis Association spoke about their respective programs. Along with recognizing the staff and professionals of the Country Club, they highlighted some of the upcoming events of the season.
Country Club Manager Mary Anne Langone addressed the members, encouraging people to take part in the events and give suggestions of what can be done to make things even more enjoyable.
“I wish I saw everybody that’s here tonight at the pool, on the golf course, on the tennis courts,” she said. “Everything that’s planned is planned for you. We need your participation.”
Golf Professional Bob Guido expressed confidence that golf membership numbers will go up. Gym Director Steve Avellino and Aerobics Coordinator Lori Scolaro both encouraged members to make use of the facilities available to them.
During the question and answer period, increasing golf membership was further discussed. Another issue brought up was the compensation and contract of Guido and rumors that his compensation was decreased this year. Some members have signed a petition seeking to commence negotiations for a more long-term contract for Guido.