black diamond ranch april 2015 newsletter

w w w . b l a c k d i a m o n d r a n c h . c o m

MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT FOR THE JOYCE BURNS CUP 2015

April 2015

CLUB STAFFJOHN HILKERGeneral Manager

[email protected]

EMMA BRADLEYEvents Coordinator

[email protected]

MATT DIMASEDirector of Golf Course Maintenance

[email protected]

MARY NAPOLITANOFitness Center

[email protected]

BEVERLY PARTAIN Accounting

[email protected]

BRYAN RICHARDDirector of Golf

[email protected]

CHRIS SMILGINClub Manager

[email protected]

JENNIFER STAUFFPOA Manager

[email protected]

KENNETH TUFOExecutive Chef

[email protected]

A Message fromJohn Hilker, General Manager

Dear Black Diamond Members: I am excited and very happy to be your new General Manager at Black Diamond. Together, we will be steadfast in keeping and adding to the proud traditions of Black Diamond. It will be my goal to keep Black Diamond the premier private club in Florida. I began my career in the club industry in 1999. During my career I have served as a general manager, regional manager, regional vice president, and vice president of food and beverage at several private country clubs, semiprivate golf clubs, resorts, and daily fee golf courses throughout the United States. I have worked for proven industry leaders in the club industry, including ClubCorp, American Golf, Fore Golf Associates, and now Escalante Golf. Throughout my career, I have strived to provide the highest levels of quality and service to all members and guests, while operating the business of the club by applying sound business practices and building a strong management team. I earned a Bachelor of Hotel and Restaurant Administration degree from Washington State University. I played junior golf competitively through high school and was the captain of the golf team my junior and senior year. I am married to my wife Lisa and have a 22 year old son Jordan and a 19 year old daughter Jocelyn; we will be relocating from Tampa. I look forward to utilizing my skills and experience here at Black Diamond, to build on the solid foundation and reputation the club has achieved over the years. We have a tremendous history, great golf courses, excellent amenities, and most importantly a strong Member base. I am excited to work with the management team, employees, and membership for the continued operation, growth, and development of Black Diamond. As well as improving upon our shared vision for the club. We are also planning a Manager’s Reception on April 14th at 6:00 pm. My first day at Black Diamond will be April 2. I look forward to meeting each of you and being a part of this fabulous community. Sincerely, John Hilker, General [email protected]

Membership and Real Estate Corner Black Diamond Realty is proud to announce that Marty Coogler, Linda Thomas, and Kerry Rosselet each earned the Million Dollar Producer award for 2014. These hardworking professionals are committed to doing their very best to represent and promote our wonderful community. They are a big reason for the year over year growth at Black Diamond. If you see them around the community please congratulate them for their success. We are also pleased to announce that the Marion County Builders Association awarded Black Diamond Development 1st place in “Architectural Design and Detail” for their Burnham Model on Shadow Creek Loop. Black Diamond was able to showcase our community to over 100 guests, vendors, and buyer prospects in the recent Marion County Parade of Homes which concluded March 31. Call the Sales Office today at 352-746-7400 to schedule your appointment to see this award winning home.

A Message from Matt DiMaseDirector of Golf Course Maintenance

Attention Members: I wanted to give an update regarding the golf courses. It seems like once February ended we went straight into “May-like” weather. In the last four weeks we have applied our annual wall to wall insecticide treatment for mole crickets and fire ants as well as our wall to wall fertilizer + pre-emergent application. We are now going through all DRA’s applying both a pre and post emergent. If you see the DRA’s with a blue tint, it is because a blue dye was used so our spray technicians know where they have sprayed and do not drive through the chemicals tracking it onto the golf course turf. Below is what is taking place on the respective courses:The Highlands Course:• The weekend of March 13th our lake between Highlands #1 and #8 suffered severe erosion. The lake bank washed away

causing water, sediment, and even fish to fill the DRA on #1.• What happened was not intentional and we will not be expanding the lake.• I contacted the county and we found a combination of several possible scenarios that caused the damage. This included a

faulty valve as well as tears in the lake liner.• The county and I have been working cohesively on the costs of the repairs.• Once all the repairs are made we will replenish the lakes with whatever fish were harmed during the wash out.• We have a new lake liner being shipped to us for the final repair.• The South West Florida Water Management District has been notified of what took place and we are working with them

regarding our “lost water.”

The Quarry Course: • Due to the poor health of the Oak Tree on the right side of Quarry #1 it will be removed this summer. • The bunker of Quarry #5 has been re-built and the feedback has been positive. We will utilize a similar approach this

summer on several other bunkers. The Ranch Course: • My last letter mentioned the diagnosis of Pythium on the Ranch Greens. Since the diagnosis we have applied weekly

fungicide applications as well as performed several spikings and pencil tine aerifications. We are currently treating the greens to eliminate any algae to promote the healthiest environment for the Tif-Dwarf to recover.

• Please keep in mind Pythium thrives in poor drainage soils that stay wet. We have a lot of greens on the Ranch Course that are surrounded heavily by trees, especially on the East and Westward sides. This is important to mention because even now several greens are shaded up until 9 am and then shaded again by 4 pm. This issue was magnified during the winter months, which prompted us to begin our tree removal. With that being said, our goal is to complete our tree program on the Ranch Course this summer to increase air flow and sunlight, which in turn, will help dry out the surface resulting in overall better turf conditions.

• Our plan is to thin out and selectively prune trees within 30-40 yards of all greens.• In order to get the greens to recover, we are applying a foliar fertilizer to the greens twice a week as well as a granular

fertilizer once a week with a light top dress.• We removed the tree on the left side of Ranch #7 Green, but this was due to the tree being 90% dead. We have plans to

replace that tree this summer. • We also removed the Pine Tree on #5. We were limited on hole locations due to this and we feel this Par 3 will now be able

to pose multiple new challenging hole locations. Lastly, this is the time of the year when we transition from our Rye Grass to Bermuda. We do not put down any Bermuda seed during this process. We will lower our heights of cut to increase sun light to the soil where the Bermuda is and we will be watering less to stress out the Rye Grass. Ultimately this will choke out the Rye, and the Bermuda will then fill in. We are and will continue to do everything we can on the golf courses to make them enjoyable and playable for our members.

Sincerely,

Matt DiMase

A Message from Chris Smilgin, Club Manager

Hello, I would like to first thank every committee member that I

have worked with over the past several months to ensure the golf tournaments went smoothly. The Pro AM, Men’s Member-Guest, Couples Member-Guest, Rider Cup, Conquering Cancer, Joyce Burns Memorial, and looking forward to the Ladies’ Member-Guest this month. I have enjoyed being here and learning from the staff as well as the membership here the “Black Diamond Ways.” Thank You! I would also like to thank Doug Egly and Peggy Gleason. Had a great time at the New Year’s Eve party, Valentines Dinner Dance and looking forward to

Easter. I will begin posting to the website soon all the pictures taken at these and other events at the club. I have enjoyed the popularity the music events have had here as well. It seems to have started with Mr. Simon and his son, to be joined by Don Gessner and Mike Brough, as well as, Mr. Norris! We have added live music to the Wine Dinners and would like to try some at the A la Carte Nights. I am reaching out to several sources to see about some theater here at the Clubhouse also. As I am nearing my first year here at BDR this will be my first end-of-season in which the Canadian contingent returns to the Great White North. The end of the season will be celebrated on April 3rd with a tip of the hat to the Master’s as well. There will be a Bubba Watson dinner special with Don and Mike on stage singing some Canadian-themed music. I am available if needed for something in the Clubhouse or if we can help out in your home. Have a GREAT month of April! 2015 is almost 1/3 in the books.

See you at the Clubhouse,Chris

Fitness Corner• The Fitness Center is here to help you with your New Year’s resolutions.

• Classes for stretch, tone, core & free weights are offered every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 8:00AM. The price of these classes is $6.00 per person.

• Also available are one-on-one personal trainers for customized training sessions. Call for appointments and prices vary.

• Just a reminder to all members and your guests, please sign the sign-in sheet located inside the Fitness Center when you arrive.

Question- Will eating after 6pm cause someone to gain weight?This question has been asked numerous times and here is the answer: Simply because calories are consumed after a certain time doesn’t mean that it will result in weight gain. The most important thing that determines whether a person gains or loses weight is the number of calories that are consumed and expended. Besides, isn’t it a bit ridiculous to think that it would be OK to eat up until 6pm, but doing so one minute later would result in weight gain? The notion that eating after a certain time will cause an individual to gain weight is simply not true. See you at the Fitness Center — Mary

B

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Ladie

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Skyview atTerra Vista Ladies Invitational

April 13, 2015

SAVE THE DATEBuckhorn “Doe” Invitational

Under the Tuscan SunApril 16, 2015

Lady Bug InvitationalMay 5, 2015

Heritage Pines

SAVE THE DATELadies Publix Invitational

May 11-12, 2015Lone Palm Golf Club

Hammer Invitational May 16-17, 2015

Plantation Golf & Country Club, Venice, FL

BDLGA APRILLADIES’ DAY GAMES(Some games may be switched to different days

because of course selection)

APR. 7, 2015No Ladies’ Day

Ladies’ Member-Guest

APR. 14, 2015Ranch

Individual game: Beat the Pro

APR. 21, 2015Quarry

Individual game: Ka Ching Net Skins

APR. 28, 2015Ranch

Team game: skills challenge + surprises

GOLF OUTSIDE THE GATEScheck bulletin board or BDLGA section of website for details

A Note from BDLGA President Charlotte McKim

April has arrived and winter seems to be over. The member-guest is the BDLGA’s last tournament and I hope everyone has signed up as I am sure we will have a wonderful tournament. The “snowbirds” will begin heading out at the end of this month and we hope you all have a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you in the fall.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Ladies’ Member/GuestApril 7, 8, 9th

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday“Over the Rainbow”

SAVE THE DATE!!!

The designated BDLGA Food Drive recipient for the months of January-April is SOS. Please deposit your donations of non-perishable food items in the hamper located in the Ladies Lounge. Many needy Citrus County families can be served by your generosity.

BDLGA FOOD DRIVE

Black Diamond Foundation Focus on BIG BROTHERS & BIG SISTERS of Citrus County

I’d like to tell you a story about a very kind man who wanted to make a difference in his community. His name is Jim Wood. Most of you know him as a friend, neighbor, and golfer. But the organization known as Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BB&BS) know him as a Big Brother. Jim had time on his hands, and liked kids. So, he set out to help an 8-year-old boy who was being raised by a single mother. He was a nice kid who needed a male role model in his life. Since Jim met him, that young man has completed high school, is working part time, and is trying to find the best place to attend college. Over the years they played together, hung out together, and became good friends. This is just one of the many success stories of BB&BS here in Citrus County.

BB&BS is made up of 350 separate corporations located throughout the United States. The Corporation that serves Citrus County, and six other counties in Central Florida, is BB&BS of Tampa Bay. BB&BS is an amazing organization with a terrific track record. The cost to provide monthly mentoring to one child is approximately $1,200 per year. Almost all of that funding is donated. Since 2002, your Black Diamond Foundation has donated $110,500 to BB&BS of Tampa Bay to create and sustain “Big/Little” matches. With every match, we get another child that will almost certainly graduate from high school.

In Citrus County, 100% of all kids that have been in the BB&BS program for one year or more have graduated. The national average is 80%. In addition, 86% of the kids in the program for more than a year stay out of trouble, and avoid becoming part of the juvenile detention system. That is a huge savings for the community, since the cost for one year of detention is several hundred thousand dollars. That makes the $1,200 annual investment a pretty good deal! There are currently 17 kids in the program in Citrus County. You do the math.

How does BB&BS do this? Well first this is a preventative program. They do not take kids who have been in trouble. They want to get them before that happens. They take boys and girls between 7 and 14 years and have them evaluated by their program staffs - which are mostly psychology majors - to determine which adult would match best with them. The adults who enter the program are also evaluated, given background checks, and training. Once the match is made, the “Big” spends a few hours a month doing some simple activity with their “Little.” Activities could include going to a ball game or the movies, sharing a burger, reading at the library, or just hanging out with a video game. The BB&BS program encourages “Bigs” to stay in their matches for at least one year. Are you willing to make a difference in the life of a local child? There are seven boys on the BB&BS waiting list in Citrus County. Boys are harder to match because men seem a little more reluctant to step up to the plate. Mentoring a boy can be accomplished as either a Big Brother or a Big Couple.

So if you would like to make a new friend and keep a kid out of trouble by investing as little as four hours per month, check out the BB&BS program on line at bbbstampabay.org, then call the local program director, Sheri Chancey, at (352) 410-4442. She needs your help, and would like to hear from you.

by Steve Barnes, Board of Directors, Black Diamond Foundation

Black Diamond Foundation Supports New YMCA Literacy Initiative

Building on the foundation established by Stan and Betty Olsen with the gift of the land for the new Citrus County YMCA, Black Diamond Foundation (BDF) is proud to continue its support for the innovative programs developed by the “Y.” The YMCA is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Y’s affordable programs are desperately needed in Citrus County, especially for our school aged children. In 2013, 56% of the students enrolled in the summer camps required financial assistance. Nearly 50% of the children in YMCA programs come from families earning less than $30,000 per year, and 40% come from single parent homes. Over 60% of students in the Citrus County schools qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. Those lunches are provided all summer at the Y camps through the Citrus County School Board. It is noteworthy that no child in financial need is turned away from YMCA programs. Initially, BDF provided funds for general YMCA summer camp scholarships. Over the past two years, BDF provided the funds to help launch the Citrus County YMCA’s new teen summer camp program, providing financial aid for participants. The camp is offered to middle school students from 12-14 years of age. Many of these students’ families do not have the means to pay for camp and so they end up spending the summer at home alone or caring for younger siblings. Unsupervised youth are at high risk for: juvenile crime, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and dropping out of school. The E.P.I.C. Teen Summer Camp program focuses on the importance of healthy living, physical activity and community service. The children learn to develop healthy eating habits, and participate in at least 150 minutes per week of physical exercise, which include running, swimming, recreational, and aerobic activities. They participate in community service activities such as raking Lyngbya from the Crystal River, cleaning up the Chassahowitzka salt marsh trail, and trimming trees and brush, and excavating non-native plants from the Withlacoochee State Trail. The first year, approximately 65 students participated, contributing over 170 hours of community service. This year, your Foundation awarded a community grant of $15,000 to support the YMCA Summer Camp

Learning Loss Prevention Initiative. The grant will provide financial assistance for camp scholarships, as well as literacy materials such as books, educational games, theater props, crafts, and materials. Studies show that all children experience learning loss when they do not engage in educational activities over the summer. Summer learning loss especially impacts low income children, who often do not have as many learning opportunities. They tend to choose less challenging material, and read less. In fact, studies show that for every one line of print read by low income children, middle income children read three. Through the YMCA’s new initiative, reading will take place during each day of summer camp in different ways:

• independent reading at the student’s reading level,• partner reading where children take turns reading or

children read the same book and then discuss it, and• staff “read aloud” where staff members read to campers from a wide range of literature, and open it up for discussion. Literacy opportunities will be enhanced with field trips to museums and aquariums. Children will also

participate in educational games and skits they create using costumes and props. Adding to the program will be the mentoring by older campers and counselors, as well as the encouragement of active parent involvement. One of BDF’s partner agencies, the Citrus County Education Foundation, is also helping the YMCA through its “First Library” program, facilitating the purchase

of books through First Book, a nonprofit specializing in providing high quality books at low cost. The Citrus County Library System will also include the Y camps in their summer reading program this year. The hope is that summer learning loss will be reduced, general reading skills will be maintained and increased, and a love for reading will be nurtured. A “win-win” all the way around! Other exciting news is that the YMCA will be breaking ground for its new building in May 2015. The very attractive and comprehensive facility will be a close neighbor, a resource for high level activities that will promote a healthy living style for us all, and provide many opportunities to give back and support our neighbors.

By Susan Pratt, Black Diamond Foundation Board of Directors

A p r i l C a l e n d a r o f E v e n t s

15

22

8

19

26

17

24

CLUB CLOSED 3PM

7

A la Carte5:30 – 7:30 pm

Reservations Required











109 11

Ladies’ Day

Ladies’ Day

Ladies’ Day

18

BRIDGE 9:00AM

BRIDGE 9:00AM

BRIDGE 9:00AM

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

BRUNCH9 AM - 3 PM

BRUNCH9 AM - 3 PM

BRUNCH9 AM - 3 PM

16

Bible Study 9:30 amMahjong 12:00 pm

CLUB CLOSED


CLUB CLOSED


CLUB CLOSED

Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM



MEN’S DAY

CLUBHOUSE MENU5:00 - 7:00 PM








14

— MEMBERS —Please help us ensure that your dining experience is satisfactory by calling 352-746-3440 to make reservations in advance for all

evening dinner services. Our staffing is based on your reservations. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

TRIVIABUFFET

12

20 21

28

5:30-7:30 pmGame Starts

6:30 pm

* There must be a minimum of 25 players reserved for BINGO

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM


LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

Knitters & Crafters 10AM




HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM

HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM

HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM

HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM

HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM

PARTNER BRIDGE 6:30PM

PARTNER BRIDGE 6:30PM

MEN'S DUPLICATE BRIDGE 6:30PM

MEN'S DUPLICATE BRIDGE 6:30PM

ART CLASS1:00 PM

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

23

30

No Dinner Service

No Dinner Service

No Dinner Service

25

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

No Dinner Service

No Dinner Service

No Dinner Service

No Dinner Service

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

WINE DINNER6:00 PM


TURKEYBUFFET

5:30-7:30PMReservations Required

1 2 3 4

6

13

BD FOUNDATION MEETING 4PM

LADIES’ MEMBER-GUEST

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

CHAMPION’S DINNER- 6PM

Lunch Schedule Tues. - Sat.11 am - 4 pm

27 29 Knitters & Crafters 10AM


CLUB CLOSED

BD FOUNDATION MEETING 4PM

BRIDGE 9:00AM

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

NINE & DINE

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

LUNCH11 AM - 4 PM

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

AWARDSLUNCHEON

4 PM

WELCOMEPARTY

6:30 PM




HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM

5EASTERBRUNCH

11 AM - 2 PM

Hours of Operation

Driving RangeMonday – Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pmSunday: 7:30 am – 3:00 pm

Golf ShopMonday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pmForeTees Internet: 24-Hour Access

Tennis CourtsMonday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm

PoolMonday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pmPool temperature maintained at 84°

Fitness CenterOpen 24/7 with use of Access Code

The Clubhouse @ Black Diamond RanchBrunch: Sunday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Lunch:Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Dinner: See Calendar

Take-Out Window:Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Men’s LoungeTuesday – Friday:12:00 noon – closeSaturday: 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm

TRIVIA NIGHT WINNERS 3-15-15

Recipe of the Month - Chef KennyBuñuelos de bacalao (salt cod fritters) These little cod fritters originate from Catalonia and are made with salt cod. Originally introduced by Basque fishermen, salt cod has become a very popular tapas all over Spain.

You need to soak the bacalao in fresh water for about 24 hours, changing the water a few times during this period. This will get rid of the excess salt.

Makes about 30. Ingredients: • 500g (1lb) bacalao (salt cod)• 1 large potato, peeled• 1 small onion, finely chopped• 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed• 30g (1oz) self-raising flour• 2 tablespoons milk • 50ml (2 fl oz)olive oil • 2 eggs, separated • small handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped• olive or vegetable oil for frying Directions:First of all, cook the potato for about 20 mins. until soft. Mash it with the milk and some of the olive oil then leave to cool.

While this is going on you can drain the cod and cover it with water in a pan. Bring to the boil then turn down the heat and poach it over a low heat for 30-45 minutes until soft and cooked. Remove and drain and when cool enough, remove the skin and any bones, then flake the fish into small pieces.

Heat the remaining olive oil and fry the onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute or two. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, there’s nothing worse than burnt garlic for spoiling a dish.

Mix the potato, cod, onion/garlic, egg yolks, flour and parsley in a bowl, then whisk up the egg whites into a stiff consistency and fold into the mixture.

Fill a saucepan or frying pan to about 3-5cm (1-2in) and heat until med hot (200°C, 400°F) then drop in egg-sized dollops of the mixture. Cook until golden and puffed up. Drain onto paper towel and serve with lemon wedges.

1st Place: BRIDGERS: $218.00Milt & Sharron Rosenberg

Lorraine CarrierTom Mangold

Mary & Dean Carhoun

2nd Place Tie: JOHNNY COME LATELY:

$109.00Mike & Jan Carter

Roger & Dawn HertzJerry & Janet Lemmons

Neil DecterSandy Hanson

2nd Place Tie:BRAINS ON THE WANE:

$109.00David & Nicole Ragaini

Dennis & Cathleen SpauldingKent & Nan Rinker

Leicle & Jan ChesserJohn & Mary Jane Bower

Happy Easter

black diamond ranch april 2015 newsletter

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