THE BULLETIN A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF WILMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB - JUNE 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message
1
General Manager's Message
3
Club Calendar
6
Dining and Social
9-10
Golf
12-13
Grounds
14
15-16
Racquets
17
Fitness
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | DAVID WILKS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Thanks very much to all of you who have reached out individually and in groups to express questions, concerns and ideas about the project that you have read about since last Spring. Your interest in and concern for the Club are much appreciated. Given the attention that the whole idea has generated, this seems like a good time to review the manner in which capital projects large and small are devised, vetted, considered and approved. I can then show you where the irrigation and North Course ideas stand in that process. Almost every improvement that the Club does is approved by the Board, but originates as an idea at the committee level. We have eight standing committees: Golf; Grounds; Racquets, Swim & Fitness; Finance; House; Personnel; Membership; and Membership Development. Each is chaired by a member of the Board’s Executive Committee. Anyone can serve on a committee and I encourage you to volunteer on a committee of your choice. It is interesting work and you can make a real difference at the Club. Your ideas will be heard and discussed and many will be implemented. Once a committee feels that a project or initiative is worth pursuing, it is then elevated to the Executive Committee. But for larger projects, the Executive Committee does not immediately take definitive action. A lot of homework, research and consultation happen first. For example, the new tennis building was under discussion for years before it was put to a vote. Figuring out where it should go, what it should look like, whether we need it, whether anyone will use it -- all that was labored over while determining how much it would cost. And then there was a process for getting approval from the Executive Committee and, ultimately, the Board. A lot of plans and drawings wound up in the trash can before the Club settled on the wonderful facility we now have. All that took several years. Same thing with the kitchen overhaul, the clubhouse renovation and every other big improvement we have made. It is not an accident that our Club is so fantastic. That brings us to the work that is now under consideration. Our Grounds Department and Grounds Committee identified a looming problem with our irrigation system long before Mr. Urbanski took the reins. You will remember that our system serves the entire property: both golf courses, all the tennis courts and everything around the clubhouse. It is one unified system and when you replace part of it, you must replace all of it. Our system has outlived its expected life by a long way and its manufacturer is out of business. Replacement components only become available when other clubs replace their systems. Our system will simply not last much longer, so we have to replace it. These systems are not off-the-shelf products, of course. Ours must be designed for the unique needs of our facility, which is beyond the expertise of anyone on our staff or in our membership. We have, therefore, engaged the foremost consultant in the business, Paul Roche, to help us select and customize the right system for us. Paul does not sell irrigation systems, so he has no skin in the game. We pay him for his independent advice. His work is ongoing and we have not yet settled on exactly what is best for our Club in terms of both cost and effectiveness. Parallel to that work, many of our members, including past presidents, have long believed that the North Course needs some work. Number 18 is not what it should be. The tenth green is a terror. The cart paths are not what they should be at a Club of our stature. The list goes on and has been catalogued here before. That being the case, the thinking was that if we are putting in a new irrigation system, should we not consider updating the North Course at the same time so that we don’t have to come back and re-configure the irrigation system sometime down the road? It made perfect sense to look into what that would entail. So, we engaged Andrew Green, another professional at the top of his game, to show us what the North Course could be if he were to breathe new life into it, while making it accessible and enjoyable for every golfer at every skill level. We formed ad hoc committees to work with Andrew through all his ideas. While the concept has been discussed over several presidencies, this process got underway during President Riegel’s leadership. And she started it off the right way. Her initial committee did its job well and sent Andrew back to the drawing board over and over when his designs did not seem to make improvements commensurate with their expected cost and disruption to the Club. One design, as you know, involved our leasing property from Winterthur. We ultimately rejected that idea, because we were uncomfortable saddling the Club with the associated evergreen expense (even though the design was, admittedly, pretty great).
David E. Wilks - President Adam G. Landis - Vice President David D. Wilkinson - Treasurer Thomas A. Beck - Secretary
CLASS OF 2025 Thomas A. Beck Robert W. Friz Lisa A. Schmidt Meghan A. Adams Stephen J. Crifasi, Jr. Andrew J. Podolsky Becky Allen George “Tripp” Way, III CLASS OF 2026 Rachel W. Heinle Douglas D. Herrmann Jennifer J. Hopkins Pamela S. Tikellis James R. Selsor Jr. David D. Wilkinson Jeffrey Ciconte Deborah J. Pittenger Honorary Directors Gary W. Ferguson Melissa Riegel Advisory Directors Joseph F. Hacker, III Allen M. Terrell, Jr. John F. Porter, III
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | DAVID WILKS
Andrew then came up with his fifth iteration for us. This design is exciting, because it utilizes our property beautifully, corrects a number of our shortcomings, includes five tee locations for each hole, makes the most of our gorgeous vistas and has many other virtues. The committee is satisfied that it is the best possible design for what we have to work with. But that doesn’t mean that we are going to put it into practice. We still do not have a remotely reliable or actionable cost estimate. I can tell you what I have told Mr. Iannelli, the Executive Committee and others: if it costs a penny more than the Club and membership should pay given all our current circumstances, we aren’t doing it. We need to and will do the irrigation system. That is not optional. But Andrew Green’s grand design? Maybe, maybe not. We don’t know yet.
But we will have options. The irrigation system is all or nothing. The North Course is not. We can do all, some or none of it. The Club’s leadership will take everything into account and keep you well-informed.
And we have another separate ad hoc committee looking into ways to make this financially manageable for every member. Not everyone is in the same place in life and we are taking all that into account. All I ask is that you don’t make any lasting judgments or decisions based on what we know right now. We don’t know nearly enough yet to know what lies ahead. We anticipate obtaining information in the next few weeks that will inform some decisions. Until then, please know that a lot of people are working very hard on all these issues and all of them have a say in what happens next. One more word and this is about membership development. Some of you have expressed to me that we have a problem in attracting new members and that the Club should focus on that problem before taking on any new projects. We don’t have that luxury when it comes to the irrigation system, but I get your point. A few more new members every year above our usual influx would be welcome. But please remember that it cannot be the Club staff’s role to attract new members. That job is ours as members and each of us needs to be part of that solution. We created the Membership Development Committee last year to promote those efforts and make it easier for everyone. Tripp Way and his team have gotten the effort off the ground and have instituted some excellent ideas. Please do reach out to Tripp and see how you can contribute. It might be as simple as suggesting that a friend or co-worker check the Club out. Anything you can do will benefit all of us for years to come.
Thanks, as always, for your dedication to our wonderful Club. If there is anything you would like me to know, please email me at dwilks.wcc@gmail.com.
David Wilks
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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE | PHIL IANNELLI
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Christine Jordan Director of Clubhouse Operations
June Greetings!
Although the weather hasn’t always cooperated, we are enjoying a very solid start to what promises to be another great year for your club. June is considered the “heart of the season”, and as you will see, the club calendar really fills up. The monthly schedule is packed with activities and events: Lobster Night, Tacos & Tequila, Father’s Day and live music in Pub37; Golf events galore; Tennis and fitness; Bocce and Pickleball as well as a full swimming schedule and Kids Camps. Information on all these opportunities (and more!) to use your club is contained in this month’s edition. The plan for the month is to bombard you with “excuses” to participate. When you do, a great summer is guaranteed.
Tip Tribbitt, CEC Executive Chef
Mindy Blumetti Chief Financial Officer
As we brace for the activity levels that come with summer, it seems necessary that this monthly epistle touches upon the normal reminders about the safe and courteous use of your club. There are several topics that fall into this category, so let’s take them one at a time.
Meghan Spero, PGA Membership Development & Communications Manager
First, parents and grandparents are reminded of the club rule that states: “Children under the age of 10 may not be left at the club unsupervised at any time”. While this seems very clear, let’s expand a bit on the expectation. That is, that an adult or person of responsibility is expected to be in the physical presence of young children whenever they use the club. Children under the age of 10 should not be allowed to “explore” on their own. Also, please know that the putting green adjacent to outdoor dining is not a playground. During the summer season, members are once again asked to consider their venue when determining where to park. Golfers are asked to utilize the main parking lot to keep the upper lot available for families. This way, children won’t have to make the dangerous trek through the busy parking lot on their way to the pool. Whether walking or driving, please exercise extreme caution when in the parking lots. The opportunity for a tragedy is always present. This month’s final safety thoughts relate to Golf cart traffic. And there are two components. First, if you are driving a cart through the parking lots, please follow the appropriate flow of traffic, and be especially aware of automobiles. The second is to let you know that just as we did last year, the service road that leads from the upper parking lot towards tennis/swimming will be closed to all cart traffic. As the club gets busy with summer activity, we also tend to experience an increase in minor rule infractions. These are generally nuisance issues like cell phone usage and folks wearing clothes that aren’t appropriate for their choice of venue. Regarding appropriate attire, it seems there are a few fashion trends that don’t comply with your Club’s standards. If you are unsure of just what those standards are, the 2025 edition of your club’s Rules & Bylaws should prove helpful. It was recently made available and posted on the website. Granted, it doesn’t qualify as a summer beach read but is worth a quick review none-the-less. Also, please be reminded that when inviting/introducing guests, the courteous thing to do is to make them aware of club expectations in advance of arriving so no awkward situations occur. It is great to see so many members utilizing the walking path to enjoy some exercise and fresh air. In the colder months, when there isn’t too much golf activity, your routes of travel sometimes migrate off the path and into the golf courses. Because there is so little play this really isn’t an issue. However, now that the season is underway, it is. Walkers are asked to not stray from the walking path, so they do not interfere with play or risk being hit by a golf ball. And if you are walking with your pup, don’t forget a leash and baggies.
Steve Buenaga Human Resources Manager
Jonathan Urbanski Director of Golf Courses & Grounds
Michael Shank, PGA Director of Golf
Liezel Huber Director of Racquets and Sports
Clark Verchick Chief Engineer
CONTACT
Front Desk: 302-655-6171 Golf Shop: 302-655-6022 Racquet Shop: 302-655-6513
A word about July 4 . We want everyone to know that we will celebrate our Nation’s Birthday on Friday, the 4 . Monday the 7 will be treated like a typical Monday with no F&B services offered, but all other facilities available. th th th
WEBSITE
www.wilmingtoncc.com
As always, thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing you at your club. Phil Iannelli
ADDRESS
4825 Kennett Pike Wilmington, De 19807
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T
POOL OPEN FOR SEASON
RACQUET SHOP GEAR
SUMMER BOOKLET We've curated a dynamic calendar packed with exciting events and family-friendly activities to keep the good times rolling. This is your summer. Make it extraordinary—only at Wilmington Country Club.
The pool is now open for the season, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back! As you make your plans to enjoy the water, please take a moment to review the pool rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all!
Swing by the Racquet Shop to check out our great selection of tennis and pickleball gear—plus our new line of Lululemon apparel! Known for comfort, performance, and style, Lululemon pieces are perfect both on and off the court.
Come see what’s new!
Click here to view the booklet
Click here to view the Pool Rules
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MAY HIGHLIGHTS | PLANTING ON THE PATIO, MEMORIAL DAY, AND MORE!
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JUNE
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
5
1
2
3
4
6
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Women’s 9-Holers Back 9 South 9:00 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Memorial BB Partners 1st Round Begins WGAP Wilmington Invitational South Course 8:30 a.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Wilmington Cup South Course 9:00 a.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m. Women’s Putting Championship, Clubhouse Putting Green, 5:00 p.m. Pub Wine Tasting 6:30 p.m.
Men’s Holiday Tournament & Men’s July Member-Guest Registration Begins Women’s Twilight Registration Begins PGA 13u + 17u Home vs Dupont 4:00 p.m.
Private Golf Tournament
Tequila Event 6:00 p.m.
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9
10
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Women’s 9-Holers Back 9 North 9:00 a.m.
Women’s 18-Holers North Course 8:30 a.m.
Pickleball Camp
No Clubhouse Food Service
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Mixed Twilight North Course 5:00pm
Men’s Match Play Championship Round 1 Begins Mixed Two-Ball Championship Round 1 Begins Women's Club Championship Registration Opens
High School Junior Doubles Round Robin
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Summer Camp Begins
88th Invitational South Course
88th Invitational South Course
Lobster Night Ballroom Patio 5:30 p.m.
Summer Junior Golf Classes Begin
88th Invitational South Course
Swim Time Trials & Pizza Party
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16
17
18
19
20
21
Women’s 9-Holers Front North 9:00 a.m.
Callaway Fitting Day 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m. Women's Invitational Member Guest South Course 8:30 a.m. Board of Directors 5:30 p.m.
Father's Day Brunch Buffet 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
Women’s 18-Holers South Course 8:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Summer Solstice Singles Junior Tennis Club Championship
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Junior Tennis Club Championship
Pickleball Clininc & Play with the Pros
Women's Invitational Practice Round, South Course Cocktail Party 5:30 p.m.
WCC vs. Tatnall
PGA 13u Home vs Bidermann 4:00 p.m.
Pickleball Junior Club Championship
WCC vs. Greenville
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23
24
25
26
27
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Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m. Ladies Tennis Member Guest
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Junior Tennis Club Championship
Junior Tennis Club Championship
No Clubhouse Food Service
Women’s 18-Holers North Course 8:30 a.m.
Women’s 9-Holers Back North 9:00 a.m.
XXIO Fitting Day 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Private Golf Tournament
Junior Tennis Club Championship
Executive Committee 5:30 p.m. Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Women's Golf Social North Course 5:00 p.m.
Men’s Club Championship Registration Begins
Live Music in Pub37 6:00 p.m.
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No Clubhouse Food Service
Junior Tennis Club Championship
COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP | MEGHAN SPERO, PGA MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Roughly two months ago, we unveiled our brand-new website and our significantly enhanced Club app, and we're delighted to report that the response from you has been overwhelmingly positive! It's been rewarding to see so many of you embracing these new digital tools, and your enthusiastic feedback truly fuels our commitment to providing you with the best possible Club experience. We've also been making more frequent use of push notifications—a convenient way to keep you in the loop with important updates. Think of them as your personal Club messenger, delivering timely information right to your phone or tablet. Whether it's a quick heads-up on grounds conditions for your morning tee time or a tempting preview of our event lunch specials, these notifications ensure you never miss a beat. If you haven't had the chance to dive into the new website yet, consider this your friendly nudge! It's designed to be your central hub for all things Club- related, and logging in is a breeze. Just a quick reminder: your username is simply your member number (don't forget that capital letter!), and your password is your last name (also with a capital letter). After your very first login, you'll be prompted to change your password, but rest assured, this step is completely optional. We want to make your experience as seamless as possible! For those of you who have inquired about the membership proposal process there is a dedicated "Membership Proposal" button conveniently located right on your Dashboard. Here you will find all the necessary online forms to act as a proposer for a new member. This includes the Proposer's Worksheet, the Candidate Application, and the all-important Support Questionnaire. Once these forms are submitted, they'll come directly to me, compiled adn sent to the Membership Committee. As always, please know that my door (or inbox!) is always open. If you have any questions at all, or if you need a little assistance navigating the proposal process, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help you every step of the way! Contact: Meghan Spero – mspero@wilmingtoncc.com
EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES
Joshua Muldowney Asst North Course Superintendent: 2 Years
Zanai Adkins Pastry Cook: 2 Years
Carlos Richards Café Chef: 3 Years
Alejandro Corona-Saldivar Kitchen Prep/Utility: 7 Years
NEW MEMBERS Please welcome our newest member of the Club:
Kathryn Munda , Associate Delphine Catherine Petruccelli , Child 10-24
Alena Smith , Senior Special Garrett Cole , Child 10-24
David Morales Cook: 7 Years
MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES We would like to acknowledge our Senior members on their milestones:
Christine Jordan Director of Clubhouse Operations: 14 Years
Mr. Bernard A. vanOgtrop 30 Years Mr. Brett S. Koelle 35 Years Mr. Anthony Capano 40 Years Ms. Barbara DiSabatino 45 Years Mrs. Tina Hayward 45 Years Ms. Margaret G. Erskine 50 Years Ms. Martha M. White 50 Years Mr. David B. Henke 55 Years
Mrs. Barbara W. Shipp 5 Years Mrs. Britny Whitby 5 Years Dr. William R. Atkins Jr. 10 Years Mr. Matthew B. Chesman 10 Years Mr. Norman L. Pernick 10 Years Mr. Marcos A. Ramos 10 Years Dr. Erik S. Bradley 25 Years Dr. Joseph J. DeStefano 25 Years
Victor Pavolic Bartender: 19 Years
Gustavo Herrera Garde Mange: 23 Years
Scott Verchick Mechanic Manager: 37 Years
IN MEMORIAM The Board of Directors, members and staff of Wilmington Country Club extend their sincerest sympathy to the family of:
Martha Tatnall, member for 44 years Eugene Julian , member for 19 years
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Ivy Adams Archmere Academy Attending: Georgetown University HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Mimi Jane Dietrich Walter Johnson High School Attending: University of West Virginia
Julia Frank Unionville High School Attending: University of South Carolina Addison DiGuglielmo St. Mark’s High School Attending: University of St. Andrews
Lily Altschuler Kent School Attending: Loyola Marymount University
Frances Elliott St. Andrews School Attending: Colorado College Greta Henry Tower Hill High School Attending: William & Mary
Davitt Fox Tower Hill High School Attending: Auburn University Elin Ladig Garnet Valley Attending: Villanova University
Skye Elliott Edison High School Attending: University of Oregon
Henry Kirtley The Tatnall School Attending: The University of the South
Avery McCrery ICL Academy Attending: Duke University
Avery Randall Ursuline Academy Attending: Wake Forest University Tanner Stepanic Salesianum High School Attending: University of Delaware
Grant Wagner Salesianum High School Attending: University of Delaware Edwin Siembieda Gonzaga High School Attending: Texas Christian University
Charlie Rittereiser Archmere Academy Attending: Southern Methodist Lauren Toner Wilmington Friends Attending: University of Tampa
Alie Smedley Unionville High School Attending: Penn State
COLLEGE GRADUATES
Hutton Ashley University of Delaware
Maggie Bailer Boston College
Ellie Brezski Elon University
Chandler Dietrich Georgia Tech
Peter Erskine Clemson University
Katherina Ianni Harvard University
Lucy Bailer Tulane University
Caroline Connolly University of Scranton
Charles Elson University of Virginia
Robert Friz Jr. Montclair State University
Natalie Sandler Giammo University of Michigan
Jack Healey University of South Carolina
John Koenig Virginia Tech
Andrew MacWilliams Virginia Tech
Kieran Petrunich Wake Forest
Gaurav Rastogi Tulane University
Sophia Mitchell University of Tennessee
Christian Schlobach Southern Methodist
Ava Scarpaci University of Georgia
DINING & SOCIAL | CHRISTINE JORDAN, DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS
HOURS OF OPERATION
Welcome to Summer! We have a full month activity show to keep you busy at your club!
The pool is officially open for the season! Seven days a week, the pool and poolside cafe are open 10-8, with hot food from the cafe available 11-7. Looking for a relaxing day? Come by the pool – we have poolside cocktail service on the weekends!
Cafe 1901, Pub37 and Grille & Tavern
CAFE 1901 Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. PUB 37 Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
June is also the time to celebrate all the Dads in our lives! Your club has two great ways to honor dad. First, we have a Casual Brunch Buffet in Grille/Tavern including all the traditional favorites with an omelet station, a carving station, and plenty of desserts! The regular menu is not available.Dad prefer dinner? We’ll be offering a three course steak dinner sure to please all dads (and non-dads). Regular Menu also Available. Reservations of all sizes accepted for both brunch and dinner – make your reservations through foretees or by calling the front desk! Live music at Pub37 has become the spot on those Thursday nights to get together with friends and other members to enjoy good food, good music, and good company! June 26th is our next Live Music night, where Ken Miller will be performing. Ken performs a wide variety of music, something for everyone to enjoy!
Summer “officially” kicks off on June 20 and we are having a grilling happy hour to celebrate.
July 4th will also be here before we know it! Join us for our traditional Independence Day celebration. We will have an all-American buffet dinner, music, face painters, pony rides, inflatables, games & prizes, and, of course, a breathtaking fireworks display!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR EVENTS. Christine Jordan
GRILLE / TAVERN Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
MENUS
Open for takeout at 4:30 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
CAFE 1901
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Open for takeout at 4:30 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FORMAL DINING
DINING ROOM Friday & Saturday 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
TAVERN & GRILLE
THE HUT Closed
PUB37
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POOLSIDE COCKTAIL SERVICE
ClubGrub ClubGrub N K
Enjoy poolside cocktail service on weekends all summer long!
Sit back, relax, and let our staff bring your favorite drinks right to your lounge chair—no need to leave the sunshine.
Cheers to a refreshing and relaxing weekend at the pool!
FATHER’S DAY
. Casual Brunch Buffet in Grille/Tavern including all the traditional favorites with an omelet station, a carving station, and plenty of desserts! The regular menu is not available. Dad prefer dinner ? We’ll be offering a three course steak dinner sure to please all dads (and non-dads). Regular Menu also Available.
LIVE MUSIC
June 26th is our next Live Music night, where Ken Miller will be performing in Pub37. Ken performs a wide variety of music, something for everyone to enjoy!
Enjoy our monthly video segment with Jeff Clauso, Clubhouse Manager , as he provides valuable updates on the Club's hours of operation, upcoming events, and all the exciting culinary specials and drink features we have in store!
BOOK CLUB | JUNE
The Briar Club is the most recent historical fiction thriller by the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Kate Quinn. The novel is set entirely in Washington, DC, between the years 1950 and 1956, and is centered around an all-female boarding house called Briarwood House. The story begins with a prologue presented by the House: it has just witnessed two murders that took place within its walls during a Thanksgiving dinner in 1954. The women in the boarding house, include Grace, a mysterious widow who moves into the attic room; Fliss, a seemingly perfect English beauty; Nora, a policeman's daughter entangled with a gangster; Beatrice, a frustrated former baseball star; and Arlene, a gung-ho supporter of McCarthyism. The tenants in the building rarely speak to one another except in passing, each living isolated lives. However, Grace initiates change. She invites everyone to an impromptu dinner every Thursday evening in her flat. The price of admission is one article of canned food. Grace also busies herself painting flowers and vines on the gloomy hallway walls. The house, which has long existed in a state of inertia, begins to wake up and appreciates Grace’s attempts to brighten the living space. The rest of the tenants also show signs of positive change under Grace’s friendly influence and the support of the other members of the dinner group, soon dubbed the “Briar Club.” The weekly supper club becomes a space for the women to connect and share their lives, despite their differences. The story follows the women's lives, their relationships, and the secrets they hold, particularly as they navigate the McCarthy era and the societal restrictions in postwar America. The boarding house itself serves as a microcosm of the era, reflecting the paranoia and anxieties of the McCarthy era, and incorporates historical details, including the McCarthy hearings, the changing roles of women, and the cultural landscape of the 1950s. "The Briar Club" is a character-driven story that blends historical fiction with a murder mystery, explores the complexities of female friendship, the challenges of navigating a restrictive society, and the secrets that can bind and divide individuals.
JUNE 3, 2025
JULY 8, 2025
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. Historical thriller about a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, D,C. boardinghouse during the McCarthy era. Barbara Dukart will lead the discussion for the June meeting.
Seeking Shelter by Jeff Hobbs. A powerful portrayal of American homelessness that follows a single mother of six in Los Angeles struggling to keep her family together and her children in school. Sandy Hobbs will lead the discussion for the July meeting.
Please join us on June 3, 2025, at 4:00 pm in the Women’s Lounge as we discuss The Briar Club.
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GOLF | MICHAEL SHANK, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF
HOURS OF OPERATION
A Note From the Golf Shop Father’s Day is June 15. Visit our special Father’s Day microsite or stop by the Golf Shop for gift ideas. Summer Junior Golf Classes begin each Monday to Friday on Monday, June 9. We will be offering two classes daily based on the skill level of the junior. Our next Mixed Twilight event is Sunday, June 8. Two of our biggest events of the year are happening this month, our Men’s Invitational and Women’s Invitational Member Guest.
First Tee Opening Monday 10:00 a.m. Tuesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:30 a.m. Practice Range Monday 12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Our next Women’s Golf Social is Thursday, June 26. Registration for Women’s Twilight Golf opens June 6. Kindly review the golf guest reminders. We look forward to seeing everyone on the course this month! Michael Shank
FATHER’S DAY IN THE GOLF SHOP Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15. This year we are offering a special Wilmington Country Club Father's Day microsite featuring Club Glove. Shop now through June 9th (June 3rd for logo/personalized) to receive a 10% discount on all travel gear, plus complimentary logo and shipping (personalization additional). Please see information and ordering instructions on the link here: Father’s Day Club Glove Microsite Additionally, there are a variety of terrific gift ideas in the Golf Shop. Merchandise from Peter Millar, Smathers & Branson, Holderness & Bourne, Kjus, Greyson, Johnnie-O, and more is available. As always, complementary gift wrapping is available. SUMMER JUNIOR GOLF Junior Golf Class is offered every weekday from Monday, June 9 to Friday, August 22. Juniors may come to camp for the day, the week, or sign-up for the entire summer. To see more, visit the Junior Golf Book Here. Advanced Academy: 10:15am - 12:15pm The Summer Advanced Golf Academy Curriculum provides juniors a roadmap to improve their game and maximize their potential by creating a positive, enjoyable & competitive atmosphere. Click Here to Register Orange & Yellow Class: 1:00pm - 2:30pm Summer Orange & Yellow class will give Level 1-3 juniors an opportunity to keep working toward their Merit Tag by earning Operation 36 Skill Pins. Classes will focus on building the skills necessary to pass Orange, Yellow, and Green Operation 36 Skill Pins. Click Here to Register
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Holidays 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Bag Room Monday
9:30 a.m. – Dusk Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – Dusk Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:00 a.m. – Dusk Golf Shop Monday Closed Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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WOMEN’S TWILIGHT GOLF Join us for a brand new event – Women’s Twilight Golf! Registration opens Friday, June 6, at 9 a.m. Dates: Wednesday July 2, July 9, and July 16 Time: 5:00 p.m. Shotgun for all rounds. Drinks in Pub37 following play each evening. Format : 24 players compete in Women's Twilight Golf. There are four teams of six players each. (Will expand to 32 total players, four teams of eight, if interest permits.) Pick your partner. Teams are drafted by combined handicap index of partners (ABCD) as of Wednesday, June 25. 9-Hole Match Play with Handicap Week 1: Better Ball of Partners, Week 2: Team Shamble, Week 3: Scramble 1 drink per player, per week, included in the price Prizes: Weekly Awards, 1st place Team Overall Match Play points, 1st place Stroke Play Player responsibilities: If a player is unable to play, they are responsible for finding their own substitute. The Golf Shop will provide a list of potential substitutes to assist. Please make the Golf Shop aware prior to play, 302-655-6022, that you will have a substitute.
MEN’S TOURNAMENT GOLF NOTES FOR JUNE Men’s Match Play Qualifying is open until June 8. You can learn more about the event Here. Sign-ups for the Men’s Holiday Tournament open June 6. Click Here To sign-up, Men’s July Member Guest Registration begins June 6. Visit the tournament page Here. Men’s Senior Club Championship Match Play Round 2 matches begin June 3. Men’s Senior/Super Senior Handicap Championship round 1 matches end June 22. President’s Cup and Better Ball of Partners second round matches end June 22. Mixed Two-Ball Round registration ends June 8. Visit the tournament page Here MIXED TWILIGHT GOLF Join us on Sunday, June 8, at 5:00 p.m., for a 9-hole shotgun on the North Course. This is a casual and fun tournament with dinner and cocktails to follow. The event is open to all adult members, please sign-up using the link below. Sign-up as a foursome, or as a twosome and we will pair you up. Entry fee includes dinner and prizes. Visit the Mixed Twilight event page Here. GOLF COURSE GUEST REMINDERS A few friendly reminders regarding guest play to help us better serve you. There is no guest play permitted on Mondays. If you are planning to bring a guest, please call, 302-655-6022, stop by the Golf Shop, or email golfshop@wilmingtoncc.com in advance before the day of play to arrange. On the day of play, all guests must be accompanied and should be registered in the Golf Shop prior to the start of the round. A guest may be introduced three times annually, regardless of the member host. Family guests may be introduced six times per year. Be aware that all guest rounds in season require a cart or caddie. Guest foursomes with two or more regular guests must take a caddie. The Golf Shop will assist in arranging caddies. Kindly make these arrangements 48 hours in advance.
For more information, or to sign-up, visit the Women’s Twilight Golf page. WOMEN’S GOLF SOCIAL
Join us on Thursday, June 26, at 5:00 p.m., for a fun, casual and social night on the golf course. Women’s Golf Social events are a 9-hole all Par 3 Scramble on the North Course with a drink included during the event. Grab your friends and sign up together as a foursome, or sign-up on your own and the Golf Shop will pair you. Price includes prizes and a glass of wine or a cocktail. This event is open to all women members. To register visit the Women’s Golf Social event page Here. WOMEN’S INVITATIONAL Join us for our annual Women’s Invitational Member Guest! Space is still available for our premier women’s golf event Wednesday, June 18 and Thursday, June 19 . This year’s event will feature an exciting murder mystery theme, making for an unforgettable experience both on and off the course. The fun starts Wednesday with a complimentary practice round, Welcome Cocktail Reception and Peter Millar shopping experience, followed by the tournament round on Thursday. We encourage you to secure your spot. th th This event is open to all women at the club and only one guest per group is required. Wednesday, June 18: Optional starting times for a practice round. Call the Golf Shop to schedule. Opening Cocktail Reception, putting contest, story reveal, and Peter Millar shopping experience at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19: 7:30 a.m. Breakfast available 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start on the South Course Lunch and awards following golf Click Here to register or for more information
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GROUNDS | JON URBANSKI, DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSES AND GROUNDS
All the rain of late has tremendously helped in many facets over the last two months. In April, we tallied five inches of precipitation, and as of penning this article, we have had 5.81 inches of rain with an additional inch in the forecast to close out the month of May. Although the wet weather has not been beneficial for outdoor activities, we have been able to replenish the lower reservoir to the left of 12 North, and most importantly, time our applications of pre-emergent products for grassy weeds (crabgrass) and insects (white grubs, annual bluegrass weevils) with the rain. We maintain a lot of rough grass on the golf courses and common areas where there is no irrigation coverage. All pre- emergent products need at least a half inch of water to move and activate the material into the soil for the target pest. Without rain, the material is simply ineffective. Looking at the past year, there were applications conducted and timed with forecasted precipitation that simply did not materialize. In the fall of 2024, we saw the effect of these products not washed in with grubs feeding on roots of the turf resulting in wilt, while skunks and raccoons were having a smorgasbord eating the grubs. This is one of the multitudes of reasons why we need additional coverage via the irrigation system as we can not always be reliant to Mother Nature. Very soon it will be harvesting season in the orchard on 9 North. During our winter pruning season, we installed plant markers on each tree. Information such as location and planting date in the orchard, along with the common name and qualities of the fruit bearing tree, can be found on the trunk. We hope this helps with your seasonal picking later this year! The Club has recently taken stock of a new golf car fleet. As always, there are a few kinks we find that do not reduce the experience of utilizing a golf cart but have a negative effect on the turf. The new cars have a tremendous amount of torque, and we have seen some damage from the tires. It is a simple fix, but one we need the manufacturer to be on-site and link to each cart to change the stock settings. Over the coming weeks, we should see a reduction in scuffing caused by the acceleration speeds of the new golf cars. DIVOTS: as we move into the summer season, the heavy rains of the past two months will likely subside. With this, the chances of a replaced divot surviving diminishes. For the foreseeable future, please use the mix provided on your golf cars, and at the starters’ desk to fill the void. We have additional mix and containers located at each halfway house. Like ball marks on greens, divot filling is the responsibility of every player, and harkens to the golden rule of golf, emphasizing respect and sportsmanship, both for the course and your fellow players.
If you were a fan of the inaugural season of the prime time TGL golf league, you may find this an interesting podcast provided by the USGA regarding the maintenance behind the turf used for the series. Please CLICK HERE for the link to this audio clip.
June is a busy month in all areas of the Club. We look forward to preparing for the many events on the calendar. Your help is always appreciated in the care of the course. We kindly ask to:
Fix your pitch mark, plus one other. Scatter your cart traffic in all areas of the golf courses. Keep your motorized golf cart 30 feet from greens and tees; if a hard surface is present, please park on the path. Trolleys/ Push Carts: refrain from taking across greens and tees.
Thanks, and hope you all have an enjoyable start to the summer at the Club!
Jon Urbanski
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RACQUETS | LIEZEL HUBER, DIRECTOR OF RACQUETS AND SPORTS
Sun's Out, Fun's Out! Join Us for a Memorable Summer! Hands down, my favorite time of the year—relaxing by the pool, enjoying outdoor sports, and spending precious time with family... Pool & Refreshments: The pool is open, heated, and ready for you! Be sure to visit the Poolside Cafe—it has something for everyone. Stop by to try a refreshing frozen slushie or a frozen adult beverage to beat the heat! Upcoming Activities & Events: Swim Team Practices, Summer Camp, and Sports Camp: Starting June 9 . th Trip: Paddle Camp in Stone Harbor on Saturday, June 21st followed by social time. Limited to 12 sign-ups. Register now on Fortees. "Swing & Bling" Ladies Summer Tennis Member-Guest: Thursday, June 26th at 9am. Sign up on Fortees. Pickleball Unlimited: Enjoy the "Go-Play" Pass for June—unlimited cardio sessions and clinics all month long! Contact Victoria to enroll. Congratulations! Great job to all Middle and High School Tennis players for a successful season! Thanks to our Philly Cup, Wilmington Cup, and USTA League teams for competing hard and finishing strong! Fun Fact: The US Open bus trip is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th. Reserve your seat now on Foretees! Welcoming Our New Team Members: We are excited to announce that Gabriel Constantino, who interned with us for two years, has graduated and will be joining WCC's Racquets as a racquet professional starting June 2nd—Congratulations and welcome, Gabriel! Additionally, we are pleased to introduce our two new interns: Gabriel from Brazil and Christobal from Chile Both are attending university in Wichita and play on their tennis teams—what a great addition to our Racquets Team! Wishing You a Wonderful Summer! Looking forward to seeing you on the court or by the pool. Have a fantastic season!
POOL The Pool will open for the Season on Friday, May 30 at 3:30pm. Afternoon swim practices will be held 4:30pm-5:15pm on June 2-6; then regular swim team schedule begins June 9 . th Swim meets are scheduled, and diving will be part of this season’s program. Click here to view schedule. If you have any questions or need more information about this year’s schedule or aquatics programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either John Fedena, Aquatics Director, at jfedena@wilmingtoncc.com or Ed Chilton at echilton@wilmingtoncc.com. SUMMER CAMP The countdown is on! Our Summer Camps start June 9th, and we’re ready for an awesome season of fun, friends, and sports! Good news: A few spots are still open in our sports activities—register now to join the action! . Click here to view our 2025 Summer Camp Booklet!
SQUASH Congrats to WCC players in the 2025 US National Mixed Doubles Championships: Todd Anderson & Sue Green of Boston 3rd in 60+ Ed Chilton & Phoebe Trubowitz of Portland, OR: Winner of 60+ Mason Dixon Challenge vs. Maryland Club has been postponed to the Fall of 2025.
Warm regards, Liezel Huber Tennis Events: 6/26 – Ladies Tennis Member Guest
The Custom Eagles Squash Racquets have arrived! Summer Squash Singles and Doubles Box Leagues begin the week of June 9 . Please sign up through Ed Chilton: echilton@wilmingtoncc.com th Summer Squash Camps and Sport Camps begin June 9 . th Emerging player Camp Monday-Friday 9:00am- 10:00am and Tournament & School Team Players Camp 10:00am-12:00pm. View full squash camp schedule here.
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW SCHEDULES
TENNIS
PICKLEBALL
JUNIORS
SQUASH
The Summer Solstice Squash Singles tournament is Friday and Saturday, June 20-21, 2025 Diamond State Professional Doubles has been confirmed for December 11-14, 2025.
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PICKLEBALL
Our pickleball league has been going strong, and it’s been amazing seeing everyone out on the courts bringing the energy and sportsmanship week after week! We’ve now completed all our home matches at WCC—great job, everyone! From here on out, we’ll be hitting the road and playing all of our upcoming matches away. Looking ahead to June, we’re excited to offer our Pickleball Play Pass—a great way to stay active and sharpen your skills all month long. For just $125, you can attend as many clinics as you’d like throughout June! Please note: the Play Pass covers clinics only and does not include camps. Whether you’re looking to keep improving or just love the game, the Play Pass is your all-access ticket to more pickleball fun this summer! Calling all young pickleball players! It’s time to team up and show off your skills in our Junior Club Championships. Grab a partner and get ready for some exciting matches, friendly competition, and tons of fun on the courts! Events: 6/14 – Pickleball Camp – Open to all levels and courts divided based on playing experience 6/21 – Pickleball Clinic and Playing the pros! – 45 min instruction and 45 minutes round robin with pros. Junior Pickleball Club Championships Date: 6/21 – Starting at 10:30am. One day Tournament. Sign up with a partner and get ready to rally! – Sign up on Foretees Categories: Co-ed and under 10 and under, Boys and Girls 14 and Under, and Boys and Girls 18 and Under All skill levels are welcome—just bring your energy and love for the game. Let’s make this an awesome day of junior pickleball action! If you have any questions, please email Vgiannaccini@wilmingtoncc.com
BOCCE
Our Weekly Bocce Socials take place every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and all members are welcome to participate, whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game. These casual, social gatherings are the perfect way to relax midweek, meet fellow members, and enjoy one of the club’s most popular outdoor activities. To participate, please sign up using the ForeTees system, which makes it easy to reserve your spot and stay updated on weekly play. If you have any questions about the bocce program or need help getting started, feel free to reach out to Ed Chilton at echilton@wilmingtoncc.com.
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FITNESS AND HEALTH AT WCC
GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULE
Summer Solstice Yoga Date/Time: Friday, June 20th at 12:30pm Details: Join us for an active flow yoga class that celebrates the longest day of the year. Class will be held on the grass tennis courts and led by Megan Carpenter. Please reserve on Mindbodyonline.com
Walking Club Day/Time: Every Monday at 11:00am, at the Fitness Center by 10:55am Route: A scenic walk around the golf course
NEW CLASSES ADDED
Hyrox Classes Days/Times: Mondays and Wednesdays 6am - 7am
Details: Hyrox classes are structured fitness workouts that incorporate both endurance and strength training. They consist of cardio interspersed with functional fitness exercises like sled pushes, rowing, burpee broad jumps, and more. The goal is to challenge participants' strength, endurance, and overall fitness in a unique, global competition format. Limited to 12 Spots – Reserve via MindBodyOnline.com. Please sign up by 8PM the night before. Any class with zero participants signed up the night before will be cancelled.
Women’s Golf Fitness
Days/Times: Mondays 12pm-1pm Details: This type of training focuses on the core stability, strength, and explosiveness needed to create stability and mobility in the right places in your body for golf. The program promotes muscle strength, balance, flexibility, speed, and explosiveness throughout your body, while targeting muscles in the golf swing. Limited to 12 Spots – Reserve via MindBodyOnline.com.
AquaFit Days/Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays 7am - 8am
Details: AquaFit is a water-based workout that combines elements of aerobics and swimming, offering a low-impact yet effective full-body exercise experience. It's designed to improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and balance while being gentle on the joints. Limited to 12 spots – Reserve via MindBodyOnline.com. Personal Training at Wilmington Country Club Michelle Kasker Specialties: Strength & Conditioning, Mobility, Rehab/Prehab, and Nutrition Counseling. Michelle works with all ages and fitness levels and also offers expert nutrition coaching (NASM & Precision Nutrition certified). Mary Harrison Specialties: Whole-body training focused on aging gracefully. Mary emphasizes strength, balance, flexibility, and joint health—all while keeping sessions fun and engaging. Beth Sheehy Specialties: Strength and flexibility training for active older adults. Beth is both a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor. Brianna Bauers Specialties: Brianna is a Hyrox competitor and loves helping athletes improve. Jimmy Povlosky Specialities: Doctorate from Widener in Physical Therapy. Jimmy can help you achieve your goals while working around injuries. Wendy Bonney Specialties: Cardiac Rehab and over 20 years experience in Personal training.
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