CARVED MENAGERIE
James Schwade is carving out a brand new niche for himself. The former radiologist, who is a member of Chicago’s Plaza Club, retired in January 2002 and now spends much of his time carving carousel animals out of basswood. He has been hooked on the craft since taking a class nine years ago. "I was always interested in carousel animals, and owned two antique [carousel] horses already," he says. "When I told my wife I wanted to take a class, her response was, ‘Are you sure you can do it?’ But she said to go and see if I liked it, and we both were pleased with the results." So far, Schwade has completed a giraffe and a horse, and has a lion in its final stages. "I grew up interested in astronomy and space, not carving," he says. "But my grandfather was a stone carver and my father did some carving, so maybe it’s genetic." Schwade has gradually created a magical kingdom of carousel animals, and now teaches a class himself. He acknowledges that the art requires a great deal of time and patience. "The lion has been about six weeks of work for about 50 hours a week," he says. "Because of my other hobbies, I really only spend five or six weeks a year working on them." Schwade plans to paint the completed creations before carving a frog, ostrich, and armored horse. "The ideal thing would be to build a carousel, but that’s not very practical," he says. "For now, they’ll just keep living at my house." — Paula Felps
Photography by Andy Goodwin

GOOD AS GOLD
While Laurence Heisler’s dream of playing major league baseball faded long ago, his memories of living out the next best thing will last a lifetime. Ten years after retiring from minor league baseball, Heisler, who is of Greek descent, played on Greece’s baseball team in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Little did it matter that the 35-year-old owner of a mortgage company pitched just two innings and the team lost six of seven games. "It was kind of a miracle I was there," says the member of the Citrus Club in Orlando, Florida. "It was tough — everything hurt on my body after I’d pitch — but just being out on the field and taking part in something so big was a lifelong dream." He’ll always remember moments such as participating in the awe-inspiring opening ceremony, marveling at the Greek baseball fans doing the wave, and mingling with star athletes in the Olympic Village. Yet even more profound than those images is a lesson he learned. "I keep in closer contact with my relatives now," relates Heisler, whose mother was born in Crete. "Everything they do is geared around their family. It makes you realize that there are more important things in life than the daily grind of working and all." — Steve Wilson

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CHAMP
In some respects, Corey Weworski doesn’t act like your average national champion golfer. A doting mother of two boys, she runs the hot-lunch program at one of her son’s schools and rarely plays in tournaments. Although she was a semifinalist in the 2003 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, she expected to play poorly in the 2004 Mid-Am because she believed she was unprepared to compete against the country’s best amateurs who are 25 years old and older. She even made plans to go sightseeing after failing to qualify for the match-play part of the event. That’s why no one was more surprised than Weworski when the national champion surfaced in her and she upset former winner Virginia Derby Grimes by the score of 5-and-4 in the Mid-Am finals last fall. "I guess I was shocked because I hadn’t been putting in the hours [practicing and playing] that I had typically put in before a tournament," says Weworski, a member of Shadowridge Country Club in Vista, California. "I don’t know why, but I do extremely well in match play. So I guess I shouldn’t have been as shocked as I was." The victory earned her exemptions into the 2005 U.S. Women’s Amateur and the second stage of qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open. Naturally, she valued another spoil even more. "The best part about it was the overwhelming response from the players. People I don’t even know have sent cards. It has been unbelievable." — Steve Wilson
Photography Courtesy of the USGA

WHISKEY, ALABAMA-STYLE
Kenny May knows the secret to a good bottle of whiskey. Growing up on a farm southeast of Montgomery, Alabama, May watched his father, Clyde, make what many considered to be some of the best moonshine in the South. Today, May continues the family tradition — this time, legally — with Clyde May’s Conecuh Ridge Alabama Style Whiskey, which he distills and sells as the only whiskey in Alabama. "I knew all about his making it because when I was growing up, it was sort of a family business," says May, a member of Capital City Club in Montgomery. Clyde May died in 1990, prompting his son to consider bottling and selling the moonshine beloved by so many. Since there were no distilleries in Alabama, May found one in Kentucky that would distill the whiskey and distribute it in Alabama, which he began doing in 2002. Each bottle is true to his father’s original recipe and contains the pure spring water from South Alabama’s Conecuh Ridge. "There’s an art to making good whiskey," says May, adding that the company sells about 3,000 cases a year. "A lot of it is in the aging process." May’s product got a boost in 2004 from the Alabama State Legislature, which named Conecuh Ridge the official state spirit. What would his father think about it all? "I just can’t help but believe that he would be real, real proud of this." — Janet Mefferd
Photography by Jamie Martin

REMEMBER
Keith Phares was only 23 years old when he appeared in the November/December 1998 issue of Private Clubs ["Clubs & Members"]. At the time, he had just been selected a national winner of that year’s Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and with his rich, baritone voice was beginning to make inroads into the opera world. Now 30, Phares, a member of Country Club of Hilton Head on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, has established himself as a rising star in regional opera houses across the United States, having performed juicy supporting roles in such productions as Don Pasquale for the Arizona Opera, Faust with the Utah Symphony & Opera, Romeo & Juliet at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and Così fan tutte at the Boston Lyric Opera. Having already tackled the role of Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd at the New York City Opera, Phares says his dream role would be to play the title role in that Stephen Sondheim masterpiece. "But I’m a little young for that now," he admits. "I wouldn’t be able to do that effectively for another 15 years or so. Until then I’ll keep working and honing my technique so that I’ll be singing until I’m 60 and 70." In the meantime, the newlywed (he married mezzo-soprano Patricia Risley in August) hopes to expand away from standard opera repertoire and explore more contemporary, eclectic works and musical theater. "I’d like to do as much new music as possible," he says. "That way I will become my own artist, instead of just trying to adhere to all those years of tradition." — Louis Marroquin
Photography by Ken Howard, Opera Theatre of St. Louis

AT THE PINNACLE
In the numbed aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, members of the Young Executive Advisory Club of Philadelphia’s Pyramid Club vowed to make a difference. "At that point, so much was already being done to help the families of the victims [of the terrorist attacks], and we started looking at what we could do long-term," explains Gene Venuto, who helped found the club’s Pinnacle Group. "We wanted to harness the energy in that room." With the creation of the Pinnacle Group, members began thinking philanthropically, and learned how to transform good intentions into action. They partnered with the philanthropic Philadelphia Foundation, which not only became the group’s educational arm, but matched them dollar for dollar on giving. "[The foundation] educated us on how philanthropy works, and we focused on three different areas of giving — education, youth, and change at the systemic level," Venuto says. "Philanthropy is all about being proactive, whereas charity is about meeting an immediate need." In December 2003, the Pinnacle Group awarded its first three grants — to a business incubator, to an organization that provides scholarships for underprivileged children, and to a library program. Venuto hopes to replicate the Pinnacle Group at other Associate Clubs. "We’ve set it up for continued success," he says. — Paula Felps
Photography by Bill Cramer

PHYSICIAN FOR PEACE
For surgeon Juan Montero, giving back is as necessary as breathing. A native of the Philippines, Montero has been volunteering his services almost since he arrived in the United States in 1966 to further his medical studies. Montero has provided free health care to migrant workers in rural Virginia, founded the Chesapeake Care Free Clinic, and spearheads regular missions for Physicians for Peace. As a trustee for the not-for-profit organization, which brings together professionals from around the world to provide medical care for the needy, Montero heads the Asian and Pacific region. "I owe a debt of gratitude for what I’ve been given," says Montero, a member of Greenbrier Country Club in Chesapeake, Virginia. During his first trip with the group in 1996, he visited a remote Philippine village. "We performed 200 operations in a few days," he explains. The group of American, Japanese, German, and Philippine medical experts treated cleft lips and palates, ovarian tumors, bladder stones, cataracts, and diabetes. "It was so historic — all these different nationalities who were, 50 years ago, combatants of World War II. Where else can you find something like that, in a little operating room? The satisfaction was tremendous for everybody." — Mary Sue Lawrence

KEEP IT WARM
When Lori Nalley moved to Texas a few years ago, she was thrilled to be able to play golf year-round. But as she warmed to the idea of unlimited time on the green, Nalley noticed one problem. "My ears got cold!" says Nalley, a member of Oakmont Country Club in Corinth, Texas. "I didn’t want to wear a hat, but I needed a way to keep my ears warm and keep the sun out of my eyes." She resisted the path that many women take — wearing earmuffs and a sun visor — and instead created a personal solution that has gone public. "I took a headband from an old ski hat and sewed it onto a visor," she says. "People asked me where I got it, and when I told them I made it, they wanted me to make one for them. So many people asked me that I decided to make a business out of it." That launched Designs By Lori, and today the furry handmade "cool-weather sun visors" are marketed to both clubs and individuals. "I tried numerous times to start a business, but it didn’t work," she says. "This one just happened." — Paula Felps
Photography by Lisa Means

FIGHT FOR SIGHT
When Elizabeth Lea looks at her parents, she sees pillars of love and support. That support became most clear after Elizabeth was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a retinal degeneration disease that slowly causes blindness. Almost immediately after hearing the diagnosis, her parents, Haynes and Liz Lea, dove into finding a cure. "We realized one of the best things we could do was to raise money for research," explains Haynes, a member of Tower Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. That meant the bespectacled attorney pulled out his guitar and, along with the four-member Lea Brothers Band, began strumming up donations during annual fund-raisers for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Recently, Haynes became vice chairman of the national board of directors of the Foundation, a leader in funding research to provide preventions, treatments, and cures for retinal degenerative diseases. "When we first got involved 14 years ago, not a single gene was discovered," he explains. Today, 150 genes have been mapped; most of those have been isolated and cloned. Numerous human clinical trials are ongoing, with a promising gene therapy trial set to begin this year. "We wouldn’t have quite the energy to do this if we didn’t think it would help Elizabeth," Haynes says. "We’re inspired by her, and our hope is that this will result in a cure for her and millions of others." — Mary Sue Lawrence

SAFETY FIRST
A bold, old school, John Wayne-type, Thomas Shaver, M.D., does seem to swagger in and clean up the place. Indeed, he’s rounded up drunk teen drivers and violent gang members. As chief trauma surgeon at Mission Regional Trauma Center in Mission Viejo, California, Shaver sees his job as allowing him to get involved. "My work gives me an idea of some of the problems my community faces, shows me areas we need to work on," says Shaver, a member of the Center Club in Costa Mesa. When teen patients increased as a result of drinking and driving, Shaver expanded a local Safe Rides program, based it at the hospital, and turned it into one of the largest and strongest in the country. An increase in gang-related injuries led him to seek out local gang leaders and bring them together with community members, including his wife, Diane, for weekly discussions to reduce gang violence. "Get involved, get to know your community’s young people, show respect, and see what you can do," urges the doctor, who offers free removal of gang-related tattoos. "You can’t help them all, but you can touch one kid at a time. And that’s a marvelous, rewarding experience." — Mary Sue Lawrence
Photography by Thomas Alleman

SHOP AROUND
Dee-Dee Gee knows good deals when she sees them, and she sees them a lot. "I’m a shopaholic," admits Gee, a member of Town Point Club in Norfolk, Virginia. "I will go for a sale. It doesn’t even have to be a good sale. If there’s a sale, I’m there." An interactive media manager based in Chesapeake, Virginia, Gee was at just such a sale last spring, when she found six suits at a great price before realizing something was amiss. "I thought, ‘This is just gluttony. I don’t need anything more.’ And right there in the store, the Lord gave me a business plan." Once she got home, Gee immediately e-mailed about 30 friends and associates, offering to share her bargains at reasonable prices. Within a half hour, her first client wrote back, and Gee’s business, DDG … Your Personal Shopper, was born. Less than a year later, Gee regularly shops for nearly 50 clients, who range from working women to stay-at-home moms to men who want to buy a fabulous outfit for the women in their lives. "I don’t go for trendy, but nice, classic stuff with a flair," Gee says. "My rule is if I won’t wear it, I won’t buy it." Given the sense of fun that comes with personal shopping, she doesn’t foresee turning it into her full-time job. For now, seeing her clients decked out and smiling is enough. "I feel like a proud mama when I see them strutting," she says. — Janet Mefferd
Photography by Keith Launcher

MASTER CLASS
Barbara Werley is one of just 13 women in the world to have achieved the prestigious distinction of Master Sommelier. Yet, in her manner of understatement, she says she "sort of fell into" the career that has credits in culinary programs at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago and Washington, D.C., and as wine director for Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and Master Sommelier for the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix. Today, as Master Sommelier and beverage director for The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia, the veteran in the hospitality, culinary, and premium beverage industry directs the resort’s award-winning wine lists, as well as the procurement of the world’s finest wines. Her vision and leadership is developing The Homestead’s continuing specialty culinary programs and wine events. She recently shared some of her philosophies and insights with Private Clubs.

What are some current wine trends?
I’ve been getting more involved with Spanish wines, South African wines, and just fun, different grape varieties. I think we are going to get away from Chardonnay, Chardonnay, Chardonnay. And there are so many more fun reds than just the Cabernet/Merlot thing.

Do you think there really is a "French paradox" in that red wine can contribute to your health?
Yes, because of the antioxidants..

Do you have a favorite wine?
Not a favorite. It depends on the time of year, what I’m doing, where I am, what I’m eating … all of that.

Are there any rules anymore?
The only rule that I go by is that I don’t like either the food or the wine to overshadow the other.

You conduct a lot of wine tastings. What is important about the process of tasting?
I like to teach because many people don’t know the difference between sweet and fruity. A wine could be fruity, but dry. A high-alcohol content, on your palate, tells you that a wine is sweet, but it’s not. So it’s just things like that. When you taste, you can understand a complete wine.

A classic dish at The Homestead is the trout. What wine do you recommend with that dish?
I suggest Riesling. I do Germany or Australia pretty much at this point. And we do have a good Virginia wine, so that is the direction — something light.

When you sit down to dinner and you’re faced with the wine list of hundreds of selections, where do you start?
Generally, what I would do is start at the wine-by-the-glass pages because all of those are also offered by the bottle and, typically, there are a couple of one-liners under those. You can read those little notes and get an idea of what the wines are like.

What’s on the "wish list" for you and The Homestead?
One of the things I want to work on here is to develop a cheese course in the grill that features our local cheese. There needs to be more awareness of local products. I do a lot of tastings when our guests come in for their banquets, you know, a "Virginia Night."

IN THE WINGS
An assorted group of women professionals — Wall Street analysts, airline presidents, journalists, even astronauts — together under one roof is an awesome scenario for Joanne Young. Connecting these high-achievers and others like them — women at management levels in the aviation and aerospace industry — is one of Young’s responsibilities as president of the International Aviation Womens Association. "To bring together the talented women who share this industry, help them get to know each other, help them stay on the cutting edge of developments, is an incredible honor," says Young, who as partner in her Washington, D.C., law firm heads the international transportation practice. Elected in 2004 to serve a two-year period, Young aims to expand membership of the nonprofit organization by creating regional outreach programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The City Club of Washington member also is excited about staging the association’s first-ever annual conference in China, with the help of Chinese government and aviation authorities. "My goal is to help members create a strong network of international contacts," Young says, "because the aviation industry is very much a global industry." — Mary Sue Lawrence

ON THE RADIO
Brian Roberts, CEO of the strategy and technology consulting firm Croix Connect, is always looking for ways to keep business innovative. Now he is helping other executives and business owners do the same on his new radio show, "Taking Care of Business," heard on Washington, D.C.’s WMAL 630 AM. The show came about after Roberts, a member of Tower Club Tysons Corner in Vienna, Virginia, joined forces with friend and radio personality David Burd. "We’re trying to educate and inform — and to entertain, of course," Roberts says. "I’m a firm believer in always looking at how to improve your company, because very quickly, you become old and gray from a business perspective." Among his tips: Grow by measured means and treat employees right. Roberts has gained his wisdom from experience. He served in the Air Force, working for the White House Communications Agency and the Pentagon before leaving to branch out into telecom and consulting work. But after Sept. 11, 2001, he decided it was time to start his own business. "Now, instead of being the consultant guy trying to hawk business," he laughs, "I’m the radio show guy who also has a consulting company." — Janet Mefferd

MAGIC MOMENTS

GOLF
All three ClubResorts have been recognized on Golf Magazine’s biennial list of "Top 100 You Can Play." The list of public-access courses ranks Pinehurst in the Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina, at fourth (Pinehurst No. 2), 82nd (Pinehurst No. 4), and 87th (Pinehurst No. 8); The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia, at 23rd (Cascades Course); and Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, at 58th (Fazio Canyons) and 62nd (Fazio Foothills).

CHARITIES
More than 450 players gathered at Trophy Club Country Club near Dallas for the Metroport Meals on Wheels Golf Tournament, which raised more than $85,000 to help provide daily home-delivered lunches to elderly and chronically ill residents of local counties. The annual tournament was organized several years ago by a small committee, which included Byron and Peggy Nelson. The pair are now honorary chairs of the golf event. In addition, Rosey Bartlett, Trophy Club director of instruction, served on the orginal committee before she became an employee partner at the club. Rosey remains active in the event by playing in the golf tournament. The first tournament, held in 1992, raised more than $6,000 and continues to grow today. … The seventh annual Rally for a Cure Golf Tournament at Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton, Michigan, raised $43,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The sold-out tournament also featured a sing-along and dinner, which included raffle prizes such as a day of golf with golf pros Melissa Korte, John Koch, and Emily Hassan. … About $35,000 was raised at the Family Health Center Pro-Am, held annually at Brookhaven Country Club near Dallas. The golf event benefits the Andrew Magee-Scott Verplank-Brian Watts Endowment Fund, which provides medical/dental care to children of low-income and disadvantaged families.

SPECIAL GUEST
Grammy winner Christopher Cross recently performed at the Center Club in Costa Mesa, California, as part of the club’s popular South Coast Supper Club program.

KUDOS
Dr. Clarence Brown, a member of the Citrus Club in Orlando, Florida, has been appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush to a two-year term for the newly created Florida Cancer Council. The council was established within the Department of Health for the purpose of making Florida a center of excellence for cancer research. The council — comprised of the leaders of Florida’s major cancer centers, public and private agencies, professional associations, and community members throughout the state — will represent cancer centers, hospitals, and patient groups within Florida. ... Scott and Rhonda Farber, members of Stonebriar Country Club near Dallas, celebrated his parents’ 60th anniversary at the club.