MEMBERABILIA: SHARED EXPERIENCES

Members write about their resort and club visits.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
Selecting The Homestead resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, as the site of the Greenbrier Men’s Golf Association (Greenbrier Country Club, Chesapeake, Virginia) couple’s trip proved to be the right choice. The hotel facilities, the golf courses, and the staff were exceptional. Here is a photo of me (trip coordinator Pat Mitolo) and Roger Noack, president of the GMGA, presenting a First Annual Couple’s Trip hat to Lori Hicks, sales manager at The Homestead. The hat was a small token of appreciation for the many hours that she and her staff dedicated to make our trip a success. GMGA will return to The Homestead in the fall of 2006 to enjoy the excellent service and amenities.
Pat Mitolo
Member, Greenbrier Country Club
Chesapeake, Virginia

My wife and I just returned from The Homestead. This was by far one of the best resorts I’ve been to in all my travels. Great food, a breakfast buffet to die for, and impeccable service throughout the resort. Every member should take a time out and see this wonderful area. You don’t know what you’re missing.
Steve Mitchell, RPh
Member, Embassy Club
Des Moines, Iowa

BAR NONE
Greetings from your friends in Boston. I just read the article in Private Clubs and it was fabulous ["New England’s Blast of Color," September/October 2005]. However, Paddy [bar owner Paddy Grace] just got the bad news that The Littlest Bar as we know it will be no more — the building is being demolished and turned into condos. He is hoping to relocate nearby, but realizes that it will never be the same again. However, Paddy is not at all fazed and, as you know, for him it’s all about the people, not the building. Slainte (cheers in Gaelic).
Mark Mathers
Member, Boston College Club
Boston

ISLAND HOP
On our recent trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, we had the good fortune to play golf and have dinner at the Country Club of Hilton Head. A special thanks to Dan Dubreuil, general manager, who was very gracious in introducing us to his staff and showing us around the club. Everything was great.
Jack and Bobbie Starcevich
Members, Diamante
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

LAYOVER LUXE
My wife and I were recently returning from a tour of Central Europe with another couple. During a layover in Frankfurt, Germany, I decided to try the Frankfurt Airport Club. What a pleasant location and great staff. I highly recommend this club to members traveling internationally.
Tony Hoffman
Member, Nashville City Club
Nashville, Tennessee

MAHALO
Just a quick note of thanks to Plaza Club general manager Robert Onstad and Island Society manager Ann Vasconcellos in Honolulu — and the other members of the club staff who were so very gracious to my wife and me during our recent visit. Prior to our trip, Ann was most helpful in assisting us with our island activities, including golf, other dinner reservations, and tours. The evening spent dining at the Plaza Club was very special, including the lei greeting, the best sunset table in the dining room, the wonderful food and wine, and the very caring and attentive service. Ironically, it took only about two casual "chitchat" comments with our waiter Jeff Haines to determine that he was a close childhood friend (30 years ago) of a dear mainland friend of ours. What a small world. Mahalo to all. We look forward to our next visit to the Plaza Club.
Ron Montgomery
Member, City Club on Bunker Hill
Los Angeles

CAPITAL KUDOS
I want to compliment the Capital City Club in Montgomery, Alabama, for a wonderful evening when my wife and I took good friends to the club for dinner. Not only was the food excellent, but the atmosphere and setting were delightful. The views from the top of the building left a very good impression on us. The staff provided excellent service. The menu featured our name and date — a very special touch. Our compliments to the Capital City Club for being more than we expected and for having hardworking and dedicated employees.
Patty and Jose de Rojas
Members, Northwood Country Club
Lawrenceville, Georgia

I (HEART) VALLARTA
We know many members will be headed to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for The Champions Tour Puerto Vallarta Championship at Vista Vallarta Club de Golf March 27-April 2 — they love golf and "Vallarta." So we thought you’d like to know about a contest sponsored by an online PV vacation guide with the prize of a Puerto Vallarta resort vacation. Just translate your "Why I Love Puerto Vallarta" experience into a poem, limerick, narrative, song lyrics … even haiku. To enter, go to www.vallartasource.com. (And, just for fun, send a copy of your entry to privateclubs@clubcorp.com)