Letter from our Chairman
December 1, 2011
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish everyone a happy holiday season, and the very best in the New Year. We look forward to seeing you for our 77th season of operation.
The leadership of our superintendent, Brant Slayton, is appreciated by all. The condition of the course attests to the hard work by our grounds crew. The lush, smooth surface of the greens is especially noteworthy. Brant has identified some projects, some of which will be “on-going” to continually improve Copley Country Club.
Our view of the Worcester Range from the clubhouse veranda has been restored with the removal of trees between the first tee and the second green. David Early voluntarily provided this service to the club, we appreciate his hard work. We wish to thank Richard Lowe for the plantings he provided to screen the pump house, and the beautiful garden he is maintaining for our pleasure.
There were several other improvements that took place this past year. The area behind the third green has been fenced to shield the outbuildings that are part of Copley Manor. That hillside was landscaped to prevent erosion, and a line of day lilies to further enhance the area was planted by Phil Chiaravalle. He has also established naturalized perennial plantings along other portions of the course, which will fill in and offer splashes of color throughout the golfing season.
The dying and dead Scotch pines were removed, and the stumps ground to significantly improve the look of the course. Some of these trees will be replaced to improve sightlines and provide protection between fairways. Two projects that Brant has identified will be started in 2012, and will require more than one year to complete. First, is the restoration of the cart paths, and second is the leveling of tee boxes. Both will need a significant number of hours, equipment, and material, but ultimately will improve the playability and enjoyment of the course.
We replaced our fleet of golf carts through a purchase agreement, and Copley will own the carts at the end of that contract. The club also purchased a utility cart to help with course maintenance.
The clubhouse kitchen was upgraded with a new commercial range that increases cooking capacity. It is a heavily built professional tool to better serve our members and guests. We to thank Michael Gandy for his work on the website and for keeping us all up to speed with technology.
Our reduced membership offer for individuals who had not been members the previous year attracted 69 golfers to join us for the 2011 season. We hope to see all of you next year, and future golf seasons. We would like to invite anyone who was not a member in 2011 to join our 2012 membership for $359. This is a special offer that includes all of the privileges enjoyed by our membership. Please tell your friends, and anyone who may be considering becoming a member. This introductory offer cannot be beat.
The Board is working to control our costs as much as possible thereby keeping membership costs affordable. A Senior Membership will be $459, a Couples Membership will be $865, and a Family Membership will be $935 if paid prior to February 15, 2011. Membership rates after February 15 will be $505 for a Senior Membership, $935 for a Couples Membership, and $1,005 for a Family Membership. After April 15, rates will be $559 for a Senior Membership, $985 for a Couples Membership, and $1095 for a Family Membership. We also invite students between the ages of 19 to 25 years of age to join with a Scholar’s Membership for $259 with no deadline, just show a valid student ID.
Our clubhouse continues to be one of the best deals in town for great food and a pleasant dining experience either inside or outside on our wonderful veranda. Don’t forget to tell your friends that we can host and cater events with this great facility.
In closing, I would like to remind you to please enter your e-mail address in the space provided on the membership application. If you know of someone not on our mailing list or anyone who did not receive our e-mail, please refer them to our website at www.copleycountryclub.com for further information. Our website has been expanded, updated, and greatly improved over the summer.
Sincerely,
Bob Titterton
Chairman, Board of Directors