Unsyncopated Rhythms

One of the lessons your editor has learned in over 30 years of membership in the Old Club is that every week has its own rhythm. Most are metronomic – with their own steady pace, with regularly scheduled “beats” with timed rests in between – the gigue movements of many Bach partitas. Some are like listening to Arnold Schoenberg – you’re never sure what you’re going to hear next, or when? Some maintain a beautiful, haunting slowness throughout – Barber’s Adagio for Strings. And some build, accelerate and burst out of their precise rhythms into a wall of complex, interwoven melodies and tones, creating a magnificent whole – the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth. Last week was very Adagio. This coming week — Roll over Beethoven …

 

Tell Tchaikovsky the news:

 

News of the Clubhouse:

The Island Country Club is saddened by the death this past Saturday of Rick Githens. Rick was a great friend to all of Men’s Golf, in which he played regularly, and his sense of humor and well chosen epithets were especially appreciated on those January and February mornings when he insisted on teeing it up with the Intrepid Company of Island Country Club golfers. Rick and his son, Trevor, last came to the Club a week ago Sunday, when many of us had the chance to wish him well in his valiant and courageous battle against an exceptionally painful disease. That he could still smile and make us laugh is a testament to the man we will long remember. Our condolences to his wife Kathy, to Trevor, to his family and to his many friends in Pennsylvania and elsewhere who had the chance to enjoy him in his many travels. Rick was a Quaker, and so, to all who mourn this unique spirit, one word — Peace.

 

The July Board Meeting is Wednesday at 4:00PM in the Clubhouse. The agenda includes a Manager’s Report, Treasurer’s Report and reports from the Club’s Committees; updates of work in the Clubhouse and on the course; and a report on the work of the Nominating Committee as it recommends officers and directors to be approved by the membership at the Annual Meeting on Aug.17.

 

The Ladies Tri-Club Golf and Luncheon is Tuesday, and the Men’s Eggemoggin Cup and Luncheon is Thursday. The golf course will be closed until competition in each ends, around noon. The Clubhouse staff will be assisting our visitors from the Blue Hill and Castine clubs and helping set up and supporting the luncheons. The indulgence of all members is requested.

 

The Night in an Italian Ristorante ( Tuesday evening) is Sold Out – at 70 seats. Our friends at Fin & Fern are already in their kitchen, preparing a classic Italian 5 course dinner. Annie has laid in the perfect Italian wines to accompany such a meal and we are looking forward to one of the largest dinner gatherings in recent Club history. A reminder to all guests – cocktails, beverages and pizzettes at 5:30PM; dinner at 6:00PM. Buon Appetito!

 

Cash and Checks are preferred in the Pro Shop for all events, at least temporarily. We are having some issues with the credit/debit card reader, which sometimes requires multiple swipes. We are working with the vendor for a solution, but until it’s fixed cash or checks will minimize delays when you arrive for events.

 

Last week’s Wine Wednesday was a gathering of 32 members and guests for another fun evening at the Island Country Club. Again, appetizers took center stage with a great array of tasty treats provided by our many talented cooks. Dancing to The Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett and a few random requests was slow to start, however, when it did, many hit the dance floor … so much fun. Door prize winners this week were Kate B., Stan S. and Pat Roth.

 

WINE WEDNESDAY NEWS…

Last week’s Wine Wednesday was a gathering of 32 members and guests for another fun evening at the Island Country Club. Again, appetizers took center stage with a great array of tasty treats provided by our many talented cooks, Dancing to The Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, and a few random requests was slow to start, however, when it did, many hit the dance floor… so much fun! This Wednesday marks the halfway point for scheduled Wine Wednesdays. You’re missing all the fun! Doorprize winners this week were Kate B., Stan S., and Pat Roth.

 

Breaking News: Scientists find that drinking wine in moderation is better than being unhappy!

 

Wine Wednesday – July 20 – 5:00-6:30

Friends – Appetizers – Doorprizes

*Family and visiting guests welcome*

 

Swing by fore a fun time!

 

The median age in this image is …. Thanks to Rob Groundwater (and, wow, could we use some more groundwater given the drought) for this wonderful image of Joe Bruno and Bill Darby, smiling after yet another round of golf and conversation.

The new tee marker plaques are a beautiful addition to our grounds, as well as informative to those new to the course, or playing from an unfamiliar tee. Many thanks to Dick Dunham, who caddied this project through skillfully, and to Dick and Vern Seile (with an assist from Ken Wiberg), who did the challenging work in mounting the new plaques, and the advertising plaques from our great local businesses, to the granite markers.

 

Tee Times are Mandatory for Members and Visitors for Friday afternoons and all day Saturday and Sunday. Walk-ons at those times have no precedence. Disobeying a staff member by butting on to a tee will lead to disciplinary action. And every member and guest must sign in when arriving at the Club to play golf or tennis.

 

News of Golf:

The annual Member-Member Tournament was held Sunday, July 17, on a day that evolved from comfortable to downright sweaty (glistening for the Ladies playing). The Men’s 18 hole best ball event was competed by twelve twosomes. Leading the way for the Gross Score prize was the pair of Richard (50th Anniversary) Eaton and Keith (he set the pins) Hoover at 71. They were followed by Jim Plotts and Dan McLaughlin at 73. First Net went to the pair of David Greiwe and Dick Newman at 58, followed by John Shanklin and Jon Hellstedt at 60. Closest to the Pin on #3 was won by Lee Levant at 6’0” followed by Jack Shaw at 10’ 0”. In the Ladies Division, with only two twosomes competing, Low Net for the nine hole event was won by Inese Moore and Carol Shaw at 28! Well played, all!

 

Twilight League results for June 11 are reported by Ken Wiberg:

1- Myron Curtis/Ed Black 18 pts

2- Jim Twitchell/Vern Seile 17 pts

3- Ryan Hayward/Dick Dunham 16 pts

 

Pins Hole 6:

1-Lee Levant 21’ 6”

2- Kendall McGuffie 23’ 5”

 

Twilight League will play tonight at 4:00PM, weather permitting – we could use the forecast rain that always seems to miss the Island.

 

Ladies Golf on June 12 is reported by Sharon Hellstedt: Ladies played Bingo, Bingo, Bongo – Everyone played their own ball. On each hole a point was given to the first ball on the green, a point to the ball closest to the pin once everyone’s ball was on the green, a point for the first putt to go in the hole.

Bingo, Bango, Bongo Winners:

1st – Mikey Bannister (13)

2nd – Lisa Haynesworth (10)

3rd – Ellen Foote (9)

Emily Hawkins (9)

Linda Rand (9)

Paula Colwell (9)

Regular Golf Score Winners:

1st – Sharon Hellstedt (46)

2nd – Ellen Foote (47)

3rd – Paula Colwell (49)

Low Putts:

Emily Hawkins (10)

 

Scrambles on July 15 is reported by Dick “Judge” Newman: 16 scramblers. Low gross: 31 with the winners on a match of cards Mark Sterritt, Bill Whitman, Dick Newman and Mikey Bannister. Low putts: 12 by the foursome of Dan McLaughlin, Dave Greiwe, Karol Greiwe, and Carol Shaw. Weather was a 10. Scrambles will be played again on Friday, July 22, signup in the Pro Shop or call 348 2379. Please provide your Handicap Index to help the commissioners create evenly balanced teams. And remember, The Howdy Thompson Scramble will be Friday, July 29.

 

The Island Employee Cooperative/Burnt Cove Market Tournament is SATURDAY, July 23. This is a two person event with Men’s (18 hole) and Women’s (9 hole) Divisions. A shotgun start at 8:30. You can still signup to compete in this great annual tournament and support this important Island business. The market is providing a hamburger/hot dog lunch. Entry fee is $25.00.

 

The rescheduled Masonic Marine Lodge Four Person Scramble is Sunday, July 31. Even if your foursome remains intact from the rained out June date, you must re-register on the signup sheets in the Pro Shop or call 348 2379. This is an 18 hole event for Men, 9 holes for women, with the prize pools determined by the number of players in each Division. Entry fee is $25.00.

 

May the golf gods bless our Tri-Club and Eggemoggin Cup players. The women play this event largely for the friendship long enjoyed with their fellow players at Castine Golf Club and Blue Hill Country Club. For the ICC men, defending the Eggemoggin Cup, proudly displayed in our Trophy Case for eight of the nine past years, is an important part of the season.

 

Fix your and one other ball mark on the greens! Rake the bunkers and replace the rakes into them! Place sand in divots on fairways and tees! Don’t hit into other groups! Respect Tee Times!

 

News of Tennis:

This past weekend’s scheduled Lucky Draw Tournament has been postponed, co-director and late night devotee Linda Allen reports. “Some of the participants had last minute conflicts.” The new date will be Saturday, August 20th at 9:00 am. Another sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board.

 

Another upcoming tournament will be the Mixed Doubles Club Championship on August 6th. Be sure to reserve your place and vie for the chance to get your name on the trophy!

 

As usual, Open Tennis continues on Wednesday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Come on over for this friendly round robin format.

 

News of Bridge:

Bridge news is shuffled and dealt this week by Pat Roth: 8 players were at the tables tonight. We enjoyed a full night of bridge and enjoyed the brownies made by this ace reporter. The scores ranged from a high of 2480 to a low of 470! We were happy to welcome the return of 2 regular players to Monday night bridge, Don Powell and Steve Bralove. And we welcomed a new player from Stonington, Judy Miller. The top 3 players were Steve Bralove with a score of 2480, Annie Holland with a score of 2080, and Don Powell with the next highest score of 1860. Bridge will be played again tonight at 7:00PM, $3.00 for members, $5.00 for guests. Please arrive by 6:45 to help organize the play for a prompt first deal.

 

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Editor’s Note: I do not understand people who disrespect or disobey our Clubhouse staff and Grounds Crew. What do they not know about how hard it was to find these outstanding women and men who work so hard for us? What eludes those who can’t control their behavior about how impossible it will be to replace any of our team?

 

Sam Ostrow

Editor at Large

samsiccmail@gmail.com