Happy 50th Birthday ERCC

 

Dear Members,

 

The 2009 golf season marks the 50th Anniversary of our great club.  We have so many things to be thankful for since opening day in 1959.  First and foremost, you the members have been tremendous.  You are proud of your club and have been very kind and generous to the staff, which is why so many of us have spent a large part of our lives employed at the club. The time and effort that you have put into serving on Committees and the Board of Governors to ensure the club stays vibrant says a lot about the integrity of the membership.  You all deserve a lot of credit for the effort that you have put into making Ellington Ridge what it is today.

 

I would like to mention two staff members who made a mark at Ellington Ridge that will be remembered forever.  The first of which is Wally Cichon, Golf Professional Emeritus, who passed away March 12, 2009.  Fifty years ago, the club hired Wally and it was probably the greatest move the club ever made.  Wally will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.  May God bless you, Wally.

 

Secondly, Dave Vibber, our Superintendent for the past 28 years is retiring April 30th.  Dave, as much as anyone in our history, has elevated our status in Connecticut and the Northeast by keeping our golf course in superb condition year in and year out.  Dave’s efforts will not be forgotten and I hope his retirement is as successful as his career.

 

As I embark on my 22nd year at Ellington Ridge I can truly say that I am as excited as ever to get started.  I am blessed to have an experienced staff returning for the 2009 golf season.  We are planning for another great year serving the membership at Ellington Ridge.  It is our hope that each and every member has a great golf experience this coming season.  Listed below is a brief synopsis of our staff.

 

Jonathan Banas – First Assistant Golf Professional

This will be Jon’s third year at Ellington Ridge.  Previous to Ellington Ridge, Jon worked as the first assistant for four years at Hickory Ridge Country Club in Amherst, Mass.  Jonathan is 29 years old and is a graduate of Westfield State College.  Jon became a Member of the PGA of America last March.  With two years experience under his belt I expect Jon to make a big impact this season.

 

Ross Sheflott – Second Assistant Golf Professional

Ross was our college intern from Penn State University in 2006.  He enjoyed Ellington Ridge so much that he asked me if he could return to start his professional career at ERCC.  Ross will graduate with a Business Degree from the Professional Golf Management Program at Penn State in May and will be on the job May 15th. 

 

Tina Pagano – Golf Shop Assistant

Tina is one of the most popular employees that we have ever had at the golf shop.  She provides great service and her attitude is second to none.  Tina is attending Eastern Connecticut State University and will be working part time until she gets out of school in early May.  We are blessed to have Tina returning for her 4th year at ERCC.

 

Bob Sheaffer – Retired, Professional Emeritus

While technically retired, Bob will continue to run the 1st tee on Saturday’s and Sunday’s starting in May.

 

Other staff members returning are; Dave King, Jackson Karzar, Steve Michelsen, Andrew Metzger, Joey Spada, Eric Bosworth, Andrew Sloate, JC Nelson, Mike McCarthy, Brian Fisher and Mitch Rivard.

 

The Golf Shop staff is excited to get the new golf season started.  We look forward to serving you and doing our best to make sure that each member enjoys their time at Ellington Ridge.

 

Warmest Regards,

 

Tony Rowe