Friday, September 29, 2023

Seeking Board Nominations!

Dear Whitevale Members, 

Our Nominating Committee is diligently interviewing a roster of candidates for the Whitevale Board of Directors . This year, four Directors are finishing their terms. We are therefore seeking to fill four vacancies. Our nominating committee will recommend a slate to be approved by the current Board before being presented to the membership.

  • Directors, attend and participate in Board Meetings, regular Committee Meetings as well as other task specific related activities.
  • Directors also work specifically with other Directors reviewing directions, policies and procedures that govern the organization.
  • Directors listen to members concerns and suggestions.
  • Directors review reports from operational staff in conjunction with the Director of Finance ensuring that the Club's finances are on budget and propose remedial action when required.
  • Directors monitor the overall health of the golf club and discuss and advise on issues or situations when necessary.
  • Directors remain knowledgeable about the golf industry by familiarizing themselves with articles and reports related to the golf industry.
  • Board work begins immediately after the Annual General Meeting.

One of the most positive things that emerged during last year's discussions with candidates was discovering the wealth of skills and talents our members possess - and, their eagerness to share these skills with the Board for the benefit of the club. Corporate leadership, volunteerism, achievement in business, education, sport, family and community involvement were just some of the skills last year's candidates brought to the table. And of course, a genuine love of Whitevale. Some cited a desire to give back, many having been members for a long time and been unable to commit in the past. The upside is, Whitevale will benefit from the fresh energy, skills and perspectives the four incoming Directors will bring.

As previously communicated the Nominating Committee is comprised of the following members : Michelle Miles , Jacquie Dunne , Wade Brackenbury & Padraig Darby. If you have interest in learning more about what is involved, please contact myself or Bob Tennyson, or any one of the individuals on our nominating committee. 

Ken Fedosen
President Whitevale Golf Club
Chair of the Board of Directors

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

FAQ - Bunker Renovation Project

A note was sent to all Equity Members earlier this week to answer a few questions that are being asked often and we thought we would add the information here in case you missed it!

Documents for the bunker project are on the Member website under The Bunker Project, but if you have not yet familiarized yourself with the entire presentation please note:

  • There is No Assessment - there will be a modest increase in the annual debt serving charge of approximately $85-$100 dollars per member / per year in 2025.
  • We have not embarked on a mission to redesign the bunkers - the moment you consider to redesign the golf course you will easily double the cost of the project which will also include a charge from a golf course architect .
  • A Golf Course Master Plan was commissioned in 2020 - and there was nothing contained in that plan that suggest we drastically change the bunkers.
  • Capital Improvements such as New Bunkers will only increase the share price of our memberships .
  • During the renovation DolTurf has committed to having a minimum of 15 holes open at all times , with the likelihood that only one or two holes will be closed for most of the time.
  • The course will be playable for the duration of the project including many of the competitions and apres-golf activities that members enjoy so much .

Every successful capital improvement at WGC has counted on third-party industry experts to eliminate the impossible challenges that would come from trying to use specific members feedback to drive a project like this.

The Members’ Meeting for the Bunker Renovation Vote is scheduled this coming Monday September 25th at 6PM . If you are unable to attend you may appoint a proxy holder or submit an advance ballot . These forms are available in the Office or on the Member website and must be submitted no later than 6PM on Thursday September 21.

We look forward to seeing those who are able to attend in person this Monday September 25th at 6PM and we thank those who have submitted proxies and / or advanced ballots.

Thanks for your participation,
The Board of Directors



Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Team Whitevale at Canadian Men's Senior Championships

Congratulations to Wade Brackenbury, Mark Brewer, and Cam Hreljac, who all made the trip to Big Sky Golf Club in Pemberton, BC after qualifying to compete at the Canadian Men's Senior Championship! 

Left to right: Mark Brewer, Lisa Brewer, Kandice Brackenbury, Wade Brackenbury, Heather Hreljac and Cam Hreljac.

We are extremely proud of our Whitevale team, who all performed well amongst tough competition. Among them, Wade managed to make the cut and finish in the top 50 in Canada! Full results are available on Golf Canada's website.

Thank you to Kandice Brackenbury for providing photos!







Monday, September 11, 2023

Solheim Cup Champions Crowned

After a glorious warm and sunny afternoon of competition on September 10th, the Purple Team emerged victorious over the Fuschia Team to regain the Solheim Cup – 14 points to 10 points. Twenty-four competitive ladies, all flaunting their team colours, battled it out for the 16th annual event, which was a three-games-in-one format:  better-ball, alternate shot, and singles matches. Following the match, results were announced and war stories abounded amid champagne toasts and speeches and cheers. The trophy was presented to Purple Team Captain Anne Trimble by Fuschia Team Captain Linda Briggs. 



Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Welcome New Members!

Please join us in welcoming four new members to the WGC family! 

Jeff Davey

Jeff has been a resident of Durham Region for over 45 years. He is a local business owner of Davey Auto Sales for the past 30 years. He was previous member of Deer Creek and Dalewood Golf Club and considers himself a lifetime golf enthusiast.


Richard Djakovic

Richard comes to us from the Summit Golf Club and is looking forward to playing at WGC. Richard has a 15 handicap but says his short game is that of a 5 handicap.


 

Dylan Page

Dylan is excited to join us as he leaves close by and has a group of friends playing at WGC. Dylan is a small business owner of Page Flooring & Concrete Solutions Inc.


Patrick Mayhew

Patrick is good friends of Dylan’s and has several other friends playing out of WGC. Patrick is a small business owner of Spectron-Con Group, specializing in ceiling repairs.


Friday, September 1, 2023

In Memory - Kitty Braid


Kitty Braid
1945-2023

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden death of Kitty (Ann Catherine) Braid. Kitty passed away at home in Bob’s arms, on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the age of 78.

Kitty is survived and deeply missed by her husband Bob, sons Ian (Karen) and Rob (Jenn), and grandchildren John, Connor, Katie and Cameron. She is also survived by her dear sister, Betsy, and brother-in-law, Ian, from Montreal, along with several nieces and nephews.

Kitty was born in Shanghai, where her parents had sought refuge during the late 1930's. Her journey then led her to Montreal, where in 1964 she met her soulmate. Together, they embarked on a journey of boundless love and laughter. A testament to their remarkable bond, their marriage endured just short of 57 years, marking them as an extraordinary partnership in every essence.

Kitty’s infectious laughter was one of her unique gifts, and her greatest joy was when she was in the company of her family. A proud Nanan to her grandkids, she was an unwavering pillar of love and support. She embraced every moment with them, encouraged them not to take things for granted and left a legacy of valuing the importance of love and family.

Kitty’s large circle of friends knew her as an exceptional confidante, fueled by an insatiable curiosity that enabled her to engage with others, sharing in their triumphs and offering solace in times of need. Beyond her close connections, Kitty’s imprint graced the golfing community of Whitevale, where her friendships and passion for the sport thrived. Among her accolades were a treasured hole-in-one, a distinction held exclusively within the Braid family lineage, and more recently consecutive member/guest championships (a fitting conclusion to her last round of golf!).

St. Augustine, Florida held a special place in Kitty’s heart, serving as a cherished home away from home. It was here she fostered enduring friendships and crafted countless memories. Her commitment extended to over three decades of volunteer service, exemplified through her involvement with Meals on Wheels and the Florida Council on Aging in St. Augustine. Though she’s no longer with us, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

We invite you to join the family at the McEachnie Family Centre ( 20 Church St. N., Ajax -located beside McEachnie Funeral Home) for a Time to Remember on Tuesday, September 5th, between 4-7pm. A short eulogy service will be held at 5:30pm to honour and celebrate Kitty’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Daily Bread Foodbank or to a charity of your choice. Your contributions will help make a meaningful impact in Kitty’s memory.

Courtesy of Arbor Memorial.