September 2023 Membership Update | |
Summer Recap
As summer comes to a close, I'd like to take a few minutes to look back and as well as ahead to a busy fall.
Summer began with hosting the national tournament, a true triumph for our Club. The event was a success by all measures and raised the bar for future events. While we normally have a quieter summer, this year, we had a record number of summer leagues and events. I want to thank our league organizers, Steve Thornberry, Mary Ann Pedersen, Paula Perrelli, Heidi Peddle, and Mike Ronzio, as these leagues take a tremendous amount of time and energy to run well. We appreciate the efforts you made this summer to bring additional opportunities to our members.
The club also offered a robust social calendar this summer, with all of the member dinners being well attended and a sold-out golf outing as well. Bruce Bertucci is our coordinator for all things social, and Donna Pieracci and our kitchen crew make the magic happen and uphold the high-quality food and service we are known for.
Many of the meals we are known for include our homemade tortellaci – and I want to thank all of our volunteers who came out this summer to restock our supplies. A special thank you to Liz Hawari and Peter Pieracci, who organize these events, which capture the spirit of our club and its mission to preserve Italian heritage and culture.
As we look to fall, our bar and bartenders will return to the club seven days a week, with the bar now open Mondays and Saturdays. We are grateful for their endless work to keep the bar open and running, and please know they appreciate your support (in the form of tips of course!)
I am incredibly proud to be a member and leader of this Club, and appreciate the work each of you does every day to ensure that we thrive, grow, and help further our mission. See you at the Club!
Tom Holleman
President
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New Board Appointments
Due to a heavy work schedule and resulting conflicts with board meetings and activities, Amy Lazzaretti has regretfully resigned from the board. We thank her for her time served! With the Trustees' approval, President Tom Holleman appointed Tim Tolari as a new Trustee replacing Amy (Tim was formerly Recording Secretary) and DeeDee Niebling as our new Recording Secretary. Please congratulate Tim and DeeDee on their new positions on the board!
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Labor Day Member Appreciation Picnic
Monday, September 4, the Club will host a delicious lunch from noon until 2:00 p.m. A very special thank you to Chef William Vena and his crew, who are preparing the luncheon for Club members. The menu features Herbed Chicken, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Italian Sausage, Salads, Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Watermelon, and ice cream bars. The event is free free For Members, Spouses, and Children under 12. Guests $20. We are looking for volunteers to set up, serve, and help with logistics. Call Peter Pieracci at 847-337-1883 or [email protected] to volunteer.
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Club Championships Underway
The annual club Championship tournament is underway and expected to finish in October. The tournament allows individual players to showcase their skills and enjoy friendly competition. Check the poster boards at the Club to see who is advancing, k and who is not! Thank you to Steve Thornberry and Maurizio Perrelli for organizing this year's competition.
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Club Members Travel to Italy
Four Highwood Bocce Club players, Lauren McDermott, Miles Russell, Maurizio Perrelli, and Amy Lazzaretti traveled to Italy to play and learn from the world’s best bocce players in July/August. The players from the club VIP Credaro Italy offered a wonderful opportunity to share a collective love and dedication to the sport. Tremendous thank you to Danny and Teresa Passaglia, the USBF, and all of their Italian hosts for the amazing opportunity and experience.
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Security System Upgraded
The fob system that allows access to the club failed and has been replaced. Members will either need their fob re-registered or replaced. It will need replacement if you have an old black fob (pictured on the left). If your fob is grey, it can be re-registered. The easiest way to click this link to request or upgrade your fob. Once you submit the form, your new fob will be available at the bar or your all-grey fob will be updated within 7 days.
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Code of Conduct
A reminder to all of our members, we have a code of conduct that we enforce. Please show respect for the Club, fellow members, and our guests.
All members and their guests will abide by the Club rules and the Bylaws of the Highwood Bocce Club. Members are responsible for the behavior and actions of their guests. The conduct of all members and their guests shall be in the best interest and welfare of all members, administration, guests, and staff while on the Highwood Bocce Club’s property.
Misconduct shall include but not be limited to:
- Any action causing physical damage to the Club and its property.
- Inappropriate or abusive language or physical actions which directly attack a person and/or group.
- Default in payment of dues, initiation fees, or any other money owed to the Club.
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September
4 | 12:00 .m. Labor Day Picnic free for members
29 | 6:30 p.m. Member Dinner, Elvis! This will be a members and immediate family only event due to high demand.
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October
22 | 3:30 p.m. General Membership Meeting
27 | 6:30 p.m. Fish Fry and Comedy night
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November
12 | HBC Board Elections
17 | 6:30 p.m. Dinner and Bingo!
December
16 | Christmas dinner and holiday sing along
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Everyone's a Winner at Bingo Night | |
A packed house, excellent dinner with wonderful service by Chef Donna and her team, and our wonderful master of Bingo Ceremonies Bruce Bertucci, cash and gift certificates from Buffos (thank you, Lenny Innocenzi) made bingo night a fun evening for all who attended. The event sold out quickly, and another will be scheduled in November. | |
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Annual Golf Outing Tees Up Summer Fun
August 27 HBC members and friends enjoyed a golf outing at the Foss Park Golf Course in North Chicago, followed by dinner at the Club. The popular event was organized by Bruce Bertucci and participants enjoyed perfect weather and friendly competition.
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Thursday Night Summer League Champs | | |
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Congratulations to Team Corrigan taking the Thursday Night Summer League championship in a 2 game final with defending champions Team Moorman.
Thanks to league president Steve Thornberry for all his time and effort to run a great league.
From left to right John Brucker, Tim Tolari, Tony Biondi, John Corrigan, Mark Burns, and Steve Thornberry.
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Wednesday Night Outdoor League Champs | |
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Congratulations to Team Quattro for winning the Wednesday outdoor league! Players endured freezing weather the first few games, and ended up with a spectacular night to finish.
The champions are pictured from left to right Scott Watson, John Corrigan, Steve Thornberry, Jerry Pedersen, Jim Moorman, Doug Barnhart.
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League Updates
Leagues continue to keep members active at the Club during the summer months. All of the below evening leagues are in progress and full. The Thursday afternoon Pick-Up League is available to all members (and guests) whenever they would like to participate.
Sunday Mixed League
Schedule: July 9th through August 27th (8 weeks)
Tuesday Women's League
Schedule: July 11th through August 29th (8 weeks)
Thursday Afternoon Pick-Up League
Our afternoon pick-up bocce games are resuming on Thursday afternoons. No need to sign-up in advance, just show up and play! Schedule: Check in and warm up 12:00 PM, games start at 12:30 PM
Open To: Players of all skill levels
Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members
Thursday Mixed League
Schedule: August 10th through September 28th (8 weeks)
Thursday Outdoor League
Schedule: July 20th through September 28th
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Club Events Calendar Online
A comprehensive club calendar showing all member events and league dates is now available on the website. The calendar also shows when private events are scheduled so members can understand court and club availability.
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Operating Hours
All members have access to the
Club via their key fob from
6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week.
Bar Hours
The bar welcomes members from 6:30 p.m. to closing (usually between 10-12 p.m.) Monday - Saturday, Sunday hours 12-6 p.m. The bar is now open on Monday and Saturday evenings.
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Club Rule Reminder
As a reminder to members bringing your own liquor to the Club is not allowed due to liability risks. This is true regardless if the bar is open or closed. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
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Stay Up-to-Date
The bulletin board in the cardroom and the digital display in the court area are updated regularly with membership, financial, memorial, and business information.
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Plan Your Event
The Club is a great place to host a party with excellent food, reasonable rates, and attentive service. The Banquet Room has recently been repainted and is ready to welcome your group.
Donna Pieracci is the primary point of contact for booking parties. She and her staff handle all aspects of party planning, menu selection,
set-up, etc.
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The Club recently welcomed the following new members:
Emily Becker
Chris Cizek Jr.
Trisha and Dave Egbers
Amy and Dave Elledge
Matthew Ferrari
Judy Hitchmough
Michelle Huber
Kathleen Illes
Carol & Phil Lazarus
Sarah and Eric Mazzone
Marj Passini
Chris Prokop
David Simpson, Sr.
Chris Spirito
Lisa Watson
Donnie Winger
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The Club honors the memories of our members and their loved ones.
The bulletin board in the card room has space to place memorial cards, and news of a loss can be shared with Peter Pieracci who will share the information with our members.
Beatrice Lenzini
Matthew Muzik
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Officers
President
Tom Holleman
Vice President
Mary Ann Pedersen
Treasurer
Heidi Peddle
Recording Secretary
DeeDee Niebling
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Trustees
Frank Bacci
Bruce Bertucci
Lenny Innocenzi
Frank Lomoro
Peter Pieracci
Miles Russell
Tim Tolari
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