Your Weekly Manhattan Country Club Update: October 23, 2023
Dear Member,
Monthly Mentions
This week, I decided to partner up with my pal, TK, our head of Athletics, and talk about the sport of the year, pickleball! If you haven’t joined in the fun yet, now is the time.
A Little History – Flashback to 1965, when a group of friends in Washington State returned home from a round of golf to, you guessed it, their children bored at home. Lucky for us, those bored kids helped spark the creation of Pickleball–first through a combination of misfit equipment (a lowered badminton net, a perforated plastic ball, table tennis paddles) and a driveway. By the early 1970’s, pickleball was becoming a fully formed sport, with a corporation created to protect its integrity. Soon to follow would be organized tournaments, and with competitive play came the first official rulebook in 1984, created by the US Amateur Pickleball Association. In 2005, the USA Pickleball Association was established, and the rest is history. You’ll hear various opinions on whether the sport was named after the creator’s dog, Pickles, or the dog after the sport, but however it came to be, we’re thankful to have it as part of our racquet sports culture.
Is Pickleball for Me? – The best part, no previous racquet sports experience is needed, just a willingness to have fun! If you’ve ever played ping pong, you’ll find pickleball to have a very similar feel, using a paddle that’s slightly larger than ping pong but far smaller than tennis. This smaller paddle makes it easier to control, which leads to consistent contact with the ball much more quickly as you learn. Rallying (successfully hitting the ball back and forth over the net) comes naturally, and within minutes, you’re chasing the ball around the court, having a blast!
What do I need to play? – You don’t need much. Wear comfortable clothing and non-marking athletic shoes. We have all the rest of the gear you’ll need at the Club. If you would like your own paddles, check out recesspickleball.com.
Courts Galore – Did you know we have over 100 courts across the Clubs, and growing!? We are working hard to keep up with the growing demand.
A Party to Remember – As you start to think about holiday parties (personal or corporate), think about hosting a pickleball party. They’re all the rage! Contact your local club and they will get you all the information you need.
A Little T.L.C.
Are pickles good for you? You know I had to tie them into the subject somehow. Pickles are actually great for you! They’re great sources of both vitamin K and vitamin A, two essential antioxidants that are found in many fruits and veggies. These natural antioxidants fight free radicals, which are chemicals in the body that can cause cancer and heart disease.
Now, not all pickles are fermented, but the fermented kind have the most health benefits. Fermentation creates good bacteria (you may have heard of probiotics) that support a healthy digestive system and boosts the immune system. Look for fermented pickles in the refrigerator section of the store. Another hint, look for “live cultures” on the label. Now, go grab a spear (and a paddle)!
Ponder This
“Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness”.
~ Chuang-Tzu
In health,
Tracy L Cioffi
Chief Marketing Officer
The Bay Club Company
Bird’s Eye View
Food and Drink Specials
Join us for our specialty nights with specials on food and drinks in our restaurant! Featuring Taco Tuesdays, Pizza and Pasta Nights, Happy Hour, and our New Special night on Fridays – Sushi & Sake ! Please RSVP on OpenTable.
Kids Culinary Night: Mummy Pizza
Wednesday, October 25 | 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Calling all little chefs! This is your time to design your own mummy pizza with friends and family! $25+ per participant. RSVP on OpenTable under “Experience” or write “Kids Culinary Night” in the comments.
Halloween Tennis Round Robin
Thursday, October 26 | 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Bring out your Halloween costume of choice and join in on a fun tennis round robin. Register on TopDog.
Adult Karaoke Night
Thursday, October 26 | 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
We’re throwing an adult-only Karaoke night filled with good music, good food, and some good fun! One free drink for all who show us their singing skills. RSVP on OpenTable and write “Karaoke Night” in the comments.
Halloween Cardboard Boat Race
Sunday, October 29 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Join the fun with this annual family cardboard boat race at the pool! Get creative and show off your masterpieces. Prizes for the top 2 creations! RSVP to Kyle.Flanders@bayclubs.com.
Save the Dates for November
*More info to come
Thanksgiving Take Home Dishes
Love some of our dishes in the restaurant? Want to pick them up to bring to your Thanksgiving celebrations? We’re now taking orders through Monday, November 20! To place an order, please email our Executive Chef at Justin.Fulton@bayclubs.com.
MCC Pickleball Tournament
Saturday, November 4
Sign up on TopDog.
Kids Science Night
Saturday, November 4 | 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Sign up on Connect.
Ambassador Training
Wednesday, November 8 | 5:00 pm-7:30 pm
Sign up on Connect.
Veteran’s Day Camp
Friday, November 10 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Sign up on Connect.
MCC Wine Mixer
Thursday, November 16 | 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Join us for a great time with a selection of wine and food. RSVP on OpenTable, and put “MCC Wine Mixer” in the notes.
Kids Soccer Tourney
Saturday, November 18 | 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Sign up on Connect.
Thanksgiving Camp
November 20 -22 & 24 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Sign up on Connect.
Thanksgiving Brunch
Wednesday, November 22 | 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Come and join us for a Thanksgiving-themed brunch with a specialized menu for all! RSVP on OpenTable, and put “Thanksgiving Brunch” in the notes.
Gingerbread Making Nights
November 27 & 28 | 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
RSVP on OpenTable, and put “Gingerbread” in the notes.
December
MCC Annual Santa Brunch
Sunday, December 3 | 9:00 am-2:00 pm
RSVP on OpenTable, and put “Santa Brunch” in the notes.
Book Your Next Event with Us
Want to host a birthday, pickleball party, baby or bridal shower, or a meeting at MCC? Now is the time! Email Rosie.Vargas@bayclubs.com to get started.
*Our Ballroom, Screening Room, and Boardroom will not be available for use beginning January 2024 due to renovations.
In health,
Gaby Romo
Vice President/General Manager
Manhattan Country Club