Chris Whitaker
- A Community-Minded Contributor to El Dorado County
By Charlotte A. Henderson
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The sense of community is indispensable…to self-realization.
Herbert J. Muller, Historian and Philosopher
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It was his Grandpa Myron Harrison that taught Chris Whitaker to be philanthropic with his time and energies. And he never forgot it!
Born and raised in El Dorado County and a graduate of Ponderosa High School, Chris has led anything but a boring life. “I like to stay busy,” says this Cold Springs Board Trustee. Chris obtained his contractors license at the age of 23 and formed his own painting and cabinetry business. The recession of 2007 found him reorganizing and obtaining his barber’s license and purchasing his own barber shop. The Diamond Barber Shop in Diamond Springs was his place of business for 12 years until he sold that recently to take on a vision with a good friend.
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“My best attribute is connecting with people,” says Chris. “It’s what I do best.” He is dedicated to community involvement. Chris is currently a trustee on the El Dorado County Fair Board serving for the past 11 years. In addition to that, he serves on the board of the El Dorado County Community Hall which is rented for events and in other ways serves the community. When he still had his barber shop, he served on the Diamond Springs/El Dorado Community Advisory Board which dealt with construction projects and made recommendations to project managers and to the county. |
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What’s his latest endeavor? He is the Executive Director of the Gilmore Hero Foundation. He and his life-long friend, Darrin Gilmore -- of Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing -- have formed this foundation to support military veterans and first responders in El Dorado County. This has been approximately a year in the making. Chris works under the board of trustees of the foundation in providing needed support to those specific groups. For example, not too long ago, it was reported to him that there was a veteran in the county who had been without water for four days at his property. Chris made some calls to his vast network within the county and had the water issue repaired within 1-1/2 hours. The veteran was so grateful and there was no cost to him for the work achieved. Chris stated,” There’s lots of resources for our veterans. However, they aren’t always aware of what those resources are and who to contact.” |
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The Gilmore Hero Foundation also recently provided a new canine unit for the Placerville Police Department and new uniforms for the El Dorado County Fire Department. |
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“I was 6-7 years old when I started golfing right here at Cold Springs,” says Chris. His grandparents, Myron and Della Harrison, were members of the club. He took golf camp as a kid and now Chris brings his children, Logan and Flora, to golf camp and to putt around in the evenings. “My grandpa was a stickler regarding ‘pace and play’ so he didn’t want our slow ‘kid’ pace to interfere with the adult club members golf game. I guess I tend to be a stickler about that as well.” His wife, Crystal, is content to ride along in the cart and read a book. Since he was a kid, Chris always wanted his own membership to the club. That day arrived about seven years ago. “It was a very proud moment for me on that day. I’m also very proud to be on the Cold Springs Board of Directors. I think all members should serve on the board at least once as it gives greater perspective and understanding of what it takes to operate a non-profit organization.” Chris enjoys being involved with the Tournament Committee as well. |
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“My hope is that by my children observing me help others and being involved with our community that they will take up those volunteer causes themselves one day. I want to teach them that same principle that my Grandpa taught me.”
Thanks for your service, Chris, to El Dorado County, and to Cold Springs Golf and Country Club… and keeping that sense of community alive and thriving. America was built upon the sense of community. ‘And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!’
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"We need a spirit of community, a sense that we are all in this together. If we have no sense of community, the American dream will wither." - William J. Clinton
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About the Author
Charlotte Henderson is my mother and volunteers her time to assist with feature articles and Member Spotlights for the Mulligan. She is an author, writer, and editor. So, if she gives you a call or sends an email please take a few moments to talk with her. This is a great way for all our members to get to know each other.
Thanks, Nathan Henderson, Finance Manager
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Presidents Message - Russ Hasemeier
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Dear Members,
Last month, my article was regarding our Member’s Code of Conduct. The Member’s Code of Conduct and basic golf etiquette are designed to require golfers to adhere to specific rules, so ALL members can have fun and enjoy the course equally. One rule that frequently causes much frustration and occasionally even conflict on the course is violation of our Pace of Play Policy.
The club policy on Pace of Play states:
This policy applies to all daily and recreational play. The pace of play for 18 holes is 4 hours. Groups are encouraged to keep up with the group in front. If your group falls behind the suggested pace of play, you may be issued a warning and asked to keep up with the group in front. If your group falls behind the suggested pace of play, you may be issued a warning and asked to speed up. If you are unable to meet this request after the warning, your group may be asked to pick up and move to the next hole or allow the group’s behind to play through.
Required within the Code of Conduct is that all members are “reflective of an adherence to ALL club rules.” Additionally, the code of conduct states, “Observe proper etiquette on and off the course and Clubhouse.” Adhering to the pace of play is both a rule and good etiquette. Below I have sited an article from the USGA regarding tips for improving your own pace of play. It can be found by clicking the link HERE.
Please take the time to read this article and apply the tips to your game. Speeding up the pace of play will allow others on the course and in your group much more enjoyment on the course.
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Sincerely,
Russ Hasemeier, President
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Birdie Business - Nathan Henderson
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Postal Service Problem:
It has come to our attention that Cold Springs did not receive some of your member payments for last month's billing. Several of you have called letting us know your payment was not applied to your account, resulting in a larger balance forward on your most recent statement. If this is the case, please call your bank, stop payment, and reissue. If you use online bill pay from your local bank, they will show the check amount as being debited from your account, but that does not mean that the bill pay has cleared or been deposited in Cold Spring's bank. Your bank turns around and issues Cold Springs a paper check which is mailed. Many of those bank issued paper checks never arrived. We are committed to helping you sort this out and no late fees will be charged.
Enrolling in autopay through the club is the best and most efficient way to process your monthly payment. See below for more info on how to enroll. This is different than using your banks website and initiating an online bill pay yourself)
Cold Springs AutoPay :
If you are looking for one less bill to remember to pay each month, consider putting your account on AutoPay via ACH direct transfer (click to download form) from your checking/savings account, or a credit/debit card (3% merchant processing fee for credit or debit cards). On or around the 10th of the month your outstanding balance on the previous statement will automatically be withdrawn from your bank account or charged to your card on file (example, the outstanding balance as of your April ending balance 4/30/2022 will be charged on or around the 10th of May). All payment info is encrypted and PCI compliant. |
Click below to view our NEW page and make sure you click the blue "Follow" button to receive notifications of new posts.
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Reminders:
Hunt Propane Offer: We welcome Hunt Propane as our new provider for the club! Hunt offers a special rate for club members’ residences of 75 cents over their cost. For more information or to take advantage of this partnership contact John Lewis, our Account Rep, at (530) 957-7748.
Member Portal Password: When accessing our website there is a Members section. The password is: coldsprings
Paperless Billing: If you are not already receiving your monthly statements via email, I would encourage you to elect for paperless billing. With USPS delays, cost of postage and supplies, it makes it very convenient. Just shoot me a quick email and I'll make the change. Thanks!
Questions: Billing mistakes can happen -- Email is the preferred starting point of communication for me to track and respond to all member requests when a need arises. With that said, don't hesitate to call anytime! Email: nathan@coldspringsgolf.com
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Pictured above: Kindall Henderson & Nathan Henderson |
Club Contacts
Main Phone: (530) 622-7642
Frost Line: (530) 622-5330
General Manager: Ext 106
Pro Shop: Ext 100
Restaurant/Bar: Ext 101
Food & Bev Office: Ext 105
Office: Ext 102
Turf Center: Ext 108
Useful Forms:
(Click to download)
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Change to REFERRAL BONUS Structure:
At the March 16th board meeting, the board voted to change the existing new member referral bonus policy. Instead of receiving a $500 statement credit, the listed referral will receive a complimentary round of golf for four guests. The referring members name must be included on the new member’s application in the “Referred By” Section.
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We welcome comments, suggestions and questions from our members. Please submit your comment and a member of our management team will be in touch.
Please note, your comment will be reviewed by our staff and board of directors.
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Russ Hasemeier
President
Michael Parsons
Vice President
Lynda Vernon
Director
Mike Worley
Director
Chris Whitaker
Director
Jeff O'Donnell
Director
Marc Glynn
Director
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Ellen Page
Tellers Comm.
Charles Caldwell
Budget & Strategic
Pat Flynn
Greens, Handicap
Bob Durand
Sr. Men's Club
Christie Cochran
Lady Niners
Heidi Caldwell
18 Hole Ladies
Michael Parsons
Tournament Comm.
Mike Worley
Infrastructure
OPEN
Ladies Tournaments
Advisory-Membership
Bylaws
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Spring has sprung!! We had all kinds of weather in March and are looking forward to a beautiful April...with smooth, new greens!
The winning score for our March Niner of the Month was a net 34 on the front nine by.....Jackie Kysor! Great round to win Jackie! Our March tournament was Par Points. Diane Collins was our winner with 23 points. Denise Blake took 2nd with 22 points and Laurie Waters took 3rd with 21 points. Our putting contest was rained out in March.
Our Lady Niner club continues to grow! Welcome to our newest member, Katie Farrell. I played with Katie and learned she enjoys vacationing in Hawaii and gardening. After golf, she was headed home to make dandelion jam! Fun fact: Katie is the daughter of long-time Cold Springs members and Niner Janet and Van Peterson!
Reminder to all Niners - Our next General Meeting is on Tuesday, April 5th after our nine holes. Mike has promised a great lunch for those who ordered in advance!
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Jackie Kysor - March Niner of the Month |
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Welcome to our new Lady Niner this month! |
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New Niner - Katie Farrell |
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Pro-Shots - Daniel Spaite, Head Professional
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Greetings from the Pro Shop!
Spring golf at Cold Springs is shaping up nicely. The Men's Invitation playing field has reached capacity in record time! Let me know if you missed out and want to be put on a waiting list if teams drop out.
Also, if you or your business would like to be a Tee Sponsor for the invitational, please contact me or Larry Sorum. It is only $100 and good exposure for your business.
You will notice a demo hitting surface mat towards the center of the driving range. We are moving forward with revamping the driving range mats and this particular mat is an excellent product. It gives realistic feedback, feels nice, and leaves very minimal, if any, green residue on your club. I would love to hear your feedback.
Lastly, I'd like to thank all the members for their diligence in signing out cart keys and returning them to the dropbox. I know it is cumbersome, but I am pleased to announce we haven't lost a single key since we implemented this process around five weeks ago! This is a big money saver for your club not having to pay to replace keys regularly.
Looking forward to serving you this Spring!
Daniel Spaite, Head Golf Professional
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Student Employee Highlight
- Kindall Henderson, Pro Shop Assistant
by Charlotte A. Henderson, Kindall's Proud Grandma
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Hopefully you have had the privilege of being met with her dazzling smile and friendly, helpful manner at the Pro Shop desk in the past year and a half of her tenure at Cold Springs. Kindall Henderson, a senior at El Dorado High School, and daughter of our Finance Manager Nathan Henderson, is a tiny, but mighty force out on the snowy slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. She just completed her four-year snowboarding career at the California-Nevada Interscholastic Ski and Snowboard Federation (CNISSF) State Championships in Mammoth placing 7th in the state for Women’s Giant Slalom and 10th in the state for Women’s Slalom. The Top Ten, as those placements are called, are awarded medals for their skill and speed. In qualifying to attend the state championships, Kindall took first place Women’s snowboarder for the CNISSF South 1 Division 2022 season. This is a competitive division made up by Oakridge, Ponderosa, Union Mine, El Dorado, Amador, and Argonaut High Schools.
How did you get started in snowboarding? I took lessons when I was eight years old. My family actually lived on the coast near Santa Cruz so we just took occasional winter weekends to snowboard as a family and always during spring break. My freshman year in high school I decided that would be a fun sport to join. My coaches immediately told me I was fast, but I really had no idea.
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What/when was your discovery moment about yourself and snowboarding? It was my sophomore year following the state championships when I truly realized I could be good at this – together with the fact that I had started teaching my teammates. That’s when I realized I was good enough to help take my team to the podium.
The El Dorado High School Alpine Team swept the podium this year placing as the #1 Team in the 2022 State Championships. Congratulations to the coaches, team, and supporters!
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Will you continue snowboarding competition in college? I thought about it, but I don’t think so. I want to stay in-state for college. The colleges I have applied to don’t have snowboarding teams. However, I plan to keep up my own personal joy of snowboarding. |
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How would you sum up your overall experience in your high school snowboarding career? You know – I was very shy my freshman year. Besides a source of personal fulfillment, it brought me into a leadership position (Girl’s Captain) which took away the shyness. I loved teaching my teammates and cheering on their efforts. Competing under pressure made me realize my own capabilities and gave me confidence. My goal was to place in The Top Ten in the state by my senior year. And, I did it! Our whole team did it!
“The most valuable player is the one that makes the most players valuable.” Peyton Manning
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What will you miss about working at Cold Springs when you head off to college? I have met some really cool people here. Cold Springs is small enough that you get to know everyone. I will miss the members and my co-workers a lot.
What are your future goals? I am planning on attending San Francisco State to attain a degree in Interior Design. I’ve always liked being creative and artistic. I’ve always strived to be kind, hard-working, and to make myself proud as well as others who care about me.
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Hello Cold Springs Members,
March was an amazing month filled with lots of sunshine and lots of events. Thank you to all that came to the Saturday dinner on March 26th. We are now completely off the shotgun tee times, always a good thing to remember is that you can call ahead to the bar from the tee box and we can have your food ready for you at the turn, (530) 622-9948!
We, in the Food & Beverage Department, want to say welcome back to the team, Kevin!!!!
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Going into April, we will be starting to pick up with better weather and longer sunny days. We have some exciting things lined up for the club this month as well as a busy schedule. Please CLICK HERE to learn more about the Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 17 from 10am - 2pm. The egg hunt begins at noon. You do not need to RSVP for just the Egg Hunt, only if you are attending brunch. |
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As always, thank you all so much for the support. We look forward to continuing to provide new specials, fresh products, and new seasonal items from the local farmer's market.
Mike Camello
Executive Chef
(530) 622-7642 x 105
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CALLING ALL SENIOR MEN 55 YEARS YOUNG AND UP!
Please join us on the second Thursday of each month for breakfast and golf. It is $10 annually to join the Senior Men's Club. Then, a $25 entry to the Thursday tournament that includes breakfast and prize money. Sign up sheet is in the men's locker room. Cutoff to sign up is one week in advance of event. We hope to see some new faces on April 14!
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Senior Men’s Tournament Results
March 10, 2022
First Place
Score: 199 Pays $139.00 Each $35.00
Bob Durand Mick Cochran
Gary May Jeff O’Donnell
Second Place
Score: 217 Pays $92.00 Each $23.00
Marnell Smith Don Coates
Tim McFadden Dan Boeshans
Third Place
Score: 223 Pays $46.00 Each $11.00
Jim LaBerge Terry Scranton
Peter Neukirchner Bill Amos
Senior Of the Month (Low Gross) Pays $20.00
Chris Valmis
Gross Score: 86
Senior of the Month (Low Net) Pays $20.00
Gary May
Gross Score: 89 Handicap: 19 Net Score: 70
Closest to the Pin Pays $10.00
Dan Aguiar Distance: 20’11” Hole #12
Number of Participants: 28
Jim and Bob
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Talkin' Turf - Doug Jeffrey
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We took advantage of the extended time period of our automatic frost delay as well as some dry weather to aerate our tee boxes before greens aeration. Seed was spread out and dragged into the open holes. Favorable conditions allowed for some quick germination and fill-in. Greens aeration went well. Usually, we are cramming three days of work into two. By not deep tinning this spring, using dried sand and an additional large blower helped cut some of the time to complete the aeration process this time around. We will be following up with more sand topdressing to fill in any holes that did not get filled and to help level out surfaces. Fairway aeration is planned for June.
With the cold, dry conditions we had through January and February even the cool-season grasses were fading in color. With the warmer days and having to initiate daily irrigation sooner than usual, we are slowly pulling out of winter dormancy. Our first fairway fertilizer application this month will help push the emerging Bermuda grass as well.
On a final note, our longest-tenured employee at Cold Springs, Rafael Lua, has had to leave his position of 40 + years due to health reasons. We are grateful and fortunate enough to have had an employee such as Rafael that was dedicated to Cold Springs. Now the challenge is to compete with other regional entities to fill open positions.
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Welcome to Spring!
We are thrilled to return to Daylight Savings time and longer days to enjoy our beautiful course. The course received its bi-annual aeration, and the conditions will be wonderful this spring. Come on out and play!
Several of our ladies have had the chance to take part in a couple of Open Days—notably Castlewood in Pleasanton, Granite Bay, and Meadow Club. Upcoming venues include Pasatiempo, Green Valley and Fountaingrove.
Welcome back to Kevin Earl, General Manager! Kevin returns to Cold Springs from Catta Verdera in Lincoln.
On April 19th, we are having our first formal Guest Day of the year. Elaine Boggess is spearheading the event, which promises to be a fun day. The format is 3-2-1 and we will enjoy both breakfast and lunch that day. Chef Mike has a great menu planned.
Our next window for signups for WGANC Legacy events is April 15th. This will include all Open Days and Tournaments between Mid-May through roughly the end of August. This includes the 2-person Scramble at Pasatiempo, the Senior Tournament at Rancho Murieta, The Stroke Play at Round Hill and Contra Costa and the Team Challenge at El Macero.
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Results for March:
March 1st
Flight 1 - Combined Team HC: 39-49
Low Net (62) - Karen M & Muriel O
2nd Low Net (64) - Bev E & Carol Y
Flight 1 - Combined Team HC: 53-70
Low Net (63) - Elaine B & Debbie K
2nd Low Net (64) - Gloria G & Sharon W
Well played, ladies!
March 8th AOM
Flight 1 - HC: 6-24
Low Gross (87) - Heidi Caldwell
Low Net (78) - Debbie Koski
Flight 2 - HC: 26-28
Low Gross (97) - Carol Yates
Low Net (74) - Susie Hendrix
Card off for 2nd Low Net
2nd Low Net (75) - Heidi Matlack
Flight 3 - HC: 29-35
Low Gross (100) - Elaine Boggess
Low Net (71) - Bolet Salvador
Card off for AOM
March AOM: Elaine Boggess (Net 71)
Closet to the Pin Hole 17: Karen McCaughern 10'8"
(and did she make the putt? Yes!)
Congratulations, everyone!
March 29th Three clubs and a putter. This was a non-postable score, but a fun, challenging format. It is very interesting to see the strategy involved in selecting the clubs.
Schedule for April, barring the whims of Mother Nature:
April 5th: Par Points/MYO4/Sweeps
April 12th: AOM/Draw/Sweeps/GENERAL MEETING AFTER GOLF
April 19th: Formal Guest Day/MYO4
April 26th: Back 9 Eclectic
CONGRATULATIONS, EVERYONE!
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Please give a warm Cold Springs welcome to our new members in March:
Jeff & Heather Waisner | Jacob & Stacey Flowers
Brian & Ally Leduc
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Main Office
(530) 622-7642
Address
6500 Clubhouse Drive
Placerville, CA 95667
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