WINTER 2018 ALONG THE EDISTO
Member Feature: The Homes of Cathy Hughes Championships The Times and Democrat Learn how golf associations Publisher takes on a new role. select host sites. Trivia Night A Seat For A Soulmate Do you have what it takes? An instant connection leads to love.
1 winter 2018 edition In This Issue: 03 Greetings from the Events and Marketing Director 04 Employee Spotlight: On and Off the Court with Hardeep Judge
06 Member Feature: Cathy Hughes Extends Her Sphere of Influence 06 11 Spring Lawn Tips 12 The Homes of Championships: How Golf Associations Select Host Sites
15 Food and Beverage Experiences Designed for You 17 The Tour Of Homes Wraps Up at the Club 18 Santa Visits the Club 15 20 Orangeburg County Business Hall of Fame 22 SI Group Hold Quarter Century Celebration at Orangeburg Country Club
23 Oyster Roast 24 Trivia Night 26 A Seat for A Soulmate 20
26 23
ALONG THE EDISTO: Orangeburg country club magazine 2 Greetings From the events and marketing director
Dear Current and Future Members,
Welcome to the third quarterly edition of the Club’s publication, Along the Edisto. Please enjoy this review of the most popular events members have enjoyed in the past few months. Your participation in the entertaining additions Lauren and Josh Gray made to our social and dining offerings is certainly appreciated. By taking part Photo courtesy of Rooted Oak Photography you confirm for your Orangeburg Country Club (OCC) family that you are using your membership for good times and memory making.
As many of you know, I’ve been on maternity leave making some very special memories of my own. I can happily report that my adjustment to motherhood is going well. Connor is thriving, so in early January I returned to work as the Director of Events and Marketing. This position allows me to direct and synchronize marketing activities for both OCC and its sister property, Buck Ridge Plantation.
My job is to convey each property’s unique features and suitability as a venue for distinctive events. My team and I also use proven marketing strategies to entice new members to join the Club. Please help us by inviting your friends and family to experience OCC’s hospitable atmosphere and luxurious amenities. It’s always a pleasure to welcome a guest as a member!
Thank you again for choosing the Club for your special events. If you have any Connor Lee Gray questions about booking an event, Private Event Coordinator Brandy Torrence will be happy to help. For information about activities or membership questions, speak with Hospitality Marketing Manager Erynn Molettieri or Member Services Representative Kelli Anderson, respectively. A complete staff listing and phone numbers are on the inside back cover of this publication. It is our pleasure to serve you.
Sincerely,
Lauren Gray Events and Marketing Director Orangeburg Country Club and Buck Ridge Plantation
The Gray Family
3 winter 2018 edition Tennis instruction with Hardeep is a Junior Sports Camp favorite!
On and off the court with Hardeep Judge'
By: Meredith E. Baker
Everyone on the Orangeburg Country Club (OCC) staff offers something unique to the member experience blend. In the last two issues of Along the Edisto, our readers learned more about two of our most beloved associates, Hank Watson and Henritta Frederick. This month the magazine is pleased to feature yet another praiseworthy colleague, Hardeep Judge. Our United States Tennis Association (USTA) Director of Tennis is a familiar fixture at OCC and an esteemed member of the Orangeburg community.
ALONG THE EDISTO: Orangeburg country club magazine 4 employee spotlight
Hardeep and Idellia, his wife of 27 years, have three wonderful children. The Judges’ eldest daughter, Katrina, was just a few months old when Hardeep began working at the Club. She is now a senior at the College of Charleston. Natalia, daughter number two, is 13 and plays tennis for Orangeburg Preparatory School. The couple’s youngest child, son Naylin, is an 11-year- old soccer prodigy. Hardeep has raised his family here, but his journey to South Carolina actually started in Europe.
Hardeep was born in England and lived there for three years. When he was just a toddler, Hardeep showed an interest in tennis. “Our house in England had a grass court in the backyard. Nobody in my family played tennis, but as soon as The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! I could walk, I would go out there and throw things over the Hardeep's son, Naylin, in his younger years. net,” recalled Hardeep.
When he was three-years-old, the family moved to Canada. While growing up Hardeep took an interest in the country’s Hardeep found more than sanctuary in the game. Competitive national winter sport, hockey. Hardeep remembered, “Hockey play taught him lessons that he could use in life. “Playing sports is a very physical sport. By the age of 11, I had been hit too gave me the opportunity to learn about more than just winning many times. I decided to turn all of my focus back to tennis.” and losing. Sports also taught me about commitment and Hardeep continued, “My fondest childhood memory is going character,” declared Hardeep. “For true athletes, commitment is out in the middle of winter and hitting tennis balls against a not just on the outside. It resides deep within them. Success also brick wall for hours. I could never beat that wall, but that wall requires character. I tell the tennis teams I coach that character was a place where I found refuge.” is not what you do when everyone is watching; it is what you do when no one is looking.” One of Hardeep’s fondest tennis memories is coaching 24 championship teams at South Carolina State University where he serves as Head Tennis Coach. “Having a part in players developing into not only great tennis players, but, more importantly, into respectable individuals has been rewarding,” said Hardeep.
Hardeep attributes his personal athletic achievements to hard work and diligence. However, he believes his success as a coach must be shared with his mentor, Mr. Frank Tourville. Hardeep related, “Mr. Tourville is the best coach that I have ever had. He exemplifies not only the character that I talk about with my players, but also effectively facing and overcoming adversity.” Hardeep continued, “Everyone faces difficulties. Successful athletes and individuals have a plan for overcoming it.”
Orangeburg Country Club congratulates Hardeep on his success as a husband, father, athlete, and coach. If you would Idellia and Hardeep at the 2018 like to benefit from Hardeep’s talents and skills, call him to set Salvation Army Dance. up a private lesson or to join one of his ongoing tennis clinics. You’ll learn more than just how to deliver a powerful serve or Photo courtesy of Rooted Oak Photography execute a perfect backhand from this gifted coach.
5 winter 2018 edition Member Spotlight WINTER 2018
CATHY HUGHES Extends Her Sphere Of Influence By Meredith E. Baker
Orangeburg Country Club (OCC) counts among its membership a number of local leaders who are dedicated to making our community the best it can be. In the most recent issues of Along the Edisto, our readers learned more about two such individuals, Dr. Mona Ellis and Ms. Brenda Williams. In this edition we are featuring another notable OCC member, Mrs. Cathy Hughes. For many of us Cathy and our local newspaper, The Times and Democrat (The T& D), are synonymous.
Cathy is a lifelong resident of Orangeburg County. Born and raised in North, she still makes her home there. Cathy and her husband of 46 years, Randy, have two daughters. The girls are grown now and have families of their own. Daughters Kelley Boetsch and Holley Van Horn live in Aiken and Columbia, respectively. Cathy appreciates the fact that her girls are nearby. “I am fortunate that my children are so close. It’s a real treat to get to see their families, especially our four grandchildren: Hannah, Isabel, Ava, and Joseph,” said Cathy with a smile. Cathy is joined by her grandchildren in her office to receive the Order of the Silver Crescent. In 1971 Cathy graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a B. A. in Journalism. Interestingly, Cathy’s newspaper career actually began before Host your next event at graduation with an internship at The Times and Democrat. Cathy recalled, “I first worked at the paper during the summer between my sophomore and junior years at Carolina. I spent most of that time in the newsroom with Great for: Joyce Milkie, Frank Myers, John Faust, and • Business Meetings Jimmy Gressette.” Cathy continued, “The first • Fundraisers story I ever covered was about part of the • Corporate Events ceiling falling in at the county courthouse. I remember being so disappointed when my Call us today at 803-534-5988! ALONG THE EDISTO: Orangeburg country club magazine entire lead was rewritten!” 6 Member Spotlight: Cathy Hughes WINTER 2018
December 1971 was a time of considerable change in Cathy’s life. Along with landing her dream job, Cathy graduated from college and married her sweetheart. These three major personal milestones preceded many momentous newsworthy events Cathy would chronicle for the readers of The Times and Democrat. Two of these
occurred early in her career, and many of our readers might recall them. “I started full-time at the paper in January 1972.
The newspaper building burned in October that year, and the area was blanketed by a record-breaking snowstorm in February of 1973. The Times and Democrat never missed an edition through either of those events or for any reason since,”[ related Cathy proudly.
“I’ve been fortunate to work in news, Cathy addresses the attendees of the production, finance, and advertising. They’ve Times and Democrat 2017 Page Turner never let me actually run the press though!” Book and Author Luncheon.
Being[ employed at a newspaper The T & D’ssize gave Cathy the is my husband Randy who always supported me even while opportunity to learn about many different departments. Cathy maintaining his own career. He went on so many of the girls’ said, “I’ve been fortunate to work in news, production, finance, school field trips over the years! Being blessed with good kids and advertising. They’ve never let me actually run the press who were easy and fun to raise helped, too.” Cathy went on though!” Among the leadership positions Cathy has held over to say, “Obviously I owe Dean Livingston, the publisher who the years are Business Manager, Advertising Director, General hired me, a great deal. I worked with Dean for 27 years and Manager, and Publisher. Cathy’s success is in no small part due learned so much from him before he retired in 1999. My co- to her commitment and hard work, but she generously credits workers at The Times and Democrat have also been critical to others with providing crucial support. my success. I could not have taken on added responsibilities with Lee Enterprises if not for the conscientious, dependable, Cathy acknowledged, “The list of people who have helped and knowledgeable employees at the Orangeburg newspaper.” and inspired me over the years is long. At the top of the list Continued on next page
7 winter 2018 edition
Member Spotlight: Cathy Hughes WINTER 2018
Over her 46-year career, Cathy has seen quite a few Democrat, is well acquainted with her capabilities. At the changes in the newspaper business overall and in her end of last year, the company asked her to take on the responsibilities specifically. When asked about the most newly created position of Tier Three Group Publisher. dramatic change she has seen, Cathy named the impact of In her new capacity, Cathy[ will continue to serve as technology. “Technology has affected everything. I now Publisher of The Times and Democrat. She will also oversee pay my country club bill online. In the newspaper industry, operations at seven other locations: Flagstaff, AR; Carlisle, technology has allowed us to PA; Maysville, KY; Longview, provide news more quickly and WA; Napa, CA; Hanford, CA; in more forms. The T & D no “I thank the loyal readers and advertisers and Santa Maria, CA. “This is longer revolves solely around who have been our partners on many an exciting opportunity for ‘press time.’ We can post endeavors over the years. ” me to help other publishers news as soon as it happens on of papers that, because of our TheTandD.com. In addition, we comparable size, face similar are not limited to the printed word and still photographs. challenges,” revealed Cathy. All the newspapers in her Videos and live streaming of events[ as they happen would extended sphere of influence will certainly benefit from not have been possible or even dreamed of for a newspaper Cathy’s wisdom and leadership. person when I began my career,” Cathy explained. An OCC member since 1999, Cathy sees great value in On November 6, 2017, Cathy added yet another title to her membership. “Professionally, it (OCC) is a premier her already long list of positions. Lee Enterprises, the meeting place. I use the Club to entertain customers and Davenport, Iowa based parent company of The Times and corporate visitors. It is also a wonderful site for holding
Cathy presents the 2017 Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. ALONG THE EDISTO: Orangeburg country club magazine 8 Member Spotlight: Cathy Hughes WINTER 2018
employee meetings and business events,” said Cathy. One of the largest happenings with which Cathy and the newspaper are involved is The Times and Democrat’s Page Turner luncheon.
Cathy explained, “Each spring we sponsor this fundraiser that supports Newspapers in Education (NIE). Because of the popularity and community support of this event, we can electronically deliver our local newspaper to teachers and classrooms in the tri-county area (Orangeburg, Bamberg, and Calhoun) free of charge.” Cathy continued, “The regional authors invited to speak are impressed with the Club. OCC’s outstanding personnel has made producing this event easy and fun! We have chosen OCC for the last three luncheons, and each one we’ve hosted at the Club has drawn a full house! Our 10th annual Page Turner, the fourth held at OCC, will take place on March 6, 2018. We are looking forward to another spectacular and successful event.”
Personally, Cathy considers Orangeburg Country Club the perfect place for a special evening out. She is also fond of galas and other themed events. “The Club is a beautiful venue! I particularly enjoy seeing how the staff makes each event unique and how they completely transform the Club based on a theme,” said Cathy.
As our conversation came to a close, Cathy spoke of her appreciation of the local community that has been supportive of The Times and Democrat. “I thank our loyal readers and advertisers who have been our partners on many endeavors over the years. I hope our community recognizes the value in having institutions like the Orangeburg Country Club and The Just the facts Times and Democrat in its midst. Numerous communities the size of ours do not have either, and sometimes we don’t realize 1969 Interned at the T&D how much this area has going for it.” 1971 Graduated from the Orangeburg and the surrounding region have much to University of South Carolina offer. Among our greatest assets are devoted citizens like Married Randy Cathy Hughes. OCC congratulates Cathy on her numerous accomplishments and wishes her continued success in landed her dream job her latest endeavor as Tier Three Group Publisher for Lee 1972 Started working full-time at the T&D Enterprises. As Cathy attested, Orangeburg Country Club 1999 Became a member of OCC is a wonderful place to entertain customers and corporate visitors, as well as an easy place to hold fundraisers, meetings, 2017 named Tier Three Group Publisher and business events. Find out more about our event services 2018 The best is yet to come! or membership options with a call to Private Event Planner Brandy Torrence or Member Services Representative Kelli 9 Anderson. You can reach them at 803-534-5988. winter 2018 edition Summer Fun at the Blue Frog Lagoon
The OCC pool season runs from May 26 to September 3, 2018. That’s 100 days of beating the heat!
The Blue Frog Lagoon Amenities • Certified lifeguards • Memorial Day Cookout • Complimentary towels • Junior Sports Camps • Family-friendly activities • Swimming Lessons • Resort-grade chaise lounges • Screen on the Green • Poolside food and beverage service • Father’s Day Fish Fry at the Lily Pad • July 4th Barbeque • Access to the Blackwater Grille and Bar • Labor Day Luau • And many more!
Call us to find out more or to schedule a tour!
2745 Griffith Drive Orangeburg, SC 29118 803-534-5988