Date: Fri 28-Nov-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: KIMH

Quick Words:

Joan-Crick-President-NCC

Full Text:

Joan Crick: First Female President Of NCC

BY KIM J. HARMON

It might not be a very memorable day for many -- November 15, 1997 -- but it

was a momentous one nevertheless at the Newtown Country Club as Joan Crick was

named the first woman president in the club's 82-year history.

Mrs Crick, who has been a member of the club since 1985, succeeds Bill Hibbard

as president and will preside over a nine-member Board of Governors that will

include five new members -- two of them women.

"I feel very honored," said Mrs Crick before she was to lead her first meeting

Tuesday night. "The Newtown Country Club is a very special place and to do

that, support our women unanimously, is wonderful."

NCC is a forward-thinking club. Unlike many other private country clubs, there

are no restrictions on play. Be it weekdays or weekends, mornings or

afternoons, women can tee the ball up at anytime. Members are members,

regardless of sex.

"No one is considered anything but a member here," said Mrs Crick, "which is a

wonderful thing."

Mrs Crick will lead the BOG with vice-president Paul Payne (who served a

number of years ago), treasurer Sandy Stockwell, secretary Ed Filardi

(returning), and directors Jack Paulin, Frank Conover (returning), Harold

Dunleavy (returning), Shirley Pednik, and Buddy Clarkson (a past president).

Mrs Crick had served as treasurer for 10 years, since 1987, and spoke up of

her desire to serve once the nominating committee began searching for new

candidates.

"I thought I could do it," she said, "considering I had 10 years experience

and knew how things were run."

Her term, which will run at least for one year, will see some important issues

on the table -- namely, the new sewer hook-ups and assessments and the second

phase of the automatic watering system.

"We will be looking to maintain the course and the Newtown Country Club as it

is," said Mrs Crick, "improve where we can within the clubhouse and with our

service to the membership."

NCC boasts about 215 memberships (which includes about 250 members) from

juniors and singles memberships to weekday and family memberships. Golfers

come from all over the area -- like Norwalk, Fairfield and Roxbury, just to

name a few places.

"One of our most important things," said Mrs Crick, "is our membership."

As well as others -- like the superintendent, Joe Kocet; the steward, Bob

Helsel; the bookkeeper for the last 15 years, Rosemary McCulloch; and the club

pro, Paul Miller -- who keep the Newtown Country Club running well on a day to

day basis.

When it comes to the work of the BOG, each board member will deal with, or

oversee, one aspect of the club -- such as the greens, the bar, and the

tournaments.

"We all work together," said Mrs Crick.

All the good work has given the NCC a nice look -- with a stunning nine-hole

layout where men's and women's club championships, junior championships, and

member-guest tournaments spice up the summer play. And the ideas keep coming,

like the Ladies Association's new inter-club tournament plan where NCC

challenges other country clubs.

"I consider the club a part of my heritage," said Mrs Crick. "It's a part of

the history of Newtown."

And keeping it running smoothly will be her job now.

"I'm giving it a whirl," she said. "Like I said at the meeting, I'm open for

any suggestions and questions by any member at any time ... except when I'm on

the first or tenth tee."