We Welcome Fall at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Welcome to the third day of fall. They days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, but that means leaves are beginning to showcase the brilliant colors of the season. As you’re driving, I’m sure you’ve taken notice that the tips of most trees are no longer green; most of us know this change all too well. If you live on the east coast, this side of the country is where leaves display the reds, yellows, and oranges of fall. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is surrounded by the burst of color that fall brings, and I’m on the search to find the best.

Just like winter snowflakes, no two years bring the same foliage sights. Dependent on temperature and sunlight, each year factors in a different array of colors, patterns and leaf-fall. Certain trees carry specific colors in their leaves once the nights begin to grow longer toward the end of the year.

Oak – Red, Brown, Russet

Hickory – Golden Bronze

Aspen – Golden Yellow

Dogwood – Purplish Red

Beech – Light Tan

Sourwood – Crimson

Red Maple – Scarlet

Sugar Maple – Orange-Red

Black Maple – Yellow

When you arrive for your Nemacolin stay, take some time to look around the resort and see if you can name what tree species are growing on property. In the meantime, check out the bursts of color we are already beginning to see around the resort:

 

If you haven’t booked your fall vacation and these pictures aren’t convincing enough, be sure to take a look at one of the best packages we have to offer right now, our Simply the Best Package, and make sure you book your stay to see some of the best sights in the Laurel Highlands!

Personal Growth and a Check Off My Bucket List

It is human character to enjoy what is comfortable, to not push limits and to resist change when it first arrives. We all have done it... as I have. On the younger side of my twenties, it is time to stop resisting the unknown and accept the changes in life. I left my home, family and friends to pursue a life-changing opportunity here at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Little did I know... that life changing capabilities lie in more than just starting a new career.

Nemacolin offers so many opportunities to cross off my ever-growing personal "bucket list." In order to gain a better understanding of just a small portion of what a guest experiences at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, I jumped at the opportunity to experience some of the Resort's amenities. In just two days, I traded my own vehicle for an Off-Road Jeep Rubicon tour through the rugged back-country of the Laurel Highlands.  The next day, my other ride had four legs, as I took a trip around the surrounding woodlands on horseback.

One Tuesday in June, the Adventure Center set me up with an opportunity to complete the Canopy Tour which combined the 40' Ropes Course and the Fatbird Flyer Zip Line. Never participating in anything like this before, the adrenaline rush had me scurrying up the first set of pegs on a telephone pole sized vertical log. I climbed without hesitation until I found myself frozen on the ladder leading to the first obstacle. I was scared. Looking down, I wavered, “I think I’m going to have to climb back down, I can’t do this.” I stood in position, mentally and physically stuck, as the guide perched above on his stand, forty feet in the air answered back, “Yes, you can.” He howled from the post, “just keep going.” The simple words of encouragement made me gulp. This guy lived up there for hours out of the day, happily offering reassurance and directing guests, and I’m the one who is afraid. I pushed forward, mind completely blank and heart beating out of my chest, but I made it to the first obstacle. Swings – people had to walk across these? Indeed, they did. As the Guide sensed my concern, he told me what to do next, and continued to do so at every point I reached. With each obstacle, I begged myself not to quit, and as soon as I crossed each one, a sense of relief and pride waved over me for a few moments before the determination to finish the next challenge flooded my mind again. The only way down was to complete the course, and I was making it across the jungle of wooden planks, ropes and tires. Before I knew it I was floating down on a Zip Line to the finish. I took deep, full breaths of the clean Pennsylvania mountain air and as soon as I touched the ground, I was unable to wipe the smile off my face. The Fatbird Flyer only enhanced my delight as I flew through the trees in a grand finale.

Pushing through something that I’ve never done before gave me a renewed sense of self. I am a better individual than I was before, and it wasn’t because I lost “those last five pounds” or bought new shoes; it was because I truly became a stronger person for pushing myself to do something that I thought I couldn’t do. Unusual challenges serve as a reminder of what the mind and body are capable of, and anyone can experience that here. I wouldn’t give that feeling up, and I can’t wait to do it again – maybe a little bit faster next time.


Christina Petrilli
Assistant Marketing Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Congratulations To Our Associates Of The Month

Congratulations to our Associates of the month for March, 2013! Join us as we say "thank you" to these Associates for their devotion, dedication and hard work. We appreciate you!

BACK OF THE HOUSE:
Courtney Smith – F&B – Culinary Administration Assistant
"Courtney is always in the best of moods and willing to help, even when it’s a project that does not involve her.  She is always smiling and always striking up a conversation.  Everything she deals with on a daily basis should be recognized as she has what it takes to be an excellent associate of the month.”









FRONT OF THE HOUSE:
Lloyd Williams – F&B - Tavern
"Lloyd seems to have what the guests love and expect when they dine at the Tavern.  Lloyd comes to work in the best of moods, lifting spirits around him and making work a fun place while keeping in mind our service standards.  He goes above and beyond each and every time he serves a table and I’m proud to have him as part of the Tavern team.”

RISING STAR:
Sam Welling – Guest Services/Bellman
"To say that Sam exceeds the expectations of our resort guests I am sure is a very true statement.  Along with this statement we can also say that Sam exceeds the expectations of fellow Nemacolin associates like myself or anyone else that he encounters on a regular basis.  His attitude alone can make for a better workplace for associates and a better getaway for our guests!”




 

LEADER OF THE MONTH:
Daynelle Sanner – Training Manager/HR
"Daynelle is constantly looking for ways to improve the training and development of our associates.  Her most recent venture with the F&B Supervisor course is the perfect example of this.  She took on an area she was not 100% comfortable with, learned all she could about it, and provided an incredible class for our current and up-in-coming F&B Supervisors.”








TEAM OF THE QUARTER:
Human Resources
“Talk about a team who makes it happen!  The HR Team deserves to be recognized for the first quarter because of the many new and wonderful programs, events and trainings they have provided to both Associates of the resort and to the community – and in only three short months.  While the first quarter can typically be slower for some properties, this team was in full swing!”

Nemacolin Prepares To Dig In And Give Back

Volunteers from Nemacolin Woodlands Resort will hit the road this week with representatives from more than a dozen other organizations to take part is what some might deem the ultimate in giving back. On Friday, April 19, 2013, Nemacolin Gives Back, a Nemacolin Woodlands Resort volunteer organization created to personally impact the local community, will participate in the second year of a multi-year reforestation effort at the Flight 93 Memorial site. The ultimate goal of the project is to establish a windbreak for the 40 Memorial Groves design feature, which will be planted nearby in memory of those individuals who lost their lives aboard Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. The personal impact for the participants is much more far reaching.

“After participating in the first year of the project, we were left with a feeling of overwhelming gratitude for the sacrifices of the crew and passengers of Flight 93. We all walked away with a sense of satisfaction that we were able to make a small contribution in the effort to preserve their memory for years to come,” said Julie King, Marketing Manager and Organizer of Nemacolin Gives Back. “This project has such a personal connection for everyone who has played a part and unites us in a way that none of us should ever forget. That is why we knew we had to be involved again this year.”

Nemacolin Gives Back was established over a year ago and has participated in several events since its inception. These events include a Nemacolin's traveling Wild Animal Show at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Flight 93 Reforestation Project, Habitat for Humanity, a Summer Food Program and Pittsburgh Beautification. In keeping with the philanthropic spirit of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort's founders, Joseph A. Hardy and Maggie Hardy Magerko, Nemacolin Gives Back has made it their mission to personally impact individuals through personal connection and interaction. However, for many of the individuals participating in the Flight 93 project, the personal impact lies within.

Images from Nemacolin Gives Back's participation in the Flight 93 Reforestation project in 2012.

Julie King
Marketing Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Meet our NEW Director of Instruction...

Meet our NEW Director of Instruction - Brian Rogish

Meet Brian Rogish!  Our new Director of Instruction at the Nemacolin Golf Academy. Brian has dedicated his career to helping golfers play better and enjoy the game.  Recently, Brian was recognized as "One of the Best Young Teachers in America," through his nomination for the Top 40 Teachers Under the Age of 40 List. Brian’s 360° approach is practical, focusing on the goals and needs of each golfer through customized instruction.

Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m originally from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania but recently moved to Farmington, Pennsylvania from Cleveland, Ohio. I eat, sleep, and breathe the game of golf. During the times I’m not around the game, I love being outdoors, at a baseball game, fishing or spending time with friends and family and a new member, my dog, “Arnie” (yes, after Arnold Palmer).

When did you start golfing and who introduced you to the game?I got into golf a little later in life than I think most of my Professional peers did.  I started when I was 19 years old, which by comparison to the youth of today, is pretty late. I was into other sports growing up, mainly baseball and basketball.  Like many golfers, it was my father who first introduced me to the game and I was instantly addicted. I honestly never really considered the idea of a career in golf until about a month before I graduated college, but at this point I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.  It’s funny how life works itself out.

How would you classify your teaching style, and why do you think that it is best?
I would classify my teaching style as practical.  I’m very goal oriented with my students and always try to help them work within their individual goals. Every person plays the game for a different reason and wants different things from the game. My approach is to help each person that comes to see me; accomplish their goals. I incorporate various technologies, like TrackMan, to make each golfer’s lesson experience more productive.  I wouldn’t necessarily say that my style or approach is the best, it is just the method I have had the most success with helping students reach their goals. I consider myself a life-long student because I am constantly learning things from a number of great instructors I have been lucky enough to be around.
To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
I think that the accomplishment I am most proud of is any time a student tells me about a career low round or a goal they have reached. I receive much more personal enjoyment from helping others enjoy the game more than I ever could from winning a tournament. I love to work with the frustrated golfer who is on the verge of abandoning the game because I know it is a chance for me to bring a lot of happiness back into that person’s life by helping them play better.

In your opinion, what is the most exciting new trend in golf instruction?
No question, it’s the evolution of technology. Technology like TrackMan has truly changed the face of golf instruction and that is only the surface. There is technology that exists now that can tell us things about a golfer’s swing that were physically impossible to see with our eyes and even video. It’s really an exciting time to be an instructor, because the technology continues to get better and better and that translates into better lessons for the student.

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
That’s a great question. I don’t know that I actually have a favorite club. I’m not really attached to any one club in my bag, but I guess I should show a little more love for my putter considering what is has done for me in the past!

Dream golf foursome (living or dead)?
Tough to narrow that down to just 4, but I would say my parents because they taught me how to be me, and have done so much for me in my life, and then Arnold Palmer because he has arguably done more than any one person for career golf professionals. I’d just like to tell him, “Thanks.”

What is your favorite candy bar?
I’m not much of candy person. I would opt more for a Nature Valley bar.

What made you want to join the Nemacolin team?
Nemacolin offers such a unique combination of a Forbes Five-Star Resort that still knows how to smile and enjoy life.  I felt that matched well with my personality and goals in life. The uniqueness of the property here is the truth to that. I don’t know of any places off the top of my head that have Forbes Five-Star lodging and dining, along with exotic animal habitats footsteps away.

You have been at Nemacolin for a few weeks now.  Any “WOW” moment?
Without a doubt the “WOW” moment happened during my first week here.  I was practicing at the Golf Academy around 8:00PM when I heard a loud rumbling. At first I didn’t pay much attention, but when I listened closer I realized it was the roaring of the lions!  It was amazing to hear in person and I realized that I am probably the only Golf Professional in America that gets to experience the roar of a lion while hitting balls on the range.

Interested in Booking a Lessons with Brian at the Nemacolin Woodlands Golf Academy? For more information or to schedule a lesson, please contact the Nemacolin Golf Department at 724.329.6111.

Spring Fishing at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

As I am looking out of the window at the snow falling at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort's Field Club, (we received about 6" overnight), I can only think about one thing… Trout Fishing!

The Spring months (March and April) in my opinion offer some of the best Pennsylvania fly fishing of the year.  As air and water temperature begin to warm, our local trout streams begin to come to life.  After a long, hard winter of conserving energy, hungry trout start feeding more aggressively.  Usually we are focusing our attentions sub surface using streamer patterns and multiple nymph patterns.  However, early season can be a nymph fisherman’s dream as hungry trout key in on active mayflies and stoneflies.  You never know when you may run into an early season hatch and find fish feeding on the surface, presenting the opportunity for some Dry Fly action.

Weather and water can be unpredictable early in the fly fishing season, but I have had some of my best days guiding when conditions were less than ideal.  The early season is a great way to get dialed back in, knock the rust off and warm up for things to come.

If you are planning a trip to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort this spring and are itching to wet a line, contact the Nemacolin Field Club to schedule some time on the water.  Along the way we will have fun, enjoy the outdoors, learn a little, and try to catch some fish!

Just remember a bad day of fishing is always better than a good day at work! P.S. - Just look at all the smiles in the Fish pictures.

 

Tight Lines,
Michael Steiner

Orvis Operations Manager

NSCA Level 1 Sporting Clays Instructor

Nemacolin Field Club

Congratulations to our Associates of the Month!

Henry Ford once said, “Take my building, all my money, my land, but leave me my people and within one year I will be back on top again.” 

We found this quote quite fitting as we put together our Associates of the Month announcement.  At Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, we are honored with the many awards and recognitions we have received from various industry leading organizations over the years.  We are proud of the new Sundial Lodge and other infrastructure improvements and additions we have built for our guests' enjoyment.  We are proud of the endless list of amenities that come with striving to be the best within our industry for the past 26 years.  Most of all, we are proud of our people, our family.  Our Associates are the foundation of our culture.

Join us in celebrating and congratulating our Associates of the Month!


Front of the House:
Sarah "Liz" Berlovich - Woodlands Spa
"Sarah does superb work and is very professional with all of her guests. Sarah goes out of her way to make sure her guests are happy and enjoying not only the service she is providing them but also their entire stay.  Sarah is a great asset to our team and I feel she should be recognized for it!"

Rising Star: 

Lauren "Shorty" Pavlicko - Tavern / Apex
"Lauren goes above and beyond service standards to ensure all guests and co-workers are treated with the greatest satisfaction in mind."

Leader of the Month:
Allan Treacher - Engineering
"Immediately after Alan was promoted to Assistant Director of Engineering, improvements were noticed. He jumped in head first and tackled tasks with confidence and much ambition. He is hands on and results oriented. He seems relentless and has the knowledge to back up his mission"

Team of the Quarter:
Activities
A HUGE thank you to our Activities team for their long hours and hard work during the planning, building and launch of our new Sundial Lodge!














Not Pictured.  Back Of The House:Jim Fernico - Housekeeping
"Jim has stepped up and started training our new associates in housekeeping. He is a loyal and dedicated employee and always goes above and beyond his job duties. He truly cares for the condition of our property and is constantly striving to make improvements."