By Rick Colvin
Frank Schepis knew the job of president of the multi-faceted, more than 460-member Landings Mens Golf Association would be challenging when he took over from Bob Hainly last December. But no one could have predicted that, in leading an organization dedicated to golf, fun, friendship, and community-building, one of his responsibilities would be to remind everyone to remain socially distanced while quaffing post-round beverages. “Come on guys, spread out,” Frank would say to golfers who gathered around the score board.
Frank’s term ended in November when the membership by acclamation supported Greg Snyder whom Frank had chosen a year earlier as his vice-president and presumptive successor. “It was an honor to serve as president,” Frank said, reflecting on the previous year. “It sounds hokey but it really was.”
Scott Justman, the Club’s Director of Golf, said Frank was a great partner during a difficult time. “He took the safety of the members very seriously and thanks to his planning and preparation the association was able to operate with minimal interruptions,” Scott said.
Frank moved to The Landings in April 2015, with his wife, Pam. During his 30 years in sales and marketing with Air Products & Chemicals, based in Allentown, PA., Frank was known as an effective project team member. That experience served him well as president, a role requiring working closely with the organization’s Board of Directors, the Landings Club staff, and its golf professionals. “I really enjoy working with people toward a common goal, especially when everyone is volunteering their time and talents.”
With Frank at the helm, the LMGA added 22 members, participation in weekly events increased to between 75 and 90 golfers, and more members played in the Wednesday night scramble, which for the first time featured the participation of club professionals.
But Frank said he was most proud of the members for donating over $14,000 to support the Employee Needs Fund in response to a $5,000 challenge donation from Soundview Wealth Advisors. “That showed the heart and soul of our membership, looking out for Landings employees in their time of need in the midst of a pandemic.” Soundview, which sponsors the yearlong Bouchillon-Ambrose team competition, this year also donated the trophy awarded to the LMGA’s Player of the Year.
Greg Snyder said the biggest lesson he learned from Frank over the past year “was that he rolled with the punches and if some obstacle came his way, he handled it smoothly and didn’t get overwhelmed. He was very approachable, had a good sense of humor and made everyone feel comfortable.”
Now that he is president, Greg, a sales executive with U.S. Gypsum who moved with his wife Gina to The Landings in 2018 from the Cherry Hill, N.J. area, said he is interested in hearing ideas for new ways the organization can support good causes and also that one of his priorities will be attracting more members, especially from the ranks of Club members who are still working.
“Some people might be a little intimidated to play in these events, but they shouldn’t be,” Greg said, noting that members’ handicaps range from 2 to 30 or more. For individual events players play against others with similar games. Team events allow golfers at different levels to play alongside one another. “It’s competitive but friendly competitive. The whole idea is to have fun, meet people, and hopefully play some good golf but, if not, oh well, stick around and have a beer and talk about your good shots!”
Due to a frost delay, the LMGA did not play December 3. The final events of the year were held December 10 and 17 and will be reported on in future editions.
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