January 17, 2008

Dear Members and Friends,

Today I received word that Abby Spector will not be returning for her third year at Val Halla.  Abby has accepted a position at the Balsams as an assistant golf professional.  Abby and Josh currently work at Boca Grande in Florida in the winter.  I'm not sure it gets much better than Boca Grande and the Balsams.

It's difficult to quantify the impact Abby has made at Val Halla…let's simply say it was enormous.  From girl's golf to women's golf, from high school golf to Maine golf, Abby was truly an asset, not only of Val Halla but the State.  Personally, for those of us who watched Abby grow from a young junior golfer to the top of the golfing world, it's been an honor and a pleasure.

As a Head Golf Professional, you know the days are numbered when you are lucky enough to hire a talented assistant professional.  It's the nature of the business.  Shoes are always hard to fill but Abby's shoes will be impossible to fill.  That said, I will begin the process and search for a new assistant professional.

I could tell when talking to Abby that this decision was not made lightly.  She has many close friends at Val Halla and wants to "thank us" for giving her the opportunity to work at Val Halla.  I would rather "thank her" for allowing us to be a significant part of her life.  In that same vain, I will provide a large card at Open House for all of us to sign.

Simply wishing Abby all the best!

Brian

Brian Bickford

Head Golf Professional

Val Halla Golf Course

Cumberland, Maine 04021