Linda Fish and Jackie Simpson celebrate the Centennial events by serving with a smile.

“When I first came to work at Columbia Country Club as a secretary, the road ended at the tennis courts,” recalled the club’s office manager, Peggy Kirk. “That was 30 years ago.”

Everyone involved in the Columbia Club’s Centennial Celebration remains in awe of the growth of the Longcreek community. In 30 years, the Longtown circle leading to the Columbia Country Club has developed another golf course, Lake Windermere, a tennis facility, Plantation Club, and eight family neighborhoods.

Peggy Kirk and Sharon Everett help coordinate Centennial events. Columbia Country Club has been committed to community involvement since its founding. Local school golf and swim teams are supported by the members of the club. “The club is committed to supporting junior sports and leadership as a way of giving back to the community,” said Clem King, general manager of the club for four years. “Our mission statement is Columbia Country Club will be recognized by our members, employees, and the community as the highest quality full service country club in the midlands while providing a safe, friendly, and family atmosphere for all membership levels to enjoy.”

“I am now serving the third generation of members since I came to work here,” smiled Kirk. “Every member has a family and every family has a story to tell. The social aspect of the club has grown. At first, it used to be just golfers and everyone went home at 5 pm. Now, social events are the highlight.”

“This is a people club, as well as a prestigious golf club,” added Sharon Everett, the membership coordinator. “I enjoy selling memberships to families. This is a challenging job for me. I’m learning to do a bit of everything.”

“When I started work at the club, I didn’t know I would stay this long,” Kirk stated. “Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into years, 30 years. I guess you could say I’m at home here.”

The busy dining room, known for the mouth–watering food presented by Chef John Larson, CEC, is served by two of the most loyal waitresses in the state, Jackie Simpson and Linda Fish.

“Loyalty is the reason I’ve stayed so long at the club,” Simpson said. “I love these people. I’ve been at the club since 1983. Bennie, the assistant chef, who I was dating at the time, brought me out as part time to help with a party. We got married out here, had babies and baby showers out here, and we both still love working out here. We love being a part of the CCC family.”

“Both the members and the employees share a close bond of community,” added Fish who has been serving with a smile since 1992. “The centennial party will bring back a lot of fun–loving memories.”