Article Contributed on: 10/16/2008 11:20:05 AM
For the last 22 of the 85 years that Mt. Vernon Country Club has overlooked clear creek canyon and the city of Denver,
Peter Clampitt has held the position of Executive Manager there. He came into that position with 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Originally brought on board as the Executive Chef, he was quickly promoted, taking on the responsibilities of Executive Manager.
Peter now coordinates and manages a dizzying menagerie of professional responsibilities. His ties to his original responsibilities in the kitchen have not been severed, and he still actively participates in areas of food preparation, menu development and banquet and catering coordination. This includes off-site catering for occasions such as fundraisers and special events at the Sculptured House in Genesee.
From there, the shoes that he fills are many and diverse. Over the years, he has taken on design and expansion planning, including capital projects such as the 1999 renovation of the pool and exercise facilities, outdoor grill, and the 2007 replacement of the wastewater treatment facility. Peter also supervises multiple departments including general services, recreation, accounting, food and beverage operations, membership and marketing, reporting and budgeting.
In 1992 the Club became a Metropolitan District. This required Mr. Clampitt to expand his knowledge to include governmental reporting and accounting. As the Executive Manager for the Club and the District, his responsibilities extend to the 99 homes, seven miles of private roads and 1200 acres of open space. Specifically, he addresses any and all issues faced by a typical community including road maintenance, community water, trash and recycling, forestry, fire and noxious weed mitigation, and maintenance of open space. He lives just outside of the Mount Vernon Country Club community and is always available to meet any unexpected needs requiring his attention, including getting in a snowplow truck during winter emergencies.
Back on scene at the country club, you will find Peter involved on a personal level in the many activities and events he coordinates and supervises, mingling amongst the members, assuring their enjoyment. From volunteering for the poolside pie-throwing contest, to cooking steaks on Tuesday evenings at the courts for the men's weekly tennis group, Peter enjoys supporting personable relationships with members and staff alike. Having grown up on the east coast, he was instrumental in bringing hydro-clay courts to the country club. His personal involvement and contributions to the success of benefits and fundraisers held at Mount Vernon Country Club are reflected in such actions as donating vacation trips on his sailboat in the Caribbean for auctions. Many events are held for various community organizations, including Ralston Elementary School where his 7-year-old son is a student.
Of the diverse types of entertainment provided at Mount Vernon Country Club, Peter holds a particular interest in producing jazz concerts, a personal passion. Once the coordination of the original booking, setup of the sound and stage area are completed, he relishes the performances of international jazz artists such as saxophonist
Ravi Coltrane, son of legendary
John Coltrane, due to perform on October 29th. This particular concert is in partnership with the Western Jazz Presenter's Network, the NEA and the University of Denver Enrichment Program.
The result of all the hard work by Peter Clampitt, Mount Vernon is a country club
with a community atmosphere, which continues to be thriving and viable.
Suzanne Jeansonne is a local writer and lives in Evergreen.