Earliest Season Opening Of Oneida Nation Golf Courses

Vernon, NY (WIBX) - The multiple golf courses at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino have officially opened. It's the earliest opening on record for the Resort's golf season. In addition to the good news for avid golfers, Oneida Nation reps say the golf season also means the return of about 200 seasonal employees.

Vice President of Human Resources, Dana Sovocool said, "Obviously seasonal workers play a very important role in the operations of the Oneida Indian Nation, purely here at our golf courses. We employ about 200 seasonal employees each year in varies operations of the Oneida Indian Nation. A big part here on the golf courses providing golf services, bag attendants, rangers, starters, as well as, food and beverage services that tie into all the operations here on our multiple golf courses." Also, he says high school students can apply for an array of jobs and benefit greatly from the experience, as well as earn some money.

One returning seasonal worker, Richard Dziura, works as a Service Attendant at Shenendoah and Kaluhyat. He says he looks forward to this day every year. "I look forward to coming back every season, this is my fifth year as Dan alluded to and I kind of think this is the best job in the resort," he said. Dziura adds, "I'm the first person that you will see and we'll greet you at the bag-drop, take your clubs, and if you've never been here we'll give you the lay-out of the land here, and steer you in the right direction and get you on the golf courses as soon as possible."

Also, you don't have to be a member to enjoy the meticulously manicured golf courses. Turning Stone offers a variety of packages for golfers of all ages and ability. To find one that fits you, visit their website at, www.turningstone.com.

Another unique aspect of the resort is its partnership with the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees, (MVRCR). Sovocool says for the past 13-years, they've worked with MVRCR to employee many seasonal workers. He says the partnership adds to the diversity of the organization and to Oneida Indian Nation as a whole.