BIRNAM BUZZ
WHAT’S INSIDE
DEAR MEMBERS OF BIRNAM WOOD
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Richard De Schutter, President
As this is my introductory column as President,
let me first express appreciation to the Birnam Wood Board of Directors for their confidence in electing me. I can only hope that such sentiments for their choice next November are as favorable as they are this November.
Not surprisingly, I’ve given some thought to what lies ahead, and it starts with a review of the past. As I look back at the progress over the past five years, I think it’s safe to say Birnam Wood is a different Club which has rebranded itself. We’ve gone from a somewhat stodgy perception to a far more vibrant and active Club. The numbers and changing demographics of our Club support this. From 650 members to 800 today and a shift to younger members shows us we’re on the right track.
But we are not without our challenges.
Foremost among these is the objective of keeping membership at the 800 level. Despite having a waiting list, this is not an easy task given the current demographics of the Club.
Our attrition averages about 40 to 45 members a year,
which equates to having to bring in an equal number of high-quality candidates who go on to eventually become members. Our Membership Committee has done and is doing a great job on this, but the challenge remains formidable. I’m sure I speak for the Membership Committee in saying if you have a qualified candidate for membership, please step forward.
Secondly, we have decades of delayed maintenance projects at last catching up with us. We’ve made significant progress over the past four years with all the recent renovations, but we now have an equally formidable capital need ahead for the kitchen, restoration of the golf course and additional parking.
I can report the planning committee is well along in developing a financing plan with the timetable for unveiling it to the membership this coming January. In devising this plan, we have taken considerable input from the many town halls and smaller meetings that we have had with the membership both from the homeowner and non-homeowner side.
That is on the challenging side of the equation. On the other side of the equation, we have what I consider to be an outstanding Membership and Management Team forming a pool of resources we continue to tap. The makeup and quality of the Club Board, their Committees, the HOA Board, it’s Committees and the many volunteers who assist the Club in some way, are asset of almost unquantifiable value. And as a complement to this, we have a very strong Club Management Team working with us side by side, headed up by our General Manager, Jordan Sweeney.
As but one indication of outsiders taking note, this past year has seen us join the Forbes Travel elite group of distinguished clubs. We join such prestigious clubs as Augusta National Golf Club, Los Angeles Country Club, Cypress Point and a like group of just over 200 around the world.
Looking ahead, my agenda with the support of the Board, our standing Committees, the HOA, the Management Team, our employees, and the membership as a whole is very simply summed up in two words:
....Continuous Improvement....
Continuous improvement on what has been built and what we know remains to be built.
I look forward to the year ahead and working with the many resources of this Club in dealing with our challenges.
Dear Members,
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Jordan Sweeney, CCM, CSW General Manager and Chief Operating Officer
The holiday season is upon us, and Birnam Wood Golf Club is ready to help you celebrate in style. The Club will be beautifully decorated during the first week of December, creating a festive atmosphere for members, families, and guests. We encourage you to bring your loved ones to enjoy our exceptional dining and to share in the holiday magic that makes Birnam Wood so special.
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December is filled with many exciting events. On December 11th, join us for the much-anticipated Citrus Singers Holiday Show, a beloved Birnam tradition. Bring the whole family to Brunch with Santa on December 15th for a morning filled with family fun. Later in the month, enjoy our Holiday Pop-Up Bar on December 20th or indulge in the elegant Champagne & Caviar evening on December 21st. These gatherings are perfect opportunities to celebrate the season with family and friends while experiencing the warmth and charm of the Club.
We are also thrilled to share that the Board of Directors has approved the Security Enhancement Project, ensuring our Club continues to be a safe and welcoming place. This initiative includes upgraded cameras throughout the property, advanced license plate recognition (LPR) cameras at entry and exit points, and a new Talk Down System.
The Talk Down System is designed to enhance safety and communication across the Club’s property. It integrates with the newly installed cameras, featuring 76 perimeter horn speakers and an additional speaker at the Sheffield Gate. These speakers allow security personnel to issue live announcements or play
For example, if an individual enters a restricted area or a vehicle is flagged by the LPR system, security staff can immediately address the situation in real time via the speakers. This capability serves as an active deterrent and ensures timely responses to potential incidents. These upgrades reflect our commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all.
Join us in embracing the holiday spirit at the Club and showcasing the exceptional amenities that make Birnam Wood a truly special place. We look forward to celebrating the season with you and making December a month to remember.
See you around the Club.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SECURITY
Nicole Landon
REMINDERS FROM YOUR BW SECURITY TEAM!
As we enter the hustle and bustle of holidays with travel and visitors from near and far, here are a few things to remember.
When out shopping:
• Lock your vehicle and make sure to keep all packages in your trunk or out of sight.
• If out at night - park where it is well lit.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
Vacation Checks:
• Please let Security know when you will be away from your home and when you are scheduled to return.
• Leave exterior lights on.
• Close and lock windows and doors prior to leaving
Medical and other emergencies:
• Call 911 FIRST, then Security. Every second counts! It is important to get Emergency Services on their way as quickly as possible. The Birnam Wood Security Team monitors Sheriff and Fire scanners and will be alerted as well.
• If you are in an area where a medical emergency occurs, and not directly involved, please clear the area.
EMS will need room to work, and we ask that you respect the privacy of those in need of help.
BWGC Lost and Found
• All found items are turned into Security and will be kept for three months.
• At the end of three months, all clothing/sunglass items will be donated to a local charity. Valuable items are held longer and kept in a secure lock box.
MEMBERSHIP
Welcome New Members – October 2024
Justin Diem
Jr. Golf
Evan Baldwin, Austin Herlihy, Steve Litchfield
Justin graduated with a degree in Business Administration with dual majors in Finance and Economics. He then embarked on a career as a mortgage loan officer, eventually moving to Radius Group where he has worked for 7 years. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Downtown. In his spare time, he likes to ski and hike with his dogs in his hometown of June Lake, and he is passionate about golf. Justin is looking forward to playing golf and being an active member of the golf community at Birnam Wood.
Deborah Mann
Social
Paul Orfalea, Ruth Green, Michelle Saltoun
Debbie graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Communications and Marketing. She was the Co-Founder of Justin Winery which they sold in 2010. She currently owns Coast Village Walk (Starbucks Center) in Montecito and also built and ran the Paso Market Walk in Paso Robles. She was also a trustee and Board member of Lotus Land for 6 years. Debbie loves to play tennis and pickleball and is looking forward to playing with her many friends at the Club.
Gerald Stool (Claudia)
Resident
Bill Cawley, Rich Flaten, John Pearcy
Gerald “Jerry” graduated with a B.A in History and an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Texas. He founded Greenway Investment Company in 1979 and serves as the President of the company. Under his guidance the company has grown into a leading real estate investment and development company in the Southwest. Jerry has spent more than 40 years in Dallas and has participated actively in his community. He and Claudia have been active supporters and on the Boards of the Shelton School and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.
Reinstatement
Bailey Hochhalter (Serena Zahler)
Junior Golf
Matt Porter, Juaquin Mallmann, Chris Gregoire
Baily and Serena have been residents of Santa Barbara for 15 years. They both graduated from UCSB, met a few years later and were married in 2017. Baily has built Clear Construction, a successful design-build company. It is now in its fifth year of business it operates a design office on Garden Street and a state-of-the-art cabinetry shop in Ventura. For 12 years, Serena worked as the Sr. Marketing Manager for JANUS overseeing the brand’s PR and global events until they had their daughter and now helps with the family business. They are both very active and are busy renovating their Summerland home.
Peggy Swartchild reinstated her Non-Resident membership.
Candidates for Membership
The following new candidates for membership will be considered at the next meeting of the Membership Committee:
James Phillips
Resident
Retired Attorney
Little Town Club, Hualalai Club
James Harrison President, Har rison Properties
Non-Resident
Marc Lowe
Resident
Ronald Moy
Non-Resident
Paradise Valley Country Club
Retired Ophthalmologist
La Cumbre Countr y Club
Facial Plastic Dermatology, Beverly Hills
Wilshire Countr y Club, The Club in Hawaii
Mrs. Dina Wilson
Mrs. Lana McIntyre
Mr. Bill Metzler
Mr. Gordon McKay
Mr. Evan Pratt
Mr. Eric Phillips
Mr. Morris Muscatel
Ms. Devra Lieb
For the best interest of the Club, information regarding any candidate, whether favorable or unfavorable, is earnestly requested. Communications concerning any applicant may be made personally or by a signed writing to the Membership Committee. All communications will be held in strict confidence.
Please submit comments by Friday, December 13, 2024 .
Membership Committee:
Kelly Vandever, Chair
Jen Abed
Marta Babson
Darryl Becker
Bryan Brand
Rob Crane
Monica Epstein
Trey Evans
Chris Gregoire
David Grotenhuis
Vicki Hazard
Ryan Malmsten
Austin Muller
Matt Porter
Emily Roos
TIMELINE:
6:30 PM: THE CASINO IS OPEN!
7:00 PM: INTERNATIONAL BUFFET DINNER
8:00 PM: DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH OUR DJ, SANTA BARBARA LOCAL DARLA B
10:00 PM: COUNTDOWN
Sign
OR BY CALLING THE FRONT DESK
RESERVATIONS OPEN ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, AT 9:00 AM
7-DAY CANCELLATION POLICY WILL BE IN EFFECT
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS
Luis Flores
I would like to thank the members and guests who joined us for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Kudos to Chef Abdu Romero and his culinary team for a job well done. They cooked over 600 pounds of turkey in addition to all the sides and desserts, making it a special day for everyone.
With the holidays fast approaching, we are looking forward to the many traditional Birnam events. The Citrus Singers is a great way to start off the holiday season, followed by Brunch with Santa, the elegant Champagne and Caviar Dinner, and our New Year’s Eve Dinner.
Be on the lookout for our annual Holiday Pop – Up Bars as well. These Pop-Up Bars will feature holiday Ornamentinis, Mocktails, and Hot Chocolate for the kids. The first Pop-Up Bar is scheduled for December 20th with another scheduled for December 27th. These are great opportunities to invite friends and introduce them to the magic of Birnam Wood. We look forward to seeing you there!
DR. GUNDRY An Evening with
Saturday, January 25th, at 5:30 PM.
Is improving your health one of your New Year resolutions? Join member and world-renowned health expert Dr. Gundry as he discusses his science-based approach on health.
Come prepared with questions to ask him during our Q & A session.
Dinner will consist of a healthy meal crafted by Chef Abdu and Dr. Gundry. You will also get to take home his best-selling book.
Reservations open on Monday, December 23 at 10:00 AM.
48-Hour Cancellation Policy will be in effect.
JANUARY 18 & 19, 2025
FORMAT: ROTATING ROUND ROBIN
COST: COMPLIMENTARY
December 2024
Brunch with Santa
January 2025
GOLF NEWS
Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf
Happy Holidays!
I trust everyone had an incredible Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. Now, it is time to look straight at the next big holiday…. CHRISTMAS! If you are in the market for gifts for the golfers in your family, please keep your Birnam Wood Golf Shop in mind. Our Annual Christmas Sale will take place on Sunday, December 8th, from 8:00am until 5:00pm. Each membership will have an opportunity to draw for a discount from 5 to 50% off all in stock purchased that day. Raffle tickets will be issued based on purchases. The raffle drawing will take place at the end of the day. The grand prize will once again be a free 10 second shopping spree.
Other events that should be on everyone’s radar. We will host our monthly Men’s Guest Day on Wednesday, December 4th. Great chance to invite 1 to 3 guests for a wonderful day of golf, food and competition. The ladies will have their First Tuesday Mixer on Tuesday, December 3rd. The final ladies’ event of the year is the Special Holiday Guest Day. This is a must for our BWWGA ladies to attend. This is the perfect event to get you into the holiday spirit. The Couples’ Christmas 9-Hole Tournament is on Sunday December 8th, at 1:30pm. This
member only event is great for golfers of all abilities. The format is just one best ball of the foursome, net only. After the event, complimentary wine and hors de’ oeuvres are served. The day wraps up with the raffle drawing.
Here is a reminder of our holiday hours. Tuesday, December 24th will be open play. The hours of operation in the golf shop will be 8:00am until 2:00pm. The practice facility will close at 1:00pm. All golf carts, speed carts, and bags for storage need to be off the golf course at 2:00pm. The golf operation is completely closed on Wednesday, December 25th, for Christmas. If you think you might play on Christmas, be sure to take your bag out of storage before 2:00pm on Christmas Eve.
The BWWGA 2024 most improved players:
January - Jane Habermann
February - Terri Bennett
March - Jill Mazursky
April - Dina Wilson
May - Lisa King
June - Holly Armour
July - Connie Fickel
August - Jill Mazursky
September - Renee Curtis
October - Betsey Von Summer
HOW THE ELEMENTS AFFECT YOUR BALL FLIGHT
Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional
Golf is a game played outdoors; therefore, we play golf in the elements. You will experience hot, cold, rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, and wind at some point when playing golf. Well, hopefully not snow, sleet, and freezing rain. These elements will affect how high the ball flies as well as how far the ball will carry.
With winter approaching the following are things to consider for your shot and club selection.
Temperature
Stock yardages are based on seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. A ten-degree change in temperature from seventy-five degrees will affect the ball’s flight by two yards. For example, a twenty-degree drop (to 55 degrees) in temperature will cause the ball to fly four yards shorter.
Another thing to consider when playing in colder temperatures is your muscles are less pliable than in warmer temperatures which may result in slower clubhead speed. In colder temperatures you might wear more clothing, reducing your range of motion which may result in slower clubhead speed as well.
Air Density
When a golf ball flies through colder air, it loses distance because cold air is more dense than warm air. Colder air increases both lift and drag forces acting on the ball, which results in a slightly higher and shorter trajectory. The opposite is true in warm air. Warm air is less dense which decreases lift and drag which results in slightly lower and longer trajectory.
Humidity
Humid air is lighter than dry air because the hydrogen in water molecules is lighter than the other gases. This allows the ball to travel slightly farther in humid conditions. However, if the humidity turns to rain, the ball will not travel as far. Colder temperatures result in less humidity because cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air. This causes the ball to travel slightly shorter in the drier air.
Wind
Lift and drag are the forces air/wind applies to the golf ball. Lift causes the ball to rise, and drag slows the ball down. A headwind will increase the amount of lift and drag on the golf ball causing the ball to fly higher, carry shorter, and descend at a steeper angle. As a side note, it is a misconception that hitting a shot into the wind will cause the ball to spin more, not true. A tailwind will reduce the amount of lift and drag on the ball. This will cause the ball to fly lower, carry farther, and descend at a flatter angle.
Ball Composition
The core materials of golf balls react differently to temperature changes. A ball that feels soft, more pliable, in warm weather may feel firmer, less pliable, and less responsive in cold weather.
When adding up all the factors listed above you might consider adding one or two clubs to your shot selection when playing golf this winter. DECEMBER 2024 19
FROM TEE TO GREEN
Brian O’Laughlin Director of Agronomy
As December rolls in, frosty mornings have officially arrived at Birnam Wood. After experiencing the first couple frosts of the winter, it’s a good time to talk about what frost means for the course and why frost delays are necessary. While the frost on the course might look beautiful, it presents some challenges for maintaining the turf. Let’s take a closer look at why these delays are important and how they help protect the course you love to play.
Frost forms when temperatures dip near or below freezing, turning the dew on the grass into ice crystals. At this point, the grass is very fragile. The frozen water inside the plant cells makes the grass blades brittle and easy to damage. Walking or driving on frost-covered grass crushes the cells, and although the damage isn’t always obvious right away, it often leads to brown patches and weak spots that take time and effort to repair.
This is where frost delays come into play. Waiting until the frost melts naturally with the morning sun ensures the grass can handle traffic without lasting damage. While frost delays can be a bit of an inconvenience, they’re essential for keeping the course in great shape not just today but for the weeks and months ahead.
If you have an early tee time and it looks like a cold morning, please remember to check the Birnam Wood app and your email for updates from the Golf Shop. We’ll send out notifications about potential frost delays, including any changes to start times or the rotation of holes. Frost delays usually don’t last long, as the sun quickly melts the frost once temperatures rise. During the delay, our team monitors course conditions closely to get everything ready for play as soon as it’s safe.
Your patience and understanding during these times make a big difference. Protecting the course from frost damage is a team effort, and by working together, we can keep Birnam Wood in top-notch condition for all members and guests to enjoy. Thanks for your cooperation, and as always, please remember to fill your divots and fix your ball marks on the greens.
See you on the course!
LADIES’
GOLF GOLF
LADIES’ 2025 CLINICS2025 CLINICS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3RD PUTTINGCLINIC,9:00-10:00AM
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10TH PITCHING&CHIPPING,9:00-10:00AM
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH BUNKERS, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24TH BUMP&RUN,9:00-10:00AM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH
COURSE STRATEGY & RECOVERY SHOTS, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH RULES, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Scott Burton
Happy Holidays to all!
Though our days are shorter and cooler we are still busy with activities during the holiday season.
The courts have been quite active here at the club, yet there’s always room for more participants. Tennis & Pickleball are here waiting for you along with Bocce Ball and Croquet!
We recently added our new Bocce Ball “Drop-in” play on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 – 5:00. This is a great way for you to stay sharp in the off-season. No partner or team is required. Just come on out and learn or play some bocce.
In May we’ll get back to team play with our popular summer league. I want to extend another shout-out to Marta Babson & Kelly Vandever winners of our 2024 Bocce Doubles Championships. They had such an exciting ride to the championships! Huge congratulations to their precise rolling skills and nerves of steel.
Look for our Croquet & Rose’ that will be making a comeback right after the holiday season. In the meantime, remember that Jeff & Scott are here for your racquet needs. Whether you’d like to train & raise your level, or to educate on all the industry changes that are constant. We are here to assist in any way possible. Let’s keep moving during the holidays.
News from Jeff
We’ve had a lot of fun on the courts! At the end of October, we had our annual Halloween Pickleball Mixer, in November, the Thanksgiving Pickleball Challenge, plus many good times in our tennis and pickleball clinics, pickleball open play, Women’s USTA matches, and Women’s Interclub matches. THANK YOU all so much for participating. Let’s keep growing the programs in 2025!
to…Betty Urban.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Holiday Tennis Doubles Round Robin Saturday, December 14th, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
The Women’s C Interclub team, getting ready for their match.
Our Halloween 80’s themed Pickleball Mixer.
The best costume goes
Sign up individually and invite your friends for a fun tennis round robin. Mix around with members and their guests and enjoy food & drink afterwards.
2025 Pickleball Club Championships (Men & Women)
Intermediate Division, Saturday, January 18th, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Advanced Division, Sunday, January 19th, 10:00AM – 1:00PM
The first 8 players who sign up in each division will be guaranteed a spot. Put this date on your calendar and sign up now.
Valentine’s Mixed Doubles Round Robin
Saturday, February 15th, 1:00PM to 4:00PM
Sign up with your favorite partner (member or guest) and enjoy a fun afternoon of tennis.
Tennis
Come out and join us for these clinics. Remember to sign up.
Tuesday Afternoon Clay Court Clinic, 2:30PM – 4:00PM
Wednesday Morning Women’s C Team Clinic, 9:30AM – 11:00AM
Friday Morning Clay Court Clinic, 9:00AM – 10:30AM
Saturday Morning Live Ball Clinics at 9:00AM and 10:00AM (Do one or both hours)
Pickleball
There has been a lot of activity on the pickleball courts. Join us for one of these clinics/events.
Monday Advanced Clinic, 3.5+, 9:00AM – 10:30AM
Monday Int/Adv Clinic, 3.0-3.4, 2:00PM – 3:30PM
Tuesday Beg/Int Clinic, 2.0-3.0, 9:00AM – 10:30AM
Wednesday Open Play, 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Wednesday Live Ball Clinic, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Saturday Live Ball Clinic, 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Saturday Open Play, 1:00PM – 3:00PM
The Thanksgiving Pickleball Challenge results are in. We had 16 players participate in a fun, competitive Intermediate round robin. Congratulations to Chip Nichols and Detra Wilson for being the top point getters in the Men’s and Women’s divisions. David Dunne and Bill Reyner came in 2nd and 3rd. On the Women’s side, we had a three-way tie for 2nd with Betty Urban, Margaret Dunne, and Julie Henderson. In the Advanced group with 12 players, the top two male and female players battled in one final game. Kelly Vandever & Hayley Carty edged out David Gamperl & Dennise Powell in the end to be the top turkey.
Thank you all for playing.
The tennis and pickleball ball machines can be rented out at $15/hr. This is a great way to improve your game. Please contact the tennis shop for more information.
Junior Tennis Lessons
Please contact Jeff or Scott to set up a private or group lesson. See you on the courts.
Jeff Villano, Head Racquets Professional Jvillano@bwgc.net
Remember what the great John Wooden once said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out”.
That’s the news from Athletics,
Scott Burton
Thanksgiving Pickleball Challenge – Intermediate Group.
Thanksgiving Pickleball Challenge – Advanced Group.
FITNESS NEWS
Joy DuMay, Fitness Director
Quick Workout
December is the month where we are super busy and prone to skipping our workouts - so here are some exercises that combine strength, balance, flexibility and even cardio! Try each for two minutes and rotate through the series three times for a quick 20-minute workout at home, on the road or in the Fitness Center.
1) Squat-Knee Lift-Overhead Press
Start with feet shoulder width apart. Squat down, keeping your heels on the floor, and as you stand up, curl dumbbells to your shoulders, raise one knee, push dumbbells up overhead and hold the balance. Lower that leg and the dumbbell back to starting position. Alternate sides, making sure that you stand tall and pause in that balance.
2) Hinge and Row
Stand with feet shoulder width apart, with knees slightly bent and a dumbbell in each hand. Hinge forward with back flat and legs straight. Hold that position and row dumbbells 5x, then stand back up. Make sure your back is flat and that you hinge from the hips rather than squat.
3) Walking Lunge with Rotation
Start with feet together, holding weight out in front of your chest. Take a big step forward with right foot, then drop your back knee to floor. Hold that position as you rotate over the front thigh. Rotate back to front, bring back foot up to front foot and repeat on the other leg.
4) Pushup with Side Plank
Start in a Plank position (you can also do this kneeling), do a Pushup, and then rotate to one side (feet heel to toe). Hold this position for a count of 5, then rotate back to Plank, do a Pushup, and rotate to the other side. Make sure you keep your body in a straight position with abs engaged and shoulders drawn down away from your ears.
Year, New You!
Tips for Goal Setting
The New Year is nearly here, and your Fitness Team is getting ready to help you get in the best shape ever! First off, some guidelines for setting goals. As they say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail, so read on:
Successful Fitness Goals
1. Action
Make your goals specific actions, like “walk 30 minutes 3x a week,” rather than “lose 10 pounds.” This way, you can track your compliance each week rather than just thinking about an ambiguous aspiration.
Decide on an endpoint to this first goal, say four weeks, and then reevaluate: how about adding a strength training routine twice a week or include a Yoga class? As you progress, keep adding more challenges to incorporate cardio, strength and flexibility to your fitness plan.
2. Positive
Is your chosen activity enjoyable? Is it something you look forward to or just another slog you dread? There are so many options at Birnam Wood for your health, with classes for those of you who like the camaraderie of group fitness, to Personal Training if you need advice and motivation, to the beautiful grounds that you can walk, bike or run through.
That said, some exercise modes may not feel “fun” at the start, but as you get more fit, they become a pleasure you look forward to. Take running: you may need to walk with short run intervals at first, and it may be a struggle, but the benefits of a clearer head, fresh air, stronger lungs, heart and muscles are worth the work.
3. Attainable
Are your goals realistic? Be honest with your available time, lifestyle and commitments. Write those goals down and keep yourself accountable for checking off the items on your Action Plan. Of course, be flexible if you aren’t feeling well or have too many obligations but remember that your health should be a priority: make sure that you put your oxygen mask on first before
you help others.
2025 Fitness Challenge
It’s a New You for the New Year! The “Bee Healthy” Challenge starts Saturday, January 4th and ends with a Celebratory Party on Saturday, March 1st. Here are some basics, with more details to come.
1. Do as many healthy activities as you can in this eight-week period. Your progress will be recorded with Gold Bees on the “Wall of Fame” in the Fitness Center.
2. We encourage “cross-pollination” across all of Birnam Wood: in other words, take a Studio class, play Tennis or Pickleball, bocce, croquet, golf, Fitness Center weights or cardio. You can order a special “Bee Healthy” option that Chef Abdu highlights on the menu. How about a “Walk in the Woods?” We will have special Saturday seminars on diet, foam rolling, strength and core for golf and racquet sports and more.
3. What do you get besides a healthier, happier body and spirit? An awesome Birnam Wood Fitness T-shirt, a renewed connection with your fellow members and prizes-prizes-prizes for the top contestants at the Party.
Sign up today by contacting Joy DuMay: jdumay@bwgc.net!
Sign up on the Birnam Wood App today! Classes are $30 each. Contact Joy DuMay for details at jdumay@bwgc.net. Space is limited in the Studio, so those with reservations will have priority for admission to class. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy in effect.
MON 9:45 AM: Cardio, Strength & Core with Marianna Sarkisova 11:00 AM: Restorative Yoga with Lily Rozhko
TUES 9:30 AM: Balance and Stability with Sally Saenger 11:00 AM: Cardio Dance & Sculpt with Joy DuMay
WED 11:00 AM: Iyengar Yoga with Vanessa Bacher
TH 9:45 AM: Cardio, Strength, and Core with Marianna Sarkisova 11:00 AM: Restorative Yoga with Lily Rozhko
FRI 9:30 AM: Tai Chi with Chris Wiedmann
Mon. 12/23: 9:30am Cardio, Strength & Core with Marianna, 11:00am Restorative Yoga with Lily
Mon. 12/23: 9:30am Cardio, Strength & Core with Marianna, 11:00am Yoga with Lily
Thurs. 12/26: 11:00am Restorative Yoga with Lily
Thurs. 12/26: 11:00am Restorative Yoga with Lily
Mon. 12/30: 9:30am Cardio, Strength & Core with Marianna, 11:00am Restorative Yoga with Lily
Mon. 12/30: 9:30am Cardio, Strength & Core with Marianna, 11:00am Yoga with Lily
Thurs. 1/2: 11:00am Restorative Yoga with Lily
Thurs. 1/2: 11:00am Restorative Yoga with Lily
Fri. 1/3: 9:30am Tai Chi with Chris
Fri. 1/3: 9:30am Tai Chi with Chris
Fridays at 9:30 AM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Richard De Schutter
Wade Nichols
Bob Kidder
Rachael Douglas
Linda Gluck
Patricia Griffin
Billy Grokenberger
Vicki Hazard
Steve Jones
Howard Rochestie
Chris Teasley
Kelly Vandever
Charles Wilson
HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wade Nichols
Richard De Schutter
Vicki Hazard
Director Patricia Griffin
Director Meg Pearson
Director Sharol Siemens
Director Chris Teasley
Director Charles Wilson
Director Linda Wood
CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Athletic Wade Nichols
Compensation & HR Robert Nourse
Construction
Oversight Steve Jones
Cottage
Finance
Sharol Siemens
Bob Kidder
401k Tim Ar mour
Golf
Billy Grokenberger
Green Andrew Powell
House Rachael Douglas
Membership Kelly Vandever
HOA COMMITTEE CHAIRS
A&L Chris Teasley
Homeowners Fred Lukas
SECURITY COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Chair Dave Grotenhuis
The next regular meeting of The Board of Directors will be held on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 AT 9 AM.
Tai Chi is a centuries-old Chinese martial art that uses simple movements to quiet the mind while promoting improved vitality, strength and balance.
This class draws from standing and walking meditation traditions which cultivate “Chi”– our internal life force.
Tai Chi can be enjoyed by all ages and its principles can be practiced regardless of mobility and health.
BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB
2031 Packing House Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
CLUBHOUSE DRESS CODE - Country club casual dress is acceptable during the day in all areas of the clubhouse. For gentlemen this includes slacks or Bermuda shorts, collared shirts tucked in at the waist with a belt, or appropriate golf and tennis attire and for ladies this includes dresses, nice pants, skirts, and similar attire. In the evening, a country club casual dining option is available in The Packing House, the 19th Hole Bar and on the Veranda. The Club may request event-specific appropriate attire (black tie, blue jean pants permitted, etc.) for certain functions. Members hosting or sponsoring private events are responsible for communicating the Club dress code to those attending such events.
CANCELLATION POLICY - Reservations for private parties and Club sponsored events will be charged to the Member’s account unless notice of cancellation is received at the office at least 48 hours in advance. Reservations for Major Club sponsored special events will be charged to the Member’s account unless notice of cancellation is received at the office at least one week in advance. Should a cancellation be made after these times, a charge of one half of the price of the event will be made. Should no cancellation be made, the full price will be charged.
CELL PHONES AND BUSINESS PARAPHERNALIA - The use of cellular phones and other electronic and wireless devices for the purpose of conducting audible conversations is strictly prohibited on the Club premises (including the Clubhouse and the Terrace areas of the Clubhouse, tennis courts, croquet courts, driving range, and golf course), except inside parked vehicles and the locker rooms and except for medical emergencies.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION - Audio and video recording is taking place at Birnam Wood.
STAFF ROSTER
Jordan Sweeney, General Manager
Luis Flores, Director of Clubhouse Operations
Kristy Evans, Director of Membership & Communication
Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf
Brian O’Laughlin, Director of Agronomy
Scott Burton, Athletic Director
Jeff Villano, Head Racquets Professional
Nicole Landon, Director of Security
Michael Alvarado, Deputy Director of Security
Michael Weems, CFO
Claudia Raiti, Controller
Debbie Daggett, Director of Human Resources
Eric Salazar, Director of Food & Beverage
Abdu Romero, Executive Chef
Tiffany Grummer, Director of Private Events
Israel Ruiz, Facilities Director
Joy DuMay, Fitness Director
Cathy Kendrick, Lead Front Desk Attendant