BIRNAM BUZZ
DEAR MEMBERS OF BIRNAM WOOD
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Jordan Sweeney, CCM, CSW General Manager and Chief Operating Officer
As we close out our 2023-24 fiscal year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and progress.
We kicked off the year with a significant renovation of our Grill room, temporarily relocating dining services to the 19th Hole, its patio, and our main events room for overflow. We celebrated our 5th Annual Family Fright Fest, a soldout pirate-themed extravaganza that delighted 305 members with a large ship staged on our veranda. Our Thanksgiving celebration continued the trend of success, welcoming over 350 members and introducing a new format for the Citrus Singers performance, which took place in the main events room followed by dinner on our newly renovated patio/ veranda. Brunch with Santa reached a new record attendance with nearly 400 guests. In December, our Champagne and Caviar event featured Billecart-Salmon and Haute Caviar, providing an elegant backdrop for me to don my tuxedo and mingle with members in style. We closed the year
with a Monte Carlo-themed New Year’s Eve party, complete with the Club’s favorite 10-piece band. An extraordinary year of events with great revelry and member delight.
This winter, our region experienced over 40 inches of rain for the second consecutive year, posing significant challenges during a three-month span. Fortunately, the removal of the large check dam in Creek One facilitated water flow and helped prevent course damage and erosion. Despite this, there was some damage on Hole Two due to increased water flow. Positively, the creeks have expanded to a more natural size, and we have reinforced their banks with large rocks to curb further erosion. Additionally, we replaced two walking bridges at Hole Two and upgraded our cart crossing with a new, removable bridge. This improvement allows us to remove the bridge in anticipation of heavy rainfall, ensuring uninterrupted water flow. This extensive project owes its success to the tireless efforts of our Green Chair, Nancy Hunter, and our Director of Agronomy, Brian O’Laughlin, to whom we extend our profound thanks.
In February, we were heartbroken to lose our beloved Assistant Superintendent, Will Soto, in a tragic car accident. Will had been a valued member of the Birnam community for 20 years, loved by all for his dedication and warmth.
In March, we celebrated the grand opening of our newly renovated restaurant “The Packing House.” The transformation has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, offering a more formal and elegant ambiance alongside innovative menus that elevate the dining experience with tableside cocktails and dishes. Since its opening, dining numbers have significantly increased, and I have received numerous compliments on both the atmosphere and the culinary offerings. Chef Abdu and his team deserve
immense credit for their dedication to crafting the menu and refining the overall experience. The Packing House has quickly become a cherished staple at the Club.
This spring, despite encountering our first ever rain-soaked Easter, our Easter event was a resounding success, selling out with 474 guests. The Food and Beverage team brilliantly executed a Plan B, adapting to the weather by creating personalized baskets for each child and hiding eggs around the Clubhouse instead of our traditional egg hunt. We also set up a tent on the Grill terrace to host a puppy party, face painting, and balloon making. Major kudos to Tiffany Grummer, Eric Salazar, Luis Flores, Chef Abdu, and the rest of the Food and Beverage team for their outstanding efforts in ensuring the event was a memorable one despite the weather-related challenges.
Our Mother’s Day event was truly one for the ages. We pampered our moms with massages, Champagne, and mimosas as they strolled through a sanctuary adorned with Japanese Pear Blossoms, culminating in a refreshing glass of Champagne at the journey’s end.
Our cottages have experienced exceptional demand this year. The introduction of our online cottage reservation system through the Birnam Wood App has simplified the booking process, allowing members to secure accommodations with ease 24 hours a day. Additionally, we have upgraded all cottage televisions to Smart TVs, enabling members to access their personal Netflix accounts and enjoy a home away from home experience. I am delighted to report that the Cottages generated over $1.1 million in net income from cottage rentals.
On the golf front, we’ve introduced newly overseeded tee boxes, which along with our visually appealing new mulch, have significantly enhanced the course’s appearance. Additionally, we are excited to begin our Rye grass overseeding project, which promises to further improve playability and aesthetics across the course. Mike Goodcase, our tenured Director of Golf, led our membership into successful Club events, including our Top Gun event, our McLean Member-Member, Lady MacBeth, and of course our RTJ Classic Member-Guest!
We capped off the summer with our famous Thursday Barbeques, including our much-loved, themed events such as our Luau, Western, and Fiesta Barbeques. Mid-August found members dancing the night away with our Birnam in the Hamptons themed summer party, and we marked the end of summer and beginning of harvest season with our incredible Summer Food & Wine Festival, where over 150 members sampled and shopped from over 100 domestic and international wineries, complemented by exceptional cuisine.
I am proud to welcome several new faces to our team this year. In May, we were delighted to introduce Claudia Raiti as our new Controller. Claudia joined us from the Ventura County Community Foundation, where she held the position of Assistant Controller, bringing a wealth of expertise to our financial operations. Additionally, we welcomed
Nicole Landon as our new Director of Security. Nicole’s background includes extensive experience with several Aerotech companies, including SpaceX, enhancing our security team with her broad industry knowledge.
Finally, it is with immense pride that I announce Birnam Wood’s recognition with the Distinguished Club Award of Excellence by Forbes and Boardroom magazine. This prestigious accolade, awarded to only 250 clubs nationwide, highlights our exclusive standing as the sole recipient in Santa Barbara County. This honor is a testament to our unwavering commitment to exceptional member service and hospitality, driven by our dedicated staff. Each team member upholds our core values of Care, Pride, Ownership, Knowledge, and Excellence— qualities that permeate our daily operations and interactions, ensuring we consistently surpass our members’ expectations.
S A L E
This award not only recognizes our staff’s exemplary service and hospitality but also their professionalism and dedication, which are the cornerstones of our Club’s success and the warm, welcoming atmosphere our members value so highly.
I would like to conclude by expressing my gratitude to our President, Stan Anderson, for his support and leadership. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to my incredible team, including Michael Weems, Suzanne Santiago Evans, Luis Flores, Mike Goodcase
Nicole Landon, Michael Alvarado, Daggett, Scott Burton, Israel Ruiz Salazar, Abdu Romero, Tiffany Grummer Welch, Cathy Kendrick, Pablo Santiago Juana Soriano, Jeff Villano, and all the dedicated individuals who make our successes possible. Your commitment and hard work are the backbone of Birnam Wood, and I am profoundly thankful for each of you.
Jordan Sweeney
Friday, November
22nd - Sunday, November 24th Opens at 12PM throughout the weekend
Happy Fall from Security!
Speed Sign follow up:
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SECURITY
Nicole Landon
After crunching the numbers from the Sheriff’s speed sign, we have some data to share.
• Week one while positioned on Birnam Wood Dr: 139 vehicles over 25mph, Max speed 47mph. OUCH!
• Week two while on Crocker Sperry 144 vehicles over 25mph, Max speed 33mph.
At the gate we remind visitors that the speed limit is 25, but it takes a village to reach everyone. Please let your visitors and guests know as well.
How to respond to medical and other emergencies:
• Call 911 FIRST, then Security. Seconds count!
• It’s important to get Emergency Services on their way.
• Security monitors the Sheriff and Fire scanners and will be on the way as well.
• If you are in the area of a medical emergency ( ie: fitness center) and not directly involved, please clear the area. EMS needs room to work and the privacy of those in need of help should be respected.
Vacation Checks:
• Please let Security know when you will be away and your scheduled return.
• Leave exterior lights on.
• Close and lock windows and doors prior to leaving
East Gate:
• If you use the gate on East Valley Rd, please wait for it to close behind you. This helps prevent piggy backing vehicles that may not belong in the community.
MEMBERSHIP
Welcome New Members – September 2024
Paul Darin (Tessa)
Intermediate
Dan Otero, Blake Jones, Tim Walsh
Paul graduated from UC Berkeley and has pursued a career in finance. He is currently the Branch Manager of Jonestown Institutional Services and opened a thriving office downtown four years ago. Tessa graduated from UCSB, and they have three children. They are very involved in the Cold Spring School Community and have many friends at Birnam. Paul works East Coast hours which allows him the ability to coach tee-ball and soccer teams. He is an excellent golfer and he and Tessa enjoy a variety of sports with their family. They are very much looking forward to joining their friends at the Club and participating as active members.
Judy Jones Non-Resident
Rachael Douglas, Tim Walsh, Lynn Cunningham Brown
Judy graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and pursued a career as a municipal bond trader in Nashville and Atlanta. She has been a long-time resident of Naples, Florida but fell in love with Santa Barbara 15 years ago and made it her second home. She belongs to several clubs in town and has one daughter. A number of years ago, she created a scholarship fund which has (so far) funded the college educations for over 50 high school students. She plays pickleball and croquet and is looking forward to spending time at Birnam when she is in town.
Nicholas Mutton (Rosemary)
Social
Richard De Schutter, Lynn Cunningham Brown, Marta Babson
Nicholas was born and raised in the Cotswolds west of London. After hotel school, he opened two 5-Star hotels in London in the late 60’ and early 70’s. Nick emigrated to North America in 1975 and joined Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts where he spent the next 35 years. He progressed through the ranks and spent 12 years as the Global Executive VP and, for a period, as acting CEO. He retired in 2015. He has volunteered extensively and recently stepped down as Chair of the Board of the SB Museum of Art. He and Rosemary have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. They love to travel and take full advantage of local symphony and opera. Nick loves fly fishing with friends and is looking forward to enjoying the amenities at Birnam Wood.
Kevin Root (Jeannette)
Resident
Jenny Haeg, Kevin Frank, Mike McCarthy
Kevin received his BA from Stanford University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Jeanette received her BA from Emory and her master’s from Columbia Teachers College. They own the Oak Root LLC, a family office and RIA which they started in 2015. They have three girls and enjoy golf and tennis. They also belong to the Montecito Club and the Miramar Club and are golf members at Big Horn.
Tim Stephens (Sarah)
Non-Resident
David Cronenbold, Wayne Siemens, Kelly Vandever
Tim was born in Fort Worth, TX and has lived in Houston since 1991. He received his undergraduate BBA degree in Finance from the University of Texas, Austin, and his JD from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio. He is President of Cypress Petroleum LLC a wholly owned private oil and gas investment company and serves as Managing Partner of his family office. Tim and Sarah, his wife of 45 years, have three children and 5 grandchildren. They have been active members of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Houston for 32 years and enjoy being active parents and grandparents.
Peter Burns (Leslie)
Resident
Todd Lindenbaum, Chandler Buie, Robert Kemp
Peter and Leslie live in Boulder, CO. Peter is a Managing Partner of Sunrise Strategic Partners and, prior to that, directed the sale of ONE brand and was the President and CEO of Justin’s Nut bars. Leslie received her MBA and began her career in Marketing and Brand Development, culminating in the position of Director of Marketing for Panera Bread. She then transitioned to being a fulltime mom and community service volunteer and has contributed greatly to the Boulder area in a variety of roles. They have three children and belong to the Boulder Country Club. They both play golf and enjoy recreational tennis and pickleball.
Peter Johnson Jr. (Lesley)
Resident
Peter Johnson Sr., Mike McGinnity, Douglas Norberg
Peter grew up in Wisconsin and graduated from Colorado State University. After graduation, he joined his father’s business, Hy Cite Enterprises. He worked in various positions, becoming CEO in 2005 and then taking over as President/COO in 2007. He retired in 2021 and currently serves in the role of Vice-Chairman. He and Lesley married in 1999 and have two children. They own property in Montecito and are in the process of building a home. They are an active tennis and pickleball family and Peter golfs. They are looking forward to enjoying all the activities at Birnam Wood.
Candidates for Membership
The following new candidates for membership will be considered at the next meeting of the Membership Committee:
Alex Kranz
Resident
Francis Kranz
Real Estate Management
Actor/Director
Resident California Club, The Yale Club
David Watson (Lori)
Non-Resident
Kelly Martyniuk
Junior Golf
Elliott Bouillion (Judy)
Non-Resident
John Perry (Marilyn)
Social
John (Jack) Lorentson
Resident
Mark Dewey (Jill)
Direct Development and Direct Partners
Northwood Club, Dallas CC
Agilent Technologies
Founder Resource Environmental Solutions
Boulder Country Club
V.P. Riot Games
Private Aviation
SB Yacht Club, Little Town Club
Owner Digital Media Co.
Social Austin Country Club
Thomas Kranz
Robert Stoll
Thomas Kranz
Patricia Ryan
Kirk Davis
Bill Cawley
William Jarve
Kendall Pata
Ellin Todd
Chris Giblin
Sam Wolcott
Brian Bunnin
Evan Pratt
Robin Fell
Robert Siegel
Chris Teasley
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, November 15, 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
Food and Beverage Update
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS
Luis Flores
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Fall lunch and dinner menus starting the first week in November. These are some of the new entrees added; Osso Bucco, Mushroom Raviolis, Iberico Pork Chop to name a few. For all the sports fans, join us in the 19th Hole on Tuesday nights and the weekends for complimentary chili and enjoy the games. Whether it’s the World Series, Thursday Night Football, College Football, Basketball, PGA event, or Hockey, we have it covered.
In appreciation of all the members that served in the United States Armed Forces, we will be honoring and providing a complimentary lunch on November 12th, 2024. We thank you for your years of service and sacrifices.
Cooking Class
DEMO: Memorable Thanksgiving Sides
Saturday, November 9, at 3:00 PM
Join Chef Abdu as he demonstrates how to make his favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes.
SIGN UP ON THE APP OR BY CALLING THE FRONT DESK
After the Cooking Demo, you will get to try all of the food We will also send you home with recipe cards so that you can try your hand at these delicious sides for your Thanksgiving Meals
$80++
oin us on the first Friday of the month r a TGIF event!
his is an informal Wine Tasting where we ill offer different wine varietals and a elicious charcuterie board for you to enjoy 5:30PM TO 7:00PM
There is no cost to this event and no reservations required Hope to see you there!
November 2024
December 2024
GOLF NEWS
Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf
Our overseeding project is complete.
We appreciate everyone’s efforts to keep their golf carts in the fairway. The Rye grass is still maturing and will need another three weeks before we can return to normal golf cart traffic. Again, please use all entry and exit points that have been designated on each hole. Once you are on the fairway, please keep your golf cart in the fairway. You may play your ball from the rough, but we ask that you park in the fairway and walk over to hit your shot.
Our Ladies’ Club Championship was played in October. It is always great to see our women compete for the title. Each year I get to watch the final match. This year was a very competitive match that went down to the last hole. Vivienne Bellisario got off to a good start and kept building on her lead throughout the front nine. At the turn, she held a three up lead over Esther McKinley. On hole 13, Vivienne Bellisario increased her lead to the largest of the day, 4 up. However, Esther McKinley stayed with her approach and played great over the last five holes, winning each hole and coming away with a 1 up victory. Congratulations to Joyce Raymond for winning the President’s Cup , the net event played with the Championship.
The holidays are just around the corner, which is very hard to believe. Remember to consider your golf shop for your holiday shopping. If you want to special order any items, please give yourself plenty of time. Vendors get busier this time of year. You will also want to put Sunday, December 8th, on your calendar. That will be the date of our Annual Christmas Sale. Each member will be allowed to pick a ballon floating inside the golf shop. In the balloon there will be a discount (5 to 50%). That is the discount that will be taken off all in stock purchases made that day.
Other upcoming events to put on your calendar, as 2024 comes to a close. On the Men’s Calendar: Men’s Guest Day, Wednesday, November 6th and Wednesday, December 4th. Those start times move to 12:15pm with Pacific Standard time beginning in November. For the Women: First Tuesday on November 5th and December 3rd, Guest Day on Friday, November 8th, Turkey Shoot on Tuesday, November 19th, and Special Holiday Guest Day on Friday, December 13th. For Couples’ golf: Mars vs. Venus on Sunday, November 3rd, Couples Nine-Hole Christmas Tournament on Sunday, December 8th.
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
PRACTICE THOUGHTS & MORE FROM BUTCH HARMON
Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional
I recently read a pamphlet titled Harmonized Teaching by Butch Harmon. This pamphlet contains great tidbits of advice from his wealth of knowledge as an instructor that I would like to share with you.
Golf Digest ranked Butch Harmon as the number one teacher from 2002 to 2023. Butch is best known for having been Tiger Woods’ coach from 1993 to 2004. He also instructed other major champions such as Ernie Els, Stewart Cink, Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Fred Couples, and Justin Leonard.
Practice Thoughts
• Progress comes through practice.
• Poor shots and swings are part of the learning process.
• The learning process takes time.
• Practice your weaknesses.
• If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time.
• 65% of the shots in golf are less than full shots. Do you spend 65% of your practice time on these shots?
• Good players stare at the target and glance at the ball.
• Poor players stare at the ball and glance at the target.
Claude’s Pearls
• Improvement requires taking a long-term approach to the game. Anyone who tells you there is a “quick fix” is selling you a bill of goods.
• Listen to everybody, but do not believe everything you hear.
• Look at your target 90% of the time, and the ball as a last resort.
• Nobody can ever perfect golf. The best golfers in the world have gone through stretches when they did not hit a single shot solid. Champions keep grinding, and fight through those times.
• If someone tells you there is one perfect golf swing, walk away and do not listen to another word.
Hopefully you will find these tidbits helpful to improving how you practice and play the game.
By Scott Maier at
1:00pm on 1st Tee
The event is limited to 80 players
9 Hole Event 1:30 pm Shotgun 1BB of 4
$10 Entry Per Person
CHRISTMAS SALE
8 am - 5 pm
Discounts for all purchases of in stock merchandise. Raffle at the end of the day. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres after golf.
FROM TEE TO GREEN
Brian O’Laughlin Director of Agronomy
As we enter November, we are more than a month into our initial overseeding efforts in the rough. I am very pleased with the results thus far. We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has made a conscious effort to adhere to the cart restrictions that have been in place over the past few weeks. It is due to all our collective efforts that the ryegrass rough is establishing itself so well and so quickly. Please continue this diligence until we lift the restrictions.
Even after the cart restrictions are lifted, it is important for everyone to understand the current conditions on the golf course and the ongoing efforts to preserve its health and beauty. Our fairways still consist of warm-season Bermuda grass, which is extremely durable but most vulnerable during the winter months. This grass grows vigorously from April to October and handles cart traffic very well.
and taking advantage of this beautiful fall weather.
As always, please remember to fill in your divots and repair your ball marks on the greens.
-See you on the course!
In contrast, our roughs are now overseeded with perennial ryegrass, which is a cool-season turf that grows year-round. However, it is not nearly as durable as the Bermuda grass in the fairways. Moving forward, we all must strive to keep carts on the fairways as much as possible. Use this information to impress your friends and guests when explaining why it’s important to keep carts on the fairways.
Lastly, it’s clear that the designated entry and exit points are currently in rough shape. It’s amazing what golf carts can do! We have a plan to repair these areas using a combination of sodding and seeding.
Transitioning the roughs has been a fun and interesting process. Our goal now is to maintain the ryegrass yearround. If we choose to continue this approach, future years will require less intensive efforts, as we will already have a base established and will simply need to interseed. We hope everyone is enjoying the transformation of the golf course
BWWGA PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL
Turkey Shoot
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
Fall into breakfast at 8:00 AM 9:00 AM Shotgun Scramble format
Welcome any and all non-golfers for lunch ($45++)
On the App or with the Golf Shop
No entry fee, play with great prizes! Annual meeting following golf
Chair: Betsy von Summer
OCTOBER
FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Scott Burton
Greetings from Athletics, we have enjoyed our extended summer here at the club. Now we are noticing the days becoming shorter, with cooler weather in the mornings & evenings. Our pickleball and tennis communities have been enjoying the game out on-court more than ever, and our programs are booming! Please contact Jeff or Scott if you’d like to be introduced to any of our fun sports here at Birnam Wood.
One of our most popular sports here at the club is Bocce Ball. Recently we held our 2024 Club Doubles Championships. Our returning champions, the Anthony’s, faced a steep challenge from a strong field if they planned to repeat this year. Bocce is such a fun way for us to connect and share and get to know one another a bit better at the club.
News from the courts…Jeff Villano Beautiful Fall days are upon us. It’s been sunny and brisk in the morning and very comfortable the rest of the day. There is no better time to come out and play tennis and pickleball. In case a foggy morning sneaks in, do not hesitate to contact us at the shop for updates.
Tennis and pickleball clinics are booming. The NEW Live Ball Pickleball Clinics have been a hit! Please sign up on the App or with Jeff in advance to make sure your spot is reserved.
Pickleball Open Play
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thanksgiving Pickleball Challenge Saturday, November 9th, 1:00PM to 4:00PM (Intermediate & Advanced Divisions). Participate in a fun and competitive pickleball round robin. The top male and female players in each division will get their name on the prestigious Turkey Challenge Trophy.
Holiday Tennis Doubles Round Robin
Saturday, December 14th, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Sign up individually for a fun tennis round robin. Mix around with fellow members and their guests. Enjoy food & drink afterwards.
Marta Babson & Kelly Vandever 2024 Bocce Doubles Champions
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
As a reminder, you must sign up for all clinics with Jeff. If there is a great demand one week, another clinic will be added to accommodate members and their guests. The Open Play on Wednesday and Saturday is drop-in so come at your convenience.
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 private or group lessons. See you on the courts. Jeff Villano, Head Racquets Professional
Remember… “The more you seek the uncomfortable, the more you will become comfortable.” Conor McGregor
We are here in athletics for you. Please reach out to us if we can introduce you to something you have not tried yet here at the club.
That’s the scoop from Athletics, Scott Burton
THANKSG I V I N G HOLIDAY
TURKEY CHALLENGE
Saturday, November 16, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Cost: Complimentary
GraceAnn Graumann, Nancy Hamilton, & Trina Grokenberger doing a clinic with Jeff on a foggy day.
FITNESS NEWS
Joy DuMay, Fitness Director
THE HOLIDAY TRAIN
It’s that time of year I like to call “The Holiday Train”.
Once November 1st hits, you’ve probably tightly scheduled the next eight to ten weeks, and there is no way to stop the Train. Are you ready for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and the ensuing decorating, entertaining, parties, travel, food, family and more?
Whether you are ready for the holidays or not, remember that it is important to protect yourself from the “time sinks” and stress that accompany all of the above. Your physical health and your mental well-being are interconnected, so here are some tricks to beat the Train:
1. Expectations – This is about “time sinks”, those things you feel obligated to repeat every holiday because your family expects you to take charge. Examine the traditions you may feel pressured to continue that just don’t resonate with you. Do you look forward to this ritual or do you feel it is an unwanted responsibility? Does your heart sing when you contemplate this tradition or does it sink with dread? Letting go of activities that just don’t resonate with you is freeing! Plan ahead, set your boundaries with family and use that extra time to nurture yourself as the year ends.
For instance, how important is the traditional giant Christmas tree decorated with family heirlooms and home-made ornaments that takes days to set up and more to take down? If it is a centerpiece of your personal holiday experience, by all means go for it! But if it seems like another headache that the family doesn’t really care about, take things down a notch and either get a smaller tree or opt to have a family member take over this part of your celebration.
2. Family- You may have the most joyous family reunions during the holidays, or you may be stressed just thinking about the clash of personalities you’re about to be thrown together with. Compartmentalization is the key. Plan to take breaks from family events, especially if travel to another state puts you all in one spot
for days on end.
Also, plan some fun fitness activities that you can do together. Here at Birnam Wood, you could take a walk on the grounds before dinner, take a class in the Fitness Center or reserve the bocce or croquet courts for some friendly competition.
3. Travel – Just a short note here, simplify your travel. Flying anywhere over the holidays can be a nightmare, so plan ahead, keep things simple with contingency plans, and leave plenty of time to get where you need to be. Also, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate if you are flying. Your body will thank you.
4. Food and drink – Again, plan ahead (have you read this somewhere before?). This is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but just be smart about it. If you know that you will indulge in your favorite traditional holiday foods, go for it, but eat less the days before and after.
Also, use your smarts regarding alcohol. Have a glass of sparkling water before and after a cocktail. Stop at one drink and take your time about ordering a second. Think about how you want to feel tomorrow and plan accordingly
5. Exercise- Move every day but don’t beat yourself up! The best way is to start every day with movement, especially when the days will be filled with fun family events or lunch with friends. That way, you have already accomplished something, you’ve energized your body and refreshed your brain.
Whether it’s a solo walk or run to refocus, a class with friends or family to celebrate community, or a racquet or golf game, moving more rather than slumping on the couch will get you to January 1st in a happier, healthier body.
Enjoy the ride!
MON 9:45 AM: Cardio, Strength & Core with Marianna
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
Cancelled Classes: No Balance & Stability on 11/19, 11/26 No Cardio, Strength & Core or Restorative Yoga on 11/28.
CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Stanton Anderson
Secretary Wade Nichols
Treasurer Richard De Schutter
Director Tim Armour
Director Rachael Douglas
Director Charlie Bissell
Director Richard Caleel
Director Linda Gluck
Director Patricia Griffin
Director Steve Jones
Director Bob Kidder
Director Christopher Teasley
Director Kelly Vandever
HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Stanton Anderson
Secretary Wade Nichols
Treasurer Richard De Schutter
Director Patricia Griffin
Director Sharol Siemens
Director Christopher Teasley
Director Linda Wood
Director Charles Wilson
CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Athletic Wade Nichols
Compensation & HR Robert Nourse
Construction
Oversight Steve Jones
Cottage Sharol Siemens
Finance Richard De Schutter
401k Tim Armour
Golf Billy Grokenberger
Green Nancy Hunter
House Rachael Douglas
Membership Kelly Vandever
HOA COMMITTEE CHAIRS
A&L Christopher Teasley
Homeowners Patricia Griffin
The next regular meeting of The Board of Directors will be held on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 AT 9 AM.
Sarkisova
Come join your fellow members in our beautiful, clean, and private Fitness Studio We look forward to moving and energizing with you!
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