Birnam Wood Golf Club
Volume 223, Number 45
January, 2018
FEATURED EVENTS: DAOU WINE DINNER January 21, 2018 6:00 p.m. VALENTINE’S OPERA DINNER (Wednesday, February 14, 2018) 6:00 p.m. HAPPY HOUR - 19th HOLE Wednesdays - Sundays 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. NO CORKAGE FEE Every Thursday Evening CHOP HOUSE NIGHT Every Friday Evening BURGER MADNESS SUNDAY NIGHTS Gourmet Burgers and Special Sunday Supper Casual Menu BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1st Thursday Night Buffet CHINESE CUISINE (see flyer for details)
T H A N K YO U …
The Staff of Birnam Wood would like to thank the Members for their generous donations to the Employee Christmas Fund. This fund helps our families enjoy the Christmas season. We are grateful for your kindness and generosity. The only way we know to repay you is to continue to try even harder to make Birnam Wood Golf Club a special place of fun, warmth and friendly service for you, your friends and family.
Birnam Wood Golf Club
BULLETIN
The official publication of the Birnam Wood Golf Club, published monthly for members of the Club. Phone (805) 969-2223 / FAX (805) 969-5037 Wbsite: www.bwgc.net Email: frontdesk@bwgc.net
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2017-2018)
Larry Guy President Robert Nourse Vice-President/Treasurer Peter Slaughter Secretary Andrew Anthony Director Tim Armour Director Allegra Bessolo Director David Carpenter Director Nancy Gregory Director Don Eversoll Director Barbara Kummer Director Teri Sahhar Director Diane Sullivan Director Nick Weber Director Beth Wood Director
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Mr. Richard Brumm A&L Mrs. Mary Schmidt Bridge Mrs. Alexandra Nourse Cottage Mr. Roger Lenard Croquet Mr. Robert Nourse Finance Mrs. Leslie Robinson Fitness Mr. David Cronenbold Golf Mr. Andrew Anthony Green Mr. Bill Kimsey Facilities Mrs. Nanette Vaughan Homeowner’s Mrs. Beth Wood House Mr. Peter Slaughter Legal Mr. Joseph Hardin Jr. Long Range Planning Mr. David Grotenhuis Membership Larry & Peggy Guy New Member Committee Pamela Temple Tennis Connie Stein Women’s Golf Association
STAFF ROSTER
Michael Goodcase Head Golf Professional Martin Moore Golf Course Superintendent Ari Kreisler Chief Financial Officer Brandon Hughes Executive Chef Mitch Vargas Director of Security Marc Green Director of Food & Beverage Louis Tilley Maintenance Supervisor Manuel Orozco Executive Housekeeper Beverly Andersen Front Office Manager Linda Basydlo Membership Director Lucy Anderson Cottage Reservations Dan Webster Director of Tennis Joy DuMay/Liz Parrish Co-Fitness Center Directors
EDITORIAL STAFF
Miss Diane Wootton Beverly Andersen 2
Bulletin Chairman Editor
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
I hope everyone’s holiday has ended well, and that you have enjoyed a good start to the New Year. Birnam Wood’s biggest and best holiday gift was the firefighters who protected our homes during the Thomas Fire. Due to the escalating winds and immense growth of the fire, Montecito was fortunate to have thousands of men and fire equipment on the line. The ensuing evacuations were scary and stressful, and while a lot of cleanup work remains in progress, I am certain everyone agrees it was better than the alternative of losing our homes. I would like to thank our management and security teams for working day and night to protect Birnam Wood. Their continual communication with members kept everyone informed as they tried to assess how the fire would affect voluntary and mandatory evacuations of the community. Director of Security Mitch Vargas was in constant contact with the Captain of the Montecito Fire Department, and even had his cell phone number. Mitch, along with Ari Kreisler and myself, fielded numerous calls and emails to relay information based on the latest facts we were receiving from authorities. Senior staff also received and answered the many calls coming into Birnam Wood. Marc, Brandon, Ari, Mitch and several others were providing the latest information as soon as they received it. Many thanks to all of the employees who were involved in this effort. Once the mandatory evacuation order was lifted, efforts to reopen the Club began. The golf course, fitness center, tennis courts and main clubhouse (without services) were ready for Member access on Saturday, December 23rd, earlier than expected. This took a great deal of work, but our wonderful and dedicated staff accomplished the task. As of this writing I can only hope the New Year’s Eve Party was a great success. Certainly, everyone had a great deal to celebrate this New Year’s, especially after the fire was contained. On another note, many thanks to all those who contributed to the employee Christmas Fund making their Christmas that much brighter. As Birnam returns to normal operation, please remember that new membership is the driving force of the Club. This year, the attrition rate of our membership was greater than new member additions. The Club needs to invite just as many new members to join as it unfortunately loses each year. Please consider how much you enjoy the Club’s activities and programs and invite a friend to share those experiences. They are sure to have a good time. Since it is the time of year for making resolutions, please resolve that you will enjoy more of the Club’s offerings this year. Did you know our dining facilities rank at the top of all clubs in the area? Try one of the chef’s new dishes. Take a golf or tennis lesson, treat yourself to a personalized fitness session or new class, or try Mahjong or bridge. Remember to make reservations for the Super Bowl Viewing Party at the 19th Hole, and don’t forget Valentine’s Day. Check the calendar for upcoming events and call the pro shop for the latest events and guest days. Most of all, have fun at Birnam Wood this year! My sincerest wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year. Larry Guy President
Birnam Wood Golf Club
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Women's Golf Association
PLAY OF THE DAY/TUESDAYS
Join the fun: Sign up for Ladies Day! (sign up in the Locker Room) January 2 January 9 January 16 January 23
1st Tuesday Baker’s Dozen Criers Criss-Cross
1st Tuesday(December 5th, 2017) 1st Net: Anne Hall - 69 1st Gross: Teri Sahhar – 91 2nd Net: Betsy Hannaford – 72 3rd Net: Cindy Darcey - 74
MOST IMPROVED LADY GOLFER FOR NOVEMBER KATHY BARTON
Ladies Special Holiday Guest Day December 8, 2017 Due to the Thomas Fire no golf was played, just lunch. Prizes were raffled off. 1st Gross Drawn Nancy Hunter Sue Wilcox, Diane Wootton & Karen Peus 1st Net Drawn Cathy Clemens, Denise Powell, Asia Anthony & Roz Fendon
1st Gross
Nancy Hunter, Sue Wilcox, Diane Wootton & Karen Peus
1st Net
LADIES 9-HOLE PLAY Our intent is to encourage all the women golfers to join in playing a friendly, warm, and welcoming nine holes of golf on as many Thursday mornings as they possible can. Play begins at 8:30 a.m. Cathy Clemens, Denise Powell, Asia Anthony & Roz Fendon Ladies Golf Continued on Next Page...
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Birnam Wood Golf Club
Ladies Golf Continued...
WOMEN’S GOLF INTERCLUB January 18 at La Cumbre January 30 at Birnam Wood February 6 at Alisal February 27 at Valley Club
Sign-up sheets in Ladies Locker Room
Golf News Head Golf Professional Michael Goodcase
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I am so happy to see 2018 arrive. It was quite an auspicious finish to 2017. I sincerely hope everyone is safe and healthy after experiencing the effects of the Thomas Fire. I am so proud to be part of such an awesome club. The staff and the membership really did whatever was necessary to protect everyone and everything involved. True thank you goes out to our security team, headed by Mitch Vargas, for all their countless hours keeping everyone informed and being on site in case of any emergency, or change in conditions. I am looking forward to a fresh start in 2018 and a wonderful year. There is not too much to update at this time from the golf operation. We only hosted the monthly Men’s Guest Day in December (under somewhat smoky conditions). However, it was the biggest guest day we have had for quite some time (79 players). The Ladies’ Special Holiday Guest Day was transformed into a wonderful social event and lunch. Over 50 ladies came to Birnam Wood for lunch, prizes, and a visit from Santa Claus. That was the last meal served before the club’s closure due to the fire. The closure lasted the better part of two weeks. Golf News Continued on Page 8...
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Birnam Wood Golf Club Golf News Continued... Now it is time to look ahead. Men’s Team will be in full swing throughout the months of January and February. We will have home and home matches against three opponents: La Cumbre, North Ranch, and Saticoy. Ladies’ Team will be preparing for their first year in the Gold Coast League. Their season will begin in March and continue through the beginning of May. We will be competing against Saticoy, San Luis Obispo and Porter Valley. Also, our ladies will be competing in Interclub, defending their title as Net Champions. They will have one tournament at Valley, La Cumbre, and Alisal.
Golf Course Information Marty Moore, Golf Course Superintendent) BALL MARKS There are certain topics about which there can never be enough discussion. One such topic is BALLMARKS ON GREENS. Unrepaired or poorly repaired ballmarks are the subject of concern and consternation at golf courses everywhere. We often see golf professionals on television spending a great deal of time repairing ballmarks before putting to ensure as true a ball roll as possible. Unrepaired or poorly repaired ballmarks create a long term irregularity in the putting surface. Ballmarks, which are repaired promptly and correctly, heal quickly, leaving the surface unaffected. Why there are any ballmarks on a green is a mystery. Perhaps the fact that most players ride in carts contributes to the problem. A player hits a shot to the green, drives the cart around the back of the green, approaches the ball from the rear and does not see the ballmark left on the front of the green. Whatever the reason, there are always unrepaired ballmarks on the greens. Please take the time to repair ballmarks and remind others to do the same. It will increase the enjoyment of the game for all.
Men’s Guest Day December 6, 2017 1st Net 53 pts Kelly Vandever Charlie Bissell Tom Orlando D.K. Bennett 1st Gross 34 pts Dave Doll Charlie Peterson Jim Shattuck Paul Cisek 2nd Net 52 pts
Todd Aldrich Dave Kent Terry Anderson Hal Cassriel
3rd Net 52 pts Lee Asseo Bob Glore Bill Brokken John Sesak Closest to the Flagstick: Hole #2: Woody Woodward 1’ 8” Hole #12: Fred Sahhar 5’ 8” 1st Gross
Dave Doll, Charlie Peterson, Jim Shattuck & Paul Cisek (not shown)
1st Net
Kelly Vendever, Charlie Bissell, Tom Orlando & D.K. Bennett
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Birnam Wood Golf Club
CROQUET NEWS by Roger Lenard Croquet Committe Chairman
Sundays at 10:15 followed by lunch Fridays – Beginners & Experienced Players 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Croquet Pro Jay Campbell – Phone: (805) 452-4676 Occasional clinics offered for beginning and intermediate players.
On a more upbeat note, Birnam Woods 4.5 Ladies Doubles Team has completed its local competition, with a 7-1 season. This team will be heading to the regionals as their next stage of competition. The Team has been captained to its success by Mrs. Patricia Durham. Congratulations thus far all our Ladies! Our Ladies B Team is still in the middle of their season, and they are battling for every point and every game, of every set that they play. The Co-Captains, Mrs. Evelyn Connery and Cathleen Grabowski have been doing their best in the match ups against the competition that they face. We’re wishing you great results! Mr. Jim Carder’s service, as Tennis Chairman comes to a close. We thank you Mr. Carder for your many years of service. We now welcome a new Chairperson, Mrs. Pam Temple.
TENNIS NEWS Dan Webster Director of Tennis
Dear Tennis Members: Let me first say how much our thoughts go out to all those who have been impacted by the Thomas Fire that began in early December, and the effects of which continue to be felt. Immediately, upon the fires fallout covering our Clay Courts, a protocol to protect its integrity for the future was begun. This meant turning the water off so that the courts would not absorb any of the burn material that could be absorbed into the base and form a barrier that would prevent the even distribution of water throughout the courts. Once the fires falling ash was significantly reduced, the courts will have been cleared of the ash, and water turned back on to recharge the cells. If all has gone well, we are playing once again upon high quality Clay Courts.
We will be notifying you once a date has been set for the rescheduling of our postponed Annual Tennis Dinner. Please stay posted! Thank you and best wishes to you all.
Coming Event: Valentine Day Mixed Doubles: February 11th, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
www.bwgc.net
Been on Birnam Wood’s website lately? Check out bwgc.net for Club updates, Golf News, Dining Menus, Fitness Articles and more! Questions? (805) 969-2223 Ext. 246
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Birnam Wood Golf Club
FITNESS NEWS
Here’s an example you can do at home (get the Handout of the Month in the Fitness Center for more). Gentle Geometry: Stand up, and make a circle with your right hand. Then simultaneously make a vertical line with your left hand. Now make a triangle with your left foot. Continue for one minute or until you collapse in laughter. ;)
Co-Directors, Joy DuMay & Liz Parrish
The Birnam Wood Fitness Center Dear Member: Our first commitment to you is your health. Due to the Thomas fire, the air quality may remain unsafe for weeks. Please realize that it may be some time before it will be ok for some of you to exercise. If you have a heart or lung condition, speak with your physician before beginning or resuming a fitness program. Exercising inside may be your safest bet. Our Fitness Center has a full line of cardio and strength equipment and the Fitness Directors are here to help you. Please contact us to schedule an Intro or to get your New Year’s resolutions moving forward. Joy DuMay (805) 705-8472 Liz Parrish (805) 705-7502 We are looking forward to our February Fitness Challenge: “28 in 28”, when we are challenging you to work out every day in February (hello? 28 in 28). Details to follow! January Fitness Challenge Brain Strength Studies show that brain health is enhanced by a combination of physical exercise in combination with cognitive challenges in a rich sensorimotor environment. This does not mean trying to do a Sudoku puzzle while walking on the treadmill. 10
Birnam Wood Fitness Center Group Exercise Classes January 2018 Please note: Core and More will not be held in January but will return in February! Monday (No classes 1/1) 11:00 am Iyengar Yoga Tuesday (no classes 1/2) 9:30 am Strengthen & Lengthen 10:30 am Gentle Flow Yoga Thursday (no classes 1/4) 9:30 am Strengthen & Lengthen 10:00 am Iyengar Yoga 10:30 am Gentle Flow Yoga Friday (no class 1/5) 3:00 pm Fun Fit Friday!
Birnam Wood Golf Club
BRIDGE NEWS
CHICAGO BRIDGE JANUARY 17
Winners November 16 N/S 1st Robert Hollman/Candace Dauphinot…63.39 2nd Peter Stalker/Roger Lenard…56.25 3rd Sam Amer/Marguerite Amer…55.65 E/W 1st 2nd 3rd
Held the third Wednesday of each month. Bring your foursome and enjoy canapes and drinks while playing. Stay with the group for dinner in the 19th Hole Bar after play. Start Time 4:30 p.m. Please arrange your foursomes and call the Club for your reservation. Questions: contact Lida Blue.
Judy Mack/Tom Mack…61.90 Bobbie Dohan/Bob Bonhof…52.38 Andrew Saltoun/Morrie Jurkowitz…49.40
Winners November 30 N/S 1st Peter Stalker/Gloria Weltz…58.93 2nd Sam Amer/Marguerite Amer…56.85 3rd Peter Johnson/Deanne Violich…55.95 E/W 1st 2nd 3rd
Emily Roos/Kandy Budgor…68.75 Bobbie Dohan/Bob Bonhof..57.75 Judy Mack/Tom Mack…56.25
Winners December 7 N/S 1st Robert Hollman/Candace Dauphinot…67.13 2nd Jo Lindros/Mary Schmidt…56.78 3rd Peter Stalker/Roger Lenard…51.92 E/W 1st 2nd 3rd
Joan Rocco/Jerry Rocco…61.50 Steve Crossland/Mike Marshall…57.83 Jean Archer/Sally Barden…50.92
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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT The Board of Directors welcomes the following Members to The Board of Directors welcomes the following members Birnam Wood Golf Club: to Birnam Wood Golf Club: Tennis Member
Dan and Arlene Kolodziejski Dan and Arlene Kolodziejski reside in Montecito. He is principal in real estate investments at Clement Partners. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno and University of West LA School of Law. They are members of Timbers Resort, Costello di Casole (Italy) and have two grown children.
TWO NEW MEMBERSHIP CATAGORIES JUNIOR GOLF and JUNIOR TENNIS Effective August 1, 2017
Limited to a maximum of 10 new members for each category and available for 12 months: 1. Junior Golf: Under 35 years of age, Initiation fee of $40,000 payable as follows: $5,000 upon acceptance $10,000 due on each of the following birthdays: 35, 40, 45 $5,000 due at age 50 Monthly dues of $350 until age 50. Normal Resident member monthly dues thereafter. 2.
Junior Tennis: Under 35 years of age, Initiation fee of $15,000 payable as follows: $3,000 upon acceptance $1,000 due on each of the following birthdays: 35, 40, 45 $9,000 due at age 50 Monthly dues of $250 until age 50. Normal Tennis member monthly dues thereafter. If a Junior Tennis member upgrades to Resident/Junior Golf at age 50 or before, the total initiation fee increases to $40,000.
If you know of friends or family that would be interested in joining under this limited time offer please contact Membership Director Linda Basydlo (805) 969-2223 or lbasydlo@bwgc.net for more information. Full details are also available on the Club’s website.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
IN MEMORIAM Mr. Ray Peppard A Member since 1989 Mr. Preston Hotchkis A Member since 1998 Mrs. Ingrid Range A Member since 1995
ALEX MORTON Dining Room
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 26, 2018
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The following new candidates for membership will be considered at the next meeting of the Membership Committee:
Mrs. Maria Ferrer Murdock Board, Great American Songbook Clubhouse Member, Alisal Club
Dr. Fred Sahhar Mr. Howell D. Wood
Mr. Morris Muscatel Out-of-State
VP, Marsh & McLennan Insurance Group Member, Aldarra GC, Issaquach, WA
Mr. David Cronenbold Mr. Gary Finefrock
Pastor Ian Noyes Resident Clergy
Lead Pastor, Montecito Convenant Church Prev., First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley
Mrs. Diane Lundberg Dr. Gayle Beebe
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 and all unfavorable correspondence will be returned upon completion of the candidate’s application. Please submit comments by January 10, 2018. Membership Committee: Mr. David Grotenhuis, Chairman Mr. Andy Chou Mrs. Gail Gelles Mr. Cliff Lundberg Mr. Mike Marshall Mrs. Lizzie Peus Mrs. Teri Sahhar Mr. Ryan Siemens Mrs. Gloria Slaughter Mrs. Larie Smith Mrs. Linda Whiston