APRIL 2021
MEMBER NEWSLETTER
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE LOOKING AHEAD PAGE 1
THE CITY CLUB
THE HEART OF PEACH TREE MEMBER & STAFF HIGHLIGHT PAGE 7
PREVIEW OPENING PAGE 4
Preview Lunch & Brunch Opening WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY 11AM-2PM SUNDAY 9AM-2PM 530-329-8312 1
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE LOOKING AHEAD By Whit Taylor The month seemed to fly by. It is time for another
These early brunches that have been open to our
message for The Playbook: our new member
proprietary member group have given us a lot of
newsletter. So far, it looks like this will be a huge
input for how we can make things even better
success in communicating information to all
once we can fully open. It is exciting to see the
members. It is the new “must read” for members!
reality of our new Yuba City Club experience come to life. Once we are done meeting ABC
I have noticed Peach Tree is bustling with a lot of
requirements, we will have the destination dinner
golfers both on the course and on the range. It is
club in the area. Kudos to our entire food and
good to see the usage of the golf facilities
beverage team, general manager and many
increase. I have also noticed a lot of people
others who have contributed to this project.
enjoying the new offerings from our food and
Looking forward to our full opening once we are
beverage team. Thank you to the efforts of our
allowed by various governmental agencies to let
team to bring us new choices to pick from each
people come.
week. I know a lot of you have enjoyed these special dish offerings.
I would like to thank all the members who have reached
out
with
questions
or
provided
With the increase in golfer activity, we are also
comments for improvements. Your feedback is
seeing more need for help in maintaining the
important to all of us. We have even had a few
integrity of the greens and the fairways. Here I go
“atta boys” come our way. I think it is important
with the broken record again…please take a
for everyone to feel a part of Peach Tree. I
minute to fix your ball mark on the green. Also,
encourage you to come to our board meetings,
an extra second or two to fill in a divot with sand
join a committee, or bring a solution to the table.
will make the next golfer’s experience as nice as
Working together to build a better Peach Tree
yours. One last reminder. We still cannot use
will benefit each of us in a big way.
rakes in the sand traps. If you find yourself in a trap, please use your foot to try and mimic a rake.
Last month’s message was a little lengthy. I am
It’s not perfect, but it is better than nothing at all.
going to try to be mindful of that going forward. Hope you enjoy your copy of The Playbook. I
Although I have not been yet, I have been told by
look forward to seeing you on the range or on the
some of those who have been able to use the
golf course. Enjoy the experience. We are lucky
City Club that the food is outstanding, and the
(built by hard work) to have such a wonderful
service is the best.
place to go in our community. Time to chase that next birdie!
Whit Taylor 1
OUR WORK CONTINUES WITH YOUR HELP By Jeff Munsey, General Manager
I can’t believe the first quarter of 2021 is over, just like that. March was a busy month with lots of things coming together, including the launch of The Playbook, the preview opening of The City Club, changes on the golf course with the removal of the hedge opening the views of the first tee, and the rebuilding of the forward tee on number seven. Each of these is an example of the collaborative work shared between the committees, the Board and the Club’s management to move the club forward. The most energetic feedback I received centered around this newsletter with many members writing me to say how much they enjoyed having a printed newsletter again. They enjoyed reading about what was happening at the club, learning about our new members, and seeing their fellow members included in some of the features. I am happy you seem to be enjoying it. The Playbook is the product of more than 60 hours of effort each month by the staff to develop, write and create this magazine that we hope you will enjoy. No new labor was added to do this; it is the byproduct of more efficiency and includes help from more than 6 staff and 5 members to complete. I hope it will continue to be of interest and value to you as we strive to evolve in response to your feedback.
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The Heart of Peach Tree: Our Members & Staff The Heart of Peach Tree: Our Members & Staff continued As I look at our Club’s growth in membership this
Whether your schedule changed, or you realized
past year, I am expecting that the issues of old
that you were already booked with another
are history and we now face new challenges
member’s group, cancelling the tee time or
looking
membership
Restaurant reservation you made will help our
growth for both golf and social membership due
staff free up space for a member waiting to golf
to the addition of The City Club brings different
or dine with us.
ahead.
Our
success
in
issues through which to manage. For example, after years of trying to attract new golf members,
Second, one of the game’s core values is to
we are nearing the point where we must stop
show your respect to others by repairing ball
adding new golf members and put a waiting list in
marks and divots. On occasion, I am sent
place. The same is true for social membership.
pictures of some of the greens after a busy day
With nearly 550 members of all types and
and I cannot help but be disappointed by the
approximately 100 on the waiting list to join when
number of ball marks that go unrepaired for no
The City Club opens, it is important that we add
good reason. The greens are the most delicate
membership and access to things in a measured
part of our course and they make or break your
way.
game. I would like to ask for your help in repairing your marks and encouraging others to
Another new emerging area of challenge is
do the same in your group.
helping our family of membership, both new and longtime
in
While there are several classes of membership,
keeping the Club special. The Club is a reflection
some that have ownership stake and others that
of
you
do not, the truth is everyone has an equal
individually. The way members treat each other,
responsibility and should take pride Our in
and the amenities used has a direct impact on
preserving and protecting this great asset. If
other members. In general, our members are all
nothing else, this is the simplest way any
very respectful of each other and the Club, but
member can honor the investment made by
the devil is in the details, which is why I would
members like you throughout the Club’s 60
like to end with a focus on a few ways that all
years.
its
members, members,
understand as
a
whole
their and
role of
members, with the support of staff, can help make sure the Club reflects the best of us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this note and for being a part of something special as a
I would like to call out two very specific ways you
member at Peach Tree Golf & Country Club.
can help ensure the club is enjoyed equally by all: First, I would like to remind everyone of how
Jeff Munsey
important it is to cancel tee times and restaurant reservations if your plans change.
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The City Club opened for a Preview Dining Experience for current Club members and their guests starting March 7, 2021. Current members can enjoy brunch and lunch service weekly Thursday and Friday, 11am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm. So, what is a Preview Dining Experience? Good question. Until we have the issuance of our liquor license, we are at a crossroads. While we work through a few remaining projects including the installation of phone lines, POS system wiring and touch up painting, we wanted to let our staff get to work feeding you. Like pro athletes during the off season, the culinary team has been on the sidelines while we waited for COVID rules to relax. As the team comes out of hibernation, having the chance to service you under a soft-opening Preview will let us get real-time feedback about the menu, food quality and service, helping us refine before an official
So, while the menu is still very intensively chef
Grand Opening just ahead of summer. Don’t get me wrong,
driven, you will still find plenty of approachable
we're still bringing our "A" game. Preview doesn’t mean less
choices for less adventurous palates. These more
intention to make you have a great experience.
traditional or simpler items will still reflect the same value for freshness and quality as anything else on
So, what’s on the menu? A variety of past City Café favorites
the menu.
and new things, too. When we announced we would be taking over the former City Café and turning it into The City Club,
Ready to enjoy a meal at The City Club? By the
many of our members who were long-time supporters of The
time this issue of The Playbook goes to print we
City Café told me in clear terms not to “screw up” the things
will be able to share information on how to make
that they most enjoyed about dining at the City Café. What did
reservations by phone and online. Because those
they enjoy? Highly attentive service and creative Chef-driven
details are not final yet, please watch your email or
menu items. We are blending those wishes with the other side
contact the clubhouse office, 530-743-1897 for the
of our obligation to meet the needs of all of our members.
most current information regarding making a reservation.
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We look forward to serving you at The City Club soon! Until then, here are a few things to know: · Kids are welcome and can order from a menu of specially created kid friendly breakfast and lunch choices. · Members may bring guests; in fact we encourage it! · Seating is available inside and outside on the patio under heaters. We are following the current county COVID dining restrictions limiting the occupancy inside. · Don’t have a reservation? That’s ok, come on by and we will do everything we can to get you a table. But bring your patience in case there is a short wait for a table. · Proprietary Members who receive Birthday meal privileges will be able to redeem them at The City Club starting July 1, 2021. · In a small eatery, every inch of space counts, so we don’t have a soda fountain. Instead you can try old-fashioned cane sugar sodas including cola, cherry, cream soda and ginger ale. Not into soda? No problem. Choose from two types of iced tea, coffee, sparkling and still water and a wide variety of fresh juices.
PRO TIPS FROM LUKE How to Stop Hitting Thin Chip Shots After last month's article on "avoiding fat contact", I figure now would be a good time to address "thin contact", or the "low runner" you didn't really want to hit. The problem most amateur golfers face when chipping is how they set up to the ball. I see this all the time when giving a lesson; The student sets up to the ball with their right shoulder closer the ground than their left which means their heads are tilted to the right. This set up position is good for driver, but it's bad news for chipping. The golf club will bottom out early, bounce off the turf, strike the forehead of the golf ball, and now we get to try it again from the other side of the green. To correct this: As players address the ball, make sure to feel like the left eye is closer to the ground than the right one. Address the ball and cock your head to the left, so that your left eye is closer to the ground than the right eye. Players will start to notice a more level shoulder position and help distribute weight evenly. Now the bottom of the swing arc is under the ball not four inches behind it! If you struggle with the thin chip shot, come on by the Pro Shop and I'd be happy to help.
Luke Syverson, PGA, Director of Golf
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The Heart of Peach Tree: Our Members & Staff SHEILA KELLY-HOUSTON Members since 2018
What has The Club meant to you during COVID? Peach Tree has been my sanity during these crazy times. I'm so thankful it was able to remain open (with modifications) and so grateful for the hardworking staff that made that possible. It's my sanctuary away from work. I've worked what feels like 24/7 since March of 2020 and really, really enjoyed the peace and beauty of the course to recharge when I played my weekly 9 holes. I'm looking forward to working less, playing more and getting back to all the wonderful social events!
HANNAH CREEK
ABEL SADLER
Golf Operations
Clubhouse Restaurant
Hannah started with us last November 2020, and is loving it so far! Her favorite part about her job is getting to know members. In her spare time, she likes to travel, hang out with friends & family, hike, read Thriller novels, and explore areas like Burney Falls in McCloud which she says was one of her most memorable places. As a natural thrill-seeker, skydiving is on her bucket list.
Course Improvements You may have noticed some nice improvements around the course that we have made this year, including new concrete for smoother cart paths, a fresh paint job on the benches & hole monuments, as well as some flourishing flowers for the Memorial Garden. We couldn't have done these updates without our members! Pleas join us in giving a huge THANK YOU to our members Leslie Williams, Monica Oakes, and Joe Del Pero for their help on these projects.
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Abel started working here 9 years ago and is one of our Clubhouse Restaurant all-stars. He is known for his positive attitude towards work and life, and he loves the work he does and the members. In his offtime, he enjoys taking his wife shopping and going out to eat at their favorites, El Zarape and Antonio's. His lifelong dream is to see Metallica live.
News Around The Club TWILIGHT GOLF Twilight golf is back! On Fridays starting April 9th, you will have the opportunity to join in on the fun, meet new people, and enjoy an evening of golf and great food. Sign up at the Pro Shop today to secure your spot. Twilight Golf includes fun and inclusive formats for golfers of all abilities. Begins on Fridays at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner. $20 per player includes sweeps and food, Carts are available for an extra fee.
PLAN YOUR EVENT HERE! Peach Tree Golf & Country Club is a one stop destination for all of your event planning needs. From professional coordination to exceptional food and service, our team serves more than 10,000 people a year ranging from groups of 10 to 250. As a member, you receive special member pricing to fit your budget. Additionally, if you are a proprietary member you will receive a 2% dues credit for all events you host or refer as a sponsoring member. Ready to get started? Contact Becky Frias to discuss
your
date
and
plans
by
becky@ptgcc.com or by phone 530-743-1897 x 23.
NOTES FROM TRACY SHANAHAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
We have received numerous inquiries about greens aeration. Simply put, aeration is the single most beneficial maintenance practice to promote oxygen, nutrient and water penetration into the root zone. Another primary objective is to manage the “thatch” layer, or the cushion of turf you feel under your feet and impacts receptiveness of golf shots. There was a very recent engineering innovation to tine development to aerate greens. A company developed tines to allow successful and efficient plugging of just the thatch layer, with a very small hole and impact to the putting surfaces. With the blessing of the Greens Committee and Board, we are taking a “revolutionary” way to approach our aeration and thatch management by utilizing these tines on a frequent basis (monthly from spring through fall) that will not only allow similar total amounts of thatch/turf removal to larger tines twice/year, but with significantly less disruption to play and recovery. We are finding these holes are well-healed within 2-3 days versus the 10-14 days we typically see with larger tines that require heavier topdressing. We will alternately spike the greens with solid and longer tines for the root zone benefits, something we have already been doing for many years now during the growing season. We strongly feel that our innovative approach provides consistent and improved quality of play for you to enjoy while we constantly strive to provide the best putting surfaces we can on a daily basis! 7
Membership Update NOTES FROM COURTNEY FINSTAD
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS FOR MARCH! Obie Leff
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Mike Peters
Spring is in full swing here at
Bruce Buttacavoli
Peach Tree, and I am sure you are loving this weather and seeing the
Richard Galinat
trees in bloom and the bermuda fairways turning green. It really is
Jon Donenfeld
my favorite season for golf, and we are so lucky to call this our home
Steve Wheeler
course! With all of the upcoming fun we have in store for you, including the
CONGRATS TO OUR MARCH #SELFIESATURDAY FACEBOOK WINNERS!
return of tournaments and Twilight Golf, please remember that as a member, we count on you to be a
MIKE PAUSTIAN
ANNE-MARIE JONES
steward of our course and help keep it in immaculate condition by filling divots you see while playing, as well as fixing ball marks on our greens. Also, a quick reminder that we are a Private Country Club and have
dress
code
requirements,
such as polo shirts for both men and women. However, since we are a Club in a farming community, jeans are acceptable. If you have any golf attire needs, there is new gear in the Pro Shop that is perfect
Growing up: The Peach Tree Way
SHARYL MESSICK-MENCONI
CARSON GEWEKE
Family Fun: Sharyl, Sheila & Linda
Hole in One on number 7!
for layering in this weather - check it out. We hope you take pride in the incredible golf experience that we have to offer, and we appreciate all of your help in keeping the course in tip-top shape and maintaining the reputation that makes us so special as a Private Club.
Courtney Finstad
Follow us on our Facebook page and tag us in your photos for your chance to win a prize. Photos may also be submitted by email to courtney@ptgcc.com. One winner chosen weekly!
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Golf Club Updates
THE LADIES' CLUB by Panda Morgan, President Joining the Ladies' Club is an excellent way to meet other club members; many long lasting friendships have developed as a result. We organize internal club mini tournaments and encourage spreading your wings by playing in outside tournament. All levels of play and skills are welcome to join in the fun. March is the kickoff of our first major tournament of the year, our Spring Handicap. Players from all levels of play were encouraged to participate in our two day event, held March 24th and 31st. This is a Handicap Tournament; all players used their Net Score. Players are placed in flights based on their handicap, we used their March 15th Index for both days of play. The winners of each flight won prize money; with an overall Net Score Handicap earning this year’s title. (Results will be posted on the Ladies' Club board). Each year the Ladies' Club prints a Club Roster & Tournament Calendar which you may find posted on the bulletin board in the Ladies locker room. The book is also available to all members of the Ladies' Club. To become a member of the Ladies Club you can register in the office for only $50 per year. The Roster & Tournament Calendar provides member contact information, our Club Bylaws, and General Information governing the Ladies' Club. As a member of the Peach Tree Ladies' Club you can participate in NCGA/WGANC sponsored events. Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) provides club support through course ratings, golf rules, a quarterly magazine, tournament play outside of Peach Tree G&CC, and many other benefits. The Women’s Golf Association of Northern California (WGANC) was formed to help build, support, and promote women’s golf. The two organizations have come together to form one organization, but are still in transition. As a member of the Ladies' Club of Peach Tree you can participate in over 20 different tournaments held within Northern California Region each year, and many clubs are represented in these tournaments where you meet and play with members from other clubs. Many lifelong friendships have been formed throughout the years through Peach Tree’s participation in WGANC and NCGA.
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See the calendar in the Ladies' Locker Room for upcoming tournaments & Club events!
Golf Club Updates
THE MEN'S CLUB by Mike Johnston, President The Men’s Club Orange Ball Tournament was very successful with 24 players on Thursday, March 11th and 38 players on Saturday, March 13th. With the improvement in weather as Spring & Daylight savings are finally here, we expect an even larger turnout for future tournaments and Club play . In addition to our monthly "Race for the Cup” tournaments, we are going to start having $aturday money games for those who are looking for more competition. The April tournament on the 22nd and 24th will be a two-man Pinehurst: Each player hits a drive, the best drive is selected and alternate shots are taken until the ball is holed. I would also like to remind all male golfing members that they are eligible to play in the Men’s Club Tournaments & other games. If you are not currently a part of the Men's Club, please see Courtney in the office and she will assist you with sign up. Billing is $25 / year to get more involved and receive communication about what's coming up & Men's Club news. Finally, don't delay - the Men’s Invitational Tournament this is June 10, 11, 12. Please sign up early! The entry fee is $500 / team until May 1 and after that the fee will increase to $600 / team.
Upcoming Tournaments April 1: Men’s Club Spring Match Play Begins April 15: Men’s Club Pinehurst 9 am Shotgun April 17: Men’s Club Pinehurst TT 8 am - 10 am
Save the Date: Men's Invitational June 10, 11, 12 Sign up early!
May 13: Men's Club Individual Point Par 9 am Shotgun May 13: Men's Club Individual Point Par 8 - 10 am Tee Times 10
New "MY NCGA" Mobile App for Tracking Scores by Steve Fochs, Handicap Committee Did You Know? In the very near future, NCGA members with the MY NCGA phone app will be able to access a statistics-keeper function that will allow tracking of detailed statistics on their rounds. The app is free as a benefit to all NCGA members and is available on Android and Apple iPhones platforms. The 18-hole posting feature tracks: greens hit in regulation, putts per round, birdies, bogeys, and other details. This feature
THE HANDICAP COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF MEMBERS WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME TO DISCUSS ISSUES AND CREATE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR MEMBERS ENROLLED IN THE NCGA. THEY ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR CLUB AND MEET QUARTERLY TO PROVIDE OVERSIGHT FOR FAIR & EQUITABLE PLAY FOR THOSE COMPETING IN PEACH TREE COMPETETIVE EVENTS & TOURNAMENTS. NEXT MEETING IS ON APRIL 21.
is perfect for the golf enthusiast who wants to track their improvements and identify areas that need attention. Statistics posted on the phone app are recorded in the NCGA handicap system. This gives a golfer the option of posting directly into the Pro Shop Posting Kiosk or on their phone app. The go date and more details about this app and function will be available soon. Stay tuned! Information in this article was provided by the Peach Tree Golf & Country Club Handicap Committee.
MEET YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S WHIT TAYLOR
JOE DEL PERO
STEVE FOCHS
Board President
Greens Committee Chair
Handicap Committee Chair
CAM FRAY
TIM KELLEHER
FRANK MASCOVICH
Director
Finance Committee Chair
House Committee Chair
JERRY MESCHER
KELLY PURDOM
LESLIE WILLIAMS
Food & Beverage Committe Char
Director
Rules Committee Chair
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STAFF DIRECTORY YOUR CLUB PROFESSIONALS JEFF MUNSEY
TRACY SHANAHAN
BECKY FRIAS
General Manager
Course Superintendent
Operations Manager
530.743.1897 x12
530.743.1897
530.743.1897 x23
tracey@ptgcc.com
becky@ptgcc.com
jeff@ptgcc.com
JILL NAKAO
LUKE SYVERSON
CASEY JACKSON
Controller / HR
Head Golf Professional
530.743.1897 x11
530.743.1897 x14
City Club Executive Chef & Manager
jill@ptgcc.com
Luke@ptgcc.com
casey@ptgcc.com
COURTNEY FINSTAD
DAVE DEGRASSE
DAN GRANADOS
Membership Director
Assistant to Golf Pro
530.743.1897 x13
530.743.2039
City Club Chef de Cuisine
courtney@ptgcc.com
golfops@ptgcc.com
dan@ptgcc.com
DEBBIE HANLEY
DAVE BROWN
TENILLE RITZMAN
Accounts Payable
Assistant Superintendent
City Club Front of House Manager
530.743.1897 x24
tenille@ptgcc.com
debbie@ptgcc.com
MARK NIMRICK
NATHAN COUCH
Facilities Manager
Pro Shop Assistant
530.777.8466
530.743.2039
mark@ptgcc.com
golfops@ptgcc.com
THANK YOU TO KATHY RETZLOFF FOR EDITORIAL PROOFREADING
GOLF OPERATIONS HANNAH CREEK
ZACH CROSS
SAAHIL SANDHAR
MICHAH TOMM
TYLER ZEPP
JAYSON THOMPSON
AARON VATS
EION BISIAUX
GROUNDS/ MAINTENENCE RAVI DYKEMA
TOMMY HOPKINS
HUNTER MERRITT
GEORGE HERDANDEZ
BENITO SANCHEZ
GARY WOODS
FOOD & BEVERAGE EDITH BLANCO
RACHEL MALLEN
Pro Shop: 530-743-2039
|
ABEL SADLER
MARK SHIVELY
www.peachtreecountryclub.com
|
PAULANN QUINN
Office: 530-743-1897
MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH 2021 SAVE THE DATE! SUNDAY MAY 9TH, 2021 11AM - 2PM
RESERVATIONS: CONTACT BECKY FRIAS 530-743-1897 X23 BECKY@PTGCC.COM
NEW SPRINGWEAR!
Sunice attire is in stock! WE HAVE NEW GEAR IN THE PRO SHOP FOR YOUR LAYERING NEEDS: VESTS, WINDBREAKERS, NEW POLOS, AND MORE FOR HIS AND HERS.
COME ON IN AND CHECK IT OUT!
2021 CLUB CALENDAR APRIL
MAY
APRIL 1 MEN’S CLUB SPRING MATCH PLAY BEGINS
MAY 5 LADIES' CLUB DRAW DAY
APRIL 4 EASTER BRUNCH APRIL 6 GREENS COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 7 LADIES' CLUB DRAW DAY APRIL 13 HANDICAP COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 14 LADIES' CLUB INFORMAL GUEST DAY APRIL 15 MEN’S CLUB PINEHURST 9 AM SHOTGUN
MAY 9 MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH MAY 10 US OPEN QUALIFIER MAY 12 LADIES' CLUB FORMAL GUEST DAY INVITATIONAL PRACTICE ROUND MAY 13 MEN'S CLUB INDIVIDUAL POINT PAR - 9 AM SHOTGUN MAY 15 MEN'S CLUB INDIVIDUAL POINT PAR - 8 - 10 AM TEE TIMES MAY 19 LADIES' CLUB NORTHERN PENTACLE TEE TIMES
APRIL 17 MEN’S CLUB PINEHURST TEE TIMES: 8 AM - 10 AM
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING 3 PM
APRIL 21 LADIES' CLUB TEE TIMES
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING 3:30 PM
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING 3PM
MAY 22 PEACH TREE 27 HOLE TOURNAMENT 8-11 AM TEE TIMES
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING 4:00 PM APRIL 28 LADIES' CLUB TEE TIMES BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S MEETING 3 PM IN MAIN DINING ROOM
MAY 26 LADIES' CLUB BEST 9 TEE TIMES BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S MEETING 3 PM IN MAIN DINING ROOM