UPDATE: Welcome New Members

Northland Country Club is pleased to welcome the following new members: Bob & Linda Mathiasen, Abbot Apter & Trish Kroening, Brian & Betty Flaherty, Dr. Peter Mayer & Tina Kristin, Dr. Craig & Jennifer Hampton, Thomas & Lynn Wood, and Dan & Gayle Wallin. We also want to acknowledge upgrades for Jay & Cara Seiler and Greg & Kara McGillivray.
UPDATE: We also want to welcome new members Bob & Vicki Neve and Scott Henderson who joined yesterday, and acknowledge that Andrea & Paul Altmann have upgraded their membership to resident golf.
As previous stories have stated, as of today the price to become a resident golf member at Northland has increased.
We are still engaged in a non-resident membership campaign that is very attractively priced. Within the next month, golfers across Minnesota will be informed about the wonderful membership special for non-resident golfers. The advertisement posted on the left will appear in the Minnesota Golfer magazine.
For those of you who are knew to this site, if you click on any image you'll be able to view that image full screen. Just click your return arrow to get back to the previous screen.

Website Remodeling Gets Approval

Northland Country Club is getting a new website.
The board of directors has accepted the Communication Committee recommendation to revamp the existing website to allow for new technology and new features. The website will be a collaboration of efforts by the HT Klatzky firm and WestmorelandFlint, both of whom have completed preliminary design elements (some of which are shown immediately above). As you can see, a new front page will be posted shortly alerting members of the new design change. Although the temporary front page directs viewers to this site for member updates, this blog site - which was established to provide updates during the clubhouse construction phase - is expected to be eliminated once the new website is fully functional.

Quick Polls - Caddie Program & Blog Comments

With the recent discussion about the caddie program at Northland Country Club and the comments section on this blog site, we've added three new Quick Polls.
We'd first like to know who you think should be responsible for the caddie program. Secondly, we'd like to know how much you generally pay your caddie (at Northland Country Club, not another course). And, thirdly, we'd like to know whether you think members who write comments on the blog site should be required to identify themselves or whether we should continue the practice of allowing for anonymous comments.
We realize we're asking you to take some time to respond to these polls. We have some others in mind that might be considered more important, so we'll leave these up for just a few days. As always, thanks for your participation. All three polls are posted on the right side of the screen.

There have been many questions raised under the comment sections about caddie pay. We can appreciate that some of the newer members may not have had experience with caddies and are unfamiliar about what to pay for the various caddie experience levels and the suggested tip policy. We'll attempt to get all those questions answered and post the results in a few days. In the meantime, we'd appreciate other members taking a moment to comment on what has been their policy for caddie pay.

Stuart Cabin Poll Results

Last week we asked what should be done with the Stuart Cabin at Northland Country Club. In recent years, the structure has served largely as an additional storage area. For many years previous, the cabin was used by long-time former golf pro Ev Stuart when he visited during the summer months. In recent years, there has been some discussion about renovating the structure, but no formal action has ever been taken. According to the members who took the survey, 27% favor repairing the structure, 29% suggested the building be torn down; 44% of those taking the survey suggested a committee be assigned to review options. A recent inspection indicated the structure is still fairly sound. Thanks for your input on the survey and in the comment section. We'll keep you updated on future discussions.

Agenda Posted For Board Meeting

NCC Board of Directors
January 30, 2007
5:30pm - Kitchi Gammi Club
AGENDA

1. Call Meeting to Order - Jim Abelsen, President
2. Construction Update - Shane Johnson, Johnson Wilson Constructors
3. Membership Committee Report - Ann Robertson, Membership Director
a. Approval of new members
b. Review of February - May sales campaign

c. Membership category report
4. Financial Report - Tim Holmstrom, Controller
5. Green Committee Report - Dr. Tim Smith
6. Games Committee Report - Dr. Steve L'Abbe
7. Clubhouse Manager Report - Gary Schneider, Clubhouse Manager
a. Nominating Committee
b. Change order for new clubhouse
8. Food, Beverage, Entertainment Committee Report - Duke Skorich
9. House Committee Report - Cameron Fryer
10. Director of Golf Report - Joe O'Connor
11. Women's Golf Committee Report - Karen Baresh
12. Superintendent Report - Chris Tritabaugh
a. PowerPoint - equipment
13. Old Business
14. New Business
a) Presentation of clubhouse opening expenses
15. Adjournment

Membership Promotion About To Expire

Our “Easy on the Green” 50% off membership campaign is quickly coming to an end. This is a great opportunity to tell your friends and family about joining as a resident or corporate golf member at 50% off ($4200 versus $8400). This offer will expire January 31, 2007. Beginning February 1, 2007 thru May 31, 2007, the resident and corporate golf initiation fee will be $6000. By June 2007, the plan is to return to the full $8400 initiation fee for resident golf.

Board Meeting Tuesday January 30

Members interested in attending the next meeting of the Northland Board of Directors are advised that the meeting will be held on Tuesday at 5:30 in the Kitchi Gammi Club. Previous meetings have been held in the Wisconsin Room on the second floor; however, if you're planning on attending please check with the front desk for the meeting space. We'll post the agenda on the site Monday for your review.

Blog Update: Friday's page views established yet another one-day record - 407 page views.

Caddie Master Shares His Thoughts

The recent online conversation about caddies - their qualifications and pay expectations, among other issues - has generated a response from Vince Jones, caddie master for the past two seasons.

"Thank you for allowing me to provide some feedback on recent comments on the Northland Country Club blog. I do agree with the sentiments of most of the comments regarding a need for change within the caddie program. I do not agree however with some specific comments regarding the managing and quality of the program."
Vince had high praise for golf pro Joe O'connor, noting that "I was told many times to try to sell the caddies and to try to get more people to take caddies, which has become increasingly difficult."
While Vince suggests steps could be taken to improve the overall management of the caddie program, he also suggests "the main problem lies with incentives. Currently Northland Country Club offers very little to any potential caddie over the age of sixteen."
Vince notes that many of the caddies can generally wait up to three hours before being chosen to work, and adds that the $25 or $30 many receive after the round spread over the 7 or 7 1/2 hours is less than the caddie could make working elsewhere.
According to Vince, "If the membership wants knowledgeable older caddies members will have to be willing to pay anywhere from $50 to $75 a round. Unfortunately the majority of the membership is unwilling to pay these amounts, or unwilling to accept that having a 13 year old caddie is acceptable."
Vince notes that there are a large number of members who actively support, encourage, and aid the caddie program at Northland, consistently using caddies, offering quality pay with tips and who are willing to offer additional advice to help beginning caddies learn new skills. Each year, new caddies at Northland receive training and must pass a skills test. Still, we understand and appreciate that first time out can be a rather daunting experience for both caddie and player.
Thanks for the many comments about this issue - many great points have been made about how the program can be improved through increased training and additional information to members.

Wikipedia has a section on caddies, including their duties. Here's what Wikipedia had on caddie pay: At most clubs, caddies are paid at the end of the round by cash, or receive a payment ticket for which they can redeem their wages in the clubhouse. Generally, the player will tip the caddy based on their performance during the round, with extra money given for exemplary work. Most American club caddies earn between $40 and $60 per bag, though newer caddies will often earn less and more experienced caddies or caddies working during a tournament or high-stakes match will often earn significantly more, upwards of $100 per round at times. It is considered acceptable to ask a professional at the course what the average pay for a caddie is, as courses differ.

Riverside Golf Club has a committee just for caddies/carts and has this article that details responsibilities for both their club's members and the caddies. Other clubs have also extensive articles on caddies, including Olympia Hills.

There's also this article which begins....Caddies have been an essential part of the game of golf since the Company of Edinburgh Golfers in Scotland formed the first golf club in 1744. Today, the close relationship between golfer and caddie remains unique in sport. Golf greats Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Gene Sarazen and Chick Evans all caddied.

First Piece Of New Kitchen Equipment Arrives

The new hood which will go over the stoves and ovens in the new clubhouse kitchen at Northland arrived on site today, further evidence that interior work is now in full swing. The arrival of the large piece of kitchen equipment comes just days before the board of directors is to receive price estimates for additional kitchen supplies. Clubhouse Manager Gary Schneider and Executive Chef Mike Schueller were finalizing their research today. Schneider and Schueller have received several boxes of china and silverware from suppliers from which they will select a pattern for the new dining areas. Do you think the pattern for the members-only floor should be the same or different than the pattern selected for the first floor banquet center?
Schneider also expects to present the board of directors with price estimates on other needed furnishings for the new clubhouse during Tuesday night's meeting.

Anonymous Posting - Should We Change The Blog Policy To Require Some Identification?

Those of you who have become frequent readers know that interest in this site has increased with each passing month. We used to average something in the neighborhood of 140 page views a day. In the past two weeks that number has been doubled or more many days. Yesterday's 374 views set yet another one-day record.
With the increased interest, we've also noted a substantial increase in the number of members taking the time to add their comments about current issues or events occurring at Northland Country Club. As you know, our policy has been to allow for anonymous postings. Some have recently suggested this policy be changed to require members to identify themselves - some members are doing this - or at least select an ID whether it's their name or some other form of identification. What do you think the policy should be? When we began this site, we had hoped it would provide timely updates and items of interest that might otherwise go unnoted in the off-season with the lack of a clubhouse in which to gather for conversation. We also anticipated the site would generate discussion among members about some of the issues that had been debated over lunch or dinner at the club, or in the Stuart Lounge. If we change the current policy, will members write freely or will debate be limited? Without posting a new poll yet, we'd like to know what you think.

Time Drawing Near For Nominating Committee To Meet, Select Board Candidates

According to the By-Laws of Northland Country Club, the Board of Directors shall select a Nominating Committee at its February meeting whose duty it is to submit a ticket of candidates and to mail that list to all shareholders 30 days in advance of the annual meeting in June. The February meeting will be held on February 27, just a month from tomorrow.
Do you know a member who is interested in serving on the board of directors? We'll update you when the members of the Nominating Committee are selected so you can make them aware of these individuals.
Although no action has been formally proposed, what do you think about having pre-resident members serve on the board of directors? Northland Country Club is blessed to have many fine individuals in this group. Should the board of directors propose a change in by-laws to the general membership to allow for their participation on the board? What if they were to serve as non-voting board members? Is this a subject the board and membership should discuss?

UPDATED: How's This For A Start?

Brandt Snedeker<--more about him) is playing in the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines. He started on the back nine, going 9 under.
Update: Snedeker was 10 under through 10 and finished 11 under, tying the North Course record.
Tiger Woods is making his first start of the new year at the Buick, finishing his round on the North Course today at 6 under after he eagled his last hole.

You can follow live scoring at either Golf Channel or PGA Tour - we've also added links on the right side of the screen for those and many other golf related sites.

Ongoing Caddie Discussion

The post earlier this week about what should be done with the Stuart Cabin (see the story on the cabin below and take this week's Northland Quick Poll) has generated some discussion about the caddie program at Northland Country Club.
As you know, we are one of the few private clubs in Minnesota with an active caddie program. Over the years, several of the young men who came through the program have become Evans Scholars. You can learn more about the scholarship program here or here.
As we prepare more information on the program, we welcome your participation in the discussion either in the "Comment" section under the original posting, or in the comment section below this story.

Construction Update

With most of the attention now directed indoors, there are fewer and fewer items to report about exterior work on the new clubhouse under construction. One sign that exterior work is almost completed is the work taking place this week adding shingles to the roof. Once this project is completed later this week, those crews still working on the exterior will begin construction of the decks for the new verandas. Inside, crews are rapidly putting it new plumbing, wiring and ventilation systems. A full construction update will be given to the board of directors at its Tuesday, January 30 meeting.

Reduced Membership Rate Expiring

Our best deal for 2007 golf is about to expire!

Until January 31, 2007

Northland Country Club Resident

Corporate GOLF MEMBERSHIPS

50% off initiation fees with no dues until May 2007!

Our “Easy on the Green” 50% off membership campaign is quickly coming to an end. This is a great opportunity to tell your friends and family about joining as a resident or corporate golf member at 50% off ($4200 versus $8400). This offer will expire January 31, 2007. Beginning February 1, 2007 thru May 31, 2007, the resident and corporate golf initiation fee will be $6000. By June 2007, the plan is to return to the full $8400 initiation fee for resident golf.

From now until January 31, we are thanking principal sponsors of new golf members with a 2007 Season Fabulous Friday Event Pass. This pass allows complimentary entry (for two) into all four summer events – including the Seafood Extravaganza in August. To receive credit, a sponsor must sign the new member’s application form.

Please call Ann Robertson direct at (218) 428-5178 or email her at arobertson@northlandcountryclub.com to get complete details or to refer a prospect.

Member In The News: Spring Point Project Set To Dedicate New Diabetes Research Center

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.” - Anatole France

For the past few years, Tom Cartier has dedicated his life to finding a cure for diabetes. The founder and president of Cartier Agency in Duluth and longtime Northland member began his quest for a cure when his son Cory (also a Northland member) was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 10.

Tom is the force and spirit behind the Spring Point Project (he’s the President and Chairman of the Board), a non-profit organization founded in 2004 with the mission to expedite the widespread availability of islet tissue for diabetes care by developing premier source pigs for islet xeno-transplantation. There’s a wealth of information about Spring Point Project at the links we’ve provided.

On February 7, Spring Point Project will dedicate its new Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation Islet Resource Facility in New Richmond, WI. This grand opening marks a major milestone achievement and we’d like to congratulate Tom for this great success and wish him continued success in his quest for a cure.

Poll Results - New Survey Posted

As you see above, among those persons taking this past week's Northland Quick Poll, a combined 77% support remodeling the existing pro shop at Northland Country Club to more closely match the design of the new clubhouse. The Board of Directors is expected to receive a bid for a new roof, new siding and some minor design modifications to the pro shop when the board meets again on Tuesday, January 30 at 5:30pm at the Kitchi Gammi Club.
Although the Board of Directors has not formally addressed the issue, some members have also requested board discussion on the future of the Stuart Cabin, the log structure that sits above the parking lot adjacient to the current tennis courts and former courts. For many years, former Northland Pro Ev Stuart used the facility as his summer residence. It has been used for storage the past several years. We'd like to know what you think about the structure. What should be done with it. We've offered several options as part of this week's Quick Poll posted on the right side of the page. Take a moment to vote. If one of the options doesn't best represent your views, use the "Comment" section beneath this post.

UPDATE: New Single Day Blog Record

---UPDATE: 338 Page Views on Monday.

As of 4:00 this afternoon, blog traffic today set a single day record for page views, largely due to the conversation (under "Comments" below several posts) taking place about the demise of the cottonwood trees on the 1st and 18th fairways last week, and the decision-making process and authority of the Green Committee and Board of Directors. We'll post the updated blog numbers tomorrow morning, following the additional comments that might be expected yet this evening. As you can see by the counter on the right, total views since this site was created have now topped 14,000. We heard today from a new online golf information service that we're the only private country club he has found with a blog. With as much interest as we've created, it wouldn't be surprising if others followed our lead.

We'd also like to call your attention to the new additions we've made to the "Links" section on the right side of the page. Are there others you'd like us to add?
Finally, we'll wrap up the current survey and post a new one tomorrow (Tuesday) Any suggestions on what you'd like members to respond to in the way of a poll question?

Donald Ross Society On Restoration

With the recent discussion about the removal of the cottonwood trees on the 1st and 18th holes at Northland Country Club, we're re-posting an article from the Donald Ross Society. The article begins below:

The Donald Ross Society believes that the 400+ courses designed by the Scottish-born golf architect are works of art that merit close care and meticulous preservation. We realize that in some cases renovation work is needed, but we would emphasize, wherever possible, that the course also be restored to the approximate shape, look, and playing character of its original identity. We understand that in some cases accommodations are needed for the modern game, but we are also convinced that any such adjustments can be and should be done consistent with Ross’ overall design intent.

Here's the remainder of the article.<--click here

We've also posted a link to the Donald Ross Society web page under the Links section on the right side of the page.
Dr. Tim Smith, Green Committee Chair, continues to communicate with the Ross Society about the many issues that confront memberships of a Donald Ross designed course. Some of his recent communication can be found in the Archive section of this site.
With reference to the tree issue, we'll also re-post this link about Ross designed courses in the Twin Cities.<---click here

Thanks for all the thoughtful comments about this issue and the many others about the club and our operations.

Clubhouse Construction Update

As of mid-afternoon today, the roof on the new clubhouse is 90% completed; work to finish sealing the entire roof might still be completed today. Essentially it is already water tight and ready for the installation of ventilation systems.
The shells for the heating and air conditioning systems have been delivered to the construction site and all ventilation units could possibly be in place by the end of next week.
Already, installation of the duct work has begun inside the building's first floor. Rapid progress is being made with the installation of all walls. With the sealing of the entire second story, plumbers and electricians are due to begin the installation of all piping and wiring early next week.
The final large windows overlooking the pool area have been installed on the building, bringing to an end this portion of the project. The doorways to the new verandas have arrived and will be installed as soon as deck work begins; construction of the verandas is schedued to begin late next week.
Construction is still on schedule. Representatives with Johnson Wilson Constructors advise that once crews move indoors, progress on the building won't seem as rapid as when work is being done outdoors. Indoor finishing crews have been put in place and are waiting to begin their portion of the project.

Beargrease Postponed - Hold On To Tickets

Because of lack of snow and poor trail conditions, the organizers of the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon have postponed the race along the North Shore until February 25. Northland members who had requested VIP tickets for the starting line should hold on to those tickets; they'll still be good at the Ordean School starting line in February.

Time Running Short On Great Membership Offers

Tell your friends and family…..

Our best deal for 2007 golf is about to expire!

Until January 31, 2007

Northland Country Club Resident / Corporate GOLF MEMBERSHIPS

50% off initiation fees with no dues until May 2007!

Our “Easy on the Green” 50% off membership campaign is quickly coming to an end. Interested, prospective golf members are encouraged to make application for membership prior to the January 31, 2007 deadline.

Since the campaign began in March of 2006, we have added over 90 new members. We thank you for your continued referrals. Not only does a healthy membership trend keep monthly dues stable but it allows our Board of Directors to begin to raise initiation fees and set membership limits in the clubhouse category.

Our increased membership base, coupled with an unprecedented high rate of member retention this fall, puts us in a great position for the 2007 golf season. With our new clubhouse and pool construction underway, the word continues to spread that Northland Country Club is the place to be.

This is a great opportunity to tell your friends and family about joining as a resident or corporate golf member at 50% off ($4200 versus $8400). This offer will expire January 31, 2007. Beginning February 1, 2007 thru May 31, 2007, the resident and corporate golf initiation fee will be $6000. By June 2007, the plan is to return to the full $8400 initiation fee for resident golf.

PS From now until January 31, we are thanking principal sponsors of new golf members with a 2007 Season Fabulous Friday Event Pass. This pass allows complimentary entry (for two) into all four summer events – including the Seafood Extravaganza in August. To receive credit, a sponsor must sign the new member’s application form.

Please call Ann Robertson direct at (218) 428-5178 or email her at arobertson@northlandcountryclub.com to get complete details or to refer a prospect.

The ad you see on the left will be appearing in an upcoming issue of Minnesota Golfer, the official magazine of the Minnesota Golf Association. If you click on the image, you'll be able to view it full screen. It is our final statewide push to sign more non-resident members before the 2007 season starts. If you've got friends or business associates who live nearby and enjoy playing Northland, now is the time to introduce them to this great offer. Call Ann Robertson at the number posted above for complete details.

Cottonwood Cleanup Completed

Crews with Rick's Tree & Stump Removal have completed the cleanup work on the four cottonwood trees that were removed from the golf course yesterday. The final stump was ground early this morning. The job was considerably easier than expected, partly because of the lack of deeply frozen turf. As mentioned yesterday, all chips from the cleanup effort have been stored on site and will be used for a variety of purposes.
The photo on the left shows some of the larger tree trunks that were scheduled for removal today.
Crews from Rick's were able to complete the job fairly quickly and without doing any damage to the golf course.

Cottonwood Video

Here's just a brief video clip <---click here or on the arrow in the middle of the screen below) of the cottonwood on the first hole as it came down early this morning.

UPDATE: Cottonwoods Coming Down Today

It may be safe to say that one of the more spirited debates at Northland Country Club over the years has been the existence of the large cottonwood trees on the 1st and 18th holes. Many members were in one of two camps: the cottonwoods defined the holes with great character and were part of the great history of Northland - or - the trees were a nuisance and needed to go. Today, they're going.
Early this morning, crews with Rick's Tree & Stump Removal arrived with several pieces of equipment and began taking the large trees down. Just past 9:00, work began to remove the tree on the 1st hole.
The decision to remove the trees was made earlier this month by the board of directors after months of careful and lengthy consideration and discussion. Advice was sought from a variety of sources, including representatives of the United States Golf Association (USGA), agronomists, course architects and Class A members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). In the end, it was determined the shallow root systems of the trees were leading to poor turf conditions because of the large volume of water required to sustain them, and were also showing signs of deterioration themselves. In the photo at the right, Brian Anderson stands next to the fallen cottonwood on the first hole. Close inspection indicated the tree clearly showed signs of decay.
Rick's brought in several large pieces of equipment this morning to facilitate its efforts. Many of the larger sections of the trees will be hauled off site. Much of the remaining trunk and branches will be chipped and delivered to a storage site on the golf course for later use. The large stumps will also be eliminated today to allow for complete ground restoration in the spring.
Green Committee Chairman Dr. Tim Smith and Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh, along with the assistance and advice of other professionals, have begun to assess how to proceed with some of the turf and cosmetic changes brought about by the tree removal. Most agree the removal of the cottonwood between the two fairways presents little challenge. The two trees on the left side of the 18th also will present little character change because of the existing stand of pines. But, great attention will be paid for the first hole and updates will be provided as they become available.
UPDATE: we received a note today from Bob Vavrek, Senior Agronomist with the USGA, about the cottonwoods. Here's a portion of what he wrote: ...there are plenty of reasons to remove them. The cottony seeds are annoying every season, but the shallow roots are a more serious concern. They compete with turf for water and nutrients. Also, the shallow roots can be a hazard to golfers who make a divot when they swing. Shade is also an issue, especially at a course that is susceptible to winterkill every season. Tree shade can greatly slow down the rate of recovery and shade promotes Poa annua, which is more likely to be damaged from ice or cold temperatures than creeping bentgrass. I visit several courses every year where removing cottonwoods are a high priority in the Turf Advisory Service report.

Cold Blast Moves Crews Indoors

With the recent cold snap, construction crews and grounds crew members have moved indoors for a few days. Johnson Wilson Constructors decided to pull its work crews indoors and will complete installation of the roof as the temperatures moderate.
The change in temperature arrived at about the same time ground crew members moved indoors after their tree and brush cleaning efforts on the course. Attention has now turned towards getting the many pieces of equipment ready for the season. Later today a representative of Toro was to be on site to inspect some equipment that may be scheduled for replacement this season. The fairway mower being worked on in the photo has more than 3,700 hours of operation and may be suitable for a trade in on new machinery.

New Poll: Pro Shop Remodeling

This week's Northland Quick Poll concerns the possible remodeling of the pro shop at Northland Country Club to bring its design closer to that of the new multi-million dollar clubhouse that's under construction; the pool cabana at Northland will also be updated to match the new clubhouse design, leaving the pro shop as the only building on the club's main level in its present condition.
Several members have suggested the pro shop should have a redesigned roof, new siding and additional exterior features to match those of the other new buildings. (The photo on the right was taken this past golf season.) Although there has not been any action taken by the board of directors on a remodeling project, additional discussion is expected at the January 30 board meeting. What do you think about updating the design of the pro shop's exterior to match the new clubhouse and cabana? Should the board of directors actively seek and consider construction bids? Some early estimates project the cost in excess of $35,000. Take the poll that has been posted on the right side of the page and comment below. We appreciate your input.

Poll Results: Support For Limiting Memberships

Here are the results of last week's Northland Quick Poll. As you'll note, 68% of those members taking the survey indicated they favor limiting membership, regardless of the classification.
Later this week, we'll announce the final campaign push to attract new members before some of the classifications are capped. There's approximately 30 openings for new clubhouse members. If you know someone who has been thinking about joining, now is the time.

Crews Scrambling To Complete Roof Today

With the first real cold snap of the year setting in today, crews with Johnson Wilson Constructors were working hard today to enclose the roof by the end of the day to facilitate warmer work conditions indoors. In the top photo, you can notice that work has also started on the new member's entrance.
The second image on the right shows the many carpenters and laborers who were on the roof today applying the plywood panels to the support trusses. As this crew is working on the roof, other crews are busily installing the remainder of the second story windows.
In the photo on the left, you can see that the windows overlooking the golf course are already in place and installation work has started on the doorways to the verandas. It's expected that windows overlooking the new pool area will also be installed today.
As this outside work was being done, other crews were building scaffolding indoors for work that will begin in earnest next week.

UPDATE: Another Boy For The Yungs

Congratulations to members Tony & Sharon Yung on the birth of a new son. "Elliot" was born on Monday of this week. Elliot weighed 6lb.9oz. at birth, measuring 20 3/4". Elliot is shown here with big brothers Julian and Aiden. In an email to friends, Sharon reports all is well and "life is so good".