GOLF TOURNAMENT RESULTS
RACQUETS TOURNAMENT RESULTS
SUMMER AT BIRCHWOOD
600 BIRCHWOOD DRIVE, HARBOR SPRINGS, MI I (231) 526-2166 I WWW.BIRCHWOODCC.COM
SAVE THE DATES
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Nestled within the picturesque Birchwood Farms community, this beautiful condo offers a serene, park-like setting right on the golf course. The open floor plan and vaulted ceilings, coupled with large windows and sliding doors, creates a spacious and inviting atmosphere bathed in natural light. Among the many recent updates is a new furnace and central air system, complete with a wi-fi thermostat, for year-round comfort and energy efficiency. $410,000
Ridge 1 - Ranch style condo in Birchwood Farms new development 'The Ridge'.
Golf
and wooded settings available. Open floor plan with 3 beds/2 baths, gas fireplace, wood floors, attached 2 car garage, and full lower level available for finishing. $595,000
Private and peaceful setting with wooded trails for exploring and enjoyment. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath (ensuites) home has an attached 34' x 24' garage to accommodate all your toys including your boat, 5th wheel, etc. The comfortable open floor plan provides a cozy living room with a wood burning fireplace, an efficient kitchen, which includes a 6-burner Thermador gas cooktop, Bosch electric oven and a Belle Foret pot filler. Offered furnished with some exceptions. $429,000
square feet. Golf
and wooded settings available. Open floor plan with 3 beds/2 baths, gas fireplace, wood floors, attached 2 car garage, and full lower level available for finishing. $595,000
Built in the style of classic shingle-style cottages, this custom home has it all. New in 2003, this Birchwood Farms Country Club home features Lake Michigan views, 9-foot ceilings, cherry floors and custom 4-foot-wide cherry staircase, stone fireplace, first floor master suite with attached office/sitting room, gourmet kitchen with granite surfaces and walk-in pantry. New roof installed in Summer 2022. Newly painted in 2019. $849,000
2102 finished square feet.
course
Ridge 3 - Ranch style condo in Birchwood Farms new development 'The Ridge'. 2102 finished
course
Farms new development 'The Ridge'. 2102 finished square feet. Golf course and wooded settings available. Open floor plan with 3 beds/2 baths, gas fireplace, wood floors, attached 2 car garage, and full lower level available for finishing. $595,000 Ridge 20 - Ranch style condo in Birchwood Farms new development 'The Ridge'. 2102 finished square feet. Golf course and wooded settings available. Open floor plan with 3 beds/2 baths, gas fireplace, wood floors, attached 2 car garage, and full lower level available for finishing. $595,000 SOLD EXCEPTIONAL LAND VALUE Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club one acre building site. Perfect lot for a home designed for a walkout lower level. Aggressively priced. Motivated seller. Ownership includes all of Birchwood Farms amenities. $1 BIRCHWOOD LISTINGS View listings online at www.bhhsmi.com Birchwood “Res 21 Years of Happy Birch SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD NEW LISTING LAKE VIEW HOME NEW CONSTRUCTION NEW CONSTRUCTION NEW CONSTRUCTION NEW CONSTRUCTION SOLD For information call Berkshire Hathaway at 231-526-9800 or toll free 866-526-9009 Approximately 9 years ago, this charming older home was completely renovated to include all new heating/plumbing, electrical and more. With 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a newer 2.5 attached car garage with cement driveway, this spacious home is ready for you and your family. Take in the views of the Harbor Point Golf Course from the comfort of your own home. Located on a ½ acre lot in the city of Harbor Springs, close to ski hills, bike trails, beaches and all that downtown has to offer. Don’t miss your chance to make this house your dream home and start enjoying the beautiful Lake Michigan sunsets. $749,000 NEW DOWNTOWN LISTING
Ridge 19 - Ranch style condo in Birchwood
Visit our website at www.bhhsmi.com • Located at 102 East Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 Townhouse condo features an open concept floor plan with an impressive 4,034 finished square feet, including 3 beds and 2.5 baths. The property is ready for occupancy and comes partially furnished, making it an ideal choice for those who want to move in quickly and easily. Overall, this townhouse condo is a fantastic opportunity to experience a luxurious lifestyle in a beautiful and serene setting. $924,900 RIDGE CONDO #2 NEW CONSTRUCTION
new construction home offers a peaceful setting and overlooks the pond of Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Clubs exclusive Golf Park neighborhood. Ready for your personal choices this property includes 4,596 SF of living space, 4 bedrooms including a main floor master suite with his and hers baths and closets, two main floor guest en-suites, and a private en-suite upstairs; a custom kitchen with custom appliance package,
great room, large partially covered deck, and 4 car attached garage. $1,575,000 FLAT BUILDING SITE OPPORTUNITY Nice flat building site in Birchwood Farms with views of meadows and horse farm. Purchase includes all Birchwood Amenities which include 27 holes of golf, club house with dining and fitness center, heated outdoor pool, tennis, pickle ball, bocce ball, wintertime snow shoeing and x-country skiing. $5,000 Sandra Gay, Realtor Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 102 East Main Street Harbor Springs, MI 49740 231.526.9800 231.622.2682 ident” Specialist wood Buyers & Sellers NEW CONSTRUCTION 60-day occupancy Ranch-style Birchwood Home, on a beautiful golf course setting. 3 bedrooms (en-suites), 1st-floor master, study that could double as a fourth bedroom. 3-car insulated and finished garage w/custom garage doors. The lower level basement is plumbed for a future bathroom. $867,500 PRIVATE BUILDING SITE Private, wooded, building site with potential for a walk out lower level. Easy walk to Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club's clubhouse, golf & tennis courts and swimming pool. $1 UNDER CONTRACT GOLF COURSE LOT Great sunny, golf course building site looking over the 6th fairway of Birchwood's Farm course. Unencumbered with trees to remove for building envelope. Enjoy all of Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club's amenities. $1 Exceptional Land Values, Wooded, Waterview and Golf Course Lots Available. Call for details!
Spectacular
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RECYCLER OF THE YEAR 2023: Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club
When you think of Birchwood, you probably think of the beautiful homes and green of the golf courses, not necessarily their green, sustainable initiatives. The annual recycler of the year award recognizes an entity whose program upholds the Emmet County Recycling mission to provide opportunities and education for employees, residents, businesses, and neighboring communities to reduce waste, reuse, recycle and properly dispose of materials in order to preserve the natural beauty of our northern Michigan community. This is the story of Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club.
It started with a letter
Paul Marazzo, general manager, has been with the club since 2018. When asked about the start of the Birchwood recycling program, he remembered the recycling spark very specifically. It all started with a letter from a young lady named Abby, whose parents are members. Abby wrote that she would like to see Birchwood move toward a greener way of thinking.This letter echoed conversations in Paul’s own home and propelled the club to survey their membership about recycling. The results were overwhelmingly in support of a recycling program for Birchwood. And so it began.
The partnership between Birchwood and Emmet County Recycling began with two leased drop site bins in the spring of 2019. One bin for paper, boxes and bags. The other for mixed containers. Residents now had one convenient location to drop off their recycling and garbage, rather than self-hauling recyclables to another location closer to town. Members have mentioned how convenient it is to recycle. New members have come into the club and said THANK YOU to the staff for offering this benefit.
For the clubhouse and grounds, staff implemented a practice in the recycling world we refer to as “twin your bins.” The club purchased recycling bins to place next to garbage cans at their popular Three-Way House restaurant, where their three golf courses converge. Birchwood knew they couldn’t just plop down the recycling bins and call it a day; they had to walk the walk. They researched and changed their thought (and purchasing) process to materials that could be recycled.
Recycling seemed to be going well, but in 2021 single use water bottles became a hot topic for Birchwood. Their membership was concerned about the recyclability of the material. The staff researched and attended trade shows to find a replacement material that was more eco-friendly than the #1 PET water bottles available to members on the course and beverage carts. A better material was not discovered, but a brilliant idea did stem from this scenario. The coup de grâce of the single use plastic water bottle at Birchwood Farms was offering refillable water bottles in their pro shop for purchase and placing water coolers throughout the golf courses.
This is a fabulous example of utilizing the waste hierarchy to its full potential. Birchwood has changed their mindset to reduce and reuse, which are the most environmentally preferred strategies according to the EPA. In the recycling realm, they’re making a difference too. In the five years of operating and maintaining their drop site bins, Birchwood has diverted 119.2 tons of mixed containers and 128.13 tons of paper, boxes and bags from landfill. That is the equivalent of removing annual emissions from 157 vehicles, conserving 82,967 gallons of gasoline or conserving 30,722 cylinders of propane.
Break it down
Chuck Mullins, ACSC and Public Safety Director at Birchwood Farms, monitors the recycling bins along with his staff. During our conversation, he made it clear that Birchwood residents truly care about the recycling program, knowing it’s a benefit of their association that is not to be taken for granted. A message that rings loud and clear in their program is to break down the cardboard at the bin. Signs around the recycling area warn of a $100 fine for anyone that does not follow the rules.
Not only has recycling become part of the culture, but membership and staff are well aware of the financial benefits. It starts with paying attention to what you’re buying at the store - verifying it’s a recyclable item. The more you recycle, the less you’re throwing away, which has a dollar amount per bag. The less you’re throwing away, the more you’re saving. Taking it a step further, finding items that you can reuse has an even bigger cost savings – like Birchwood’s use of refillable water bottles versus single use plastic water bottles.
Respect the Recycling
Eva MacDonald and her family have been residents and members since 2020 and practiced recycling long before joining the club. Their family recycles not only to show their kids the importance of sustainability, but to teach them reuse. “Objects don’t go in the trash and live in the landfill forever, they can have a second life.” Cardboard lives a marvelous second life as a diorama or stage for their puppets made from popsicle sticks in the MacDonald household. And when it comes time for these materials to be recycled, “it can be done as a whole family. It doesn’t need to be a chore.”
Eva’s advice for those looking to make a new recycling habit in their house is to not get caught up in the details of what you can and can’t recycle, but take advantage of the flyers and infographics available to get informed.Tape it on the wall for your kids (and spouse!) to see and support the recycling endeavor. Make it a game!
Pride of Birchwood
Every spring, the membership comes together for a full day of clean up.Volunteers cover the property picking up fallen branches, garbage and recycling collected in the woods and grounds throughout the winter. “It’s cool to watch the membership. They motivated us into a change because they care so much about recycling, the club and their environment.” When asked for any advice for communities looking to bring recycling to their neighborhood, Paul said simply, “Start it. Build it. It brings people together.” Eva echoed Paul’s thoughts and added “it took effort for people to get it here because we wanted it. Birchwood is receptive and willing to work with membership on things you want to see for the community, making it somewhere you want to live with your kids and family. The community of recycling at Birchwood connects us.”
Join Emmet County Staff and Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club for a recognition event on April 18 at Birchwood prior to a compost lecture for members.
Opportunities for additional education and commercial recycling can be found at emmetrecycling.org or calling 231-348-0640.
3 Produced By: Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club Editor & Emma Aown Advertising (231) 526-2166 Ext. 538 Contact: emma@birchwoodcc.com Layout/Design: Dog Eat Dog Graphic Design (231)330-4389 BIRCHWOOD FARMS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 600 Birchwood Drive Harbor Springs, MI 49740 www.birchwoodcc.com General Manager/COO Paul Marazzo Board of Trustees Doug Fertuck President Jan Denning Vice President Neil Loney Treasurer Dane Slater Secretary Trustees Bill Donohue Mark Gregerson Tim Miller ken Parrott Nancy Sarowski Telephone Directory Clubhouse (231) 526-2166 Upper Level Fax (231) 526-9411 Golf Shop (231) 526-6245 Racquet Sports Shop (231)526-2372 Security (231)526-2751 f Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/birchwoodcc T Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/birchwoodcc Our Vision To be recognized as the most desirable, member-owned country club and residential community in Northern Michigan. Our Mission To realize our Vision by: • Providing current and future members, and their families, with outstanding golf, tennis, swimming, and dining as well as varied social and recreational experiences • Continually increasing member satisfaction in club value and service • Maintaining Club facilities and community infrastructure • Investing wisely in amenities and facilities to increase the value of the club • Governing the Club in the interests of all Members through a balanced and open decision-making process • Being a responsible and valued member of the broader community Contents From the President………………………………………………4 Nature’s Notebook …………………………………………… 5 From the General Manager………………………………………6 Employees of the Quarter……………………………………. 11 Birchwood Outreach Fund…………………………………. .…12 2023 Harbor Cup Fundraising Efforts at Birchwood…………15 Racquet Sports Professional……………………………….… 16 Woods Way - Your Birchwood Connection to Little Traverse Conservancy……………………………..…18 Executive Chef………………………………………………... 21 Restaurant Manager…………………………………………. .. 22 Director of Catering…………………………………………. . 23 Chief of Public Safety………………….………………………24 Director of Golf……………………………………………… 15 BWA Buzz………………………………………………. .. 27 - 29 Birchwood Directory…………………………………………32 Birchwood Trail Map………………………………………….. 33
FROM THE PRESIDENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dear Birchwood Members,
As the newly elected 2024 President of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank all of Birchwood’s owners and members for the continued support of our wonderful club and community. Having a membership base that is actively engaged in our community helps foster stronger programs and activities, a more comprehensive vision and sense of club-wide camaraderie.
Congratulations to our newly elected Board Trustees: Jan Denning (Incumbent), Ken Parrott, and Dane Slater. Each have unique sets of talents and experiences that will positively serve your Birchwood Board and our community. I wish to extend a sincere Thank You to Ed Murphy and Terry Glissman, as their second terms on the Board have ended. Both also served as officers during their terms and made tremendous contributions to Birchwood.
I would like to welcome Jan Denning as Vice President, Neil Loney as Treasurer and Dane Slater as Secretary for your 2024 Board. Thank you to these individuals for accepting service in an elevated role this year.
As we work through the first part of the new year, your Board, Committees, and club staff are finalizing several major improvement projects in time for the coming summer season. We offer many thanks to Paul Marazzo and his entire staff for executing the many details required to complete these large initiatives. We are excited to be able to complete many new improvement projects for not only our association at large, but also for many of our amenity outlets. Some of the 2024 projects include renovation to our existing racquet sports footprint to accommodate the increased demand and growth in our pickleball participation; completely new association property fencing; and replacement carpeting in the clubhouse main level. Please know your Board and Management are continually looking at the best avenues to enhance the value of being a member at Birchwood.
We are gearing up for another great summer season!
Doug Fertuck, President Board of Trustees
fertuckda@gmail.com
2024 Board Meeting Schedule
Monday, February 26, 2024
Wednesday, March 27 at 11:00am
Monday, April 29, 2024 @ 11:00am
Monday, May 20, 2024
Saturday, May 25, 2024 (Spring Membership Meeting)
Monday, June 24, 2024
Monday, July 29, 2024
Monday, August 26, 2024
Monday, September 23, 2024
Saturday, September 28, 2024 (Fall Membership Meeting)
All meetings are held in person beginning at 9:00am in the Lower-Level Conference Room at the Clubhouse and on Zoom Video Conference, unless otherwise published.
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Doug Fertuck President
Neil Loney Treasurer
Jan Denning Vice President
Tim Miller Trustee
Ken Parrot Trustee
Nancy Sarowski Trustee
Dane Slater Secretary
Mark Gregerson Trustee
Bill Donohue Trustee
NATURE’S NOTEBOOK
Flurries and flurries falling down from the sky, Bright red berries catching our eye.
Golf is on the shelf until the spring, Skiing now is the very best thing!
Until we meet at Birchwood next year, Have a good winter from far and near.
Photo and
text
by Maryle Barbé
MAY 2024
Spring Membership Meeting and Spring Mingle
Pride of Birchwood Day
JUNE 2024
June Wine Dinner
JULY 2024
Club-Wide Independence Day Celebration
July Wine Dinner
2024 Signature Event
Green Coat Men’s Invitational
Annual Club-Wide Summer Party
Silver Birch Women’s Invitational
AUGUST 2024
August Wine Dinner
Saturday, May 25th
Thursday, May 30th
Thursday, June 13th
Wednesday, July 3rd
Sunday, July 7th
Friday, July 12th
Wednesday, July 17th –Sunday, July 20th
Saturday, July 27th
Wednesday, July 31st –Friday, August 2nd
Sunday, August 18th
Annual Fall Membership Meeting & Saturday, September 28th Harvest Dinner
The entire Club Calendar will be live on the Birchwood website April 1, 2024 with more information and details.
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*All event and program dates subject to change, please
to the Online Club Calendar for most current information *
refer
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Birchwood Membership,
I very much hope this communication finds you enjoying the winter months wherever you may spend the season. I want to thank you all for your continued support of our wonderful club as 2023 has proven to be one of our busiest to date. Our Food & Beverage Department has produced record numbers in our a la carte dining operation. As I have said numerous times, there is truly no better place to be than at Birchwood in the summer! We are a club where the natural beauty is remarkable, the amenities are fantastic, wonderful club events are hosted and our great membership and staff are loyal supporters! This is why we call Birchwood our home.
SUCCESSFUL SUMMER SEASON
After every summer season, our management team gets together to discuss and review the past season while it is still fresh in our minds, then begin the planning process for our new year and upcoming season. For example, last year’s brainstorming session produced Birchwood’s Signature Event series. Birchwood’s first Signature Event featured world famous Pinot Noir producer/wine maker Ken Wright. Ken is arguably one of the best wine makers in the world, and this event was very well received by our membership. Birchwood’s second Signature Event featured an evening with Collin Johns. Collin is rated best in the world in Men’s Doubles Pickleball! We were so fortunate to host Collin for a two-day playing clinic series for our pickleball members in addition to the Signature Event meet and greet.
One of our most popular ideas coming out of last year’s brainstorming session, was undoubtedly bringing in Amy Ray as Birchwood’s in-house Physical Therapist, and offering this service exclusively to Birchwood members. This has been such a hit with our membership.This year I would like to ask our members for your input and suggestions as we move forward with our brainstorming and planning process for 2024. Please consider sending me an email about Birchwood’s past events and possible future events you would like us to bring to the club! This input would be helpful and very much appreciated as we move forward with our intent in to provide our Membership the best possible club experience we can offer.
NEW CONSTRUCTION IN BIRCHWOOD
First, I want to acknowledge and thank those of you living in the active new construction areas of Birchwood. I know this has been challenging for all of you. Please be assured we are doing everything we can to be sure our builders are adhering to all Birchwood Rules and Regulations. I know this has been a challenge to say the least and has not gone as planned. Your patience and understanding during this process is appreciated.
With that said, Birchwood is certainly moving in the right direction in attracting new members to join our wonderful community. To assist Birchwood with our efforts of attracting new members, we have brought on board Josephine Gonzalez. Jo is Birchwood’s new Director of Membership Sales & Marketing! Jo comes to Birchwood with a wealth of experience in the membership sales arena. We are all looking forward to supporting Jo in her new and exciting role at Birchwood. Please be sure to stop by the next time you are at the Club to welcome Jo to Birchwood!
Jo Gonzalez
Director of Membership Sales & Marketing
jo@birchwoodcc.com
(231)526-2166 ext 536
In closing, you should know that we will continue to work hard to bring you the best club experience in the state of Michigan. As you all know, Birchwood is just not a country club, we are also a property owners association with a lot of moving parts. It takes a dedicated and engaged membership with a great team of leaders and associates
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Paul Marazzo General Manager
to make it all work well. Birchwood has this winning formula and I thank you all very much for that.Your Board, Committees, Management and staff are all gearing up for another great summer season at Birchwood! We are not only in the planning stages for our summer Club calendar, but also hard at work to introduce some exciting new and improved amenities!
Thank you to our membership for all of the support and dedication to our wonderful club and community.
Paul Marazzo, CFBE
General Manager/COO paul@birchwoodcc.com
(231) 526-2166 ext. 512
WELCOME to the Birchwood Community!
NEW PROPERTY OWNERS
Paul & Daphne Thompson Jill Jahn
Doug Shantz
George & Clara Mager
Dr. Henry & Marylee Gendron Steven & Teri Chaffee
John & Elizabeth Berggren
Richard & Joyce Carrithers
George & LaDonna Hansen
NEW PREVIEW MEMBERS
Laura Boehmer & Dave Stokely
Brandy & Jenny Gump
Steve & Cheri Ehmann
James & Brenda Herman
David & Patricia Bojanic
Christopher & Andrea Provenzano
NEW SOCIAL MEMBERS
Daniel & Joyce Gorman Mildred & John Spalding
Tom Meier & Melanie Edwards
Ted & Margaret Dawson
Bess Bleyaert & James Chattaway Michael & Patricia Campbell
Maureen & Anthony Rasch Roy Perlove & Nancy Groudis
Kenneth & Samantha Kreucha Joseph & Chloe Jensen
Frederick & Edie Kaufmann
NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Laura & Jim Hunt
Joseph & Barbara Rohs Robert T. & Mary Hughes
Edward & Cathy Sarky
NEW JUNIOR MEMBERS
Alex Berry & Hunter Pulaski
Robert & Maureen Tyler
Thomas & Deanna Angers
24-Hour Cancelation Policy for the Grill Room
24-Hour notice is now required for reservation cancelations in the Grill Room. Failure to cancel with 24-notice will result in a $25.00 charge to the reserving Member, paid directly to the dining room server to make up for loss in gratuity.
Birchwood’s 14 Day Cancelation Policy
Cancelations for selected events and activities (for example, the Lecture Series) must be received at least 14 days prior to avoid having to pay a cancellation fee of 50% of the event charge. If a cancellation is received within 14 days of the event, and the opening is lled by another member who is on the wait list, no cancellation fee will be charged. Failure to cancel or attend will result in a full charge (100%) for the event.
Birchwood’s 48 Hour Cancellation Policy
Cancelations for specied special events must be received at least 48 hours prior to the activity or the reserving Member will be charged 50% of the event charge. Failure to cancel or not attend will resul t in a full charge (100%) for the event.
Renters
Attention Birchwood homeowners please note that our rental policy has changed. We ask all members that rent their home within Birchwood to please notify us.
Please contact Nancy in Accounting at (231) 526-2166 ext 521 or email AR@birchwoodcc.com
Welcome to Birchwood
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Birchwood Outreach Fund at work in Northern Michigan
The mission of the Birchwood Outreach Fund (BOF) is to support local charities and to demonstrate Birchwood’s philanthropic commitment to its surrounding communities. The BOF reviews grants twice a year as part of the Petoskey Harbors Springs Area Community Foundation (PHSACF) Giving Together Grant cycle. We look forward to reviewing and awarding more grants in October, made possible through the generosity of the Birchwood community.
Since its founding in 2010, the BOF has awarded grants to 36 local nonprofit organizations. Each year the Committee seeks to find the community’s most pressing needs where funds will have the greatest impact. In addition to meeting current needs, giving through the Birchwood Outreach Fund enhances the Birchwood Community’s reputation for philanthropic outreach in Northern Michigan. Photos and messages of appreciation from the seven Spring 2023 grant recipients are shown below.
The Friendship Center of Harbor Springs
“We at the Friendship Center of Harbor Springs are very grateful for the contribution made this year by the BOF to the Friendship Center for Safe Chairs. This gift will help us to continue to provide safe programing and lunches to seniors in the Harbor Springs community who in many cases do not have other opportunities to benefit from the services we provide. Thank you!” Judy Honor, President.
BOF funded new seating for indoor and outdoor activities at the Friendship Center of Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs Festival of the Book
Amy Gillard, Executive Director of the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book explains that “funds from the grant will put more than 2,400 books directly into the hands of area students … and then watch the magic happen!”
Books purchased with BOF funding are distributed to classrooms throughout Northern Michigan.
Harbor Springs Festival of the Book
Authors Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey visit classrooms in Northern Michigan
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Classroom presentations bring the books alive for young readers.
Manna Food Project
Manna Executive Director Carrie Klingelsmith said that the BOF donation funded “approximately 3,000 backpacks … distributed to children through libraries and summer camps. Each backpack contains 2 snacks and 2 lunches of shelf stable food.This is especially important during the summer when food provided by the school is not available.”
Bay Bluffs Emmet County Medical Center Facility
Lisa Ashley, MSW, LNHA, administrator of Bay Bluffs expressed her appreciation for the BOF grant through the PHSACF to address the workforce shortage in the healthcare community. “Bay Bluffs is currently only able to care for about 50% of the residents we have in the past due to safe staffing levels, which primarily means having enough nurses and nurse aides. Our team and board identified that retention of current staff and recruitment of new are the most critical strategic priorities if we are to provide more care for those in our community who may need it.”
“To illustrate the staffing shortage Bay Bluffs began 2020 with over 200 employees. At the start of 2023 we had 122. We have received funds from several places to support a marketing and community outreach campaign that we are about to launch this month. Our team is partnered with North Central Michigan College (NCMC) to launch a Fast Track nurse aide training program with our first class slated to begin in mid-September. As part of this, funding that we receive from grant partners will help offset training fees, instructor fees, marketing and outreach programs to help fill these classes. In addition it will help offset tuition reimbursement for current staff who are embarking on a nursing career through the first LPN program launching at NCMC in January.”
“As a licensed, certified nursing home we care for those who are not able to be cared for at home due to medical conditions and/or dementia that require 24/7 supervision or monitoring by a nurse. 85% of our residents have their care paid for by Medicaid, roughly 8% are able to pay privately and the remainder of folks here are with us
Food items included in the Manna Summer Backpack program.
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Manna Warehouse and assembly stations for the Summer Backpack program.
for a short time for rehabilitation services. …As a county medical care facility, we are a safety net, committed to providing exceptional care for our community. We do not receive subsidies or operating funds from Emmet County.
Ms. Ashley concludes “without a robust and “healthy” workforce, we risk losing access to many of the healthcare services we have in the region.”
Great Start Collaborative
“We are most grateful and appreciative of the support provided by the Birchwood Outreach Fund and PHSACF. The Great Start Preschool Scholarship Fund supports approximately twenty-five 3-to-5 year-olds every year.These youth and their families qualify for state or federally funded preschool programs but remain on waitlists due to local programming capacity limitations.The financial suppor t of Birchwood Outreach Fund ensures some of these youth can access high quality tuition-based programming which gives them a great start.” Savanah Cool, Director of the Great Start Collaborative & Parent Coalition, Charlevoix, Emmet & Northern Antrim Counties.
Christ Child Society of Northern Michigan
“Children who qualify for the Head Start Program receive a colorful backpack filled with educational supplies, toiletries, and change of clothing including socks and underwear. Your donation also provides winter hats and mittens. Over 300 backpacks will be distributed to Head Start Programs in Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego Counties. Children are happy to start school with a new backpack full of much needed items.Thank you to the Birchwood Community for your support of the Head Start Backpack program.”
Dianne Creamer, President
Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan
The BOF grant to Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan is funding a foster family recruitment campaign as well as funds to provide for the unmet needs of foster families as they arise. Since 1981, Child and Family Services’ (CFS) Harbor Springs office has served Emmet and nearby counties. Over the years, they have worked with dozens of Emmet County foster families, youth, and children. CFS has 71 licensed foster homes. But just 3 of them serve all of Emmet County! Recr uiting and retaining foster care families is critical to ensure resources are available in their home community when a child is in need. In addition, there are many pressures (financial and emotional) on foster families as they care for youngsters who have been neglected and/or abused. Often foster families need additional beds, home repairs, a winter coat, childcare assistance, or music and sports fees as they serve a child. An added ability to meet foster family needs will make a big difference in retaining foster families.
Your Funds at Work Today and into the Future
Thank you for your support of the Birchwood Outreach Fund. Working with the PHSACF we continue to promote the philanthropic work of the Birchwood Community. You can donate directly to the BOF at bit.ly/BirchwoodOutreach
For more information on our activities visit Birchwood Outreach Fund on the Birchwood website. Please contact the committee members with any questions Jack Baker, Renee McDuffee, Jeff Higgs, Christine MacKenzie, Ron Baldwin,
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Chair Connie Donovan, Bob Peterson, Carol Hansen, Linda Riley.
(Left) Carole McSherry, Birchwood and Christ Child member assembling Head Start Backpacks. (Right) Loading backpacks for delivery to Head Start programs
In July 2023 BOF members honored outgoing chair Christine MacKenzie for her seven years of leadership. Jeff Higgs and Bob Peterson present Christine with a thank you gift.
2023 EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER
2023 EMPOLYEE OF THE 1ST QUARTER
Patrick Morris, Public Safety
It was my honor and with great pleasure that I was able to nominate Deputy Chief Public Safety Officer (DC/PSO) Patrick Morris for employee of the month in January 2023. Patrick has been the acting chief since July and has done a remarkable job, wearing multiple hats, running Birchwood’s Public Safety Department. Patrick is our most senior PSO and lead parmedic and seems to know everything about Birchwood and most of the member of the club by name. Thank you, Patrick, for going above and beyond in your service to the Birchwood community and your continuing service!
2023 EMPOLYEE OF THE 2ND QUARTER
Eric Coy
Eric works in our General Maintenance Department and has for close to 4 years now! He is always reliable and willing to give a friendly helping hand. Thank you Eric!
Brandan Boguslawski
Brandan has worked in our Culinary Department for just over a year now. HE has proven to be dedicated, reliable, and has grown to become an excellent pizza cook! Keep you the good work and thank you Brandan!
2023
EMPOLYEE OF THE 3RD QUARTER
Kathy Coyne
Kathy Coyne joined our Golf Course Maintenance Department in April of this year as our Gardener. She has done an amazing job maintaining our gardens and entries into Birchwood. When Kathy has down time she is always lending a helping hand and has been helped clean out the cart barn, which, is not her job. She goes above and beyond. Everyone has complemented on how great the gardening has been all summer. Thank you Kathy!
Todd Webster
Todd Webster has worked in our Golf Course Maintenance Department since June 2018.Todd is a reliable hard worker. Always showing up and keeping busy. He is knowledgeable, personable, always willing to trina and mentor new employees. HE is the kind of employee every manager dreams to have.The kind you can leave, go on vacation, and know they are doing their job. great leader! Thank you Todd!
2023
EMPOLYEE OF THE 4TH QUARTER
Ella Moore
Ella has worked for Birchwood for almost 2 years now. She works in multiple departments, always willing to help where she can. She is friendly, reliable, and the members love her! Thanks Ella for being you!
Heidi Burkhart
He idi has w orked on our Golf C ou r se Ma intenan ce te am on and off for al mos t 26 years no w! Amaz i ng! Heidi is a lw ays l ook i ng fo r w ays for her depar t men t and he rse lf as a va l ue d emp l oyee , to do be tt er and prov i de a be tte r p roduc t. Than k you He idi fo r be i ng a l eader !
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DIRECTOR OF GOLF
Greetings from the Golf Shop!
Well, can you believe that the 2023 summer season is far behind us? It’s been a whirlwind since we opened for play back on May 1st and it’s hard to believe September is here. I’ve got a lot of results to report so let’s get started!
The summer kick-off event, the Memorial Day Scramble, was well attended with 26 teams (104 players) competing in two Flights. Flight 1 winners were the team of Members Jim Smar and Alivia Murphy paired with guests, Raymo Bloncoto and Josh Hofbauer with a score of 57.88.Winning Flight 2 were Chris & Barb Walker and George and Joanne Snyder who shot a 58.42.
Next up was our annual club-wide, Take a Bigger Swing at Cancer fundraiser, played on June 16th. This event, chaired by Steve Henderson and Liz Reynolds, proved to be a big success. There were 80 players compared to 44 in 2022. The team of Doug Roggow, Jeff Kuhlman, Blake Hallock and Frank Markovich fired a nice 57.00 to win flight 1(left).
The Member-Member Championship was our next Club event. On the men’s side, Bill Brown & Joe Luby(below left) edged out Paul Temple & Gerry LaFountain by one shot with a 2-day total of 129. Teresa Hicks & Vicki Parrott (below center) won the WGA 18-hole division by shooting a 132 over two days while the team of Connie Donovan & Deb Dicken (below right) won the WGA 9-hole division with 62.
This year’s WGA Sr. Gross Championship is Martha Dyksterhouse (right). Martha shot an impressive 80 to edge out Pam Tyler by 2 shots.
Moving into July, our busiest month of the summer, our Independence Day Scramble hosted our largest field in many years. Thirty foursomes, 120 players, competed in 2 flights, playing a step-aside scramble. In flight 1, the team of Carey / Loubert (below left) won with a 57.17. The Magliochetti’s and the Westmeyer’s (below right) shot a 60.67 to take flight 2.
The first of our two Invitationals, the men’s Green Coat, hosted 72, 2-man teams. The 12 flights played 360 matches over 2 ½ days before heading to the finals on Saturday afternoon. When the dust settled, the father-son team of
In flight 2, shooting a score of 58.75, Ed & Nancy Bezilla teamed with Gus and Kathlyn Serra to win (right).
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Scott & Charlie MacDonald (left) outlasted Member Jack Helton and guest Tommy Kohler to become our 2023 Green Coat Champions.
Two weeks later, the women’s Silver Birch took place. In the WGA 18-hole division, 22 teams competed in 2 flights while the WGA 9-hole division hosted 5, 4-lady teams. Winning this year’s overall 18-hole event was the team of Vicki Parrott and former member, Gail Williams (right) shot a 2-day ringer total of net 58. In Flight 2, sisters Kathy Giannetti and Julie Sweeney (below left) shot a 59, beating out Jean Scates & Ellen Camann by 1 stroke. This year’s overall, low gross team was Pam Tyler & Deb Rogers (below right) with a smooth 74. Pam & Deb were also this year’s “Shoot-Out” winners. In the 9-hole division the foursome of Birgitte Heitkamp, Nance Watts, Denise Urban and Wendy Reeves won with a 118 in the 2 net best balls of 4 format.
The Men’s Club Championship, played on August 5-6th, had a smaller field than in the past. Nonetheless, it was a competitive field.This year’s Club Champion is Bill Hicks (left). Bill fired a 7779 for a 156 and edged out multi club champion, John Seehausen, by just 1 shot. In the net division, Dennis Hogerheide (right), shot a 147 to win that division.
Next up was the WGA Gross & Net Championship. Pam Tyler (left) shot a 2-round total of 164 to take this year’s Club Championship title. In the net division, flight 1 winner went to Lauri Kirsch (below right), 163 and flight 2 winner was Marcy Pelton with a 166.
Our Mixed Couples Club Championship was a 1-day event played on August 13th. The team Stableford format was challenging but Chris & Barb Walker (below) scored 72 points and became this year’s winners.
Closing out our summer golf season was our annual Labor Day Scramble. The team of Ken & Vicki Parrott and Teresa & Bill Hicks (below left) came out victorious as our Flight 1 Overall Champions. Congratulations! The winning team in Flight 2 consisted of Mark & Carolyn Arnold and Suzanne & Geoffrey Upward (below right).
Throughout each golf season our respective Men’s and Women’s golf league compete weekly to be named overall league champion.
Continued on page 14...
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Your 2023 Women’s Race for the Points Winner was Vicki Parrott and your 2023 Men’s Birchwood Cup Winner was Dennis Hogerheide.
That wraps up our 2023 golf season! I want to personally thank all of our Members for your continued support. Thank you for your patience and your kind words along the way. I believe that our new staff did an outstanding job and I thank them as well. Thanks to all those that sit on our committees and work to make Birchwood Farms better each year!
We are already looking forward to 2024.
Cris Cavitt, PGA Professional Director
of Golf
& Sales cris@birchwoodcc.com (231) 526-6245
Wednesday,
Thursday, August 1st Friday, August 2nd
Four
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Save e Date SILVER BIRCH INVITATIONAL 2024
July 31st
Person
Members & Two Guests
Member & Three Guests
& 18-Hole Divisions 18-Hole Division - $250 Per Player 9-Hole Division - $230 Per Player
Women Golfers –Mark your calendars and be thinking about your guests! B IRCHWOOD F ARMS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB proudly presents GreenCoat MEN’S MEMBER/GUEST INVITATIONAL 2024 THURSDAY JULY 18 – SATURADY, JULY 20 REGISTRATION: WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 Gentlemen of Birchwood, Mark Your Calendars! GreenCoat
Teams: Two
OR One
9-Hole
Birchwood
2023 HARBOR CUP FUNDRAISING EFFORTS AT BIRCHWOOD
Dear Members,
I hope this finds everyone doing well and settled into your winter destinations. For those of you still in northern Michigan, as you know, winter has finally arrived!
I wanted to give you an update on the Harbor Cup matches that were played in early October. Many of you attended the dinner fundraiser and/or donated to the event. This year Harbor Point hosted the 54-hole event and after a few years on the losing side Team Harbor came out on top, 13-11.
Briefly, the Harbor Cup Matches is a Ryder Cup format that pits 12 BOYNE golf professionals against 12 non-BOYNE golf clubs. Birchwood Farms, Petoskey Bay View, Harbor Point, Chestnut Valley, St. Ignace, Walloon Lake, True North and Charlevoix GC all have pro’s representing Team Harbor this year.
The Harbor Cup Matches was established in 1997, with 12 professionals from each side paying $100 to be donated to local charities. Since its inception, through 2022, the total donations are over $950,000 and grants have been given to numerous local causes. Various schools, Big Brother/Sisters, The First Tee of Northern Michigan, Camp Daggett and the Manna Food Project, just to name a few. This year, The Lofts of Lumber Square and the Manna Food Project were Team Harbor’s biggest benefactors. I’m not sure what the total dollars that Boyne has raised but I do know that it’s more than Team Harbor.
They do a great job of marketing and raising funds each year.We hope to grow Birchwood’s footprint on the Harbor Cup Matches and I want to thank all of you that have been involved through the years.This year the total raised from Team Harbor was $61,568 and I’m proud to say that over $10,000 was raised by our Members! I want to thank Golf Committee, Co-Chairs Linda Temple and Ken Parrott, for their efforts and support. Also, thanks to Gail Torreano for all of her work in organizing the dinner. As we near the 2024 event, look for details on how you can help out.
Again, thanks to all of you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Cris Cavitt, PGA Professional Director of Golf & Sales
cris@birchwoodcc.com (231) 526-6245
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RACQUET SPORTS PROFESSIONAL
As we prepare for another wonderful 2024 Racquets Season at Birchwood let’s take a look back at some of the highlights of our amazing 2023 Summer season! Congratulations to all of our event Champions in Tennis, Pickleball and Bocce. Thank you all for your dedication to not only your sport but to our Birchwood Racquets department.
PICKLEBALL CHAMPIONS
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2023 Men's Pickleball Doubles Champions Bob Bowman & Ron Fenech
2023 Pickleball Mixed Doubles Club Champions (Division A) Elizabeth Fergus-Jean & Bob Bowman
2023 Pickleball Mixed Doubles Club Champions (Division B) Barb & Frank Gotts
2023 Women's Pickleball Doubles Champions Deborah Daoud & Laura Gitre
Net Results
2023 Pickleball League Winners Team Zambonis
TENNIS CHAMPIONS
2023 Women’s Tennis Doubles
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2023 Bocce League Champions
2023 Men's Doubles Tennis Club Champions
Bob Gepner & Joseph Rohs
2023 Tennis Mixed Doubles Club Champions
Andrea Weaver & Bruce Jamerson, alongside (left)
Runners-up David Kwong & Ashley-Brooke Sandall
Club Champions
Suzanne Demirjian & Deborah Miller
Woods Way –your Birchwood connection to Little Traverse Conservancy
You probably know the Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC). Maybe you see the artful brown nature preserve signs or green working forest reserve signs surrounding Birchwood. Perhaps you go a step further and enjoy these properties – both of which are open to the public. If you are like most Birchwood members, you also generously support the Conservancy’s mission by being a member or volunteer.With a natural connection between LTC and Birchwood, we thought you would enjoy an inside scoop on LTC happenings.
The timing of this article is interesting as both Birchwood and LTC celebrated their 50th anniversaries last year. At the same time Birchwood was being platted, the Conservancy’s seven founders were working to ensure a balance between development and conservation around Harbor Springs. They had not yet formed the Conservancy and were instead creating lawsuits against developments that jeopardized the environment or the natural beauty of the area. Although they won most of their suits, they soon realized that protecting land forever would be more productive than suing developers and thus, the Conservancy was born.
Today, LTC’s mission is “to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment.” LTC now protects almost 70,000 acres of land across northern Michigan including some 170 miles of shoreline. Over 100 miles of trails are available at no charge to the public.
If you have not already, we suggest you check out the Consuelo Diane and Charles L. Wilson Jr. Working Forest Reserve. Located just down the hill on Middle Road, this land is most known for its undeveloped, scenic sloped hillside and has roughly 2.5 miles of trails.This reserve came to being in part with the help of a Birchwood Farms community fundraising effort.
There is also a growing network of preserves just to the northwest of Birchwood at M-119 and Five Mile Creek. This includes the Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve, which has a beautiful viewing platform and a picturesque bridge (photo above) with a one-mile trail adjacent to Pond Hill Farm. In 2021, this preserve was purchased and protected by Liesel and Hank Meijer in memory of Liesel and Gow Litzenburger’s father, and one of LTC's original founders. Boo (who passed in 2020) was a member of Birchwood, along with his wife Dianne, who remains an active member of the club. With a deep love and appreciation of northern Michigan, Boo dedicated his life to advocating for the protection of its land and water. His vision was for northern Michigan to be enjoyed by all and protected forever. When you walk these trails, take in the view from the platform, and listen to the creek as you cross the bridge, you will feel why Boo called this region "the most beautiful place in the world."
This article is the first in a series intended to inform Birchwood members of the wonderful opportunities to connect with nature through Little Traverse Conservancy. Future articles will focus on volunteer opportunities and LTC’s robust education programs. For more information about these preserves and others throughout the region, as well as how to support LTC, please visit landtrust.org.
Tom Rowland
Emily Hughes
Birchwood member and LTC Trustee LTC Chief Development Officer
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2023 Summer Memories
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Birchwood Holidays
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EXECUTIVE CHEF
Dear Birchwood Members,
I’d like to introduce myself as the new Executive Chef at Birchwood! Originally from the northern Michigan area, I am pleased to have found my way back after many years living out of state and overseas. My culinary experience spans a number of years, with a large portion of my professional career taking place in Hong Kong, China, where I served as an Executive Chef as well as a Private Chef for high-end clientele.
I have been working hard through this winter season to set up and train my kitchen staff in preparation for the upcoming summer season. I am excited to serve the membership at the executive level here at Birchwood as we work toward summer 2024.
Justin Baxter Executive Chef chef@birchwoodcc.com
(231)526-2166 ext. 532
Winter Dining Hours
TUESDAY NIGHTS
Casual Bar
5:00-9:00pm
FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS
Casual Bar & Grill Room 5:00-9:00pm
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RESTAURANT MANAGER
Dear Birchwood Members,
As I look back on another summer season come and gone, I can't believe it's my second season running the restaurant! I thank the membership for your patience as I continue to learn.This past season has been a busy one, and though we had a few bumps in the road it went pretty smooth overall and hit record numbers in our a la carte operation. I have a great team who truly care and have passion for what they do, and I sincerely thank them for their continued service to Birchwood!
Our Culinary Department put out some wonderful feature dishes this season that everyone enjoyed. The Thursday
Night Fish Fry is always a member favorite and of course, the Sunday Prime Rib is the winner each and every week.We have a fantastic culinary team this year in the kitchen and I thank each and every one of them for their assistance in running Birchwood’s Food & Beverage operation.
For me the summer season is four months straight of a lot of hours, a little bit of stress, and a lot of patience. However, I truly love my job! I love working for Birchwood and I enjoy our members here.
Thank you for another wonderful season.
Tammy Umlor Restaurant Manager restaurant@birchwoodcc.com (231)
526-2166 ext 534
2024 March Clubhouse Shutdown
Sunday, March 10th – Saturday, March 30th
Frozen Soups & Comfort Meals To-Go
The Culinary Team has created a menu of frozen items packaged and ready for pickup. Available throughout the winter season. Inventory varies any given week.
Available for pickup during posted Reception Hours
Not available on Sundays or Mondays
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COMFORT MEALS Serves Price Beef Pasty 2 $32.00 Lasagna 2 $36.00 Beef Stroganoff 2 $36.00 TO ORDER: Please call the Clubhouse at 231-526-2166 to check availability or to place an order. SOUPS (QUART) Price Split Pea & Ham $11.00 Chicken & Rice $12.00 Chili $12.00 Pumpkin Bisque $12.00 Beef Barley $12.00
DIRECTOR OF CATERING
Dear Birchwood Members,
The summer season flew by too fast! A true highlight of this past summer season was our Club-wide Annual Summer Party held the last weekend in July, with over 300 Birchwood members joining in the fun. Every year we learn and grow with our events, with the common goal of making each one more successful than the last. If you missed this past Summer Party, make sure you’re on the lookout for 2024’s party date – you don’t want to miss this annual summer tradition at Birchwood!
It was a true honor to introduce our Birchwood Signature Event series to our membership this summer. It was an absolute pleasure to host Ken Wright from Ken Wright Cellars for a unique and intimate wine dinner for our first Signature Event in June.We welcomed Collin Johns, #1 World Ranked Pickleball Doubles Player in September for a series of playing clinics for our members and a meet and greet event as our second Signature Event of the year.
It’s been a great season in our Catering Department, and we already cannot wait for summer 2024!
Sara Tye, Director of
Catering sara@birchwoodcc.com
(231)526-2166 ext. 539
Save the Date
Easter Brunch at the Club
Sunday, March 31st
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CHIEF OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Hello Members of our wonderful Birchwood community, this is a message from your Department of Public Safety (DPS).
I am your Public Safety Chief, Chuck Mullins, and it is my pleasure to serve this great community. Our department offers Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and security services 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to the Birchwood community and to the residents of West Traverse Township.
EMS services are dispatched through Emmet County Central Dispatch by calling “911”. Birchwood DPS is a state licensed EMS station (Station 49) and maintains a cadre of state certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics.
Aside from responding to medical emergencies within Birchwood and West Traverse Township, Birchwood DPS patrols the property of Birchwood and enforces the Rules & Regulations of the Birchwood Property Owners Association (POA) and responds to members request for service/assistance.
As Chief, I act as a member of the Birchwood’s Architectural Control & Security Committee (ACSC) which is responsible
for the review of new home builds, current home remodels, dangerous trees and landscape changes. DPS is also responsible the approving tree removal requests.
During the winter months, Birchwood DPS also conducts home inspections for homeowners who are away for the season and notifies them if there are any problems with their residence.
For the 2023 year, Birchwood DPS responded to 242 “911” EMS calls for service within Birchwood and West Traverse Township, 1,953 general calls for service within Birchwood, conducted over 500 home inspections, wrote 66 traffic/parking warnings/citations and euthanized 16 dangerous/sick racoons.
All of us in the Public Safety Department are looking forward to another great year and thank you for the support.
Warm Regards,
Chuck Mullins Chief /Public
Safety/AC&SC chief@birchwoodcc.com Office: (231)526.2166 ext. 549 Patrol Duty Cell: (231)838-2166
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26 Need Ofce Space? We may have just what you are looking for! Ofce space is now available for rent at the Holiday Vacation Rental/ Birchwood Realty Building at the M-119 (South Lake Shore Drive Entrance) to Birchwood Farms Golf and Country Club. Furnished ofces, shared conference room, and parking. Utilities included. Seasonal and annual leases available. For information contact Jared Hammond at 231-242-0730 or email Birchwood@HolidayVacationRental.com Northern Michigan Construction “Your Local Builder” Custom Quality Homes Architectural Services (231) 526-9419 (231) 838-4381
BWA BUZZ
If you know of anyone that would like to join the BWA, applications are available at the Clubhouse or on our website at www.birchwoodcc.com.
You may also contact Laurie Glissman, Membership Chair at lglissman@aol.com.
Renee R. McDuffee
2023 BWA President
BWA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
It has been my pleasure to serve as President of the Birchwood Women’s Association for the past year. Claire Forney has assisted me greatly as Past President over the course of my tenure.Thank you to Claire and the rest of the 2023 BWA Board for their support. Our well-received annual calendar of events would not be possible without the dedication of those who give of their time to organize events as well as those who serve as contacts for the plethora of programs offered by the BWA.
Our Christmas Cocktail Party was once again chaired by Jan Denning and a lovely event with the Club “all dressed up” for the holidays. Laurie Van Wormer chaired our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange “Cookies and Cocktails” which has undoubtedly become a favorite new tradition for our group.
BWA gathered on January 25th for our annual Changing of the Guard event. I am pleased to announce Suzanne Upward as your new 2024 BWA President.Along with Suzanne, Chris Lamarche has been named 1st VP, Nance Watts as 2nd VP, Robin Herrmann as Secretary and Naomi Tolley as Treasurer. Thank you to these women who have stepped up to serve our association in 2024.
Best wishes,
Renee R. McDuffee
BWA 2023 President
2024 BWA Ofcers & Board
President
1st Vice President
Suzanne Upward Sb6877@aol.com
Chris Lamarche Clamarche1@comcast.net
2nd Vice President: Nance Watts Nwatts5559@yahoo.com
Secretary: Robin Herrmann rkbluce@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Naomi Tolley tolleymimi@gmail.com
Membership: Laurie Glissman lglissman@aol.com
Acts of Kindness:
Sandra Gay Sandragay228@gmail.com
Past President: Renee McDuffee reneemcduffee@gmail.com
2024 Interest Groups & Contacts
Biking – SP/S/F
Book Club – YR
B.U.G. Day – 1xSP (Gardening)
Casual Bridge – SP/S
Cooking Class – SP/F/W
Cross Country Ski/Snowshoe – W
Downhill Ski – W
Hiking – SP/S/F
MahJongg – YR
Mixed Golf – SP/S
Progressive Dinner – 2X
Stitch & Sip – YR
Stretch & Flexibility – S
Wine Tasting – S
Joan Pennell
Claire Forney
Marilyn Sigler & Suzanne Upward
Mary Cousino
Ann Fertuck
Joan Pennell
Kathleen Serra
Connie Grzanka
Nancy Sarowski
Connie Donovan or Katie Gauthier
Ronnie Higgs, Kathy Thompson
Fran Borchers
Christine MacKenzie
Louette Lutjens
Jan Denning
Interest Group Key: YR-Year Round, SP-Spring, S-Summer, F-Fall, W-Winter, X-Times Per Year
231-242-4210
231-526-3919
Marilyn: 248-408-1050
Suzanne: 248-331-7484
231-526-9156
231-242-4727
231-242-4210
210-365-6344
231-525-7986
231-526-4368
Connie: 517-290-0958
Katie: 231-242-4392
Ronnie: 231-526-0112, Kathy: 231-526-0547
Fran: 231-242-4340
248-312-8185
231-526-0848
248-854-2076
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BIRCHWOOD WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
BWA Book Club 2024 Dates
Tuesday, March 5th
Tuesday, April 9th
Tuesday, May 14th
Contact Claire Forney at 231-526-3919 or at peforney@gmail.com for the 2024 Book Club reading list!
Books are discounted 15% at Between the Covers in Harbor Springs
BWA Night at Pond Hill Farm
Thursday, March 14th 5:30pm
Join fellow members for a night out while the Birchwood Clubhouse is closed!
All Members welcome to attend.
Pond Hill Farm has a full dining menu and beer & wine menu available.
Chaired by Joan Pennell. Contact Joan at joanpennell@me.com to reserve.
BWA Mahjongg at The Club
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00pm at the Club
Please contact Nancy Sarowski at nsarowski@gmail.com or Gail Kozlowski at rgkoz@charter.net for further information or to sign up for a teaching lesson. All Birchwood women welcome.
Downhill Skiing
Are you interested in downhill skiing, please email Kathleen Serra at foster_kathleen@me.com for more information.
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2024 BWA Calendar of Events
Save these dates!
MARCH
Pond Hill Dinner Event
March 14th
Chair: Joan Pennell
JUNE
BUG Day: Tuesday, June 4th
Rain Day: Friday, June 7th
Co-Chairs: Marilyn Sigler and Suzanne Upward
Spring Progressive Dinner
Saturday, June 8th
Co-Chairs: Ronnie Higgs, Kathy Thompson and Fran Borchers
Welcome Back Luncheon
Thursday, June 6th
Chair: TBD
New BWA Members
Cocktail Party
Saturday, June 22nd
Co-Chairs: Suzanne Upward and Laurie Glissman
JULY
Green Coat/Day Away Luncheon Event
Thursday, July 18th
Chair and Location TBD
AUGUST
Art and All That Jazz
Thursday, August 15th
Co-Chairs: Patty Mayhew and Chris Trombley
Birchwood Country Club
SEPTEMBER
Fall Luncheon
Thursday, September 5th
Chair TBD
OCTOBER
Fall Event-Wild Game Dinner
Saturday, October 19th
Chair: TBD
NOVEMBER
Fall Progressive Dinner
Date TBD
Co-Chairs: Ronnie Higgs, Kathy Thompson and Fran Borchers
Traverse City Shopping Trip
Date TBD
Chair: Joan Pennellº
DECEMBER
Cocktails & Cookie Exchange
Friday, December 6th
Chair: Laurie Van Wormer
Christmas Cocktail Party
Thursday, December 12th
Chair: Jan Denning
Mondays
29 Sip ‘n Stitch
2:00-5:00pm Contact Christine MacKenzie at 248-312-8185 or camackenzie1@gmail.com
needlework enthusiasts meet at member’s homes for a time of friendship & creativity.
Birchwood
STAY ACTIVE THIS WINTER
Winter Golf Simulators
Petoskey Golf Center is offering a discount to Birchwood Members on golf simulator time!
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 11:00am-2:00pm
Call or book online and mention you are a Birchwood Member for 50% off per hour! Normally $40.00 per hour, discounted to $20.00 per hour!
MEMBER-LED FITNESS SESSIONS
Fitness classes led by Members, Chuck Grzanka & Gary Gauthier on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 9:00am. Meet in the Fitness Center.
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Business Directory
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
FAH, Inc. was founded in 1986 by Frederick A. Hackl, AIA, NCARB, to provide residential and commercial architectural, interior design services to private homeowners, business and industry. 231-348-8624 - f_hackl@yahoo.com
ATTORNEYS
James T. Ramer, Attorney
Proud To Have Served Birchwood Since 1978
Corporate Law and Planning Ramer, Moore, Schmoll & Martin 231-526-6214 • www.rmsmlaw.net
BUILDERS/CONTRACTORS
Adelaine Construction, Inc.
CAPS, CGP
Award winning, providing excellence in building and remodeling for over 30 years. Custom - Luxury - Remodel - Log 8555 Commerce Court, Harbor Springs 231-439-0027
www.adelaineconstruction.com
Northern Michigan Construction
Custom Quality Homes
Architectural Services
“Your Local Builder”
231-526-9419 or 231-838-4381
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Bay Area Clean Care specializes in Fine Area Rug Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning & Duct Cleaning. Restoration Services Include Water, Mold & Fire Clean-up. Est. 1981 Petoskey 231-347-7707 or 888-347-7707
www.bayareacleancare.com
HARDWARE
Meyer Ace Hardware
1030 State Road, Fairview Square
More than just a full line hardware and lawn & garden store. We also carry premium products from Weber, Yeti, Oakley, Green Egg, Scotts, Traeger and Stihl.
231-526-6288 • www.acehardware.com
HOME HEALTH CARE
Angel Heart Home Care
Let our professional staff provide care for your loved one in the comfort of their own home.
Call day or night 231-347-4800.
www.angelhearthomecare.com
OUTFITTERS
The Outfitter of Harbor Springs
Outfitting your adventures since 1971. Clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear for all seasons in Northern Michigan.
153 E. Main Street, Harbor Springs (231) 526-2621
www.outfitterharborsprings.com
PLUMBING/HEATING/ AIR-CONDITIONING
Ballard’s
Your comfort has been our business for over sixty years - Ballard’s Plumbing & Heating, 2111 E Mitchell Rd., Petoskey, MI 24 Hour Emergency Service - 231-753-2110 www.ballards-ph.com
MacGregor Plumbing & Heating Air Conditioning & Geothermal
The One You Can Recommend Since 1962 24 Hour Emergency Service 231-526-9633 • MacGregorPlumbing.com
PEST CONTROL
Abent Pest Control North
Serving Birchwood Since 1984 231-526-2847 – Fax 231-348-7081
Email: abentpest@sbcglobal.net
RENTALS
Holiday Vacation Rentals
Cottage, condo, and fine home vacation rentals in Northern Michigan. Rentals ideal for families, reunions, girlfriend’s getaways, golf and beachfront vacations. On-Site Rentals Office 231-242-0730
info@holidayvacationrental.com
REAL ESTATE
Birchwood Realty
On-Site Sales Office
231-242-1818
info@birchwoodrealty.com
Jill Kimble, Realtor
Serving Birchwood Buyers and Sellers since 2008
Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors
172 E. Main, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 231-313-2849
jill.kimble@cbgreatlakes.com
Joy Labadie, MBA Realtor
Berkshire Hathaway Northern Michigan 102 E Main Street, Harbor Springs
Cell: 231-215-7955 Office: 231-526-9800
Email: joylabadie@bhhsmi.com
Lee Ford
Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty Licensed Resort & Second Home Specialist. 172 East Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 248-229-6490 (cell)
email: Lee.Ford@cbgreatlakes.com
www.LeeFordRealEstate.com
Sally Brumleve, MBA, Associate Broker/Realtor®
Real Estate Sales and Owner Vacation Rental Aquisitions, Birchwood Realty/Holiday Vacation Rentals.
6789 S. Lake Shore Drive, Harbor Springs 231-753-9316 • sally@birchwoodrealty.com
Sandra Gay, Realtor
Berkshire Hathaway
Specializing in Birchwood Properties 102 E. Main Street, Harbor Springs 231-526-9800 E-mail: sandragay@charter.net www.bhhsmi.com
Sue Ellen Stuits/Birchwood Resident
Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty 172 E Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 530-307-8417 cell
sueellen.stuits@cbgreatlakes.com
Carrie Frisbie, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors
Certified Global Luxury Property Specialist (231) 268-9367
Carrie@RealEstateInHarborSprings.com
www.RealEstateInHarborSprings.com
172 E Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 RENTALS
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Tell the members of Birchwood about your business and services. Contact Emma Aown for details. 231-526-2166 ext. 538 • emma@birchwoodcc.com
Enjoy Birchwood’s Winter Trails
WALKING & SNOWSHOE TRAILS
Red Loop 0.86 mile
Red & Blue Loops 1.74 miles
Orange Connector 0.25 mile
From Hiking Trail Parking to 1.21 miles
Pond Hill Farm Restaurant via Orange Connector
Blue Loop has steep grade changes BIRCHWOOD
C ROSS COUNTRY T RAILS
Birchwood’s cross-country trails are groomed along private residences within Birchwood. Please refrain from crossing Birchwood lots to gain access to the trails. Use the Clubhouse entrance to access trails at all times.
Blue Trail 2.6 miles (Intermediate)
Gold Trail 2.4 miles (Easiest)
Green/Gold 4.8 miles (Some Hills /Advanced)
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FARMS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
GREEN TRAIL 2.4 miles
GOLD TRAIL 2.4 miles
Groomg Compms of th Ofr of Harbor Sprgs Cross-Cory Sk & Sowsho Ras Avaab 231.526.2621
BLUE TRAIL 2.6 miles
TOOPENTHE
CONNECTOR
Blue Loop Red Loop
SkiTrails are
PUBLIC
To Pond Hill Farm
Vacant
SOLD Birchwood $789,900 Exceptional 5BR, 6,500 sq ft home on the golf course! Spacious indoor/outdoor areas for entertaining! (MLS# 468632) NEW Commercial $975,000 Downtown Harbor Springs business and real estate for sale. 1st floor commercial units. Harbor Ice Cream. (MLS# 472850) NEW Harbor Springs $639,000 1 BR historic log cabin and 40x60 insulated pole barn on 9.5 acres adjoining state land. Woods, fields, and orchard! (MLS# 470692) SOLD Harbor Springs $3,550,000 Enviable 3BR/5.5BA home on the bluff with spectacular Harbor and Bay views. Expansive, luxurious spaces. (MLS# 468039) PRICE REDUCED Water View $4,950,000 Delightful 7BR/7.5BA home in Traverse Trace. Panoramic water views. 4 car garage. Shared beach & tennis. (MLS# 465225) Onaway $490,000 2BR Cabin plus garage and outbuildings on 40 acres adjoining state land. Full-time living or hunting camp! (MLS#472444) NEW Harbor Springs $998,500 Water and park view! Commercial 1st floor and Residential 2BR/ 1BA 2nd floor. Potential to convert back to home. (MLS# 472940) PRICE REDUCED Waterfront $5,400,000 Rare, historic 5BR/2.5BA Roaring Brook summer cottage on a private, sandy beach. Fireplace and 2 car garage. (MLS# 466098) NEW
Lot $139,000 Waterview building site in beautiful, upscale Harbor View Hills, Petoskey, just east of Downtown. (MLS#472290) NEW Storage $97,000 Large, 60x30 storage unit in Charlevoix near the boat launches. Great for boats, RVs, or anything else! (MLS#472567) NEW
Lot $180,000 4 acre building site in Traverse Trace with amazing Lake views and shared beach. Building plans available. (MLS#470638) PRICE REDUCED
Vacant
Vacant
Lot $34,900 Nubs nob ski-in, ski-out buildable lot in Harbor Springs on developed road. Pool/tennis club optional. (MLS# 466322)
GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 600 BIRCHWOOD DRIVE HARBOR SPRINGS, MI 49740
REDUCED
B IRCHWOOD F ARMS
PRICE