Education day!

We are taking advantage of the last days of winter by attending education. Below are photos of the things we will review today. Can you guess the topic?
If you guessed tree climbing you are partially correct. Today is arborist school, where we will cover new climbing techniques and equipment, chipper safety, saw safety, and rigging. We do most of our own tree work here at Briar, so we try to keep up with changes in that industry as well.
One thing that has helped this industry is the recent boom in recreational climbing. This recent boom has improved the amount of research and the variety of products to ensure climber safety. This boom and additional products also means that the knowledge base of end-users needs to be maintained as well.
If you are looking for something different to do this year, there are several companies that offer recreational climbs. Having a special event and want to do something different? These companies will also come to you and provide your guests with the experience of a lifetime.
Well, I better pay attention, because the last photo's slogan says it all.
Ascending,
Turf

Rink update

We suspect a leak somewhere in the lining, last year we were able to locate and repair them. The leak this year we suspect is more significant and is on the bottom of the liner. The water is taking a few more days to freeze than usual and the edges are remaining thin.
The snow cover is being removed by hand as the ice is to thin for the snow blower. We are working to get it cleared as the snow cover will turn to slush if left on the rink.
We are hoping this afternoons snow will miss us as more snow on the rink would not be good.
Winter is making its last stand,
Turf

Turning these into that with this....

What else can I say?
Tree removal is very labor intensive. Once the above ground material is removed, we move on to remediate a bit of the underground portion. Stumps are ground down a foot and a half to two feet. The shavings can be tossed into the hole that remains right?
Wrong!!
This material will decompose quickly leaving a big depression. The shavings are removed and the hole is filled with soil and compacted. In the spring the soil will be seeded and covered with a biodegradable seed blanket.
If all goes to plan, grass will grow,
Turf

If your looking for something fun....

I recommend a hickory event!!
The game was exciting and a true test of skill. Limited club selection meant that the creative juices had to flow in determining your shot and strategy. What I really loved was the deviation from golf as we now play it.
We have moved away from low bumps and high fades. Straight and high is the only shot I see practiced most often and the shot of choice for 99% of on-course shots.
These clubs were exhilarating!
If we really want to grow the game and get younger players, maybe we need to set them loose with a set of hickories and watch the imagination take over.
If you get a chance, I highly recommend it.
Yes, I kept the knickers and socks!!
Turf

A view from a bridge

Golf is an exciting experience.
When blind areas on the course are experienced, we feel the urgency to get to an area where we can identify our shots. We have an area on a par three that is often blind, shots remain unidentified until the players walk up on the green at times.
We have cleared some growth to open up the view to this par three. We hope you will like the change,
Turf

View of the pond

We have cleared out some amazing views.
We are excited to show off the winter work. Can you recognize the areas in the photos?
Turf

Briar Ridge raises $16,494 for Cancer Resource Centre : Munster News

 Briar Fest raises $16,494 for Cancer Resource Centre : Munster News

Why is Briar Ridge such a great club?  The people!

If you are not familiar with the Cancer Resource Center and the available programs there, the link above, from the Munster News, is a short article.

Thanks to the Briar Fest Committee, you did a wonderful job!

After another successful Briar Fest this past July, event organizers have presented a $16,494 check to (far right) Anthony Andello, director of the Cancer Resource Centre in Munster. Briar Fest organizers on hand for the check presentation are (from left to right): Bill Samuelson, Linda Favors, Ron Falaschetti, Donna Williamson, (holding check) Aaron Pinkus, Community Cancer Research Foundation Administrator Mary C. Shields, Terry Meyers and Donna Meyers. Not pictured, M. Nabil Shabeeb, M.D.

The prognosticator of prognosticators

Punxsy Phil has spoken.....
An early spring for you and me!
Fifty percent of the time, he is right every time (anchorman reference).
We will be golfing soon. It's never too late to begin a fitness program. Strength and stretching is important for an injury free season.
Thanks Phil,
Turf

Rink update

We are working hard to get the ice ready for the weekend. The photo shows the result of breaking through the ice. The chunks of ice freeze in all types of orientation, and create skating hazards. We will be shaving and melting the chunks and adding water to smooth the surface.
Brrrrr,
Turf