outdoor activities
Southworth Announces New Brand Identity and Enhancements Across Global Portfolio of Award-Winning Private Club Communities
A new era for the family-owned real estate developer and operator is ushered in with a five-year reinvestment of $475M to club enhancements, new programming and leadership appointments
BOSTON /PRNewswire/ — Today, Southworth Development announces an updated look and name as the 32-year-old company embarks on a new chapter in its mission to redefine the private club category. Now rebranded as simply “Southworth,” the family-owned company has evolved beyond being a developer, shifting its focus to being a trusted curator of an elevated lifestyle whose portfolio of inclusive clubs offers authentic community and connection – for a life well-lived. This rebranding also brings about $475M worth of reinvestments over the next five years into the majority of Southworth’s current global portfolio. Updates are already underway or completed at several clubs and these reinvestments include nearly $75M in new amenities added across the portfolio over the next five years and another estimated $400M in residential development. The reimagining of Southworth comes as the next generation of family leadership, President Tommy Southworth and Managing Principal, Matt Deitch, have appointed talented new Executive Leadership to execute on their bold vision of developing decidedly different, leading-edge private club communities for a new generation.
The repositioning of the company and reinvestments into its existing clubs comes as the industry reaches a tipping point from post-pandemic consumer demands. Private, luxury, highly amenitized and heavily programmed communities focused on the family are in demand now more than ever. Southworth benchmarked the luxury hospitality industry to strategize the changes required to meet the demands of current and future generations of club members and residents. Additionally, a deep dive into the club space and extensive surveying of Southworth members shined a light on the most important elements of community – human connection and happiness. With this data top of mind, Matt and Tommy saw a clear opportunity to reposition the company and the unparalleled value it offers to those seeking an evolved private club lifestyle that better aligns with the tastes and values of current and future generations.
Childhood friends, Matt and Tommy ‘grew up’ in the business, witnessing their fathers run the company for many years. After spending the first ten years of their respective careers in management consulting, investment banking, and private equity, Matt and Tommy returned to the business in 2019, and in 2023 are ready to roll out their new vision for Southworth. They’ll do so alongside an Executive Leadership team which they’ve been developing over the past few years. New leadership appointments include Todd Grotstein, Chief Sales Officer; Lisa Hultquist, Chief Marketing Officer; Kelly Meredith, Chief People Officer; Troy Miller, Chief Development Officer; and Bill Chrysler, VP of Operations.
In addition to these Executive Leadership appointments, several critical roles have been created that speak to the updated positioning and ethos of the brand. Eleanor Brown has been brought on board as the Director of Sustainability, overseeing sustainability initiatives for the entirety of Southworth. Furthermore, James Dunn has the role of Director of Member Experience which focuses on the “experience-first” mentality of Southworth, always exceeding expectations with unique member programming, activations and amenities, in addition to increased cross-club events – driving home the unique benefit of reciprocity across the Southworth portfolio.
An important element of the new direction is a harkening back to the Company’s roots. Beginning in 1991, Southworth communities challenged the status quo of the restrictive private club category and instead laid foundational principles of inclusion, community, family and fun. Recently, Southworth has rededicated to an overarching brand promise of “The Southworth Way,” the cultural underpinning of their comfortable, unpretentious club communities. Unique in the private club world, what started out as a member and employee code of conduct – fostering positive relationships, encouraging togetherness, and allowing each member and employee to feel welcomed, recognized, and valued – has evolved into a strategic approach to curating the world’s most connected club communities. It’s a guiding star of how Southworth creates exceptional experiences for all members.
In addition to The Southworth Way, the Company has committed to four overarching brand pillars to guide its strategy: Be & Belong: Fostering true community and genuine belonging; Your World at Play: Delivering extraordinary experiences, every day; Life at Ease: Providing a welcome respite in a chaotic world and Inspired Environments: Celebrating the authentic character of each community’s setting.
“We develop, own, operate and call these communities home, which means we’re here for the long term and that is a key differentiator of our company. We don’t build and run, but we continue to operate, improve and enhance our clubs, giving our members and residents confidence in the Southworth brand,” said Tommy Southworth, President of Southworth. “We are obsessively intentional about creating fulfilling private club communities, built on the bedrock of human connection. I believe this difference can truly be seen and felt by our members and the larger industry as we enter this new chapter.”
With this evolution of the Southworth legacy comes a robust lineup of enhancements across its global portfolio of award-winning communities as well as refreshed branding, websites and collateral across all clubs this year.
Club Community Enhancements Include:
- The Abaco Club on Great Abaco Island, The Bahamas: Over the next two years, members will see enhancements such as the addition of the Winding Bay Beach Club; renovations to The Cliff House & Tip-Top; three new activations where guests can gather for anything from beachside drinks with a view to sunrise yoga; and a dedicated amenities corridor with more pickleball courts and even a new putting course designed by Abaco resident and Open Champion Darren Clarke. In addition to all of this, the newest and most exciting neighborhood, The Cays at The Abaco Club, designed by AvroKO, will open phase one in Summer 2024. Additional phases of amenity and real estate development are soon to be announced.
- Creighton Farms in Aldie, Virginia: New member amenities include three new pickleball courts; an enhanced tennis experience; The Paddock, an on-course F&B experience; major renovations to the clubhouse and dining facilities; and the completion of The Stable, a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor golf training center equipped with the latest in shot tracking and swing analysis technology.
- Renaissance in Haverhill on Boston’s North Shore: A new “19th hole” restaurant and bar named “The Boot” opened this summer, drawing inspiration from the great pubs of Scotland and Ireland, and paying homage to the rich shoe manufacturing history of Haverhill. The Boot is also equipped with two Full Swing Golf Simulators. Additionally, significant investments are being made on the golf course, highlighting its Golden Age inspiration, walkability, and architectural significance.
- Willowbend in Mashpee, Cape Cod: This summer four new pickleball courts as well as several enhancements to existing amenities opened, including new pool cabanas, a new sun deck, a new Zen Garden, a renovated kids’ camp area, and several new social events such as concerts, themed kids programming and monthly spa-inspired events. Near-term projects will include renovations to various member spaces including outdoor bars, locker rooms, and Café Amici, Willowbend’s poolside cafe.
- Machrihanish Dunes in Argyll, Scotland: The award-winning club just launched a new exclusive private club experience, by invitation only. Additional developments are in the permitting phase.
Looking to the future, the newly positioned Southworth will continue to invest heavily in the current portfolio and has a strong pipeline of new development opportunities. Currently, the brand is exploring both domestic and international opportunities in the Southeastern United States, the Caribbean and beyond.
To learn more about the newly rebranded Southworth and its current portfolio of award-winning private club communities, please visit the new website located at SouthworthClubs.com.
About Southworth
Southworth is a privately held lifestyle company specializing in the development and management of private clubs and highly amenitized and programmed residential communities. Founded to challenge the industry status quo in 1991, Southworth recognized an opportunity to think beyond the restrictive private clubs of the day. Today, many national and international club communities later, the Southworth legacy continues to evolve. With a newfound commitment to forward-looking culture and values, and with the next generation of family leadership firmly in place, Southworth has reintroduced itself as the trusted curator of an elevated lifestyle whose inclusive clubs offer one-of-a-kind community and connections for a life well-lived. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Southworth currently owns and operates private clubs and residential communities across North America, the Caribbean and Europe. These award-winning properties include: Willowbend on Cape Cod, Mass.; Renaissance on Boston’s North Shore; Meredith Bay on New Hampshire’s famed Lake Winnipesaukee; Creighton Farms in Aldie, Va. 35 minutes west of Washington, DC; The Village at Machrihanish Dunes in Argyll, Scotland; and The Abaco Club, located on Great Abaco Island in The Bahamas. For more information, visit SouthworthClubs.com.
SOURCE Southworth
astronomy
Extraordinary Aurora Displays Illuminate the Skies: A Rare Celestial Phenomenon
Rare geomagnetic storms caused extraordinary aurora displays, showcasing the mesmerizing power of solar activity—a celestial phenomenon.
Last week, a remarkable series of geomagnetic storms captivated skywatchers around the world as vibrant aurora displays graced the skies at unprecedented latitudes. These awe-inspiring celestial events, caused by three powerful geomagnetic storms, brought the mesmerizing dance of lights to the most southerly latitudes in the northern hemisphere in over two decades. On December 1 and 2, observers were treated to a stunning spectacle that left spectators in awe and wonder.
Unveiling the Southern Lights:
One of the most remarkable occurrences during this celestial extravaganza was the sighting of the Southern Lights, also known as the aurora Australis. This breathtaking natural phenomenon was witnessed in locations such as New Zealand, Tasmania, and southern Australia, captivating those fortunate enough to witness its ethereal radiance.
Unprecedented Visibility in Japan:
The Japanese islands experienced a rare treat as a vibrant red-colored aurora graced the skies of Hokkaido. For the first time since October 2003, the phenomenon was visible to the naked eye, offering a unique spectacle for observers. This extraordinary event served as a reminder of the immense beauty and power of our universe.
The Science Behind the Spectacle:
Solar physicists predicted the arrival of these remarkable displays following a solar flare that triggered three separate coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on the sun. A coronal mass ejection is a cloud of magnetic fields and charged particles that streams into space at astonishing speeds of up to 1,900 miles per second. These three CMEs occurred within the “Earth strike zone,” with streams of charged particles heading towards our planet in a rare “halo CME” event.
The Impact of Geomagnetic Storms:
When these charged particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they create a geomagnetic storm. The intensity of the solar wind determines the vigor and extent of the resulting displays. As these charged particles excite oxygen and nitrogen in Earth’s atmosphere, they produce stunning hues of green and red, painting the night sky with an otherworldly glow.
Expanding the Aurora’s Reach:
Typically, the aurora occurs within an oval around the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. However, during periods of heightened solar activity, such as the present, the aurora can extend closer to the equator. This rare event allowed the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) to be seen as far south as the Midwest U.S. states, Scotland, Wales, and Japan.
Locations of Intense Displays:
While the aurora reached extraordinary latitudes, the most intense displays were still predominantly observed in locations around the Arctic Circle. Enthusiastic observers in Alaska, northern Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland were treated to mesmerizing shows of nature’s grandeur.
The Power of Space Weather:
The solar wind, also known as “space weather,” consists of a stream of electrons, protons, and helium nuclei. It originates from coronal holes on the surface of the sun, which are dark regions with low-density plasma in the sun’s corona, its outer atmosphere. As the sun approaches the peak of Solar Cycle 25, this solar wind is becoming increasingly active, resulting in more intense displays of the aurora.
Anticipating Solar Maximum:
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the height of the sun’s activity, known as the solar maximum, is predicted to occur between January and October 2024. As we approach this period, skywatchers can anticipate even more extraordinary aurora displays and be ready to witness the celestial spectacle.
The recent series of geomagnetic storms and subsequent aurora displays have left an indelible mark on the memories of those fortunate enough to witness them. From the rare sightings of the Southern Lights to the breathtaking red aurora visible in Japan, these celestial events remind us of the profound beauty and power of our universe. As we continue to explore and understand the intricacies of space weather, let us cherish these extraordinary moments and eagerly await the next chapter in the captivating dance of the Northern and Southern Lights.
https://www.space.com/magnetic-storm-historic-earth-solar-flares-power-grid
astronomy
Leonids Meteor Shower: Astronomy’s Spectacular Display or Disappointment?
Leonids: a renowned meteor shower in astronomy, but this year’s display may disappoint.
The Leonid meteor shower has long been renowned for its spectacular displays, etching its name in the annals of astronomy. While the shower is set to reach its peak on Saturday morning, expectations for this year’s event should be tempered. The Leonids have a rich history of meteor storms, with unforgettable shows observed in 1799, 1833, and 1966 when tens of thousands of meteors streaked across the sky every hour. More recent displays in 1999, 2001, and 2002 still impressed, though with fewer meteors per hour.
However, it is essential to dispel any notion that this year’s Leonids will rival the legendary shows of the past. Regrettably, many were led to believe that the same level of celestial fireworks could be expected annually. The truth is that the 2023 Leonids are likely to be underwhelming, with weak activity and prolonged periods without visible meteors.
So, while hopes may be high for a memorable meteor shower this weekend, it’s important to manage expectations and appreciate the natural fluctuations that make each celestial event unique. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonids
astronomy
The Northern Taurids Meteor Shower: A Celestial Spectacle Amidst Light Pollution
Experience the mesmerizing Northern Taurids meteor shower at its peak, braving light pollution by venturing to a remote location for optimal stargazing.
On the night of November 12-13, 2023, skygazers and astronomy enthusiasts will be treated to the peak activity of the Northern Taurids meteor shower. While this shower typically produces around 5 meteors per hour, its splendor can be hindered by the ubiquitous issue of light pollution. Nevertheless, this year’s shower brings a glimmer of hope as it coincides with a new moon, ensuring a dark sky free from lunar interference. For those residing in areas plagued by artificial light pollution, venturing to a remote location will offer the best chance to fully experience the beauty of this cosmic display.
Meteors: Fleeting Slivers of Cosmic Wonder
Meteors, often referred to as “shooting stars,” are mesmerizing phenomena that captivate our imagination. These celestial wonders are nothing more than minuscule fragments of cosmic debris, typically smaller than a grain of sand, hurtling through Earth’s atmosphere at astonishing speeds. Upon entry, they undergo a fiery demise, creating a momentary burst of light that illuminates the night sky.
The Origins of Meteor Showers
Contrary to popular belief, meteors are not random occurrences but rather part of a larger celestial dance. Most meteoroids, the term for meteors before they enter Earth’s atmosphere, originate from comets. When our planet crosses the path of a comet’s former trajectory, it encounters a cloud of residual debris. These encounters give rise to what we know as meteor showers. The name of a meteor shower is often derived from the direction in which the stream of debris appears to radiate, such as the Perseids originating from the constellation Perseus.
The Northern Taurids Meteor Shower: A Stellar Showcase
The Northern Taurids meteor shower takes its name from the constellation Taurus, as it appears to emanate from that region of the night sky. While this shower is not as famous as its counterparts like the Perseids or Geminids, it possesses its own allure. Known for producing fireballs—bright meteors that leave a long-lasting trail—the Northern Taurids offer a breathtaking spectacle for those fortunate enough to witness them.
Challenges of Light Pollution
Unfortunately, the prevalence of light pollution poses a significant obstacle to fully enjoying meteor showers. Artificial lights from urban areas can wash out the natural darkness of the night sky, obscuring the fainter meteors and diminishing the overall experience. This issue is further compounded by the Moon’s luminosity during its various phases. However, with the arrival of a new moon coinciding with the peak of the Northern Taurids, the absence of moonlight provides a unique opportunity for an unobstructed view of the meteor shower.
Escaping to Remote Darkness
If you find yourself residing in an area plagued by high levels of light pollution, the Northern Taurids meteor shower presents an ideal occasion to escape to a more remote location. By traveling away from urban centers and seeking out areas with minimal light pollution, you can immerse yourself in the true majesty of the night sky. Remote locations offer the chance to witness the full brilliance of the meteor shower, with its radiant fireballs streaking across the heavens.
The Northern Taurids meteor shower offers us a chance to witness the celestial symphony of cosmic debris colliding with our atmosphere. While light pollution threatens to dampen this celestial show, the absence of moonlight during this year’s event provides a glimmer of hope. By venturing to remote areas, we can escape the clutches of artificial illumination and embrace the awe-inspiring wonder of meteors igniting the night sky. So mark your calendars, prepare your stargazing gear, and let the Northern Taurids meteor shower take you on a journey through the wonders of our universe. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurids
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