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
Catch a Glimpse of the Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaking This Weekend
“Experience the Lyrid meteor shower, a celestial spectacle gracing our skies this weekend. Don’t miss out on shooting stars streaking across the night sky!”
Spring nights are set to dazzle with the arrival of the Lyrid meteor shower, marking the first of two celestial spectacles gracing our skies this season. As we gear up for a weekend of shooting stars, let’s delve into what makes the Lyrids special, how to witness their peak, and what to expect for this year’s show.
What Makes the Lyrid Meteor Shower Special?
Originating from debris shed by Comet Thatcher, the Lyrid meteor shower is an annual springtime event renowned for its vibrant fireballs and occasional bursts of meteor activity. These bursts, which occur approximately every 60 years, promise an awe-inspiring display of shooting stars, though the next anticipated outburst isn’t slated until 2042.
How to See the 2024 Lyrid Meteor Shower
Running from April 14 to 30, with peak activity occurring overnight from April 21-22, the Lyrid meteor shower offers skywatchers a celestial extravaganza. To catch a glimpse of this cosmic show, look toward the constellation Lyra, rising above the northeast horizon around 10 p.m. While technically visible from the southern hemisphere, the northern hemisphere provides the optimal viewing conditions.
Will 2024 Be a Good Year for the Lyrid Meteor Shower?
This year, the Lyrids coincide with a bright waxing gibbous moon, potentially obscuring many meteors from view. However, don’t let this deter you; seek out dark-sky destinations for enhanced visibility, or await the upcoming Eta Aquariids shower, peaking on May 6 under a dim, near-new moon.
As we anticipate the Lyrid meteor shower’s peak this weekend, let’s embrace the wonders of the cosmos and revel in the beauty of shooting stars streaking across the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a casual observer, this celestial event promises to inspire awe and ignite a sense of wonderment in us all.
Facts About the Lyrids!
The April Lyrids meteor shower is a celestial event that occurs annually from April 15 to April 29. The radiant of this meteor shower is located in the vicinity of the constellations Lyra and Hercules, near the bright star Vega. Typically, the peak of the shower is around April 22-23 each year.
The April Lyrids meteor shower is caused by the particles of dust shed by the long-period Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. This is the most intense annual shower of meteors that results from the debris of a long-period comet. The reason for its intensity is that the comet Thatcher has a relatively short orbital period of about 415 years as compared to other intermediate long-period comets with orbital periods of 200-10,000 years. The Lyrids have been visible and recorded since 687 BC. No other modern shower of meteors has been observed and reported as far back in time as the Lyrids.
The peak of the shower usually occurs around April 22 and the morning of April 23. Typically, there are 5 to 20 meteors per hour, with an average of around 10. However, the number of meteors seen will depend on the observer’s location, as light pollution in cities will make it harder to see them compared to rural areas. The best time to observe the meteors is during nights without the Moon in the sky, and most April Lyrid meteors are usually around magnitude +2. Some meteors can be brighter and are known as “Lyrid fireballs”. These fireballs can cast shadows for a split second and leave behind smokey debris trails that last for minutes.
Once every 60 years, the shower intensifies as the planets direct the dust trail of the comet, which has completed one orbit, onto Earth’s path. This leads to an outburst of April Lyrid meteors. Previously, it was believed that the outbursts were caused by a dust cloud moving in a 60-year orbit. However, observations in 1982 and 1922 showed rates of 90 April Lyrids per hour at the peak. An even stronger storm occurred in 1803, with up to 700 meteors per hour, witnessed by a journalist in Richmond, Virginia.
Shooting stars. This electrical phenomenon was observed on Wednesday morning last at Richmond and its vicinity, in a manner that alarmed many, and astonished every person that beheld it. From one until three in the morning, those starry meteors seemed to fall from every point in the heavens, in such numbers as to resemble a shower of sky rockets …
In recorded history, the oldest meteor shower is the one that occurred on March 23.7, 687 BC (according to the proleptic Julian calendar), which was noted in Zuo Zhuan. The shower was described as follows: “On the 4th month in the summer in the year of xīn-mǎo (of year 7 of King Zhuang of Lu), at night, the sky is so bright that some fixed stars become invisible because of the meteor shower; at midnight, stars fell like rain.” In the Australian Aboriginal astronomy of the Boorong tribe, the Lyrids are associated with the scratchings of the Mallee fowl (represented by Vega) during its nest-building season.
(Wikipedia)
astronomy
Cloudy Skies on Eclipse Day: A Cosmic Drama Unfolds
Even under cloudy conditions, the eclipse’s drama persists, offering a different kind of wonder in the cosmic theater of the skies.
For eclipse enthusiasts, the anticipation leading up to a celestial event like a total solar eclipse is palpable. However, what if, on the big day, the sky is veiled by clouds? In the cosmic theater of an eclipse, cloudy skies play the role of an unpredictable antagonist, sometimes obscuring the show while at other times adding unexpected layers of drama.
Imagine eagerly awaiting the total solar eclipse on April 8, only to wake up to a sky shrouded in clouds. Disappointment might initially set in, but fear not, for even under cloud cover, the celestial dance continues. While clear skies are ideal, clouds offer their own spectacle, transforming the eclipse experience into a different kind of wonder.
As Isabel Martin Lewis eloquently described in her 1924 book, “A Handbook of Solar Eclipses,” clouds serve as a tangible canvas upon which the moon’s shadow paints its journey. Despite the obstruction, observers may still witness the swift approach and departure of the umbral shadow, heightening the sense of awe and insignificance in the face of cosmic forces.
Drawing from personal experiences, seasoned eclipse chasers recount tales of eclipses obscured by clouds, each with its own unique twist. From witnessing the eerie colors behind the advancing shadow to catching a fleeting glimpse of the totality through a fortuitous break in the clouds, every cloudy eclipse day holds its own story of wonder and disappointment.
In the midst of thick, low clouds, the drama unfolds differently, with the sky plunging into darkness and the landscape taking on an otherworldly hue. Despite the obscured view, the rapid passage of the moon’s shadow and the surreal transformation of the surroundings create an unforgettable spectacle.
Indeed, as recounted by veteran eclipse chasers, each cloudy eclipse day offers its own blend of frustration and fascination. Whether obscured by thick clouds or graced with fleeting glimpses through breaks in the overcast sky, the cosmic drama of an eclipse persists, leaving observers in awe of the universe’s grandeur.
While clear skies are coveted, cloudy conditions on eclipse day need not dampen the spirit of discovery. Instead, they offer a reminder of the unpredictability and beauty of nature’s spectacle, inviting observers to embrace the wonder of the unknown.
So, as we eagerly await the total solar eclipse on April 8, let us keep our eyes on the skies, ready to witness the unfolding drama, whether under clear blue expanses or veils of drifting clouds. After all, in the cosmic theater of eclipses, every performance is a testament to the awe-inspiring majesty of the universe.
On April 8, if the sky is overcast, the solar eclipse will not be visible. But the event will still affect the temperature and will be monitored by scientists. This is according to Joe Rao’s article “What happens if it’s cloudy for the April 8 solar eclipse?” published on Space.com on March 25, 2024. https://www.space.com/what-if-it-is-cloudy-for-total-solar-eclipse-april-8-2024
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/astronomy/
Solar eclipse of April 8, 2024
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a complete solar eclipse will happen at the Moon’s ascending node. This event, known as the Great North American Eclipse or Great American Total Solar Eclipse, will be visible throughout North America. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, causing the Sun’s image to be obscured for an observer on Earth. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon appears larger than the Sun, blocking all direct sunlight and turning the day into darkness. Totality can only be experienced within a narrow path on the Earth’s surface, while a partial solar eclipse can be seen over a wide surrounding region.
Taking place just one day after perigee (which occurs on Sunday, April 7, 2024), the Moon will appear 5.5% larger than average. It will have a magnitude of 1.0566, with its longest totality duration being 4 minutes and 28.13 seconds near the Mexican town of Nazas, Durango (approximately 4 mi or 6 km to the north), and the nearby city of Torreón, Coahuila.
This upcoming solar eclipse will be the first total eclipse visible in the Canadian provinces since February 26, 1979, the first in Mexico since July 11, 1991, and the first in the U.S. since August 21, 2017. It will be the only total solar eclipse in the 21st century where totality can be seen in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Additionally, it will mark the final total solar eclipse visible in the Contiguous United States until August 23, 2044.
The final solar eclipse of the year will occur six months later, on October 2, 2024. (Wikipedia)
astronomy
Don’t Miss Out on the Spectacular Show: Join NASA for the Total Solar Eclipse!
Get ready for an exciting celestial show! Join NASA for the total solar eclipse on April 8th and experience the wonder of the Moon passing in front of the Sun. #eclipse2024 #NASAEclipse
Get ready, North America! On Monday, April 8th, a captivating total solar eclipse will grace the skies, and NASA is inviting all of us to participate in this remarkable event. Whether through in-person events, engaging in NASA science activities, or tuning in online, there are numerous ways for everyone to be a part of this extraordinary celestial phenomenon.
Millions of lucky individuals within the path of totality – which stretches from Texas to Maine in the United States – will experience the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse where the Moon will completely block out the Sun. For those elsewhere in the contiguous United States, worry not! You’ll still have the chance to witness a partial solar eclipse, where the Moon partially covers the Sun. Just remember to view it safely!
To enhance your eclipse experience, NASA will be hosting live coverage of the event starting at 1 p.m. EDT. Their broadcast will include mesmerizing live views of the eclipse from various locations across North America, intriguing appearances by NASA experts and astronauts aboard the space station, and an exclusive peek into NASA’s exciting eclipse science experiments and watch parties throughout the country. The three-hour broadcast will be available for streaming on NASA+, aired on NASA TV, and via the agency’s website. Isn’t technology wonderful?
Oh, and let’s not forget – NASA will also be hosting a watch party for the eclipse in Spanish on YouTube, starting at 1:30 p.m. Don’t you just love the inclusivity?
For those who prefer a more raw and unfiltered experience, NASA’s telescope-only feed will be available on NASA Television’s media channel and YouTube, commencing at 1 p.m. The feed will switch between multiple locations based on weather conditions, eclipse progress, and feed availability.
NASA will also be hosting a Spanish eclipse watch party on YouTube, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The event can be accessed through the following link: https://youtube.com/live/-VglV73zVvU.
NASA will stream a telescope-only feed of the eclipse on NASA Television’s media channel and YouTube. The stream will begin at 1 p.m. and last for three hours. Multiple locations will be included in the feed, with switches based on weather, eclipse progress, and feed availability. Possible locations may include:
- Carbondale, Illinois
- Cleveland
- Dallas
- Houlton, Maine
- Indianapolis
- Junction, Texas
- Kerrville, Texas
- Mazatlán, Mexico
- Niagara Falls, New York
- Russellville, Arkansas
- Torreón, Mexico
- Tupper Lake, New York
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia will offer a live stream with commentary of three sounding rocket launches for the Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path mission. The live stream will start at 2:30 p.m. on NASA Wallops’ YouTube channel and end after the final sounding rocket launch.
Users can utilize NASA’s interactive Eclipse Explorer Map to monitor the progress of the total solar eclipse on April 8 as it traverses North America in real time. By using this tool in advance, one can search for eclipse timing based on zip code or city, receive real-time weather updates, determine the percentage of eclipse coverage, and even obtain corona predictions for locations in the path of totality.
Now, if you’re itching for some rocket action, NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia has you covered. They’ll be broadcasting three sounding rocket launches for the Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path mission. The livestream begins at 2:30 p.m. on NASA Wallops’ YouTube channel and concludes after the final launch. Prepare to witness science in action!
To enrich your eclipse experience even further, make sure to check out NASA’s interactive Eclipse Explorer Map. This incredible tool allows you to track the total solar eclipse in real-time on April 8th as it transcends North America. You can search by zip code or city for precise eclipse timing, get real-time weather updates, ascertain the percentage of eclipse coverage, and even check out a corona prediction for locations in the path of totality. How cool is that?
For media professionals, NASA has provided an assortment of resources on their eclipse website. If you’d like to request an eclipse interview with NASA, whether remote or in-person, please contact agency-eclipsemedia@mail.nasa.gov. Additionally, you can find details about in-person eclipse events and registration requirements specifically crafted for media on the NASA website.
Keep a lookout for some stellar eclipse photos, as NASA will be sharing them on their Flickr account. Prepare to be amazed!
If you’re eager to learn more about this upcoming total solar eclipse, visit go.nasa.gov/Eclipse2024 for a wealth of valuable information.
The celestial stage is set, and the audience awaits! Get ready to witness the magic of the total solar eclipse with NASA as your guide.
NASA eclipse photos will be shared on the Flickr account.
To learn more about the total solar eclipse, visit:
https://stmdailynews.com/
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