As an Inc. contributor, I'm a bit biased--I happen to think theirs gives the best practical advice, surmising that the Airbnb Work Policy gives employees more autonomy. Others speak to a managerial perspective on various pros and cons. In Fortune's article, the author notes Elon Musk's remote policy: "Elon Musk says remote workers are just pretending to work. Turns out he's (sort of) right."We disagree, but that's beside the point.

In fact, all these articles are a bit beside the point. Because for each individual employee, the situation is different, as is the job. A single mother whose childcare provider cancelled last-minute doesn't have a lot of leeway--and one who simply can't find affordable childcare has even less. A surgeon can't work remotely. Anyone who just tested positive for Covid can't meet in person.

To be sure, companies need employees to be focused on the fundamental purpose: serving customers profitably. But often this does not depend on where the work is done. It depends on the work being done efficiently. Companies who rely on remote work policies that are concerned with where inevitably underserve customers or impose unrealistic ideals on their employees. Or both.

But what if companies partner with their employees to serve customers--what we call economic engagement? Without partnership, a company busies itself with telling employees what to do, how to do it, and where to do it. No wonder companies that are in the top quartile of economic engagement have double the profit growth of their peers, as our research has shown: A Key Strategy to Double Your Profits.

At One Week Bath, an independent bathroom remodeling company in Southern California, (full disclosure: I own 30% of the company), we focus solely on what needs to be done to serve our customers profitably. We learned from the pandemic that many jobs don't require time in the office. In response, we scaled down our office space and cost, enabling our employees to avoid twice-a-day LA rush hours and improving their quality of life. We also learned from the pandemic to meet every challenge with the same two principles:

That's it. We reinforce the practice of partnership with our employees by openly and weekly discussing the company's financial results. We listen to employees' ideas on how to drive those results. We forecast those results together. And when the company succeeds, our incentive plan ensures that every employee shares in that profit.

Some companies talk about employee engagement. We have economic engagement, and the best team in the industry. And those two basic principles? They allowed us to respond to our customers so well that our repeat and referral revenue soared through the worst of 2020-2021. And we did it without any layoffs and virtually no turnover.

So, what's our stance on remote work? It's the same two principles--nothing more. Everything else is at the discretion of the employees. Some work--like receiving and staging product for upcoming jobs--is truly hands-on. Krystal and her warehouse team physically go in every day. Others prefer to work remotely and can, like Bonnie and her team in finance and administration. Sales and Design were already doing plenty of remote work. The crews were too, just like Southwest pilots.

Some suggest employees need to be in the same room to build culture. But partnering with your employees, instead of treating them like hired hands, tends to align people profound ways. SWA boasts a legendary culture, with many of their members remote for decades. Or take our weekly meeting at OWB. Finishing jobs on time has been a challenge. A few weeks ago, crew leader Rudy announced he was wrapping up his job a day early, and the team erupted in spontaneous applause. Rachel said, "What you don't realize is that Rudy's project was the first sale I ever made, and that customer is really demanding. But I just got off the phone with him, and he's just raving about Rudy and his team." Applause gave way to all-out cheering.

Some might say we're leaving inmates to run the facility. But we don't have a facility. We have a business where every employee has a direct stake in the profits. We don't have a remote work policy. In fact, we have very few "policies." We have smart people who we trust to make decisions, all aimed at serving our customers profitably. Sometimes a new decision improves our services to a customer. Sometimes it doesn't. But we allow our team the room to continually learn and improve.

This also means Matt (our President and majority owner) and I spend a lot less time on administrative matters and much more on making the business better. It seems to be working. Two years ago, we were at 8 crews. Today we have 14--not to mention a record backlog, frequent referrals, and a robust remote operation. If you need policies, direct them toward serving customers profitably. Leave the rest to a well-motivated team; just make sure you're motivating them.

The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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How to Create the Best Remote Work Policy for Your Company - Inc.

When you live in a small house or apartment, fitting in everything you need is difficult. Trying to fit everything and making it look cute is an even bigger challenge, but that's what makes small space design so fun: Coming up with clever solutions to those obstacles makes it all the more rewarding in the end. Whether you live in a studio apartment or want to get more out of a tiny room in a small house, these small space design ideas will make it feel so much larger while maintaining style.

1Incorpoate Reflective Materials

Opt for white lacquered walls and glossy tiles, as designer Brian Patrick Flynn did here. The high-shine materials are reflective and will generate the same maximizing effect that a mirror will, bouncing light and making for a generally airer space.

SHOP TILES Zellige Tiles, $2

2Opt for Pocket Doors

Pocket doors with glass windows allow for shared light to flow throughout the space while also creating separation. And even better, they slide right into the wall when not being used, taking up much less space than swinging doors.

SHOP DOORS IKEA Sliding Doors, $180

3Be Resourceful

When space is limited and you don't want to shop for new, bulky furniture, use a chair as a side table and install wall sconces to save surface space. A cheerful color, like this pale turquoise hue, is also a good idea to set a happy mood in a tiny room.

SHOP SCONCES Arc Mid-Century Sconce, $79

4Shrink Your Dining Table

Small round tables aren't just for breakfast nooks. Ditch the giant dining table and give yourself some extra space by opting for a small, round dining table instead.

SHOP TABLES Marble Dining Table, $999

5Use a Day Bed

Add a day bed and watch your bedroom double in size. If you don't have a designated guest room, this could also come in handy in your living room.

SHOP BEDS Monarch Hill Daybed, $672

6Express Yourself Everywhere

Yes, even on the fridgeno, especiallyyour fridge and other bulky appliances. Since there's limited space for extras and less room to pile in all your favorite items, you'll need to beautify everything. Here, Anthony Dunning turned a regular old refrigerator into a design opportunity by dressing it up in removable wallpaper.

SHOP REMOVEABLE WALLPAPER Peel and Stick Paper, $150

7Mount Your TV

A media console is the biggest space waster in a small living room. Mount your TV on the wall or above a fireplace and you'll regain necessary floor space.

SHOP WALL MOUNTS TV Wall Mount, $30

8Hide Your TV

Or, even better, hide it! Whether inside of a credenza or disguised as artwork, this design trick is perfect for anyone whose living room is always their family room, dining room, and/or more.

SHOP MEDIA CABINETS TV Stand, $300

9Do Double Duty

Pieces that can serve multiple purposes are key: Find a table that can function as a desk and dining table, get a deep sofa that can double as a guest bed, or buy cubes that serve as a coffee table and bonus seats when guests are over.

SHOP SEATING Storage Ottoman, $315

10Take Advantage of Architectural Quirks

Every single inch counts in a small house, so be sure to take full advantage of architectural quirksthis way, they'll actually become your favorite thing about the space. That radiator by your window? Invest in a pretty radiator cover and customize a cushion so you can use it as a window nook to read and relax in. (And you'll be able to forgo the bulky couch that'll take up half the studio!) Pile on the pillows and add a pendant light for tasks, as Jae Joo did here.

SHOP RADIATOR COVERS Radiator Cover, $255

11Use Mirrors

It's the oldest design trick in the book: Mirrors will make your space feel larger, lighter, and airier. And a fun convex one like this adds a lot of personality without taking up a ton of space.

SHOP MIRRORS Mirror Plates, $16

12Make Every Piece Count

13Think About Scale

If your kitchen doesn't have an island and you don't have a living room that's separate from the kitchen, don't give up on making it functional. Opt for a tall wooden table that can provide some extra counter space for cooking and as a two-top dining table. Use this one in a kitchen by Corinne Mathern Studio as your blueprint.

BUY SMALL ISLANDS Counter Table, $125

14Keep It Neutral

Calm, even-toned rooms fool the eye into thinking they're more spacious than they are. Make sure to add a variety of textures to keep the space from falling flat.

SHOP PILLOWS Velvet Pillow, $6

15Convert a Closet

Designer David Kaihoi used some seriously smart storage solutions to make his New York City apartment work harderincluding creating this compact laundry "room" in his closet. That way, when he's not doing laundry, he can close the door on these eyesore appliances.

SHOP LAUNDRY MACHINES Washer and Dryer Unit, $1259

16Customize Storage

Bespoke built-ins, storage nooks, and furniture tailored to your exact needs can utilize every available sliver of space. When they're part of the walls, you don't lose nearly as much valuable square footage. And extra storage under a bench helps, too.

SHOP BENCHES Storage Bench, $449

17Create Zones

In interior designer Max Sinsteden's studio, he made his sleep zone feel separate from the rest of the room by hanging a super high curtain and then suspending a floating painting to break it off even more. "I hate seeing a bed from the front door, so I added a curtain to partition that space. When you close it, you honestly feel like you're in a Parisian hotel," he tells us. This means you can entertain, too, without feeling like everyone's hanging out in your bedroom. "A small space doesn't hamper me from inviting 50 people over."

SHOP CEILING TRACKS Ceiling Track, $90

18Use All Available Surface Space

Even a windowsill can provide extra storage space for decor, lighting, and other essentials when there's no room for an extra table.

SHOP SHELVES Floating Shelf, $20

19Get a Wall Desk

Think you have no room for an office? Think again. A mounted wall desk takes up way less roomand you can even mount shelves above it for even more storage space. Designer Tariq Dixon transformed an unused corner by installing a wall-mounted desk.

SHOP DESKS Floating Desk, $65

20Use Strategic Seating

Opt for extra seating that can fold up and be super compact so you can store it away while the guests aren't over. A stool like this one in a living room designed by Hecker Guthrie is perfect.

SHOP STOOLS Royal Design Folding Stool, $136

21Use Bigger (But Fewer) Furnishings

It may seem counterintuitive, but outfitting a small space with just a few large-scale pieces (rather than a mishmash of pint-size furniture) can actually make it feel grander. Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls. If you create space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is.

SHOP BED FRAMES Canopy Bed, $1,299

22Go Big in a Small Space

It's easy to overlook a room when it's super tiny, especially because there simply isn't enough useable space for dcor. But it's definitely possibleand well worth itto elevate and personalize these little rooms. Take this powder room in Ailana Michelle Ralph's home, for example. With a light blush pink wall color and a surrounding gallery of eclectic artwork, the small room packs a lot of punch.

SHOP FRAMES Gilt Frame, $39

23Think Vertical

Exploit the often under-utilized space between the tops of furniture and a room's ceiling with hanging or high-mounted elements. Take bookcases and cabinets all the way upit'll make the room feel higher.

SHOP CABINETS Kitchen Cabinets, $489

24Forgo Bulky Pieces

Though the under-the-sink storage can be great, larger vanities with a lot of drawers and cabinets can end up looking oversized and awkward in small spaces. In this bathroom designed by Studio DB, the dainty marble vanity has plenty of surface space and the extra towel tracks and hooks take care of the storage needs.

SHOP TOWEL BARS Towel Bar, $50

25Build a Partial Glass Wall

Tear down walls, enlarge windows, or swap solid doors for glass to open up views and connect adjacent spaces.

SHOP HARDWARE Glass Door Sliding Track, $200

26Incorporate Good Lighting

Good lighting will make or break any roombig or small. Make sure to especially install good lighting in smaller, cramped spaces like a bathroom with a tiny window, as shown in this gorgeous space.

SHOP LIGHTS Mount Ceiling Light, $23

27Edit Yourself

You don't have to display everything. After all, nothing makes a room feel smaller than clutter.

SHOP SHELVES White Shelf, $397

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Commissioners move forward with courthouse remodel | News - Southernminn.com

Ferrari Kitchens and Baths is a leading remodeling company based in the Harrison area. Business owners in this city will be happy to learn that the company offers remodeling solutions for commercial apartments.

Harrison, NY Even business owners require their kitchens and bathrooms remodeled. There are numerous times when commercial apartments need a kitchen upgrade.

Office buildings require a kitchen remodeling company in Harrison. As the company expands, the kitchen area or break room will be overcrowded. The electrical and plumbing in the kitchen might require improvement to stay updated with the new plumbing codes and all appliances such as microwaves and espresso makers.

If a commercial building requires a kitchen remodeler in Harrison, the company will dispatch licensed service technicians with the necessary experience and training.

The hotel industry requires the services of kitchen remodeling contractors in Harrison. Most hotels have a mini kitchen. It wont be inviting or comfortable if the place has been added haphazardly. Visitors dont want to stay in a place that looks untidy and doesnt suit their needs.

Ferrari Kitchens and Baths will remodel the space in a hotel such that the kitchen is updated and modern looking.

A place where individuals meet to worship might require a kitchen. Maybe the building didnt have a kitchen at first, so it will be a large project. This leading kitchen remodeling company Harrison will handle the work.

The experts know that business owners must keep their eyes on the bottom line. They work closely with the client to keep the expenses in line while offering the required improvements.

About Us

Ferrari Kitchens and Baths were established over three decades ago. We make client service our top priority. Apart from serving commercial clients, we remodel bathrooms and kitchens for homeowners.

Media ContactCompany Name: Ferrari Kitchens and BathsContact Person: Tony SasmazEmail: Send EmailPhone: (914) 347-8200Country: United StatesWebsite: https://ferrarikitchens.com/

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Ferrari Kitchens and Baths Explain the Commercial Services they Offer - Digital Journal

Lizzie and Dan Routman had no plans to leave their Bluffview home of 21 years. Besides being spacious and beautiful, with a sizable yard, the house had sentimental value, tooit was where the couple had raised their two daughters.

But a quick zip through Zillows latest listings a couple of years ago presented an intriguing alternative for the now empty nesters. Tucked away on a secluded street, on a bluff overlooking Turtle Creek, a contemporary stunner designed by influential architect Bud Oglesby caught the couples eye. You walk in, and theres all this natural light and lots of windows, Lizzie says of the 1988-built house. So its very welcoming, but its clean and contemporary.

Originally designed for a pair of art collectors, the 5,000-square-foot residence also had plenty of art walls, a feature that appealed to the Routmans as they, too, collect art.

Before the couple closed the deal on the house, however, they asked architect Russell Buchanan to take a look at it as well. As great as it was, the home hadnt been updated since the 80s, so they wanted to get a professional opinion. Buchanan confirmed what the Routmans had suspected: the house had exceptional bones, and with just a few fixes, it could soon be ideal for the downsizing couple.

To complete their dream design team, Lizzie and Dan enlisted interior designer Wendy Konradi, who had done some work on their previous home, and builder Bert Smith to work alongside Buchanan. Then they tasked the trio with, among other things, completely remodeling two main spaces: the kitchen and the primary suite.

The kitchen was a very small space for the scale of the home, yet there were very interesting details that Bud Oglesby had originally designed for the house, Konradi says, the best one being a full-height window that overlooks Turtle Creek.

Originally, a set of glass upper cabinets floated in front of the window, offering a clear view of the outdoors. The Routmans loved the concept but felt a little bit like they were in a fishbowl. Buchanans solution: trade the glass cabinets for white oak to create more practical storage and to keep the homeowners from feeling like they were on display. It was very much respecting the original architecture but making it work better for the new homeowners, Konradi says.

To maximize the kitchens footprint, Buchanan removed an existing fireplace and relocated a nearby laundry room to the second floor. Then, to finish the space, Konradi and project manager Ashley Hunt opted for stainless steel countertops for the Bulthaup cabinetry and cork floors that extended into the adjoining breakfast nook. Cork is so soft underfoot, Konradi says. And with tho- se stainless countertops, its such a nice contrast.

Like the kitchen, the primary bedroom and bathroom also had to be gutted, but unlike the cramped cookery, the two private spaces were bigger than they needed to be. The bathroom area was especially cavernous, so much so that the remodeled space now houses a utility room, an exercise room, dual closets, and a spa-like wet room that Konradi clad in an eye-catching terrazzo, including the walls, floor, and tub surround.

In the bedroom, the design team added a dividing wall between the sleeping area and sitting area, transforming what was once an oversize single space into two separate and intimate spaces. To up the coziness quotient even further, Konradi wrapped the entire bedroom in a soothing blue fabric. The room just cocoons you in this wool flannel wall upholstery that is so serene, she says.

For the rest of the house, Konradi focused on adding color and texture throughout, as well as integrating Lizzie and Dans various collections. They didnt want it to feel like they were in a museum, the designer says, but we were very conscientious that nothing competed with the artwork.

In addition to art, the couple has been collecting exquisite furnishings for many years. Theyve also inherited several outstanding pieces, including a pair of Ward Bennett Scissor chairs that Konradi refinished and reupholstered. We didnt buy everything brand new for this home. We reimagined a lot, Konradi says. So its created this wonderful layered effect, and it gives the home such soul.

To keep a room feeling fresh, Konradi looks to the past and present, incorporating pieces from various eras. I think its a testament to good design when you cant differentiate a space or piece of furniture that is 100 years old versus something contemporary thats being executed today, she says. In the Routman house, Konradis eye for combining items from different time periods is on full display in the breakfast nook (below), where a pair of chairs designed in 2010 share space with a coffee table from 1947all resting in a brand-new Bulthaup kitchen. The space isnt staid or stuck in any one era, she says. These pieces can have this fun coexistence. That happened a lot throughout the home. Thats the fungetting that magic in the mix and making these pieces work together.

Interior Design byWendy Konradi Interior Design

Original Architecture byThe Oglesby Group

Renovation Architecture byBuchanan Architecture

Renovation byBD Smith Construction

Styling byJenny O'Connor

Floral byHaile Wossen

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Find Antiques and Modern Touches in This Art Collector's Dream Home - D Magazine

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- In November, we interviewed Ruth and Jeff Vargo, two amazing veteran business owners to talk about their new business, DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen here in The Woodlands. Jeff and Ruth originally met while attending the Untied States Military Academy at West Point, New York. They served in Iraq together and eventually married. After the military, they started working for ExxonMobil. Then after 11 years at ExxonMobil, they decided to start their own business. With the help from a franchise search service, they were introduced to a DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen franchise.

According to their website, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen provides remodeling that enhances lives & improves homes in The Woodlands. Their distinctive, full-service bathroom and kitchen remodeling approach focuses on serving their clients from design through installation. Their company is designed to provide high-quality, custom solutions for your residential remodeling needs. They are experienced. They are reliable. They are honest. And They are anxious to get started!

Ruth and Jeff opened their new business in May 2021 and on January 18, they had their grand opening of their new facility. Their new location is located off of Woodlands Parkway at 8000 McBeth Way, Suite 180, The Woodlands, TX 77382.

We visited with Ruth and Jeff at their grand opening and the facility is very beautiful. They built in various kitchen and bath sections in their building to showcase their exceptional product offers and services. Product vendors were on hand that evening to explain the various options available and to answer questions. When you enter their building, your imagination gets the chance to run free and dream about the cool improvements and enhancements you can make to your home. It is no secret why their business was named DreamMaker. They are in business to help make your bath and kitchen remodeling dreams come true.

If you are looking for a remodeling company that is known for quality and dependability, look no further than DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. Ruth and Jeff are down to earth people that has built a reputation of dependability. You cant go wrong when the company you are working with puts the client first. They will find the best solution for your remodeling project and will help guide and direct you in what seems to be a complicated process of remodeling your bath and kitchen. Drop by their new location to get a sample of what you can upgrade your home with. There had physical samples of various project materials and a design room to help visualize the project.

Click here to learn more about DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

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DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Introduce Their Brand New Location with a Grand Opening on Jan 18 - Woodlands Online

Longstanding Rockridge restaurant Oliveto closed at the end of 2021, and reopened last week. Credit: Oliveto

Oliveto5655 College Ave. (in the Market Hall building), Oakland

Longtime patrons of Oliveto, the 35-year-old Oakland Italian spot that closed with great fanfare at the end of last year, got a surprising message in their inboxes in recent days.

OK, its not actually over, the email began. According to the message, the restaurants cafe operation quietly reopened last week, an unexpected coda for a restaurant that seemingly ended its run with a multi-month celebration. Before you get comfortable though, be warned: This post-credits scene is a limited-time-only reprieve, as a new owner for the business is likely in the works.

Were in this world of pivots now, co-owner Bob Klein told Nosh about the surprise reopening. Everything is true until tomorrow. And then you pivot.

Olivetos epilogue, which was first reported by the SF Chronicle, wasnt something Klein had planned on, he said. The restaurant was jam-packed during its final two months, after its closure was announced last November, Klein said, and we were proud because the food we were doing was good.

But those last months were painful, too, Klein said. Nobody could get through to us to make reservations, as we didnt have the staff to answer the phone.

The restaurant had promised a number of the special dinners they were known for, including an oceanic dinner of curated sustainable fish, and a truffle celebration. Those did all happen before the restaurants ostensible last day, but my staff begged me not to publicize them because the volume of phone calls the dinners typically prompt would have been unmanageable, Klein said.

Klein had planned on a grand exit on New Years Eve, but four days prior to our finale, I come down with [COVID] symptoms, Klein said. While his bout with COVID-19 was a minor one, he wasnt able to be in the crowded dining room for Olivetos last days, as diners and staff celebrated while he remained isolated at home. How about that for a sad story? Klein asked.

But still, the place had had a good run, so that was it. Or so he thought.

We hadnt been looking for a buyer, Klein said, but then we were contacted by a significant restaurateur. Now, Klein wont say who this prospective buyer is (Nosh has heard rumors, and tips are always welcome), but seemed clearly excited about the potential for this new, mysterious chef to come take over Olivetos dining room.

That also meant a change in plans; for the sale to move forward, Oliveto still needed to be in possession of the space. That means rent, insurance and other costs still need to be paid. So why not just open back up for a little bit, until the sale negotiations are complete?

Heres the ideal situation, Klein said. We would keep going, the deal would be made, plans would be drawn and permits would be filed. Remodeling would be done incrementally remember, this is a two-in-one restaurant with an upstairs operation and a downstairs cafe, so this idea isnt as wild as it seems so closures would be incremental. Then wed close and the new guy would open.

If all that works out, that would be pretty amazing. Does he think it will? If not, were ready to pivot again, Klein said.

Klein also makes clear that he sees this Oliveto addendum as a chance to explore something that had just gotten interesting. He said that as the business started winding down, the cafe food got really good. But hasnt it always been good? Yes, but they really started nailing the duck, as we have a fish dish you wouldnt believe. They really figured it out.

Thats why the revived Oliveto will feature a menu from its cafe, led by chef Juan Guevara. Peter Jackson, the chef who guided the upstairs dining room through its final months, remains on as a consultant but isnt involved in the day-to-day.

Guevara is just so steady, hes a really good chef, Klein said. He was a longtime cook at the cafe, and in fact, we were able to hang on to all our cooks, Klein said.

And all this will continue until the deal is done and Oliveto is well and truly ready to make way for its successor. When pressed, Klein would finally say this about the prospective buyer:

Whoever it is, is focusing on who we are and who our neighborhood is, and theyre planning a food style that is consistent with a really amazing, knowledgeable food customer.

Well, thats vague enough that it leaves room for plenty of worry, Bob. Look, part of being a beloved place for this long means you carry a lot of dust, Klein said. Who wants to have fun in a monument? Ive always focused on fresh ideas, so when somebody new comes in I think the world is moving, everybody is moving, and thats good.

As of publication time, Oliveto is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, for lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations must be made through OpenTable, and lunch is walk-in service only. The cafe lunch menu of sandwiches and salads is relatively unchanged, while the dinner menu has some alterations.

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Closed in 2021, Oliveto has reopened - The Oaklandside

The renovated Green Park store will reopen Nov. 12

ST. LOUIS The Aldi in Green Park in south St. Louis County will reopen soon, the ninth of the chains grocery stores in St. Louis to be renovated so far this year.

The renovated Green Park store, at 11185 South Towne Square, will reopen Nov. 12.

The ongoing remodeling of St. Louis Aldi locations is part of the grocery stores ongoing effort to remodel and expand its existing stores nationwide, but a spokesperson declined to give costs for remodeling St. Louis stores or the Green Park location. The spokesperson said Aldi has spent $5 billion on remodeling and expansion, adding 500 stores in the past five years and another 100 by years end.

Remodeling gives stores an elevated design, improved layout and more refrigeration to make room for additional fresh and frozen foods, with a move toward more natural lighting and environmentally friendly materials, the company said.

The Green Park location opened in 2016 across the street from a smaller Aldi, which closed.

The company operates more than 40 stores in the St. Louis region. Local stores that have closed for remodeling and reopened so far this year are in Warrenton; Vandalia, Illinois; St. Charles; Collinsville; St. Peters; Jennings; Sullivan; and the location at 6601 Gravois Ave. in St. Louis, which reopened Oct. 22.

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Aldi reopening a renovated store, its ninth in St. Louis this year - KSDK.com

Many Fairfield Glade residents who spoke at a town hall meeting on the future of the Druid Hills Clubhouse project made it known that they miss dining at the now-closed Legends banquet room and Fireside Lounge there.

Whether the Fairfield Glade Community Club should operate more than one restaurant currently only Stonehenge Grille was the primary topic of discussion during the Oct. 26 meeting at The Center.

The board of directors called the town hall meeting for residents to offer their suggestions and ask questions about the future of the Druid Hills Clubhouse building.

The board will decide whether to remodel the 50-year-old building or tear it down and replace it and whether a restaurant will be included.

FGCC board member Greg Jones, who heads the Druid Hills Clubhouse project advance planning team, said the meeting would be the first of several town halls on what should be done at Druid Hills with the support of residents.

This is not the committees or even the boards clubhouse, it is the communitys, said Jones, who moderated discussion with the audience of about 150 people. So we want to be attentive to make sure were listening to what you have to say.

He said there likely will be a survey for residents, too, and noted that residents also can offer their comments and ask questions by email at druidhillsprojects@fairfieldglade.cc.

Most residents who spoke wanted either Legends/Fireside to reopen or a restaurant to be included in plans for a new clubhouse complex.

One woman made her point for more dining by asking the audience for a show of hands who are golfers and then for the same among those who like to eat out. About twice as many hands went up for the latter.

I think that tells you where were coming from, she said, adding that the emphasis in Fairfield Glade, seems to be on golf, and golf only.

She said the Casa Grande Mexican restaurant that opened on Peavine Rd. in October has been mobbed with customers, and noted that they dont even have a liquor license.

So, I think there is an opportunity for us to have more and better food and beverage service here, and have it quickly, she said. She and others agreed that waiting several years for a remodeled or new complex is too long.

According to a project timeline, construction of a new complex or remodeling of the existing building would occur in two phases, with the first completed in 2024. There was no timeline yet for completion of the second phase.

One resident said because the community club has a flagship golf course in Stonehenge there had better be a flagship restaurant to go along with it. Stonehenge Grille, he said, is nice, but it doesnt cut it.

Pointing out FGCCs history of an unsuccessful food and beverage operation, he said a friend who owns an Illinois resort with golf courses and restaurants suggested to him that FGCC lease Legends/Fireside to a restaurateur who knows how to run a restaurant rather than operate it itself. Many in the audience applauded him.

The F&B operation had been subject to complaints in recent years from some residents when both Stonehenge Grille and Legends/Fireside were open. In 2018, for example, it lost $657,000. Losses were reduced to $472,000 in 2019.

All F&B losses are subsidized through property owner assessments.

Complaints about poor quality of both food and service, primarily at Fireside Lounge, coupled with the high level of subsidies, led the board to decide to close Legends/Fireside effective April of this year, and operate only a newly remodeled Stonehenge Grille year-round. Stonehenge Grille previously shut down at the same time as the golf course in November until the spring.

With now only one restaurant to manage, F&B for the year to date ending Sept. 30 lost about $239,000; that is $90,000 less than what it was budgeted to lose at $329,000 for the first nine months. During the same period last year, it lost $425,000.

Before the meeting, one woman walked carried a petition and asked attendees if they would sign it in support of a drive to reopen Legends/Fireside.

A reopening is not likely anytime soon, if at all. At a board meeting this past summer, General Manager Bob Weber said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made hiring and retaining staff even more difficult than previously. He repeated at a board workshop Oct. 27, that staffing is the major obstacle to reopening Legends/Fireside.

Weber said another issue is that there arent enough diners to support more than one restaurant in the fall and winter when the number of visitors to the Glade drops considerably, some residents leave for warmer weather and others prefer to stay at home during cold temperatures. He said F&B revenue typically falls about 40% during that time.

The board announced last week that Stonehenge Grille will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting in November and continuing through the winter as part of a reshuffling of services during the usually slow time.

But the board said it is working with caterers to have some special events at The Center, which has a banquet room but no full-service kitchen.

Jones said at the workshop that the community meeting on Druid Hills was well-attended with a lot of good conversation and that he received 30-35 email messages on the topic.

I thought yesterday was a pretty good day, he said.

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Druid Hills project in the works, FGCC holds town hall - Crossville Chronicle

(Alexandria, MN) There are only a few school board positions and a handful of questions on the ballot for next Tuesday's special elections. The following is a look at what is on the ballot in the various school districts in and around Alexandria.

ISD 206 - Alexandria (Vacancy)

ISD 213 - Osakis (Vacancy)

ISD 547 - Parkers Prairie (Vacancy)

ISD 2908 - Brandon-Evansville(Question)

Approval of School Building Bonds

Shall the School Board of Independent School District No. 2908 (Brandon-Evansville), Minnesota (the School District), be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,500,000, for the purpose of providing funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including but not limited to, safety and security improvements, renovation of existing space into classrooms, gymnasium, career and technical shop and community fitness room additions, construction of new parking lots and new storage shed at the Brandon school facility and including but not limited to, safety and security improvements, classroom addition, gymnasium addition, renovation of existing space to provide more classrooms, new parent drop-off area, demolition of three story building and construction of new parking lots at the Evansville school facility?

ISD 2753 - Long Prairie-Grey Eagle(Question)

Question - Renewal of Expiring Referendum Revenue Authorization

The board of Independent School District No. 2753 (Long Prairie-Grey Eagle) has proposed to renew the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $249.24 per pupil which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2022. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2023, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 2753 be approved?

ISD 743 - Sauk Centre (Question)

Question 1 - Renewal of Capital Project Levy To Fund Technology

The board of Independent School District No. 743 (Sauk Centre Public Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 2.281% times the net tax capacity of the school district. This authorization would renew the school districts existing authorization which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2021. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $259,805 for taxes payable in 2022, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for six years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $1,558,830. The additional revenue from the proposed capital project levy authorization will provide funds for the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, and the costs of technology related personnel and training. Shall the capital project levy authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 743 be approved?

Question 2 - Approval of School District Bond Issue

Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 743 (Sauk Centre Public Schools) also be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $26,450,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including renovations and ADA-accessibility improvements to existing restrooms in the secondary building, the construction and equipping of an early childhood center, storm shelter, and outdoor projects yard at the elementary school, remodeling and improvements to the existing elementary school library and computer lab, remodeling and improvements to create learning communities at the elementary school, the remodeling and equipping of the elementary school special education suite, the addition of a sensory room at that site, subdividing existing elementary classrooms to create smaller classrooms and break-out areas, the construction and equipping of new entrances and learning commons in the secondary building, the remodeling and equipping of the media center, staff lounge, career and technical education spaces, the construction and equipping a new cafeteria and storm shelter at the secondary school building, remodeling and improvements to create a culinary arts learning space with break-out areas, renovations to the existing science lab to create classrooms and storage areas, upgrades and improvements to lighting, boilers, water distribution systems, the central clock and public address system, and the construction of roofing repairs and improvements at the elementary school and auditorium?

ISD 2342 - West Central Area (Question)

Question 1 - School Building Bonds for New and Existing Elementary Schools

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an aggregate amount not to exceed $37,030,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction of a new South elementary school in Hoffman and construction and renovation at North elementary school in Elbow Lake including, but not limited to, site acquisition and improvements at the elementary sites by means of site development, demolition and abatement, modernization, and beautification?

Question 2 - School Building Bonds for Classroom Expansion, Fitness Center and Equipment

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an aggregate amount not to exceed *4,870,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, expanding classroom spaces and labs, adding equipment and furniture to support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), Career and Technical Education, a Student Fitness Center, the Media Center and other general updates to facility grounds?

Question 3 - School Building Bonds for Athletic Complexes; Outdoor Upgrades

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,495,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction and equipping of a track and filed complex, construction of a softball and baseball field complex and to repair and upgrade other outdoor grounds and structures?

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What are on the local ballots for next Tuesday's special elections - Voice Of Alexandria