RIDGELines | Mar-Apr 2013
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Transcript of RIDGELines | Mar-Apr 2013
March - April 2013
A Publication for Balsam Mountain Preserve Members
Photo by Michael Skinner
INSIDE Meet Mike Romero,
Balsam’s New Director of Hospitality
INTRODUCING
Mike Romero Director of Hospitality
Balsam Mountain Preserve
W e are excited to welcome Mike Romero to the
Balsam Mountain Preserve team. As Director of
Hospitality, Mike will have primary responsibility
for the day-to-day management of the Boarding House
Restaurant, the Ruby Valley Pavilion, and the Equestrian
Center. Mike has over ten years of experience in the
hospitality and luxury real estate industries, and we are
confident his presence will greatly enhance your
membership experience at Balsam.
Mike began his hospitality career in his hometown at the
world famous Delano Hotel, located in the heart of Miami’s
South Beach. He started out as a bartender and quickly
worked his way into a variety of front of the house
responsibilities. From there Mike moved to Boston and
served as the General Manager of two successful upscale
restaurants in the high-end neighborhood of Chestnut Hill,
Armani Café and Aquitaine. During this time Mike gained
tremendous experience in menu planning, hospitality
management, and special event planning and execution.
Mike’s final stop in the hospitality industry was with Legal
Seafood, one of the most successful seafood restaurant
concepts in the United States. Mike served as part of an
elite management team that focused exclusively on
ensuring consistently excellent food and customer service
quality. During his time with Legal, Mike traveled to nearly
all of their restaurants on the East Coast, spending 2-3
months at each location fine-tuning their individual
operations and working with managers, servers, and
kitchen staff to improve their individual performance.
For the past several years Mike worked at Southcliff, one
of Asheville’s most successful upscale gated communities.
His broad array of responsibilities there included virtually
all aspects of their operation, from real estate and
community development to ensuring owner and resident
satisfaction.
Mike lives in Asheville with his wife and four children and
has made a commitment to raise his family here in
Western North Carolina. His dedication, collaborative
management style and attention to the most minor details
has ensured his success everywhere he’s been, and we
know Balsam Mountain Preserve will be no different
“We could not be more excited to have Mike on our team,”
said Balsam’s President Jimmy McDonnell. “Balsam
continues to grow and Mike will be instrumental in taking
our Club Operations to the next level”.
“Throughout my years in the
hospitality industry, I have learned
that above everything, people
deserve impeccable service and
personal attention to detail.
“I truly understand the importance
of the Member experience and
couldn’t be more excited to be
a part of this fantastic team
and beautiful property.”
Sightings… P R E S E R V E Visit the Nature Center to share your latest sightings at Balsam Mountain Preserve! In February, visitors recorded seeing A strutting turkey on Preserve Road (pictured on cover) Goldfinches and Red-Breasted Nuthatches at the Nature Center bird feeders A female Hairy Woodpecker at the suet feeder A male Eastern (Rufous-sided) Towhee, and A bright red cardinal on the Trust’s black truck We want to know what you have spotted on the Preserve this month!
Visit the Nature Center or please send pictures to [email protected].
o n t h e
Have you heard the good news? Four new families have purchased
at Balsam Mountain Preserve.
Dave & Sheri Straw, Charlotte, NC Rey & Kathy Velez, Washington, DC Paul & Sharon DeBacco, Philadelphia, PA Rory & Cynthia Gallinger, Waynesville, NC
Discover more ways to enjoy your Membership.
Explore the Balsam Mountain Member Website for an online directory, calendar of events and more.
WELCOME NEW OWNERS
O nce again Asheville, North Carolina has been recognized as the #1 area in Top Retirement's
100 Best Places To Retire In 2013. As has been the case since TopRetirements published its
first list in 2007, the Asheville area continues its reign as the most recommended retirement
spot. Western North Carolina’s reputation as a whole is one
of a great place to retire, and it’s only getting better and
better. With our beautiful mountains, four season climate,
and recreational and cultural opportunities, we have become
the standard that all other retirement areas aspire to!
We set out this winter to share this news with other parts of
the country, taking Balsam Mountain Preserve’s story on the
road! We participated in the winter Ideal Living real estate
trade shows in January and February, visiting Long Island
NY, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
This ambitious offsite plan combined with our other
marketing activities will bring prospective purchasers to the mountain this year like never before. And for
the first time in many years, Balsam will have a prominent ad in A Look At Asheville, a hardbound book
that is distributed in virtually every hotel room in the Asheville area, including the Grand Bohemian, Hilton,
Indigo, and Renaissance hotels.
2013 is off to a great start with real estate sales! In January our sales team brokered a resale listing of 9
lots and sold a resale lot on Preserve Road to a couple we met at the Washington D.C. Ideal Living trade
show last year. In February we sold a developer homesite to a great couple from Houston who was
referred to us by a Balsam property owner. Additionally, there have been two outside broker sales in
Balsam so far this year. We currently have 5 additional couples in our universe that are very close to
making a decision to join us as owners. This time of year is usually quiet, so it’s great to see so many
people leaning forward!
As always, keep your referrals coming! We appreciate your confidence and your enthusiasm for sharing
Balsam with your friends and recommending them to us. If you have a property here to sell, no other
team has the pipeline of prospective purchasers that we do, which ensures your listing will get maximum
exposure!
Bruce Fine, Vice President
SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH – MASTERS MATCH-UP TOURNAMENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 16TH - AERIFICATION
SATURDAY, MAY 11TH - 1-DAY MEMBER-MEMBER/GUEST
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 24TH- MAY 26TH – MEMBER/MEMBER
MONDAY, MAY 27TH – MEMORIAL DAY SCRAMBLE
TUESDAY, JUNE 11TH – SPIKING AND TOPDRESSING GREENS
JULY 1ST – AUGUST 31ST – SUMMER MATCH PLAY
THURSDAY, JULY 4TH – FLAG DAY
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 6TH-7TH - RUBY VALLEY CUP
SATURDAY, JULY 20TH – 1-DAY MEMBER-MEMBER/GUEST
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 3RD-4TH, CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17TH – 1-DAY MEMBER-MEMBER/GUEST
SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH-9TH – MEMBER/PRO
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH – AERIFICATION
THURSDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH-12TH – MEMBER/GUEST
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26TH – 1-DAY MEMBER-MEMBER/GUEST
PLEASE VISIT THE MEMBER WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF EVENTS.
I N L I K E A L I O N.
2013 GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
The Nature of Things – A Riddle, Wrapped in a Mystery, Inside an Enigma
I recently read about a (successful) major undercover wildlife operation that involved both state and
federal wildlife agencies. Code-named: Operation Something Bruin (see, even wildlife officers have a
sense of humor). The operation may net as many as 80 violators who may incur as many as 900
violations between them. The range of laws broken is between
misdemeanors and serious felonies. It’s probably not a stretch
to consider why anyone would wander down the criminal path
but we’ve historically never meted out serious punitive
consequences for wildlife violations. That’s begun to change.
As the economy has petered out, some of our more resourceful
citizens have ‘taken to the streets’ in order to make ends meet.
Couple that with the (in some cultures) ubiquitous and
pervasive belief in what some of our natural resources can do
for one’s libido, brain function, etc., it’s not surprising at all that
so many of our gifts have gone missing (forever) or, are on the
verge of doing so. I would suggest, that if we had a plant or
animal which had the common moniker of, oh, I dunno, let’s
say, “curly-tailed placebo,” it would have gone extinct
immediately after having ‘cured’ its first generation of human
patients. What might be more interesting is whether or not a
Monsanto, or another of its ilk, was around to clone the critter,
patent its panacea gene and go on to establish the largest
selling drug in the history of the world.
The point here is that we humans are putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the natural resources we
have on this planet. As the penultimate predator (I won’t confuse you with the other) we have lauded
ourselves as the one creature able to consciously steward the many ‘goose that lays the golden egg’ critters
so amply available to us. And what is heartening to anyone working in the field of natural resource
conservation is that we seem to be getting the point – at least in some places.
With that then I would like to invite anyone reading this to take a walk with us into the woods to see the
remarkable ‘geese’ all around us. You might just be able to take your piece of the puzzle, place it in the
proper spot and enjoy the results of a complete picture. We think we’ll be able help solve the riddle…
by Michael Skinner, Trust Executive Director
www.bmtrust.org
Would the wild ginger found on the Preserve be at risk from poachers if it were the best accompaniment to sushi? Probably. The best course we can take with any of our natural resources is to use them wisely and manage them correctly.
TALK TRUST
Trust Talks take place, unless otherwise noted, at the Nature Center.
Member gathering starts 5:30pm. Talks begin promptly at 6:00pm.
May 30th: Becoming Bear Aware
June 6th: Artist in Residence – Luke Allsbrook
June 13th: Taste of the Wild! Ms. Ila Hatter, gatherer of wild edible and medicinal
plants shares a few Appalachian botanical secrets
June 20th: Rock the House with Mike and Carol Green
June 27th: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the On-going Story, Greg Kidd
July 4th: Permission to come Aboard, The Admiral Restaurant, That Is
July 11th: Abita Springs Beer Brewery CFO Troy Ashley
July 8th: Coyotes – Myth and Biology, Lynda Doucette
July 25th: Artist in Residence – Jo Ridge Kelley
August 1st: Wed Woof Weecovery with Allison Ballantine, Animal Curator with the
Western North Carolina Nature Center
August 8th: SNAKE, Rattle and Roll: Prof. Ron Davis and Trust Director Michael
Skinner
August 15th: Wild Mushrooms of WNC which we have caught, identified, eaten and
survived – or so say David and Melody Dickson
August 22nd: There’s Gold in them Thar Hills…or Rubies…or
August 29th: State of the Union Address – only Different
September 5th: Artist in Residence – Linda Fraser
Please contact the Balsam Mountain Trust if you have questions, ideas,
or would like to see a particular program type offered.
If you are not signed up on the Trust website for BMP Member Access please contact
Dawn at [email protected] or 828.631.1060.
It’s not often that
BALSAM
Experiences
The MAJESTY
of new fallen
SNOW
but on February 6th
for a SHORT TIME
the Mountain
was blanketed with
HEAVENLY
WHITE. Photo captured by Kirk Bowden
Calling all
social butterflies
HELP SUPPORT WCU FRIENDS OF THE ARTS
The Second Annual Western Carolina University FRIENDS OF THE ARTS Silent Auction will be held April 11- 14 in conjunction with Western Carolina University’s performances of the Tony Award winning production of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone.’ This year’s auction adds a layer of fun to the production which will be directed by Broadway star, Terrence Mann. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the College of Fine and Performing Arts at WCU.
If you are on the mountain during April 11-14, plan to enjoy an evening of beverages, bites, Broadway, and bidding while you peruse the exceptional and varied items offered at the auction followed by the hilarious musical presented by the WCU School of Stage and Screen Musical Theatre.
WCU Friends of the Arts
Tickets are available at the WCU Box Office.
CLICK HERE or call 828.227.2479.
Facebook Like and share >
YouTube broadcast >
Twitter chit chat >
There's nothing
like it.
Try Chef Jay Horton’s recipe below for this nut confection favorite.
Ingredients
1 - 9” pie shell 3 eggs
¾ cup light or dark corn syrup ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup melted butter
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 cup raw pecans, lightly crushed
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
Classic southern Pecan Pie.
Method Mix all ingredients well except for the pecans. Place pecans in an even layer on the bottom of pie shell. Pour in wet mixture. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until pie is nicely browned on top. Cool at room temperature for 1 hr. before serving.
by Jay Horton, Executive Chef
OUTSIDE THE GATES Balsam Mountain Preserve
March 2013
WELCOME SPRING
As we anxiously await a fun-filled season of activities at Balsam Mountain Preserve, there are plenty of events going on this month in our neighboring cities.
Head outside the gates with your friends and family this month and enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer.
28TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS
March 21st Biltmore Estate
Thousands of tulips across the estate celebrate the legacy of Biltmore’s master horticulture
planner. Restaurants will feature special menu items, with the Winery offering a
commemorative Festival of Flowers wine and wine seminars.
ASHEVILLE SYMPHONY: THE AMERICAN FOUR SEASONS
March 16th Asheville
WINTER FARMERS MARKET Saturdays in March
HART Theater, Waynesville Vendors will offer cold-weather and greenhouse
grown produce, baked goods, home goods and more.
HEALTHY YOU 5K RUN/WALK March 19th
Buncombe County Sports Park Track, Candler
Club Hours of Operation
Pro Shop: Beginning April 1st,
9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Tuesdays.
Tee times begin at 10:00am.
Practice Park: Opening April 1st.
9:00am to 5:00pm
Trail Rides Opening May 1st.
Pavilion: Open 24 hours.
Fitness Center: Open 24 hours.
Pool: Opening May 1st.
Tennis Courts: Opening April 1st (weather
permitting)
Turnhouse: Open 11:00am to 3:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays during April.
The Boarding House Restaurant:
Light Continental Breakfast:
Mon – Thurs, 8am – 10am
Breakfast:
Fri – Sun, 8am – 10am
Lunch:
Wed – Mon, 11:30am – 2pm
Dinner:
Fri – Sun, 6:30pm – 9pm
*Reservations Requested
The Nature Center: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Club Staff and Contact Information
Administration: 828.631.1040
Jimmy McDonnell: President
Bruce Fine: Vice President
Mike Romero Director of Hospitality
Tina Jones: Business Manager
Member Services: 828.631.1000
Amy Coggins: Manager
Balsam Care
(Maintenance & Cabins): 828.631.1000
Pro Shop: 828.631.1009
Drew Marshall: Head Golf Pro
Activities: 828.631.1063
Stables: 828.631.1066
Security / Main Gate: 828.631.1011
Main Gate Emergency: 828.508.0116
Sales: 828.631.1001
Joe Dellinger: Sales Executive
Bill Minus: Sales Executive
David Huffman: Sales Executive
Jamie Aquino: Marketing Assistant
RIDGE Lines Editor
Nature Center / Balsam Mountain Trust:
828.631.1060
Michael Skinner: Executive Director
Blair Ogburn: Sr. Naturalist
Dawn Williams Tox: Administrator
www.bmtrust.org
The Reserve at Lake Keowee
Contact Balsam Member Services at
828.631.1000 for all Activities and Reservations.
www.reserveatlakekeowee.com
Grand Harbor Golf & Yacht Club
Contact Balsam Member Services at
Balsam Mountain Preserve | 81 Preserve Road | Sylva, NC 28779
866.452.3456
www.balsammountainpreserve.com