RIDGELines | May 2014
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Transcript of RIDGELines | May 2014
May 2014
A Monthly Publication for Balsam Mountain Preserve Members
M y column this month focuses on two important aspects of the Boarding House experience.
Dinner Reservations This past winter season was the busiest we experienced at Balsam in quite a number of years. The restaurant and golf course were open during the entire winter season and consequently a lot of members were on the mountain during this time. In fact, we had over 40 members and guests at dinner the last Friday in April, which is historically unheard of. I believe this is a testament to the service oriented staff we have assembled in the restaurant, the quality of the culinary team in the kitchen, and the dramatic increase in our membership over the past two years. It certainly wasn't because of the nice weather we had this past winter! Anyway, we are expecting our busiest season ever at the Boarding House this year and we are ready for it. One important thing that will make your experience memorable each time is to make a dinner reservation in advance of your arrival and be seated at the time of your reservation. I know Balsam is an incredibly social place and everyone likes to enjoy time with friends before dinner. You can still enjoy that time, just come out a little earlier! We want to schedule reservations appropriately this season so that we can avoid having 30 or 40 people sit down all at one time. When that happens, because of the size of our restaurant and especially our kitchen, your experience may not be what we want it to be. All the above being said, the more we can stick to a plan to make reservations and be seated at the right time, the better our staff will be in exceeding your expectations! Parking The Board Members of the Boarding House Association have asked me to remind everyone – please do not park in any of the cabin spaces when you come to the Boarding House. The spaces in front of each cabin are reserved specifically for people staying in the cabins. Parking is available in the parking lot beside the first cabin and in various other areas along Boarding House Way. Finally, I want to extend a big “thank you” to Johnny Nicholson and his team for the great work they have done on Balsam’s road system over the past two months. Our roads here are arguably in the best shape they have ever been in coming out of the winter months, and that is attributable to Johnny’s hard work as well as the vision of Community Association Board Members Michael Fulbright and Bill Mamrack. Looking forward to a great season!
Bruce Fine, General Manager
The Nature of Things: Faculty Meeting
F rom time to time the Trust administration likes to offer introductions of personnel (human and
otherwise) to the members so they can get to know us and be aware of whoooo is in residence at
the Na-ture Center when you stop by for a visit.
So, first up is a human by the name of Rose Wall. Rose is the new senior naturalist with the Trust. You
may have read in NaturePhile that Rose has filled the position after Blair resigned in January to pursue
furthering her education and spending more time with her family. Rose has jumped in with both feet and is
excited about taking the Trust’s education component to new heights and we’re excited to have her.
Rose came to us by way of having relocated to western North Carolina (Asheville) from New Orle-ans, LA.
She was employed by the Audubon Zoo but her and her
husband Brian had wanted to return to this part of the country
(she completed her undergraduate at UNC-Asheville before
completing her Mas-ter’s degree in Conservation Biology at
the University of New Orleans). Her husband had landed a job
in Asheville so Rose was pursuing a professional position
while volunteering five days a week at the Western North
Carolina Nature Center.
Please feel free to stop by the Nature Center and introduce
yourself to her when convenient.
Second introduction—and for many of you this is not so much
an introduction as it is a refresher—is an owl-type of animal
named Rasta, who is our red-phase eastern screech owl.
Rasta has been a member of our faculty for about four years
now and is one of our most popular ambassadors. Rasta
came to us by way of the Blue Ridge rehabili-tation program
at Lees-McRae college in Banner Elk, NC. Rasta was injured
after hav-ing been hit by a car and blinded in his left eye.
Before his injury Rasta was lecturer in the rahab program at
the college. He has an undergraduate degree in early screech
owl education with specialties in night vision, hearing and
silent flight. His graduate work was in mouseology which was
a very rigor-ous program of study. His accident rendered his
wild career short-lived but he has found a home, and a second calling, with the Trust. Rasta has published
scientific monographs in the Owl Papers and Audubon.
by Michael Skinner, Trust executive director
www.bmtrust.org
Above: The newest staff member, Rose Wall, is
accompanied by long-time faculty member Rasta,
the red-phase eastern screech owl. You can hang
with both of them by stopping by the Nature
Center.
Photos by M. Skinner
A s we rapidly approach the start of the official season here at Balsam, the golf maintenance staff has
been in high gear the past couple weeks. The golf course has been fertilized wall to wall and is
finally starting to 'wake up'. We aerified the greens April 15th-17th and even though the rain hung
around we were able to finish up on schedule. By the first of May, the greens should be fully grown in and
rolling smoothly. Over the next couple weeks we will be trimming around all the irrigation heads, working in
the bunkers, and continue our normal mowing schedule. Throughout the year, we will continue a biweekly
schedule of topdressing greens to help insure smooth ball roll and firm greens. This will in turn lead to
quicker ball speeds, which every golfer wants.
by Brooks Kittrell, Golf Course Superintendent
Summer MATCH PLAY Series
Format: Individual Net Match Play (Head-to-Head Singles
Matches). 90% of Handicaps, play off the low handicap in each match.
Handicaps for each match will be used from the most recent GHIN
handicap update
Men’s Tournament Tees: Palmer / Players may move up to the white or
gold tees if eligible and lose strokes.
Women’s Tournament Tees: Red
Men’s Division – sign-up will be limited to the first (16) players
Women’s Division – sign-up will be limited to (4) players for 9-Hole Flight,
and (4) players for (18) hole flight
Cost $40/player. Includes tournament cart fees and prizes.
The matches will take place over the months of June, July, and August. Tournament players will agree on a common time to complete their match. Each tournament participant must be able and committed to play in matches designated by the below parameters. (Men’s Division based on 16 players).
Round of 16 matches completed by June 30th Round of 8 matches completed by July 21st Round of 4 matches completed by August 11th Final Match completed by August 31st
For more information about the event and to register, visit the Member Website
or contact the pro shop at 828.631.1009.
(2) Player Teams Members may play with another member or a guest
Front (9)
Best Ball Net, 90% of 9-Hole handicaps Back (9)
Scramble, 20% of combined 9-Hole handicaps Maximum (10) stroke handicap
differential between partners
Men: Palmer Ladies: Red
$40/member, $80/guest. Includes cart, lunch, and prizes
Paid out in Pro Shop Credit based on number of participants
Make your own tee time between 8:00am-1:00pm.
(4) Player Teams Members may sign up as a team or individually
Scramble. Gross and Net Divisions. Handicaps: 20% of Player A, 15% of B, 10% of C, 5% of D Men: White Tees Ladies: Red Tees
$30/player includes cart and prizes
Paid out in Pro Shop Credit based on number of participants
10:00am shotgun start.
Balsam Events Recap
1st Place: Michael Fulbright (73) with Jordan Speith (70)
Mills Ariail (70) with John Senden (75)
Dean Hanlon (75) with Bubba Watson (74)
Rod Hanlon (77) with Thomas Bjorn (73)
Masters Match-Up Tournament Results
Golf Course & Dress Code
Golfers must dress consistently
with the traditions of the game.
Denim, athletic shorts, tee shirts, and
cut-offs are not considered appropriate dress.
Boarding House Welcome
S pring is in the air and we are looking forward to having you dine on the porch. Be sure to come and enjoy the views, which are now
even more amazing thanks to recent vista pruning efforts. This is going to be an exciting season and we have many events planned for your enjoyment. Friday Social Hour is back beginning May 2nd we will have several different wine representatives visiting with us throughout the season to expand your pallets.
Break out your sombrero Friday, May 2nd for Balsam Mountain’s Cinco De Dos, as we celebrate our version of Cinco De Mayo. Social hour is from 6-7pm with complimentary Sangria served during Social Hour. Following at 7 pm will be a buffet dinner featuring Spanish & Mexican themed dishes prepared by Chef Kaelyn and her team.
Celebrate Mothers Day at the Boarding House on Sunday, May 11th. Let us spoil you for Mother’s Day as we present complimentary Mimosas & Chef
Kaelyn’s extravagant Brunch Buffet. Calling all Pit Masters….it’s time to put a lil’ south in your mouth. The gloves are off for our 1st Annual Memorial Day BBQ Rib Competition on May 23rd. Which member will take home the prize for the best Rib Pitmaster at Balsam Mountain
Preserve? Get your seasonings and your racks ready and contact Member Services to register for this event. More information on the competition is in this issue of Ridgelines.
Melissa Zoda, Boarding House Manager
We have several new friendly faces here at the Boarding House
and our 2014 Boarding House Team is eager to serve you.
We can’t wait to see you all here!
Dos de Mayo Celebration
Friday, May 2nd
Social Hour starts at 6:00pm with complimentary sangria and $2 Dos Equis beer. Dinner at 7:00pm.
Join us for the first themed buffet of the season, a true fiesta complete with;
Taco bar with carne asada, shredded chicken and carnitas
Mexican lasagna
Chimichangas
Chicken and smoked cheddar tostadas
Tequila and lime marinated shrimp with chorizo rice
Chilean sea bass with a fire roasted corn and tomatillo salsa
Tres leches cake with mango coulis
Chocolate cake with Mexican chocolate buttercream
Complimentary Sangria and $2 Dos Equis drink special!
$29 per person, $14.50 ages 6-15, 5 and under free.
RSVP to Member Services at 828.631.1000.
New for 2014 - Choose from four different cuts of meat or seafood options. The meat will be displayed in the dining room and your steak will be hand-cut in front of you based on your specifications. Then your steak is seasoned from a selection of spices that you choose. While your steak is cooking you can enjoy the soup and salad bar. Once your steak is ready you can choose from a variety of side dishes from the buffet.
Reservations Required
828.631.1000
Sunday, May 11th Mother’s Day Brunch
Mom Salad Assorted Greens with watercress, watermelon and feta cheese Breakfast Items Chocolate, hazelnut and banana crepes Brioche French toast with asparagus and orange beurre blanc
Lunch Items Almond crusted chicken and orzo pasta with sauteed peas Grilled lamb chops with roasted grapes and artichoke hearts Salmon with tangerine lemon hollandaise Dessert Candied rose petal petit fours Assortment of chocolate truffles
The Boarding House will be closed for breakfast and dinner on Mother's Day,
with Brunch served from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00pm.
$22.95 per person, $10 ages 10-5, 4 & under FREE
1st Annual
M E M B E R
Competition
FRIDAY, MAY 23RD BEGINNING 6:00PM AT THE PAVILION
Bring your "A" game and your "A" ribs and let your fellow members choose who is the
Ribmaster of Balsam Mountain Preserve. Register by May 20th to Member Services. Minimum 4 racks to enter, make more if you'd like. Ribs must be delivered to the pavilion by 5:00 p.m.
on May 23rd. Chef Kaelyn will provide pulled pork and sides to compliment the rib competitors. Complimentary beer and live music.
$15 per person, $7.50 ages 6-15, 5 and under free.
RSVP to Member Services at 828.631.1000.
NEW! Complimentary Appetizers
From 6:00-7:00pm every night dinner is served
Complimentary pre-dinner appetizers such as
assorted fruits and cheese, hummus and chips and dip, will be served nightly at the Boarding House this season.
Kaelyn’s Cookbook
Panna Cotta is an Italian Classic, and simple to make
thanks to this recipe from Kaelyn .
The perfect light ending to any summer dinner.
Ingredients
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups heavy cream
Zest 2 lemons
1 cup milk
3 teaspoons gelatin
1 teaspoon vanilla
Method
~ Whisk gelatin and milk together and set
aside.
~ Boil sugar, lemons and heavy cream.
~ Whisk heavy cream mixture into milk
mixture and add vanilla.
~ Strain mixture and pour into serving
glasses of choice. Champagne flutes work
well here.
~ Refrigerate at least 8 hour's.
Garnish with fresh strawberries
and mint sprig before serving.
G reetings to everyone at Balsam Mountain Preserve, we are
so excited to be a part of this incredible place that we
already know and love. We have been married for 20 years
and have 2 children (Derek and Kayla), a very spoiled doxie (Gerty
Mae) and several horses (Redman, PoPo, Jolly Rancher, Hershey
Kisses, Bluebonnet, Maverick and Elvis). We've been in the
horse industry all our lives, from showing to breeding to training.
Over the past couple of weeks we've been busy cleaning and
preparing the barn for the season. Now that the sun and warmer
temperatures are finally here, we are also spending a lot of time
familiarizing the horses with the trails. Most of the horses we will be using at the stable this year for
lessons and trail rides are Tennessee Walkers, and they are very well
suited for this environment. Our horses have their own unique
personalities but are all loving and eager to please. We hope you will
enjoy riding them and getting to know them.
We are looking forward to meeting all the members and offering
a great experience at the stable this season. The prices for trail
rides are the lowest they've ever been here, so please come out
and experience the joys of interacting with these magnificent
animals!
Johnny and Sonya Smathers, Equestrian Managers
Experience the beauty of springtime in the mountains, by horseback!
Trail rides begin the week of May 3rd and will be available throughout the season by reservation.
Riding Lessons: Members (30 minutes): $25 Guests (30 minutes): $40 Trail Rides: Member (1 hour): $20 Guest (1 hour): $30 Member (2 hour): $35 Guest (2 hour): $60 Lead kids around riding ring: $10
Call the Stables at 828.631.1066 for reservations.
Club Hours of Operation
Pro Shop:
Wed - Mon, 7:30am - 6pm
Practice Park: Wed - Mon, 7:30am - 6:30pm
Trail Rides: Wednesday - Sunday
by Appointment.
Pavilion: Open 24 hours.
Fitness Center: Open 24 hours.
Pool: Opening May 16th
Tennis Courts: Open Daily.
Turnhouse: Wed - Mon 11am-3pm
The Boarding House Restaurant:
Light Continental Breakfast:
Mon – Thurs, 8am – 10am
Breakfast:
Fri – Sun, 8am – 10am
Lunch:
Wed – Mon, 11:30am – 2pm
Dinner:
Wed – Sun, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
*Reservations Required
The Nature Center:
April 1– Nov 1
Tues - Sun, 9:00am to 5:00pm
(closed Mondays)
Nov 2 – Mar 31
Tues - Sat, 9:00am to 5:00pm
(closed Sun & Mon)
Club Staff and Contact Information
Administration: 828.631.1040
Bruce Fine: General Manager
Tina Jones: Business Manager
Member Services: 828.631.1000
Melissa Zoda: Boarding House Manager
Amy Coggins: Member Services Manager
Balsam Care
(Maintenance & Cabins): 828.631.1000
Pro Shop: 828.631.1009
Drew Marshall: Head Golf Pro
Security / Main Gate: 828.631.1011
Main Gate Emergency: 828.508.0116
Sales: 828.631.1001
Joe Dellinger: Broker In Charge
Barbara Huse: Sales Executive
Jamie Aquino: Marketing Manager
RIDGE Lines Editor
Nature Center / Balsam Mountain Trust:
828.631.1060
Michael Skinner: Executive Director
Rose Butler Wall: Senior Naturalist
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
828.631.1000 for all Activities and Reservations.
www.grandharbor.net
Balsam Mountain Preserve | 81 Preserve Road | Sylva, NC 28779
866.452.3456
www.balsammountainpreserve.com