Tenth EditionTenth EditionTenth Edition

Mar/April 2012Mar/April 2012Mar/April 2012

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Trust Treks begin, Sundays at 10:00am

SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH Saint Patrick's Day Dinner

FRIDAY, MARCH 30TH

Italian Buffet & Wine Tasting

SATURDAY, MARCH 31ST Golf Course Opens

SATURDAY, APRIL 7TH

Masters Match-Up Tournament

SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH Easter Brunch

Please visit the Member Website for a complete listing of events.

I N L I K E A L I O N.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

G reetings from the Pro Shop. We are very excited to open the golf course for play on Saturday, March

31st. Tee times will begin at 10:00a.m. daily from March 31st –April 30th, and will alter to 8:00a.m.

starting times beginning May 2nd. Mark your calendars for the Masters Match-Up Tournament on

Saturday April 7th. Tournament participant’s net scores will be combined with the Saturday score of a pro

playing in the Masters Tournament in Augusta.

Also new this season, we will be having numerous Couples Golf Tournaments with various formats throughout

the year. Sign-up for these fun tournaments individually or as a couple. The 9-hole tournaments will take

place on Saturdays at 2:00pm, with the first tournament occurring on May 12th. See below for the 2012 Golf

Tournament Schedule, and visit the golf calendar on the Member Website for further details.

We would also like to encourage everyone to reserve their tee times prior to arriving at the course. Tee times

can be arranged by calling the Pro Shop at 828-631-1009. Golf Members can reserve tee times 60 days in

advance, Sports Members can reserve tee times 7 days in advance and Social Members can reserve tee

times 3 days in advance. The golf course will be closed on Tuesdays for maintenance. If you would like to

bring a guest, please remember to register your guest in the Pro Shop prior to play.

See you on the course.

by Drew Marshall, Head Golf Professional

2012 Golf Tournament Schedule

Saturday April 7th – Masters Match-Up Tournament

Friday-Sunday May 25th- May 27th – Member/Member

Monday May 28th – Memorial Day Scramble

Tuesday June 12th – Aerification

July 1st – August 31st – Summer Match Play

Wednesday July 4th – Flag Day

Saturday July 21st – 1-Day Member-Member/Guest

Saturday-Sunday August 4th-5th, Club Championship

Saturday August 18th – 1-Day Member-Member/Guest

Sunday-Monday September 9th-10th – Member/Pro

Tuesday September 11th – Aerification

Thursday-Saturday October 4th-6th – Member/Guest

Saturday October 20th – 1-Day Member-Member/Guest

THE BOARDING HOUSE... ...looks Toward the Future, by taking a Cue from its Past

Anyone who was slightly aghast at rumors that changes were in store for The

Boarding House Restaurant will be in for a treat on March 30th, as the gathering

spot we all know as the heart and soul of the Preserve is more delightful and

welcoming this season than ever before.

Chef Jay Horton, with the help of

the new management team, has

heightened the Boarding House’s

offerings considerably. Theme

Nights will continue on Fridays with

wine tastings prior to dinner. This

year’s new and exciting themes

meld simplicity and creativity in the

kitchen! Last season’s favorites,

such as Lobster Night, Steak Night

and Fine Dining Night, will remain

on the roster, beginning in April. This year's Fine Dining Night is moving to

Thursdays while Steak Night will continue on Wednesdays.

“

A new and improved weekend

breakfast menu, reminiscent of the

restaurant’s early days, will have you

up and at ’em and to the Boarding

House early on Fridays, Saturdays and

Sundays. Fresh ideas such as “Soup

and Salad Sundays” will become new

favorites and remember those brilliant

fried pickles? They're baaack!

Food preparation will also focus on

locally-grown ingredients, cooked fresh

for you, of course. And once again, on

Wednesday through Saturday evenings,

you'll want to come early and mingle with

your Balsam neighbors at the 6:00 p.m.

Social Hour. Hors d'oeuvres will complement

these gatherings and will enhance the tasty

libations brewed up at the bar.

Members will be treated to an expanded lunch menu which will feature daily specials along with

the new Dynamite Burger - watch it tickle your taste buds. And your Boarding House regulars

Spring, Marshall and Becky return with some new faces, all of whom will be sporting new uni-

forms.

Some of you will remember the macaroons that filled our Cookie Jar a couple of years ago.

James, the baker, is back and so are macaroons and breakfast breads! The nostalgia alone is

enough to make you want to give your own kitchen counter the friendly addition of a cookie jar!

“ Remember those brilliant fried pickles? They’re baaack! ’’

With a menu that is both ambitious and affordable,

we hope the new Boarding House lives up to and

surpasses its predecessor, once again becoming a

hangout for Balsam Members.

We would like each member to know that we're

committed to making your experience at the

Boarding House memorable each time you step

through the doors. Here's to a great year!

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.

There's nothing like it.

Try Chef Jay Horton’s recipe below for this nut confection favorite.

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

Balsam Home Security Monitoring

35 Owners Needed to Sign-Up!

Equipment will be purchased by the Community Association and will allow BMP security to monitor member's home alarm sys-tems, similar to the way in which outside companies perform this service.

This program should pay for itself in the first year of operation.

Contact Johnny for more details at 828.631.1011 or

nicholson@balsammountain.com.

Balsam Mountain Security is offering two great opportunities for owners to support their

Community Association

Kenwood Radios Available For Sale

Stay Connected Acquire a Kenwood programmed radio

for $400 Communicate directly with Balsam Se-

curity from your home or ANYWHERE on the mountain

Annual lease charge of $100 per radio

will offset the cost of the signal tower All revenue goes directly into the Com-

munity Association budget.

To order call Johnny at 828.631.1011.

Submit Your Old Photos for our

Opening Weekend Slideshow

picture of you and your spouse, your family, or your neighbors,

and email them to;

Jamie Aquino at jaquino@balsammountain.com.

We only ask one thing— that the picture be taken some-

where at Balsam Mountain Preserve.

The Opening Night Slideshow will be a wonderful

way to bring back great memories of past times spent

with special friends at Balsam.

D i g through your photo albums for a past

I read an article recently about a ranavirus attacking and, apparently, decimating local box turtle populations

in Maryland. A ranavirus is particularly insidious in that it causes tissue necrosis, i.e., it rots perfectly

healthy tissue in various parts of the body but very commonly, lung tissue. The animal then will drown/

suffocate in its own blood. What renders this a cause for concern is that the virus jumped from amphibian pop-

ulations to reptiles (in the form of turtles).

If you’ve read this column with any regularity you know I’m not one given to drama and/or hyperbole so I want

you to know that my intent here is to just make the reader aware of the extent to which animals live in an at-

tempt to eke out an existence as a wild creature. Further I would like readers to know that that is why it is vital-

ly important for each of us to be cognizant of the harm that can be done by well-meaning people trying to, for

example, move animals out of harm’s way, e.g., many of us have helped box turtles cross roads when they’re

seen, all ‘boxed up,’ in the road, and in danger of immediate compaction. And box turtles are one of nature’s

most endearing creatures to us. Others of us have taken the hapless itinerant critters home to keep as involun-

tary pets. This often renders turtles miles from their original homeland. What this does is provide for the poten-

tial spread of localized disease (remember smallpox delivered to Native Americans) between extant popula-

tions living across the valley from one another.

So, the Trust would like to ask all BMP homeowners that if they see box turtles to give us a shout. We want to

perform a physical exam on the animals and keep records of each turtle we examine. We appreciate your help

with this project. In the meantime, enjoy the amazing wildlife we have here. We’ll do our best to keep it healthy.

by Michael Skinner, Trust Executive Director

www.bmtrust.org

The Inexorable Journey (and Consequence) of Life

Box turtles are relatively common on the Preserve and have been the subject of an on-going study with Western North Carolina Uni-versity to determine range limits of individuals. This newly discovered virus could have broad implica-tions for both reptile and amphibian populations. And while Ranavirus is not un-known, the fact that it is jumping from amphibian to reptile populations is cause for alarm. Once contracted the virus is fatal. We now want to find out if they’re being infected by a virus so please let us know when you see one.

Photo by M. Skinner

Have you heard the good news? Two new families have purchased at Balsam Mountain Preserve.

Lisa Huntting, Charlotte, NC Pete & Martha Bridge, Charlotte, 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 MEMBERS

We are pleased to announce we are continuing our reciprocal agreement with The Reserve at

Lake Keowee this season.

Balsam Mountain Preserve members desiring access to The Reserve at Lake Keowee Club are required to contact Balsam Member Services for all non-golf

activities and reservations at (828) 631-1000.

For golf tee times contact the Balsam Mountain Preserve Pro Shop at (828) 631-1009.

If arrangements are not made following this procedure,

there may be a delay when arriving at the Reserve at Lake Keowee Gate House.

Getting Back To Nature

THE AIM OF THE BALSAM MOUNTAIN TRUST’S EVENTS IS TO PROMOTE THE ENJOYMENT OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITY WHILE ENCOURAGING

RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR PRACTICES AND THE EDUCATION AND APPRECIATION OF OUR

NATURAL RESOURCES.

Hiking Schedule

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 Wander the Creek | A Foray into the Dark Ridge Camp: 1:00pm—4:00pm SUNDAY, MARCH 4 Trust Trek: 10:00am SATURDAY, MARCH 10 Girl Scouts: 9:00am—Noon Trust Trek: 2:00pm—4:00pm SUNDAY, MARCH 11 Trust Trek: 10:00am SATURDAY, MARCH 17 St. Patty’s Tour of Waterfalls Local Tour of 3 Waterfalls on & offsite: 2:00pm—5:00pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 18 Trust Trek: 10:00am SATURDAY, MARCH 24 Stroll in Smokies offsite (Kephart Trail near Oconaluftee): 2:00pm—5:00pm SUNDAY, MARCH 25 Trust Trek: 10:00am SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Youth Turkey Hunt: TBD SUNDAY, APRIL 8 Trust Trek: 10:00am

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Early Spring Wildflowers Pro-gram: 2:00pm—4:00pm SUNDAY, APRIL 15 Trust Trek: 0:00am SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Waynesville Watershed Hike: 9:00am–2:00pm SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Trust Trek: 10:00am SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Wildflower Trek: 2:00pm SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Trust Trek: 0:00am

Trust mountain treks usually include lessons in natural history and plant/animal ID. Treks may include hiking on uneven terrain, walking gravel roads, stream crossing, exploring off trail, and wildlife watching. Families and individuals are al-ways welcome on Trust Treks; just remember to call ahead if you have any questions regarding length of time, difficulty of trail, etc. It is recommended that trekkers bring their own drinking water, trail snacks, allergy medicine, walking sticks, and appropriate clothing layers. Please also wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes. All hikes meet at the Nature Center unless otherwise noted in the schedule. Please RSVP to the Trust at 828.631.1060 and leave a message in the general mailbox. Hikes are weather dependent. If the weather is questionable, please call the Nature Center to confirm that the hike has not been cancelled. If any BMP member would like private-lessons with the following: canoeing, backpacking, photography or taxidermy please let Michael know. We’ll schedule accordingly.

INTRODUCING

Golf & Lake Living

Let’s face it, lake living offers tranquility and a

whole lot of fun. And ownership at Balsam

Mountain Preserve gives members access to

the amenities of Grand Harbor Golf and Yacht

Club, a sister Challenge Golf Group Community.

One of the most amenity-rich memberships of

any golf and lake community in South Carolina,

Grand Harbor on Lake Greenwood offers a

plethora of outdoor recreational activities.

G r a n d H a r b o r

S ituated on 378 acres, the club's main amenities are - The Patriot Golf Course, the

Clubhouse, the Tennis and Fitness Complex, the Marina at Lake Greenwood, and

the lakefront Aquatic Center, which features outdoor dining and a 5,000 square-foot

pool with lap lanes, a children's pool, and a white sandy beach area.

The Davis Love III golf course takes advantage of a beautiful, rolling site with select views

of surrounding Lake Greenwood. The course is not only appropriately named in honor of

the area’s revolutionary war heritage, but also boasts a memorable earthen star fort that

serves as a stirring starting and finishing point for every round. Tommy Thomas, Grand

Harbor’s Director of Golf Operations, is a Class A PGA professional and will be happy to

assist Balsam Members with tee times.

The Club’s oversized pool features ample space for you to comfortably enjoy the day. It al-

so features a separate area for lap swimming and a huge hot tub for after-swim relaxation.

Perhaps the best part though is the setting. Directly nestled on the shores of Lake Green-

wood, swimmers and sunbathers have beautiful long-range views of the lake from nearly

every vantage point. You'll even have access to the Club's beautiful private beach.

Our neighbors at Grand Harbor are excited to welcome Balsam Members who decide to

come down from the mountain for a day trip to Lake Greenwood. What could be better than

a day of golf, fishing, swimming and dining near the water’s edge?

For Reservations and Tee Times at Grand Harbor Golf and Yacht Club please call 864.543.2000.

Grand Harbor Golf & Yacht Club Community 101 Grand Harbor Blvd | Ninety Six, SC 29666 | www.grandharbor.net

Your North Carolina Mountain Retreat

Authentic

Experience the magic of Balsam Mountain Preserve — Call us today at 866-452-3456 or click here to request more information.

Stay in a luxury mountaintop cabin for just $99 weeknights and $119 on Friday & Satur-

day nights through April 30th).

Call 877.452.3456 to set up your visit!

An Invitation to Explore

is waiting

939 BOAR RIDGE ROAD

This home is located in the central Preserve, convenient to the ameni-ties of the Boarding House and Ruby Valley Sports Camp. A floor to ceiling stone fireplace graces both the living room and screened porch. Heart pine wood floors throughout the 3 bedroom home plus guest suite over detached garage. Huge eat-in chef’s kitchen center prep island built-in kitchen desk and bookshelves, Kitchen Aid and Bosch appliances. Views carry along the Plott Balsam Mountain Range in the foreground to the distant Nantahalas and legendary Cowees.

Club Hours of Operation

Pro Shop: Opening March 31st, 10:00 tee times.

Practice Park: Opening March 31st.

Trail Rides Opening May 1st.

Pavilion: Open 24 hours.

Fitness Center: Open 24 hours.

Pool: Opening May 1st.

Activities: Beginning June.

Tennis Courts: Opening April 1st.

Turnhouse: Opening March 31st.

The Boarding House Restaurant:

Light Continental Breakfast:

Mon – Thurs, 8am – 10am

Breakfast:

Fri – Sun, 8am – 10am

Brunch:

Sun, 10am – 2 pm

Lunch:

Wed – Mon, 11:30am – 2pm

Dinner:

Fri – Sat, 6:30pm – 8pm

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

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

Jamie Aquino: Marketing Assistant

RIDGE Lines Editor

Nature Center / Balsam Mountain Trust:

828.631.1060

Michael Skinner: Executive Director

Blair Ogburn: Sr. Naturalist

Ron Lance: Sr. 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 Call 864.543.2000 for Dining Reservations and

Tee Times.

Balsam Member Services at 828.631.1000 for all

Activities and Reservations.

www.reserveatlakekeowee.com

Balsam Mountain Preserve | 81 Preserve Road | Sylva, NC 28779

866.452.3456

www.balsammountainpreserve.com