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