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 administrator@bmtrust.org.

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 administrator@bmtrust.org 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.

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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