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Hound Ears News

Kelly Propst, President

Bob Hatley, Vice President

Richard Morrow, Treasurer

Mike Gaither, Secretary

Danny Young, Member at Large

Don Greene, Ex-Officio

Marie Blake

April Bowers

Tom Fisher

Diane Miller

Eric Teeter

Jason White

Club Safety and Operational Updates From the COO/GM

By Joseph McGuire, CCM, CCE Chief Operating Officer/ General Manager

Dear Hound Ears Club Members,

It’s wonderful to see so many of our Members returning for the summer season! The bustling activity on our golf course, at the Clubhouse, and around the property is a testament to our thriving community. Your presence brings back a special energy to the Club, and it's rewarding to see everyone enjoying the amenities and each other's company.

Over the winter, we made significant improvements to the golf course, and we're thrilled with the positive feedback we've received from our golfers, especially regarding holes #13 through #17. The changes have enhanced the playing experience, and many of you have expressed your appreciation. Now, if we could just get a bit of rain to nourish our new sod, our satisfaction would be complete!

The enhancements to the equipment and menu at the tee house, including the introduction of the "Turbo Chef" oven, have significantly reduced wait times, proving to be a fantastic investment.

Additionally, the new equipment at the pool has been well received, providing some additional comforts (and slushies!) to our Members’ experience.

In late April, we introduced new QR Comment Cards throughout the Club, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. To date, we've received 82 comments with an impressive average score of 4.80 out of 5. These cards not only allow us to share positive feedback with our team, boosting morale, but they also provide immediate feedback on areas needing improvement. This system enables us to address issues swiftly, ensuring a consistently high standard of service. We greatly appreciate your participation in these mini-surveys and are delighted that they have been embraced by our membership.

I am pleased to report to you about our recent safety audit conducted by our independent safety consultants, Club Safety Solutions. Our 2024 report was excellent and highlighted the tremendous progress we have made over the past three years. I had the privilege of touring all departments and club areas with consultant Alan Achatz, focusing on identifying potential hazards that could put our valuable employees in harm's way.

Our dedication to safety was reinforced by a tragic accident in the spring of 2021, when a member of our Property Services team passed away. In response, our management team embarked on a comprehensive investigation to understand how such an accident could occur. We held discussions with representatives from OSHA and engaged Club Safety Solutions as our independent certified safety consultants to help us review the Club’s procedures, protocols, training, materials, conditions, and employee/management accident prevention awareness, all with a focus on prevention.

As your General Manager, I am committed to maintaining our focus on employee safety.

Mr. Achatz, along with Human Resources Director Mikalla Presnell and Property Services Director Tom O’Neil, have been critical in ensuring that nothing has fallen through the cracks during my transition into this role. Mr. Achatz’s expertise and our team’s dedication have been invaluable in reinforcing our safety protocols and practices.

The North Carolina Department of Labor recently issued their final rulings on the 2021 incident, and as a result, our practices will need to change slightly. Property Services will continue, as they have since 2021, to refrain from performing elevated work such as roofing and gutter cleaning.

Additionally, we must now also refrain from supervising and overseeing subcontracted work of this elevated nature. The DOL has ruled that our oversight of these subcontractors performing elevated work is equivalent to our performing the jobs ourselves.

To summarize, we can no longer oversee subcontractors for elevated work. Property Services will be happy to provide our Members with a list of reputable companies capable of performing these tasks, but our homeowners will need to contact and oversee this elevated work independently.

Despite these changes, Property Services remains fully available to assist with a wide range of projects for our homeowners. We are eager to continue providing high-quality services, including landscaping projects, basic plumbing services, door and window replacements, carpentry, driveway repair and maintenance, delivery and assembly of furniture and fixtures, and various home repairs.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate these necessary adjustments to comply with the DOL's orders. Our priority will always be to protect the health and well-being of our employees. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

As of this writing, we are busy preparing for the week's festivities that make up our Fourth of July celebrations. As I wrap up my first year as General Manager at Hound Ears Club, I'm excited to experience the Fourth of July and the Men's Invitational tournament for the first time. I look forward to having a full year of experience under my belt and sharing the rest of the summer with our members and our outstanding team.

Warm regards,

Joseph McGuire, CCM, CCE General Manager /

Chief Operating Officer

In Memoriam

Harold “Buzzy” Russell, Jr. November 12, 1939 - June 1, 2024

Hound Ears Club President, 2014 to 2015

Board of Directors Update

In late May, the Board of Directors reluctantly accepted the resignation of Board Member Beth Parrott so that she may focus more time on her family. Beth had been a tremendous leader and Board Member for two years, with many additional years of Committee service prior to that. The Board is grateful for everything Beth has done on behalf of our Club and we hope to see a time where she chooses to serve again.

In accordance with the Club’s by-laws at its June Board Meeting, the Board appointed by unanimous vote April Bowers to serve the Board for the remainder of this year, at which point the last year of Beth’s term will be served by a candidate elected by our Membership at our

Employee Spotlight

Rick

Annual Meeting. April, who had already been serving as a Member of the Food & Beverage Committee, brings an impressive background in Food & Beverage to the Board and will chair both the Events and F&B Committee for the remainder of 2024.

Additionally, Nominating Committee Member Mike Miller chose to step away from the Committee in June for personal reasons. In accordance with Club bylaws, the Board appointed Kevin LeSage to the Nominating Committee. Kevin, a past Club Board Member, will work with the Nominating Committee moving forward to complete the Committee’s required service to the Club this month.

Pifer, Realtor/Broker-In-Charge

There are roughly 1,000 real estate agents in the High Country and our very own Rick Pifer was recognized by The Angela McLean Team of Movement Mortgage for the 6th time this year as one of the top 50 in the area. Rick has completed over 190 transactions since he started in real estate in 2010, helping home, condo and lot owners complete their sale. He joined the Hound Ears office in 2018 and spent the last three years here as Broker in Charge. Rick is married to Tracy Pifer and has four grown children, one daughter and three sons. One child lives in the state of Washington, one in Wilmington and two at home. In his free time, Rick enjoys golfing, surfing and participating in member activities as a Club Member and property owner in Hound Ears.

Congratulations to Rick Pifer on being one of the top 50 real estate agents in the High Country!

BRAD PAISLEY CONCERT & PREMIERE PRE-CONCERT TAILGATE PARTY

on SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024 at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC

PACKAGE OPTIONS:

4 person package ($530) includes: 4 concert tickets, 4 tailgate party tickets, 1 Stadium Deck parking pass.

2 person package ($290) includes: 2 concert tickets, 2 tailgate party tickets, 1 Stadium Deck parking pass.

Concert seats are the "Gold Seats" at the top of section 204, between the 40-yard lines. Hound Ears Club has the entire section. Please be aware that available seats are not handicap accessible. If you would like our help obtaining handicap accessible seats elsewhere in the stadium, please contact us as soon as possible.

Guests are welcome. Please just use one member name to register on the member calendar. Ticket packages are non-refundable.

Questions? Please call Sarah Peppel at 828-963-2134 or email speppel@houndears.com

Reminders Security

By Mike Turnbull Director of Security

BEARS

Hello from Security,

We’d like to remind everyone to drive slowly on Hound Ears’ roads. Please be aware of people walking on the roads at all hours of the day and night. With many narrow roads and blind curves, we’re often surprised to find people and pets walking right in our path. So, PLEASE obey the 20 M.P.H. speed limit. It may seem like you have heard this before, but DON’T SPEED! The maximum speed limit is 20 M.P.H., not 21, or 25, or 30.

Be alert for bears when you are outside and please always keep your dogs on a leash. Do not leave anything outside that a bear may want to eat, including bird seed, food waste, or pet food. We have had several reports of bears having ripped open wooden doors to sheds holding garbage cans or having dislodged a garbage can from the ground and taken it into the woods. Most recently, we have had reports of a mother bear with four cubs on property at Hound Ears. They have been spotted over the entire property, from The Lakes to the Watauga River, up to Buzzard Cliffs.

OUTDOOR GRILLS

If you are using a grill, be mindful that every year roughly 9,000 fires are started by people improperly using an outdoor grill. Unattended grills on porches, under awnings, and grills inside garages and carports have a way of causing problems. Please ensure that your grills are at least 10 feet from any structure.

FIREWORKS

As the Fourth of July approaches, we remind everyone that individuals are not permitted to use fireworks at Hound Ears. The only sanctioned fireworks display is the one Hound Ears contracts out to a licensed and insured company on the night of July 4th. During this display, we have arranged for the Fire Department and Emergency Personnel to be standing by.

POA Updates

Impact of Deer Overpopulation

As discussed in our first article, deer are a pleasant sight but in large numbers cause some significant problems for us. Deer overpopulation affects us all from the diseases deer ticks carry to the real impact of damaging the forest ecosystem. Deer ticks carry a number of diseases that they transmit to humans.

Two major tick-borne illnesses are:

1. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and other Rickettsial diseases - There are approximately 6,000 cases diagnosed per year. These diseases are most commonly found in North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and West Va. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to an unremarkable recovery. Avoiding or delaying treatment can lead to serious consequences.

2. Lyme Disease - Lyme disease (carried by deer tick) is seen in 30,000 cases per year and roughly 2,500 per month. The incidence has doubled since the year 2000 and the number of counties reporting has tripled. In our area, Avery County had the highest number of cases reported in North Carolina last year.

While it has not been definitively identified where the infection was contracted, a Hound Ears resident has been recently afflicted with Lyme disease. Canine pets are also very susceptible to infection from ticks and summertime produces many cases of Lyme disease in both humans and dogs.

In addition, overpopulation of deer causes stress and harm to the deer themselves by spreading diseases they get from each other. Black Tongue and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) are just two of these diseases which are devastating to the population.

Help discourage the deer by NOT feeding them. Discourage them from your property by using chimes, movement lights and planting things they do not like. Some of the plants and flowers they WILL NOT eat are ferns, ornamental grasses, bleeding heart, astilbe, lung wart, lavender, marigolds, peonies, cat mint, yarrow, lamb’s ear and toad lily.

Upcoming POA Events

Dog Registration:

June 30 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Dog Park. All dogs must be registered by Hound Ears Security for their and your safety. Dogs who have already been registered do NOT need to re-register.

4th of July Home Decorating Contest

The annual 4th of July Home Decorating Contest will be judged July 1-3, 2024. Please decorate your home by noon on July 1st. Winners announced at the HE Fourth of July Celebration.

POA Annual Meeting

The POA Annual Meeting will be held July 20 at 10 a.m. at the pool pavilion. Please vote for new POA Board members. If interested in serving on the POA Board, please contact Barbara Crouch by July 1 by calling 704.871.6799 or email barbarajeanc@aol.com

Hound Ears Annual

Community Art Show

The Annual Hound Ears Community Art Show is July 20 from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Hound Ears Room of the Clubhouse. Applications available at the mailroom. All mediums welcomed but artists are limited to 3 pieces.

Fall Litter Sweep

Save the date and join us in cleaning up our community on September 24, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. We will meet in the parking lot of the Hound Ears Administration building.

Community Garden Updates

Our Community Garden is looking wonderful with fresh produce and flowers. Thank you, gardeners, for taking care of your plots. They are looking good and flourishing! We hope everyone is able to enjoy the fruit (and veggies) of their labor.

We want to thank Property Services for the new split rail fence and plants. We also want to thank Paige Patterson, a Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent with Watauga Extension, for coming this spring and sharing tips on keeping our gardens healthy and strong! Her most helpful advice was to “NOT OVERPLANT” and we are trying to take her advice.

2024 SPEAKER SERIES 2024 SPEAKER SERIES

July 29 - The Civil War in Appalachia: History, Stories, and Songs: Dr. Karl Campbell, Professor of History at ASU, will share popular local stories from the Civil War era and Jackie Rullman, recent ASU graduate, will sing and discuss several mountain ballads.

August 26 - App State Athletics Update: App State coaches and staff will share any updates on our upcoming athletic seasons.

Fantastic Start! Golf

By Peter Rucker, PGA Director of Golf

We are off to a wonderful start for the 2024 golf season. The golf course is in fantastic condition and the recent renovations are receiving wonderful reviews. Many thanks to Allen Storie and his dedicated team for all of their efforts and to our Greens and Grounds Committee Chairman Danny Young for their knowledgeable guidance. Our golf course has never been in better hands.

The second annual Crazy Cobb was properly named! It offered a golf course that was truly intriguing and far from the norm. It started off quite chaotic, but thankfully ended in “world peace,” as a good time was had by all. Most can’t wait for next year’s offering. We are very appreciative to Mike and Rene Miller for all of their creative inspirations!

C R A Z Y C O B B RESULTS

OVERALL TEAM WINNERS

1ST PLACE TEAM: 33

DOUGLAS DEAVERS, CHERYL DEAVERS, PHYLLIS WESTON, JIMMY SQUIRES

2ND PLACE TEAM: 33.2

LARRY TILSON, JOE CRAIG, LIBBA GAITHER, MIKE GAITHER

CLOSEST TO THE COBB

#5- BONNIE ALTER

#8- DOUGLAS DEAVERS

#12- MIKE SCHOENFELD

#14- PAIGE COPLAND

MOST OUTLANDISH OUTFITS

MIKE AND RENE MILLER

JIMMY AND FRANKIE EPPERSON

CLOSEST TO THE HOLE MEN

#4- TED CHANDLER

#7- TOM FISHER

#11- CLAY STOBER

#15- MIKE SCHOENFELD

CLOSEST TO THE HOLE LADIES

#3- EVA STEWARD

#9- TIFFANY SLAY

#13- BONNIE ALTER

#17- FRAN HANNAH

CLOSEST TO THE TWISTED SISTER MEN – DON GREENE

LADIES – SHERRY MORGANSTEIN

As we enter into the season of frequent thunderstorms, please be aware of current policies in regard to lightning delays. Our newly enhanced detection system is set to send a long blast when lightning is present in the area. After 15 minutes of no lightning, you’ll hear three shorter blasts signaling an “all clear.” It is our policy that all golfers on the course and practice areas are to take immediate shelter until the “all clear” signal is sent. We will not send staff out during inclement conditions to clear the course. This responsibility falls on the golfers themselves.

The golf shop is fully stocked with all the latest fashions and equipment. Additionally, we are happy to place a special order for any of your needs. We eagerly anticipate your return as we look forward to our best season ever!

Peter A. Rucker, Director of Golf

Employee Spotlight: Jacob Eggers, First Assistant Golf Professional

A Boone native, Jacob Eggers joined Hound Ears as First Assistant Golf Professional in the spring of 2024. Jacob graduated from ASU and left the area to play professional golf for ten years, traveling between Charlotte, Florida and South America to mention a few, naming Quito, Ecuador as a favorite course and area to visit.

Eggers moved back to the Boone area with his wife, Jessie, and son, Archie, and was trying his hand in real estate when he realized his true passion was being a golf professional. His favorite part about working at Hound Ears is the people. “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.” His favorite area restaurant is Gamekeeper.

Hound Ears Cup Winner’s Circle

HEWGA Guest Day Winning Team:

Rule of the Month Cart Path Relief

USGA Rule 16 covers when play of a ball is interfered with a cart path. Key points to remember are:

• Before making a swing or stance, if an obstruction (cart path) interferes with either, you may take free relief.

• The relief area is the nearest point (not to be confused with the nicest point) where you can make a stance and swing and not be interfered with the cart path. When determining this point, it is important to mark the position of the ball before finding this spot. Often, this determines which side of the path relief is allowed.

• The exact spot of relief is determined by location of the ball in the stance. From this spot the relief area is measured with a club length from this spot, but no closer to the hole. A club length is now defined by the longest club in your bag, other than the putter.

• A legal drop must remain in the relief area. Previously, a ball could roll an additional two club lengths.

• Limits of relief are – The ball must be playable and in the general area, must not be nearer the hole, and full relief must be taken.

• The biggest misconception of this rule is relief will always give you a better situation. Your nearest point of relief may be in the middle of a briar patch or a rhododendron thicket. Never confuse the nearest point of relief with the nicest point of relief!

Tip of the Month

Full Swing Set Up

Key elements of a successful set up are:

• Aim the clubhead where you wish the ball to start. A common misconception is correct alignment comes from pointing your body at a target. With right-handed golfers, proper alignment will put your body parallel left of a target. For right-handed golfers, aiming a body at a target is “right and wrong”. The opposite holds true for lefties, “left and wrong”.

• Proper golf posture allows for arms to hang naturally from the shoulders. Good posture in everyday life is not military or stiff in nature, but rather relaxed in the shoulders with chin up. With this, correct golf posture asks that we flex knees with a slight tilt of the upper body from the hips.

• Once we find the correct posture, one should learn to mold around the club we are using. Doing this ensures proper ball position and distance from the ball. It has nothing to do with guessing this position.

• Once you mold around a club, it important to hold the club by design, meaning wedges have a forward shaft lean built into its design and with a shaft behind the head as we progress to the driver.

• Most importantly, one should create comfort and readiness before making a swing.

HEC Golf 2024

Couples Golf

• Joe Shortz Open – July 18

• Calamity Jane Open – August 29

Member-Guest

• HEMGA One Day – August 14, September 18

• HEMGA Member Guest – July 11-13

• HEWGA Member Guest – July 22-23

• Couples Member Guest – September 5-7

Other Events

• Firecracker Scramble – July 4

• Hound Ears Open - August 3

• Club Championship – August 9-10

• HEWGA Queens Tournament – August 13

• HEMGA Member-Member – August 23-24

• HEWGA Member-Member - September 3-4

• Hospitality House Golf Outing – October 7

Demo Days

Friday, July 5 - 4 - 7 p.m.: Callaway Putter & Wedge Demo with cocktails and appetizers on the Putting Green.

Wednesday, July 1010:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

XXIO Demo Day

Complimentary Clinics

• Uneven Lies – July 1

Golf Clinics

• HE Challenge Series 2 – August 5, 12, 19, 26 (Formally known as Op 36)

• Junior Golf Camp – July 29-31

Men’s Interclub

• Elk River – July 23

• Beech Mountain – August 5

• Blowing Rock – August 12

Ladies’ Interclub

• Hound Ears Club – July 29

• Beech Mountain – August 5

• Linville – August 19

• Elk River - August 27

Events: Please note that when signing up for any event, whether it be a HEMGA or HEWGA event or an organized member outing, go to the exact date on the club calendar, click on the event and follow the prompts. You may also call the golf shop at 828-963-5831 and we'll be happy to assist.

Joe Shortz Golf Tournament

July 18, 2024

Registration open now. $60 per person includes golf and dinner

The Legend of Joe Shortz

Every high school has a Ferris Bueller or an Eddie Haskill or The Fonz. They are all supreme Escape Artists. They are the cool kids that everyone wants to be. Our high school had Joseph Short. He always insisted on being addressed as Joseph and not Joe. Joseph was a senior when I was a freshman, yet he knew my name just like he knew every student’s name. Everybody loved Joseph and he was friends with everyone…..and he could always charm his way out of any predicament.

Joseph was the kid who the cops just missed nabbing whenever they raided a bonfire in the woods that featured a keg of beer. He always had the most fantastic excuses explaining why he was late turning in an assignment, yet somehow, he always was granted an extra day of grace. He was the school’s best storyteller and everyone including the teachers always laughed at his stories. We all wanted to believe his tales despite their fantastic twists and turns.

But, where Joseph’s escape prowess really stood out was on the golf course. He was on our school team, and golf was the one thing Joseph took seriously. He was wild off the tee. He was fearless and always attempted the heroic shot. Joseph never laid up when confronted with a 220 yard shot over water, nor would he ever take the safe route to the green. However, more times than not he was pitching out from trouble, taking drops, or facing ridiculous downhill chips. But, this is where he excelled. He had the best short game imaginable. He could get it close from anywhere. Short-sided fried egg bunker shots, testy downhill pitches, intentional chunks out of the cabbage or blind punch shots from the bushes were never an issue. Joseph could escape jail from anywhere. His ability to halve a hole or outright win it from near unplayable lies was legendary and everyone in the area knew him not only because of this talent but because of the unique twist on his real name that he used to sign his scorecard…. Joe Shortz. After each team victory he would celebrate with what he called a “Shortz” of tequila.

Shortz disappeared shortly after graduation. Yet his legend grew. Some say he fought in Viet Nam. Others say he settled on the west coast of Kauai and opened a hookah lounge. Still others say he moved to Spain and changed his name to Seve. Who knows? However, to this day, in certain areas of Pennsylvania you can still see graffiti on bridges, walls and other public areas boldly stating:

Joe Shortz Lives

Save the date and plan on joining us to honor Joe by testing your short game skills against the rest of the club. The final format will follow shortly. Field size will be set at 108 golfers consisting of 18 teams of 6. We'll adjust team size if entries fall short of 108 players.

HOUND EARS OPEN

The Hound Ears Open Committee and Appalachian Healthcare Foundation proudly announces the dates of the 2024 Hound Ears Open! Save the date and make plans to join us August 1-3, 2024. “On behalf of myself and my family, I am excited to be chairing the Hound Ears Open in 2024. This tournament and healthcare system meant a lot to my father and family and I’m proud to be carrying on the legacy of not only my parents, Roger and Helen Michelson, but continuing the longstanding relationship of Hound Ears Club support of our local healthcare system.” – Edward Michelson

This year’s proceeds will be going to support the Linear Accelerator project for the Seby B. Jones Cancer Center. Registration is LIVE. For more information or to sign up, visit //www.apprhs.org/houndears.

On the Court Racquet Sports

By Eri Latimer Director of Racquet Sports, PTR & PPR Certified

As the courts get busy this month, please be reminded of the following:

Guest Policy:

Members can have guests at both Tennis and Pickleball; guest fees are $10 for regular play, $20 for weekly scheduled events, $35 for Special Events. Immediate family members can come as guests (if 26 years or older; if younger, no guest fees) an unlimited number of times; however, guest fees still apply. Non-family member guests are limited to six visits combined to each Tennis and Pickleball per season. Members must notify the name(s) of the guests prior to play. All guests need to be registered in the court reservation system. Guest fees cover an entire day of play.

Court Reservations:

Members must make reservations for all court play. Please list all players for the court in the reservation system, i.e. please do not book a court with just one name.

Court Safety for both Tennis & Pickleball:

Safety First! If a ball crosses another court or goes behind a player on your court, please call “Let” and stop play. Please wear tennis court shoes on both Tennis and Pickleball courts; tennis court shoes have more lateral support that helps prevent rolling ankles that running and cross trainer shoes do not have and they will damage our clay courts.

Please wear eye protection, especially on pickleball courts; eye injuries are very common in pickleball. Please do not play pickleball when courts are wet from rain; even a little wetness will make the lines very slick.

Pickleball courts:

Please do not ride bikes, roller-skate, or skateboard on the Pickleball courts; these activities will leave skid marks on our courts.

Please Note: There is a new landline phone installed at the pickleball pavilion. This phone is only for calling out to 911.

Racquet Sports Weekly Events

TENNIS WEEKLY EVENTS

Monday: Ladies’ Day - Now through September 16 at 10 am.

Tuesday: Men’s Day - Now through September 17 at 10 am.

Thursday: Ladies’ Day - Now through September 19 at 10 a.m. (except on August 1 for the HE Open)

Friday: Men’s Day - Now through September 20 at 10 am.

Saturday: Mixed - Now through September 14 at 10 am (except on August 1 and August 24 for Special Events)

Wednesday Clinic: Now through September 18 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (3 – 6 players at 3.0 – 3.5 level)

Tennis Lessons: Please text directly to Tennis Professional, Eri Latimer at 828-719-8467.

Tuesday:

PICKLEBALL WEEKLY EVENTS

Men’s Day - Now through September 17 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.;

Ladies’ Day - Now through September 17 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wednesday: Pickleball Open Play (PBOP)Now through September 18 from 9 am – 11 am.

Thursday:

Men’s Day - Now through September 19 from 9 am – 11 am; Ladies’ Day - Now through September 19 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Friday: Pickleball Open PlayNow through September 20 from 1 pm – 3 pm Fridays (except July 12, August 2 for the Special Events 1pm – 4 pm)

Pickleball Lessons: Schedule private, semi-private, and private group lessons with our Pickleball Pro, Elizabeth Barry (PPR & PCI Certified) by texting her directly at 412.848.2901.

Racquet Sport Pro Shop Hours: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Daily

Please ALWAYS register for a Tennis/Pickleball court online or by calling the Racquet Sport Pro Shop at 828-963-6441 for regular play and any events. For regular play, you can register up to seven days in advance. We may need to adjust the court you registered to play on depending on the court conditions, etc. Our Tennis clay courts need to be maintained daily, and depending on the weather, we may need to water the courts in the middle of the day. It’s important that we know at all times who is on the court so that we wouldn’t remotely turn on the sprinklers if anyone is on the court.

RACQUET SPORTS

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

TENNIS

Complimentary lunch included with wine & beer on Member charge after play.

Hound Ears Open Fundraiser for the Hospital:

Thursday, August 1; 10 a.m.

Tiffany’s Avery Humane Society Fundraiser:

Saturday, August 24; 10 a.m.

PICKLEBALL

Complimentary hors d’oeuvre included with wine & beer on Member charge.

Mountain RR: Friday, July 12;1 p.m.

Hound Ears Open Fundraiser:

Friday, August 2; 1 p.m.

The Importance of Functional Fitness for Everyday Life Fitness

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In the bustling world we live in, the quest for optimal health and fitness has never been more crucial. As a Fitness Director, I am excited to share insights into a fitness approach that is not just about sculpting muscles or shedding pounds but enhancing the quality of your everyday life. Welcome to the world of Functional Fitness!

What is Functional Fitness?

Functional fitness focuses on exercises that train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work, or in sports. Most functional fitness exercises involve using multiple muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time, emphasizing core stability.

Why Functional Fitness?

Functional fitness routines are designed to enhance your ability to perform everyday activities. Whether it's carrying groceries, picking up your child, or climbing stairs, functional exercises improve your strength, coordination, and balance.

By focusing on whole-body movements, functional fitness helps improve overall body mechanics. This can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of injuries both during workouts and in your daily life activities.

These exercises often incorporate stretching and flexibility, which are crucial for maintaining mobility as we age. This makes it easier to perform a range of motions without pain or stiffness.

For those who play sports, functional fitness can translate to better performance. The focus on real-life movement patterns can improve your speed, agility, and strength in your chosen sport.

Key Functional Fitness Exercises

Squats: fundamental for building leg strength and improving core stability. They mimic the motion of sitting and standing, a movement we perform countless times a day.

Continued on page 20

Functional Fitness, Continued from page 19

Lunges: enhance balance and coordination while also targeting the major muscle groups in the legs and core.

Push-Ups: excellent for building upper body strength and core stability. They recreate the action of pushing yourself up off the ground or any surface.

Planks: a superb exercise for core strength, which is essential for maintaining proper posture and balance.

Deadlifts: great for building back strength and improving posture. They help in lifting objects from the ground with proper form, preventing back injuries.

Integrating Functional Fitness into Your Routine

To get started with functional fitness, consider the following tips:

Start Slow. Begin with basic exercises and gradually increase the intensity as your strength and endurance improve.

Focus on Form. Proper form is crucial to prevent injuries and maximize the benefits of each exercise.

Combine with Other Training. Integrate functional exercises with your existing workout regimen to create a well-rounded fitness plan.

Incorporate functional fitness into your life and experience the benefits of a stronger, more flexible, and injury-resistant body. Join us in our next class and take the first step towards a more functional you.

Stay fit, stay healthy, and see you at the fitness center!

JULY

FITNESS CLASSES

Pilates: Mon. & Wed. 4-5 p.m.

Strength & Stretch: Mon. 8:15-9:15 a.m.; Fri. 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Cardio Sculpt

Tues. & Thurs. 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Pilates Mat Essentials

Fri. 3-4 p.m.

Yoga Tune-Up: Fri. 4-5 p.m.

Water Aerobics

Tues & Sat. 10-11 a.m.

Read about our talented massage therapists, how to book a fitness orientation, class descriptions, and personal training on the Fitness page under PLAY on houndears.com

FITNESS CENTER OPEN Daily: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Questions? Contact

Fitness Director Michael Darling at 828.963.2218 or fitness@houndears.com

GROUP HIKES

July 18, 9:15 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Grayson Highlands State Park: Massie Gap to Rhododendron Gap

August 1, 9:15 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Price Lake Loop Trail from Holloway Mountain Road

See the member calendar to register and view additional details and check out more hikes planned for the rest of August and into the Fall.

Cards & Games

Canasta

Evening Canasta: Every Wednesday, 4:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

(With the exception of July 3rd)

Complimentary for all members, residents, and guests, this Canasta group is ideal for beginners. Held in the Clubhouse Board Room, please contact Barbara Crouch at 704.871.6799 to get on her email list.

Intermediate Canasta: Every Friday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Held in the Grille Room in the Clubhouse.

Questions? Email Mary Ann Sperando masperando@gmail.com or call 321-213-3597

Experienced Mahjong

Every Thursday, 3:30-6:00 p.m.

(With the exception of July 4th)

Members and accompanied guests, who are experienced mahjong players are invited to participate in complimentary play every week through September. Enjoy play in the Clubhouse Board Room. Contact Rene Miller 954-444-5559 with questions.

BRIDGE

Intermediate Bridge: Every Wednesday 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Couples Bridge is August 11.

Check the online calendar for more details and to register.

Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Games

July 25 - August 22 - September 12

Bridge game begins at 12:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m..

See the details on the member calendar under each of the dates above for participation details.

Need Bridge Lessons? Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on July 11, 18, 25, August 1.

To join the lessons, please contact: Susan Duke susan@ncduke.com or call 828-963-0242 (cell) or 828-963-9450 (home).

Rob and Fran Hannah also offer beginner lessons to anyone interested. Please call 704-718-2693.

ART CLASSES

Artist: Ed Hatch

July 10-11, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m, with a break between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Cost: $275, covers both days of this workshop. One spot open!

Artist: Edgio Antonicco

September 11-12, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m, with a break between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Cost: $250, covers both days of this workshop. Class is currently waitlisted.

Summer Book Club

Family Events in July

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY: July 1-3 POA Home Decorating Contest.

Awards will be announced at the HE Fourth of July Celebration.

MONDAY: July 1, 6-8 p.m. Family Feud Night at the Pool

Join us at the pool for a fun game of Family Feud and a delicious low country boil with all the fixin’s.

TUESDAY: July 2, 8-10 p.m. Kids Movie Night

Popcorn, candy, and Moana by the pool!

WEDNESDAY: July 3, 10-2 a.m. Family Field Day

Registered participants are invited to join us in the field by River Beat 1 & 2 for fun and games!

For all member events, please register on the member calendar or call the Front Desk at 828-963-4321.

THURSDAY: July 4, 5:30-10 p.m. Fourth of July Celebration

Enjoy live music, chlidren’s games, Golf Challenge, cookout, watermelon eating contest, children’s parade and fireworks! See the online calendar for the full schedule. (Note: No A La Carte this evening.)

FRIDAY: July 5, 4 p.m. 8th

Annual Dog Show

Have a pawsome time at the 8th Annual Independence Day Dog Show. Festive attire, for both dogs and humans, is encouraged.All dogs win a prize! Open to members and residents. A bar will be available by member charge. Registration required online or by contacting the Front Desk. Attendance is complimentary.

SATURDAY: July 6, 7:30 a.m. One-Mile Fun Run & 5K

Check out the route on the member calendar. Packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race will begin promptly at 8 a.m. There is no charge to participate but donations will be collected for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. Advanced registration required. Age brackets will be: 25 and under, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66 and over.

For all member events, please register on the member calendar or call the Front Desk at 828-963-4321.

SUNDAY: July 14, 5:30-9 p.m. Luau Pool Party

July 4, 5:30-10 p.m. Fourth of July Celebration

Come in your best Hawaiian or beach gear for an awesome pool party with DJ and dancing!

Enjoy live music, chlidren’s games, Golf Challenge, cookout, watermelon eating contest, childnren’s parade and fireworks! See the online calendar for the full schedule. (Note: No A La Carte this evening.)

See full menu on member calendar and register to join us stay cool by the pool!

8th Annual Dog Show

MONDAY-THURSDAY: July 22-25

KIDS CAMP

Monday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SATURDAY:

Learn, explore, and play at our Hound Ears Kids' Camp. Open to children, ages 6 through 12, our camp provides four days of activities, including hiking, golf, cooking, rock climbing, tennis, pickleball, fishing, fitness, swimming, games, and a trip to Grandfather Mountain to enjoy their Creepy Critter program. Pickup and Drop-off will be at the Youth Center each day.

Price: Camp is $475 per child. Pricing includes all camp activities, a shirt from Rock Dimensions, and lunch each day. For attire and equipment information and forms to fill out, see the description on the online calendar. If you have any questions about the forms or camp in general, contact Megan Johnson at mjohnson@houndears.com or call 828-963-2122.

Check out the route on the member calendar. Packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race will begin promptly at 8 a.m. There is no charge to participate but donations will be collected for the Appalach Regional Healthcare System. Advanced registration required. Age brackets will be: 25 and under, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66 and over.

Kids Club - Friday & Saturday Nights at the Youth Center - Held in our Youth Center, children will enjoy supervised games, crafts, and activities from 4-9 p.m. For children toilet-trained to age 11; guardians must be utilizing Club facilities, such as dining, fitness, or a Club event. $8 per child per hour. Advanced registration can be made online or by contacting the Front Desk at 828.963.4321.

For all member events, please register on the member calendar or call the Front Desk at 828-963-4321.

Dining - Wine Events

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 5:30-9 P.M.

STEAK AND CABERNET DINNER

Join us for a delicious evening of steak and cabernet!

See the detailed and mouth-watering menu on the member calendar under July 9.

Sunday, August 25, 2 - 5 p.m. Wine & Paint

Saturday, August 31, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Casual Wine Tasting

Friday, October 4, 5:30 - 9 p.m. Wine Dinner

Sunday, October 27, 5 - 7 p.m. Wine Tasting

Upcoming Cooking Classes

Sunday, July 21, 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Themes to be announced closer to class dates. Keep an eye on weekly emails for updated information.

Please check the online calendar for weekly events, Dining availablity, and registration!

5:30PM Luau Pool Party

JULY JULY

1PM Cooking Class

1:30PM Greco

POA Home Decorating Contest POA Home Decorating Contest POA Home Decorating Contest

6PM Family Feud Night

Golf: Firecracker Scramble

7PM Bible Study

Tennis Invitiational 1:30PM Greco Tennis Invitiational

10AM Golf Clinic: Putting 2 1

9:30AM Golf: HEWGA Par 3 8PM Movie Night at the Pool 10AM Family Field Day

1PM Summer Book Club 9:30AM HEWGA 1-2-3 Balls

5:30PM Steak & Cabernet Dinner

5:30PM Fourth of July Celebration 4PM Dog Show

A LA CARTE OR TAKEOUT

Golf: Men’s Member-Guest Practice Round

10:30AM Golf Demo Day: XXIO

9:30AM HEWGA Triple Crown 10AM HEMGA Toss-Up 10AM HEMGA Toss-Up

1:30PM Greco Tennis Invitiational HEWGA MemberGuest HEWGA MemberGuest 1:30PM Greco Tennis Invitiational

10AM Golf: Ladies Play

10AM HEMGA Toss-Up

NO A LA CARTE OR TAKEOUT

5:30PM Golf Demo Day: Callaway Demo & Cocktails

5:30PM Prime Rib with A La Carte

Golf: Men’s Member-Guest

5:30PM Prime Rib with A La Carte 1PM Pickleball Mtn Round Robin

Golf: Men’s Member-Guest

3PM Golf: Joe Shortz Nine & Dine

7PM Bible Study 3 PM Jr Golf 1 PM Jr Golf 1 PM Jr Golf Kids Camp Kids Camp Kids Camp Kids Camp

6PM Speaker Series: Civil War 10AM HEMGA Toss-Up 10AM HEMGA Toss-Up

7PM Bible Study

NO A LA CARTE OR TAKEOUT

10AM Golf Demo Day: Mizuno 10AM POA Annual Meeting

3 PM Community Art Show

12PM Duplicate Bridge Interclub 9AM Board of Directors Mtg 5PM Brad Paisley Concert & Tailgate

5:30PM Prime Rib with A La Carte

4th of July Word Search

Reserve A Picnic Table!

Did you know that we have picnic tables available by reservation?

Locations include:

Two tables on the “New Land” between Fishing Beat One and Two. 1.

Three tables plus two charcoal grills across from the Admin Building at the Watauga River access point near Beat Three. 2.

Tables and grills at Hound Ears Rocks. 3.

To make a reservation, please contact the Front Desk at 828-963-4321. Reservations are broken up into three hour segments from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and required through the Hound Ears Front Desk.

Ground fires and campfires are prohibited. Place trash in containers and leave the area neat with debris picked up.

Between River Beats 1 & 2

By River Beat 3

Hound Ears Rocks

Save the Date

AUGUST AUGUST

August 1: Group Hike

August 3: Hound Ears Open

August 5, 7, 12, 19: Bible Study

August 8: Seafood Buffet

Highlights

August 9 & 10: Hound Ears Club Championship: Golf

August 11: Couples Bridge

August 12: Summer Book Club w/ ASU Dean of Libraries

August 14: Cooking Class

August 14-15: Art Class

August 16: Prime Rib Night

August 17: Group Hike

August 18: Pool Party

August 22: Interclub Duplicate Bridge.

August 25: Wine & Paint

August 29: Calamity Jane golf tournament

August 30: Board Meeting

August 31: Casual Wine Tasting

September 1: Labor Day Concert

And there’s so much more.... Check with each department about weekly play days, classes, clinics and special events! And, as always keep an eye on the Member calendar and weekly emails for updates and additions.

August 24: Tennis Tiffany’s Avery Humane Society Fundraiser Event

August 26: Speaker Series: Civil War history with local connections

Hound Ears Comment Cards

How was your experience today?

Have you seen our new comment cards around the Club? We value your feedback and want to hear from you! Simply scan the QR code to bring up a short form.

The same QR code can be used over and over whenever you have compliments and helpful suggestions to make!

Member Member Member MEMORIES MEMORIES MEMORIES

HOURS HOURS

Golf Shop

828.963.5831

Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Racquet Sports Pro Shop & Tennis Courts

Pro Shop: Daily, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tennis Courts: Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pickleball Courts

Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Please make reservations online or call the Front Desk at 828-963-4321.

Fitness Center

Daily, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Swimming Pool

Daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fly Fishing

Daily, sunrise to sunset, annually except when indicated due to temperature, etc. Reservations and fly fishing credentials or day passes are required.

Mailroom

828.963.4321

Sunday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Property Services

828.963.6879

Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Saturdays & Sundays

Clubhouse A La Carte Dinner

Sunday - Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

828.963.2111

*Open for drinks & bar menu at 4 p.m.

Tee House Dining

Sunday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Breakfast Available Friday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

828.963.8589

Clubhouse Lunch

Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Clubhouse Brunch Sunday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m

To-Go Orders

Available during dining facility hours. 828.264.2615

Cascades Grill Daily, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Hours are subject to change. Please log into the member website for the most up-to-date schedule.

TEXT UPDATES: TEXT “Start” to 828-963-4321 to join our texting platform and receive the link to fill out a short form with your preferences.

ADMINISTRATION DINE CLUB LIFE

Joseph McGuire, CCM, CCE COO/General Manager

828.963.2107 jmcguire@houndears.com

Steve Morris Chief Financial Officer

828.963.2133 smorris@houndears.com

Sarah Peppel Director of Communications

828.963.2134 speppel@houndears.com

Mikalla Presnell Human Resources Director

828.963.2138 mpresnell@houndears.com

Sheila Sheppard Director of Accounting ssheppard@houndears.com

828.963.2136

Trevor Sutton Director of Membership

828.963.2130 tsutton@houndears.com

Staci Vestal Executive Assistant

828.963.2100 svestal@houndears.com

Rhys Williams Clubhouse Manager 828.963.2116 rwilliams@houndears.com

Nick Davis Executive Chef 828.963.2109 nick@houndears.com

Sanders Fullwood Restaurant Manager 828.963.2115 sfullwood@houndears.com

Megan Johnson Special Events Coordinator 828.963. 2122 mjohnson@houndears.com

Michael Darling Director of Fitness

828.963.2218 mdarling@houndears.com

Peter Rucker, PGA Director of Golf

828.963.2176 prucker@houndears.com

Eri Latimer, PTR, PPR Racquet Sports Director 828.963.6441 eri@houndears.com

Spencer King Head Golf Professional 828.963.5831 sking@houndears.com