StoneBridge Village News - July 2007

General Manager’s Report

Darrell Ransdell (335-7869 ex. 1756)

This spring we have had more rainy days than the past several springs.  The entire village is green and lush.  Roark Creek is running full and our golf course ponds are full and look great.  We are truly blessed with outstanding scenes in our village and nature continues to show us how our best efforts only contribute in a small way to that beauty. 

 If you are uncertain about the gate operations, the POA office can answer questions and has instructions we would be happy to supply.

Golf Revenue – Members are interested in golf revenue and how it is holding up since the decision to take LedgeStone Golf Course private this year.  Well, we are behind our budget for the year by some $57,000 thru May.  There are several reasons why.  We have experienced more rain days than normal this spring and the timing always seems to be when there is an event or a busy day on the tee sheet.  Of course, the rain also impacts visitors who may be delaying their visit for a time with a better weather forecast.  A tournament we budgeted for May will take place in August.  The nightly rental rounds and developer play are under our projection.  The Golf Committee, Finance Committee, Board and staff will continue to monitor this closely throughout the year.

Restaurant Lease – StoneBridge Village POA owns the clubhouse and golf course.  We lease the restaurant under an agreement which reserves food and beverage sales for the lessee.  This covers all common grounds around the clubhouse, the clubhouse itself, the parking lot and the entire golf course.  (An exception is the soda vending machines on the course, which are operated by the POA.)  It is against the lease for anyone to bring food or drink to these areas as it interferes with the restaurant operation under the lease.  There are exceptions specifically approved by the lessee, but they are generally associated with charity events.  Your cooperation is both required and appreciated.  Tell a friend.

Clubhouse Swimming Pool – Maintenance completely reworked the pool plumbing this spring and it is in operation.  The skimmers are working great.  The vacuum and filtering systems are in “like new” condition.  A part of the work was addition of a shower next to the pool area for use in washing off oils etc. before entering the pool.  This pool will get heavy use in the warmest months and use of the shower will help to keep it as clear as possible.  Please use the shower each time you enter the pool.

Activities Director

Denise Needham (417.335.7869 ext. 1754 Cell: 417.263.1741)

The month of July is usually a hot and dry month; however, there is something unique about July.  Seventeen percent of all Women do this in July?  See if you can find the answer in this month’s activities.  Remember, to sign up for all events that have a sign up deadline by calling Denise in the POA office at 335-7869, ext. 1754 or 263-1741. If you have any questions about an activity or want to discuss new events, email me at denise@sbvpoa.org.

Hawaiian Luau Party with Show & Dinner: Aloha Party! Friday night, June 8th
Come join us for a tropical island get-away party. Experience the Aloha of a real Hawaiian entertainer. David Lomond and his family will dazzle us with singing, dancing, and comedy by way of Honolulu, Hawaii. The Luau Party and Dinner Buffet will start at 5:30 p.m. David Lomond will perform promptly from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Luau will continue till 9:00 p.m. with kid’s crafts, contests and much more.

• When: Friday, June 8th
• Time: 5:30 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
• Where: LedgeStone Patio & Pool Side (Bring suits if you want to swim)
• Cost: $20.00 per adult, $10.00 per age 4–10 and under 3 are free (includes Tax and Gratuity)
• Buffet: Baked Ham, Spareribs, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Pineapple Rice,
Augratin Potatoes, Fresh Vegetable Medley, Gingered Baby Carrots, Fresh Fruit display, Salad Bar, Hot Bread, Chocolate Mousse, Hawaiian Punch, Tea and Water.
• Drinks: Cash Bar with Mai Tai and Pina Coloda Specials
• Entertainment: David Lomond
• Sign up by: Wednesday, June 6th

Craft Workshop/Handwork Group: This month we will begin combining the Handwork Group and Craft Workshop. Ladies have the option of bringing their own handwork (knitting, crochet, sewing quilting, etc.) or creating the monthly craft project. Either way it will be a great opportunity to enjoy great company and even make new friends.
We’ve had interest to have another class on decorating plates and baskets. This month we will decorate clear glass plates with fabric. You can also add your favorite photo, military card, or anything that is memorable to you and can be glued to the plate. Stop by the POA office to see examples. In July, we will decorate baskets, so mark your calendars... the second Wednesday of every month will be Craft Workshop/Handwork Group.
• Wednesday, June 13
• 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Clubhouse Par Room
• Sign up by Monday, June 11
• Materials for Plates:
You bring 1/2 yard of your own fabric (stay away from a lot of black). I will provide remaining materials.
• Cost for Plates:
8” plate- $4.00 per plate
10” plate- $5.00 per plate
12” plate- $7.00 per plate

Kids Swimming Pool Games: Bring the kids for some fun pool games. We will play Pool Pac Man, Wet T-Shirt Relay, Egg Hunt, Scavenger Hunt and more. Prizes will be given. No lifeguard present. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Wednesday, June 27th
• 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• StoneBridge Clubhouse Swimming Pool
• No Cost
• Sign up by Tuesday, June 26th

Kids Craft-Pool Side: Let’s make some cool Floating Craft Balls. Making these balls is so quick and easy it’s like performing a magic trick. What’s the secret? Foam! The foam pieces are twisted together and placed inside the holes of the golf ball, which makes it simple enough to complete and cool enough to play in the swimming pool.
• Thursday, June 28th
• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Pool Side at StoneBridge Clubhouse Swimming Pool
• Cost is $5.00 each
• Sign up by Tuesday, June 26th

Monthly Members Buffet Social: Join us every month beginning June 26th at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for Members Buffet Social. This event is for members only to have dinner, drinks and visit with each other. We encourage new owners to attend, so we can welcome you to our community.
• Tuesday, June 26th at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• LedgeStone Grille
• Cost will be $20.00 per person inclusive (includes tax and gratuity)
• Menu will include: Roast Beef, Smothered Chicken, Green Beans, Gingered Baby Carrots, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Rice Pilaf, Hot Fruit Clobber, Tea, Water and Coffee.
• Sign up by Wednesday, June 20th

Fitness Orientation: Every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Clubhouse fitness room. Learn how the various fitness machines and weights operate. No advance sign-up is needed.

SkipBo Invitation: If you like to play cards, come join us for SkipBo. It’s an easy game to learn and we play the 2nd, 4th and 5th Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Clubhouse. If you have any questions, please call Sandy Copperstone at 332-2688 or email sgcopperstone@aol.com. Everyone is invited!

Mah Jongg: Meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse. If you have any questions, please call JoAnn Mitchell at 337-8319.

4th of July Picnic: It’s America’s birthday, so plan to attend “A Celebration Lunch”.
• When: Wednesday, July 4th
• Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Where: LedgeStone Patio
• Cost: $10.00 per adult, $6.00 per child age 4-10 yrs. and 3 and under free
• Buffet: Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Hot Dogs, Coleslaw, Chips, Ice Cream, Tea and Water
• Drinks: Cash Bar
• Kids Sand Art
• Sign up by: Thursday, June 28th

Voice Classes! The next dates for vocal lessons will be July 11th, 18th, 25th, August 1st and 15th. If you are interested in participating, please let me know by the end of June. Bill Nicols has over 30 years experience in piano, voice and choral instructions. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and is presently adjunct professor of music at the College of the Ozarks.
The cost will be $55.00 per person, which includes the five weekly lessons, syllabus of detailed notes on the sessions and a voice fitness CD (practice CD). If you have any questions, please call Denise or if you have any questions for Bill, please call him at
336-0849, email: hkmbranhill@interlinc.net.

Casino Night: Another fun filled night of Black Jack, Texas Hold Em, Roulette and Craps on Thursday night, August 23rd (No couples golf that night, so let’s play and have some fun).  We can’t have this event without volunteers, so please help me find dealers. More information will be in the August Newsletter, but plan ahead to attend.  If you’re interested in dealing or helping with the event, please call me ASAP.  Remember if you work the event, your dinner is free and you still have chances to win prizes.

Seventeen percent of all women start shopping for Christmas in July, so ladies start your Christmas décor lists now!  The wonderful floral shops in Springfield begin their Fall & Holiday open houses in August and shopping early is a must to get beautiful pre-designed floral arrangements, centerpieces and design items at unbelievable prices.  We can set dates and carpool to any or all of these exciting events!

• Open house August 18th & 19th
• Designers demonstrate Fall & Christmas floral arrangements
• Free Lunch
• Discount on store items & Dock sales

• Open house is September 8th & 9th
• Designers demonstrate Fall & Christmas floral arrangements
• Free Lunch
• Discount on store items and cash payments

• Open house is in November (exact dates will be posted).

Men’s Day Out and Game Night will not be offered in the summer; however, they will be back in fall. Kids Swimming Pool Games and Crafts will also be offered in July.

Golf Course Superintendent

Jim Pyle (417.339.2130)

As many of you have seen, the freeze damage from the Easter weekend has almost grown out.  But I’m still hearing reports of loss of grass from other golf courses.  Also a lot of homeowners are still seeing the damage on small perennials and ornamentals in their yards. What we have been doing is trimming them back past the damaged area. The only other option is replacement and as you know that is expensive.  For those of you that have seeded fescue into your yards this spring, get ready to water them a lot the next months. The old saying that there is only two times to seed fescues into your yard, September and next September, is about to show why. The plant has a whole winter to establish its roots and handle the summer heat. 
   
One of the things that I’ve been seeing a lot of is people driving golf carts in places that they shouldn’t be.  Just because someone else is out on the fairway when the flag is red or goes onto one that is “cart path only” doesn’t mean you should do the same.  We are going to try to help with reminders in the form of paint lines to help direct golfers to the path and away from wet areas.

Another subject that we have talked about in the past is where to put the bunker rakes after you have used them. It is our preference that they be put back in the bunker; it seems the most logical for maintenance and for play.  New decals will be put on the rakes to help remind everyone.

As always enjoy your Golf
Jim Pyle

Golf Pro

Bill Hasler (417.335.8187)

Rules Quiz

Lee and Jim are playing a four ball match between Neil and Bill. On the first hole of the match Lee gets a 5, Jim gets a 6, Neil gets a 5 and Bill gets a 4. Before scoring the hole it was noticed that Bill teed off from in front of the tee markers. Everyone in the group agreed to the fact that Bill’s ball was well in front of the tee marker on his first stroke. How does the match stand?
A) Lee and Jim are 1 up.
B) The match is all square.
C) Neil and Bill are 1 up.
D) Bill is disqualified.

Last month’s answer: Yes. Lee may replace his ball with no penalty.

Putting:
Lee Travino once observed that if a player is putting badly, then one of four things is wrong: A bad stroke, a bad system for reading putts, a bad attitutde or a bad putter. Whatever the case, if you are putting badly, there are a few elements of overall putting technique that a majority of touring and teaching professionals support. Check the following to improve your putting:

1. Eye line directly over the ball.
2. Set the clubface square to the target.
3. Position the ball forward of center.
4. Keep body motion limited.
5. Use an accelerating stroke.
6. Hit the putters "sweet spot".
7. Be comfortable

The date for the Sticks & Stones Junior Golf Clinic has been set. The clinic will be Monday July 9th through Thursday July 13th and will be structured the same as it was last year. I would like to thank The LedgeStone Ladies Golf Association for their generous donation of $800.00 dollars to this program. Their 2006 donation fueled the program last year and was the main reason for the clinic’s success. If you would like to sign up your children or grandchildren for the clinic, please contact the Pro Shop at 417-335-8187.

The dates for the LLGA Invitational and the Men’s Member Guest are also in place. This month we will be hosting Ron Crawford’s Wings Tournament and the Branson Invitational. The Wings Tournament is on Monday, June 11th. You may sign up for this event in the Pro Shop. The Branson Invitation is full; however, if you would like to be on the waiting list, you may contact Jeff Walster at 417-334-4477. The sign up is already out for the 4th of July Scramble. Unlike the Memorial Day Scramble, the scramble on the 4th will be open to the public. You may sign up individually or as a couple and the teams will be made up by the Pro Shop. The 4th of July scramble begins at 8:00 a.m. The cost for members is $10.00 each and the cost for guests is $59.00 each.

Although, we can always use the rain, I am hoping that we don’t spend another month submerged in water. If not, I will see you on the golf course.

Following is a list of tournaments for the next two months:
Wings - June 11th
Branson Invitational -June 22nd
4th of July Scramble -July 4th
Sticks & Stones Jr. Clinic - July 9 – 13th
Doc Hines - July 27th

Please check the website under “Tournaments” for changes and future events or a list is available in the Pro Shop. Thank you.

Match play events are a true golf challenge and have decided some of golf’s most historical championships. The PGA Championship was exclusively a match play event until 1958 and the U.S. Amateur still uses match play to determine its winner. This tournament should receive excellent exposure through the Ozarks and will give players a great chance to showcase their talents. This will be the first tournament in the Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas area of this kind and should draw some of the area’s finest players.

Tournament Field
LedgeStone’s Match Play Invitational field will consist of amateur teams from all over the Ozarks including Northeast Oklahoma, Northwest Arkansas, Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri. This year all players are invited to play and must carry a USGA handicap.

Format
This is a four-ball match play event with matches lasting through the weekend. First round/qualifying round will start Friday (Tee Times Starting at 9:30) and determine seeding for weekend matches. Matches will continue through the weekend with Saturday morning matches beginning at 8:00 a.m. tee times and Saturday afternoon matches starting at approx. 12:30 p.m. tee times. Championship Sunday will have semi-final matches beginning again at 8:00 a.m. tee times with the finals starting at 1:30 p.m.

Date and Cost
LedgeStone will be hosting this event from July 27th through July 29th ($450 per team) with an optional practice round and Shoot-out available on Thursday July 26th. Practice round tee times can be made up to two weeks in advance and cost is our member rate $49.00. Shoot-out will start Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. and cost will be $35/team. (Shoot-out teams may consist of any two tournament participants.)

Golf Committee

An agreement has been finalized with Osmond Media LLC to sell the advertisement space on our GPS System.

It was our plan to try and fix the pond at hole #18 this spring.  Ever since that decision was made the pond has remained full due to all the rain we have had.  It is inevitable that sometime this summer it will once again dry and be a big eye sore.  Be assured that we have heard the complaints and will attempt to fix it latter this year probably in the fall. 

We have decided that our best option for providing a scoreboard is to use the talents we have in StoneBridge Village to design and build it ourselves.  Once we have the design complete, we will review the design and cost estimate with the Board.  It is our objective to have it completed before the Julian Tournament. 

We are still in the process of reviewing the "LedgeStone Golf Course at Stonebridge Village Rules and Regulations Booklet" to see if changes are needed prior to having it reprinted.

Please be reminded that on holes 11 and 16 carts are to remain on the cart paths.  If you see someone violating this rule, kindly remind them to get back on the path. 

Some of the major golf course improvement projects we are discussing are as follows:

1. Improvements to the Practice Area
2. Change the cart path near green #4 to move it farther away from the green
3. Eliminate the low water crossing below the dam
4. Reroute the cart path on #15 to make is safer

We are developing concepts and cost estimates, which will be presented to the Board at a later date for their consideration.

Finance Committee

As mentioned in the June newsletter, representatives from the Finance Committee have been meeting with Stone County officials to discuss redeeming NID bonds with accumulated excess funds in our accounts.  There are excess funds due primarily because the amounts assessed us on our tax bill since 1997, the date the NID bond was issued, are more than the annual principal and interest payments – over $40,000 per year.  As of July 1, 2007, these excess funds will total approximately $600,000.

Good News!!!  The County has agreed to redeem the 2017 and 2016 bonds, totaling $600,000, as of July 1, 2007, by using these excess funds.  At this time, we anticipate that this action will result in being able to redeem all the NID bonds sometime in 2013 or early 2014 instead of the original due date of July 1, 2017.  This will result in a big savings to all of us since the NID assessment will end years ahead of the scheduled due date.

We will keep you informed as time goes on and once a more exact final due date can be determined.

A.C.C. (Architectural Control Committee) Report – Larry Moffitt (417.334.0636)

 The committee is requesting that anyone submitting landscaping plans, external changes to a home or new construction plans, please bring them to the P.O.A. office at least a week in advance for the committee to review. This will allow us to have more time to review the plans in advance and take up less time in our meetings reviewing detailed drawings. We meet the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Thursday of each month. 

We are investigating reports of homeowners that have completed external changes to their property without permission or permits. There is a fifty ($50) fee for the permit. There could be penalties levied to violators not in compliance with the rules and regulations of StoneBridge Village. If you have completed external changes to your property, please contact the P.O.A. office to resolve the issue before a letter is sent. Thanks for your cooperation.

There is a lot of construction activity within StoneBridge Village. This means more traffic and trash seems to be increasing along our roads and building sites. We ask your cooperation in reporting those who dispose of trash on our streets. Write down the license number and type of vehicle, report the incident to security or the P.O.A. office, so we can track down the vehicle and hold them accountable.  I believe our homeowners have enough respect for our community to not litter.

There are a number of lawns that are not well maintained. The StoneBridge Village Architectural Control Committee Rules and Regulations, Article V, states “it is expected that the yard of each home will be established and maintained in a neat manner and one that is pleasing to the eye”. The lawns should be mowed regularly, weeds removed, and shrubbery trimmed so as to not appear overgrown. Letters will be sent to those homeowners reminding them to maintain their lawn in a neat manner.

We are evaluating building contractors and landscaping companies conducting activity within StoneBridge Village for renewal of their application to be approved builders and landscapers. We do this every year at this time.  So, for a list of these builders and landscapers contact the P.O.A. office. This list does not imply any recommendation of any builder or landscaper. We review the contractors and landscapers throughout the year for compliance of StoneBridge Village covenants and rules and regulations.

LedgeStone Grille & Nicol’s fine Dining– Bob Nicol (417.239.0445)

It’s our 1st year anniversary!  We officially opened on July 1st last year.  It has been quite a year too!  The first year in the restaurant business in typically a tough one, but we are hanging in there.  We sincerely appreciate all the support we have received from the residents at Stonebridge. 

We have an advertisement due to come out on the vacation channel in late June that should help our customer counts.  Our group business is also on the increase.  We have several tournaments, business groups, weddings, etc. that really help us.  I realize these groups can interfere with our normal operation, but they are very important to Stonebridge as a whole.

I hope everyone has been enjoying the Thursday couples golf dinners, I know I have!  We will continue to try new items for these events.  I am open to suggestions for menu items too.

I use the following recipe in Nicol’s Fine Dining on occasion and everyone enjoys it.  It is particularly good on broiled or blackened fish.

Pineapple Salsa

1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, diced
¼ cup red bell pepper, minced
¼ cup yellow bell pepper, minced
¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro or 1 tsp dried
2 teaspoons diced jalapeno peppers
Zest and juice of 2 limes

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Season with salt to taste

Neighborhood Watch Program

All StoneBridge Village Lessors Please Note:

For Your Convenience…

Information Please…

From the Director of Finance

Delinquent Assessments:
Claudell Ervin
Mat Watson
Guillermina Mahlow
Lee Mason
Gregory L. Filkins
John Telford
Margaret Lovejoy
Mou-Lee Boey
Jon Tennison
Ronald Questad
James Moses
Siging Tang
Timothy Hoffmeister
Stanmore Langford
Victoria Chavez
Alejandro Clasadonte
James Meikle
Shane Lohman

July Meeting Schedule

StoneBridge Village

Board of Directors

POA Committee Members: