Richard Morrow, President
Larry Tilson, Vice President
Peter Brennan, Treasurer
Kelly Propst, Secretary
Danny Young, Member at Large
April Bowers
Libba Gaither
Carolyn Green
Diane Miller
Charlie Murray
Jason White
By Joseph McGuire, CCM, CCE COO/GM
OneofthemostimportantthingsaboutHoundEarsClubisthatwearerootedintradition.OurClubhasarich history, and for many Members, that legacy is part of what makes this place feel so special. The experiences, friendships,andmemories created hereoverdecadesarenotonlymeaningful-theyarethefoundationofwho weare.
Atthesametime,traditionaloneisnotwhatkeepsaClubthriving.
Our fifth value statement, Tradition and Innovation, reminds us that preserving our history and embracing progress are not opposing ideas - they are partners. The strongest private clubs are the ones that protect what makes them unique, while also remaining willing to evolve as Member expectations, service standards, and hospitalitytrendscontinuetochange.
When I read this value statement, I interpret it as a reminder that we should never be afraid to improve the Membership Experience simply because something has “always been done that way.” Tradition is importantbut we should never feel trapped by it. If a process can be modernized, if service can be strengthened, if consistencycanbeimproved,thenitisourresponsibilitytoexplorethatopportunity
Thatmindsetisexactlywhatisguidingoneofthemostsignificantoperationalenhancementswewillintroduce thisyear:ourupcomingH2Bseasonalstaffinginitiative,beginninginMay.
Starting this spring, the Club will welcome a group of international seasonal employees through the H2B visa program. We will be bringing in seven culinarians, many of whom have received formal culinary training in their home countries, and all of whom have prior experience working in highly regarded private clubs where teamwork,consistency,andexecutionareessential.
Inaddition,wewillbewelcomingaprofessionalDiningRoomManagerwhowillworkcloselywithRhysand our Food & Beverage leadership team. This individual will provide added support in service training, floor oversight, and the day-to-day refinement of the dining experience, helping ensure our service team is fully supportedduringthebusiestmonthsoftheseason.
These employees will arrive ready to contribute immediately but will also receive training and guidance specific to our Club, our culture, and our expectations. In culinary operations especially, this will allow us to enhanceexecutionandconsistencyduringourpeakseason,whilealsoprovidingstrongersupportforouryearroundteam.
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We believe these international employees will not only integrate successfully into our existing staff but will elevate the entire operation through their shared experiences, ideas, training, and perspectives. The hospitality industry thrives when talented professionals learn from each other, and we see this as an opportunity for collaboration,mentorship,andmutualgrowth.
OurexpectationisthatthisprogramwillstrengthenourentireFood&Beverageteambycreatingadeeperbench of trained professionals during the busiest and most demanding part of our season. Ultimately, the result should beastrongeroperation,amoresupportedstaff,andanimprovedMemberexperience.
In future newsletters, we will begin introducing these international team members to our Membership. We want our Members to know who they are, learn about their backgrounds, and recognize them not as “seasonal workers,” but as an important part of our Club family Our goal is not simply to fill open positions - it is to strengthen our culture and reinforce the service standards that define Hound Ears. We want these employees to feel welcomed, supported, and included, and we want our existing staff to feel the same.This initiative is being approachedwiththeclearexpectationthatwewilloperateasoneunifiedteam.
Tobeclear,thisinitiativeisnotareplacementforourlocalstaff.Wehaveatalentedanddedicatedteamhere,and we are proud of the work they do every day. The H2B program is being pursued because seasonal staffing challengesarebecomingincreasinglycommonacrossourregionandthroughouttheprivateclubindustry.Asthe demand for experienced and trained hospitality workers continues to grow, the available labor pool has become extremely limited. This program is a proactive step designed to ensure we can continue delivering the level of serviceourMembersexpect,evenduringthemostdemandingpartofourseason.
Inmanyways,theH2Binitiativeisaperfectexampleofwhat“TraditionandInnovation”lookslikeinaction.We arenotchangingwhoweare-wearestrengtheningourabilitytodelivertheexperienceourMembersdeserve,in awaythatensureslong-termsuccess.
Ourtraditionsareworthpreserving,butourfutureisworthinvestingin.AndatHoundEars,wecandoboth.
Friday, April 24!
Golf Shop: 8am-6pm Daily
Tee House: 10am-4pm Daily
A La Carte Dining: 5:30pm-9pm Fridays - Sundays (Daily after Memorial Day)
By Tom O’Neil Property Services Manager
Property Services is excited for the warmer days ahead and is already preparing for a busy spring season. In the coming weeks, our team will be clearing winter debris from roadsides, club properties, and homeowners’propertiestohelpfreshenupthecommunity.
Now is the perfect time to schedule your yard cleanups, mowing services, and new landscaping projects. Our team designs and installs beautiful landscaping, builds retaining walls, and installs split rail fences. Thanks to our strong partnerships with local nurseries, we’re able to source high-quality plants, trees, shrubs,andmoretobringyourvisiontolife.Letusprovideaquoteforyourspringandsummerprojects!
Welookforwardtoseeingyouaroundthepropertythisseason!
Need a quote for yard work? Call us at 828-963-6879.You can also find a full list of services and pricing ontheMemberWebsiteundertheLivetab,thenPropertyServices.
Friday, June 29, 8am: Youth Fishing Derby (Limit of 20)
July 1-3: Fourth of July Home Decorating Contest
Sunday, July 5, 4pm: Independence Day Dog Show
Saturday, July 25, 10am: POA Annual Meeting
Saturday, July 25, 3-8pm: Community Art Show & Wine Tasting
Sunday, September 27, 3:30pm: POA Neighborhood Potluck and Art Show & Sale
Note: Page 18 of this newsletter also lists the 2026 Speaker Series which are all open to residents and members to enjoy.
Contact Cindy Kovalcin by March 9, 2026 to let her know you are interested in having a garden plot. Email ckovalcin@gmail.com
By Sarah Peppel Director of Membership & Marketing
Rich and Jennifer live in Houston, Texas and have a new vacation home in Blowing Rock. Rich is a retired energy industry banker and Jen is a retired church administrator. They are native Californians who met at USC but have been in Texas for over 35 years. Rich plays golf, swims, does Pilates and watches a lot of sports. Jen has picked up golf, does Pilates, plays Mah Jong, needlepoints and cooks They love to travel, particularly to Europe They have two daughters (Amanda in Santa Fe and Madeline in New Orleans with her husband Sean Laughlin), and a one-year-old grandson, Ellis Benjamin Laughlin.
Dr. Scott and Dr. Lisa Morse are originally from Texas and met in college at SMU. We are fast approaching our 42nd wedding anniversary We discovered the Blowing Rock area a number of years ago and bought our dream home in the mountains in 2021. Scott has recently retired from a long dental career in Arlington, Texas. Lisa is an anesthesiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas She will be retiring soon. We have two daughters, Meredith and Mallory. Meredith is an attorney in Fairbanks, Alaska. Mallory is an oral surgeon in New York City. We have been blessed with one granddaughter and one grandson. We have two active dogs that keep us on our toes In our spare time we love to hike, fish, exercise, and explore new recipes. We look forward to exploring all the amenities that Hound Ears has to offer We are excited to meet new friends
If you are a new member and would like to share a little about yourself, please contact Sarah Peppel at speppel@houndears.com or call 828-963-2130.
Both Bob and Heidi Coyne are originally from South Jersey, residing in Florida for last 38 years and enjoying the High Country since 2018. They thoroughly enjoy the hikes and time spent outdoors and look forward to the Hound Ears experience andcommunity.
2025 New Member Round-Up, Continued
Join us in welcoming more of our new members from 2024-2025!
Ken&CarsonClark
RyanCostin
Pete&PatCross
Jack&DebbieDowney
Chic&SuzanneHuber
Scott&StephanieLeo
Matt&LeighMurchison
Drs.Albert&JenniferNewsome
Barry&SusanPodolsky
Bill&MarleneTrahan
Hans&ElizabethWarren
SallyWhitney&KathyMulligan
By Peter Rucker, PGA, Director of Golf
Pete Faherty – Starter Howard Davis – Starter
Reba Matthewson - Starter
John Deas, Sean Swavely, Tom Gamble, Connor Carlson, Alex Locklear, Layton Kranack, and Hunter Henson – Outside Services
The Golf Shop is offering an Adult Golf School starting on June 8 This is perfect opportunity for first time beginners or anyone looking to refine their skills. Price is $300 for the series.
Day 1, June 8: 2 Hours. 3pm - 5pm - Grip, alignment, posture, short game
Day 2, June 15: 2 Hours. 3pm - 5pm - Short game
Day 3, June 22: 2 Hours. 3pm - 5pm - Full swing
Day 4, June 29: 2 Hours. 3pm - 5pm - On course rules and etiquette
You can register by going to June 8 on our online calendar or contacting the Golf Shop at 828-9635831.
This month’s focus on our Club’s Value Statements is Tradition and Innovation Tradition and innovation are equally important to the Club’s appeal and vitality. While preserving the Club’s rich history and legacy foster a sense of continuity and pride, embracing contemporary trends and evolving preferences ensures the Club’s relevance and long-term success.
With this in mind, plans are to install yardage signs for each of our par threes Signs will be located at a visible spot from parking areas with actual yardages updated daily.
Our tournament season begins with informal play days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the month of May. HEWGA’s opening day is scheduled for June 2. HEMGA’s season officially kicks off with their opening day on June 5. With a complete offering of tournaments to include member-member events, couples’ mixers, member-guest tournaments and our club championship, you should be able to find the perfect fit to showcase your competitive skills.
Please note an important policy change for the upcoming season:
· Members electing not to pay annual golf dues may play up to 10 rounds of golf. Normal fees apply.
· Accompanied guests are allowed up to 10 rounds of golf. Normal fees apply. - 7 -
Golf calendar events of note:
Demo days:
Mizuno – June 6 and July 18
Callaway – June 13 and September 3
Ping – July 3 and August 8
TaylorMade – June 26 and July 25
Titleist – June 25
XXIO – June 20, July 17, August 14, and September 18
Couples Golf
Crazy Cobb Par 3 Challenge – May 21
Couples Mixer – May 31, September 20
Nine & Dine – June 18
Couples Member-Member – July 16 (New)
Calamity Jane Open – September 10
Member-Guest
HEMGA One Day – June 17, August 26, September 16
HEWGA One Day – August 18
HEMGA Member Guest – July 9-11
HEWGA Member Guest – July 21-22
Couples Member Guest – August 20-22
Complimentary Clinics
Putting – May 25
Pitching – June 8
Bunker – June 15
Full Swing – June 22
Uneven Lies – June 29
Golf Clinics
Adult Golf School – June 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 3, 10, 17, 24
Junior Golf Camp – June 15-17 and August 3-5
Men’s Interclub
Hound Ears – June 1
Elk River – July 21
Blowing Rock – July 27
Beech Mountain – August 10
Ladies’ Interclub
Blowing Rock - June 8
Linville Ridge – June 22
Grandfather – July 13
Hound Ears Club – July 27
Beech Mountain – August 10
Linville – August 17
Elk River – August 25
Other Events
Employee-Member Golf begins May 30
HEMGA Hound Ears Cup – June 12-13
Firecracker Scramble – July 4
HEWGA Challenge – July 14
Club Championship – July 30 – August 1
Hound Ears Open - August 15
HEWGA Queens Tournament – August 25
HEWGA Member-Member - Aug. 31-Sept.1
HEMGA Member-Member – August 28-29
NC Golf Panel – September 30
Please note some pertinent rules for this season:
Effective from May 22 through September 30, sponsored guests and family guests, but not in the company of a member, may be limited to before 9am or after 2pm Monday through Thursday and are not permitted until after 12pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, so as not to inconvenience regular membership play.
While a member is allowed to make 2 starting times with 7 guests without prior approval from the Director of Golf, there must be a member in each group on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings from May 26 through September 30 Thus, a member may only have 3 accompanied guests during this time.
All private carts must be permitted to have access on the golf course. We ask for each owner to sign a liability release before issuance of a permit
The Golf Committee has adopted the following rule pertaining to posting scores for handicap purposes. With handicaps now being updated daily, a valid score must be posted by 11:59PM on the day of play to ensure an accurate handicap calculation for the following day New software will monitor each day’s starting sheet. If a corresponding score is not posted in a timely manner, you will receive a friendly reminder. If the score is not posted on the next day, a penalty score will be posted to your GHIN account. If score posting issues continue, it will be brought to the handicap committee for further action. Additionally, please note that all tournament scores and golfing group scores are to be posted by the golf shop
Cell phones are now allowed on the golf course – Please remember to turn off ringers and limit conversation as much as possible.
Members electing not to pay annual golf dues may play up to 10 rounds of golf Normal fees apply
Accompanied guests are allowed up to 10 rounds of golf. Normal fees apply.
Family members of Golf Dues members are allowed unlimited rounds of golf. Normal fees apply.
Golf Members can make starting times for themselves and accompanied guests 7 days in advance (8 days in advance for Sunday).
Non-Golf Members can make starting times for themselves and accompanied guests 5 days in advance (6 days in advance for Sunday).
Starting times for member sponsored guests and family guests not accompanied be the member can be made 5 days in advance (6 days in advance for Sunday)
Remember to adhere to our dress code policy. Dress code applies to all persons, whether they are playing golf or not, while on the golf course or practice areas from 8:30am until 6:30PM.
Ladies Acceptable Attire: Collared golf shirts, turtlenecks, sleeveless collared shirts, golf fashion noncollared shirts, sleeveless high neck sweaters, capris, slacks and shorts and skirts. Shorts and skirts must be at least 16 inches in total length.
Ladies Unacceptable Attire: T-shirts, tank-tops, fishnet shirts, half shirts, jeans, sweatpants, cut-off shorts, athletic shorts, and leggings. Leggings may be worn if paired with shorts or skirts.
Men’s Dress Code
Acceptable Attire: Traditional collared golf shirts, turtlenecks, slacks and golf shorts up to four inches above the knee.
Unacceptable Attire: Jeans, sweat pants, cut off shorts, athletic shorts, cargo shorts and pants, non-collar shirts, tank top and mesh shirts.
Special note: Men are required to keep nonbanded shirts tucked in at all times and ball caps must be worn in the traditional manner.
Opening Friday, April 24th, the Golf Shop is fully stocked with all the latest fashions and equipment. Additionally, we are also happy to place a special order
We are here to meet all your golfing needs. Let’s make this our best year ever!
Peter A. Rucker Director of Golf
By Allen Storie, GCSAA Director of Agronomy
As Spring approaches, our Golf Course Maintenance team has been working towards completion of many projects on the golf course The golf course renovation projects on holes #5, #6, and #18 will continue in March and April, but we are working diligently in many other areas Completed greens on holes #4,#8, and #18 are establishing nicely and wintering well
Throughout the winter months when weather has permitted, we have been working towards tree trimming, stump grinding, new bridge construction on #5, and continued creek work/restoration on #16. Additionally, we recently finished the removal of the booster pump on #16 that is no longer needed, because of our new irrigation pumps installed last Spring. Removal of the old booster pump will increase irrigation pressure in this area of the golf course allowing us to irrigate more efficiently this season.
The golf course paving preparation on holes #4-#6, construction from teegreen on #5, #6 tees, and #18 fairway bunker will continue in March Until then, we will be working on tree plantings taking place on #2, #8, and #16 along with various landscape improvement preparations throughout the golf course
Expected timeline for the upcoming months:
March 1-May 1: Verti-cutting to golf course fairways and tees.
March-Late April: Continued golf course renovation work, including:
Construction and Installation of drainage and irrigation of #5 tees, #5 green, #6 tees
Cart path paving #4-#6
Fairway bunker construction #18
April 1-May 1: Golf course fertilization, soil amendment applications, herbicide applications, annual blue grass weevil preventative insecticide applications, top dressing, accessory placement, overall preparation of opening golf course season
April 14: Dry-ject sand injection aerification to greens
Please note that the above dates are all approximate and weather permitting
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Expected Green Speeds at
The newly renovated greens will likely take longer to have fast-paced speeds that are uniform with the other greens until mid-June Because they are new greens, they will take a bit longer to establish and be ready for the same mowing heights, and other mechanical maintenance practices as the other greens
By Michael Darling Director of Fitness
Spring brings a natural sense of renewal, and it’s an ideal time to refresh both mindset and movement. After months of colder weather and more limited routines, many of us are ready to feel stronger, looser, and more energized as we head into a new season
Rather than jumping straight into high-intensity workouts, spring is a great opportunity to focus on resetting habits. This might mean revisiting the basics consistent movement, balanced strength training, and proper recovery or trying something new to reenergize your routine. Small, steady changes often lead to the most sustainable results
One area especially worth attention this time of year is mobility. Winter often leaves us feeling stiff through the hips, back, and shoulders. Incorporating regular stretching, joint mobility work, and controlled movement can improve how your body feels day to day and help reduce the risk of injury as activity levels increase Better mobility supports everything from strength training to golf, hiking, and everyday activities.
For members looking to add structured strength work into their routine, the Peloton platform offers a variety of on-demand strength classes that can be used at your convenience. In addition, members are welcome to join a Peloton-based group strength class held Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday from 9:00–10:00 a.m., offering the motivation and energy of training alongside others.
Programming details and upcoming fitness events are now posted on the online calendar, and members are encouraged to check regularly for updates as the season progresses.
As we move toward warmer months, aim for balance: combine strength, cardiovascular work, and mobility to create a well-rounded approach to fitness Consistency not intensity is what builds longterm progress.
Michael Darling Director of Fitness Hound Ears Club
Below is our current plan for the 2026 class season. As always, schedules may adjust slightly as we get closer, but this gives you a full look at what's ahead:
Mondays & Wednesdays, 4–5pm
May – October
Thursdays, 9–10am
June – September
Yoga
Tuesdays, 9–10am
May 1-19; June 30-October
Saturdays, 9:30-10:30am
May 30-June 27th
Strength & Stretch
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8:30–9:30am
May – October
Sip & Stretch
First Tuesday of each month, 4–6pm
June – October
Sign up for classes on the online calendar or call the Fitness Center at 828.355.3360 or 1-855-432-1964 (opt. 8) to register.
Back by popular demand our action-packed summer camps will run on the following weeks:
• June 22–25
• July 13–16
(See registration forms and details on the event calendar )
Our guided hikes return this year and are a great way to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and enjoy time with fellow members. Mark your calendars this year’s hike dates are:
• May 21
• June 18
• July 23
• August 20
• September 17
• October 15
More details on locations and difficulty levels will be shared as each date approaches
Join us for a one-mile family fun run and 5K through the Hound Ears Community. No charge to participate, but we will collect donations (check or cash) forAppalachian Regional Healthcare System at the registration table on the day of the event. Advanced registration required. Age brackets will be: 25 and under, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66 andover.
Packet pickup will begin at 7:00am on the day of theevent,theracewillbeginpromptlyat7:30am
Born and raised in Boone, North Carolina, Gretchin Turbyfill will graduate from Appalachian State University in May with a degree in Business Management. She joined Hound Ears Club in 2023, starting in Dining ServicesbeforetransitioningtotheFitnessFrontDesk,whereshehasworked forthepasttwoyears.
GretchinenjoystravelingwithhermomandexploringbeachesalongtheEast Coast—especially in Florida. She loves live music and attending concerts, with country music favorites like Morgan Wallen at the top of her list. She hasoneoldersister,Allison.
Gretchin truly enjoys being part of the Hound Ears community, where she feels appreciated and supported. She describes everyone as welcoming and Desk, where she enjoys being
By Eri Latimer Director of Racquet Sports
PickleballCourts
OPENDAILY8am-8pm
Pickleball Court Reservations are required and available through the online reservation system or by calling the Front Desk at 828-963-4321. *NOTE: In the online system, it is important to select "All Times" under "Times to Display" to see everything that is available. Please list the names of all the players when reserving yourcourt(notjustonename).
Friday,May8: TennisCourtsandProShopopenfortheseason. Thetenniscourtswillbeopendailyfrom8a.m.to8p.m.
FromMay8throughSept.19,theRacquetSportsProShopisopendailyfrom8a.m.to2p.m. Checktheonlineeventcalendarforweeklygames&clinicsstartinginMay.
June13,Saturdayat10am:WelcomeBack RoundRobin
July4,Saturdayat10am:July4 RoundRobin th
August13,Thursdayat10am:HoundEars OpenRoundRobin
August22,Saturdayat10am:Tiffany’sAvery HumaneSocietyFundraiserRoundRobin
June5,Fridayat1pm:WelcomeBackRoundRobin
July17,Fridayat1pm:MountainRoundRobin
August14,HoundEarsOpenRoundRobin
In season, private tennis lessons are available from our resident Racquet Sports Professional Eri Latimer. PleasecontacttheTennisProShopat828.963.6441ortennis@houndears.comtomakeanappointment.
Pickleball lessons are available from Pickleball Pro Elizabeth Barry, please contact her at 412.848.2901 to schedulealesson.
For additional information on Racquet Sports including: Rules, Dress Code, lesson rates, head over to “Play” onourwebsite.
By Nick Davis Executive Chef
As the days grow longer and the cold begins to melt away, we in the Food and Beverage Department are preparingforwhatpromisestobeoneofthemostmemorableseasonsyetatHoundEars.
We are excited to welcome eight H2B visa team members from around the world who will bring a wealth of knowledge,skill,andculturaldiversitytoourculinaryprogram.I’llbesharingtheirnamesandbackgroundsas we get closer to the start of the season.Their addition to our team represents a meaningful investment in both qualityandgrowth.
We’re also looking forward to several much-anticipated clubhouse kitchen improvements. Tap beer will be available at both bars, along with significant upgrades to refrigeration, electrical systems, and drainage enhancementsthathavebeenneededforquitesometime.We’rereplacingthedishmachinethatbarelymadeit throughlastseasononducttapeandaprayer,andI’mespeciallyexcitedaboutthewaterremediationworkthat shouldfinallypreventthekitchenfromfloodingduringheavyrains.
Behind the scenes, I’ve been busy preparing for the season by interviewing dozens of H2B applicants to find therightfitforourteam, developing newmenus,andrefiningtheTeeHouseandCascades offeringsbasedon feedbackfromourwonderfulmembers.IamalsopreparingtocompletethefinallegofmyCertifiedExecutive Chef(CEC)certificationonApril18.
WearealllookingforwardtokickingofftheseasononApril24andmaking2026thebestseasonyetatHound Ears.
–ChefNickDavis
Friday, April 24: Tee House Opens Daily 10am-4pm
A La Carte Dining begins: 5:30pm-9pm Fridays - Sundays (Daily after Memorial Day)
Saturday, May 2: Kentucky Derby
Sunday, May 10: Mother’s Day Brunch
Friday, May 15: Wine Tasting with Tenuta Torciano from Italy
Friday, May 22: Pool (10am-6pm) & Cascades Grill open (11am-6pm)
Sunday, May 24: Sail Into Summer
Watch for more event details on the online calendar and in upcoming newsletters!
- 17 -
Date
Wednesday, May 20
Wednesday, June 3
Monday, June 22
Monday, July 27
Tuesday, August 25
Wednesday, September 23
Wednesday, October 14
Present State of the Economy by Dr. Harry Davis
Local Doctor’s Panel: Topic TBD
By representatives of UNC Health
Death in Briar Bottom: The True Story of Hippies, Mountain Lawmen, and the Search for Justice in the Early 1970s by Dr. Timothy Silver
First in Freedom: NC & the American Revolution by Dr. Karl Campbell
App State Coaches (TBD)
Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary through the American landscapes BRAHM’s Stephan Dragisic and Gabe Wilson-Rhodes
Guitar Concert
By Dr. Adam Kossler
June8,July13,August10,September14*,O
Opentomembers,residents,andguests.Complimentarytoattend,noregistrationrequired. BookoftheMonthwillbelistedontheeventcalendaratleast30daysinadvance.
*SpecialPresentationbySuePolankaonSeptember14. Questions?ContactBarbaraFreimanat bffreiman@aol.comor828-396-0852 orNanciNanceatntn1066@gmail.comor828-414-9222
Checktheeventcalendarforsign-upinformationorreachouttothecontactslistedbelowforeachactivity.
IntermediateBridge
Wednesdays,1-3pm BoardRoom(Clubhouse)
July17toOctober14. Contactjenniferpreik@gmail.com orcalling904.583.0201.
DuplicateBridge(Interclub)
June28,July23,August6, August13,September10
Thursdays,12-4pm Sundays,1:30-4pm
Formoredetailsaboutduplicateor couplesbridgeand/ortoaskabout beginnerlessons,contactRob&Fran Hannahat704-718-2693.
Intermediate/AdvancedCanasta Fridays,1-4pm GrilleRoom
June5toSeptember26
Questions?EmailMaryAnnSperando masperando@gmail.comorcall321213-3597.
EveningCanasta
Wednesdays4-6pm BoardRoom(Clubhouse)
June10toSeptember24
ContactBarbaraCrouchat 704.871.6799tobeputontheemail list.Registrationisencouraged24 hours. An information session is being planned prior to the start of the season. Watch for details coming soon!
Mahjong
Thursdays,3:30-6pm BoardRoom(Clubhouse)
May28-October29
Anyquestions?ContactRene Millerat954-444-5559.
Opentowomenandmen. Beginnerclassisbeingofferedin 2026.PleaseletReneknowifyou areinterested.
Seeregistration&playdetailson theeventcalendar.Indicatewhen registeringifyouwouldliketojoin theplayersfordinner&drinks afterward(bymembercharge).
MondaysfromJuly13toAugust24,7-8pm,YouthCenter
Opentomembers,residents,andguests,BibleStudywillbeheldintheYouthCenter. Complimentaryforalltoattend.Registrationisnotrequired. Questions?ContactFranDavisat336.509.2477.
June10-11andAugust12-13|10am-4pm
Description:RealisticImpressionism,OilorAcrylic,PaletteknifeorBrush. Anysubjectusingyourownphotographs.
Questions?Readmoredetailsontheeventcalendarand/orcontact CindyKovalcin,828-963-3800orckovalcin@gmail.com.
The brown buds thicken on the trees, Unbound, the free streams sing, As March leads forth across the leas The wild and windy spring. –Elizabeth Akers Allen (1832–1911)
Please check the online calendar for times and registration!
Mailroom | Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday - Closed April 24 - May 21: Mon-Sat 8-6; Sun 10-4 828 963 4321 (or Main # + Option 2, then Option #1)
Golf Shop | Opens April 24; 8am-6pm 828.963.5831 (or Main # + Option 3)
Racquet Sports Pro Shop & Tennis Courts
Pro Shop: Opens May 8, 8am-2pm Tennis Courts: Opens May 8, 8am-8pm 828-963-6441 (or Main # + Option 7)
Pickleball Courts | Daily, 8am - 8pm
Please make reservations online or call the Front Desk at 828963-4321 (or Main # + Opt. 2, then Opt. #1)
Fitness Center | Daily, 5am - 9pm (Main Number + Option #8)
Swimming Pool & Cascades Grill
Opening Friday, May 22, 10am-6pm
Fly Fishing | Daily, sunrise to sunset, annually except when indicated due to temperature, etc Reservations and fly fishing credentials or day passes are required.
Property Services | Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4pm
Closed Saturdays & Sundays 828 963 6879
ClubhouseDining
ALaCarteDinner*OpensApril24;Fri-Sun5:30-9pm StartingMay25;Sun-Sat5:30-9pm Reservation:8289632111(orloginintomemberwebsite) *Openfordrinks&barmenuat4pm
ClubhouseLunchStartingFri,May29;Fri-Sat11am-2pm ClubhouseBrunchStartingSun,May31;Sun11am-2pm
TeeHouseDiningOpensApril24;Mon-Thurs10am-4pm, Fri-Sun10am-4pm|BreakfastStartingMay22;Fri-Sun 7am-4pm-OrderTakeout:8289638589
Joseph McGuire, CCM, CCE Chief Operations Officer/General Manager jmcguire@houndears.com
Steve Morris, Chief Financial Officer smorris@houndears com
Staci Vestal, Executive Assistant svestal@houndears com
Mikalla Presnell, Human Resources Dir. mpresnell@houndears com
Sheila Sheppard, Dir. of Accounting ssheppard@houndears com
Katarina Sechrist, Staff Accountant ksechrist@houndears com
Sarah Peppel, Director of Membership & Marketing speppel@houndears com
Rhys Williams, Clubhouse Manager rwilliams@houndears.com
Nick Davis, Executive Chef nick@houndears.com
Peter Rucker, PGA, Director of Golf prucker@houndears.com
Spencer King, PGA, Head Golf Professional sking@houndears.com
Eri Latimer, PTR, PPR, Racquet Sports Dir. eri@houndears com
Michael Darling, Director of Fitness mdarling@houndears com
Allen Storie, GCSAA, Director of Agronomy & Fly Fishing astorie@houndears com
Darryl Eggers, Director of Facilities darryl@houndears.com
Tom O'Neil, Property Services Manager toneil@houndears com
Wes Green, Director of Security wgreen@houndears com
Angela Nuzzi, Front Office Manager anuzzi@houndears com
Hannah Fredrick, Rental Oversight Officer hfredrick@houndears com
In honor of our country celebrating its 250 anniversary, here are some fun facts about 250 years in the NC High Country: th
1.Earlyfrontierroots(late1700s):Bythe1770s,settlerswere movingintotheHighCountryalongtheWataugaRiver, formingoneoftheearliestwesternfrontiercommunitiesin NorthCarolina.
2 TheWataugaAssociationpredatedtheU.S.Constitution: In1772,localsettlerscreatedtheWataugaAssociation,oneof America’sfirstexperimentsinself-government—beforethe DeclarationofIndependence.
3.DanielBooneblazedtrailsthroughtheregion:Boone exploredtheHighCountryextensively,usingNative Americanpathsthatlaterbecamekeymigrationroutes throughtheAppalachians.
Enrich the Mountain Experience of Members and Deepen their Sense of Community.
To be a leading destination in the High Country for connection, tranquility and recreation, distinguished by our culture, asset management, and service delivery.
4.TheOvermountainMenmarchedfromhere:In1780, patriotsfromtheHighCountrycrossedtheBlueRidgeto defeattheBritishattheBattleofKingsMountain—aturning pointintheRevolutionaryWar
5 Isolationshapedadistinctmountainculture:Formuchof the1800s,ruggedterrainkeptcommunitiesisolated, preservingtraditionalmusic,crafts,dialects,andstorytelling. Subsistencefarming,timberharvesting,andlivestockwere thebackboneofHighCountrylifethroughthe19thcentury.
6 Railroadsarrivedlate—butchangedeverything:Whenrail accessreachednearbyareasinthelate1800sandearly1900s, itopenedtheregiontotourism,trade,anddevelopment.
7.Tourismboomedinthe20thcentury:Coolersummers, scenicviews,skiing,andhikingturnedtheHighCountryinto abelovedyear-rounddestination/
8 Theregionblendspreservationandprogresstoday:Over thelast50years,conservationefforts,culturalheritage programs,andresponsibledevelopmenthavehelpedprotect theHighCountry’snaturalbeautyandhistory.