VOLUME 31 - ISSUE 6
JULY 2024
FOREST HIGHLANDS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
Pines
IN THE
Leadership Club News
2 6
Golf
24 29 37 38
Tennis
38 42 46 50
Recreation
Pickleball
Dining
12 20
Fitness
Security
Foundation
Spa
Realty
Click on the page numbers above to quickly navigate to each section and to return to the cover click on “VOICE IN THE PINES” in the footer.
LEADERSHIP
Doug Sutter, General Manager/COO Dave Stearns, Board President
With July 4th just a few days away, I hope we all take a few moments to reflect on our good fortune. We all get to enjoy this incredible place called Forest Highlands, which puts us in a very select company of recreational communities throughout the USA. With the busy Fourth of July activities, there is no better time to show appreciation, support, and thoughtfulness to what we call Paradise in the Pines! The tremendous start to our 36th season continued into June. Signature golf events, including the Couples Invitational, Top Gun Shootout, and Member- Member tournaments, were all very successful. The Taste of Forest Highlands was well received by 512 attendees who purchased more than 600 cases of wine. We have a very full schedule of events planned for the upcoming long holiday weekend and look forward to a multi-day celebration with the Independence Day parade and BBQ starting on July 4th, followed by many other activities throughout the weekend. Your Board of Directors met on June 24th, and there are some notable items to mention: • Memorial Day BBQ had just under 1200 Members and Guests. • Both Golf and Food and Beverage numbers are up over last year. • Recreation Programs have reached nearly 2000 uses this year, and Concierge services have almost 1700 requests. • Speed Limit Violations citations so far have dropped from 227 in 2023 to just 80 in 2024. Updates on Capital Projects: • The Tennis Pavilion is nearly complete, and to say it turned out to be “better than advertised” would be a massive understatement. Please see the corresponding article about being awarded the Small Private Facility Award for 2024 from the USTA! Congratulations Nicole! It is an amazing achievement. • The Restroom Pavilion is complete with overwhelmingly positive reviews. • Westpac is finishing up their portion of the Water Tank Project, and Pacific Tank starts the second week of July.
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING...
Club Overall It’s a combination of the
surroundings, the friendliness of members and staff and the wonderful amenities available for adults and children!
Everybody here cares. The residents care. The staff cares. The leadership cares. The fact that everyone cares about the quality of every aspect of the Forest Highlands experiences is what makes this place so special. Ever since we declared we want to get Canyon back
in the top 100, it seems people care even more.
We love hearing from our members, if you’d like to provide feedback please do so by emailing info@fhgc.com
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
LEADERSHIP
July is also the month we cast the net for qualified Board of Director candidates for the upcoming fall election. Jeff Schrock and Mike Selzer will be chairing our Nominating Advisory Committee for the upcoming 2024 board election. I can tell you firsthand that serving brings a true sense of satisfaction and “giving back” to our wonderful community. More information can be found on our members’ website. Finally, a quick reminder on member decorum. A letter to the entire community was sent out by Doug Sutter and me regarding behaviors by our youth specifically. Please remember that both parents and children need to behave in an appropriate manner and respect the rules and policies of our community. Association Rules contain standards for appropriate behavior and decorum, and poor or unseemly behavior will not be tolerated. Please enjoy yourselves responsibly and take advantage of everything Forest Highlands has to offer over this 4th of July Weekend!
BOARD NOMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT
To All Regular and Special Members of The Forest Highlands Association:
Pursuant to Section 18, Article III of the Bylaws, this notification is a call for nominations, from the membership- at-large, for candidates for election to the Board of Directors of The Forest Highlands Association. Though not required, it is desirable for candidates to have some prior experience serving on any of the Forest Highlands Committees. There will be (3) three-year terms commencing on January 1, 2025, and ending on December 31, 2027. Our Bylaws provide that the three candidates who receive the highest number of votes by plurality shall be elected to serve as directors for three-year terms. Anyone interested in becoming a candidate for the Board of Directors should contact Mike Selzer at selzem1970@gmail.com or (612) 840-2781 or Jeff Schrock at jeffsmailbox@yahoo.com or 602-538-2080 to schedule a Candidate Orientation Session and complete a Board Application form on or before Monday, August 19, 2024. Board applications can be found on the member website by CLICKING HERE . As per the Bylaws any member who wishes to be included on the ballot for election to the Board of Directors must attend a Candidate Orientation Session. The deadline for attending an Orientation Session is August 23, 2024. All members of record as of September 1, 2024, will be eligible to vote in the election. Electronic voting instructions will be sent out by email on or before Wednesday, September 4, 2024, and voting will open at 9am. Paper ballots will be available upon request through the Administration Office. Electronic voting will end and completed paper ballots must be received by Noon on Sunday, October 13, 2024, to be counted.
Dave Stearns Board President Dave Stearns
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
3
LEADERSHIP
MEMBERS SHOW CONCERN FOR E-BIKE/E-SCOOTER SAFETY
Typically, Forest Highlands is a highly diverse community with wide ranging views. But when it comes to the safe operation of e-bikes and e-scooters on property it appears there is strong agreement. With a total of 256 responses to the Security Department survey in May, the members of Forest Highlands showed profound concern about the issue. Among those responses, 82% indicated they were “concerned” or “very concerned” about the safe operation of e-bikes/scooters, while less than 10% of respondents indicated they were “not concerned”. Comments from the survey respondents cited all sorts of unsafe e-bike/e- scooter operation and called for stronger enforcement from Forest Highlands security officers. This level of response is unprecedented compared to prior surveys and has garnered serious attention from the Forest Highlands’ leadership team and members of the Board. Members of Forest Highlands’ Security and Safety Committee are currently developing new rules to address e-bike/e- scooter safety. In the meantime, members, parents and children would do well to know what laws are already in place regarding e-bikes and e-scooters. Arizona law permits e-bike/e-scooter riders the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. They must obey the rules of the road, obey all signs, signals and lane markings, and ride on the right side of the road. There must be one seat for each rider, and speeding, weaving, tailing, and wheelies are not allowed.
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING... Meadow Dining Room Great food, service, and atmosphere.
Wait staff are very attentive and professional. Tim and
Sam were very helpful and friendly. Food was wonderful!
We were there for burger night, they do that very very well. My hamburger is always cooked perfectly.
Please help us keep our roads safe and obey the law.
Canyon Dining Room The food served has really been much better this year.
JUICE WITH THE GM Wed. July 24 • 9-9:30am Covered Bridge Pavillion - Canyon Hole 14
Great menu and wonderful service. The halibut was amazing! And everyone at our table enjoyed their meal.
Start your day off right by joining our new General Manager, Doug Sutter, for a refreshing morning beverage and a chat about all things Forest Highlands. Whether you prefer juice or coffee, come sit down and connect with Doug. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know Doug and share your thoughts about our community.
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
LEADERSHIP
JOIN US FOR A CLUBSTER CLASS! Wednesday, July 3 • 3pm C anyon Boardroom Are you ready to get the most out of Clubster or just want to know what it is? Join us on July 3 at 3pm in the Canyon Boardroom for a comprehensive class on how to use the app. Whether you're a new member or just looking to enhance your experience, this class will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to navigate Clubster like a pro. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with others and make the most of your Clubster experience! See you there! There are many helpful videos under the Club Resources menu. Scroll to Clubster Videos and select your topic. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Julie Sterner. Julie can be reached at 928-525-5212 or jsterner@fhgc.com.
DON'T MISS OUT!
Make sure to check for your friend requests on Clubster and stay connected with everyone! Look for the blue notification badge next to the “Friends” icon.
COMMUNICATIONS
The communications department is dedicated to ensuring that our members stay well-informed.
For any suggestions or if you have encountered any issues with receiving emails, please feel free to contact us at info@fhgc.com .
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
5
CLUB NEWS
On May 16, the USPTA Star Award was presented to Nicole, who has worked tirelessly within her club and community! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DIRECTOR OF RACQUETS, NICOLE CHAMBERS! Congratulations USPTA Stars are members who have dedicated many years to volunteering in grassroots tennis and have initiated programs that incorporate multicultural aspects, bringing the sport and sportsmanship to the players they reach.
Congratulations Nicole! We are very proud of you!
NATIONAL USTA OUTSTANDING FACILITY AWARD FOR SMALL, PRIVATE FACILITIES.
We are very proud to announce that Forest Highlands Racquets has won the National USTA Outstanding Facility Award for small, private facilities.
This award recognizes clubs throughout the country that have high standards for renovations, construction, and amenities. An important part of this award is the programming that has been delivered consistently, and that has grown to be one of excellence in the industry. The award will be handed out on center court at the Billie Jean Tennis Center during the 2024 US Open.
NEW!! MAH JONG AT THE COURTS COMING SOON!
We are so excited to be hosting our first non-tennis event at the courts!
We will have space for 48 players and all skill levels. If you are a beginner, we have 8 spots with an instructor.
Chef Eddie’s team will be preparing small plates, and your first drink is on the house. We will have a full bar for further drink purchases.
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
CLUB NEWS
TEAM EFFORTS IN ACTION
This month, Miguel’s Public Works Team went above and beyond their regular maintenance tasks. In addition to their usual duties, they set up a tent outside the Canyon Clubhouse Pro Shop, providing much-needed cover for a breakfast event. Their hard work ensured that the event went smoothly, despite any weather concerns.
Thank You!
Meanwhile, the Utilities Team, with the assistance of some dedicated members from the Recreation Team, undertook a significant environmental initiative. They introduced 20,000 goldfish into the wetlands pond. This annual program, in collaboration with Kachina Village, aims to control the midge fly population by having the goldfish eat the midge fly larva. This effort helps to minimize the midge fly nuisance around the Wetlands, making the area more enjoyable for everyone. We extend our gratitude to all the teams involved for their dedication and hard work in maintaining and improving our community spaces.
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
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CLUB NEWS
Origins: Concierge Services July 2024 Snow Removal to Hanging a 300-pound Moose Head
CONCIERGE SERVICES CONCIERGE SERVICES
The Recreation Department offers several concierge and residential services for the Members of Forest Highlands. A full list of services may be found online under Recreation or click the button to download the flyer.
By William Godfrey Forest Highlands Club Historian
The dictionary defines Concierge as: “A hotel employee whose job is to assist guests by arranging tours, making theater and restaurant reservations, etc.” At Forest Highlands, the Concierge Services Department led by Kurt Martin and Austin Vigorito, has performed many of those tasks, but have also taken it way beyond that definition. In a June 2024 interview at the new Utilities Operation building, Martin and Vigorito shared the Department’s humble beginnings to its present state. REC PROGRAMS LED TO BABY-SITTING Kurt Martin was hired by Forest Highlands in 2002 as the assistant director of recreation. He helped transform the department implementing new initiatives as recreation director, which led to his current role as assistant general manager. Martin explained the timeline. “In my early years, we changed the recreation program to go beyond just watching kids. The camps became more interactive with the help of our staff of NAU and high school students,” shared Martin. “We realized the kids got attached to certain counselors, so we decided to expand it beyond camp hours. Parents were going to dinner, with many leaving the property in the evenings. There was a need for baby-sitting.” “Initially, we had a bulletin board list with a random name of sitters and phone numbers. We had no background information on them, just a list. The members called them on their own,” Kurt recalled. “However, an incident occurred with one of the sitters that caused us to let her go. Because of that I had to re-think the program.” In 2014, a new general manager came on board and explained to me that I needed to start creating new revenue streams in the department and reach a wider range of members. I thought…let’s start with baby-sitting. That is what we know how to do.” Austin Vigorito, today’s concierge manager, hired into Recreation in 2014, picked it up from there. “It was new territory for us. Initially nobody knew about the service. We pushed advertising,” said Austin. “We sent out monthly email blasts, used ‘Voice in the Pines’ and posted information on the Forest Highlands website.
CONCIERGE SERVICES
CONCIERGE OFFICE HOURS Daily • 9am - 5pm
Please allow 24 - 48 hours to acquire availability for your request. Please note; Forest Highlands Recreation can not fill concierge requests within 24 hours. CONCIERGE SERVICES Services may be requested online at member.fhgc.com under Recreation Services. DAY OF CONCIERGE FEE All Requests should be made 24 hours in advance. For those requests that are asked and met under the 24 hour mark, will be charged a “Day of” fee of $25.
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
CLUB NEWS
We had to figure out scheduling, so we purchased new software. It was mostly trial by fire. We did just 30 sitting assignments that first year, but the program evolved and expanded over time.” YARD WORKS: A COUPLE OF RAKES Buoyed by the initial success of the baby-sitting service, Martin took steps to create new revenue and to grow the department. The following year Concierge Services added yard work. “We decided to add yard clean-up to our services. The total of our equipment at the start was ‘a couple of rakes, “Martin chuckled. “There were challenges and it started with the uniforms.” “Yes…we sent guys out with the rakes for pine needle clean-up in polo shirts and shorts,” Vigorito, also chuckled. “They were not really dressed properly. We learned the guys needed to have the proper clothing, so we eventually got them khakis and Forest Highlands uniforms.” Kurt and Austin both agreed, it was “all hands-on deck” back then. Sometimes, when they did not have the staff, Caitlin Ebbs, the assistant director, and the two of them took on the yard assignment themselves.
LOCATED AT FACILITY OPERATIONS BUILDING FOR THE SUMMER
PET CARE
MOVING
The next winter, snow removal was added.
SNOW REMOVAL – ONE SNOWBLOWER AND TWO SHOVELS “In Recreation, we did our own maintenance, we helped with the sports equipment at the parks, playgrounds and tennis courts. We knew our team could do more,” Kurt explained. “Caitlin was the initiator. She started snow removal before I wanted to…but she got us moving in the right direction.” Austin added, “Right after the first storm, we got immediate calls. But we had no money in the budget, so Kurt went to Home Depot and bought our first snow blower -a cheap one - and a couple of snow shovels on his own. We tried to get to as many houses as we could, but it was really bad at the start.” “It would take forever to do the driveway and sidewalks with hand shovels and one blower. It was a huge learning curve,” Vigorito shared. “The hardest part was it was so hard to predict…. how to staff it when there was no snow. But we just adjusted and adapted.” HANGING A MOOSE HEAD On occasion, Concierge has had unique assignments. One stands out. It was the hanging of a big game trophy. “The story is one I share when we train new staff,” Vigorito explained. “I use it as an example because members sometimes ask you to do strange things and they may not be specific over the phone.” “One member’s home was on Lindberg Spring and said he needed a few guys to move some things but didn’t give much detail. I showed up with twins, Etienne and Sebastian, from our staff,” shared Austin. “I said to the Member. ‘We heard you need some stuff moved around and right away he pointed up
CLEANING
AND SO MUCH MORE!
To request a service or quote please visit the
members.fhgc.com website, click on Recreation then find Concierge Services in the Quick Links or contact Austin; 928 - 525 - 9792.
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
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CLUB NEWS
high on the wall. He said, ‘I already installed the taxidermy hook and just need help putting up a moose head.’ “ “I thought to myself, is it a fake? But the member said nothing more, he just took us to his garage and there was this moose head on the floor. It was massive. The rack was ginormous!” Austin declared. “It had to be four to five feet across. The neck and head were three to four feet deep. The three of us picked it up in the garage and I swear it weighed 300 pounds.” “‘Then I asked the member if he thought about safety reasons because the hook was 16 to 17 feet above the floor and right under a living room couch. He shared his plan, ‘I’ve got three ladders. We get one guy to hold the neck, I will hold the moose’s head and use one ladder. The other two guys each hold on to an antler and use the other two ladders. Then, we can walk up the ladders together, hang it on the hook and we’re done.’” “So, we moved into the house to try it,” Austin shared. I was on the neck; the member held the head. The twins grabbed each antler, and all of us climbed the ladders together. Somehow, we got it on the hook and the moose head stayed in place and the wall didn’t collapse.” “Looking back…one of the things I learned from Kurt, is he always wants to say yes to meet the member’s needs,” Vigorito smiled. “But I think we both agreed after this project, we would say no to future taxidermy requests.” ZERO TO HALF A MILLION The growth of Concierge Services has been very impressive. The revenue generated in 2023 was just shy of half of a million dollars. According to Martin, it was exactly $499,551. “All the credit goes to Kurt, this was his ‘brain baby,” explained Austin. “Every service was his initiative.” “What has been amazing about this service is the growth the past 10 years,” explained Kurt. It is due to the great staff, especially with Austin leading the way. We feel this is something the Club continues to need and to have. It is now a stand-alone sub department,” Martin detailed. “There are no dedicated dues allocated to the department. This is something I am most proud of and what we have been able to accomplish. We wanted to build it to be a great amenity for the members at Forest Highlands.” Concierge has added additional services over the years such as van shuttles, house cleaning, dog sitting, IT help and more. For a full list, contact the Recreation Department at 928-525-9792 or use the Forest Highlands app to book a service.
LATEST ADDITION TO OUR SERVICE...
O.C.D MOBILE DETAILING Detailing available weekly Monday-Saturday! Forest Highlands Concierge Services is partnering with O.C.D Mobile to offer car and golf cart detailing from the comfort of your own home! O.C.D Mobile is an eco-friendly, hand car wash and detailing service based in Arizona. See the flyer for more deatils. Please fill out the form by clicking the button or call the Recreation Center to check availability at 928-525-9792.
O.C.D FLYER
FORM
William Godfrey is the Forest Highlands Club Historian. Along with his wife, Wendy Huck Godfrey, they have been members since 2021. He can be reached at willgodd@gmail.com or 602-750-1468.
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CLUB NEWS
DESIGN REVIEW
Please note it is important members follow the steps of the Design Review Process, including submission of required applications as found on our member website. This is a proven and streamlined process provided the owner performs per the Development Standards for any exterior alterations to the owner’s property including projects such as:
FOREST HIGHLANDS DESIGN REVIEW (928) 525-9014 or designreview@fhgc.com
1. Roof Replacements 2. Exterior Painting 3. Deck Projects 4. Dog Runs 5. Landscaping
FOREST HIGHLANDS DESIGN REVIEW CONSULTANT Pat Rehse: designreview@fhgc.com
For any changes to your lot or the exterior of your home please refer to the Development Standards. DRC Meeting dates are done on a monthly basis.
We look forward to continuing to maintain the natural integrity of our forest home!
DUE DATE Submittals are due by the 10th of each month to be reviewed in that month. A project that is submitted on March 8th will be reviewed in March, and a project submitted on March 12th will be reviewed in April. PLAN REQUIREMENTS (ONLINE ONLY)! Plan submittals are required to have a digital copy (PDF). Digital copies can be sent to designreview@fhgc.com SMALL PROJECTS Smaller projects such as landscaping, re-paints, dog runs, minor additions and other minor changes can be reviewed weekly by the DRC, typically on Thursdays.
PLEASE make sure to provide your architect, builder, contractor, etc. with the most recent copy of the Forest Highlands Development Standards which may be found online at https://members.fhgc.com/ HOA/Design_Review or click the button > > >
Information is subject to change, always call/email to confirm.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
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DINING
4TH OF JULY WEEK IS HERE! We kick of the weekend with our Holiday BBQ out on the Canyon Driving Range! Wristbands are available now for pickup at the concierge desk at the Canyon.
HOLIDAY BBQ Thursday, July 4 4 - 7pm Band plays 4:30 - 7:30pm Get ready for the eagerly awaited Fourth of July BBQ, where Forest Highlands
COOLDOWN Friday, July 5 5 - 8pm Keep the party going for the weekend at our Cooldown featuring fun summer entrees and delicious drink specials!
NEW EVENT!! STARS, STRIPES, AND SEAFOOD: INDEPENDENCE DAY POOLSIDE
unites members and their guests for one of the grandest summer celebrations – our Independence Day party!
CLAMBAKE BASH! Saturday, July 6 • 6 - 9pm Canyon Pool
It's a BBQ extravaganza featuring our chefs whipping up mouthwatering treats. Kids can enjoy a carnival, and everyone can join in the dancing and groove to the live music by These Southern Ways - Formerly known as “Mogollon” . It's a sensational way to mark Independence Day!
Dive into an evening of patriotic fun and
MENU
feasting as we gather for a New England Clambake,
right here in our back yard! Picture-perfect steamed Maine lobster, succulent sashimi, firecracker shrimp, mussels, tender clams, and scallops—all expertly steamed to perfection in a traditional seaside fashion. Indulge in brisket, salt potatoes, sausage, chowder and more! As you savor each delectable bite, lose yourself in the rhythm of the night and dance under the starlit sky with our live DJ spinning your favorite party tunes.!
Week Of June 27 - July 3
Day Of July 4 $69.95
Adults
$65.95
Kids 9-12
$24.95
$28.95
Kids 5 - 8
$19.95
$23.95
CHEF EDDIE’S SECOND COOKING CLASS! Sunday, July 28 • 5 - 7pm Meadow Patio
REGISTER
Participate in our engaging cooking classes, where you’ll have the opportunity to acquire valuable skills, tips, and tricks directly from our esteemed Chef Eddie. Held monthly, Chef Eddie will ignite your culinary inspiration, walking you through the creation of some of his cherished recipes while sharing his deep love for cooking. He’ll probably make you laugh a few times as well. Limited space available. $75 pp
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
DINING
CANYON DINING HOURS • JULY 4 - 7
THURSDAY, JULY 4 FRIDAY, JULY 5
SATURDAY, JULY 6 SUNDAY, JULY 7
Hole One Café 8am - 2pm
Hole One Café 8am - 3pm
Hole One Café 8am - 3pm
Hole One Café 8am - 3pm
Stonehouse with Grill 9am - 5pm
Stonehouse with Grill 9am - 5pm
Stonehouse with Grill 9am - 5pm
Stonehouse with Grill 9am - 5pm
Lunch 11am - 3pm
Lunch 11am - 3pm
Lunch 11am - 3pm
No Lunch or Dinner service due to BBQ setup.
Dinner 5 - 8:30pm
Bar 11am - Close
Bar 11am - Close
Bar 11am - Close
Bar 11am - Close
Cooldown 5 - 8pm Dinner 5 - 8:30pm
Dinner 5 - 8:30pm
Dinner 5 - 8:30pm
Stars, Stripes & Seafood Clambake 6 - 9pm
MEADOW DINING HOURS • JULY 4 - 7
THURSDAY, JULY 4 FRIDAY, JULY 5
SATURDAY, JULY 6 SUNDAY, JULY 7
Snack Shack 8am - 4pm
Snack Shack 8am - 4pm
Snack Shack 8am - 4pm
Snack Shack 8am - 4pm
Highlands Grill 11am - 5pm
Highlands Grill 11am - 5pm
Highlands Grill 11am - 5pm
Highlands Grill 11am - 5pm
Lunch 11am - 3pm
Lunch 11am - 3pm
Lunch 11am - 3pm
Lunch 11am - 3pm
Seafood Night 5 - 8:30pm
Pizza & Pastabilities 5 - 8:30pm
Bar 11am - Close
Bar 11am - Close
Bar 11am - Close
Bar 11am - Close
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
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DINING
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING...
TASTE OF FOREST HIGHLANDS WINE PICK UP The wine is on the way! You will receive an email receipt letting you know your wine will be available for pick up. Some wine may be back ordered. Please wait for your receipt to be emailed to you! • Please call the Canyon prior to picking up, 928.525.1100. • Pick up is at the Canyon Food & Beverage garages near the tennis courts on golf lane. • Pick up time is 9am - 4pm daily. • NO pick ups available during dinner hours or on holidays. • All wine will need to be picked up by August 12th. Any wine left after that day will be returned or put into the club’s inventory.
Canyon Dining Room Good food and service
Food and service were very good.
Club Overall Great food and wonderful members to hang with.
Thank you so much!
CONTINUE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS AT THE CLUB Log on to members.fhgc.com to make dining reservations & register for events, or call the Club Dining reservations can ONLY be made one week in advance. This gives everyone the same opportunity to make a reservation each week and prevents someone from creating season long reservations.
DINING ALERTS To stay current on dining activities, join the Dining
Department on Clubster for the latest menus and event updates.
THE DAILY DINING SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT MEMBERS.FHGC.COM OR KEEP AND EYE ON YOUR EMAIL FOR UPDATES
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
DINING
THE PEAKS CAFÉ in the FAMILY REC CENTER
Due to the increase in bagel sales, we have contracted with Flagstaff’s newest bagel shop, Fat Bagels, to prepare our bagels this summer. Chef Eddie has worked with their bakers to incorporate our bagel recipe. They are baked, picked up and brought straight to the Family Rec Center on Saturday & Sunday mornings so that the fresh bagels our members love are available! Chef Alfonzo is still in the Canyon kitchen preparing all of our other delicious baked goods.
For quick service, order ahead of time to utilize our drive through service for pick up, or park and walk in to see what’s available.
BAGEL SHOP Saturdays & Sundays 8 - 10:30am Pre-order your bagels for easy pick up at the rec center. Pre-orders must be placed by Fridays at 12pm. Walk-ups are welcomed! 928.525.1100
DOUBLE SCOOP ICE CREAM Sundays - Thursdays 11am - 5pm
COFFEE SHOP Daily • 7am - 11am HIGHLANDS GRILL Daily • 11am - 5pm
HOLE ONE CAFÉ Open Daily • 8am - 3pm Located on the covered patio of the Canyon Clubhouse,
Fridays - Saturdays 11am - 8pm
BAGEL MENU
HOLE ONE MENU
Calling all golfers! Looking for a quick lunch to take on your cart? Hole 1 Café on the Canyon Patio is now offering asobes, hot dogs, and shake and take salads! Hole One Café is the premier location to enjoy a variety of breakfast items including a full “Rancher’s Breakfast” or a simple Avocado Toast. Enjoy dining on the patio or grab and go. Come on by, counter service available, no reservations necessary. We look forward to serving you!
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT AT THE MEADOW IS NOW ASIAN NIGHT!
We have changed up dinner on Wednesday at the Meadow as International Night will now be Asian Night. Chef Fred will change the menu weekly so be sure to join the Clubster app for menus! NEW AT THE STONEHOUSE! Come join Chef Eddie every Saturday at the Stonehouse as he prepares new creative golfer’s food! If your golf round is not going the way you hoped, there is now a cocktail bar at the Stonehouse to alleviate any golfer’s anxieties.
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DINING
DINING POLICIES CANCELLATION POLICY Reservations must be canceled 24 hours in advance to avoid a per person “Cancellation Fee” of $10. Last minute cancellations prevent other members the opportunity to make a reservation when the dining room is already fully booked. Any large party reduction not done within 24 hours will also incur a per person “cancellation fee”. Parties of 6 or more often require 2 tables so a last minute reduction in party size also prevents another member from using the facilities. (Large parties are defined as 5 or more) FOREST HIGHLANDS DINING OPTIONAL GRATUITY POLICY There are no service charge fees on food and beverage purchases in any of our food outlets. The service staff is paid a sufficient hourly rate that does not require being supplemented by additional gratuities. The optional gratuity line will remain on the chits for those members who feel that exceptional service warrants a specific server to receive a tip that is over and above their hourly wage, however it is entirely optional and not expected.
RESERVATION REMINDER As we head into the busiest part of the season, I wanted to provide some information about our dining rooms. We are again experiencing a high demand for dinner service in both dining rooms. Our staff is also reporting an increase in the number of walk-ins diners this summer. When you arrive at one of our clubhouses, the dining room may appear empty. It is important to know that your reservation is not reserving a table in the dining room but rather a set time-period. The culinary team and the service staff are only able to take care of so many people at a specific time. Also, arriving early for a reservation does not help the dining room rather it can affect the proper flow of diners at that time-period. If you arrive early, you may be asked to wait until we are best able to serve you. Please know, we want to serve as many people as possible while also providing the highest quality service and food that our members have come to expect. The bars at Forest Highlands are incredible places to socialize with friends and interact with our bar staff. This is the one area that walk- ins are welcomed, and the staff can offer food service. Due to this, the bars have become busier and busier. Please, be aware we can only accommodate a certain number of people at the bars and once the bar stools are filled, members will have to wait for the next open seat. Take-out food has become another alternative option for members dining. While we do our best to accommodate all take-out orders, we frequently have to shut down our take-out business during the busiest dining hours. Most nights, take-out orders are available between 5:00-6:00 and after 8:00pm. The F&B Team is thrilled that Members are enjoying using our dining rooms and we hope to continue to provide outstanding dining experiences during the busiest part of the season. Please remember to always make a reservation or call again ahead when using the dining room.
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
DINING
WHAT’S NEW? We are offering a new program this season for our wine lovers!
2024 “LET’S GET A BOTTLE” WINE RAFFLE Each month, we will host a special wine raffle featuring a prized Magnum of wine. Members can simply purchase a bottle of wine in one of the dining rooms, then write their member number on the wine cork. Your server will then drop the wine cork into our raffle barrel ensuring your cork is entered into the draw. At the end of each month, we’ll hold a drawing to determine the lucky winner from both the Meadow and the Canyon. At the end of the year, we will have a grand finale raffle for the year’s grand prize wine! *The fine print: wine must be purchased from the wine list and consumed at the club and entrants must be of legal drinking age to participate.
ALL MAGNUMS 1.5 liter Bottles
2017 Orin Swift, Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon (92WS $150) - Meadow & Canyon
July Raffle
2014 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Retail $150) - Meadow 2011 Taylor Lane Pinot Noir Belle Glos (Retail $250) – Canyon 2015 Austin Hope, Cabernet Sauvignon - (97WE Retail $150) (Signed Copies ) - Meadow & Canyon
August Raffle
COME AND PURCHASE ANY BOTTLE OF WINE TO BE ENTERED INTO THE JULY RAFFLE! *
September Raffle
October Raffle 2017 Daou “Soul of The Lion”– (Retail $200) – Meadow
Grand Prize 2019 Daou Patrimony - $500 - THE PATRIMONY COLLECTION
The fruit grown on the PATRIMONY Estate produces unfathomably high phenolics, the natural compounds responsible for the composition and marriage of color, taste and texture. This fruit is masterfully guided by Daniel Daou’s palate as well as his proprietary fermentation techniques. He relies on native yeasts cultured from DAOU Mountain, which create pure wines that never rely on acidification or other adulterations. All of this enables PATRIMONY to achieve what some might consider impossible: wines of immense power and longevity without any sacrifice of elegance, freshness or balance.
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
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DINING
Hello Forest Highlands,
WELCOME OUR NEW CATERING AND EVENTS
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to our wonderful membership. My name is Tanner McNeese and I am starting my 1st season as the Catering and Events Manager, however I am continuing into my 6th season with Forest Highlands. I was originally hired in April of 2019 as a valet for our Canyon clubhouse, right after I graduated from Coconino High School. I am a fourth generation Flagstaff local and am very proud to call this beautiful mountain town my home. Both of my parents graduated from NAU where my Dad went on to teach at Coconino High School for 25 years before recently retiring. My Mom went onto work at Flagstaff Medical Center for 26 years before her current job with NAU. My sister graduated from Arizona State University with a Masters of Sports Law and Business and currently works for the Phoenix Suns. After graduation, I worked the 2019 season before leaving to attend the University of Arizona to obtain a degree in Psychology. However, COVID-19 occurred during my freshman year, and it resulted in me moving back to Flagstaff, while still attending online classes at U of A. I continued to work each season at Forest Highlands and started to grow a deep interest in the Hospitality Industry. At the start of my 3rd season, I moved into our Catering department to assist with the various food outlets we provided during the COVID season. The moment I started working in Catering and Events, I knew it was the industry that I needed to be a part of, and it was the educational degree I wanted to achieve. At the time, the University of Arizona did not offer a hospitality degree, which is when I then made my decision to transfer to Northern Arizona University and obtain my HRM degree. After coming back home and before starting my fourth season, I went to Mark and told him about my interest in the Food & Beverage internship program. After various interviews and discussions, I became the Intern for the 2022 season and am forever grateful for the opportunity. If I wasn’t already confident in my choice to pursue a career in this industry, the experience and knowledge I gained after my completing my internship with Forest Highlands only further reassured my choice.
MANAGER; TANNER MCNEESE
continued on the next page >>>
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
DINING
With all this said, I would like to extend my gratitude to our membership for the continued
development opportunities I’ve been afforded. I look forward to being a part of a remarkable 2024 season and continuing the overall growth of not only our Food and Beverage department, but Forest Highlands as a club.
DRESS CODE REMINDERS Canyon Clubhouse - Evening Dress Guidelines • Dress Denim (No hole, rips or tears) are acceptable in all dining areas, including the Canyon Dining Room. • Nice shorts are acceptable in the Canyon Patio and Lounge area. Shorts are not acceptable in the Canyon Dining room.* • Hats and visors are NOT permitted in the Canyon Dining room. Hats are permitted in the lounge and on the patio and must have the bill facing forward. • T-shirts are NEVER appropriate attire in the evening at the Canyon Clubhouse. Meadow Clubhouse • Cut-offs, gym shorts, short shorts, sweat pants, sweat suits, halter tops, tube tops, swim suits, exposed midriff wear, muscle shirts are NEVER acceptable in any dining room or patio. • Nice shorts of appropriate lenght and jeans are permitted at any meal period at the Meadow Clubhouse. • Athleisure is appropriate attire at the Meadow Clubhouse during the day and in the evening. Athleisure outfits are yoga pants, tights and leggings that "look like athletic wear" and are characterized as "fashionable, dressed up sweats and exercise clothing. • Finished collared shirts are strongly suggested for evening dining but suitable T-shirts will be permitted. Please note that some t-shirts may be deemed inappropriate at any time because of their content. (Suitable is defined as not dirty, ragged, torn, or degrading of others. Any clothing that presents an unkempt appearance will be deemed inappropriate in any area of the Club).
Warm regards, Tanner McNeese
CLOSURE NOTICE
Canyon will be closed for dinner on Saturday, July 13 due to the Foundation Gala.
SAVE THE DATES
DUELING PIANOS Saturday, August 10 • 8pm
Canyon Clubroom $75 per person A great date night! Join us for this high energy, evening as each entertainer performs songs directly from the audience’s requests (bring cash!) creating their own special blend of hilarity, excitement and musical favorites.
CHEF EDDIE’S THIRD COOKING CLASS Sunday, August 25 • 5pm Meadow Patio Registration opens July 27
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
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FOUNDATION
July is usually the busiest month for the Foundation and this year is no exception. Both the Denise Martinez Memorial Tournament and the 25th Anniversary Gala are almost here and we are encouraged by the participation of the Forest Highlands community in both events. Your support for these events and for the Foundation enhances our reputation as the only private golf club in Arizona with a robust program of giving back to the community in which we live. Forest Highlands is a better club and Flagstaff is a better city because of you. The Foundation also is active behind the scenes in July. During the same week as the Denise Martinez Tournament and the Gala, the grant committee will be having its “marathon,” followed by “horse trading” with the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) and our local philanthropic foundation partners. During June the ACF has organized Zoom interviews with all the nonprofits that have applied for grants this year. We attend all the interviews in the areas of health care, social service, education and youth. At the marathon we allot how much we are going to donate at horse trading. This year the amount will be about $300,000, and we will have the actual figure for you next month. At horse trading we negotiate the amount that each local foundation will give to each nonprofit. As many of the foundations have charitable interests dissimilar to ours, most often almost all the applications in all areas are at least partially funded. Funds are distributed at an informal but festive award ceremony later in the year. Several members of the grant committee recently had the opportunity to make a site visit to Northland Hospice. The history of the Foundation is deeply intertwined with the Hospice, and we have a long record of collaboration. Olivia White House, the inpatient hospice with 10 beds, was built with funds contributed by the Forest Highlands Foundation under the leadership of Ray White, whose granddaughter Olivia is the namesake of the hospice.
Important for our philanthropic consideration, Northland is the only nonprofit hospice in Northern Arizona. It provides inpatient and outpatient support for patients and families without regard for ability to pay by offering physical, emotional and spiritual comfort. A recent feature of the hospice is establishment of a meditation garden (see photo) as a spiritual and contemplative resource for patients, visitors, and staff. We’ll be back next month with further information about the results of horse trading, a wrap-up of this month’s events, and a preview of “coming attractions.” As always, if you have any questions about the Foundation, or if you wish to volunteer for our board or participate in our activities or those of any of our nonprofits, please contact me at beigestein@gmail.com or our Chairman, Marcus Sipolt at msipolt@blindsidesbc.com.
Thank you. Ethan Braunstein, Past Chair, Forest Highlands Foundation
If you would like to make a gift, volunteer or learn more about the Forest Highlands Foundation click here.
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
FOUNDATION
Get ready to swing into action and rock the greens at the Annual Denise Martinez Memorial Pro-Am Tournament! This electrifying event isn’t just about golf—it’s about making a difference in the greater Flagstaff community through the Forest Highlands Foundation! Our Foundation is dedicated to harnessing the incredible generosity of the Forest Highlands community and directing it toward the Flagstaff non-profit organizations that efficiently and effectively serve our neighbors in need. Get ready for a Rock ‘n Roll time like no other! Save the date and join us for an unforgettable day of golf and making a positive impact in our community! See you on the greens! We still have a few sponsorship opportunities available!
MONDAY, JULY 8 SHOTGUN AT 10:30AM AT THE MEADOW COURSE
EVENT DETAILS
SIGN-UP FORM
SPONSORSHIP DETAILS
SPONSORSHIP FORM
SPECIAL AUCTION ITEM! > Bullet Strat Squire Fender Guitar
I played with Denise at Forest Highlands and took lessons from her. She was one of my favorite people and a shining star in Arizona’s golf galaxy. I miss her. - Alice Cooper
Guitar signed by: Alice Cooper, Alex Lifeson (RUSH), Tommy Thayer (KISS), Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Neal Smith (Alice Cooper Band), Frank Sidoris (Slash), Jeff Allen (Comedian)
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
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FOUNDATION
LIVE AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE
• Castle Hot Springs Two
Night Stay with Helicopter Transportation for Two Guests
• Sea Dream Yacht Club Seven-Day Mediterranean Voyage • Forest Highlands Golf Cart Fees Paid for Entire 2024 Season • Arizona Cardinals Club Cabana Package with 12 Game Tickets and 6 Parking Passes • Chef Eddie Matney In-Home Dinner • Forest Highlands Firehouse Chili Dinner • LeRoy Neiman "Big Time Golf Suite" Framed Serigraphs • ...and so many more items in the silent auction!
Help us celebrate 25 years of giving back to the Flagstaff community at the 2024 Forest Highlands Foundation Gala, our first to be held since 2019! Join us for an elegant cocktail reception and dinner at the Canyon Clubhouse. Bid on over 50 fabulous silent auction items and be there to participate in a live auction of amazing trips and other treasures. Truly a “not to be missed” event.
Online registration is open
RSVP NOW
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
FOUNDATION
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GALA A GALA…SOUNDS FANCY. WHAT DO I WEAR? We know how casual everyone is up here. But this is the Foundation’s 25th anniversary! We hope you’ll consider cocktail attire for this event. Ties for gentlemen are optional.
Bidding on auction items is really where this system shines. This year you’ll be able to see the silent auction items online and bid using your mobile device. Silent auction bidding will open about a week before the Gala and conclude the evening of the Gala, July 13. You’ll be able to track bidding on items you’re really interested in to make sure you don’t miss out. It’s easy and it’s slick. You’ll be receiving more information about the silent auction later via email. CAN I PUT THIS ON MY CLUB CHARGE…. REGISTRATION AND AUCTION BIDDING? Unfortunately, no. When you register via the secure GiveSmart link, it will ask you for a credit card to which your dinner registration will be charged. Similarly, if you wish to participate in the silent or live auction, your credit card must be entered in advance. If you are a silent or live auction bid winner, your card will be automatically charged. No need to follow-up separately with payment. It’s a seamless, secure and accurate system. WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFO? Contact Gala chairpersons, Michelle Arena (marena3008@gmail.com) or Phyllis Banucci (pbanucci@gmail.com).
HOW MUCH IS IT TO ATTEND? Ticket prices are $325 per person.
SOUNDS LIKE FUN…AND A WORTHY CAUSE. WHEN CAN I REGISTER? Registration opened June 1 so you can register now. You should have received an invitation via email with a registration link to GiveSmart, an online fundraising management system. And you’ll want to register as soon as possible. Past Foundation dinners have sold out quickly. Seating is limited to only 180 guests. REGISTERING ON GIVESMART? THIS IS SOMETHING NEW….. GiveSmart is a comprehensive fundraising tool that allows us to integrate event registration and auction bidding in a secure and efficient platform. No need to follow-up for your table number. This will be communicated to you on your smart phone. When you arrive, an easy online self-check-in via your phone lets us know you’re here so no standing in registration lines.
DONATE NOW
Click the button above if you’re feeling the spirit of giving and want to support this incredible event or contribute directly to the Foundation.
Thank you for joining us in our mission to uplift our community! Every donation, big or small, fuels our efforts to create positive change and spread hope.
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
23
GOLF
COUPLES INVITATIONAL
REMINDER!
Make sure to use your Golf Shop Credit Book as it will expire the end of the year, December 31, 2024.
Thank you to all of this year's participants in The Couples Invitational. We had FUN, plenty of impressive food, and even some great golf shots! Congratulations to all of our 2024 Champions!
UPCOMING EVENTS
RESULTS
July 4 Hickory Shaft Tournament
July 5 Callaway Fitting Day
July 6 Ping Fitting Day:
July 8 Denise Martinez Memorial Pro Am
July 13 Titleist Fitting Day
Due to the first rainstorm of the season, we had to cancel the championship shootout. We were able to crown all of the flight champions after 36 holes of competition. Thanks to everyone who played in the 1st Annual Weiskopf Member Member! 1ST ANNUAL WEISKOPF MEMBER MEMBER!
July 14 Couples Nine and Dine
July 15-18 Ladies Swingfest
July 27-28 Club Championships
RESULTS
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VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
GOLF
WEEKEND TEE TIMES DURING MONSOON SEASON (July 6 - August 24)
SATURDAYS Canyon:
Normal Tee Times
Meadow:
Double Tee 7:55am-9:45am (Members Only) Double tee 12:15pm-2:05pm (Up to 3 Guests)
SUNDAY Canyon:
8:30am Open Play Shotgun (Members Only) 2:00pm Open Play Shotgun (Up to 3 Guests)
Meadow :
Normal Tee Times
ADVANCED TEE TIMES
Now 7 days a week!
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: ATT@FHGC.COM
**New email address: att@fhgc.com**
Every Membership account will have 2 Advance Tee Time requests which can be made during the 2023 golf season. The ATT program allows members to request a tee time up to 14 days in advance, by email rather than Foretees, any day of the week. The Golf Shop will reserve 10 tee times per day (5 at Canyon, 5 at Meadow) Monday - Friday, on the hour from 10am to 2pm. For Weekends and Holidays (Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Monday’s), ATTs will be limited to 6 times per day (3 per course) beginning at noon, guest restrictions still apply. Requests can only be made via email to: ATT@fhgc.com beginning at 7am sharp, 14 days or less in advance of the requested tee time. The request must list all 4 full names and identify status of each player - ie guest, immediate family guest, member, etc. and must include AT LEAST ONE GUEST’S NAME.
If more requests are received than available ATTs, a waitlist will be created using the email timestamp. If ATTs remain available at the 7 day mark, they will be opened to the entire membership on Foretees.
Further details and cancellation policy: Once an ATT is reserved, it may be cancelled up to 7 days before the date of play and released to the waitlist/Foretees system and be used again at another time. If the ATT is cancelled or guest names are replaced with members between 1 and 7 days, the ATT is considered used. On the day of play any changes from Guest to member will result in the member being charged an accompanied Guest Fee of $180 per player. This should keep the ATT requests limited to those who deem it especially important.
VOICE IN THE PINES • JULY 2024
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