IN THE PINES VOLUME 30 - ISSUE 3 APRIL 2023
THE FOREST HIGHLANDS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
THE OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE FOREST HIGHLANDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Leadership Foundation Club News
2 6 8
Golf
14 18 20 21
Security
24 26
Recreation Fitness/Spa
Realty
Dining
11
Racquet
LEADERSHIP
At the recent March 27th Board meeting committee rosters were approved for the summer season. Thank you to the many members who answered the call and submitted volunteer forms to serve on our committees for 2023. Knowing how busy our members are and how valuable their time is, it is always rewarding when we receive interest from the membership to serve in this volunteer capacity. Due to the number of volunteer forms received, we were not able to add everyone who volunteered to a committee this year. Member input and feedback is critical to the success of our operations and our future so if you were not selected to serve, we hope you will always feel welcome to participate in board and member meetings, surveys and other means of member communication so we can continue in our pursuit of constant improvement. The Association Rules, Information and Fees for 2023 were approved by the Board at the March 27 meeting and are available on the Member Website. Rule additions and changes were made to the following areas: 1.0 Introduction; 2.1 Code of Conduct; 3.10 Alarm Monitoring; 3.12 Service Requests & Key Sign Outs; 3.13 Access Control; 3.18 Pine Needle and Tree Limb Pickup; 4.6 On/ Off Premise Consumption; 4.8 Catering; 4.9 Ticket Disputes (new); 5.20 Advanced Tee Time Program; 5.21 Golf Shop Credit Book (new); 6.3 Kids Camp and Recreation Programs; 6.4 Before and After Care/Babysitting; 7.1 Association Fees; 7.2 Security Charges; 7.4 Recreation Charges. New Rules and changes within an existing Rule are noted with yellow highlighting to make them easy to find. See page 9 for a highlight of the Rule changes. Thank You Committee Volunteers! Thank you to the many members who answered the call and submitted volunteer forms to serve on our committees for 2023.
Dirck Iacobelli, Board President Patty Ashbrook, General Manager / COO
The Spring Equinox on March 20 officially signaled the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. After the winter we have had here in Northern AZ we are certainly looking forward to longer days and warmer temperatures and they can’t come soon enough. As of the date of this article (March 30) we are under another winter weather advisory with 3-5” of snow in the forecast. Currently the majority of our 80 acres of golf course turf still have 34”-46” of snow. Some ground is exposed but it remains very deep in the shadier areas of the courses. The snow is too deep to even get our tractor out to clear the cart paths so there are many areas on the course that we cannot yet access which means our maintenance crew cannot begin to perform the pre-season tasks necessary to ready the courses for play. We have no choice but to postpone our Golf Season Opening Day for the first time in our history. Until the arrival of consistent warmer weather the Board has established May 12 as an initial course opening date. We will need a minimum of 2 weeks once we can actually see the courses to determine what condition they are in, and we will certainly re-evaluate opening sooner if the weather cooperates. We will keep you updated via the weekly emails and text notifications. The arrival of the print version of the 2023-2024 Season Calendar of Events is anticipated to be in your mailboxes by next week. As in prior years, the Calendar is packed full of important information on the special events we have planned as well as specific deadlines for advance sign ups and reservations. The e-version of the Calendar is available now on the Member Central page of the website and reservations for special events will be available on the website Calendar as they are opened. Regardless of a delayed opening of the courses, apart from the snackbars, the operation of the clubhouses and all other facilities, activities and events will occur as shown in the Calendar. To assist in mitigating labor expense, we may modify some dining hours of operation based on how busy or not the facilities are in early May.
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LEADERSHIP
Capital project updates: The pickleball project is the primary focus for all of the subs working on our projects in order to combat all of the snow delays we have experienced and the excessive amount of mud from the warmer temperatures. The current timeline continues to reflect the goal for substantial completion of the courts and parking lots by early May with fencing complete by May 15. The final component will be the temperature-dependent coating on the courts, so our conservative outlook is to have the courts available by mid-June. The renovation of the sales offices and pickleball clubhouse shows completion by the end of April since this is all interior work. Contract savings to date through value engineering remains slightly over $227K. The landscaping contractor has been selected and WLB is working to incorporate the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee into the site design for enhancing the landscaping and creating a more natural look & feel. The excessive snow has delayed the completion of the expanded patio at the Meadow, pushing it back to April 26. The completion of the restroom at the Covered Bridge Park is also being impacted by the excessive snow and the high priority of the pickleball project. It is estimated the restroom will not be complete until late June. As mentioned in the January VIP, a portable restroom will be available and the pond will remain accessible during construction. Also noted in the January VIP, construction of the new tennis pavilion was postponed to Fall 2023.
SAVE THE DATE
ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING Saturday, May 27 • 3pm at the Canyon Clubhouse and via zoom. The meeting will include a state of the Association report by the President, a financial recap of 2022 results and 2023 year-to-date by the Treasurer, a real estate review by Silverleaf Real Estate Group, and a report by the Foundation President, along with a Q&A opportunity at the end of the meeting.
COMPLETION % AND DATES All information true at the time of print. All dates are subject to change
COMPLETION DATES
April 10, 2023
Public Works Office Building
April 26, 2023
Meadow Patio, Fire Wall & View Enhancement
May 1, 2023
Pickleball Clubhouse/Realty Renovation
May 15, 2023
Pickleball Fencing
June 16, 2023
Pickleball Courts & Landscaping
July 15, 2023
Covered Bridge Park Restroom
May 31, 2024
Existing Tennis Building Expansion
PROGRESS
0%
20%
40% 60% 80%
100%
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LEADERSHIP
As communicated in the weekly email on March 23, Steven Mauser, our Meadow Head Golf Pro has accepted the position of Head Professional with Flagstaff Ranch. His last day will be April 3. Steven has been with FH since 2011 advancing from a seasonal Asst Golf Pro for 3 years to First Asst at the Canyon from 2017-2019 and as the Head Golf Professional for the Meadow since 2020. This is a great opportunity for Steven’s career in the golf industry, and we wish him much success! Meghan Whitaker will be promoted to the Meadow Head Professional position. Please congratulate both these employees on their new roles. Registration for many of our big summer events open throughout the month of April. We anticipate the most popular events to sell out quickly so please be sure to mark your calendars or set an alarm for your favorite events. Registration for the Couples Invitational begins April 3 and the Ladies Swingfest begins April 10. Both can be made through ForeTees or by calling the Golf Shop. Registration for the Whitehall Lane Wine Dinner on May 18 opens April 18, all Holiday BBQ’s open April 28 , and the Taste of FH on June 10 also opens April 28 and can be made on the member website Event Calendar. This has truly been the most unusual winter I have experienced in my 30+ years in Flagstaff. We are very grateful for the moisture in our forests and reservoirs, but I am ready for summer with its warm sunshine, green grass and the sounds of our members and staff returning to our Paradise in the Pines. Please be sure to watch your email and text for further updates related to Opening Day.
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
Patricia Ashbrook General Manager/COO
Anne Bradstreet
On behalf of Club Leaders Forum and the esteemed Advisory Board, a video presentation of congratulations has been prepared to share with Club Leadership, Members and Staff as your Club is recognized as a Platinum Club of America® 2023-24 Honorable Mention, excelling in the Seven Selection Criteria. Please click the button above to view your special message. WATCH
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LEADERSHIP
NEW MEMBERS
DON’T MISS OUT!
TO STAY CURRENT ON WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE CLUB SIGN UP FOR TEXT ALERTS.
TEXT EACH OF THE FOLLOWING KEYWORDS TO 40691 dining golf recreation fitness fhgctennis fhgcpickleball Ensure that your text doesn’t auto-correct to put a space between the letters. It has to be an exact match!
CLICK HERE FOR PROPERTY WIDE TRASH LOCATIONS
PINE NEEDLE BAG PICK-UP
Pine needle bag pick-up is now only once a month, the first Tuesday of the month from November 1st to April 30th.
TRASH PICKUP Mondays
HOME RECYCLING PICK UP every other Monday
2023 SCHEDULE
August 14th and 28th September 11th and 25th October 9th and 23rd November 6th and 20th December 4th and 18th
April 10th and 24th May 8th and 22nd June 5th and 19th July 3rd, 17th and 31st
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FOUNDATION
Forest Highlands Foundation
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2022 Through the generosity of our members, the Foundation was able to raise a total of $390,0865. We wish to acknowledge and thank the Forest Highlands members for their contributions during the year. You have made a significant, positive impact on those organizations that provide for the well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of the Flagstaff community. The Foundation and our grantees express their heartfelt gratitude.
FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ONLINE SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER
Each month, through June, Forest Highlands Foundation will be auctioning a donated item. The auction proceeds will support non-profits serving the greater Flagstaff area.
This month’s item is a pair of 2016 United States Secret Service Presidential Campaign Cufflinks donated by Robert Gault
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW THE FULL REPORT
To bid, click on the button below.
BID
2016 United States Secret Service Presidential Campaign Cufflinks donated by Robert Gault.
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FOUNDATION
SIGNUP
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CLUB NEWS
INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE – ALWAYS CALL/ EMAIL TO CONFIRM.
DESIGN REVIEW (DRC UPDATE) 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.
Forest Highlands Design Review (928) 525-9014 or designreview@fhgc.com Forest Highlands Design Review Consultant Pat Rehse: designreview@fhgc.com
10
DUE DATE
PLAN REQUIREMENTS
SMALL PROJECTS
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.
ONLINE ONLY PLEASE!
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.
Plan submittals are required to have a digital copy (PDF). Digital copies can be sent to designreview@fhgc.com
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 > > >
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The board has recently approved modifications to the following sections of the Development Standards:
PLEASE NOTE
Section 4.9 “Exterior Colors” Section 4.13 “Ziplines & Other Structures” Section 5.1 “Building Envelope” Section 6.2 “Prohibited Plants” Addition of Cul-De-Sac Beautification Program Addition of Approved Paint Colors
Section 2 “Design Review Procedures” Section 2.2.7 “Preliminary Design Submittal” Section 2.4.6 “Final Design Submittal Section 3.6 “Utilities” Section 3.9 “Mechanical and Utility Meter Equipment” Section 4.7 “Entrances”
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CLUB NEWS
The Association Rules, Information and Fees for 2023 were approved by the Board at the March 27 meeting.
Rule additions and changes were made to the following areas: 1.0 Introduction; 2.1 Code of Conduct; 3.10 Alarm Monitoring; 3.12 Service Requests & Key Sign Outs; 3.13 Access Control; 3.18 Pine Needle and Tree Limb Pickup; 4.6 On/Off Premise Consumption; 4.8 Catering; 4.9 Ticket Disputes (new); 5.20 Advanced Tee Time Program; 5.21 Golf Shop Credit Book (new); 6.3 Kids Camp and Recreation Programs; 6.4 Before and After Care/Babysitting; 7.1 Association Fees; 7.2 Security Charges; 7.4 Recreation Charges.
Below we highlight some of the rule additions and changes. To view all the changes; please click the document icon >>>
3.10 Alarm Monitoring For the protection, safety and welfare of the Membership and our most valuable asset; our Community, all home alarm systems are required to be programmed to detect fire/smoke and conduct daily test signals. Additionally, all alarm systems are to be monitored by the Forest Highlands Security Department. The Alarm Monitoring Program fee is charged to each member account. Please refer to Rules Section 7.2 for the fee schedule. 3.12 Service Requests and Key Sign Outs Many Members make special requests each month that require a security officer to make a special trip to a Member’s home. These requests include, but are not limited to, turning on/off water, adjusting heat in the home or the water heater, turn on hot tubs, etc. In addition, many members keep a copy of the key to their home with the Security Office. This has been convenient for allowing guests, contractors or service companies access to the member’s home when the member is away. Each time a key is signed out to a contractor, guest, renter, or service company, a Security Officer must make a special trip to the member’s home to disarm/arm the alarm system and perform a security check of the home. Due to the substantial amount of personnel time and labor dollars required to perform these requests and key sign outs, it is necessary to charge a nominal fee for these special requests and key sign out services. Services requested to be completed on the same day of the request are subject to a higher fee and are not eligible for a free House Watch request 5.20 Advanced Tee Time Program Every Membership account will have 2 Advance Tee Time requests which can be made throughout the 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, Monday-Sunday. The Pro Shop will reserve 10 tee times per day (5 at Canyon, 5 at Meadow) Monday-Friday, on the hour from 10:00am to 2:00pm. For weekends and Holidays (Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Monday’s), ATT’s will be limited to 6 times per day, (3 per course) beginning at noon, guest restrictions still apply. 5.21 Golf Shop Credit Book Members who earn Golf Shop Credit for tournament winnings have an opportunity to use the credit book money to purchase merchandise in either golf shop
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CLUB NEWS
NEW ZEALAND HIGHLIGHTS OF OCT 21 - 30, 2023
Premier Excursions invites the members of Forest Highlands to experience exhilarating New Zealand on this captivating 10-day adventure featuring the country’s top-ranked golf courses, iconic attractions, and gourmet food and wine. Destinations include; The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, ranked as one of the top two hotels in New Zealand by Travel + Leisure. Queenstown, the adventure captial, with an array of action-packed activities such as the Milford Sound scenic helicopter flight, the Shotover Jet boat navigating the narrow Shotover Canyons, wine tour of the renowned Gibbston Valley, and more. And finally, Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands with more world-class golf and adventures including sailing, kayaking, and fishing to name but a few.
DESTINATION N O 1
DESTINATION N O 2
DESTINATION N O 3
HAWKE’S BAY
QUEENSTOWN
BAY OF ISLANDS
THE FARM AT CAPE KIDNAPPERS 3 NIGHTS AT
3 NIGHTS AT
3 NIGHTS AT
SOFITEL QUEENSTOWN
THE LODGE AT KAURI CLIFFS
TRAVEL DATES OCTOBER 21 ST - 30 TH , 2023
DURATION 10 DAYS
REMAINING AVAILABILITY 4 ROOMS
desi@premierafrica.com +1 866 598 8484
Contact Desi Geldenhuys from Premier Africa for more information or to reserve your place
VOICE IN THE PINES | APRIL 2023 10
DINING
JAMIE ADAMS CANYON F&B MANAGER Meet the F&B Staff
SOUP & CHILI AT THE MEADOW Thursdays & Fridays 11am - 5pm
Hello Forest Highlands members, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Jamie Adams and I am starting my second season as the Food and Beverage Manager at the Canyon Clubhouse. I started my hospitality journey in 1982 while in high school as a houseman at The Squaw Peak Pointe Resort in Phoenix. I moved up to room service manager after the Hilton takeover and left Squaw Peak in 1995 to move to San Diego. While in San Diego, I found I enjoyed the beach life and was lucky enough to be employed by John Gardiner’s Resort and Tennis Club in Del Mar and fell in love with gourmet food and beverage. While in San Diego I got married and moved back to Phoenix to start a family. I was blessed with two daughters Kaylyn now 30 years old, Danielle now 28 years old and one son Jacob now 24 years old. Jacob spent last summer here at Forest Highlands managing our food truck outlet. I started my private golf club journey as a halfway house cook at Troon Golf and Country Club, working my way up to Clubhouse Manager. I was hired by Moon Valley Country Club as their Food and Beverage Director, then went to Arizona Country Club as a Food and Beverage Manager and ended as the Food and Beverage Director. My first public golf club experience was with the M Group at McDowell Mountain Golf Club. Due to several life events, I moved to Flagstaff in July 2019 and was offered an opportunity at Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club where I worked through the pandemic. I briefly left the club business as the General Manager at Firehouse Subs here in Flagstaff, but I did miss the club business and was lucky enough to be offered the position as the Canyon Food and Beverage Manager at Forest Highlands. My first season at FH was one of the most enjoyable in my career. I had never had the opportunity to manage H-2B Visa staff previously and I really enjoyed getting to know them and their backgrounds. Haley Edwards and I were able to develop one of the best teams I have ever had the joy of managing. If I am not working you can find me hiking the forest with my two dogs, Shady and Cain or on the disc golf course. I also enjoy regular golf though I am still not that good even after all these years of playing. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you during this upcoming season so if you see me at the Canyon please say hello so we can get to know each other.
Come on by and help yourself to some winter comfort food as we offer Chef Fred’s Soup & Chili every Thursday & Friday throughout the winter season! _____ The Meadow Clubhouse bar will also be open so enjoy a cocktail as well. No reservation necessary.
WINTER HAPPY HOUR
Wine flies when you're having fun!
Join us at the Meadow Bar Friday & Saturdays 5pm-6pm for our Winter Happy Hour! Featuring rotating $10 appetizers along with $3 Draft Beers, Featured Wine Special, and Drink Special.
Cheers, Jamie
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DINING
DINING MEADOW 952-525-5205
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 MEADOW: 952-525-5205 MEADOW WINTER HOURS Dine-In Service Available Friday, Saturday & Sunday
2023 EVENT REGISTRATIONS
Registration for the BBQs and majority of our events will open on Friday, April 28.
THURSDAY
Soup & Chili • 11am - 5pm Bar • 11am - 5pm
Registration for Chef Eddie’s Cooking Classes will be available 30 days prior to the event date.
FRIDAY
Soup & Chili • 11am - 5pm Bar • 11am - 5pm Dinner • 5pm - 8pm
*SATURDAY
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. CANCELLATION POLICY
Brunch • 11am - 3pm Dinner • 5pm - 8pm
SUNDAY
Brunch • 9am - 2pm
* Pizza Takeout Menu available
Brunch Sundays at the Meadow Clubhouse 9am-2pm Sunday
MEADOW MENUS
TO STAY CURRENT ON DINING AND EVENT DETAILS, SIGN UP FOR DINING TEXT ALERTS. TO OPT IN, TEXT “ DINING ” TO 40691 Ensure that your text doesn’t auto-correct to put a space between the letters. It has to be an exact match!
Celebrate the end of the weekend by enjoying a little Sunday Funday to close out the end of your week. Join us for a delicious assortment of breakfast and lunch items and enjoy “Bottomless Bubbles”, our Meadow Mimosas, all brunch long!
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DINING
Easter Brunch Sunday, April 9 10am – 1pm
MENU
We are egg-cited to continue this annual tradition and welcome all to our signature Easter Brunch!
There will be a special appearance by the Easter Bunny and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids!
Register online via the members.fhgc.com website or call 928.525.5205.
KASSIDY’S KAFE Saturday, April 8 8 - 10:30am Meadow Clubhouse
REGISTER
MENU
Orders must be placed by Friday, April 7 at 12 noon. 928.525.1100
Saturday, June 10 5:30pm
***PLEASE NOTE*** Registration for The Taste of Forest Highlands will open to MEMBERS ONLY on Friday, April 28 at 9am. This will allow all of our members to have a chance to register for this very popular event.
We will then open registration to extended family or other guests on Friday, May 5 at 9am.
Registration must be made online via the members.fhgc.com website. We are unable to register members via phone, email or voice mail but would be happy to answer any registration questions or issues.
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GOLF
TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION OPENING IN APRIL
Saturday, April 29
COUPLES INVITATIONAL June 7 – 9 Registration opens April 3 LADIES’ SWINGFEST (MEMBER GUEST): July 10 - 13 Registration opens April 10
Join the Weiskopf's Warriors us as we honor the memory of Tom Weiskopf. Tom Weiskopf was selected as the sole architect for the Meadow Course. Read more about his contribution to what we now know and love as the Meadow Golf Course. Tom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2020, and he passed away on August 20, 2022. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers, at just 11%. This deadly disease has stolen our best and our brightest, but it can’t take away our determination. Join his wife Laurie Wesikopf as she join forces with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) by putting together a team for PANCAN’s Purple Stride, a 5K event on April 29, 2023, in Scottsdale. Purple Stride brings survivors, caregivers, families, friends, researchers, and healthcare professionals together on ONE BIG DAY through 60 events across the country to raise money awareness for pancreatic cancer. Tom was a fighter and, to honor him, I am continuing the battle and will be participating in AZ at Salt River Fields to hopefully shine a bigger light on the disease that took Tom and so many more.
NEW DATE! LADIES’ GUEST DAY AT CANYON June 1 Registration opens April 12 MEN’S GUEST DAY AT CANYON June 12 Registration opens April 12 MEN’S GUEST DAY AT MEADOW June 12 Registration opens April 12
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Learn more about how you can contribute to the legendary Tom Weiskopf by clicking the buttons below.
MEN’S INDIVIDUAL MATCH PLAY Season Long beginning May 29 NEW EVENT! LADIES SEASON LONG ECLECTIC Season Long beginning May 29
Walk with Laurie In Tom’s honor ANYWHERE. WALK
DONATE Make a donation to support the cause through our team
MEN’S TEAM MATCH PLAY Season Long beginning June 3
DENISE MARTINEZ PRO-AM June 19
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GOLF
Friday, June 16 • 5PM Canyon Driving Range
Cocktails / Dinner Service Begins at 5PM First Tee Off at 5:30PM (with program & Champions Cup presentation to follow)
Canyon Driving Range during Cooldown!
Hosted by Forest Highlands Youth Leadership Board
This year the Forest Highlands Youth Leadership Board is paying homage to the greatest show on grass! We are creating our very own version of the Phoenix Open’s 16th Hole with all the excitement and drama that goes with it - and it’s all for a good cause! Come enjoy this special evening on the driving range. Dining tables anchored by the “Top Gun Bar” will surround the players’ tee box giving you upfront access to cheer or jeer your favorite Forest Highlands gun slingers as they face off in this one-of- a-kind closest to the pin style event. It’s time to find out who really is Best of the Best. The ‘Top Gun’ with the highest score will receive a commemorative plaque and have his or her name proudly displayed on the Top Gun Champions Cup in the Canyon Clubhouse for all to admire for years to come.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES & TICKETS
CLICK HERE
SPONSORSHIP DETAILS
CLICK HERE
Enriching lives through adaptive recreation. That is our mission and that is what our staff and volunteers believe in. We facilitate recreational activities for all people of all abilities. HCAS believes in the power and benefits of outdoor recreation and is creating a community where everyone has equal access to enjoy the best Northern Arizona has to offer!
HIGH COUNTRY ADAPTIVE SPORTS
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GOLF
we have set a record for most consecutive days with at least 10 inches of snow on the ground.
Bill Abbey, Director of Agronomy & Grounds
GOLF COURSE CONDITIONS UPDATE
March 23, 2023
In case you are not aware, this has been one heck of winter! In fact, we are experiencing snow flurries today as I write this. I have worked at Forest Highlands for 33 years and this is the most snow I have ever seen. I have two interesting points of data to share about our winter of 2022/23: Through March 23, this is the second snowiest winter on record (101 years of data), trailing only the winter of 1948/49. We are only 4 inches shy of eclipsing that record; Also, we have set a record for most consecutive days with at least 10 inches of snow on the ground. The new record is 59 days, surpassing the previous record set in 2010. Forest Highlands currently has snow depths ranging from 0” to 40”. There is some exposed turf on #9 right side rough and fairway on the Canyon Course, but #9 green still has 40”. As some of you know, the incredible snow depths have made driving around Forest Highlands difficult. Many of the roads were limited to one lane wide at times, a result of snow berms on the roadsides which made our snowplows basically ineffective. Also, the snow depth and snow load on buildings and houses have caused extensive damage. We have had two roof collapses, numerous decks damaged, and many homes have suffered interior damage due to ice dams on roofs and the resulting leaks into the homes. Needless to say, this winter has been tough on everyone.
Cart Path & Beast #9 Canyon
I’d like to give a brief update on what all this snow means for your golf courses and how we intend to get them ready for play. First, there has been damage associated with our winter season. Many trees have fallen as have many large branches broken off.
Cart Path Erosion # 17 Canyon
Broken Limbs #9 Canyon
Flooding has occurred on Canyon holes #9, 17 and 18 because of rainfall on top of our incredible snowpack. Cart paths have been eroded, bunkers have been washed out and debris is strewn everywhere from the flooding. We have tried to clear cart paths of snow by using our tractor/ loader and this has caused some damage to the sides of cart paths. All this damage is repairable, and I don’t see this as anything more than a nuisance that we have to deal with.
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GOLF
get an assessment of what we have and what we can do. There is a chance the greens will be in great shape, but there is also a chance that a lot of turf will be damaged. We are planning for any contingency, from sod replacement to overseeding to covering the greens with tarps to promote warmth and quicker healing. My hope is that, for once, we get lucky and all environmental conditions have transpired to have the greens be excellent. Again, just me trying to be optimistic.
Vole Damage
The only issue is that repairing the damage will keep us from doing some needed things on the golf course (when we can finally get on the courses). Because of the extended snow cover and depth, another issue we will face once the snow clears is a turf disease called Snow Mold. In the fall, we treated turf with a fungicide to combat the effects of Snow Mold, but the products have a limited timeframe for viability, and we have exceeded the efficacy of the product. So, snow mold is growing under the snow cover and will continue to do so until the snow is gone. This disease is usually not catastrophic, so I think we will be able to repair the damage in short order. However, there is a chance that some greens will be affected, and greens damage typically takes longer to recover than say, tees or fairways. Another issue we are starting to see is Vole damage. Voles are small field mice that eat turf while scurrying around under snow cover. Usually there are enough predators to keep the voles in check, but with the deep snow, the Coyotes and Hawks and Great Blue Herons cannot get to the voles to have a meal. Again, more of a nuisance than anything. We will repair the damage with mulch and seed, but it may be some time before the damage is completely healed. The biggest issue that is concerning us is the amount of snow and potentially ice on the greens. Ice can have a devastating effect on Poa Annua, which is the type of turf comprising approximately 50% of our greens surface. The greens were protected in fall with a chemical product to combat Snow Mold, but ice is a different story. We have tried to blow the snow off the greens, but with the depth of snow and the consistency of the snow, blowing the snow off is very difficult. We are still trying, but with poor to moderate success at this point. Unfortunately, we won’t know the condition of the greens until the snow is gone and we can
The amount of snow still on the ground here is absolutely amazing. I know everyone will start getting excited to come up and play golf as the temperatures warm up, but we are a long way from seeing green grass, let alone being able to play golf. We may not be able to begin working on the courses until the first week in April, which
Cart Path #4 Canyon
would be three weeks past our average for getting out and starting the pre-season golf course preparations. Please understand that we are dealing with a once in thirty-year winter and we have been unable to access the courses, let alone assess any turf conditions on the golf holes. We are stuck in the twilight zone of trying to push forward as quickly as possible, but also knowing that we have to show some patience because there really is no way to rush things right now. Thanks for your patience with my long winded description of what is going on here at Forest Highlands, and thanks for your patience and understanding while we get the courses ready for the golf season.
Bill Abbey Director of Agronomy & Grounds babbey@fhgc.com
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All Summer Event registration opens April 1st Regular Weekly Programming registration opens 7 days in advance at 7am
RECREATION
FAMILY EVENT!
EASTER EGG HUNT EGG-STRAVAGANZA Sunday, April 9 10am - 1pm (Please arrive at 9:45am for check-in) Price: $40/kid
HOURS OF OPERATION Family Recreation Center Sunday - Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday & Saturday 9am - 8pm Aspen Rec Center Sunday - Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday & Saturday 9am - 8pm *Closed during programs* Pinecone Kids Center Sunday - Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday & Saturday 9am - 8pm *Closed during programs*
Ages 2+ Join us for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Each year the Easter Bunny makes an appearance and hides over 700 eggs at the Meadow!!! Easter Egg Hunt will start promptly at 10am and will be broken into sections based on age. Petting Zoo and Easter arts & crafts will start after the Easter Egg Hunt. This year's event will be held indoors due to snow on the Meadow Lawn. We will be using the Recreation and Fitness Facilities. THE RECREATION AND FITNESS FACILITIES WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE EVENT FROM 8AM-2PM ON EASTER SUNDAY! 2023 CAMP PACKAGES 50 Package $2,250 ($45/camp) 30 Package $1,500 ($50/camp) 15 Package $780 ($52/camp) 10 Package $540 ($54/camp) 5 Package $280 ($56/camp) Single Day (24 Hr registration) $60 Summer Drop in $70/camp Camp packages purchased in 2023 will expire on December 31st, 2023. Packages are non-transferrable & non-refundable.
Spring Camp Saturdays April - May 10am - 3pm Pinecone Kid’s Center Price: See Kid’s Camp packages Ages 4 and up! 2-3 with CIT Camp is sure to keep the kids entertained for the day! We do crafts, play games, visit the parks on property, and sometimes go on field trips. While we still have snow, wear your warmest winter gear in case we decide to hit the best sledding hills Forest Highlands has to offer. Lunch and snacks are provided.. *Outdoor fun weather permitting Kids Party in the Pines Saturday Night Year Round 5 - 8pm During Off Season Pinecone Kid’s Center Price: $35/kid Ages 4 and up! 2-3 with CIT Every Saturday night is a party at the Pinecone Kid’s Center with unique themed activities, crafts, and a movie! Dinner included.
THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSING AT 2PM ON EASTER SUNDAY.
T.G.I.F. Friday Nights Spring, Fall, & Winter 5 - 8pm During Off Season Pinecone Kid’s Center Price: $35/kid Ages 4 and up! 2-3 with CIT Thank goodness it’s Friday, because that means Friday FUN! Come join us every Friday night for a hike, craft, dinner, and movie! Dinner included.
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Call the Recreation Department at (928) 525-9792
RECREATION
CONCIERGE SERVICES
SCHEDULE SERVICE!
DAILY • 9AM-5PM
CONCIERGE FEES All Concierge Service charges are payable through your membership account. Please do not pay cash to Concierge Staff. CANCELLATIONS/BOOKING There will be a half charge if the reservation is NOT canceled 12 hours before the reserved service time. All requests MUST be submitted 24-48 hours in advance to ensure proper staffing. DAY OF CONCIERGE FEE Any requests that are met with less than 24 hours notice will incur a “Day of Request Fee”
OFFICE LOCATED IN THE FITNESS CENTER
Our concierge services can’t be beat for convenience and ease of use! We can handle your needs including access to your home.
Services Offered: • Grocery Shopping, Sanitizing & Delivery • Pine Needle Raking/Bagging • Weed whacking/pulling • Debris Removal • Furniture Movings • Deck Power washing
PRICES
• House Cleaning Service • Dog Walking/Pet Sitting • Landscape Design Service
For a detailed description of services and prices, click the flyer .
Please allow 24 - 48 to acquire availability for your request. Forest Highlands Recreation may not be able to fill concierge requests within 24 hours.
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PERSONAL TRAINING
FITNESS AND SPA
We offer personal training all winter! Whether your goal is general health, injury rehabilitation, weight loss, flexibility, or strength gains, we are here to guide you in reaching your goals safely and effectively.
CLASSES GROUP FITNESS
Contact Bianca Langrick for inquiries: blangrick@fhgc.com or call 928-525-5223
APRIL FLEX ROOM SCHEDULE
REGISTER
JACUZZI HOURS OF OPERATION
Please be sure to always check the location of your class and to register online for all classes and cancel within 24 hours when possible. Classes with 0 sign ups will be canceled by 5pm the night before.
8am - 8pm DAILY
The Thermal cover will remain on to conserve heat, please feel free to remove it or ask a recreation staff for assistance. Towels are located in the Pool Host Stand. Dispose of used towels at “Dirty Towel Bins” located at the Pool Deck entrance & exit. Pets are not allowed on the Pool Deck, except if they are leashed at the temporary dog parking zone available at the Peaks Café (Recreation Center) from 7 – 9am if picking up coffee or breakfast to go.
Spa SERVICES
SPA MENU
FORETEES
AVAILABLE DAILY!
Book a session in one of our spa treatment rooms, or in the comfort of your home, by calling the Recreation Center, or you can login to your Foretees account and click on “Book a Spa Treatment”. We require a minimum 24 hours advance notice for bookings and cancellations.
Smoking is prohibited on the pool deck.
APRIL SPA SCHEDULE Massage Therapists:
Patricia: Tuesdays 9am-5:30pm, Wednesdays 1:45pm-6pm, Fridays and Saturdays 10am-5pm Jene: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 10am-5pm (NOT available Sunday April 9th) Toni: Thursdays 11am-5pm (NOT available Thursday April 6th) Collin: Mondays and Tuesdays 9am-5pm, Sundays April 2nd, 9th, and 30th ONLY 1pm-5pm
Estheticians : Gabi: Sundays April 16th and 23rd ONLY 11am-4pm Iga: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-5pm
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RACQUET SPORTS
Nicole Chambers, USPTA Elite Professional, IPTPA Pickleball Professional Director of Racquet Sports. Voted Top 10 Best Coach by The Tennis Channel 2021
Dear Members,
I was so hoping to start this letter, written on the first day of spring, March 20th, by telling you all that the snow is gone and the bulbs are blooming! Alas, that is not the case. There aren’t enough words to describe how hard the Public Works Department has been working to make the roads drivable and Forest Highlands livable. With only 5 weeks to go before opening day, everyone will be kicking into high gear to welcome everyone back for the season.
REGISTRATION All events/tournaments/leagues will open for registration on April 1st. Registration deadlines are all one week in advance of the event, unless otherwise specified. All clinics open for registration 1 week in advance and close 24 hours before class. If there is still space, you may register on the day. We have a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 per clinic. All private court bookings may be made 1 week in advance of play on the members.fhgc.com website and via the FHGC app. COMMUNICATION To receive text alerts about clinics, event and/or programming changes, please text “FHGCTENNIS” TO 40691 Tennis info is at the bottom of the weekly FHGC email All programming information on the web page will OPEN on April 1 All clinics, events and court bookings are available on the members.fhgc.com website and via the FHGC app. The Voice in the Pines comes out monthly – please READ the tennis page
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER: ALL REGISTRATIONS can be made on the members.fhgc.com website OR on your smart phone FHGC app ONLY . If you do not have a computer or a smart phone, you may contact the Pro Shop. Last month I confirmed that Garrett Lakey, USPTA Professional will be back for his second season. Garrett made his mark at FHGC last season and we cannot wait to see what new skills and drills he will be bringing with him from Florida. I am so excited to announce that Ashlee Candalaria has just joined our team as Lead Pickleball Instructor for the 2023 season. Ashlee is well known in the valley for her extraordinary tennis and pickleball skills. Look out for her “Pickleball for Tennis Players” clinic!
EVENTS: SAVE THE DATE!
• Cinco De Mayo Social: Friday, May 5 (NEW) • Mother’s Day Clinic & Social: Sunday, May 14 | 1-3pm
• Welcome Back Social & Demo Day: Saturday, May 27 | 9am – noon • Adult Flex League & Junior Singles Flex League: June – July (NEW) • Member/Member Ladies: Saturday, June 10 | 9-11am • Member/Member Men’s: Saturday, June 10 | 11:30 – 1:30pm (NEW) • Adult Doubles Flex Leagues: June 1 – July 31 | flexible times (NEW) • Junior Singles Summer Flex League: June 2 – Aug 5 | flexible times (NEW)
• Triples Event: Saturday, June 17 | 9-11am (NEW) • Wimbledon Mixed: Saturday, July 1 | 9am-noon • World Team Tennis: Saturday, July 15 | 9am – noon • Club Champs: Saturday – Sunday, August 5-6 | TBD
• Men’s Brew Cup: Saturday, August 26 | 8am – 4pm (NEW) • Labor Day Social: Saturday, September 2 | 9am – noon • Ladies Member/Guest Team Event: Friday – Sunday, September 8 – 10
VOICE IN THE PINES | APRIL 2023 21
RACQUET SPORTS
TENNIS WEEKLY SCHEDULE • MEMORIAL DAY - LABOR DAY (MAY 25 - SEPT. 5) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
Advanced Academy Doubles Clinic 8:30 - 10am ends 10/1
Dynamic Doubles Clinic 8:30 - 10am
Cardio Tennis w/TRX 7:45 - 8:45am
Advanced Clinic & Play 9:30 - 11am
Open Play (Drop-IN) 9 - 11am
Advanced Clinic & Play 9:30 - 11am
Open Play (Drop-IN) 9 - 11am
Intermediate Clinic & Play 10 - 11:30am Newbies Tennis 11:30 - 12:30am ends 10/1
Men’s Clinic & Play 10 - 11:30am
Intermediate Clinic & Play 3 - 4:30pm
Newbies Tennis 3 - 4pm ends 10/1
PICKLEBALL WEEKLY SCHEDULE • MEMORIAL DAY - LABOR DAY (MAY 25 - SEPT. 5) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Social Club League (level 2.5 - 3.5) 9 - 11am ends 8/28 Open Play Int/Adv 7:30 - 9:30am ends 8/29 Open Play Beginner/Int 8 - 9:30am ends 8/30 Open Play Int/Adv 7:30 - 9:30am ends 9/29 Open Play Int/Adv 8 - 10am ends 10/29
Clinic 101 Beginner 1 - 2pm ends 9/17
Open Play Beginner/Int 1 - 2:30pm 10/29
Clinic 202 Adv. Beginner/Int 2 - 3pm
Competitive Club League (level 3.5 - 4.0) 3 - 5pm ends 8/27
Drill Clinic 303 & 404 3 - 4pm
VOICE IN THE PINES | APRIL 2023 22
PICKLEBALL
Nicole Chambers, USPTA Elite Professional, IPTPA Pickleball Professional Director of Racquet Sports. Voted Top 10 Best Coach by The Tennis Channel 2021
SAVE THE DATES!! Welcome Back Social & Demo Day: Sunday, May 28 | 9am – noon Pickleball Happy Hour Mixers: Thursdays | 5-7pm Doubles Flex Leagues: June –July | Flexibles times Social League: June – August | Mondays | 9 - 11am Competitive League: June – August | Sundays | 3 – 5pm Summer Shoot-Out: Saturday, August 12 | 9am - noon Labor Day Social: Monday, September 4 | 9am – noon 101 Beginner Clinic: Saturdays | 1-2pm 202 Intermediate Clinic: Saturdays | 2-3pm 303 Advanced Drill Clinics: Saturdays | 3-4pm
Dear Members,
My exciting news is that I am proud to announce that Ashlee Candelaria has joined our FHGC Racquets team as Lead Pickleball Instructor for the 2023 season. Ashlee is well known in the valley, but to list just a few of her tennis playing and pickleball playing accomplishments: Australian junior nationals, Australian Open Juniors,
WTA ranking of 847 in the world, 10.0 Ladies doubles champion at the Village Camelback etc. As many of you know, our top pickleball professionals in the US are all former Collegiate or pro tennis players. Since starting pickleball Ashlee has won the 5.0 singles APP $60,000 Legacy Open Gold Ticket Qualifier and most recently she won gold at ACC’s Member/Guest women’s doubles. We are extremely fortunate to have a player and coach of Ashlee’s ability join our team this season. She will be working part-time, so be sure to get on her schedule early if you would like time on the court with Ash this season.
Ashlee Candelaria
REMINDER: You can look forward to open play times for beginners, intermediates and advanced. We will keep Saturdays as our Clinic & Drill day. New this season is a Social Club League for beginner to low intermediate players on Mondays, as well as a Competitive Club League on Sundays for 3.5 and above. ALL MEMBERS who wish to play in our leagues will need to be RATED. Rating can be: (1) USAPP rating (2) DUPR (3) Rated by an IPTPA Professional (Garrett Lakey, IPTPA and I will be available by appointment) or get rated at a holiday weekend social for FREE. We will also offer a Doubles Flex League, allowing doubles teams to arrange matches throughout the season to suit their schedule.
The newly formed FOREST HIGHLANDS PICKLEBALLL PLAYERS GROUP works to create more opportunities for members to come together to celebrate the game of pickleball. There is no charge to join this group. Contact Amy Kaplan amykaplan228@gmail.com to be added to the group. The group will be hosting our bi-monthly Mixers on a Thursday and will be advertising more events and socials on their Facebook page, once the new facility opens.
SIGN UP FOR PICKLEBALL TEXT ALERTS
TEXT “ FHGCPICKLEBALL ” TO 40691 Ensure that your text doesn’t auto-correct to put a
SCAN THE QR CODE AND CLICK JOIN GROUP
space between the letters. It has to be an exact match!
VOICE IN THE PINES | APRIL 2023 23
SECURITY
MAIL SERVICES
TRAFFIC RULES ENFORCMENT
Based on requests from a few FH Members, the Security Department will provide a couple of options to have mail picked up and delivered to your home. The primary objective is to prevent the USPS closing a mailbox due to it being full, resulting in the mail taken and held at the Post Office.
Although most traffic rules are followed while operating vehicles, there are violations that jeopardize overall safety in Forest Highlands. Examples of a few violations causing concern are speeding and not stopping at stop signs. In 2022, radar cameras were found to be successful in changing unsafe driving habits in areas with significant speeding violations. Most of the unsafe speeds happen on downhill roadways; please help do your part to make roads safe by maintaining safe speeds when driving downhill. Also, it is important to remind visitors to do the same. The Security Department and the Security Committee will continue to research and implement ideas to make roads safe in Forest Highlands.
Option 1. Option 2.
U.S. mailbox check & delivery to your home Text Message notification when mail is delivered
DANGER with ICE ON GOLF COURSE PONDS Please do not ice skate, walk on or play around golf course ponds. Recently there have been children playing on iced over ponds; parents and adults with children under your supervision; please do not allow the children to play around the golf course ponds. Many are not aware, there is a Forest Highlands HOA rule restricting activity involving the ponds. Below is part of the Forest Highlands rule about ponds in the winter: Rule 6.20 Fishing …The ponds are considered a restricted area during the winter and all activity is prohibited. SAFETY SIGN UP To arrange the services a contract is needed for the mail delivery. To sign up for either service, please email security@fhgc.com and note what service you would like. Upon receipt a contract/form will be provided to arrange your requested services. LEARN MORE
VOICE IN THE PINES | APRIL 2023 24
SECURITY
SOLD A VEHICLE or CHANGED A WINDSHIELD?
Please help the Security Department update your electronic dwellingLIVE resident/guest profile. A few reasons records are inaccurate: • A new vehicle is purchased, and someone moves a transponder from the sold vehicle to the purchased vehicle. It is important to update Security with the vehicle(s) change. • Windshield replacement. It is important to let Security know the transponder was not taken off the replaced windshield because the transponder remains active and could be used for unauthorized access into Forest Highlands. • Acquiring a vehicle and placing a new transponder on the vehicle; normally this means a vehicle has been sold. It is important to update Security so the sold vehicle can be removed from your personal dwellingLIVE profile. This type of action prevents unauthorized access to Forest Highlands.
Security monitors 911 dispatches and responds to emergencies for the purpose of supporting emergency first responders and members/guest/employees. If you have questions or want to provide information to Security, below are contact options: Security Gatehouse: 928-525-9090 Email: security@fhgc.com
DWELLINGLIVE “RESIDENT/GUEST” ONLINE PROGRAM REVIEW & LIST CLEAN UP
Thank you to the many members that have worked with Security on a community Guest/Visitor list cleanup project in the past. It is believed at a minimum an annual maintenance/review of guest lists creates reliable lists and minimizes unauthorized community entry. Security has begun a review of guest lists and in June if your list is found to be extensive, a copy of your list will be emailed with suggestions on how to reduce the list and manage going forward. A few quick tips when using your dwellingLIVE account: 1. Consider using the “PERMANENT” guest option for only family members and a few regular contractors such as a cleaning company and a handyman; 2. Contact Security to establish your own personal dwellingLIVE account so you can maintain your own list. The account can be arranged by emailing security@fhgc.com and asking to set up the account; please provide your member number when requesting the account.
Jim Barquin, Director of Security jbarquin@fhgc.com or 928 - 525-5290
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911
VOICE IN THE PINES | APRIL 2023 25
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