For over twenty years, Prudential Waterfront Properties has been the premier residential real estate company serving Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding areas of Southwest Virginia. Our corporate culture has remained Rock Solid—we live and work by the guiding principles of honesty, integrity and excellence in customer service.

Prudential Waterfront Properties is a company of extraordinarily talented people—gifted real estate professionals who place clients first, serve them with expert market knowledge and provide them with a wide range of home services, including real estate sales, relocation services, new home sales and Web-based marketing.

Prudential Waterfront Properties is a proud member of the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, one of the most-recognized and respected brands in the world.

Few decisions affect your life as much as buying or selling a home. It takes a company with years of experience to make this complex process an enjoyable one for you. To find out more about Prudential Waterfront Properties, please email us Realest8@smithmtnlake.com or call our local sales office at (540) 721-8659 or toll-free (800) 858-4653. Visit us online at www.smithmtnlake.com.

Just keep in mind that “spring is on the way”.  This is the time of the year when cabin fever seems to be at its worst, especially after a winter of record snowfall.  The days will be getting longer as Daylight Savings begins on March 14th.  With spring just around the corner, Ed Currin and Derek Wingo are ready to give your game a tune-up, so be sure to call the pro shop for lessons.  Vicki Zimmerman is also available for a workout routine to get you looking good for a summer at the pool and to stay fit for the upcoming golf season. 

 It won’t be much longer and we will have the club into “full-swing” again.  There will be plenty of activity around the club from horseback riding, tennis, golf, and dining.  Spend quality family time on Tuesday nights at the club and check out our “Family Night Menu”.  Chef John will be offering corned beef & cabbage on March 17th as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day; also mark your calendars this month for “Meet Your Neighbor” and Wine Tasting. 

The staff and I are excited about the 2010 season and look forward to seeing you on the course and in the club house.

Reminder

The club will be closed for dinner on Saturday, March 6 for the Grand Winter Gala.

 Tennis News

Our tennis group meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 9:00am.

You don’t have to bring a partner, just show up with a racket.  For more information please call John Guthmann at 434-927-5039.

Take a Lesson

John A. Guthmann, PhD., our tennis professional is a retired professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, is USPTR-certified tennis professional.  John lives full-time at the lake so is available year-round for instruction.  To schedule a lesson, please give him a call.

Lunch with the Chef

Friday, March 5 at 11:30 a.m.

All members are invited to have lunch with Chef John Hanek, as he shares recipes along with a cooking demonstration.  The cost for lunch will be $13.95++ per person.  We will begin at 11:30 am with the cooking demonstration and have lunch directly after.  Make your reservations today as there will be limited seating.

Wine Tasting

Thursday, March 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Tired of being cooped up indoors by all the winter weather we’ve had?  Join us for a “Welcome Back Spring” Wine Tasting on March 18th!  Kimberly Akers will be with us once again.  This time she will be showcasing wines from J. W. Sieg (her new company).  We will have 5 wines (2 whites, 3 reds).  The cost for this wine tasting will be $10++.  Reservations are limited to the first 40 to sign up.  Please make a separate reservation if you plan to stay for dinner!

SPECIAL NOTE

We would like to welcome the Monica J. Brady as the new Club Accounts Manager for all three country clubs owned and operated by The Willard Companies. Monica, a graduate of Virginia Tech, comes to us from The Waterfront County Club and has experience in accounting from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and VT.  Monica replaces Amy Tosh who recently relocated to Florida. We wish both ladies the best of luck and continued success. Call Monica with any questions related to your account at (540) 721-5288 or monica@thewillardcompanies.com.

By: Ed Currin, PGA Professional

It seems impossible, but I know spring is on the way.  The snow and inclement weather has everyone eager for green grass, sunshine, and lots of golf.  The Men’s and Ladies’ Golf Committees have been hard at work lining up a calendar that promises something for everyone.  We have enclosed a copy of the upcoming tournament schedule to help you plan your season.  A more detailed description of all of the events will follow soon.  We have scheduled a ladies’ clinic and a junior clinic to help you start the season off right.  We plan to offer several more clinics throughout the season.  Please note key dates: Ladies’ Member-Guest is June 10-11 and the Men’s Member-Guest is June 17-19.

Men’s Hole-in-One Club

We have a $10 and $50 hole-in-one club.  Members playing with at least two other golf association members in an 18 hole round scoring a hole-in-one at The Water’s Edge, will win the pot.  When a hole-in-one is scored, members will automatically be re-billed to replenish the pot.

Reminder

There is no better way to start the new season than a new set of clubs or new grips and a tune up lesson with Ed or Derek.  Please remember we have space in bag storage and locker rental for your convenience.

2010 Water’s Edge Tournament Schedule

April 1                             Ladies’ Opening Day

April 9-11                       Masters Tournament

April 20                          Men’s Senior Interclub

April 23                          Men’s Friday Four Ball

April 25                          Mixed Foursome

May 1-2                          TWE & TWF Interclub

May 6                              Ladies’ Invitational

May 7                              Twilight Golf/Wine & Nine

May 15                             Yellow Ball Scramble/ Callaway Demo Day

May 18-19                      Ladies’ Clinic

May 21                            Men’s Guest Day

May 23                            Rally for a Cure

May 29                         2-Man Match Play Begins

June 4                         19-Man Qualifying Begins

June 7                          American Cancer Society

June 10-11                  Ladies’ Member-Guest

June 13                         Mixed Foursome

June 17-19                  Men’s Member-Guest

June 25                         Twilight Golf

June 29-30                 Junior Clinic

July 6                            Ladies’ Guest Day

July 11                          Mixed Foursome

July 16                          Twilight Golf

July 22                          Ladies’ Jr./Sr. & 
                                         Mid-Year Membership Meeting

July 23-25                   Men’s Member-Member

August 5                       Mermaid Tournament @ Westlake

August 13                     Men’s Friday Four Ball

August 15                     Mixed Foursome

August 21-22              Club Championship

August 27                    Twilight Golf

September 10             Men’s Guest Day

September 12             Mixed Club Championship

September 17             Cool Branch Fire and Rescue Tournament

September 20             SML Building Supply Tournament

September 22             Men’s Senior Club Championship

September 23             Ladies’ Senior Club Championship

September 25 19      Man Tournament Finale

October 1                      Ladies’ Guest Day

October 9-10              Mixed Member-Guest

October 15                   Men’s Final Shoot-Out and Annual Meeting

October 19                   9-Holer Closing

October 21                   Ladies’ Finale

 NOTE: Tournament dates subject to change.

By: Cathie Daniel, Principal Broker

It’s a Buyers’ Market for Real Estate Investors, too.

Turn on any financial news program and at some point you’ll hear the experts extolling the virtues of diversification. Real estate, even through the market downturn, has long been considered a conservative, long-term strategy to growing wealth.

In fact, that very downturn has created a historic buying opportunity for potential homebuyers and investors alike. The combination of lower home prices across American and historically low mortgage rates, two essential factors that usually don’t trend in the same direction, have triggered a buyer’s market in many areas of the country. For real estate investors who want to rent their properties, this can make the difference in achieving positive cash flow sooner or right off the bat.

While some seasoned real estate investors make it look easy, to be successful, beginners should follow some basic principles.

• Learn all you can. Before committing your cash, you should have a fundamental understanding of real estate. For example, be aware that, in general, investment properties are not liquid investments. Barring exceptional circumstances, real estate does not sell at a moment’s notice. It could take days or months to sell a property, depending on the strength of the market in a particular region.
• Consider cash flow. You’ll need to have enough capital on hand to cover any short-term losses due to vacancies between tenants.
• Start small. Look into buying a condominium, single-family home or a duplex. Leave large apartment buildings and commercial properties to the pros.
• Inquire at the local Chamber of Commerce about companies relocating into or out of the area. Company movement is one indicator of demand for rental and/or office space.
• Find a property that will be in demand. Look for a moderately priced home with three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a garage that sits on a quiet street.
• Research the property. The most common way first-time investors lose is by failing to investigate a property thoroughly. Look beyond the front door. Investigate the reputation of the school district, the crime rate, and plans for expanding a nearby highway or developing vacant land. Ask your Prudential Waterfront Properties real estate professional about the area, its history, and how fast (or slow) properties are moving.
• Inspect the home you’re considering for signs of water damage, such as stains on the ceiling and crinkling or gathering wallpaper; open and close every door and window; and check all electrical sockets by plugging in an appliance. Get an independent home inspection, roof inspection and termite inspection. Unexpected repair costs can eat away your cash flow.

Because even the best inspection can’t always predict problems, try to set aside some of the rental income for unexpected repairs.

•  Spend time driving the streets of the neighborhood noting the condition of other properties. Are lawns maintained? Are roofs in good shape? Are homes kept up?
• Be ready to make fixes quickly and respond to the renter’s needs. If you’re not prepared to be a hands-on landlord, consider hiring a property management firm.
• See your tax advisor for related planning and laws that can affect your investment decisions.

Remember, investing in a property is much different than living in one, and while emotion and attachment can be prime motivators when it comes to homes, it is return on investment that counts when investing in real estate.

——————

Available Properties at The Water’s Edge:

• Water access homes starting at $499,500
• Water access lots starting at $65,000
• Waterfront lots starting at $298,900
• Waterfront homes starting at $839,000
• Village Green homes starting at $315,000
• Marina Bay Condos starting at $369,000
• Golfer’s Crossing homes starting at $499,000
• Island Green Pointe Townhomes
  starting at $419,950

Developer Owned Properties:

Developer Owned Properties:

• 9 Grande Villas Townhomes starting at $1,650,000* | Model Open on Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00-4:00 pm
• Village Green Home offered at $349,500*
• Water access lots, starting at $124,900*

             *Club Initiation Fee Paid by Developer

——————

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Other hours by appointment

Phone numbers

Main Office: (540) 721-8659

Toll Free: (800) 858-4653

The Water’s Edge: (540) 576-1333

A la Carte Brunch

Sundays 11:30 am-2:00 p.m.

Join us for our wonderful ala carte brunch menu for Sundays!  The menu will have a variety of breakfast and lunch items.  In addition to the menu we will be featuring an omelet and waffle station for only $10.95++ per person.  We hope you’ll come experience our Sunday Brunch Menu!  Please help us better prepare by making reservations early, as there will be limited seating.

• • •

Prime Rib Night

Saturdays (Except 3/6) 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Delicious meal for $19.95++ per person. Please make reservations.

• • •

Fresh Baked Pizza

Fresh baked pizzas made to order now available on Tuesday Nights and all day Wednesdays through Saturday.  Feel free to dine in or take out.  Please call 576-1556 to place your order.

• • •

Social Bridge

Tuesday, March 2 & 16

Social 6:00, Dinner 6:30 pm

Women and Men, Singles and Couples. Play directly after dinner. $13.95++per person for dinner $1.00 fee for prizes (1st, 2nd and 3rd place).  Make reservations the Sunday before bridge night:

• March 2 – Ann Hankla
• March 16 – Vi Johnson

Friday, March 19 at 5:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.

Enjoy live Maine Lobster at The Water’s Edge CC for one night only!  There will be limited availability. Call for reservations by March 17th to ensure that we have one for you.

Friday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m.

Look around your home, scour your storage and bring your tax-deductible donation and join the fun at the March 12 “MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR” at both The Waterfront and The Water’s Edge Country Clubs. All contributions will benefit the SML DISCOVERY SHOP, located in The Plaza on Scruggs Road in Moneta.

The shop is one of over 80 shops across the country and the only one to exclusively feature furniture, housewares, art and collectibles, accessories, sporting equipment and tools, appliances, books and jewelry. The shop, now in its 6th year, provides gently used donated merchandise from individuals and businesses and items from the Market in Highpoint.

The SML DISCOVERY SHOP is the only Discovery Shop managed and staffed six days a week entirely by volunteers. Opportunities are available in various areas with flexible schedules. For volunteer information, please call the shop at 721-0050 or stop in M-F 10-5 or

Sat 10-4. Because it is run solely by volunteers, the shop has over a 75% profit margin, which benefits the American Cancer Society in its search for a cure and facilitates education and support programs in our local communities.

PLEASE “clean house” and bring your DISCOVERY SHOP donation to the club gathering on March 12. If you have larger items and need pick-up services, please call the SML DISCOVERY SHOP at 721-0050.

Don’t forget to make reservations if you and your neighbor plan to stay for dinner.

Chef John Hanek will have an “Italian Buffet” featuring Chef’s attended Pasta Station.  The cost for this buffet will be $24.95++.

By: Jeff Snyder, Course Superintendent

Spring cannot get here quickly enough!! It seems lately we have had one major storm after another. As I write this article (February 8th) they are calling for another 3-6 inches on top of the 8+ we just received the weekend of Feb. 5th. For those who have been out of town we received ~9 inches the last weekend of January and received over a foot just before Christmas. Needless to say, we have played very little golf this winter and the next few weeks doesn’t look too good. However, we have been busy getting equipment ready for this season and have started bringing our gypsum in for the course. Obviously the course needs to be dry to spread but we’re ready to go when the weather permits. This is a “soils” application and our soil reports are showing positive improvements from all our applications. We have completed most of our tree work to this point. We still have a few big trees to remove on holes 4 and 11. This last storm brought down a couple dozen pines we need to clean up as well. As soon as the course dries we will get back to the above activities as well as mowing again. The course is very wet and carts have been restricted to the paths quite a bit. Remember the course and grass will take some time to “wake-up” so ball mark repairs will be very important during this time. I trust everyone is as anxious to get back to playing golf as we are!

By: Fran Nielsen, WELGA Chair 

As I write this update, over a foot of snow covers our beautiful course, with more of the white stuff predicted. By the time you read this, hopefully we will be able to see green fairways and you will start to get psyched for a new golf year.

Prior to Christmas, the WELGA Board met to shape the 2010 season. Right from the start, it promises to be great! If you have read your e-mail from thewatersedgeccgolf.com, some of this update will be old news by now. I encourage you to make certain we have your correct e-mail address.

Opening day is April 1. We’ll play Captain’s Choice at 12:30 p.m. immediately followed by our membership meeting (5:00 p.m.) and dinner. Ms. Dana Rader, the LPGA’s Teaching and Club Professional National President, recognized in Golf for Women as one of the top 50 teachers in the U.S., will be the guest speaker for the Opening Dinner.

In conjunction with the opening, Dana and her colleague, Julie Cole, will conduct four three-hour golf clinics April 1 and 2 (9 a.m. to noon; 1:00 p.m. to 4 each day). The cost is $180 per clinic. (Dana gave us a special fee and WELGA will subsidize $50 of the $180 for WELGA members.) Class size is ten students per session. The first three clinics filled up in less than a week of announcing them via e-mail and posters, so a fourth session (Friday afternoon) has been added. A few open spots remain. A check to WELGA is needed to reserve a spot. (Mail check to Fran Nielsen, 125 Low Country Drive, Penhook, VA 24137 – call me if you have questions, 540-576-2408).

Please attend the opening meeting and dinner (separate reservations are needed for golf (Pro Shop) and the dinner (Clubhouse)). Copies of the LGA Guide will be distributed after the meeting. Meanwhile, here are a few key dates:

• April 1  Opening
• April 12-14 (placeholder – Pinehurst trip)
• May 6 Water’s Edge Invitational
• May 23 Rally for Cure
• June 10-11 Member-Guest
• June 24-25 Member-Member
• July 6 Guest Day
• July 22 Junior/Senior & Mid-year Membership Meeting
• Aug 5 Mermaid (Westlake)
• Sep 23 Senior Championship
• Oct 1 Guest Day
• Oct 19  9-hole Closing
• Oct 21 Closing
• Nov 1-3 (placeholder – Pinehurst trip)

Hopefully, during the off-season you had opportunities for golf and now you’re ready for 2010 to be your best golf year ever!

“Forget your opponents; always play against par.” ~Sam Snead 

“There seems to be so much more winter than we need this year”

                ~ Kathleen Norris

I’m writing this the first of February and everything is white and icy, with more snow due today.  This month, minus the snow, is a good time to clean up your Perennial beds.  Be careful when you are working, so as not to harm some of the slow-emerging plants.  Also, check on shrub and tree damage from snow and ice, pruning where needed.

It’s still not too late to do a light feed of Hollytone on your acid loving plants. (ex. Hollies, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Mountain Laurel, Crape Myrtles, Magnolias, Rhododendron, Viburnum just to name a few.)

“First a howling blizzard woke us, then the rain came down to soak us, and now before the eye can focus – Crocus.”

Lilja Rogers