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Sage Meadows POA Newsletter
January, 2012

From the General Manager

Dear Residents and Members,

2011 has drawn to a close. We finished the year with a bang--with temperatures in the 60's and a very busy golf course.

We accomplished a lot during our first year as owners of Sage Meadows--renovating the dining room, for one, was the most visible improvement. Bob Wollenberg and his staff did a great job improving the the conditioning of the golf course. The Board of Directors gave Bob the tools he needed, and the results were evident.

The restaurant has been steadily improving under the watchful eye of Patrick Wilson. Congratulations to Patrick and his wife, Leigh Ann--they are the proud parents of a baby girl, Lillian Grace, born January 4th, 2012.

We have already started an irrigation project near the clubhouse. This area has been a bit of an eyesore, and irrigation will allow us to improve the conditioning (similar work will be done at the pool and roundabouts).

Our operating costs continue to rise--gas, chemicals, and labor, to name a few. To offset these costs, we are going to raise dues on our golf memberships by $10.00 per month. In turn, we are going to include range balls with each membership--a $360.00 value.

I want to thank The Ladies Club for the beautiful new furniture in the entryway of the clubhouse.

On Christmas Eve Day, someone stole all of our flag sticks. Since, I have had several residents e-mail me about vandalism issues they have experienced. I would like each resident to be on the lookout for vandals in their neighborhood.

Let's be good neighbors, and look out for each other.

Sincerely,

Tom Guipe, PGA
General Manager

Dates to Remember

January

17th--Ladies Club Meeting, 6:30pm, Clubhouse

24th--Garden Club Meeting, 11:00am, Clubhouse

New Winter Golf Rates

Our winter rates are here! Take advantage of the warm days in December!

Weekdays--$25.00 for 18 holes with a cart

Weekends--$35.00 for 18 holes with a cart

Ladies Club News

Ladies Club Purchases New Furniture for Clubhouse Foyer

The latest project of the Sage Meadows Ladies Club has been to update the Clubhouse foyer with new furniture.  The ladies hope everyone enjoys the new look.

In December the Ladies Club sponsored “Breakfast with Frosty,” which was enjoyed by approximately 175 children and adults.  Thanks to Jennifer Longmire and Theresa Young for coordinating that event.

The Ladies Club would like to thank the Sage Meadows community for your generous support of our Christmas Toy Drive.  The toys were delivered to the Pediatric Day Care Center to be given to the 122 children there. With your help we exceeded our goal of 122 toys and brightened Christmas for those children who otherwise would not have had a very bright Christmas.  Thanks to Christy Cooper for leading the toy drive and to all of you who donated toys!

The next meeting of the Ladies Club will be at 6:30 on January 17 at the Clubhouse.  
All Sage Meadows ladies are invited to attend and enjoy the fellowship, and to become active in helping to improve our neighborhood.

Garden Club News

The Garden's Club next meeting will be Tuesday, January 24th. The guest speaker will be Brannon Thiesse, Craighead County Agent for Agricultural Extension Services. The topic will be on pesticide safety.

New Residents

A View from the Fairway

A blanket of snow occasionally covers the grounds as we begin to reflect back on our year at Sage Meadows with its sweeping wide green fairways, rolling vistas, and tightly tucked putting greens. Golfers are spending time thinking about their clubs and equipment in lieu of the warmer playing conditions that we experienced last fall. After every golf match, the golfer replays the decisions; after the season, the golfer analyzes some of the decisions that worked and how they will respond during the next opportunity. Maybe we will clean those irons, or think about ways that we can improve our swing attitude or our thinking attitude, as we sit inside a warm house close to our beautiful golf course.

That was a majestic autumn season with many playing opportunities after the harsh summer temperatures. The abundant 70 degree weather in September and October with the fluffy clouds floating by have a tendency to help the golf swing solidify - and give our residents time to reflect on their own lives and give thanks for the beauty and splendor of the wonderful Sage Meadows neighborhood.
Others, rightly so, continue to concentrate on the school, winter working schedules, and other responsibilities during the season that is upon us. We walk through the streets seeing residents waving at us.  It's such a friendly atmosphere, and a  great climate in which to raise children. The children are considered a very high priority at Sage Meadows and we appreciate the support of our residents for youth programs. Residents appreciate and respect family values and understand the importance of this positive environment and the good stewardship of property. The lawns are manicured throughout the development and it is evident that our residents place great importance on care of their personal property and real estate. 
We see new houses being built, the beauty of the architecture, and the vibrant growth in our neighborhood. It is important that we make our new residents feel welcome, just as we were welcomed upon our arrival.

We have seen the staff working hard throughout the past year making our golf course a grand sight from any view. Many improvements are complete or underway and we understand how our golf course, swim pool, and Clubhouse employees dedicate their time to improving our facilities. We appreciate the improvements and embrace the positive changes. They are dedicated individuals who deserve an acknowledgment and appreciation for their efforts to enhance our lives. We also appreciate all of the volunteers and board members who add that extra touch to Sage Meadows making our tournaments, facilities and special events memorable. We support their decisions and strive to encourage creativity and diversity.
 As we look out onto the fairways, we wonder what next year will bring: perhaps new clubs, more colorful flowers, another beautiful new home, or a favor from a friend or neighbor. It's time again, as winter is upon us, to adjust our thinking processes to encourage motivation to improve our neighborhood by way of example and support, through teamwork and unity, as we continue to grow together as a close knit community on the cutting edge of the enjoyment of an American Dream. As winter progresses, we remember, we appreciate, and we think ahead. At least, those are my thoughts as I enjoy the wintry view from the fairway.

Johnny Bufkin
Resident of Sage Meadows

Report from the Course

With the arrival of a new year, we shift the focus of goals, objectives, and plans to a new year as well. This shift began a few months back as we began planning and preparing for the 2012 season in regards to the budget and the projects. Although many assume that my department does not have much to do in the winter months, that assumption is far from the truth. We currently have a full winter schedule and we are making every attempt to shorten that list each day.

Initial herbicide applications will begin soon on the zoysiagrass while the temperatures are at traditional lows. We will wait to make applications on bermudagrass until February. We have made several repairs to the irrigation system as of recently and will continue to do so in the immediate future. Equipment maintenance and overhauls have begun in order to keep equipment at peak performance. Several buildings have been prepared for winter in order to avoid frozen pipes. We will be making some drainage repairs in the near future as well as installing some irrigation in areas that are lacking consistent coverage. In addition to these projects, we will continue to execute the routine maintenance on the course and the greens as well.

I again ask that everyone observe the local cartpath and frost delay rules. The course is extremely wet and it is imperative to stay on the path under these conditions. I hope everyone has a good holiday season and I look forward to our continued efforts for Sage Meadows in the new year.

Bob Wollenberg,
Golf Course Superintendent