Cliffs Living - Spring/Summer 2020 by Community Journals

C LI F FS LIVING SP R I NG / SU M M E R

2020

A Magazine With, For & About Members of The Cliffs

The

CON N ECTIONS

Issue

These views. These neighbors. These communities.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re yours.

W E L C OM E H OM E . MOUNTAIN AND LAKE HOMES AND HOMESITES | CLUB MEMBERSHIPS | 864.249.4379 | CLIFFSLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

C ON T EN TS 5 13 21

LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP A message from Rob Duckett, President of The Cliffs.

GATHER

A snapshot of festive gatherings from across The Cliffs.

SPIRIT

A look at building new options for an untapped market; taking the plunge with sous vide cooking; growing healthy farming traditions next door; fueling retirement with a daily dose of golf; moving for functional fitness at The Cliffs; yielding grape expectations; swinging for the green; and making a splash for kids.

YONDER

A journey celebrating veterans via portraits; sharing the past, present, and future of Greenville SC; buoying strong bonds through shared adventures; pursuing one member’s passion project; and riding high through the Jocassee Gorges.

“Omi” Aulenbacher embraces 110th birthday surrounded by friends, family, and the beauty of the Carolina mountains.

HAVEN

VISTAS

THE CLIFFS CULTURE, REIMAGINED

Members-first philosophy elevates service, enriches connections.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS Exciting plans unveiled for the new clubhouse at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs.

CELEBRATING LIFE AT THE CLIFFS

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A visit with residents of The Cliffs, sharing simple steps for green living; a traditional home with modern flair; a trendy amenity that scores fun for all ages; room(s) with a view; and plans to build on the natural beauty at Mountain Park.

A look ahead at events and happenings taking place across The Cliffs.

APERTURE

A collection of words and images from members at The Cliffs.

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LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

Welcome to

CLIFFS LIVING Dearest Members at The Cliffs, Welcome to Cliffs Living — A Magazine With, For & About Members at The Cliffs. Our Spring/Summer edition is all about Connections and we’re delighted to showcase the programs, events and, especially, the people who bring us together in the Carolinas’ most vibrant communities. Spring heralds the arrival of budding trees, blooming flowers, and greening grasses, along with perfect weather for golfing, boating, riding horses, and playing tennis or pickleball. Spring is also the time we begin welcoming back many of our members to The Cliffs as summer is just around the corner. This season is particularly exciting at The Cliffs. Planning and construction are underway on a multitude of projects, and we’re implementing new services and standards of operations designed to enhance the value of your membership. The pages of this magazine include information about future plans for Keowee Springs and the evolution of Mountain Park; read more about The Cliffs culture as it, too, evolves and is reimagined under new leadership. I would like to make note of a few other articles featuring your fellow members at The Cliffs. We visited a supercentenarian to discover her secret to a long, happy life; we gathered tips from a NASA scientist for a more energy-efficient home; we chatted with an “accidental farmer” about growing an agrihood; and we talked a good game with a retired golf industry executive. We also invited ourselves into some amazing homes. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is allowing us to share their photos and stories. We had a delightful time learning about the adventures, passions, and pastimes that bring people together at The Cliffs — and we think you will, too! I hope this issue of Cliffs Living inspires you to connect with other members and with us as a company. Our future is beyond bright and I can’t wait to share it with you all.

Warm regards,

ROB DUCKETT President, The Cliffs

Please let us keep hearing from you. To submit photos, story ideas, or feedback about Cliffs Living, email magazine@cliffsliving.com. We also invite you to help grow your community by sharing Cliffs Living with family and friends, and then invite them to join you as a member here.

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CLIFFS LIVING M AGA Z I N E

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amy Anderson, The Cliffs MANAGING EDITOR Tammy Hagin, The Cliffs EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Diane Jackson, Community Journals CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristy Adair, Community Journals PUBLISHER Mark B. Johnston, Community Journals EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Susan Schwartzkopf, Community Journals VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Holly Hardin, Community Journals

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Cliffs Living is published two times a year by The Cliffs in partnership with Community Journals LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication without publisher’s permission is strictly prohibited. For copies, customer service, or to distribute at a business, please inquire at magazine@cliffsliving.com. Advertisement herein for any product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by The Cliffs or its affiliates.

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QUIET CONFIDENCE. KNOWING YOU CAN DESIGN YOUR FUTURE DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL.

GATHER KEOWEE COUPLES INVITATIONAL 速 DUELING PIANOS AT THE CLIFFS AT GLASSY 速 5TH ANNUAL OYSTERFEST AT THE CLIFFS AT WALNUT COVE 速 FALL OYSTER ROAST & FARMERS MARKET AT THE CLIFFS AT MOUNTAIN PARK 速 13

GATHER

Keowee Couples Invitational October 24-26, 2019

Three fun days—on three fabulous golf courses! Member couples from The Cliffs’ three Lake Keowee communities invited guest couples to join them for this annual fall tournament. The event included more than just golf, with post-round activities such as fountain golf, drone closest to the pin contest, and Red Ryder BB target shooting. Congratulations to the 2019 Keowee Couples Invitational Champions and Keowee Falls members Dave & Julie Nestler, along with their partners Ron & Samantha Lloyd.

Bill & Fran Chickering

Rick Puckett with guests Joe & Diane DeFelice

Anthony & Tammy D’Amore, Dave & Ann Encinas

Rita Quibell, Karen Packer

Joan & Dave Parsons

Kathy Davis, Jim & Karen Packer

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Mike Mack, Sue Mendenhall

Dave Metzger, Dru Cosby

Marty & Clare McConnell, Sue & Dan McCafferty

GATHER

Sharon & Garron Lukas Tim from Cutting Edge Dueling Pianos

Dueling Pianos at The Cliffs at Glassy October 13, 2019

Robin LeClair, Carol Panasuk, Rubi Jorgensen

Joe from Cutting Edge Dueling Pianos

The Glassy Clubhouse transformed into the Full Moon Piano Bar for a dynamic evening of dinner, drinks, and dueling pianos. When Joe & Tim took their seats at two baby grands to begin taking requests, the 135+ guests took to their feet and turned it into a full-on dance party. This big hit was hosted by the Glassy Social Committee.

Craig & Anne Henne

June & Gerry Rhoads

Jim Bosiljevac, Sue Drothler, Ninfa & Larry Riley SPRING/SUMMER 2020

GATHER

5th Annual OysterFest at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove October 12, 2019 Hosted on the Turnhouse Terrace, this delightful evening at Walnut Cove began with cocktails and oysters prepared in a variety of ways, followed by a sunset dinner overlooking the golf course. As the full moon rose, the 230 attendees danced the night away to the music of the Silk Groove Band.

Stephanie & Will Zobel

CLIFFS LIVING

Andrew & Christina Quintana, Kathryn & Bradley Peterson

John Eager, Marl & Peggy Kurland

GATHER

Sue Calvert, Elia Bucheshe, Tony Cuadrabo Chrissy Anderson, Lauren Watkins, Michelle Scofield

LuAnn Loeber, Emily Loeber, Evans Horton

Fall Oyster Roast & Farmers Market at The Cliffs at Mountain Park October 19, 2019

Donna & Chuck Darr, Janice Steve

More than 175 members turned out for a shucking good time complete with oysters, fabulous food, and the smooth sounds of the Erica Berg Collective. Taking place at The Cliffs at Mountain Park, this second annual event was complemented by a local farmers market with a variety of artisan vendors.

Susan Goldy, Ann & Rob Duckett, Scott Spiezle

Carolyn Autilla, Karen Peter

Allison Grefing, Carene Swanson

Greg & Cathy Gibson

Dave Wagner, Chick Wagner, Susan Steinberg, Barbara Wagner

Share Watson, Carol Budinghausen, Pam Paluck SPRING/SUMMER 2020

We’reexcited excitedtotoannounce announce We’re theopening openingofoftwo twonew new the model modelhomes homesininSpring Spring2020. 2020. Kennedy atat Lake Keowee KennedyModel Model Lake Keowee 220 Drive, SixSix Mile, SCSC 220Waterscape Waterscape Drive, Mile, 864-836-3090 864-836-3090 Altamonte The Cliffs atat Walnut Cove AltamonteModel Modelatat The Cliffs Walnut Cove 348 Parkway, Arden, SCSC 348Walnut WalnutValley Valley Parkway, Arden, 828-490-9943 828-490-9943 From your home to to post occupancy Fromdesigning designing your home post occupancy we are a full service custom home builder. WeWe have we are a full service custom home builder. have built over 50 custom homes in The Cliffs. built over 50 custom homes in The Cliffs.

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SPIRIT

HEADS UP ® TASTEMAKERS ® PLATED ® FAIRWAY ® SPORTING LIFE ® VINOLOGY ®

GIVING ® JUST KIDS ®

HEADS UP

BUIL DING MOMENT UM Built for Sale program brings new options to untapped market

He’s built homes all over the world— indeed, his passport has been stamped by 38 countries—but Kevin Adams has landed a new role building exclusively in the Carolinas’ most beautiful golf communities at The Cliffs.

“My career has taken me to some incredible places,” says Adams, who was recently named director of construction for The Cliffs, “yet I’ve never been more excited about coming to work than I am today.” A veteran of the custom construction industry, Adams is tasked with building The Cliffs’ new built for sale home program from the ground up. It’s an intriguing opportunity to develop the plans, processes, and procedures to meet the needs of a previously untapped niche of potential residents at The Cliffs: those in the market for ready-built homes that look anything but. These buyers want new, high-end homes, but lack either the time to start at the drawing board or the inclination to go through a decision-making process that requires attention down to the smallest of details. They like the look and feel of luxury finishes and are willing—perhaps even prefer—to forego choosing everything themselves. “This program is designed for homebuyers who want custom aesthetics with turnkey convenience,” Adams says. While the custom market continues to thrive within The Cliffs, “not everyone is willing or able to wait through a year or more of the building process—they’re looking for a new home that’s ready for them to move right in.” The Cliffs team is utilizing local architects, in-house draftsmen, and well-vetted subcontractors—all of whom commit to not only warranty their work but also to service any products they supply— with the goal to create a timeless portfolio of homes suitable for each of The Cliffs’ seven communities. “What ‘works’ at Walnut Cove, in the mountains, is different than what works at Lake Keowee,” Adams explains, “so we want architecture and design that capture each community’s individuality.” The first spec home is underway on the golf course in The Meadow neighborhood at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove; further plans call for groups of pre-built homes to be “clustered” within walking

CLIFFS LIVING

distance of amenities. The purpose of clustering is twofold, Adams says: “It creates a structured build environment that improves the construction process, and once these homes are complete, being centered around a shared amenity enhances the social aspect for the residents.” The spec program will complement—not compete with—the long-standing Cliffs Preferred Builder Program for custom homes. “We see strong, steady interest in custom projects, where members can simply unlock the door, walk in, and start enjoying The Cliffs lifestyle,” Adams says. “Increasing the flow of people increases the flow of energy throughout our communities,” he explains. “The whole point is getting more people through the gates. Once they visit, they almost always want to live here.”

“We see strong, steady interest in custom projects, where members can simply unlock the door, walk in, and start enjoying The Cliffs lifestyle.” — KEVIN ADAMS, THE CLIFFS DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION

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SPRING/SUMMER 2019

TASTEMAKERS

TA K E T HE PLU NGE Sous vide cooking isn’t just for professional chefs anymore

MAPLE & DIJON S OUS VIDE PORK CHOPS WITH PARSNIP-APPLE PUREE YIELD 4 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS FOR PORK: 4 Boneless Pork Loin Chops (1-inch thick, 6-8 oz each)

You’ve just come home from the market with some beautiful steaks and heirloom produce. Now what?

1.5 Tbsp Kosher Salt 2 tsp Ground Black Pepper 4 oz Pure Maple Syrup 4 oz Dijon Mustard 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (stems removed) 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (reserved for searing) In a vessel with water, preheat your sous vide precision cooker (immersion circulator) to 138 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your first instinct is probably not to seal both prize the technique for its precision and everything in a plastic bag and drop it in some consistency, making restaurant-scale meal water. But if you love precision, consistency service a dream, but sous vide cooking is also and, yes, even perfection in cooking, it’s time perfect for home cooks who like to prep ahead, to try sous vide. host parties, or experiment in the kitchen. “It’s quite a game-changer in the kitchen,” “In some ways, sous vide is like a modernist says Francis Turck, Senior Executive Chef at Crock Pot,” Turck laughs. “You set it and forget The Cliffs. it … only it’s way more precise.” Sealing raw ingredients If consistency is one in an airtight bag with appeal of sous vide cooking, SOUS VIDE (sü-'vēd): seasonings or marinade is creativity is the other. relating to or denoting just the first step of sous vide, “The possibilities are a method of cooking which translates to “under endless,” says Klein. The food slowly in a vacuum.” The vacuumprocess of vacuum sealing vacuum-sealed pouch sealed food is immersed literally infuses the marinade at a low temperature so as to retain most of the in temperature-controlled into the ingredients, juice and aroma. water, gradually cooking intensifying flavor and Merriam-Webster Dictionary until it reaches the desired tenderness. For Turck and temperature. Because the Klein, the inspiration doesn’t water never gets hotter than the selected stop with proteins. They like to experiment degree, ingredients are never overcooked. with vegetables, eggs (just ask Turck about “With sous vide, you get the same results the difference 1 degree can make), even sous every single time,” explains Bill Klein, Executive vide desserts, such as crème brûlée and pots Chef at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. Some de crème. proteins, like delicate seafood, emerge from The chefs demonstrated these techniques the immersion circulator ready to plate, but and more in a recent sous vide cooking class others must be finished with a quick sear to for a few members at The Cliffs. achieve delicious browning and caramelization. “There are so many amazing applications for “Sous vide cooking delivers such an sous vide cooking,” Turcks says. “I hope every incredible product,” says Turck. He and Klein home cook gets to try their hand at it.” TO SCHEDULE YOUR OWN SMALL SOUS VIDE COOKING CLASS, CONTACT CHEF FRANCIS TURCK (FTURCK@CLIFFSLIVING.COM) OR CHEF BILL KLEIN (WKLEIN@CLIFFSLIVING.COM), OR REACH OUT TO YOUR HOME CLUB CHEF TO LEARN WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE.

CLIFFS LIVING

Season the pork chops with salt and pepper and place in a vacuum seal bag. Add the maple syrup, dijon mustard, and rosemary into the bag, then vacuum seal. Place the sealed bag into the heated water bath and cook for 60 minutes. Remove the chops from the bag and reserve the marinated liquid. Heat a cast iron sauté pan until hot and add the olive oil. Add the pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Add the reserved marinade liquid and bring to a quick boil then remove from the heat and serve.

INGREDIENTS FOR PARSNIP-APPLE PUREE: 1 Lb Parsnips (peeled and sliced into ½-inch pieces) 1 Cup Heavy Cream 1 Granny Smith Apple (peeled, cored, and sliced) 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter 2 tsp Kosher Salt (plus more to taste) 1 tsp Ground White Pepper (plus more to taste) In a vessel with water, preheat your sous vide precision cooker (immersion circulator) to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine all the ingredients in a vacuum seal bag and seal the bag. Place the sealed bag into the heated water bath and cook for 90 minutes. Remove the ingredients from the bag, place into a blender, and puree until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

TASTEMAKERS

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

PLATED

T H E FA R M N E X T D O O R Walnut Cove agrihood connects neighbors to healthy farming tradition What started as a hobby planted the seed for a meaningful mission. Bob and Kara Turner began their foray into agriculture in 2010, purchasing a 10-acre hobby farm next to The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. When rumors grew that the farmer who owned the adjacent 50 acres might sell his land, the couple scrambled to buy it in order to save the property from future development. “That put us into farming on a much larger scale,” Bob Turner says. “So we hired a farm manager and there was no turning back.” Entrepreneurs who have owned and sold several diverse companies over the years, the Turners approached The Cliffs with the concept of creating an agricultural neighborhood— or agrihood, as these trending developments are known— and today, Creekside Farm at Walnut Cove encompasses 18 lots, centering on a 50-acre farm that offers organically raised produce and meat to neighbors through a weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. While digging into farming, Turner says, “I learned so much about what’s going on in our food supply and how food comes to us, and with my experience of the agrihood, I thought ‘someone should write this stuff down.’” So he did.

Turner’s first book, “Carrots Don’t Grow on Trees,” derives its title from a prank he played on a class of fourthgraders who came to tour Creekside Farm. He’d tied a bunch of carrots to a small maple tree near the garden, and when the group walked by, he pointed to the carrots and said, “There it is, kids, the carrot tree!” Not a single student questioned him. “Later we were walking through the garden and I pulled some carrots out of the dirt,” Turner recalls. “I saw some of the kids scrunch up their noses, concerned that food came out of the dirt. It just speaks to how we’re all so disconnected from our food.” The Turners are striving to change that disconnect by promoting the preservation of farmland through Bob’s writing—he’s working on a second book about the economics of farming—and their work with the Walnut Cove agrihood. Case in point is the Creekside Education Center, an old one-room schoolhouse on the property that’s been renovated with a commercial kitchen. Here, Bob and Kara host farm-to-table dinners, cooking and nutrition classes, and other educational food-related events. “Creekside Farm is building awareness for a lot of people of the importance of healthy food,” the accidental farmer says. “The model ties in perfectly to The Cliffs’ healthyliving concept. Wellness has two sides: diet and exercise. We just brought the food piece.”

L E A R N M O R E B Y V I S I T I N G C L I F FS L I V I N G. C O M / C O M M U N I T Y / C R E E K S I D E FA R M

CLIFFS LIVING

PLATED

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

FAIRWAY

CLIFFS LIVING

FAIRWAY

GA ME ON Dave Cooper fuels retirement with a daily dose of golf Prospective employers always look at your resume. Sometimes they look in your golf bag, too.

Just ask Dave Cooper, a resident at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, now retired, whose career highlights include stints as vice president of operations at Titleist and Cobra Golf, and president of Brainstorm GOLF. “Oh, yes,” laughs Cooper, recalling a round of interviews at Titleist that was, quite literally, a round of golf with the company president and heads of sales and R&D. “We were on the first tee. They all looked in my bag and saw my clubs—I think I had TaylorMade woods, maybe NikePro irons, Hogan wedges, and a Ray Cook putter (designed by Scotty Cameron before he became famous)—and they said, ‘Okay, that is going to change quickly!’” Cooper won the match AND the job. His first assignment was to head straight to Titleist’s fitting center, where he was outfitted with a whole new set of clubs, and then to Scotty Cameron to be fit for a putter. Cooper had discovered golf as a young twentysomething, while working his way up to partner at Accenture. He’d been captain of the lacrosse team at Virginia Tech—where he earned a bachelor’s degree as well as an MBA—but after years of team sports, golf offered “a different kind of challenge.” “Golf is you against the course,” Cooper says. “There’s nobody hitting a ball past you or knocking you over. If you perform well, the outcome is good; if you don’t perform well, it’s on you. I find that intriguing.” Cooper grew his game while also growing a reputation as one of the country’s top executives in supply chain optimization. Getting recruited by Titleist set the course for work that married professional acumen to athletic passion. “Some people warn against taking your hobby and making it your career,” Cooper acknowledges, “but I loved working in an industry that’s all

about equipment I use almost every day. It was so satisfying to focus my expertise—supply chain management and operations—on a product that genuinely interests me.” After working through the sale of Cobra to Puma and then Titleist to FILA Korea Ltd. in 2011, the change teed up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Cooper to venture out with a start-up company, Brainstorm GOLF. “I’d always worked with major, established companies. Being part of a start-up was completely different. As President/COO, I learned the nitty-gritty of setting up a brand-new company,” Cooper says, everything from R&D to product launch, even packing up orders, affixing mailing labels, and carrying boxes to the UPS store. “It was an incredible experience.” Brainstorm developed six patents, most notable a four-way adjustable putter with an app that studies your golf swing to determine proper adjustment. While the company has ceased its own operations, Cooper and his partners remain optimistic about selling the patents to another manufacturer. Prepping for early retirement, Cooper and his wife, Kryssa, spent three years “lake hunting” throughout the Southeast, a quest that ultimately brought them to The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. “We found Keowee Springs and moving here was THE smartest decision we ever made,” Cooper says. The couple entertains a steady stream of visitors—two adult sons plus plenty of family, friends, and colleagues—and “everyone who comes here falls in love with the area and the lake. This really is a slice of heaven.” The location is ideal for Kryssa’s commute to Clemson University, where she works for the school’s division of student affairs, and even more ideal for Cooper’s retirement goal to spend as much time on the golf course as possible.

The Coopers purchased their Keowee Springs home from the widow of the late, much-loved John Ross, who had been the community’s first club champion. When Dave Cooper won that same honor last year, he sent a photo with a heartfelt note to Mrs. Ross: “John’s trophy is back at the house.” “I’ve played all seven of The Cliffs courses and I enjoy each one for its own unique features,” Cooper says. “They’re all very different from each other, with unique challenges that keep your interest and keep you focused. The course maintenance staffs are brilliant—I marvel at how well the courses are maintained.” Asked for a quick description of each, he says: • Keowee Vineyards: a gem on the lake • Keowee Falls: great layout with very undulating greens • Keowee Springs: a classic tree-lined course • Valley: like Keowee Springs, but a little harder and longer with water • Mountain Park: great blend of links-style and American course architecture • Walnut Cove: absolutely stunning • Glassy: hilly track with amazing views Having worked in the golf equipment industry, Cooper wouldn’t want to be retired anywhere else. “What The Cliffs offers is amazing,” he says. “It’s a gem, the ability to belong to seven golf clubs that work together as one.”

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

SPORTING LIFE

GET MOV I NG The Cliffs exercise physiologist puts the fun in functional fitness

Mike Chaney loves golf. That passion played a key role in his decision to move to The Cliffs at Mountain Park.

What he doesn’t love is pain and, unfortunately, an aching back sometimes kept him off the links, or at the very least hurt his score. But shortly after moving in, Chaney met with Vance Ferrigno, Exercise Physiologist at The Cliffs, and he started doing functional movement and strength training. “I was just trying to get better at golf,” says Chaney. In the ensuing three years, golf has become pain-free and his handicap has dropped from 10 to 5. “There had been a rigidness in my body, and a lack of mobility,” says Chaney, who recently turned 60. “Now I don’t have back pain at all.” Those results are precisely what Ferrigno has been striving for since he joined The Cliffs 13 years ago. He started out as director of wellness, overseeing operations at what was then five wellness centers (there are now seven) and training the staff on exercise physiology and movement science. He later became an exercise physiologist who traveled to all seven properties to work with residents. Today, Ferrigno is headquartered at Mountain Park, working with members there as well as at Glassy and Valley. Clients range from hardcore athletes training for triathlons to patients recovering from joint replacement or cardiac surgery who want to regain basic strength. Goals

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SPORTING LIFE

are as diverse as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or playing with grandkids on the floor—but it’s all about living your best life through health and wellness. “Pain is a big limiter,” Ferrigno says. “If people have pain, they aren’t enjoying life, and they aren’t enjoying The Cliffs lifestyle. They come here for a way of life, and pain is precluding them from enjoying it. By God’s grace, I’ve been able to help people become or stay active.” Word is spreading: Motivated by his positive results, Chaney’s wife and their next-door neighbor quickly signed up with Ferrigno, too. “I’ve definitely gotten more people to join with Vance based on what they’ve seen in me on the golf course,” Chaney says. In addition to his degree in exercise physiology from Florida State University, Ferrigno has numerous certifications in specializations such as applied functional science, strength and conditioning, golf performance, 3D movement analysis, cycling,

and weightlifting. He appreciates working in a field that offers so many facets to learn about, and after almost 40 years, he loves staying up to date on the latest research. One area of expertise includes functional fitness, now an industry buzzword. Basically, it means training the body for real-life movements and activities. “The human body integrates movement patterns,” he says. “I want to teach people to move better, not just muscle toning. The goal is that they’ll understand how to take care of their body and be more efficient, and then when they are in their 60s, they can lift

their grandchild without back pain.” After years of reading, working, and learning, Ferrigno has fine-tuned his philosophy and transformed his own fitness efforts, doing minimal workouts in the gym a couple of days a week so that he can continue to do the activities he loves, including mountain biking, hiking, and shooting competitions. “My thought process is, whatever I do in the gym has to make me better outside the gym,” Ferrigno says. “I don’t believe exercise itself should be the end goal. Do what you need to do, and then go out and have fun.”

“Whatever I do in the gym has to make me better outside the gym. I don’t believe exercise itself should be the end goal. Do what you need to do, and then go out and have fun.” — VANCE FERRIGNO, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST AT THE CLIFFS

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O N A T R A I N I N G P L A N TO M E E T Y O U R S P E C I F I C N E E D S, C O N TA C T VA N C E F E R R I G N O AT V F E R R I G N O @ C L I F FS L I V I N G. C O M.

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

VINOLOGY

GR A PE E X PECTAT IONS Investment yields portfolio of high-quality wines A longtime lover of fine wine, Bob Dods, member at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, recently had the opportunity to put his money where his palate is.

The former Chairman/CEO of RC2—a company with worldwide distribution and manufacturing rights to Thomas & Friends—Dods considered himself retired when his nephew, Jim Doehring, approached him about investing in a wine venture. After decades in the wine industry, Doehring launched Source Code Beverage, an Oak Brook,

These SR262 wines are available this spring exclusively through The Cliffs Wine Consortium for just $13.99 per bottle! Email wine@cliffsliving.com to place your order by May 31, 2020.

Illinois-based company that distributes Backpack Wine, a canned wine that can be enjoyed anywhere. In 2018, the company debuted its first bottled wine, SR262 Merlot, and Doehring was looking for financial backing. “I thought it might be a great opportunity to be involved with a product that I love,” says Dods, who, along with his wife, splits his time between Lake Keowee and Longboat Key, Florida. “I’m a financial backer for Jim, but I’m also involved in a lot of the marketing and sales side of the business.” Redolent of black cherry and spices, SR262 Merlot takes its name from the state road that winds through the Columbia River Valley in Washington state, where the company sources its grapes and contracts with a winery to craft its products. A blend of 85% merlot, 10% syrah and 5% cabernet sauvignon, SR262 Merlot was such a hit— 2,500 cases sold in the first six months—that the company has added three more wines to the SR262 lineup: a crisp chardonnay, fermented half in stainless steel and half in oak; a lovely sparkling rosé made from syrah grapes; and a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon aged for at least a year in French oak. “We’ve got a great winemaker out in Washington,” Dods says. “We give him a broad brush of what we’re looking for, and he does the blending and sends us (the company’s two wine-tasting panels) samples to taste. We keep refining the wine until we’re happy. It’s probably a three-month process from start to finish.” A self-described “cab person,” Dods admits he’s never been a merlot drinker. “But our merlot is now my everyday drinking wine. And living on the lake as we do, our bubbly rosé is a fabulous summer wine.” Source Code’s next planned varietal in the SR262 portfolio of affordable, high-quality wines is a pinot noir, followed by two higherend cabernet sauvignons.

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

E CLIFF

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Building Relationships www.ResortCustom.com | 864-233-6800

GIVING

SW ING FOR T HE GR EEN CVLGA charity golf tournament supports Safe Harbor

Cindy Runnette, Suzie Jolly, Debe Schwedler, Karren Paterson

The real winner is always the same—and that’s what women love most about Swing for the Green. A ladies-only tournament hosted every September by The Cliffs Valley Ladies Golf Association, Swing for the Green scores incredible support for Safe Harbor, a local nonprofit that provides a continuum of services for victims of domestic violence and their children. Everyone wins in a culture where people are safe and valued in their relationships—and that’s the Safe Harbor vision. Run exclusively by members, Swing for the Green enjoys generous support from area companies. The ambitious fundraiser has donated $190,000 over the past eight years to help Safe Harbor break the cycle of domestic violence in Upstate South Carolina by providing:

Judi Wojciechowski, Brooke Kellogg, Pam Murphy, Helen Hinton

• Prevention Services for Victims and Their Children • 24/7 Crisis Hotline • Emergency Shelters (three locations) • Transitional Housing • Order of Protection Assistance • Counseling • Education & Outreach Swing for the Green committee members include Grace Osborne, Suzie Moore, Joyce Bobich, Ann Jaedicke, Debbie Johnson, Ellyce Brenner, Jill Kelly, Linda Halloran, LuAnn Loeber, and Robin Coseo. These ladies are passionate about golf—and they’re passionate about Safe Harbor, too! TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFE HARBOR, I N C L U D I N G H O W T O D O N AT E A N D / O R G E T M O R E I N V O LV E D , V I S I T S A F E H A R B O R S C . O R G .

Debbie Bell, Patty Gibson, Sue Seitz, Pat Garren

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

JUST KIDS

K A M P K EOW E E Tradition makes a splash at The Cliffs’ lake communities as pirate ships set sail on a sunny summer morning. Treasure chests await discovery, chock full of bounty, skeletons, cannons, and swords. Pirate masts stand adorned with the colors and names of the five camper groups. T-shirts and nametags are at the ready. It’s a wildly anticipated Monday, the first day of Pirates of the Keowee and the start of a week of adventures at Kamp Keowee, an annual summer tradition at The Cliffs’ three lake communities. Kamp Keowee, a private summer day camp run by member grandparents, is offered to children and grandchildren (ages 5-10) of The Cliffs property owners and residents in Keowee Falls, Keowee Vineyards, and Keowee Springs. Adventure Kamp (ages 10-12) runs concurrently, with a separate schedule that includes overnight stays. The purpose of both programs is to offer safe, healthy, educational, fun-filled experiences while building strong relationships and memories between Kampers, parents, and grandparents. Keowee Vineyards member Char Burgner launched the original Kamp Keowee in the summer of 2011 with the help of a small, enthusiastic group of member volunteers who turned the idea of a lake communities camp into a reality. As director, Burgner was the driving force behind the programs, which grew from a small group of first-year participants to 90 children in both camps last summer. Along the way, Kampers have been pirates, cowboys/cowgirls, superheroes, and Olympians—and they’ve gone under the sea, to the circus, and on a jungle safari. After eight dynamic years, Burgner officially retired in 2018, leaving Kamp Keowee in the capable hands of Keowee Falls members Nell Hacker, Kathy Skidmore, and Beth Holland, and Adventure Kamp under the direction of Keowee

Vineyards member Tom Wistar. While Kamp Keowee and Adventure Kamp are run by volunteers from the three lake communities, the children’s amazing experience wouldn’t be complete without the tremendous support of The Cliffs staff. The communities’ club managers and wellness teams always lend a helping hand, while Chef Francis and his staff prepare a “Welcome to Kamp” breakfast, daily lunches, and a final celebration complete with an entry parade and a themed dinner for the Kampers and their families. Daily activities—alternating locations between Keowee Vineyards Lakehouse and Marina, the Keowee Falls Wellness Center/Pool, and the Keowee Springs Beach Club—traditionally include lake and pool games, paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing, waterslides, free swim, and arts and crafts. Theme-based events highlight the schedule every year; Pirates of the Keowee, for example, featured golf carts decorated like pirate ships, which Kampers “sailed” to Waterfall Park for a treasure hunt in Keowee Falls. Kamp Keowee has become a family tradition for many lake community residents. Every summer, participants look forward to renewing friendships that formed when they attended their first Kamp as 5-yearolds. For children who age out of Kamp Keowee, Adventure Kamp adds a few more years of fun, offering overnight stays and activities like whitewater rafting, zip lining, and kayaking. The magic continues July 6-9, 2020, as Kamp Keowee celebrates its 10th year by apparating into the world of Harry Potter and Hogwarts. Planning for the Harry Potter Kamp has been underway since January, with monthly meetings of the Kamp Keowee Council to discuss registration procedures, volunteer recruitment, and ideas for daily activities. Volunteers will spend endless hours building props, discussing logistics with The Cliffs personnel at each venue, and organizing all necessary equipment, props, and materials in preparation for what’s sure to be a spellbinding experience.

KAMP KEOWEE 2020 TAKES PLACE JULY 6-9 FROM 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY AND 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ON THURSDAY. ADVENTURE KAMP, FOR AGES 10-12, RUNS THE SAME WEEK, WITH A SEPARATE SCHEDULE THAT INCLUDES OVERNIGHT STAYS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING REGISTRATION DETAILS, VISIT KAMPKEOWEE.COM.

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JUST KIDS

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

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EXPLORE ® COMMUNITY ® JOURNEY ®

PEN & PAPER ® THE TRAIL ®

EXPLORE

Tour of Duty Exhibit features portraits of veterans in America

eterans Day came early to The Cliffs as residents explored the vastness of America—meeting one military vet from each of the 50 states—without ever leaving the Keowee Falls Clubhouse. That’s because renowned artist Mary Whyte stopped by with a preview of “We The People: Portraits of Veterans in America” on the way to the exhibit’s debut in Charleston, South Carolina. A passion project seven years in the making, “We The People” comprises 50 large-scale watercolor portraits of military veterans from all walks of life, one from every state. These are powerful images of individuals from every branch—men and women, old and young, from a range of ethnicities—as they resettle into civilian life: an astronaut in Florida, a dairy farmer in Missouri, a science teacher in Pennsylvania, and a single mother in South Carolina, just to name a few. “‘We The People’ is such a moving tribute to our country’s patriots,” says Keowee Falls resident Louise Hughes, herself an Army veteran and mother of a helicopter pilot serving in Afghanistan. “The artist does an amazing job capturing the diversity of those who served.” The Cliffs “Lake Ladies” had already enjoyed a sneak peek of the

“ ‘We The People’ is such a moving tribute to our country’s patriots. The artist does an amazing job capturing the diversity of those who served.” — LOUISE HUGHES, MEMBER AT THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE FALLS

portrait project while on a trip to Charleston, when a mutual friend coordinated a behind-the-scenes tour of Whyte’s studio. “We were all so moved; we wished other residents could see these inspired portraits,” Hughes recalls, and thus the idea of a preview presentation at The Cliffs was formed. “Our communities have a lot of veterans and family members, and I knew they’d appreciate this tribute to our military.” The preview was hosted by Hughes and her husband, Rick, along with Nell & Earl Hacker and Pete & Julie Porello. These three couples have strong military bona fides of their own and enduring respect for everyone else who has served, both past and present. Whyte brought a slide show of “We The People” to the Keowee Falls Clubhouse (the watercolors are too big to be portable) as well as a few smaller pieces. “Mary’s project resonated with everyone—people were captivated,” Hughes says. “The portraits in this exhibit acknowledge what makes our military special.” After visiting Keowee Falls, “We The People: Portraits of Veterans in America” made its national debut with a weekend of festivities in Charleston, with the veterans depicted in the paintings attending as special guests. Residents at The Cliffs pledged $15,000 to sponsor three of the featured vets’ travel arrangements. “This is an amazing country that we live in,” says Whyte, an internationally acclaimed South Carolina artist and author who has earned the Portrait Society of America’s Gold Medal, the Philadelphia Watercolor Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award, the Palmetto State’s highest arts-related honor. “That I can spend my life painting what I want, always with the chance to do better, is a freedom bought and paid for every day by our military.” In addition to painting, Whyte has founded the Patriot Art Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to honor veterans through art and educational initiatives. Fundraising is under way to create a permanent home for “We The People: Portraits of Veterans in America” and to offer innovative art therapy services for veterans.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT PATRIOTAR TFOUNDATION.ORG. Artist Mary Whyte

EXPLORE

“Flurries” portraying Dogie (Navy, 1943-1946) from Watrous, New Mexico

“Counter Balance” portraying Joanie (Army, 2008-2016) from Houston, Texas

Pete & Julie Porrello, Jim Redmond, Mary Whyte, Rick & Louise Hughes, Nell & Earl Hacker

“Bunker” portraying Dennis (Army, 1973-1975) from Carmel, California

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

COMMUNITY

Past, Present & Future Making Greenville the most beautiful, livable city in America

I Unity Park site today

David Johnson, Mayor Knox White

CLIFFS LIVING

nextricably linked to the Reedy River that meanders through the city, Greenville was founded on its banks and has framed its identity around the flowing waters. From the 1907 report “Beautifying and Improving Greenville, SC” to the 2019 downtown master plan, the river has always been at the heart of development. “Reedy River with its falls and gorge constitutes the most distinctive feature in the topography and landscape of Greenville,” wrote the authors of the 1907 report. “It is without a doubt the most important single feature to be considered in the development and beautifying of the city.” Knox White keeps a dog-eared copy of that 48-page, 113-year-old report on his desk. The Greenville mayor has made the Reedy River central to his vision for downtown since taking office in 1995, determined to make his hometown “the most beautiful and livable city in America.” In early 2020, construction began on Unity Park, a 60-acre public greenspace straddling the Reedy River on the last expanse of largely undeveloped land inside the city limits. After more than a decade of planning, the much-anticipated project will restore a largely unseen, often forgotten part of the community. Mayor White, who grew up in Greenville, recalls a time when retailers fled the city to relocate in the malls and shopping centers that sprang up outside downtown in the 1970s. Greenville eschewed the path of other central

COMMUNITY

Unity Park, a 60-acre public greenspace straddling the Reedy River on the last expanse of largely undeveloped land inside Greenville’s city limits, will restore a largely unseen, often forgotten part of the community. business districts that tried, often unsuccessfully, to mimic what was happening in their surrounding suburbs. Instead, city leaders set out to create a walkable, people-focused downtown that would remain vibrant after 5 p.m. They narrowed Main Street from four lanes to two, widened sidewalks, and planted trees to shade them. Mayor White, who previously served as an at-large member of Greenville City Council from 1983 to 1993, said the key was leveraging public-private partnerships to drive development and create more residential opportunities downtown. One of his first ventures as mayor was the $13-million Falls Park project and removal of the Camperdown Street bridge that had cast a shadow over the Reedy River waterfall for three decades. The opening of Falls Park in 2004 and its now-iconic pedestrian bridge—the Liberty Bridge—shifted the center of gravity from North Main Street to the river, ultimately leading to $100 million in development in the West End. Just as the opening of the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in 1990 put a stake in the ground at the river, Fluor Field served as a punctuation mark on West End development when it opened in 2006 as the home of the Greenville Drive, a Class-A Boston Red Sox affiliate. Now the city is turning to the next big project: Unity Park. The $40-million park is part of the revitalization of the West Side of Greenville and includes dedicating cityowned land nearby for affordable housing, a bulwark against the pressures of gentrification. Private donations and city hospitality tax revenue are funding the project. Downstream, the city is working on a conference center on vacant land across from RiverPlace. Estimated to cost about $91 million, the facility could serve as an art museum and potentially house collections from the Greenville County Art Museum and Bob Jones University. The economic investment once built out with associated mixed-use development could exceed $300 million. Greenville wins awards. Urban planners visit from other cities to see for themselves how Greenville transformed itself from a typical Southern mill town. Greenville did so by staying true to a long-range vision, maintaining an enduring respect for conservation and sustainability, and honoring its shared history. And, as Mayor White often points out, by never losing sight of the river. TO LEARN MORE, VISIT UNITYPARKGREENVILLE.COM.

Historical photo of the Unity Park site

RENDERINGS PROVIDED BY MKSK STUDIOS

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

JOURNEY

Staying Close Flotilla adventure buoys neighbors’ strong bond

raveling afar with friends can keep you close. Indeed, a flotilla adventure buoyed the already-strong bond between Hal & Sandy Henderson and Craig & Ruthann Weida. The couples, who live just across the cove from each other at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, journeyed via a shared vessel along Alaska’s stunning shoreline, from the spirited town of Juneau to historic Ketchikan, the first city in the last frontier. The two-week excursion took the neighbors through jawdroppingly beautiful wilderness, complete with glaciers, bears, sea otters, seals, and humpback whales. “It was an amazing opportunity to see Alaska in a different way,” Sandy says, noting they docked a few times for day trips ashore and dropped anchor at night to sleep on the boat. The Hendersons and Weidas were part of a five-boat flotilla hosted by Northwest Explorations (NWExplorations.com). A lead vessel was staffed with a captain, a marine technician, and a naturalist; the couples followed along in their own self-manned craft. “It takes a lot of teamwork to navigate and crew your own boat, and that gives a flotilla a totally different feel than some other types of travel,” Sandy says. “You bond through all the shared tasks—this is definitely what you’d call an active vacation.”

“It was an amazing opportunity to see Alaska in a different way.” Hal Henderson, Craig Weida, Ruthann Weida, Sandy Henderson

CLIFFS LIVING

— SANDY HENDERSON, MEMBER AT THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE FALLS

JOURNEY

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

PEN & PAPER

Passion Project Storied life provides rich topics for creative venture

e was a young journalism student at West Virginia University when Jerry Davis first met the man who would change the direction of his life. That pivotal figure was one of his professors, Frank Kearns, a distinguished broadcast journalist who had served as the Africa and Middle East bureau chief for CBS News in the 1960s. “When (Frank) walked into the classroom, I swear he was the embodiment of James Bond,” remembers Davis. “There was a presence about him, the way he carried himself, the way he spoke, the way he challenged us with questions.” In his first semester of graduate school, Davis hatched the idea of making a documentary about Kearns in lieu of a master’s thesis. Those plans were quickly dashed, however, when he broached the project with his intended subject, who curtly told him to find another topic. Fast forward nearly three decades, to 2003, when Davis, who had gone on to pursue a successful marketing career in the health care field, was invited back to his alma mater to attend a dinner honoring, among other journalists, the late Frank Kearns. During the course of the evening, Kearns’ widow, Sara, who was seated next to Davis, turned to him and said, “I think it’s time you do your film.” “I told her my film idea was 28 years ago, and I haven’t done that kind of work since I left grad school,” Davis says. But Sara began sending him boxes of material about her late husband’s life and, like a boomerang, the project came back to him. The resulting documentary, “Frank Kearns: American Correspondent,” earned

Davis an Emmy in 2012. He thought that would be it. But after completing the documentary, Davis discovered a diary that Kearns had kept while spending six weeks behind the lines with freedom fighters in Algeria in 1957. That provided Davis the material for his 2016 book, “Algerian Diary: Frank Kearns and the Impossible Assignment for CBS News.” That wasn’t the end, either. Eventually, Davis uncovered captivating details of the reporter’s personal life. Kearns, who was married with a son, became involved with two other women: Sara, 27 years his junior, a British Airways flight attendant who would become his second wife; and a 19-year-old Israeli Intelligence officer who served as his battlefield escort during the Six-Day War in Israel. That’s when Davis realized there was a movie in this story, and he penned a screenplay based on Kearns’ life and loves. “Originally the screenplay was going to follow the book; it was going to be about the Algerian expedition,” the author explains. “But when the third woman came on the scene and I had a chance to talk to her, my idea about the movie changed. It’s no longer a buddy film; it’s a true love story of a man who was under a lot of duress and was looking for his ideal companion.” Today Davis—a member at The Cliffs Valley, with plans to build there soon—is searching for a producer for his film. “It’s been my privilege, if nothing else,” he says, “to produce these creative works so that Frank’s two granddaughters will know something of their grandfather, whom they’ve never met.”

“It’s no longer a buddy film; it’s a true love story of a man who was under a lot of duress and was looking for his ideal companion.” — JERRY DAVIS, FILMMAKER & SCREENWRITER, AND MEMBER AT THE CLIFFS VALLEY

RISKY BUSINESS A native of West Virginia, Frank Kearns (1917-1986) launched his illustrious journalism career as a stringer stationed in Cairo, Egypt, in 1953, a tumultuous time in the Middle East. There he wrote about the Suez Crisis and the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War, and won a prestigious Peabody Award, among other accolades, for his coverage of Algeria’s struggle for independence from France. In 1958, CBS signed him on as an overseas staff correspondent. Known for his adventurous spirit, Kearns became the go-to guy for dangerous assignments and faced death on a regular basis (after he nearly got killed 114 times, he reportedly stopped counting). Kearns was promoted to chief of the CBS News Africa Bureau in 1962, in which capacity he covered myriad wars, riots, and revolutions. Kearns retired from CBS in 1971 and took a teaching post at his alma mater, West Virginia University. Late one afternoon in February 1976, Jerry Davis was in Kearns’ office at the university when the phone rang. “It was Daniel Schorr at CBS, asking to speak to Frank,” Davis recalls. “So I handed the phone to Frank, and he turned pale and motioned me to leave the office.” That night on the evening news, Schorr reported the shocking story that Frank Kearns was suspected of working for the CIA. Kearns denied it to the day he died, but there’s abundant circumstantial evidence that suggests otherwise. The CIA refuses to acknowledge whether or not Kearns was involved with the agency.

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

THE TRAIL

Riding High Equestrians at Keowee Vineyards take to the trails

imi Delaney clicks her tongue and leans forward in the saddle. On cue, Rhett Butler swishes his tail and starts cantering through the canopied forest. At 16 hands, the powerful black Friesian and his rider make a striking duo, leading a group of members from The Cliffs down Bobcat Branch Trail. “I’m one of the adventurers,” admits Delaney. “I’m always up for a ride. We have more than 200 miles of trails in the Jocassee Gorges area. We even spent the night out here once.” The Cliffs Equestrian Center Manager,

CLIFFS LIVING

Karyn Owen, is riding side-by-side with Delaney on this particular journey. Since taking over management of the Keowee Vineyards-basedprogram in 2017, Owen makes herself available for trail rides with members and residents every day. “It’s so incredible and so rewarding,” the lifelong cowgirl says. “To have something to offer that I have such a deep love for, the horses and riding, and to witness other people experiencing that joy … is just wonderful.” Sandy Krug reigns in Rayna atop a ridge, to absorb the vista that surrounds them. Lake Keowee peeks through the tree line below,

while a Redtail Hawk soars above. “The stress of the day is totally gone when I’m in the saddle,” shares Krug, who lives in Keowee Vineyards. “I forget everything when I’m out on horseback. We moved here for the Equestrian Center. I wanted to make sure when I retired that I could ride as much as I wanted to. My favorite trail is Buck Hollow. To ride along that often fast-flowing creek, surrounded by all that forest, is wonderful.” The ladies never tire of exploring, as no trail is ever the same. “We have mountain laurels and rhododendrons that stay green year-round,”

THE TRAIL

“I forget everything when I’m out on horseback. We moved here for the Equestrian Center. I wanted to make sure when I retired that I could ride as much as I wanted to.” — SANDY KRUG, MEMBER AT THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE VINEYARDS

Owen says. “In the fall, the leaves are always changing. In winter, we get more views because the leaves are gone. And then in summer and spring, all the great flowers are coming up.” Sometimes, the riders spy bears, hogs, and coyotes, especially on longer outings into the nearby Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges. Jocassee may mean “Place of the Lost One”

in Cherokee, but it’s where riders from age 8 to 80 find pure joy in the saddle on excursions from The Cliffs Equestrian Center to the Gorges. “There are so many trails, and so many things to look at,” Owen says, inviting all to come. “It is wonderful out here. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to ride.” The trail boss has spoken; it’s time to saddle up and head out.

N O E X P E R I E N C E ? N O H O R S E ? N O P R O B L E M ! T H E C L I F F S E Q U E S T R I A N C E N T E R AT K E O W E E V I N E YA R D S C A N P R O V I D E A M O U N T F O R R I D E R S O F A L L A B I L I T Y L E V E L S . I N A D D I T I O N T O L E A D I N G T R A I L R I D E S B Y R E S E R VAT I O N F O R A L L M E M B E R S A N D CHILDREN, KARYN OWEN TEACHES LESSONS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND WESTERN H O R S E B A C K R I D I N G . F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , V I S I T S A D D L E C R E E K V I S TA S . C O M .

UPCOMING EVENTS at The Cliffs Equestrian Center

SADDLE & SIP Friday, April 17, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm BOBCAT BRANCH PICNIC RIDE Saturday, May 16, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm EQUESTRIAN DAY CAMP Thursdays, June 18 & June 25, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm To schedule your own Saddle & Sip, Picnic Ride, or Private Equestrian Camp, email equestrian@cliffsliving.com.

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

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THE CLIFFS CULTURE REIMAGINED Members-first philosophy elevates service, enhances amenities

ake it personally—because the focus at The Cliffs is truly all about you. “Our primary purpose is creating a stellar member experience,” says Rob Duckett, President of The Cliffs. “That takes quality, and it takes consistency. It requires higher performance standards in every area of operations, from administration to service to facilities maintenance. The goal is to elevate the lifestyle that our members enjoy every day.” To get there, The Cliffs’ identity is being redefined; its culture, reimagined. After welcoming The Cliffs into its portfolio in March 2019, South Street Partners spent much of last year examining strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities throughout the seven communities. The new ownership team evaluated every aspect of operation, from business plan to personnel to service and amenities. They gathered input from a cross section of stakeholders—corporate staff, sales professionals, club managers and, of course, members—to review, and move through, a sometimes troubled past toward a thriving new era where revitalized facilities complement a commitment to impeccable service, food quality, and programming.

LINDA LONG MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR: The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

JOINED THE CLIFFS: November 2019 (as Walnut Cove Member Services Coordinator)

FUN FACT: As owner of a children’s tea party business in Washington, D.C., Linda once hosted a celebration for a young member of the famed Kennedy family.

THOUGHTS ON THE NEW MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT: I am thrilled to be part of an amazing team that’s all about our members. We look forward to building relationships with the membership and providing an extraordinary level of service that together creates fun, new memories and fosters lasting friendships here at Walnut Cove. 58

CLIFFS LIVING

SARI OUTZEN MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR: The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

JOINED THE CLIFFS: December 2016 (as Keowee Springs Membership Director)

FUN FACT: Sari was a ski instructor in Park City while attending the University of Utah and later worked for a variety of golf companies including TaylorMade/Adidas, Tail, and CHASE54.

“2020 will be a year of renewal for The Cliffs. We are investing in our clubs—both physically and philosophically— to genuinely enhance the value of membership.” — ROB DUCKETT, PRESIDENT OF THE CLIFFS

THOUGHTS ON THE NEW MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT: It will be exciting to watch construction of the new amenities at Keowee Springs. Each club having its own Member Services Team means more opportunities to support our members on a more personal level, providing concierge services but also creating special events and activities for them to enjoy with their families.

SUZIE EDWARDS MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR: The Cliffs at Mountain Park

JOINED THE CLIFFS: July 2015 (as Valley Concierge, then Guest Experience Coordinator)

FUN FACT: Suzie and her husband are history buffs who regularly attend Renaissance Fairs dressed in authentic medieval—and sometimes Lord of the Rings—outfits. They also enjoy local Live Action Role Play events.

THOUGHTS ON THE NEW MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT: We’ve always had a solid foundation of concierge services, but what excites me most about the Member Services Department is the intentional focus we can now give to our members’ individual needs. By taking the worry and responsibility of daily tasks off their plates, we can help members truly enjoy the carefree lifestyle that we promote day in and day out. SPRING/SUMMER 2020

RAE McCLANE-AARTUN MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR: The Cliffs at Glassy

JOINED THE CLIFFS: April 2018 (as Glassy Food & Beverage Supervisor)

FUN FACT: With two degrees in business and hospitality, Rae has worked in hospitality for more than 15 years.

TEAM MEMBERS: Valerie Addis & Paula Green THOUGHTS ON THE NEW MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT: I am excited about the many new, convenient services we offer to enhance the membership experience at The Cliffs. Whether it’s providing a shuttle ride to the airport or stocking their refrigerator, Valerie, Paula and I are here so that our members can spend more of their time enjoying life.

BROOKE REEVES MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR: The Cliffs at Keowee Falls

JOINED THE CLIFFS: July 2017 (as Keowee Falls Events Coordinator)

FUN FACT: Brooke was born and raised in Pickens, SC and studied Business Management at Southern Wesleyan University.

TEAM MEMBERS: Erin Burns & Emily Todd THOUGHTS ON THE NEW MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT: Erin, Emily, and I are all excited about being up front and directly involved with the members at Keowee Falls. Having a dedicated Member Services Team at each club enhances our members’ experience by bringing more personalized services that are focused on their specific, individualized needs.

CLIFFS LIVING

“2020 will be a year of renewal for The Cliffs,” Duckett says. “We are investing in our clubs—both physically and philosophically— to genuinely enhance the value of membership.” This is a season of putting action into The Cliffs’ membersfirst philosophy. Planning and construction are underway on a multitude of projects—a new clubhouse at Keowee Springs, the new Lakehouse at Keowee Vineyards, and amenities at Mountain Park, for example, and refreshed amenities elsewhere—with equal emphasis on cultivating personnel via training, compensation, and continuous improvement. While the seven clubs redefine, then emphasize, their distinct personalities, a corresponding effort will foster connections across all The Cliffs communities. Expect new programming that makes the most of “seven for one” opportunities in golf, tennis, pickleball, and watersports, as well as dining and social gatherings. “As we evolve as a club community, my priority is to cultivate and empower an exceptional staff committed to providing a member experience that is unique to The Cliffs,” Duckett explains. “We’re building a culture that emphasizes the highest standards of personalized service.” To turn this idea into reality, a new Member Services Department launched in late 2019. Most of the team members were promoted from within, chosen for their demonstrated ability to provide The Cliffs’ signature hospitality. A dedicated Member Services Director at each club is tasked with providing concierge services—but that’s just the most straightforward definition of the role. Duckett views the creation of these positions as a significant investment into building relationships and creating an environment where members have more time to enjoy what matters most.

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Like all concierges, the Member Services team can handle your drycleaning, book accommodations for out-of-town relatives, arrange a car for a night on the town, even find a last-minute babysitter for the grandkids. But now, the rapport runs deeper. They know your name, but they also know … you. They ask how your daughter’s college tours went, or if you got any snow when visiting family up north. They’ll share a high five after a great morning on the golf course. Attuned to people’s various personalities, they may introduce you to your new best friends. As concierges who are so much more, these points-of-contact are committed to fostering personal connections across The Cliffs communities, making daily life richer in a hundred little ways. “Every member wants to be recognized when they come to the club,” says Duckett. It’s a seemingly small thing—being greeted by name, being known—but it doesn’t feel small to members. Far from it. In fact, Duckett believes personal relationships are the secret to excellent service, and he has more than three decades of hospitality experience to back it up. “My definition of great service is simple: service provided by people you like, people who care about you,” Duckett says. As part of the process to reimagine The Cliffs culture, Duckett asked club managers and directors to rethink best practices with the real lives of members in mind—and then raise the bar accordingly. The energy was contagious and kicked off a fresh approach that’s already making an impact. During recent golf tournaments at Keowee Vineyards and Mountain Park, for example, organizers reinvented the formatting of the event experience, right down to the tee gift—not the same old golf swag, but something unique that you cannot get anyplace else. The changes have earned rave reviews, with members writing in to express appreciation for the fun, creative updates. “This was the best tournament The Cliffs has ever had,” was the common theme of the compliments. Expect more of the same, as The Cliffs’ members-first culture encourages everyone to enjoy activities, access amenities and—most of all—establish lasting connections. 62

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KATELYN LINDSAY MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR: The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

JOINED THE CLIFFS: August 2017 (as Keowee Vineyards Concierge)

FUN FACT: Katelyn is an art and history enthusiast.

TEAM MEMBERS: Jessica Venneri & Morgan Owens

THOUGHTS ON THE NEW MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT: What’s most exciting about the new Member Services Team is working together to provide our own unique touches on top of the already amazing experiences The Cliffs provides. We are able to enhance member experiences by offering more personalized services and amenities.

BRITTANY BARNWELL MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR: The Cliffs Valley

JOINED THE CLIFFS: May 2019 (as Walnut Cove Concierge/ Member Services Coordinator; previously interned with The Cliffs in 2015)

FUN FACT: Brittany’s two Shiba Inu dogs inspired her interest in photography, which has evolved from pet portraits to taking pictures of weddings, people, and events.

TEAM MEMBERS: Matthew Wilson & Sydney Machia THOUGHTS ON THE NEW MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT: Matthew, Sydney, and I are committed to providing an exceptional experience for the Valley membership whenever they enter the clubhouse. With the new Member Services Department, members can enjoy top-notch services without ever having to leave the gates. I’m excited to use skills learned through digital design and photography to bring a custom, personalized reflection of what it means to be a member at The Cliffs and showcase it back to the community for all to see and enjoy.

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213 213SSChurch ChurchStreet, Street,Hendersonville, Hendersonville,NC NC 828-692-8191 828-692-8191||glennwoodcustombuildersnc.com glennwoodcustombuildersnc.com

MASTER MASTERCRAFTSMEN, CRAFTSMEN, MASTERFUL MASTERFULHOMES HOMES

Renderings are conceptual and program is subject to change without notice.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS Exciting plans unveiled for the new clubhouse at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

Renderings are conceptual and program is subject to change without notice.

PAVILION

PRIVATE DINING

DINING PORCH

already in place,” says Tim Slattery, a partner at Hart Howerton. “We see this new clubhouse at Keowee Springs as a way to connect all the dots, whether somebody is playing golf, swimming in the lake, going boating, or spending time just hanging out with friends and family.” Keowee Springs is perhaps the most family-friendly of The Cliffs communities thanks to The Beach Club, where water slides delight kids of all ages. Or if that water isn’t enough, members can head to the Surf Shop for a paddleboard or kayak and head out on Lake Keowee for a day of fun.

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“There are the shared values of connectivity and the resilience of what the natural framework can be,” Permar says. “It’s not just about creating a sense of place, a term which is often used in the building world, but it’s also about revealing a place.” During Hart Howerton’s 50 years in business, the firm has worked on a lot of private clubs across the country and around the world including Palmetto Bluff, The Cloister at Sea Island, Ku’kio, Greenbrier, Westhampton Country Club, and more. Each project is a little different, Slattery says, depending on the needs of the specific community. More than

PRO SHOP

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Renderings are conceptual and program is subject to change without notice.

t’s all about connections. The link between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the crisp, blue waters of Lake Keowee. The bond between families, friends, and neighbors. The elevation of shared experiences via programs and services that make the most of every relationship. The Cliffs at Keowee Springs offers an array of amenities designed to create and facilitate connections, from paddleboard and kayak rentals to leisurely lunches at The Bistro to a golf course that’s simultaneously challenging and family-friendly. Now, plans are underway for more, including a new clubhouse and amenities to tie everything in this lake community together. “The clubhouse has been our number one priority,” says Chris Randolph, a partner in The Cliffs’ ownership group, South Street Partners. The design team working on the new clubhouse is emphasizing the inter-relationship between this new amenity and Keowee Springs’ natural framework, according to planner Mark Permar, principal at Kiawah Island-based Permar Inc. While it’s typical for a developer to create an environment which people then choose to become part of over time, Permar points out that’s not the case at Keowee Springs. Here, people have already chosen to become part of the community and the developers are now creating an enhanced, welcoming environment. “We recognize that brings added responsibility to the role we play,” says Permar. The desire to weave the new clubhouse into the natural landscape started with South Street Partners and led to Hart Howerton, the New York and San Francisco-based architectural/planning firm that is designing the Keowee Springs project. “The table has been set for us with a lot of amenities

Renderings are conceptual and program is subject to change without notice.

simply a starting point before a round of golf, today’s clubhouses are evolving into shared social spaces. The new Keowee Springs clubhouse will overlook the 18th hole and the practice range. Rather than one large estate building as typically seen at many clubs, Hart Howerton has designed an open-air breezeway as the main arrival point, with a series of interconnected pavilions to house a variety of activity areas. “The clubhouse ties it all together. It’s really going to be the thing to strengthen the sense of community,” says Dwight DeMay, also a partner at Hart Howerton. “We don’t start with the buildings. We start off thinking about what the activities are.”

“We see this new clubhouse at Keowee Springs as a way to connect all the dots, whether somebody is playing golf, swimming in the lake, going boating, or spending time just hanging out with friends and family.”

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, South Carolina November 9, 2019 - Program subject to change

The way the building is organized on the land will help frame the views to the finishing hole at 18 and over to the practice range, DeMay explains. “Rather than a building sitting on the land, the building is integrated within it,” he says. “The building is nestled into the landscape and bending with the topography to really enhance the golf experience.” Having a series of smaller buildings arranged compositionally can help people feel comfortable. On one side of the breezeway, there will be a golf shop modeled after a market-type store; on the other side will be a bar and lounge as well as a dining area with a porch and private space. The clubhouse project is currently envisioned to include

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Renderings are conceptual and program is subject to change without notice.

— TIM SLATTERY, PARTNER AT HART HOWERTON

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upward of 15,000 square feet of indoor space and another 7,000 square feet of decking and porches. “The outdoor space is as important as the indoor space,” says South Street’s Randolph. “In a way, we’re trying to make it feel like golfers are almost playing through the club, not just to it or around it,” Slattery says. “So we’re integrating the golf landscape and architecture together.” Breaking the clubhouse into a series of buildings ensures each one will have spectacular views. “Whenever you’re within the building complex, you feel connected to the golf and the greater landscape,” Slattery says. The topography of the site presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the clubhouse location is up on a hill, Hart Howerton wants the design to make it so that a member can walk from the clubhouse to the short course and practice range easily. A series of outdoor elements such as a patio, putting green, and event lawn will stair-step the way down to the short course. “The real challenge is how to tie it in gracefully. We’re trying to bring people together with the club,” Slattery explains. “We don’t want it to sit up on a hill and overlook everything, but rather to be part of the entire community experience. If you think about the golf course as a wonderful park, the club is like the main park pavilion, almost like a trailhead for the whole community.” While the focus now is on the clubhouse, future plans include a pool and fitness facility. Once the clubhouse is complete and the golf shop currently housed in The Porch is moved to the clubhouse, the property’s fitness studio may be expanded with the addition of tennis and pickleball courts. During site visits, the Hart Howerton team was struck by the beauty of Lake Keowee, according to architect Louise Le Gardeur. “Keowee Springs is all about the lake,” she says. The Porch and The Beach Club are great amenities, and the clubhouse is “the 50yard line between the two,” Slattery says. “So our thought was how do we connect them through a network of paths or trails so you could walk or take a golf cart between The Porch and The Beach Club? It’s this string of interconnected experiences that go up over the hill and down to the lake,” he says. “We’re very excited to be working in such a special place and to help bring a new amenity that complements everything that has already been done.” 70

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Thank you to everyone who came out as we unveiled plans for the Keowee Springs Clubhouse. We look forward to sharing more information in early 2020. Jim & Patty Sullivan

Caleb Lunka

Kathy & Paul Ghidotti

Sophia & Addison Oehler

Nelly & Mark Shulman

Dwight DeMay, Partner/Hart Howerton; Chris Randolph, Partner/South Street Partners; Jordan Phillips, Partner/South Street Partners; Richard Hubble, VP of Real Estate Development/The Cliffs; Mark Permar, Principal/Permar Inc.

Carlos Avila, Mike Zera

Joy Ives, Chuck & Charlotte Billadeau

Joanna & Rich Sherman

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Life C elebrating AT T H E C L I F F S ‘Omi’ Aulenbacher embraces 110th birthday surrounded by friends, family, and the beauty of the Carolina mountains

aria Aulenbacher says she doesn’t have the secret to longevity. What this spunky 110-year-old DOES have, however, is a glass of beer or wine at lunch and dinner—and a strong grappa any time a cold is coming on—“so maybe that’s it,” she laughs. Likely it’s her own cheerful spirits, too, buoyed by a heart filled with gratitude and a body amply blessed with good health. Called “Omi” by the people who love her, this resident at The Cliffs Valley is delighted to add her name to Gerontology Research Group’s list of supercentenarians, the official term for people who have reached the age of 110. “Oh yes,” Omi says. “I am so lucky and very happy!”

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Maria Aulenbacher, affectionately known as Omi, was honored on her 110th birthday by the South Carolina Senate and recognized as the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest resident.

“ I F Y O U WA N T T O L I V E L O N G , C O M E L I V E AT THE CLIFFS!” – Maria “Omi” Aulenbacher, Supercentenarian, Member at The Cliffs Valley

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A native of Germany, Omi was born November 7, 1909—one year after Ford introduced his Model T, two decades before Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. She celebrated her 100th birthday in the same room in which she was born, in a family home nestled in the Taunus Mountains. Last fall, Omi marked her milestone 110th with a champagne brunch at The Cliffs at Glassy. She shared the occasion with her granddaughter, Suzanne, who was born on the same date 55 years apart. They were surrounded by family, friends, neighbors, even a few international dignitaries … and the Carolina mountains that remind Omi so much of home. Omi grew up in a small village near Frankfurt, Germany, the oldest of six children; their father was the Union Secretariat and their grandfather owned a slate mine, where most of the village men worked. She lived through two world wars, the second of which left her a young widow with two young children. The dark-haired beauty never remarried; after raising her son and daughter, she lived in Wiesbaden on the Rhine River, with siblings nearby, until her last remaining sister passed at age 97. That’s when Omi, then 101 years old, emigrated to the United States to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Birgit and Doug Dickerson, at their home in The Cliffs Valley. “We built this house with the intention of one day moving Omi here,” Doug says, noting it has a full mother-in-law suite downstairs although, because of mobility issues, Omi now occupies the master bedroom on the main level. “We wanted her to have a place to come when she didn’t want to live alone anymore … which, as it turns out, didn’t happen until she was 101.” Planning ahead made for a smooth transition into a multi-generational household. That The Cliffs Valley setting is so stunningly serene,

so reminiscent of Omi’s beloved childhood village, helps as well. “I love it here,” Omi says. “I never get homesick. I see these mountains and it’s just like being back in Germany.” The Dickersons agree. They moved here 18 years ago from Indiana—ostensibly to retire, “but I’m still working,” Doug laughs—having become enchanted with Upstate South Carolina while visiting their daughter Suzanne, who visited the Spartanburg BMW plant often during her employment with BMW Munich. “We drove past the entrance (to The Cliffs Valley) and I said ‘Stop the car! I want to live here!’” Birgit recalls. “There wasn’t a clubhouse yet. There weren’t many houses; there was still a construction trailer … and there were these amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Birgit and her mother both appreciate The Cliffs Valley’s location—far enough removed from the city hustle, close enough to shop for German bread at Lidl. “This environment is so relaxing,” she says. “You can have a good, healthy life here, whether you’re ten or one hundred and ten!” Indeed, The Cliffs lifestyle fosters wellness. “If you want to live long, come live at The Cliffs!” says Omi. As a supercentenarian, Omi remains as active as possible, taking walks at Valley’s Nature Center and around the lake at Mountain Park, invigorating both body and soul with the fresh mountain air. She enjoys the occasional social event at The Cliffs, especially Oktoberfest. After outliving her parents, her husband, five siblings and a son, along with too many friends to count, Omi cherishes her family that remains: her daughter and son-inlaw, the Dickersons; granddaughters Suzanne and Christina; and greatgrandson Alex, “her liebling,” the love of her life.

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“THIS ENVIRONMENT IS SO R E L A X I N G . Y O U C A N H AV E A G O O D , H E A LT H Y L I F E H E R E , WHETHER YOU’RE TEN OR ONE HUNDRED AND TEN!” — Birgit Dickerson, Member at The Cliffs Valley

Alex, 12, plays forward with CESA Soccer— “fussball,” as the German Omi calls it—and she doesn’t miss a match. Alex also has become an active golfer, playing on The Cliffs courses. In addition to physical activity, Omi keeps her mind busy. An avid reader, she stays on top of Germany’s current events via YouTube and Hulu, so that she can send informed absentee ballots to hometown elections. “I’m opinionated,” she admits, explaining that having lived through a dictatorship under the Nazi regime, she now cherishes the right to express herself both out loud and in the voting booth. Satellite TV also allows her to virtually attend a German church service every Sunday, a weekly ritual supplemented by daily devotions on behalf of her loved ones. “I pray my family has health and happiness,” she says. People always ask “what changes have you seen in your lifetime” but Omi points out that isn’t quite the right question. “Ask what hasn’t changed! Everything is different—music, travel, medicine, technology— everything has changed, except for people,” she says. “People haven’t changed. Human nature is still the same.”

FAMILY LEGACY ACCESS Creating Memories, Sharing Traditions at The Cliffs The Cliffs allows Full Golf members to extend membership privileges to their immediate family when they register for legacy access to include parents, children, and grandchildren. This level of membership creates cherished memories and traditions that can be passed down for generations to come. Contact the Membership Department at clubs@cliffsliving. com for more information.

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W HO SAYS IT ISN’T E A S Y BEI NG GR EEN? NASA scientist shares simple steps to creating a more energy-efficient home Dr. Bruce Wielicki definitely brings his work home.

A climate researcher for 43 years, Dr. Wielicki—a resident of The Cliffs Valley—has long had a passion for sustainable lifestyles. Specializing in global satellite studies of clouds and the Earth’s radiation energy balance, he has enjoyed a long, distinguished career at NASA and currently serves as Science Team Lead for the agency’s CLARREO (Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory) mission, with a goal to reduce uncertainty about decadal

Dr. Wielicki’s hobby is demonstrating that it’s relatively easy to go green at home—in many cases via do-ityourself projects—to yield significant cost savings. climate change. The award-winning scientist has published more than 120 journal papers and presented 50 public climate lectures across the country. Dr. Wielicki’s hobby is demonstrating that it’s relatively easy to go green at home—in many cases via do-it-yourself projects—to yield significant cost savings. He reduced energy use in his Virginia home by 60 percent; the upgrades paid for themselves in four years and

the resulting efficiency has accrued total savings of some $60,000 over the past dozen years. He is two-thirds of the way through the same energy improvement process at his home at The Cliffs Valley, which he expects will ultimately yield $3,000 in energy savings per year. Wondering how you can do the same? Dr. Wielicki shares the following suggestions for going green, in order of lowest cost and quickest return on investment:

(ABOVE, FROM LEFT) BRUCE & BARB WIELICKI AT THEIR ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME AT THE CLIFFS VALLEY. A HOMEMADE DIGITAL FIREPLACE—COMPRISING A FLATSCREEN TV AND A DVD PLAYER—LOOKS AND SOUNDS LIKE A REAL, CRACKLING FIRE BUT COSTS 200 TIMES LESS PER HOUR TO RUN THAN PROPANE GAS LOGS.

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GREEN LIVING

• Reduce Energy “Vampires.” A surprising amount of electricity is wasted by electronics that appear to be “off ” but in fact draw energy while sitting idle. An inexpensive “Kill-a-Watt” meter lets you check power usage of common culprits like computers, stereos, cable boxes, phone chargers, even coffee pots. Use a switchable power strip to easily turn off groups of Vampires when not in use. • Change to LED Lighting. Get the same lumens for a lot less energy. LEDs use five times less power and they last longer too, making them much more cost-effective over time than incandescent or even fluorescent bulbs. Bonus points for no mercury. • Install a Programmable Thermostat. Choose a model that allows different settings for each day of the week. Adjust your home’s temperature to your family’s typical daily schedule, so that it’s only being heated/cooled when it needs to be.

• Seal Leaky HVAC Ducts. A typical home loses 30 percent of its heated or cooled air to duct leaks, typically at the floor/ceiling vents, return vents, and connections to major duct lines. Use inexpensive Mastic to seal these leaks in your attic and crawl space, which can save 20% on heating and cooling. • Seal Air Leaks. Newer homes are built much tighter, but homes more than 10 years old are “looser” and leakier. Typical culprits are caulking around windows and doors; recessed lights; ventilation pipes; changes in ceiling height; and HVAC, plumbing, and electrical holes in the crawl space and the attic. Use inexpensive weather stripping, caulk, or spray foam to seal, which can save 20% on heating and cooling. • Replace HVAC Systems, Furnaces and Appliances with Energy-Efficient Models. There have been many advances in gas furnaces, air conditioning systems, refrigerators, water heaters, and other

big-ticket items, so when it’s time for replacements, upgrade with energy efficiency in mind. • Replace Old Windows with EnergyEfficient Units. Windows are a major source of heat loss/gain, but they’re also the most expensive thing to change. Therefore, upgrade windows for energy efficiency only when they need to be replaced anyway. In the meantime, install cellular blinds to almost double the insulation value of typical double pane insulated windows. • Invest in a Fully Electric Car. EVs offer a lower total cost of ownership. You’ll spend less on fuel and maintenance while enjoying a smoother, quieter drive. Some Teslas promise up to 500,000 miles of battery module and drivetrain life; plus, no oil, belts, alternator, transmission, or exhaust system—just a single-speed gear box with 20 parts.

(ABOVE, FROM LEFT) THE WIELICKIS INVESTED SOME OF THEIR HOME ENERGY SAVINGS INTO A 2015 TESLA MODEL S, FOLLOWED A FEW YEARS LATER WITH A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3, FOR A FULLY ELECTRIC GARAGE. PLUS, A GEOTHERMAL HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM IS ONE OF MANY UPGRADES EXPECTED TO YIELD SAVINGS OF $3,000 PER YEAR IN THEIR HOME AT THE CLIFFS VALLEY. SPRING/SUMMER 2020

STYLE FILE

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STYLE FILE

GOING W IT H T H E F L OW The Youngs showcase a ‘traditional home with modern flair’ White trim sets off the gray-blue shingles of Aqua Vista, a handcrafted masterpiece with sweeping views of Lake Keowee, lending a Cape Cod feel to Doug and Lucy Young’s dream vacation home at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls. The couple, who married in 2017, were as smitten with the idea of living on a lake as they were with each other. So when they discovered what just might be the most idyllic lot at Keowee Falls in 2016, they knew it was “the one.” The Youngs—who currently live outside Dallas, Texas—worked with Gabriel Builders to design and craft “a traditional home with modern flair” where they could vacation and eventually retire. They wanted each of the three levels to be different, starting with their opulent “love nest,” which occupies the entire third floor. “We designed it (with such creature comforts as a coffee station equipped with a small fridge, a sitting area with TV, and an outdoor deck overlooking the lake) so we could relax there without having to use the rest of the house,” Lucy explains. Intended for entertaining, the main level exudes a rustic elegance, with a dining room that extends into outdoor living space ideal for social occasions. Amy Faulkenberry of ID Studio Interiors lent her expertise to the interior design, which incorporates local fieldstone— like that used on the façade—and shades of blue, cream, and taupe. Natural light pours in from the myriad of large windows, including one in the living room that’s 24 feet high, framing a stunning view of Lake Keowee.

The bottom level, which boasts an indoor-outdoor bar, a custom pizza oven, and a bunk room that sleeps eight, is all about comfort and recreation. A large, wood-burning firepit creates a festive gathering spot that makes the most of the home’s magnificent lake views. Thought went into more than just the aesthetics of this gorgeous residence. As an executive for Lennox, Doug placed a premium on incorporating green features. The home’s Lennox HVAC system features MERV 16 filtration for clean indoor air, energy-recovery units, and whole-home dehumidification. LED lighting is used throughout, and floors are engineered to weather the humidity inherent in lake living. Made from an engineered composite to resemble slate, the DaVinci roofing can withstand 110 mph winds. Aqua Vista earned Gabriel Builders two prestigious Pinnacle Awards from the South Carolina Home Builders Association, one for Best New Home Construction and another for Best Achievement in Green Building. For her part, Lucy appreciates how one room flows seamlessly into the next, and curves define the spaces, from the portico to the master bedroom. “I didn’t want a flat, linear space,” Lucy says. “I like curves, so everything has a beautiful flow, like the flow of water in the lake and the flow of wind through the trees.”

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TREND REPORT

H O M E C O U R T A D VA N T A G E Trendy amenity scores plenty of fun for all ages When Dave and Rebecca Schoenfeld throw a social engagement, everyone has a ball. Literally.

That’s because their spirited home at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove features an indoor sports court that lends a little extra game to every gathering. “People love to come over!” says Dave Schoenfeld, a dermatologist with a practice in Carrollton, Georgia. Built in 2015 with an eye toward future retirement, the home has already filled many a weekend with family, friends, and neighbors who come up, and in, to play. “The younger generation uses the court for basketball. Those of us who are, ahem, a little more ‘mature,’ like it more for pickleball.” At 1,400 square feet and two stories tall, complete with a balcony bar overlooking the action, the regulation size half-court scores big as a crowd-pleasing amenity. While their Walnut Cove home is totally on trend—a recent Christie’s International survey finds increasing demand for creative ways to integrate sports into high-end properties— Dr. Schoenfeld recalls laughing when his son first suggested they should just do it, too. It was a throwaway, a bit of banter whilst shooting hoops together in the driveway— “Hey Dad, wouldn’t it be cool to build a basketball court in the new house?”—but once put into play, the “crazy idea” began to take on serious potential. A sports enthusiast who coached recleague basketball when his kids were young, Dr. Schoenfeld realized a home sports court could keep that connection as Max and Claire, now 21 and 17, got older. “What’s the chance they’ll want to bring friends home, once they go off to college?” a friend and fellow dad asked, rhetorically. “But a house with an indoor sports court? That’s

PICKLEBALL AT THE CLIFFS

the best idea I’ve ever heard—if you build it, they will come!” The project leads at Platt Architecture and Glennwood Custom Builders agreed. “They were totally on board with the idea, pointing out all the activities we’d enjoy, like basketball and volleyball,” Dr. Schoenfeld says. “They added, ‘You might not have heard of pickleball, but it’s the hot new thing.’” He had indeed heard of pickleball, having played it during indoor, winter PE class in Upstate New York. A quirky mashup of tennis, racquetball, and ping-pong that’s played with a whiffle ball, the game was invented back in 1965. Recently—somewhat suddenly—it’s become the fastest-growing sport in America, enjoying a 650 percent increase in numbers since 2013, according to the USA Pickleball Association. It has certainly seen a spike at Walnut Cove since the Schoenfelds built what’s become known as “the house on the first tee, the one with the sports court.” The Platt architects, a father-son team who studied at the University of North Carolina and NC State, put aside cross-state rivalries to nickname the sport court “Cameron Indoor West”—a nod to their client’s medical school alma mater—and what started with the hanging of a Duke University championship banner to commemorate the home court has grown into a colorful tradition. “We ask all our guests to bring a pennant from their own alma mater to hang on the wall (or, in the case of duplicates, to sign the pennant that’s already there),” Dr. Schoenfeld says, noting some 90 schools—from Ivy League to community college—are represented. “Once you hang or sign your pennant, this becomes your home court, too.”

MEMBERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PLAYING PICKLEBALL CAN NOW ENJOY THREE DEDICATED PICKLEBALL COURTS AT THE CLIFFS VALLEY AND TWO OPTIONAL COURTS AT THE CLIFFS AT GLASSY.

CLIFFS LIVING

“The younger generation uses the court for basketball. Those of us who are, ahem, a little more ‘mature,’ like it more for pickleball.” — DAVE SCHOENFELD, MEMBER AT THE CLIFFS AT WALNUT COVE

TREND REPORT

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

ROOM WITH A VIEW

RO OM(S) WITH A VIEW Splendid design draws in iconic natural wonder In a home resplendent with interior detail, the most stunning design element comes from outside. It’s exactly the look Ken and Lorraine Rice were after. “We fell in love with this view of Table Rock,” says Ken, gesturing from his living room veranda toward one of South Carolina’s most iconic natural wonders, “and we wanted to make it as much a part of our home as possible.” Indeed, every room, save one, draws in sweeping glances of the famed granite dome, lending Mother Nature’s handiwork to the overall design of Ken and Lorraine’s dream home at The Cliffs at Mountain Park. The layout is perfectly positioned, east to west, so that natural light pours in from the front while windows along the back make the most of this magnificent vista. “The view changes constantly throughout the day,” Ken says. “It never gets old. Our sunsets are splendid, but so are early mornings. And starlit evenings, too!” It was nearly a decade ago that Ken and Lorraine, native New Yorkers, purchased a builder’s showcase home in Mountain Park as a seasonal complement to their main dwelling on Long Island. “We never intended to spend more than three or four months out of the year here,” Ken says, yet every sojourn to their Southern getaway found the couple more smitten with The Cliffs. “Fast forward nine years—we purchased two beautiful lots and spent twoand-half years building our dream home.” Envisioning “an old-world home with a mountain vibe,” Ken and Lorraine partnered with a bevy of local talent. Their new Mountain Park home was designed by Greenville architect Scott Crichton and built by Fairview Builders, with interiors by Villa Verona Design. The result—a perfect balance of comfort and luxe—has earned ample acclaim, including a prestigious Pinnacle Award for Best New Home from the South Carolina Home Builders Association.

CLIFFS LIVING

“The view changes constantly throughout the day. It never gets old. Our sunsets are splendid, but so are early mornings. And starlit evenings, too!” — KEN RICE, MEMBER AT THE CLIFFS AT MOUNTAIN PARK

Exuding fine, subtle style, the Rice home is a study in elite craftsmanship. There’s natural stonework throughout and almost every detail was done by hand, from custom cabinetry to French bleed flooring to hand-hewn molding. The main level centers around an ample gourmet kitchen—the one place everyone always gathers—with adjacent living and dining spaces both inside and out. A stone patio with phantom screens boasts, a large fireplace, a grilling kitchen and, of course, a panoramic backdrop. Guest suites flank the main living space; Juliet balconies draw the scenery into every bedroom. Even the laundry room enjoys a view. Downstairs, it’s all fun and games. The rec room, built of reclaimed barn wood and a bit of leather, includes a bar with concrete counter, handcrafted furniture, and a pool table inset with Indian head nickels; the adjacent bunkroom was designed for grandkids. Outside there’s a bocce ball court and infinity pool where the water seemingly floats over the mountains below. Looking from their home to Table Rock and the mountains beyond, Ken and Lorraine say there’s no place they’d rather be. It’s easy to see why.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

EVOLUTION

BUIL DING ON BE AU T Y Mountain Park evolves, making the most of natural framework Mark Permar believes places should evolve. And that, the architect says, is precisely what The Cliffs at Mountain Park is doing.

“I like the challenge of enhancing existing operations because the best places are those that evolve and remain relevant,” says Permar, principal at Kiawah Island-based Permar Inc. and land planner for future improvements at The Cliffs at Mountain Park. “We are focused on fully understanding Mountain Park’s natural features, along with the Gary Player-designed golf course and The Cabin, and understanding what works well, where the opportunities are to improve, and how we can enhance the member experience.” Nestled off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway in northern Greenville County, Mountain Park is a hidden gem that marries luxurious homes with the land’s natural splendor. The community launched in Fall 2006 with its first five homes completed in 2007 on what residents nicknamed the “Street of Dreams.” To honor its idyllic surroundings, Mountain Park has always fostered a national park-like feel, according to Phil Corn, who focuses on land development operations at The Cliffs. The architect who created the development’s gatehouses drew inspiration from the stonework and timber frame buildings he saw in a coffee-

CLIFFS LIVING

table book about national parks. Likewise, The Cabin, built in 2014, exudes an intentionally rustic ambiance, echoing the philosophy of Yellowstone and Yosemite, where buildings are designed to blend into the environment. The North Saluda River winds through Mountain Park, along with miles of trails. The awardwinning golf course—designed by Gary Player with an assist from Mother Nature—makes the most of these surroundings. To ensure the golf course didn’t disrupt the environment, The Cliffs partnered with Upstate Forever and Save Our Saluda on a stream restoration project in areas where the riverbank had washed away on what was previously farmland. The course was then carefully routed to preserve the site’s natural beauty while allowing native flora and fauna to flourish. Now the crown jewel of Mountain Park, the links-style course provides a one-of-a-kind golf experience in the Upstate with its rolling fairways and sand dunes and its long native grasses. Opened in 2013, it was recognized as Golfweek magazine’s Best Modern Golf Course in America. “It has a lot of visual teeth, but it is forgiving,” says Mike Williams, Mountain Park’s

“If we do it right, it will be like it’s part of the natural framework. It’s all about how gracefully the parts work with each other.” — MARK PERMAR, ARCHITECT/PRINCIPAL AT PERMAR INC.

EVOLUTION

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

EVOLUTION opening and longstanding golf professional now turned Cliffs Realty sales agent. “It’s a fun course to play. Every hole is done well. Not all rounds in today’s world are necessarily fun. It’s a great golf course.” While every hole on the course is unique, Williams says Hole 7 is especially so. Just 120 yards from the championship tee, the hole places a premium on hitting the green in regulation. “It’s a super risk-reward hole,” Williams explains. If a golfer hits the green, the reward is a birdie. Between the river and a bunker on the right and large swales to the left and in front of the green, errant tee shots are penalized. The Joust, a Par 5-3-4-5 finish to the course, offers a risk-reward ending and the opportunity for golfers to make a comeback with riskier shots if they are up the challenge. “It’s you vs. the golf course,” Williams says. The Cliffs at Mountain Park recently received recertification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. The course is one of 23 Auduboncertified golf courses in South Carolina and one of 900 golf courses in the world. Golf courses that contribute to landscape conservation by protecting and sustaining land, water, wildlife, and natural resources receive the designation. At Mountain Park, 10 acres of pesticide-free land is off-limits to golfers, preserving the natural habitat that is home to wildlife and wildflowers. “We are good environmental stewards,” says Superintendent Jed Fedor. “We are proud that we

have a lot less impact environmentally than the typical golf course. That fits in with our park feel.” Maintaining that park-like ambiance is a priority as Mountain Park looks toward the future. The design process for Mountain Park’s upcoming enhancement is in its early stages with a team wellexperienced in active community development within sensitive natural environments. Work is

“We are good environmental stewards. We are proud that we have a lot less impact environmentally than the typical golf course.” — JED FEDOR, SUPERINTENDENT AT THE CLIFFS AT MOUNTAIN PARK

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underway on a master plan that takes a balanced approach to sensitive site organization, operational efficiencies, and community expectations. Accentuating Mountain Park’s natural beauty is central to the project. “I walked around the golf course to see how it is woven with the natural framework, and it’s seamless,” Permar says. “Imagine spaces doing that, too.” South Street Partners has recently engaged Summerour Architects to lead the Mountain Park amenities design and development. Summerour Architects, led by Keith Summerour, is a team of experienced design professionals whose previous work includes Blackberry Farm, Blackberry Mountain, Old Edwards Inn, Frederica Golf Club, and Sea Island, in addition to a myriad of high-end luxury residential projects including 22 homes at The Cliffs. While nothing is yet set in stone, expect future enhancements to the flow of the golf course, golf shop, arrival sequence, and circulation patterns. Golf cart storage may move to another location to optimize The Barn as a more useable space for special events. The Cabin’s food and beverage options will expand to incorporate a renewed emphasis on the relationship between indoors and outdoors. “It’s an incredibly beautiful golf course, and we’re looking for ways to engage it more visually,” says Permar. “If we do it right, it will be like it’s a part of the natural framework. It’s all about how gracefully the parts work with each other.” Permar and Summerour are currently identifying priorities and appropriate phasing. Plans for the amenities at The Cliffs at Mountain Park will continue to evolve in 2020 and more details will be shared with members as they become available.

EVOLUTION

The Cliffs Lifestyle. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Our Nature. Want custom aesthetics with turnkey convenience in a beautiful park-like setting? Check out The Cliffs Builders program. This built-for-sale initiative is coming later this year to The Cliffs at Mountain Park, offering new, high-end homes that are ready for you to move right in and enjoy life surrounded by natural splendor. For more information, contact Cliffs Realty at 864.249.4379.

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

VISTAS SAVE THE DATES ® APERTURE ® LAST LOOK ® ESSAY ® CLUB DIRECTORY ®

Barry Mullinax

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for these fun-filled events taking place across The Cliffs this spring and summer.

MARCH

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 • SHAMROCK CELEBRATION (Glassy)

MONDAY, APRIL 6 • PRO EXHIBITION TENNIS SEASON OPENER (Valley)

• PADDYSHACK GOLF TOURNAMENT (Mountain Park)

• FARM TO TABLE DINNER (Mountain Park)

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 • LOBSTER NIGHT (Glassy)

• LUCK OF THE DRAW PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT (Valley)

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 • TRIVIA (Keowee Vineyards)

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 • LOBSTER DINNER (Keowee Vineyards)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 • MASTERS PAR 3 TOURNAMENT (Keowee Falls)

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 • ST. PATTY’S PUTTING WITH THE PROS (Keowee Falls)

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 • CHEF’S TABLE WINE DINNER (Keowee Falls)

• PAR 3 TOURNAMENT & PUB CRAWL (Walnut Cove)

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 • ANNUAL SPAGHETTI OPEN (Keowee Falls)

MONDAY, MARCH 16 • ST. PADDY’S SCRAMBLE (Keowee Springs)

APRIL

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 • MEMBER-CHEF NIGHT (Valley)

• PADDYSHACK KICK-OFF DINNER (Mountain Park) 96

CLIFFS LIVING

SATURDAY, APRIL 4 • DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT (Mountain Park)

THURS.-SAT., APRIL 9-11 • MASTERS ON THE MOUNTAIN (Glassy) FRIDAY, APRIL 10 • GOOD FRIDAY FISH FRY (Keowee Falls) SATURDAY, APRIL 11 • EASTER EGG HUNT (Glassy) • EASTER EGG SCRAMBLE (Keowee Vineyards Equestrian Center) • ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT (Mountain Park)

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 • EASTER BRUNCH (Glassy, Keowee Falls, Keowee Springs, Keowee Vineyards, Valley & Walnut Cove) • KIDS EASTER TENNIS EGGSTRAVAGANZA (Valley) MONDAY, APRIL 13 • MONDAY AFTER THE MASTERS (Mountain Park) WED.-SAT., APRIL 15-18 • 10TH ANNUAL KEOWEE INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT (Keowee Falls, Keowee Springs & Keowee Vineyards)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 • WALLEYE NIGHT (Keowee Vineyards) • VALLEY 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY (Valley) SUNDAY, APRIL 26 • PROGRESSIVE DINNER (Keowee Vineyards) • BARK BRUNCH (Walnut Cove)

MAY SATURDAY, MAY 2 • RUN FOR THE ROSES DERBY BASH (Keowee Falls) • KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY (Keowee Vineyards)

CAN’T MISS KEOWEE VINEYARDS SUPPER CLUB Monthly Themes are TBD. Start time 6:00 pm

MONDAY, MAY 4 • STAR WARS: ROCKIN’ ON THE RANGE (Mountain Park)

• COUPLES MEMBER/GUEST TOURNAMENT (Walnut Cove)

• ALL-AMERICAN COOKOUT (Mountain Park)

TUESDAY, MAY 5 • CINCO DE MAYO DINNER (Glassy)

FRI.-SUN., MAY 15-17 • BEN WRIGHT MEMBERMEMBER (Valley)

• MEMORIAL DAY CARDIO TENNIS (Valley)

• CINCO DE MAYO SALSA NIGHT (Mountain Park)

FRIDAY, MAY 22 • BONNIE & CLYDE TOURNAMENT (Keowee Springs)

• PICKLEBALL PARTY (Valley)

• Saturday, March 7 • Saturday, April 4

SATURDAY, MAY 9 • WOULDA, COULDA, SHOULDA (Mountain Park)

• Saturday, June 6 • Saturday, August 1 • Saturday, October 3 • Saturday, November 7 FRIDAY, APRIL 17 • COOKING CLASS (Mountain Park) SATURDAY, APRIL 18 • BLUES & BREWS BARBECUE (Walnut Cove) TUESDAY, APRIL 21 • PICKLEBALL SPEED SCRAMBLE (Valley) • SMOKEHOUSE & BREW DINNER (Mountain Park) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 • EARTH DAY EVENT (Valley)

SUNDAY, MAY 10 • MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH (Glassy, Keowee Falls, Keowee Springs, Mountain Park, Valley & Walnut Cove) TUESDAY, MAY 12 • THE CLIFFS LADIES’ PLAYAROUND (Keowee Springs) FRIDAY, MAY 15 • MEMBER-EMPLOYEE 9-HOLE EVENT (Mountain Park) FRI. & SAT., MAY 15 & 16 • BOOTLEGGER MEMBERMEMBER TOURNAMENT (Glassy) • THE FAZIO MEMBER-MEMBER (Keowee Springs)

• LAKEHOUSE OPENS FOR THE SEASON (Keowee Vineyards) • MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND KICK-OFF COOKOUT (Keowee Falls) SATURDAY, MAY 23 • MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND PAR 3 TOURNAMENT (Keowee Falls) • BEACH CLUB KICK-OFF SEASON OPENER (Keowee Springs) SUNDAY, MAY 24 • MEMORIAL DAY COOKOUT (Keowee Vineyards) • CLASSICS AT THE COVE (Walnut Cove) MONDAY, MAY 25 • MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT & COOKOUT (Glassy)

• MEMORIAL DAY BOCCE KICK-OFF PARTY (Valley) THURS. & FRI., MAY 29 & 30 • KEOWEE VINEYARDS MEMBER-MEMBER (Keowee Vineyards) SATURDAY, MAY 30 • HAWAIIAN LUAU AT THE POOL (Glassy)

JUNE MON.-SUN., JUNE 1-7 • BMW CHARITY PRO-AM (Valley) THURS.-SAT., JUNE 4-6 • STUMPHOUSE MEN’S INVITATIONAL (Keowee Falls) MONDAY, JUNE 8 • ROCKIN’ ON THE RANGE (Mountain Park) THURSDAY, JUNE 11 • LADIES OF THE VINE (Keowee Vineyards) • DUELING PIANO NIGHT (Valley) THURS.-SAT., JUNE 11-13 • BLUE RIDGE CLASSIC MEN’S MEMBER/GUEST (Walnut Cove) FRIDAY, JUNE 12 • BACK TO SUMMER PARTY (Mountain Park) SAT. & SUN., JUNE 13 & 14 • MEN’S & LADIES’ CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (Glassy) TUESDAY, JUNE 16 • THE CLIFFS LADIES’ PLAYAROUND (Mountain Park)

FOR COMPLETE EVENT INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER ONLINE, VISIT MEMBERS.CLIFFSLIVING.COM SPRING/SUMMER 2020

CAN’T MIS S EVENTS

2020 GLASSY CHAPEL CONCERTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 “Something to Talk About” with Stephen Eager, who will celebrate the 250th birthday of Ludwig Van Beethoven with an enactment of his life and music.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14 Kate Lee & Forrest O’Connor, a soulful folk duo, earned national recognition as lead singers of the Grammy-winning O’Connor Band.

TUESDAY, MAY 12 Carolina Blue comes back by popular demand with their awardwinning fiddle player, Aynsley Porchak, performing the finest in bluegrass.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9 The Next Level Band brings infectious joy from Charlotte, with John Floyd as lead singer and three dynamic ladies backing him, taking this night to the next level.

TUESDAY, JULY 14 The Carolina Coast Band, featuring vocalist Rhonda McDaniels, performs beach music, rhythm and blues, and a variety of music that will keep you tapping your feet.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 Trish Oney, an extremely talented vocalist, will captivate you with her gorgeous, smooth voice while presenting The Divas and Masters of Jazz.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Queen Bee & the Honeylovers, with more than a touch of nostalgia, are an unabashedly joyful swing band.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 Elvis is coming! Need we say more?

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 The Rhythm Muscle Band, with lead vocalist Dana Bradley, will perform songs by artists such as Kool & the Gang, Fleetwood Mac, Etta James, and more. 98

CLIFFS LIVING

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 • CROSS COUNTRY PAR 3 (Mountain Park)

THURSDAY, JUNE 18 • EQUESTRIAN CAMP (Keowee Vineyards Equestrian Center)

MONDAY, AUGUST 17 • TRIVIA NIGHT (Mountain Park)

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 • FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND CHOPHOUSE (Keowee Falls)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 • THE CLIFFS LADIES’ PLAYAROUND (Glassy)

• SAVORY SUMMER SOLSTICE BARBECUE (Mountain Park)

FRI. & SAT., AUGUST 21 & 22 • LAKE KEOWEE HUSBAND & WIFE TOURNAMENT (Keowee Vineyards, Keowee Springs)

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 • FATHER’S DAY COOK-OUT (Glassy) • FATHER’S DAY PINTS & PATTIES (Keowee Springs) • INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS (Glassy, Keowee Falls, Keowee Vineyards & Mountain Park)

• FATHER’S DAY EVENT (Valley) THURSDAY, JUNE 25 • EQUESTRIAN CAMP (Keowee Vineyards Equestrian Center)

SUNDAY, JULY 5 • CARNIVAL FAMILY NIGHT (Valley)

FRI. & SAT., JUNE 26 & 27 • THE PLAYERS MEMBERMEMBER (Mountain Park) FRI.-SUN., JUNE 26-28 • MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP (Valley)

MON.-THURS., JULY 6-9 • LAKE KEOWEE KID’S KAMP (Keowee Vineyards, Keowee Springs, Keowee Falls)

SAT. & SUN., JUNE 27 & 28 • KEOWEE FALLS MEMBERMEMBER (Keowee Falls)

MON.-FRI., JULY 6-10 • VALLEY KID’S CAMP (Valley) • WALNUT COVE KID’S CAMP (Walnut Cove)

TUESDAY, JUNE 30 • FAMILY NIGHT ON THE MOUNTAIN (Glassy)

MONDAY, JULY 6 • THE CLIFFS LADIES’ PLAYAROUND (Keowee Falls)

JULY

• JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (Keowee Springs)

FRIDAY, JULY 3 • SNAP, CRACKLE & POP INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION (Valley)

• ROCKIN’ ON THE RANGE (Mountain Park) FRI. & SAT., JULY 10 & 11 • KEOWEE VINEYARDS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (Keowee Vineyards)

• FIRECRACKER BASH (Walnut Cove)

FRIDAY, JULY 17 • WOULDA, COULDA, SHOULDA ONE-PERSON SCRAMBLE (Keowee Springs) • MINI GOLF NIGHT (Keowee Vineyards)

FRI. & SAT., JULY 24 & 25 • THE CLIFFS MEMBER-MEMBER (Glassy & Keowee Springs) TUESDAY, JULY 28 • TASTE OF NEW ENGLAND DINNER (Mountain Park)

AUGUST SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 • SUMMER BLOCK PARTY (Valley) TUESDAY, AUGUST. 4 • INDIAN NIGHT (Mountain Park) THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 • SADIE HAWKINS TOURNAMENT (Valley) FRI.-SUN., AUGUST 7-9 • VALLEY CUP (Valley) SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 • DINNER & JAZZ ON THE GREEN (Keowee Vineyards)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 • LOBSTER NIGHT (Glassy) SAT. & SUN., AUGUST 22 & 23 • STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP (Valley) TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 • GREAT GATSBY DINNER (Mountain Park)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 • CAHLUA & CREAM DINNER & SHOW (Valley)

TUES.-THURS., AUGUST 25-27 • KEOWEE MEET & THREE TOURNAMENT (Keowee Falls, Keowee Springs, Keowee Vineyards)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 • RIVER ROAD STEAKHOUSE (Mountain Park)

FRI. & SAT., AUGUST 28 & 29 • WALNUT COVE MEMBER CLASSIC (Walnut Cove)

SAT. & SUN., AUGUST 15 & 16 • WAR OF ROSES TOURNAMENT (Glassy)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 • COPPER & SHUGAR’S HOUSE PARTY (Mountain Park)

SATURDAY, JULY 18 • BEERFEST (Valley) SATURDAY, JULY 4 • DIRTY DOZEN TOURNAMENT (Keowee Springs)

SAT. & SUN., JULY 18 & 19 • LADIES PRESIDENT’S CUP (Glassy)

• BEACH CLUB INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION (Keowee Springs)

• WALNUT COVE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (Walnut Cove)

• PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT (Valley)

MONDAY, JULY 20 • FARM TO TABLE DINNER (Mountain Park)

• ALL-AMERICAN COOKOUT & POOL PARTY (Walnut Cove)

MON.-FRI., JULY 20-24 • BEVERAGE WEEK (Walnut Cove)

FOR COMPLETE EVENT INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER ONLINE, VISIT MEMBERS.CLIFFSLIVING.COM SPRING/SUMMER 2020

I s it possible to feel nostalgic the first time you visit a place? K I A W A H

G E T S

k i a w a h i s l a n d . c o m

Y O U

8 5 5 . 7 9 5 . 3 4 0 0

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal or State agency has endorsed or judged the merits of value, if any, of this property. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offer to buy real estate in any jurisdiction where prohibited by law. This offer is made pursuant to the New York State Department of Lawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Simplified Procedure for Homeowners Associations with a De Minimis Cooperative Interest (CPS-7). The CPS-7 application (File No. HO16-0007) and related documents may be obtained from the sponsor. This project is registered with the State of New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Real Estate Commission. Obtain and read the NJ Public Offering Statement before signing anything (NJ Reg#16-15-0012). An affiliate of Kiawah Partners..

APERTURE

M E M B E R

S U B M I T T E D

SIGHTS OF THE CLIFFS Cindy Miller & Karen Deininger

Dave Head

LeAnn Ferry

Dave Head Peter McNaughton

102

CLIFFS LIVING

APERTURE

Debra Adams

Donald Bireley

Gary Payne

Bill Welbourn

Chris & Debbie Doscher

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

103

APERTURE

MEMBER SUBMITTED

PEOPLE OF THE CLIFFS Carolyn Antilla Annie Bell Brad Walker with Joy, Anna & Sarah

Douglas Johnson

Jacqueline Brown

Carolyn Antilla

Marty Cline

Ronnie Mabra

Jessica L McKenzie

Fred Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Toole

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CLIFFS LIVING

APERTURE

MEMBER SUBMITTED

PEOPLE OF THE CLIFFS Alexis Ressler & Arnie Kozak by Lee Swing

Chuck Biladeau with Andy & Ashley Biladeau

Risse Snelgrove

Jessica L McKenzie

Keowee Falls South Crab Boil Karen Starbuck

Terry White

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

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EXPERIENCE THE EXCEPTIONAL

EXPERIENCE

LODGING WITH UNPARALLELED SERVICE

The nationally recognized Peace Center is the region’s hub for art, culture, entertainment, and education. From celebrated Broadway tours and musicians to dynamic dance companies and comedians to enriching master classes and workshops, there’s an incredible experience waiting for you! For a complete list of upcoming events, visit peacecenter.org.

SERVING A CULINARY EXPERIENCE

TUESDAY - SATURDAY NIGHT 10 ROAD OF VINES, TRAVELERS REST, SC HOTELDOMESTIQUE.COM RESTAURANT17.COM

GROUPS (15+)

@peacecenter

106

CLIFFS LIVING

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT 864 516 1254 GUESTSERVICES@HOTELDOMESTIQUE.COM

LAST LOOK

[BEARS ON THE DECK]

LAST LOOK

HESE THREE BLACK BEARS DECIDED the view isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too big or too small; rather, the incredible scenery at The Cliffs Valley is just right! This postcard-worthy shot was captured by members Jason & Connie Chan. SPRING/SUMMER 2020

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BU I L D W I T H T H E B E S T Building a custom home at The Cliffs should be as rewarding of an experience as living here. To that end, we’ve assembled and thoroughly vetted the finest custom home builders in the region to form The Cliffs Preferred Builder Program. By choosing to build your custom home at The Cliffs with one of our Preferred Builders, you can be confident the firm you choose to work with has the experience and commitment necessary to understand and execute your unique vision.

Please visit cliffsliving.com/preferredbuilders for more information on this esteemed group of master builders and the speciﬁc regions that they serve.

Crescent Hospitality, LLC Offering Luxury Accommodations and Property Management Services

NAPLES | PALM BEACH | THE CAROLINAS | ASPEN

The Carolinas Architect

OUR TEAM IS AT YOUR SERVICE! THE CLIFFS LUXURY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: • 40+ years Combined Team Experience • Turn-key Vacation Rental Management Services • Residential Property Management Services • Year-round Program for Non-Resident Second Homeowners • Customized to Meet Each Owner’s Individual Needs • On-Call Management for After-hours Emergency Services • Coordination with Real Estate Agency for Listed Properties • Extended Vacation Services • Periodic Inspections and Preventive Maintenance • Full-Service Housekeeping • Coordination of Property Care Services • Trusted Vendor Network • Exterior and Grounds Inspection • Inclement Weather Inspection/Emergency Response

MHK ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 816 South Main St. Suite 100 Greenville, South Carolina | 864-603-3260

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: • Renovation and Repairs • Water Damage Restoration • Roof Repairs/Leak Damage • Mold/Moisture Remediation

THE CLIFFS VACATION RENTALS: • After-Hours Guest Services Response • Coordination of Group Accommodations • Concierge Grocery Delivery • Dining Reservations • Boat and Watercraft Rentals • Local Area Information EXECUTIVE CONCIERGE SERVICES: • Transportation Arrangements • Outdoor Experiences • Private Chef Dinner • Personal Wellness Services • Event Tickets • Guided Tours • Group Reservations and Event Dining • Personal Deliveries • Occasion Services & Special Touches • Holiday Arrangements

537 Main Street Highlands, North Carolina | 828-482-5280

thecarolinasaarchitect.com

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For more information, contact: Residential Property Management 864-660-8473 Brandy@CrescentHospitalityLLC.com

For more information, contact: Reservations/Guest Services 864-660-8474 Reservations@CrescentHospitalityLLC.com

ESSAY

I N M Y OW N WOR DS Why we made the choice to call The Cliffs home

It is said that life is a series of choices, some right, perhaps some wrong.

WE WELCOME CREATIVE WRITING FROM OUR MEMBERS. IF YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE AN ESSAY ABOUT YOUR LIFE AT THE CLIFFS, PLEASE EMAIL MAGAZINE@CLIFFSLIVING.COM TO SUBMIT YOUR TOPIC IDEAS OR CONVEY YOUR INTEREST.

It is in the experience of the realities of choice that we recognize the right ones. So it is that our choice to live at The Cliffs was in the experience of entering the gate and seeing and feeling something we’d never seen before, an essence that took our breath away. Intuitively we knew this was our new home. According to Socrates, “If you don’t have a word to describe something, then how can you think about it?” So, the words of choice would be a community of belonging and refuge, of sanctuary and beauty. Sanctuary says “we” rather than “I.” It is belonging, which is the building block of community. Having a place of sanctuary is vital for mental well-being. No matter what happens in the outside world, we need a place to balance out and recharge. One’s home should be a sanctuary that gives one peace. This is what The Cliffs means to us. Every sunset and sunrise, when the light dances down through the mountains, gives a

special colorful halo to the trees. This, in turn, gives one pause to appreciate the land that nurtures the spirit, the mind, and the body. If the body benefits from movement and the mind benefits from stillness, then The Cliffs is the ideal place to achieve the balance. Solitude and community may be allowed to take their turns at The Cliffs. The one creates in us the love of community, the other that of our family; solitude relieves us when we need to be alone, and conversation when we seek friendship, so that one cures the other. Life is short. When one finds the unique qualities that The Cliffs offers, it is to be cherished and preserved. This is the essence of life at The Cliffs; what you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone, but what is woven into the lives of others. Friendships and community, refuge and beauty, values that deserve preservation. ~ Submitted by Dennis Myles, The Cliffs Valley

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

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CLUB DIRECTORY

REAL ESTATE & MEMBERSHIP SALES Real Estate Sales................................................864.249.4379 Lake Keowee Region....................................866.411.5769 Mountain Region...........................................866.411.5773 Asheville Region............................................828.684.5151 Membership........................................................864.371.1003 Club & Membership Accounting..........................864.371.1075

THE CLIFFS AT GLASSY Gatehouse..........................................................864.895.0205 Clubhouse..........................................................864.895.0222 Golf Shop...........................................................864.663.8114 Wellness Center..................................................864.660.1155

THE CLIFFS AT MOUNTAIN PARK Gatehouse..........................................................864.836.2260 Cabin..................................................................864.516.1766 Golf Shop...........................................................864.660.1133 Wellness Center..................................................864.516.1684

THE CLIFFS VALLEY Gatehouse..........................................................864.836.4411 Clubhouse..........................................................864.660.1100 Golf Shop...........................................................864.836.4653 Wellness Center..................................................864.660.1180

THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE FALLS Gatehouse..........................................................864.944.7657 Clubhouse..........................................................864.944.2010 Golf Shop...........................................................864.944.8721 Wellness Center..................................................864.916.6120

THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE SPRINGS Gatehouse..........................................................864.868.3547 Bistro..................................................................864.372.3108 Golf Shop...........................................................864.372.3102 Beach Club.........................................................864.372.3106 Porch..................................................................864.372.3105

THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE VINEYARDS Gatehouse..........................................................864.868.5022 Clubhouse..........................................................864.868.7000 Golf Shop...........................................................864.868.4444 Equestrian Center...............................................864.868.9969 Marina................................................................864.868.7772 Wellness Center..................................................864.868.8300

THE CLIFFS AT WALNUT COVE Gatehouse..........................................................828.681.8121 Tavern.................................................................828.687.1738 Golf Shop...........................................................828.687.7965 Wellness Center..................................................828.681.9759 112

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