President's Message
May 2020 - Message from the President
Hi all,
Summer is here it seems! We’re experiencing unusually warm weather already. That means staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and watching out for our seasonal challenges like bees and snakes. I sent out a message about snakes last week, PLEASE be careful. Retrieving a golf ball isn’t worth the risk. No one wants to have to go the hospital ever, but especially not now. Swarms of bees have already been spotted as well.
Bee Careful:
Especially for those of you new to the area, here is some information regarding bees.
Gloria Hoffman, research leader at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson provided this information. Swarms are most common through May and into June as hives are rich with resources and colonies need new homes. Generally, they attack only when they feel they need to defend their nest.
What to do when encountering a bee swarm:
That said from experts, most of us here just try to get low to the ground if we hear a swarm approaching. They generally just fly on by. So, if you see the group ahead of you all squatting on the green, they may not be reading the break—they may be ducking bees! Bees don’t like rain so let’s hope for early monsoons! Like most things….this too shall pass. 😊
Chelsea Points:
As I’m sure you are aware, the golf course has been exceptionally busy since it is the only outdoor sport open at the Ranch. As a result, the Chelsea pointing system was changed to try to enable more residents to be able to obtain tee times by eliminating fake “Guests” that take up a spot. Several have asked me for more information on how Chelsea works. I asked Mike and this was his response:
Formerly, guests were pointed differently depending on their host’s status. Annual Member guests were .5, Playcard guests 1.0 and Resident Guests 2.0. Now, ALL guests are 3.0 points. Chelsea points come into play when tee times are booked. If two people (or groups) request the same time, the entity with the fewest Chelsea points gets the desired tee time. I’m asking Ken for a more detailed explanation and I will forward that to you when I get it. It would be a great topic for a presentation at a General Meeting if we get to have one any time soon.
New Members:
Two new members will be playing on May 5 for the first time with our group. Please welcome:
Other updates:
We continue to be under stay-at-home orders for at least a couple more weeks. We are very fortunate that we are able to enjoy our sport with appropriate accommodations. Governor Ducey said in his press conference Thursday that golf is the safest outdoor activity. He must be a golfer! Maybe we should send him a gift card to play here 😊
Watch for course updates via Forecaddie. Hopefully electricity to the ice machine after #14 at the restrooms and the cart path between 15 & 16 will be restored soon.
POSITIVE Notable Moments:
Trish Kelly got an eagle on #16 on April 3. Her extraordinary feat was witnessed by her partners for the day Bev Redfield, Toni Graves and Gaye Ohanian.
Cheri Alfrey got a net eagle on #10 on a Saturday in April. That’s a tough hole!
Susan Ness got her first eagle ever Saturday, May 2 on #16. Her foursome included Carol Mihal, Jean Cheszek and Toni Graves. She was about 100 yards out and Toni got to see it roll in. Great shot Susan, Congratulations!
There are discussions regarding resuming some of our league activities soon, but it may be quite a while before we are able to have lunch and socialize. In the meantime, have fun out there and stay safe and well!
Jeanne
Hi all,
Summer is here it seems! We’re experiencing unusually warm weather already. That means staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and watching out for our seasonal challenges like bees and snakes. I sent out a message about snakes last week, PLEASE be careful. Retrieving a golf ball isn’t worth the risk. No one wants to have to go the hospital ever, but especially not now. Swarms of bees have already been spotted as well.
Bee Careful:
Especially for those of you new to the area, here is some information regarding bees.
Gloria Hoffman, research leader at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson provided this information. Swarms are most common through May and into June as hives are rich with resources and colonies need new homes. Generally, they attack only when they feel they need to defend their nest.
What to do when encountering a bee swarm:
- Don’t panic!
- Be aware. Like everything else in nature, you just need to be present. Stay away from nests.
- Additional tips from the experts:
- Avoid dark loose clothing and shiny objects
- Avoid perfumes and colognes
- Don’t make jerky movements near hives
- Don’t swat at bees.
That said from experts, most of us here just try to get low to the ground if we hear a swarm approaching. They generally just fly on by. So, if you see the group ahead of you all squatting on the green, they may not be reading the break—they may be ducking bees! Bees don’t like rain so let’s hope for early monsoons! Like most things….this too shall pass. 😊
Chelsea Points:
As I’m sure you are aware, the golf course has been exceptionally busy since it is the only outdoor sport open at the Ranch. As a result, the Chelsea pointing system was changed to try to enable more residents to be able to obtain tee times by eliminating fake “Guests” that take up a spot. Several have asked me for more information on how Chelsea works. I asked Mike and this was his response:
Formerly, guests were pointed differently depending on their host’s status. Annual Member guests were .5, Playcard guests 1.0 and Resident Guests 2.0. Now, ALL guests are 3.0 points. Chelsea points come into play when tee times are booked. If two people (or groups) request the same time, the entity with the fewest Chelsea points gets the desired tee time. I’m asking Ken for a more detailed explanation and I will forward that to you when I get it. It would be a great topic for a presentation at a General Meeting if we get to have one any time soon.
New Members:
Two new members will be playing on May 5 for the first time with our group. Please welcome:
- Carol Sacks who joined some time ago but has finally moved in and can play.
- Kay First who just joined last week! She’s not wasting any time getting going!
Other updates:
We continue to be under stay-at-home orders for at least a couple more weeks. We are very fortunate that we are able to enjoy our sport with appropriate accommodations. Governor Ducey said in his press conference Thursday that golf is the safest outdoor activity. He must be a golfer! Maybe we should send him a gift card to play here 😊
Watch for course updates via Forecaddie. Hopefully electricity to the ice machine after #14 at the restrooms and the cart path between 15 & 16 will be restored soon.
POSITIVE Notable Moments:
Trish Kelly got an eagle on #16 on April 3. Her extraordinary feat was witnessed by her partners for the day Bev Redfield, Toni Graves and Gaye Ohanian.
Cheri Alfrey got a net eagle on #10 on a Saturday in April. That’s a tough hole!
Susan Ness got her first eagle ever Saturday, May 2 on #16. Her foursome included Carol Mihal, Jean Cheszek and Toni Graves. She was about 100 yards out and Toni got to see it roll in. Great shot Susan, Congratulations!
There are discussions regarding resuming some of our league activities soon, but it may be quite a while before we are able to have lunch and socialize. In the meantime, have fun out there and stay safe and well!
Jeanne
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