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TRADITION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER  
SPRING 2015  
"Love Actually" - Photo by Celise McLaughlin

Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener
seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.
------Geoffrey B. Charlesworth



WELCOME

Tradition Community Newsletter is published by and for
the Homeowners of the Tradition Community
WEBSITE: www.Tradition29585.com
Editor: Celise McLaughlin cmclaughlin@sc.rr.com


The printed edition will be
delivered to your mailbox in mid November.
Published by Plantation Printing
Advertisers: contact Bill Renault billrenault@sc.rr.com

2015 PUBLICATION DATES
March, July & November
Deadline to submit articles
for next edition will be June 25, 2015.

For past newsletters visit the Newsletter Archives Link at:
"www.t29585.com/NewsletterArchive/NewsletterArchives.htm"


KEY CONTACTS
President POA Frank D'Amato 235-8885
Clubhouse Paul Hayes 237-3832
Covenants Jeanette Renault 235-3566
ARB Vince Civitarese 237-3568
Grounds Alex Herndon 843-241-3287 (Emergencies Only)
Vince Franco - Web Site Manager 237-9190

Board of Directors
Frank D'Amato, President 235-8885
Tom Ellison, Vice President 235-8071
John Bartha, Secretary 235-9998
Art Voltaire, Treasurer 655-6025
Merry Cotton, Director 235-6862
Phil McLeod - Kuester Management 839-9704

Board Meetings Fourth Thursday Meeting
3:00 p.m. Resident's club house
(subject to change)
All board meetings are open to the community


Architecture Review Board Page 5
Canasta Page 6
Covenants Page 5
From the Editor Page 8
Gallery Page 2
Garage Sale Page 4
  Golf Club Page 9
Gold Tees Page 11
Healthcare Buzz Page 14
Ladies 18 Hole Golf League Page 12
Ladies 9 Hole Golf Page 11
Litchfield Beautification Page 4
Litchfield By the Sea Page 3
  Meals on Wheels Page 6
Men's Golf Club Page 13
President's Corner Page 2
Recommended Reading Page 7
Tennis Page 5
Tradition Travelers Page 8
Water Aerobics Page 5
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Page 2

By Frank D'Amato
I find myself writing these comments for the Spring Newsletter just days after the Annual Home Owners Meeting. Both Tom Ellison and I want to thank all those who voted us in for another term on the board.

Annual Home Owners Meeting
I want to thank the 75 residents that showed up for our 20th Annual Home Owners Meeting on a very cold and rainy afternoon.

The actual meeting lasted approximately one hour and we were able to cover the financials and the completed projects for 2014. We also presented the planned projects and costs for 2015.

Insurance issues
I have discussed in the past that we were experimenting with cameras in specific common areas and the use of signs indicating cameras in hopes of deterring vandalism. We have now removed all cameras and signs indicating the use of cameras at the request of our insurance company. This is the result of two things.

First, insurance companies are dropping POA’S/HOA’S from their coverage where associations are using cameras and signage.

Secondly, homeowners belonging to associations with cameras and signage are suing the homeowners associations for failure to protect their property.

There is no way our association can protect nor have enough cameras to watch 405 properties in the Tradition. If you feel it is necessary for you to have additional protection you should contact a security company and take whatever action you feel appropriate and needed for your protection. Many of us in the Tradition already use professional security companies to protect our homes.

The Board of Directors first obligation is to protect the association, which includes programs that prevent lawsuits.

Pool Area
We are installing a new gas grill at the pool for all residents to use. You must be 18 years of age and the use of this grill will be at your own risk and responsibility. You will need to provide your own food, dishes and utensils. Unfortunately, if we provided utensils I am sure they would disappear quickly.
  Web site
Our web site carries a great deal of information to help residents. The board has made the names and numbers of board members, dates of board meetings, minutes of board meetings and most recent financial summaries available for the community.

Landscaping
We have started the replacement of bushes at both the front entrance and the areas behind homes along the new bike path on Kings River Road. We are also looking at issues involving the view of oncoming traffic along Kings River Road when exiting Tradition streets.

Neighbors
It is important that one or two of your neighbors have contact information for you or your family members so that they can be contacted in emergencies. Neighbors should also share house keys. Just last week a part time resident had a water pipe break in their home and no one knew how to contact them. After I shut the water off at the street it took me two days to track down the homeowner.

I strongly suggest that if you are part time or going on vacation that you shut your water off at the street.

I want to thank Faye and Al Britsch for their past work managing the welcome wagon. Neighbors Pat and Bill Crimmins have stepped up and are doing this very important job of making new comers welcome to our community.

Communications
Make sure we have your e-mail addresses so that the BOD can communicate with you. Contact a board member or Vince Franco (qualitykid@sc.rr.com) to add your email. When I broadcast e-mail through the mass distribution system please do not reply to that email. Vince cannot answer your questions. Your feedback must come to me. I will add my e-mail address to the broadcast or you can find my e-mail address in our phone directory and newsletter.

The board schedule and the monthly board minutes are available on the www.Tradition29585.com web site. The minutes are always behind as we must approve minutes at the following month's meeting before they can be posted.

Please call any board member or me if you see a problem in the community. For association emergencies you may call Alex Herndon, our buildings and grounds manager, at 843-241-3287. Please identify yourself. Talk to you soon!
Frank D’Amato
Cell # 446-6875
fdamato@sc.rr.com

POA Annual Meeting 2015

THE GALLERY

Photo By Paul Lempert
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Page 3

By Bill McElroy, President
Spring Letter 2015

Spring is in the air. The beach is calling. I cannot wait to see the friends and neighbors on the deck and beach soon.

Here are a few things to look forward to as the Season begins:

  1. if you have guests and want to meet them at the beach, please call the gate (237-2451) ahead of time to have a pass ready for them.
  2. Please park your golf carts in properly marked spaces and leave the larger spaces for autos.
  3. No glass on the beach.
  4. All animals are to be on leash on LBTS property and the beach between 9:00am and 7:00pm year around.
  5. Fireworks are not allowed at LBTS.
  6. Hours and days will be extended with security at the beach deck with the same personnel as last year. They did a great job of assisting our guests and owners with regards to our rules.
  7. The River Club front gate requires you to have a LBTS sticker or visitors tag when visiting friends or going to the LBTS pool.
  8. Additional roads that belong to LBTS at the beach campus that were not previously seal coated will be done.
  9. The roads are now under the jurisdiction of the Georgetown County Sheriff Office.
    • All traffic rules will be enforced
    • GC Officers now can manage accidents on the LBTS owned roads and parking lots.
    • There is no change in criminal jurisdiction and inquiries.
    • LBTS security has no authority in these matters.
Again, I want to thank the owners of Litchfield by the Sea for allowing me to serve on the board and as your President. Please feel free to call or email me with your needs, concern, or new ideas. The members of the board are listed on the website with their emails and phone numbers.

Have a wonderful Spring and Summer.


The deck awaits the spring
 
WELCOME TO LITCHFIELD BY THE SEA
www.litchfieldbythesea.com


Litchfield By The Sea Community Association is a unique organization that is composed of 30 individual Property Owner Associations that have separate boards that regulate and maintain the place where you own or visit. The River Club community is the only area not covered by a separate POA; they are managed under the LBTS covenants.

Our 2750+ units are composed of condominiums and private homes on the east and west side of Hwy 17 in gated and un-gated communities. Our property values for these units run from $100,000s to the millions. As you can see, we have something for everyone.



All owners in these communities have access to the LBTS properties which include the Beach Club and Deck, Tennis Courts, Boardwalk with a fishing dock and observation pavilion adjacent to Osprey Lake, the crabbing dock across the boulevard, many biking and walking trails throughout the Ocean side campus and a swimming pool open to all members and guests at The River Club.

The improved website litchfieldbythesea.com is now very user friendly and full of current information. The board of Litchfield By the Sea would like for you to explore this website, designed for property owners and visitors to our beautiful area. You will see a list of each of the POAs and a link to each website (if available) and other important information.

Property Owners will find an "owners page" on the website that does not require a password to access. There you will find the Board of Directors information, documents, the budget, the minutes of recent meetings and links to Waccamaw Management for paying for dues. You can find almost anything an owner or prospective owner may want or need including special community and association matters that might affect you and your way of life.

I suggest you use the website to see information for yourself and your guests. There are copies of maps, rules and regulations, rental agencies, current information, and links to services in the community that might be needed as reminders or for your guests who visit our beautiful beach community. Please enjoy our communities and let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you that is not on our website.

Contact the board members located on the website or call Waccamaw Management at 843-314-3448 with your questions that do not have answers on the website.

Our thanks to Tradition Resident, Vince Franco, who maintains the website and is on the communications committee.

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By Kathy MacSorley

The board and officers of Litchfield Beautification began the year looking back on the achievements that have been accomplished since its inception in 2007. Much of the successes have been realized with Lewis Bowers as vice president. Lewis has retired after over 7 years of working with the Foundation. He was there from the beginning of this ambitious project and worked to make it a community wide effort by acquiring funding from businesses, HOA/POA’s, individuals and Accommodation Tax grants.

As owner of the Bowers Commercial Group real estate company, Lewis has a demanding schedule and still gave his time and talent to help the LBF fulfill its goals of enhancing and preserving the beauty of the Litchfield community. The board and officers are so thankful for his service and wish him well. When you see him in the neighborhood be sure to thank him for his contribution to our community.

Our new vice president is also a Tradition community resident. Ron Eaglin has stepped up to work with us and we are grateful to have his experience and talents going forward. Ron is past president of Moorehead State University in Kentucky and past Chancellor of USC Coastal Carolina University. LBF also welcomes two new board members, Doug Waikart from Reunion Hall community, and Cary Smith from River Club.

The most recent changes to the median have been concentrated at the Willbrook intersection with the completion of new landscaping after the installation of the north and south turn lanes. The new beds were finished with a layer of pine straw and the remaining narrow strips of lawn were improved with the addition of muhly grass that will remain low and compact. The grasses are drought and flood tolerant and will be covered with small pink flowers to provide the median with additional color in the fall.

We continue to be challenged with trash removal seven days a week and occasional damage to the median by vehicles. Recent incidents resulted in removing a palmetto palm as well as shrub and turf damage near Baskerville Rd.

In March and April we will be testing an area on the north end with hydro-seeding to improve the section of turf that is the most difficult to keep up. Maintaining the median is always a year round effort and your support is reflected in the results. The Litchfield corridor has one of the most beautiful stretches of highway along the coast and we are very pleased to see this becoming a trend with communities to our north and south with other beautification projects taking hold. As always, we thank those individuals that have made contributions to this effort and the Tradition Homeowners Association for continued support.

We cannot continue without community support. If you are not familiar with the LBF please visit our web site to learn all about us and how you can help.

litchfieldbeautification.com

 

By Merry Cotton
IT’S TIME AGAIN!!

As in past years, the Tradition community is having its annual garage sale day. This year the date is May 2. Rather than leaving an announcement of the upcoming garage sale with its sign-up form placed in your paper box, the sign-up form is in today’s newsletter. So, if you wish to participate, just detach it and place it with your $10 check in my paper box at 66 Patriot Lane here in the Tradition or at Darlene Dodson’s home at 651 Tradition Club Drive.

So, what do you get for your $10? The POA will advertise in the Myrtle Beach Sun News, Georgetown Times, and the Coastal Observer as well as on Craig’s List. Also, you will be provided with a helium balloon for your mailbox to be a quick indicator for “customers” to find your bargains. As further advertising, beginning on the Monday before the sale, garage sale signs will be posted at each of our five entrances. Other signs will be placed throughout the community on the day of the sale.

Also, arrangements for the Salvation Army to pick up any unsold articles that you do not wish to keep, place on the curb by 1:00. The pick up will begin shortly after 1:00.

You will receive more reminders on our community emailing service so watch for them.


Plan now to be a seller, a shopper, or both for another fun community day at our annual garage sale.

Thanks, Merry Cotton

To print the Garage Sale application select the link below

PRINT GARAGE SALE FORM


Beautiful Day May 3, 2014
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Page 5

By Vince Civaterese


Hello to all. I think we may be out of this cold weather soon, although right now it does not look good for at least another week. The winter started out kind of mild, but February sure turned winter on its head. I hope everyone made it through the cold with little damage and with warm hearts.

While I was thinking about what to write for this newsletter it occurred to me that you may never have seen or heard what the ARB does in the community. If you were never at the owners meetings, you would not know just how many permits the ARB reviews & issues each year. I have decided to include the following list of permits that the board issued last year.

2014 Permits Issued
Activity Count
Roof Replacements 62
Tree Removal 57
Build Deck/Patio/Walks 6
Paint Door/Shutters 5
Recoat/Seal Driveway 4
Major Landscape Changes 3
Replace Windows 3
Build New Screen Porch 2
Replace Front Door 2
Install Screening 2
Replace Screen Porch Screening 2
Replace Driveway 1
Install Storm Door 1
Install Satellite Dish 1
Add LP Tank 1
Garage Door Replacement 1
Install Awning 1
Install Pergola 1
Install Skylights 1
Total Permits Issued 156

As you can see we issued 156 permits this year. That is down from last year by 5 permits. Most of the permits this year were for roofs. The normal winner is usually tree removal. I hope this helps you see just what the ARB does throughout the year.

Jim Pearson, in leaving the ARB board this month and is in fact moving from the community. The board will miss his help and the input that he has always provided at our meetings. We wish him and his family the best of luck. As his replacement, John Plesha has graciously agreed to serve on our board and we truly appreciate that he has stepped up to help us out.

Thanks to all of you for your continued cooperation throughout the years. Please feel free to contact one of the current board members to answer any question you may have and help you through the permit application process.

Applications are available on the Tradition Website at www.Tradition29585.com

Vincent Civitarese
Chairman, ARB
 

By Jeanette Renault


Covenants Newsletter Article The joy of spring means planting flowers and looking forward to their beauty. We are also reminded to begin our outdoor maintenance.

If we could only leave our rust and mold accumulation problems behind along with winter! To keep these in check, the following is a formula for cleaning mold:

MOLD CLEANER
1/3 cup laundry detergent
1 quart bleach
3 quarts warm water
Scrub with stiff brush – Rinse


There are also do-it-yourself remedies for rust at Home Depot and Ace Hardware, but these chemicals must be used with caution. We prefer the use of a professional power washing company. Names are available on our Suggested Vendors List.

Link to: Suggested Vendor List

    Two requests we continue to receive:
  • Shrubs trimmed to keep sidewalks clear.
  • Waste receptacles stowed in a timely manner
    after pick-up.

Please contact any Covenants volunteer member if you have concerns regarding Covenants issues. We are here to listen – confidentially.

Covenants Committee
Bill Crimmins, Don McDowell, Ken Dewell, Jeanette Renault
Phil Fleiss, Bill Renault, Allan MacDonald, Deana Smith



"changing of the guard"

Effective January 1, Phyllis Confer and Bella Ribaudo are "in charge" of the tennis courts. Interested in playing? Contact Bella at 235-9848 or Phyllis at 235-9370.

By Pat Shriver

With such crazy January and February weather, we are looking forward to starting our water aerobics in late May or the first of June. Dee Ely and Monique Philips will again be our fearless leaders.

Call Pat Shriver @237-2678 or e-mail her at jshriver@sc.rr.com to be added to the e-mail list for notification of our spring breakfast and opening day.

See you at the pool!
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By Pat Shriver
Lunch at Chive Blossom

To the right and below see the pictures of our latest lunch at Chive Blossom. The crab nachos were a special added treat and absolutely delicious from Chef Paul Kelly Renault for his Mom and her canasta playing friends. Thanks, Paul!


Now on Fridays & Mondays!

We’ve had requests from some residents to play another day, so we started Monday canasta on February 9th and were pleasantly surprised when 11 gals showed up.

Our regular play is the 1st and 3rd Fridays with additional play on the 5th Friday after lunch on the town. AND NOW play also will be the 2nd and 4th Mondays.

So this is an invitation to all to come join us for a fun game of canasta. We will teach you or refresh your memory on that game you may have played in the 50’s and 60’s. Call Pat @237-2678 or Jeanette @235-3566 for more details.








If anyone in the community needs help with meals
please contact Claudia Krauth
99 Confederate Lane or call 843 237-7544.
Claudia maintains a list of volunteers
who are willing to help out.




 











By Celise McLaughlin
I admit both Mardi Gras and Lent got away from me this year, perhaps because I was traveling or maybe just because everything seems to be getting away these days. Time zips by at the speed of light, days, weeks & month go whizzing by. It's already time to do my 2014 taxes and I feel as though I just did last year's.

We always celebrate Mardi Gras with a Louisiana style dinner and king cake with a baby inside. Not this year, come and gone. I did whip up a big batch of gumbo a few days afterwards just to save face.

When I found Ash Wednesday upon me I realized it was time to give up something. Usually it's desserts, or chocolate or wine... no not wine. Anyway this year I decided not to give up anything, but instead to make a promise to do something. My promise is to go out for a meal with my husband once every week during lent. You may think that a very strange promise, but for us, it is huge.

I shop for groceries every Tuesday and cook every night. Then even though I have learned to cook for two, there are still leftovers and I hate throwing food away, so we eat in.

No matter how often I try to schedule a dinner out, we eat in. So this year, for the next 6 weeks [only] you may see us in a restaurant. Well lookie there.
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By Litchfield Books
  Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

In love we find out who we want to be.
In war we find out who we are.
FRANCE, 1939
In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn’t believe that the Nazis will invade France...but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent.

When a German captain requisitions Vianne’s home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything.
Vanessa and Her Sister by Priya Parmar

This is a story about the relationship between the artist Vanessa Bell and her sister, Virginia Woolf, is so deliciously gossipy (while occasionally wonderfully prurient), and almost too beautifully written, to stop.

The neediness, the control, the mind games, and ultimately the betrayal at the heart of this often poisonous sibling rivalry, is never less than fascinating.
 
  Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler

“It was a beautiful, breezy, yellow-and-green afternoon. . .” This is how Abby Whitshank always begins the story of how she fell in love with Red that day in July 1959. The Whitshanks are one of those families that radiate togetherness: an indefinable, enviable kind of specialness. But they are also like all families, in that the stories they tell themselves reveal only part of the picture.

Brimming with all the insight, humor, and generosity of spirit that are the hallmarks of Anne Tyler’s work, A Spool of Blue Thread tells a poignant yet unsentimental story in praise of family in all its emotional complexity.
Adult non-fiction Dead Wake by Erik Larson

On May 1, 1915, with WWI entering its tenth month, a luxury ocean liner as richly appointed as an English country house sailed out of New York, bound for Liverpool, carrying a record number of children and infants. The passengers were surprisingly at ease, even though Germany had declared the seas around Britain to be a war zone. For months, German U-boats had brought terror to the North Atlantic.

But the Lusitania was one of the era’s great transatlantic “Greyhounds", the fastest liner then in service, and her captain, William Thomas Turner, placed tremendous faith in the gentlemanly strictures of warfare that for a century had kept civilian ships safe from attack.
 

Young Readers

Teen books
I Was Here by Gayle Forman
Firefight by Brandon Sanderson

Middle Readers
Homeroom Diaries by James Paterson
The Land Of Stories
A Grimm Warning by Chris Colfer

Picture books
Stormy Nights by Salina Yoon
Betty Bunny Loves Easter
by Michael B. Kaplan
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Page 8

By Celise McLaughlin
Left coast travel
Our two youngest, my daughters, both moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. The eldest became a travel nurse after earning her degree from Clemson. Her plans were to see the country: San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, etc. After a few stints in California she met a fireman, 3 daughters and 10 years later, she is still there.

When my first granddaughter was born in 2009, her younger sister pulled up roots from Connecticut and went out west to help her sister. Six years, and a cloud technology salesman named Steven later, same result. On the bright side, when we go to visit these two, we only need fly to one destination.

This February, the youngest gave birth to a baby boy, my first grandson. This was a trip for me to take alone, John stayed home with Andy Pesto (our dog). Normally when we travel to the west coast we fly Delta out of Myrtle Beach to Atlanta, Atlanta to LAX, LAX to Oakland. Then someone picks us up at the airport.

It takes all day.



This time I decided to try a new route: fly into San Francisco. Three reasons: (1) it was cheaper $ (2) shorter flight time and (3) the kids live near a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station.

Public transportation is amazing. Rather than drive to the airport to pick me up, I hopped on the BART and went to them. I felt very adventurous!

During my visit I had to drive between daughter 1 and daughter 2 a couple of times in order to see all the grandchildren. It is about 45 miles on major California freeways. Not exactly my cup of of tea, so I attempted to do my driving during non commute hours, like mid day and Saturday.

I was very familiar with the trek over the mountains on 680 and 880 as I had done it many times before. However the GPS in my daughter's car suggested a different route, which I ignored, until the final day when I decided, why not? and I followed the little voice coming out of the dashboard.

Scooting along on route 24 westbound, all was well until I was directed to an exit ramp and found myself in Berkeley.



There I was driving through the quaint little streets of this yuppie town, home to the University of California and the TV show "Parenthood". I had always heard of it, but had never been there. So now, because of a burp in the guidance system and the little bit I saw through my windshield, I have added Berkeley onto my bucket list.

Next time we come this way we can make a special out-of-the-way intentional trip to Berkeley and visit for a while. I heard they have the best little papercrafting store in the Bay Area. Bet John can't wait to see that. :o)
 

By Harry Stewart

Last winter Joanne and I were returning from a trip to California visiting daughter and family. We were supposed to have a short layover in Atlanta then on to Myrtle Beach. Landing in Atlanta we noticed some snow on the ground but the runway was clear, just wet.

Little did we know that the city of Atlanta was paralyzed with 2 3/4 inches of snow and ice !! Also, we didn't know that Myrtle Beach was about to close their airport that evening due to the ice build-up. As we checked the flight schedule to Myrtle Beach, our flight kept getting delayed.

We continued checking until we realized we were going to spend the night sleeping in the airport. Delta furnished each of us a "comfort" bag containing a blanket, pillow, tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant. The following morning was more of the same as there was never a notice that Myrtle Beach airport was closed, we kept getting "delayed" info on the board. During the day we watched CNN and realized the magnitude of our problem.



We learned that 46,000 school children in the Atlanta area were stuck in buses on the highways and couldn't get home. A number of stores stayed open to allow the children a place to stay and contact their parents. Food and warmth was not a problem for us as the stores and restaurants stayed open as their workers were also stranded right along with us. We ended up staying a second night in the airport before flying on to Myrtle Beach the next afternoon.

"Recommended for Travelers"

If possible, we would recommend that travelers have some snacks, a clean change of clothes, and toilet articles as allowed in your carry-on.

Also, if stranded don't expect clear information from your lay-over airport, contact your final destination for an update. Had we done this, we would have learned our fate right away and not rely on false information at the Atlanta airport. These recent snow storms up North have given us flash backs.


By Jan Hayes

Paul and I took a 3 week road trip and my neighbor was watching the house. I checked in with her and she responded with the following note.

"So far so good

The house is holding up and we have many RSVP's for the big super bowl party we're having at your house. I hope you like the football themed decorations in your living room - we painted yard lines on the carpet to simulate the football field.

The dining room and your bedroom are now end zones. Kegs are coming in tomorrow. Have to label "Mens Room" and "Ladies Room" for the guests.

Still looking for half time entertainment (Jan, we hoped to get someone who could dance and had that same look you had as in your motorcycle photo on the bookcase, but we're still checking the "gentleman's clubs" in Myrtle Beach.

Should be fun. Too bad you can't make it.

Hope you're having a wonderful time!!!

Mary, Your Neighbor"
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Clayton A. DuBose, CGCS
General Manager/Golf Course Superintendent
cadcgcs@live.com


I hope everyone’s New Year is off to a great start and I’m sure you are all ready for some spring like weather conditions!

As the spring begins to come around and I hope it will very soon, so does the urge for golfers to come out and play. I would expect that everyone has experienced some “Cabin Fever” this year after the miserable winter that much of the country has endured, and just think that some are still crawling through snow piles AND frigid temperatures. Who would have thought about the countless number of rain days, the overcast weather, numerous frost and freeze delays, and the constant winds this winter? just the mere thought of those weather issues makes me ready for the spring season!

We are confident the regular weekly member groups (league and non-league play) will increase their participation this spring and securing a tee time will be of the utmost importance, and as always we will do our best to get the members times in as quickly as possible. If you have a tee time you can’t make or need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible so that we may possibly be able to sell that valuable time. March, April, and May are considered the “peak” season along the Grand Strand and with that comes the increase in outside package guests looking to enjoy our wonderful golf course that we call home.

"Beware of euphoric guests playing in their
version of golf utopia
"

As you all know from experience, sometimes the mixture of outside package guests and Tradition Club members can be like oil and water. Those high paying guests are expecting to enjoy every inch of our golf course and take in the full experience, sometimes taking pictures of the course and their foursome, relaxing on their vacation, and playing golf at a leisurely pace. I probably don’t need to explain what happens when some of our members expecting to play in less than four hours run into the back end of these euphoric guests playing along in their version of golf utopia. Trust me, it is not a walk in the park for the golf operation employees who have to try and accommodate both groups.

Although our members are certainly a priority, the club does rely heavily on those outside guests’ generous green and cart fees and we need to make them feel welcome at the club. Pace of play during these busy times is not an exact science and many factors influence the flow of golfers around the course.

"To a member, a five hour round can seem like an eternity"

The golf shop and outside staff will make every effort to monitor the pace of the package guests and politely move them along while simply asking the membership for just a touch of patience and understanding during this critical revenue earning period for the club. Some of you may find this hard to believe, but the pace of play over the past few years has improved drastically, but when members are used to playing in 4 hours or less in the off season, sometimes four and a half hours or even five can seem like an eternity.

 
"tree removal does benefit the golf course in the long run"

Many of you have noticed the work that has been taking place out on the golf course this fall and winter season, we have continued our tree removal program and our plans are to have that wrapped up prior to the golf season, once again we will have removed in excess of 100 trees on the property.


"fountain on 15"

It’s quite normal to hear some grumblings when the tree removal begins each year, but I can rest assure you that it will only benefit the golf course in the long run. I think many of you will agree that the appearance of the golf course now looks much cleaner as we have some turf growing in areas where we’ve never seen grass before and a little less encroachment from trees along the perimeters and wood lines has opened up some playing corridors.

"the natural buffer is there to protect your property"

We continue to notice some homeowners who are invading into golf course property with their trimming and cutting of vegetation. We do plan to address all these issues with each particular homeowner as we notice the work being done. I completely understand that most of you bought a golf course lot to have a view of the golf course and probably paid a premium for it; however, by recommendation from the golf course architect the ownership of the club purchased extra land to provide a natural buffer area between the golf course and neighboring homes to provide some privacy that we as the golf course want to keep. This privacy buffer was for the homeowner benefit as well to keep golf balls from flying into your home and windows.

"know where your property line ends and the golf course begins?"

If you are planning to do some trimming that borders the golf course property and are unsure of where your property line ends and the golf course begins, please contact me via email at: cadcgcs@live.com and I will be more than happy to review the area with you and help determine what can and cannot be done. Our wish is to not involve any legal action, but if I continue to notice what I’m seeing as of lately we will be forced to again involve the authorities. This can make for an unpleasant experience for everyone so I would ask that you please respect the property of the golf course and its surroundings.

As always, if you have any questions regarding the golf club or maintenance operations please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Page 10

By Jerry Mithen
About the Gold Tees

The Tradition Gold Tee Golf Association is composed of great guys who play nine holes of golf from the gold tees. Players of all handicaps are welcome. Our primary purpose is to have fun, enjoy good fellowship and improve our golfing skills. Membership includes invitations to all Gold Tee Dinners, special activities and parties held during the year. The opportunity to make friends and enjoy the company of other like minded men is a great way to get involved with the golf club and members. There are opportunities to get involved with the Gold Tee committees that make up the social climate of the Association.

Annual Gold Tee Awards Dinner
The annual Gold Tee Golf Christmas Awards Dinner was held December 9th in the Tradition Club House. Chef Debbie prepared a wonderful dinner of meatloaf, spiral cut honey ham, glazed carrots, salad, rolls, apple pie and other treats. There were 66 members who participated in a trivia contest, raffles and dinner. The highlight of the Gold Tee Christmas party each year is the Gold Tees Awards Ceremony for the most outstanding members who contributed to the success of the Gold Tees Club.

The Gold Tee 2014 winners are:


Al Britsch- President Award
(for outstanding service to the club)


Eddie Sheldon- Player of the Year
 

Al Carline- Most Improved Player

Annual Chili Bowl

Forty eight members played in this year’s Annual Chili Bowl. They were evenly divided into two teams, the Bears and the Patriots. The game was a two man match play for 9 holes. It was a very close but after all the scores were counted the Patriots came out on top. The series now stands at Patriots 2 and the Bears 1.

Following the award ceremony, Tradition Golf Club’s Chef Debbie served a delicious dinner of hot chili, cornbread, noodles, and cheese. A good time and fellowship was had by all.

Join the Golf Tees and have a Great Time
The Gold Tees play nine holes at Tradition every Wednesday afternoon. Contact Vince Franco at qualitykid@sc.rr.com if you are interested in joining us. Pictures of our winning teams are taken each week and then placed on our web site:


tradition29585.com/GoldTees.htm
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Page 11

By Mary Graaef
TRADITION LADIES NINE HOLE GOLF CLUB

Our Member/Friend Tournament was held on October 21st on a beautiful Autumn Day. The format was a "Two Person Scramble/Captains Choice". Twenty members played and the winning twosomes by match of cards were:

Mary Jane Conway and Gloria Starrick - First Place
Kathy Lenoue and Sally Russell - Second Place
Brenda Rodgers and Donna Wilson - Third Place


All three groups had a 42. The dinner menu was Spinach & Mandarin Salad, Chicken Francaise, Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Seasoned Green Beans. Three desserts were made by our fantastic baker/member Barbara Mithen. Everything was very delicious!! The fall theme table decor consisted of mum plants along with gourds, little pumpkins and fall leaves and a small gift was given to each one of the guests. The mums were taken home by the person with the closest birthday at each table.

Eleven of our Tradition ladies took part in the South Strand Invitational which was held at Indigo Creek on November 4th. The weather was very nice. Bev Hurd was in the winning foursome which had to be determined by a shootout. Ann Carline, Janice Hayes, Bonnie Eaglin, Bev Hurd and Mildred Culpepper all won fruit baskets. A tasty lunch of Corn Chowder with an assortment of shrimp, potato and chicken salads was served.

The Prime Time Invitational LUAU at Founders Club on February 17 was great fun in spite of the weather. A cool, rainy day kept our nine ladies from playing but all received rain checks for another day. Lunch of pulled pork sandwiches and salads was delicious and all enjoyed white cake with pineapple/coconut and whipped cream topping for dessert. Drawing of names provided unique LUAU gifts for our ladies Kathy Lenoue, Deana Smith and Bonnie Eaglin.

Upcoming Interclub events are being held on:
Mar. 17- DeBordieu
Jun. 02- River Club

A Birthday Breakfast was held at True Blue on November 11th honoring all members who had birthdays in October, November and December. We also had a True Blue Breakfast on February 3rd to honor January, February and March birthday girls. All were given a gift. Next birthday celebration will be a luncheon on May 6th.

On December 3rd our "2014 Awards Luncheon" and initiation of officers was held at Carefree Catering. The Leagues 2015 Board Members are:

Chair: Linda Mitchell
Co-Chair: Deana Smith
Secretary: Mary Graef
Co-Secretary: Pat Shriver
Treasurer: Darlene Dodson
Co-Treasurer: Mary Grace Robic



 

The pins for Birdies, Pars and Chip-ins were awarded. The Ringer Board award went to Kathy Lenoue, Lowest Putts to Pat Shriver and Most-Improved Player award to Phyllis Confer. A delicious luncheon selection of seafood quesadillas, beef tips or breast of chicken was served. A great time was had by all.

A Game Day limiting us to four clubs was held on December 15th. This had to be put off a number of times due to inclement weather.
The Front Nine winners were:
Suzanne Edone - 32, Betty Ruff - 36

Back Nine winners were:
Mary Grace Robic - 34, Linda Mitchell - 36


On January 27th our first General Meeting of the year was attended by 22 of our members.

Our coming events in addition to those mentioned above are:
March 24th - Member/Partner Tournament
April 10th - Ladies Night Out at the Pool House, catered by Pawleys Island Bakery


Happy Spring Everyone!




 

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Page 12

By Suzanne Strasser
WOMEN’S 18 HOLE LEAGUE AWARDS LUNCHEON
The Tradition Ladies 18 hole League celebrated the year end awards luncheon on 12/2/2014.

The Milestone awards were, as follows:
Joanne Stewart broke 90 for the first time in league play
Pat D’Amato broke 80 for the first time in league play
Low Gross awards were:
Joan Sheldon red tee 77, Debbie Massie blue tee 88
Low net awards were: Pat D’Amato 63, Betty Ruff, Lucy Hajec and Pat Kemper all 69
Most improved player Sandy Pearson (2.4 strokes)
Player of the Year Suzanne Strasser
The most desired award, the Rosemary Gallagher Spirit Award, was presented to Dot Franco. She is not only our website administrator but also volunteers to run weekly games and major tournaments. We are looking forward to a successful year in 2015.




Our state representative , Bobbie Fleiss, is keeping us well informed on the many tournaments we can participate in.
The March events are Daniel Island-Charleston, Dataw Island Cotton Dike and Woodlands Country Club Columbia. They are posted in the member’s room. Sign up you might enjoy meeting other lady golfers and have fun playing other courses.
 


WINTER LEAGUE PLAY
The results for December 4th Tradition Ladies League using best net for 9 holes were as follows; 1st Bobbie Fleiss, 2nd Donna Culver, 3rd Suzanne Strasser and 4th Sally Russell. Birdies were made by Maureen Lempert and Donna Culver.

On January 22nd the Tradition Ladies Golf Association played Pick Your Best Nine. Blue Tee Winners were: 1st Judy Gambeski, 2nd Pat Kemper and 3rd Debbie Massie Red Tee Winners were: 1st Bobbie Fleiss, 2nd Penny Pikaart and 3rd Sally Russell. Chip ins were made by Maureen Lempert and Bobbie Fleiss. Bobbie Fleiss also made a birdie.


Tournaments scheduled for 2015
Guys and Dolls 3/5
Ringer tournament 4/16 & 4/23
Member Guest 5/7



Come out and meet our new members and greet some ladies returning to the group. See you on Thursdays.
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Page 13

By Bill Renault
The final two events for The Men’s Club in 2014 were the annual” Steve Kronski Memorial Turkey Shootout” and the ”Ringer Tournament”.



The Turkey Shootout was played on Sunday November 30th in perfect clear 70 degree weather before a gallery of 80 family and friends. The event was a nine hole elimination contest with 10 two man teams teeing off on the first hole. Based on a best ball of twosome score, one team was eliminated on each hole until two teams remained standing on the ninth.

This year, the remaining teams were Paul Hayes and Al Britsch along with Dick Baughman and Bill Renault. The ninth hole was halved and it was agreed that rather than replay the hole, there would be a closest to the pin shootout from about 50 yards. Britsch hit his shot to within 10 feet to claim the victory for his team to the applause of the gallery. A pizza feast followed with everyone agreeing it was a great day.

 

The year ending “Ringer” tournament was played over two rounds with the best net 18 holes of the 36 played counting. The A flight saw Craig Monaghan with a net 63 win over Paul Hayes 64 on a card match over Dick Pacella. Harry Stewart was fourth with 65 and Vinnie Esposito bested Eric Muller on a card match 66.

In the B flight, Rudi Schwarz dominated the field with a net 56. Ed Sheldon followed with a 63. Frank Hawkins and Jim Conway had 64 and Dick Culver and Ron Eaglin 66.



Tournament Chairman Tom Strasser promises warmer weather for the opening 2015 event the “Memorial Masters” . We can’t wait.

Finally, we say goodbye to our friend Wes Benefield who with wife Carol is relocating to the Raleigh area to be nearer to their two sons. And, we pray for the speedy recovery of John Reed who is recuperating from a serious illness.

Men's Golf Club 2015 Officers
President - John McLaughlin
VP Games - Ron Mokrynka
VP Games - Paul Hayes
Tournaments - Tom Strasser
Secretary - Bill Renault
Treasurer - David Philips
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Page 14

By Vance Vandergriff, M.D.
vaccinations don't end with childhood
As spring is approaching, many of us may be planning for summer visits. We all enjoy spending time with our family. Since we live at the beach, we often have family wanting to visit here. In light of the recent outbreak of measles, I felt like we should discuss immunizations. To put it simply, vaccinations save lives. There is very little risk of complications from vaccinations, but there is strong evidence that there are great gains to be had. Since we have been vaccinating our children, there has been a significant decrease in infectious diseases in this country. Once we are out of our childhood years, there are still vaccinations that most adults should be getting.

We get vaccines to both prevent disease in ourselves, and to prevent the spread of disease to others. Unfortunately, not every vaccine results in total and complete immunity. This is why we still get sick sometimes even if vaccinated. The recent measles outbreak has been linked to children that had not received the vaccine due to an unnecessary fear by parents and the anti-vaccine crowd. Children and adults that do not carry immunity from vaccinations put the very young and the old or immunocompromised at a greatly increased risk of unnecessary and life threatening illness.

it is important to vaccinate yourselves
Often times, illnesses are being spread by the adult population. This is why it is important to vaccinate yourselves. Most pediatricians are now requiring parents and grandparents get updated Tdap before seeing the newborn. The Tdap is a combination tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine. Pertussis is the organism that causing whooping cough. Whooping cough in adults is similar to a bad cold, but in the infant population pertussis can be life threatening. The Td vaccine does not provide protection for the pertussis organism. It is safe to get the Tdap even if you have recently had the Td.


Even if you have not had chicken pox
it is safe to get the shingles vaccine
The shingles vaccine is called the Zostavax. The virus that causes Chickenpox is also the virus that causes Shingles. The Zostavax is offered to anyone over the age of 60. It will decrease the likelihood of getting shingles by 50%. Current studies suggest the Zostavax will provide protection for about 6 years, but may have continued effects for some time later. Even if you do not recall having chickenpox, it is still safe to get the shingles vaccine.

 
the flu shot does not give you the flu
The influenza vaccine is recommended to everyone 6 months and older unless contraindicated. This should be given every year in the fall. It takes 2 weeks for immunity to develop, so precautions should be taken during this time to limit potential exposure. There are some years where the flu virus mutates just enough so the vaccine is not as effective. But, I want to stress that you have no protection if you choose not to get immunized. Even a decreased response, as was the case this year with the flu shot, is still better than a zero percent protection for those that did not bother to get the shot in the first place. This past flu season a new high dose vaccine was recommended for adults over age 65. Studies show that these adults do not develop as strong an immunity to the standard dose vaccine, thus a high dose vaccine was developed that is 4 times as strong. Unfortunately, this higher dose vaccine also carries a higher risk of getting mild flu like symptoms following the vaccine. This does not mean the flu shot gives you the flu! Again, as stated earlier, not everyone who gets the vaccine will develop immunity. This would explain why some get the flu even after vaccinated.



Pneumonia vaccines recommendated for older adults
Finally there has been some discussion in the media about a new pneumonia vaccine. The traditional Pneumovax (23-valent) is recommended at age 65, but may be given earlier in certain medical conditions. Now there is Prevnar (13-valent), originally given to infants and children, that has a new recommendation for adults over the age of 50. The Center for Disease Control recommends the 13-valent be given first, followed 8 weeks later by the 23-valent. In the case of most adults over the age of 65 that have already received the 23-valent vaccine, the 13-valent shot would be given one year after the 23-valent. Though I would not rush out just yet to get this new vaccine if you have already received the 23-valent vaccine. I did find one study that showed LOWER immunity when the 13-valent was given after the 23-valent. Therefore if you have not had either, ask your healthcare provider to give you the 13-valent first. Otherwise, I would wait for more data to determine if the additional 13-valent given after the 23-valent is really better.

As always, contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions. You can also stop by our office at South Strand Internists and Urgent Care on Glenns Bay Rd in Surfside Beach for both your primary and urgent care needs. Have a great and healthy spring.

Dr. Joseph Vandergriff is board certified family practice physician.
-- End of Newsletter --
last updated 3/21/2015 by Celise McLaughlin