Just over one month ago, The Willard Companies and Prudential Waterfront Properties announced a partnership with the Atlas Companies and BB&T to market Bridgewater Pointe, the vacant waterfront condominium community at Smith Mountain Lake. Over a three week campaign which began Saturday, June 5 and ran through Saturday, June 26, Prudential Waterfront Properties accepted contract reservations that were entered into a drawing held yesterday, June 27 at The Waterfront Country Club.

Over the duration of the campaign period, Prudential Waterfront Properties received over 721 contract reservations that were entered into a blind drawing. Over 300 people attended the event.  Within 2 ½ hours, all 48 condos were under contract with a scheduled 30 day closing. The three- and four-bedroom condos sold between $199,500 and $535,500. A waiting list was compiled for those buyers who were not selected during the drawing.

 “We took a unique approach to market this particular project. In addition to the drawing format, our marketing and public relations initiatives consisted of a massive multi-media campaign in both traditional and new technology arenas. The results far exceeded our every expectation. It was a fantastic event. The energy and anticipation was truly an adrenaline rush,” according to Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing and Communications for The Willard Companies, owners of the Prudential Waterfront Properties real estate division.

According to Ron Willard, President of The Willard Companies who emceed the event, “It goes to show when you offer a quality product combined with attractive pricing, it will sell. This is not only remarkable for the real estate market, but for the entire Smith Mountain Lake community.”

The economy may be facing some challenges, but that didn’t stop many buyers from investing in vacation properties last year; especially at Smith Mountain Lake. NAR’s 2010 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey shows vacation home sales rose 7.9 percent to 553,000 in 2009, compared to 513,000 in 2008.

Ninety percent of survey respondents plan to use their second home as a family vacation retreat. Only one in four plan to rent it to tenants. Twenty-six percent intend to make the property their primary residence in the future.

The median sale price of a vacation home was $169,000 in 2009, compared with $150,000 in 2008.

In contrast to vacation homes, investment home sales fell 15.9 percent to 940,000 in 2009 from 1.12 million in 2008. The median transaction price of an investment property purchased in 2009 was $105,000, compared with $108,000 in 2008.

Talk to a Prudential Waterfront Properties Realtor about the second-home market at Smith Mountain Lake or surrounding areas.

The Willard Companies and Prudential Waterfront Properties announced today they are partnering with the Atlas Companies to market Bridgewater Pointe, a gated luxury waterfront community offering 48 three- and four-bedroom condominiums at Smith Mountain Lake.

Prudential Waterfront Properties will be accepting contracts from 10 a.m., Saturday, June 5, through 5 p.m. Saturday, June 26. All acceptable contracts will be entered into a lottery sale with a drawing and brunch on Sunday, June 27, at The Waterfront Country Club. Contracts will require a $5,000 deposit with special BB&T financing options available to qualified buyers.  

 “We are very excited to partner with Atlas on marketing the Bridgewater Pointe project,” said Ron Willard, president of The Willard Companies. “This will truly be a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a luxury waterfront condo at Smith Mountain Lake. The timing is perfect with such attractive pricing on a top of the line quality product.”   

Starting at $199,500, Bridgewater Pointe, a maintenance-free community, offers three different architectural plans to choose from. The condos, ranging from 1,685 – 2,294 sq. ft., feature hardwood, carpet and tile  flooring, granite and Coriain countertops, Whirlpool® appliances, Andersen® windows and sliding doors, tile bathroom floors and showers, halogen recessed lighting, direct-vent gas fireplaces, walk-in closets and more. Additionally, the eight Penthouse units feature numerous designer upgrades including kitchens with Viking, Dacor, and Bosch appliances, a fireplace in the master bedroom, and upgraded lighting and flooring packages. Bridgewater Pointe features two reserved covered parking spaces per unit owner. A swimming pool and pavilion area will open later this summer.

In addition, Bridgewater Pointe purchasers can join The Waterfront Country Club with no initiation fee. Amenities include tennis courts, a swimming pool, fitness center, driving range, pro shop and fine dining. The Waterfront, which also features an 18-hole, PGA championship golf course, has remained one of the region’s premier golf course and country club communities.

 “We decided to partner with The Willard Companies and Prudential Waterfront Properties based on Mr. Willard’s long-standing reputation in the Smith Mountain Lake community,” said Don Foust, executive vice president of Atlas. “The Willard companies in succession have developed The Waterfront, The Water’s Edge, The Boardwalk, Westlake Towne Center and their most recent residential project, The Farm. Willard’s real estate company, Prudential Waterfront Properties, has been an established leader in selling premier lake properties since it was founded in 1987. The company has been associated with thousands of families across the country who have purchased lake-front property for their retirement, as a second home, or as a primary residence.”

“My reputation over the past 37 years stands as proof that I go the extra mile for the residents of my communities and my commitment is to do the very same for the Bridgewater Pointe project,” Willard said. “I grew up in the area and have spent much of my time giving back to the community and its residents. I’m proud that our company has weathered past recessions and current economic challenges and continues to employ more than 200 people.”

Smith Mountain Lake is a 22,000-acre recreational lake with 500 miles of shoreline and approximately 40 miles of property in three counties. The lake is about two and a half hours from Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., and three hours from Washington D.C. It is a popular second home and retirement destination for upper-income residents from the nearby areas of Roanoke, Lynchburg, Greensboro, Raleigh, Washington D.C., Richmond and the Triad. The area provides local shopping and restaurants while a grocery store and movie theater is just minutes away at Westlake Towne Center.

Prudential Waterfront Properties will have an onsite sales office at Bridgewater Pointe with sales advisors available to answer questions and provide tours from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., seven days a week. For more information about Bridgewater Pointe, contact Prudential Waterfront Properties at (800) 858-4653 or visit www.smithmtnlake.com.

Sunday, May 30th
1:00-4:00 p.m.

Please join us for a Memorial Day Cookout on the patio!

We will be serving traditional cookout favorites in celebration of this holiday weekend and the beginning of summer. Cost is $14.95++ for adults, $7.95 for children 6-12 years old and those under six eat free.  Please make your reservations early.

-Menu -

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ Chicken

Baked Beans, Corn On The Cob

French Fries, Tossed Salad, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw

Assorted Desserts and Ice Cream Bar

Friday, May 14
Dinner: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Showtime: 8:00-11:00 p.m.

The Waterfront Country Club will feature the musical talents of Doug Settles with his spectacular presentation of the “King of Diamonds.”  The evening will begin with Chef Jason and his staff preparing a spectacular buffet highlighted by carved tenderloin and a grand dessert table.

Brent Clinevell will be on hand spinning all of your favorite dance and show tunes.  The feature events will be Doug performing the timeless classics of Elvis Pressley and Neil Diamond.  Doug’s stirring performances will be sure to have you tapping your feet and moving along to these familiar tunes.  This is a night that you do not want to miss.  Tables will be reserved for groups of six or more and open seating will apply for any other members and their guests.  Be sure and make your reservation early for this very popular event.  The price is only $24.95++ per person ($11.95++ for children 6-12) for the dinner and the show. 

-Menu -

Salad Bar, Biscuits and Yeast Rolls

Carved Tenderloin, Fried Chicken, Seafood Pescatore

Mashed Potatoes Gravy, Herb Pilaf

Steamed Asparagus, Vegetable Medley

Assorted Desserts

Sunday, May 9th
11:30-2:30 (Special Event)

 Join us on Mom’s special day for a fabulous brunch.  Chef Jason and his staff will feature a spectacular buffet highlighted by carved prime rib, plus many more breakfast and specialty dinner items. Cost is $24.95++ for adults, $10.95 for children 6-12 years old and those under six eat free.  Make your reservations early as this is one of our more popular events.

-Menu -

Salad Bar, Fruit Salad, Donuts and Danish

Omelet Station, Waffle Station, Eggs Benedict, Bacon and Sausage, Homefries, Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Carved Prime Rib With Au Jus, Chicken Picata

Housemade Marinara and Meat Sauce, Angel Hair Pasta,

Crab Stuffed Flounder, Mushroom Pilaf

Spring Vegetable Medley and Creamed Spinach

 Assorted Desserts

Welcome New Club Manager

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Mickey Martin who has been appointed to Club Manager for The Waterfront Country Club. 

Mickey comes to us from The Westlake Golf and Country Club where he has been Club Manager since November 2008. Mickey brings over twenty years of experience in the food and beverage industry.  Prior to joining The Willard Companies, Mickey worked as the Food and Beverage Director of The Reserve Golf Club of Pawley’s Island as well as Club Manager for The Country Club of Charleston, both located in South Carolina.  Mickey, a native of Southwest Virginia, graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Business Management and resides in Moneta.

Please take the time to stop by the club and join me in welcoming Mickey to The Waterfront.  I am confident that Mickey will bring superior leadership and customer service to the club and the lake community.

We would also like to wish Fred the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his service. 

Thanks,
Ronald Willard II, Vice President

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Membership Drive

Do you know a potential member? Refer them by May 31and you will receive a $500 dues credit.  In addition, the initiation fees have been reduced to $3,000 for anyone you refer. Please call Monica Brady at 540-721-5288 for more information or to refer a new member.

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Welcome New Members!

Donald and Suzannah Robinson
3820 Bluewater Drive
Moneta, VA 24121

Phil and Ellen Servidea
130 Atlantic Avenue
Moneta, VA 24121

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In Sympathy

William Golden

Mickey Martin, Club Manager

I would like to say how excited I am to be given the opportunity to join the staff of The Waterfront Country Club. Over the next few weeks I will be looking forward to meeting all of you and warmly welcoming your thoughts and suggestions on how we can continue to make The Waterfront the very special place you have come to know.  With that said, I will also be examining ways in which we can improve the club to better and more efficiently serve the membership. If I can ever be of assistance to any of you, please feel free to contact me or just drop by the club for a chat.

This month we have a packed schedule and are looking forward to a great time for all.  Some of the events include our 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Party on May 1st, Meet Your Neighbor on May 14th, and our fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch on May 9th.  Additionally, we will be having a Memorial Weekend Cookout on Sunday, May 30th.  Be sure to check your e-mails for reminders of all of our great functions.  If you are not on our e-mail list please let me know so that I can send these updates to you.

DINING NOTES
Golf Season is finally here. Be sure to check out our buffets during the week.  Thursday’s we will feature a salad buffet with fresh fruit (tuna and chicken salads, tossed salads with assorted dressings and all the fixings) and rolls and butter to go with Chef’s choice of hot item.  All of this will be only $8.95++ per person including your choice of non-alcoholic beverage.  Friday’s buffet will feature some different hot items each week, all for only $9.95++ including your choice of non-alcoholic beverage.

Please be sure to call us for your dinner reservations as early as possible.  Also, there will be no a la carte dining on May 1st during our Kentucky Derby Party, May 14th during our Meet Your Neighbor Buffet or on May 9th during our Mother’s Day Brunch.

NEW MENU
During May we will be unveiling our new menu.  Chef Jason has been working on this for the next few weeks and I am sure that you will be pleased with the choices we are offering for your dining pleasure.  Please stop by to try these new dishes.

NOTE FROM FRED
I would like to thank each of you for the opportunity to serve you over the last couple of years. While my time here has been brief, it has been my pleasure to get to know each of you and to work with you. I appreciate how you made me feel welcome and a part of the Waterfront family from my first day. I have truly enjoyed working at The Waterfront Country Club and wish the membership and staff continued success in the future. Thanks again, Fred Deichmann.

Member Traditions

Kids Eat Free
Every Tuesday
5:30 p.m.—8:00 p.m.

Kids eat free off of our children’s menu including popcorn chicken and shrimp, pepperoni pizza, and more. 

• • •

Sunday Breakfast
10:30 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch items off of our a la carte menu. Breakfast includes omelet’s, bacon, sausage, eggs and French toast. You may also choose from a variety of salads, burgers and other sandwiches. Reservations are not required. Stop by every Sunday!

• • •

Prime Rib Night
Fridays
5:30 p.m.—8:00 p.m.

Enjoy 14 oz cut of aged prime rib for $20.00++ or a 10 oz. cut for $15.00++. If seafood is your choice, enjoy Chef Jason’s fresh catch of the day.

 • • •

Contract Bridge
Thursdays
9:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Contact Tom Sanders at 721-2167 to sign up.

 • • •

Duplicate Bridge
Wednesday, April 19
2:30 p.m.

Contact Bruce Clapper at
297-9231 for more info.

The regularly scheduled Wednesday afternoon Duplicate Bridge game was held on April 14 instead of April 21 because of a conflict with “GameFest” being held at Trinity Ecumenical Parish on that date.

The Winners:  1st Place:  Steve Campbell and (guest) Dessie Keller (Water’s Edge) with 44.5 points 2nd Place (tie): Judy Barnes and Jerry Clapper – 35 points

Darleen & Andrew Fiel – 35 points

Steve Smith and Walt Barnes were not in attendance because they were playing bridge at the National American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) Championships being held in Gatlinburg, TN.

We all had a great time playing, and if anyone wants to join in on a fun-filled afternoon of friendly Bridge, just call Bruce Clapper at 297-9231.  You can bring a partner, or Bruce will fix you up with one.  Our next session will be held on Wed., May 19.  Put it on your calendar NOW!

Bruce Clapper

The 2010 Golf season began with an ‘Opening Day” tournament followed by cocktails, dinner and a general meeting.  The day was beautiful, dinner delicious, and meeting short and sweet.  Thanks to Ann Richardson for the dinner arrangements.

The Captain’s Choice format allowed for those of us who became a bit “rusty” this snowy winter, to be brave and enjoy ourselves without too much stress. The 9-holers joined the 18-holers with the following results:

1st Place Bea Sink, Debra Scott,
Diana Clements, Maude Hoffman

2nd Place Joanne Harllee, Janet McMahon,
Barbara Michael, Pat Cliborne

3rd Place Moyra Cawood, Jerry Clapper, Pende Ford

Closest-To-Pin Bea Sink, Moyra Cawood,
Lolene Corron, Linda Ellett

Susan Shortridge and Susie Parrish fooled the participants on Thursday, April 1st with oddly placed tees and pins to create a maddening golf game.  The winners of the “Low Net” format were: 1st: Linda Pilc and Barb Michael; 2nd: Martha Clark and Muriel Smith.

The Ladies were treated to Spring’s flowering trees at their peak on April 8th when playing in a best two balls format.  Winners were:  1st place Susan Shortridge, Daphne Jamison and Barb Michael and 2nd: Moyra Cawood, Sonya Riche, and Ann Richardson.

Future Play Dates: (See Yearbook and Bulletin Board for information and sign-up)

Spring Handicap Tournament:  9:00 a.m. on May 12th and 13th

Lunch to follow play on Thursday. For more info contact Muriel Smith.

Member/Guest Tournament: May 21st and May 22nd.

Invitationals: May 6th at Water’s Edge

May 11th at Blue Hills

May 20th at Westlake

The Nifty Niners
The Nifty Niners are pleased to have Sue Adcock, Pende Ford, and Lolene Corron join the group.  The winners for Thursday, April 8th were Pende Ford, Sue Adcock, and Paula Blair with the 2 Best Balls of 3-Some Net.  The winner for Thursday, April 1, was Maude Hoffman winning 1st in the Blind Partner contest.

On May 20, we will hold our Semi-Annual 9 hole Invitational and have invited 10 teams from the surrounding area.  For the first time, we will hold a putting contest which will be fun for all the gals. For more info contact Paula Blair.

Member Guest Tournament
This is a reminder that the Member Guest tournament  – May 21 and 22 – just around the corner! will soon be here – my team has been hard at work ensuring that we will have a really fun tournament, but without you all signing up, their efforts will all be in vain!   Please invite your partners and get your applications in to the Pro Shop as soon as possible – if you do not have a form you can pick one up in the Pro shop.  Dressing up for our Theme of Shipwrecked Golfers is optional  but you are encouraged to have some fun and dress up like you have been shipwrecked on an island for a week or two ……..we have fun prizes for everything, so come and join in this exciting annual event. For more info contact Moyra Cawood at 721-2354.

-Muriel Smith