The Greenbrier Sporting Club

GSC Fly Fishing Weekend

GBSC — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:15:33 +0000

This April, join Jacob Ott and the Outdoor Pursuits team as they hold court over Howard’s Creek with a weekend of fly fishing instruction. The Greenbrier Sporting Club Fly Fishing School is open to anglers of all abilities. Those new to fly fishing will learn the basic skills required to get out and start catching fish, while experienced anglers will work on more advanced techniques and more specialized casting.

The first day of the weekend is split between classroom work and casting instruction. We will ensure everyone leaves the school with a solid understanding of aquatic ecology, gear requirements, and improved techniques on casting! After the first day, it’s all about being in the water. April is traditionally The Greenbrier Sporting Club’s best month of the year to fish, and we plan to be in the water for a full 8 hours on the second day. If you have your own gear, by all means, bring it with you. If not, Jacob would be happy to help outfit your weekend.

The school is open to Members, guests, and children over 12.

Please RSVP to The GSC Concierge or to Jacob by Wednesday April 7th.
Jacob Ott, 304-667-8337
GSC Concierge, 304-647-6440
Cost $425.00 ++ per angler (Does not include lodging)

Prime 44 West: A Cut Above the Rest

GBSC — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:21:58 +0000

The Greenbrier resort’s premier Prime 44 West steakhouse, honoring famed NBA player Jerry West, opened this past fall. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere coupled with its cuisine, featuring exceptional cuts of beef from West Virginia and around the globe, will embody comfortable dining at its finest.

“Dining trends may come and go, but a steakhouse has a lasting appeal,” said Justice, “and a steakhouse named for Jerry West will definitely appeal to guests from all over the country, particularly the many from West Virginia.”

Every aspect of the venue – from the décor to the menu – will pay homage to the West Virginia native, commonly known as “Mr. Clutch.” In addition to rich, elegant colors that tie The Greenbrier’s style in with the traditional steakhouse feel, diners will have the opportunity to treat themselves to a meal amid the largest public collection of West memorabilia. West is personally outfitting the restaurant with more than 100 pieces, including the gold medal he won at the 1960 Summer Olympics, All-Star jerseys, mementos from his college days and more.

Natural and dark woods combined with bold and traditional fabrics complement the collection of memorabilia, creating a “diners club” experience. The warm, intimate ambiance is enhanced by rich burgundy, royal blue, brown plaid, chocolate brown leathers and soft interior lighting.

Prime 44 West focuses on extraordinary ingredients presented in a traditional yet refined manner, including innovative steakhouse favorites. Appetizers include a “raw bar” with Kumamoto Oysters on the half shell with Fresh Wasabi, and Chilled Shellfish Platter with Horseradish Crème Fraiche. Other signature starters like Lobster Bisque garnished with Chestnut and Cardamom and Chesapeake Bay Crab Cake Cigars with a grapefruit and papaya remoulade. Entrées include steakhouse staples with a local twist, including West Virginia Blue Ribbon Pork Duo, Snake River Farm Wagyu Tenderloin, Elysian Fields Double Cut Rack of Lamb and a “Nothing But Net” 44 oz. Porterhouse Steak.

Vernacular Architecture: What is It and What Does It Mean

GBSC — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:27:56 +0000

Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorize architectural design which uses locally available resources and traditions to address local building and design needs. Vernacular architecture tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context in which it exists. R.W. Brunskill, author of Illustrated Handbook of Vernacular Architecture, says that in vernacular architecture, the function of the building would be the dominant factor, while aesthetic considerations, though present to some degree, take the backburner. Local materials are used as a matter of course, with other materials being chosen and imported only as needed.

You will find many fine homes at The Greenbrier Sporting Club that exhibit the pinnacle of vernacular architecture. Below are some of our most popular styles and a quick history of each:

Adirondack and Log
The Adirondack style was born in the late 19th Century on the six million acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Its impetus was the discovery of the lake-filled and wooded district’s natural beauty by wealthy Americans in search of a bucolic retreat from daily life. Many of these individuals built substantial houses and in some cases compounds, known to Adirondackers as camps. Large hotels were also constructed, as were smaller cabins for less affluent homeowners. Although the Adirondack style often features log elements, building with timber walls is an American tradition that goes back long before it became fashionable at the turn of the last century. Specific building techniques varied among the different immigrant groups that brought them here in the earliest waves of migration. Factors like local climate, available woods, construction skills and cultural heritages all contributed to the variety found in surviving log buildings. Other than the fact that the exterior walls of a structure are made out of logs, however, there are few architectural features of the Log style that are specifically associated with this type of construction.

Shingle
The Shingle Style flourished in the last decades of the 19th Century, and lay dormant until resurrected by architects in the early 1980s. Its popularity in its original and later phases is closely associated with vacation and retreat homes, since it is frequently employed in the context of seaside resorts and bucolic settings. Summer destinations such as eastern Long Island, Cape Cod, Newport and coastal Maine have among the highest concentration of these kinds of dwellings. Although not a coastal location, the hilly terrain, bucolic setting and recreational nature of The Greenbrier Sporting Club suggest a sympathetic context for houses inspired by aspects of the Shingle Style.

Craftsman
Craftsman houses can ultimately be traced back to the work of two California designers who happened to be brothers – Charles Sumner and Henry Mather Greene. The houses they produced reflect influences from the English Arts and Crafts movement, wooden buildings of the Far East, and their own backgrounds in the manual arts. Following extensive publication of their work, the Craftsman style permeated the country, often by means of pattern books offering plans and details for the construction of modestly sized houses.

1031 Exchanges Gain Popularity

GBSC — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:27:26 +0000

Chances are you’ve heard someone mention the advantages of a tax deferred “1031 Exchange.”

While the process of selling and acquiring property in a 1031 exchange are fairly synonymous with a standard real estate sale, it is also unique because the transaction is treated as an exchange, as opposed to a sale. Since sales are taxable with the IRS and exchanges are not, hence the benefits of a 1031.

Real estate owners and investors should always consider an exchange when he/she expects to acquire a replacement “like kind” property subsequent to the sale of their existing property. Anything otherwise could result in the payment of a 20-30% capital gains tax, depending on the tax rates in your given state.

A 1031 exchange is similar to a traditional IRA or 401(k) retirement plan. When someone sells assets in tax-deferred retirement plans, the capital gains that would otherwise be taxable are deferred until the holder begins to cash out of the retirement plan. The same principle holds true for tax-deferred exchanges or real estate investments. As long as the money continues to be re-invested in other real estate, the capital gains taxes can be deferred.

Some of the rules regarding a 1031 Exchange include: the above mentioned “like kind” qualifications; a “Qualified Intermediary,” or QI, must handle all of the monetary proceeds from the original sale, and the replacement property must be subject to an equal or greater level of debt that the property sold.

The identification period, in which you must identify the new property to be acquired, is the first 45 days of the exchange period. The exchange period itself is a maximum of 180 days. If the Exchanger has multiple relinquished properties, the deadlines begin on the transfer date of the first property. The IRS notes that these deadlines may not be extended for any reason.

For more information, visit: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/1031.html

“The opinions set forth in this article are subject to the disclaimer pertaining to IRS Circular 230 set forth herein.”

Unless expressly stated otherwise on this article, (1) nothing contained in this article was intended or written to be used, can be used by any taxpayer, or may be relied upon or used by any taxpayer for the purposes of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; (2) any written statement contained in this article relating to any federal tax transaction or matter may not be used by any person to support the promotion or marketing or to recommend any federal tax transaction or matter; and (3) any taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor with respect to any federal tax transaction or matter contained in this article.

Sales Success Featured In Daily Mail

GBSC — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:14:03 +0000

The front page of this morning’s Daily Mail featured The Greenbrier Sporting Club’s spectacular January sales record. With insight from Principal and Broker-in-Charge John Klemish, the article touched on many aspects of why people are buying here at The Sporting Club. To read the article in its entirety click:

http://www.dailymail.com/Business/201002240727

Capturing Sunsets

GBSC — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:32:11 +0000

Yann Boutheon, Director of Food and Beverage, snapped some great photos last month of a setting sun over The Snead. As you can see from the photographs, the reds and yellows in this sunset are amazing. Sunsets are probably the most often photographed subject in hobby photography. For starters, they create vivid and active colors and change from minute to minute. What is now a red sunset will be a deep purple sunset in three minutes.

We thought we might share three tips for catching that perfect sunset on your camera this upcoming season…sans Photoshop.

1 – Leave the flash at home and bring a tripod
You want to capture the contrast of the sun’s light against the foreground, or land. Using a flash will only confuse the camera’s light meter. Instead, use a tripod and set your camera on a 2-sec timer, as even the slightest movement of pressing the release button can cause your picture to be blurry when you are leaving your exposure open for anything more than 1/30 of a second. See #2

2 – Use your light meter and bracket your exposure
Nine out of ten digital SLRs now come with an internal light meter. Learn how to use it, as it can be your best friend and take your pictures for “meh” to “wow.” Try “spot” metering different parts of the sunset until the light meter is even. Then shoot the same picture up and down one f-stop. This is known as bracketing. Take your light reading from the sunset itself and not zoomed out, which may include darker foreground images like grass or the mountainside. This can cause your picture to compensate and overexpose, causing the magnificent colors of the sunset to wash out. Also, try different exposure and f-stop combinations. The great thing about digital photography is that if we make a mistake, we can immediately see the result and decide whether or not to delete it or hang it on a wall.

3 – Compose in thirds
Remember the rule of thirds in your photographing of sunrises and sunsets. Our good friend Wikipedia writes that “rule states that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines (a grid), and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.” While you can always break the rule it’s often a good idea to place elements like the horizon, sun, silhouettes, etc., off center.

Some other tips:
• Use silhouettes as focal points
• Change your White Balance setting to “shade” or “cool”
• Use your manual focus
• Shoot different focal lengths
• Keep shooting – you only get better with practice

If you have any photos taken in or around The Greenbrier Sporting Club, we’d love to see them. Send any to jbaldwin@gbrsc.com. Who knows, we may select yours to be the subject of an upcoming blog spot.

Easter Weekend at the Sporting Club

GBSC — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:56:59 +0000

Before you know it, 2010 Easter Weekend will be upon us…so its time to start thinking about celebrating it with us!

The Greenbrier Sporting Club has much in store for our Members again this year. Get hoppin’ and make plans to join us Friday, April 2 through Monday, April 5!

HIGHLIGHTS:

Of course…throughout the weekend we will be holding our Jelly Bean Counting Contest…who will be the BIG winner this year…hmmm?

FRIDAY:
>>> 11:00 AM
- Open Climb at the Fitness Center
>>> 4-6:00 PM
- Happy Hour in The Lodge Lounge

SATURDAY:
>>> 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Ananda Spa Special Chocolate Mini Manis & Pedis for our younger members. Chocolate lovers between the ages of 4 and 12 can hop on down the trail for their Easter treat.
>>> 10:00 AM
- Adult Culinary Demo at The Lodge with Chef Reed VanDenBerghe
>>> 10:00 AM
- Children’s Egg & Cookie Decorating at The Lodge with Chef Amy Mills
>>> 12:00 PM
- Open Climb at the Fitness Center
>>> 1:00 PM
- Fly Tying Lesson at the Hunt Cabin with Jacob Ott

SUNDAY:
>>> 11:30 AM-2:00 PM
- Petting Zoo at The Lodge. Meet some of our furry & feathered farm animals. All ages are certain to enjoy this family fun activity!
>>> 12-2:30 PM
- Easter Brunch Buffet
>>> 1:30 PM
- Easter Egg Hunt on the Event Lawn

MONDAY:
>>> 11:30 AM-2:00 PM
- Lunch Service at The Lodge will be a la carte and The Lodge Lounge will be serving a full lunch menu until 5pm.

Please contact The Sporting Club Concierge at 304-647-6440, for assistance with reservations.

Is it Snowing Again?

GBSC — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:28:08 +0000

Snow, snow…and then some more snow. It’s hard to imagine that the ten-day forecast on The Weather Channel flashes snowflakes…every day. White Sulphur Springs and Greenbrier County have gotten pounded with snow this season. As a matter of fact, it’s hard to remember what grass even looks like. So far, in 2009, we have received over 50 inches of snow and it seems to just keep coming. Western parts of the county have seen over 120 inches of snow! The pond just outside The Hunt Cabin has been frozen since the week before Christmas and shows no signs of loosening up any time soon. Let’s just say this is THE season to call up our Outdoor Pursuits Experts for some snowshoeing on property or to go skiing at nearby Snowshoe Mountain!

Steve Brightwell, a photographer from the Beckley area, was visiting the property last week and got some shots while he was perusing The Summit and other Sporting Club homes. We thought we would share some of his photographs with those unable to be with us in our time of snow. (These pictures also show what a great job our crew is doing in keeping our roadways and pathways clear. Thanks for all their hard work!)

Shamrock Challenge on The Snead

GBSC — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:42:19 +0000

We have been cooped up indoors way too long with this snowy weather and look forward to the opening of The Snead. Watch the video below for how good a shot Robbie has become over the winter!!

Join Members of The Greenbrier Sporting Club to celebrate opening day of The Snead.

SECOND ANNUAL SHAMROCK CHALLENGE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17
2:00 PM

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, which means get ready to play The Snead!

Not a golfer? Meet us in the lounge from 4:00-5:30 PM for a pint of green beer and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a traditional Irish buffet from 5:30-7:30 PM.

Shamrock Challenge is $25 per person.
(includes cart fee, select beverages and snacks on the course)

Buffet is $35++ per person .

FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS, CALL 304-647-6440 OR EMAIL JANET_JARRELL@GREENBRIER.COM

May the luck of the Irish be with us for good weather.

Creative Romance Month at The Greenbrier

GBSC — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:53:34 +0000

In honor of Creative Romance Month, The Greenbrier is offering an indulgent getaway during the month of February. This midweek package includes a sleigh ride for two, rose petal turndown and special welcome amenity. Even better, the longer the stay, the greater the value. The first night, enjoy all of these amenities and luxurious accommodations, at a rate of $199 double occupancy. Add a second night for an additional $99 (room only rate). Stay a third night and receive complimentary accommodations.

Guests staying two and three nights on the Creative Romance package will also receive complimentary access to the resort’s steam and sauna facilities and a 20% discount on all spa treatments, including the skin softening Drift Away Body Voyage treatment. This decadent service calms and soothes the body and mind with a lavender and larkspur soak, followed by a vanilla sherbet body polish. A vanilla body mask and vanilla or lavender lotion application completes this 80-minute treat.

The daily resort fee is waived for guests of this package, which includes all taxes. This package is available Sunday through Thursdays only in February.

While at the resort, guests may treat themselves to the resort’s delectable culinary offerings including the new Prime 44 West steakhouse and elegant Main Dining Room. In addition, The Greenbrier offers numerous activities including the newly opened Tavern Casino, indoor tennis, falconry, sporting clays, off-road driving school and horseback riding.

For reservations, visit www.greenbrier.com or call 800-624-6070.