Monday, January 2, 2012

January - February ECHO 2012




The Echo of the Gorge is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Center.  The Gerton Post Office and Hickory Creek Market have hard copies.  Emailed copies go to anyone that asks or sign up with your email at this link -
http://gertonecho.blogspot.com/

The editor always welcomes news items: e-mail mwhitt@du.edu or phone 828-625-0264.  An Echo pad at the P.O. serves as reporter too. Space determines use, and editor may revise.  Other submissions considered.

UHNGCC Officers: President Mel Freeman, Vice-president Jim Earnhardt; Secretary Lana Roberts/Jean Bradley; Treasurer Sylvia Sane. Program co-chairs Barbara Earnhardt and Sarah Gayle. Board Members usually meet second Tuesdays before third Tuesday’s regular meetings. Any club member may attend. Rotating-term Board Members are Jean Bradley, Patty Tanner, Gene Earnhardt, Claudia Freeman; Margaret Whitt serves as outgoing president; Margie Owenby is lifetime member. Debbie Pustorino is Community Club photographer and blog designer.

Calendar of Events
January  17     6:30  Covered Dish Dinner    Jay Alley,  Gerton Fire Department Chief, will update us on fire department changes and answer questions.
                 
February  21  6:30  Covered Dish Dinner    Pat Stone, Editor of Green Prints, gardening magazine published in Fairview for the past 22 years, will describe the magazine and bring samples.
                  
March 20       6:30   Covered Dish Dinner    James Harris, director of GDS garbage collection in Henderson County, will outline recycling procedures.

Every Monday-Friday - 9-10 a.m. - Exercise-- Walking with a DVD and each other at the Community Center.
Every Thursday - 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. - WELCOME TABLE. Fairview Christian Fellowship Church,596 Old US 74 (behind Fairview Library)
Zumba at Ecclesia Baptist Church (15 Spivey Lake Drive, Fairview) (AND TUESDAYS) at 7 p.m. - $3 per class; $20 month- questions? call Andrea at 828-208-4817
Every Sunday - 4-5 p.m. Community Dinner (Free) at the Transfiguration Church in Bat Cave

President’s Note
       As we end another year, some here in Gerton and others in their home away from Gerton, we need to pause and give thanks to God for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us as individuals and on Gerton as a community.  I think Gerton has become more homogeneous as a community family.  Folks have volunteered their time and talents toward the betterment of the community.
      As incoming President of the UHNGCC, let me say thanks to all of you, for without you, these achievements could not have been made.  As we go into this Christmas Season let us remember that Christ is the center of all that is given.  Give as you have received and care for for your neighbor.  You will be blessed beyond all expectations.
      January begins a new year and a time of opportunities and unknowns.  We will need to make good decisions, using good judgment.  Many will be asked to serve again in some way.  Say “Yes” and help your community, for some a home away from home,  grow in unity and in love for your neighbor.
     “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year” to all.
Mel Freeman 
                  
WINTER CLOSING - NITA and SUSAN'S HICKORY CREEK MARKET
    Gerton's store will be closed from Christmas Eve until sometime in March. In the meantime, you might want to visit Trout Lily in Fairview to support Susan's other enterprise! Or let Nita or Susan know if you need a home delivery of some product!

       Christmas Party and Seasonal Decorations   

      We have many to thank for taking time in December to let the community and all those who pass by on 74A know that Gerton cares about the holiday season. For greenery and bright red bows on practically every street sign, welcome sign, and the community center, we thank: Jean Bradley, Jim Sane, Sylvia Sane, Jim Earnhardt, Patty Tanner, Barbara Earnhardt, Mac McAdams, Lynn Morehead, Syble Freeman, Donnie Freeman, Mary Kay McAdams, and Roberta Pope.     
       We had about 40 at the Christmas party held on December 20. Among the revelers were new folk, including the Sildewells with daughter-in-law Linda Nall and Darryl, her husband, and her momma Barbara. Also Sylvia Sane's son with wife from Spain and two darling little girls, one a baby, as was the Jenkins' baby.  Huntings brought friends from Kalamazoo--so think of  that: crossroads of the world--Kalamazoo and SPAIN!!
     Here's what we did: ate delicious and different food.  A few participated in the question Barbara Earnhardt typed up for small groups at the table: where was your first Christmas, and why was it in that place?  Learned things.  Lucianne Evans described why her parents were living where they were, because her great-great-great grandfather had come from Germany, and gave George Wsshington $85,000 (!) to help support the Revolutionary War!  And Donnie Freeman told how his great-great grandfather, maybe great-great-great, had been the first white man to occupy the Gorge--everybody else Cherokee in  those days, and owned land all the way to Fairview!  His name is in the bronze plaque outside the Buncombe County courthouse! 
      Lucianne Scheid--who has a STRONG voice, led the carol singing, and we had a  jolly upbeat time singing.  Then Dillon played Santa Claus, distributing  the gifts to the tables, each person unwrapping pretty ridiculous presents--Gene Earnhardt got a cat puzzle we decided nobody could solve. Jerry Boone opened a box with a purse organizer inside--a PERFECT gift for  the super-organized man!  Anyhow, glad time was had by all, I think--a really good spirit.
 Your friendly reporter, Barbara Earnhardt



                       


Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Receives Top Honor

WNC Communities is proud to announce the winners of the 62nd Annual Honors Awards Program at a luncheon held at The Grove Park Inn on Saturday, November 19.  Over 300 community leaders from 14 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee were present to recognize and reward exceptional community development programs from across our mountain region.  This year marked the 62nd WNC Honors Awards, a program built on the tradition of recognizing achievements in communities for their work on behalf of their residents.  The awards are designed to serve as an inspiration for replicating community success. 
“WNC Communities is thankful for the dedication rural communities put into making the NC mountains a place we can all be proud to call home,” shared Linda Lamp, Executive Director of WNC Communities.  “For over 62 years, the rural mountain communities have addressed issues and created innovative programs impacting the daily lives of residents.  We are honored to recognize their efforts.”  Community programs range from addressing basic needs such as a food pantry, an emergency shelter, thrift stores, or litter sweeps to significant programs focused on education, heritage, economic development, farmland preservation or health and wellness.

 “Communities of Distinction” is the highest honor with a cash award of $2,000.  Upper Hickory Nut Gorge (UHNG) of Henderson County was the recipient of this year’s prestigious award because of their ability to work together in assessing, developing, and implementing strategies to address community issues.  Their community found great success with a new motto of “When you live in a small community, everyone has to say yes or nothing happens.”  Their community obtained a $10,000 grant from The Janirve Foundation to begin phase one of several aggressive updates to their center.  A naming rights opportunity was created to raise an additional $8,700 to replace 44 windows.  This is the 20th year Upper Hickory Nut Gorge participated in the Adopt-A-Highway program and the added effort from residents and businesses in keeping grounds clean and manicured enhances roadside appearance to appeal to the many tourists that drive through their community on Highway 74A.  As a result of UHNG’s commitment to better health, they added a 5K race to their 3rd GertonFest held over Labor Day weekend and had twice the number of participants than they expected. 

“Participating Communities” receive a cash award of $250 for their successful projects implemented during the past year.  Crab Creek, Edneyville, Mills River, Mountain Page and Upward Communities were each presented with this award for 2011.

Generous sponsorships from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel, Mission Health Systems, Buncombe County Farm Bureau, First Citizens Bank, Progress Energy, HomeTrust Bank, Carolina Farm Credit and Duke Energy make it possible to award over $24,000 to 65 communities throughout Western North Carolina for their innovative approaches to addressing community needs.

Communities voluntarily participate in the WNC Honors Awards Program by submitting an application to WNC Communities in September.  Communities are judged on projects, fund raising efforts, collaboration with local organizations or businesses, economic development and sustainability, as well as their community future and vision.



 Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community receiving “Community of Distinction” Award: (pictured left to right) Sylvia Sane, Jim Sane, Jean Bradley, Jim Earnhardt, Keith Earnhardt, Margaret Whitt, Syble Freeman and Lumpy Lambert, VP of Operations at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel

Update on Capital Improvements at Chimney Rock State Park

In an ongoing effort to maintain Chimney Rock as one of the Southeast's premier outdoor destinations, the Park will undergo additional capital improvements this winter. Access will be improved by replacing the remaining stairs on the Outcroppings trail, which provides foot access to the Chimney from the top parking lot. An upper section of the Outcroppings stairs was replaced last winter. This winter, the Chimney and points of interest above, including the Opera Box, Devil's Head and Exclamation Point, will be temporarily closed to the public for the improvements. However, by the project's completion in spring 2012, the new steel-framed wooden stairways on the Outcroppings trail will accommodate more traffic, offer a better guest experience and help maintain access for future generations. Meanwhile, work continues on the modernization of the Park's elevator and Sky Lounge, which are also scheduled to reopen in spring 2012.

There are still great reasons to visit the Park with family and friends, such as trekking out to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, gazing in wonder at 75-mile views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge, and enjoying the serenity of winter hiking at Chimney Rock. Other areas of the Park that will remain open to the public are the Meadows area, the Great Woodland Adventure and Four Seasons trails and Grady's Animal Discovery Den, which features live animal displays. Chimney Rock continues to plan events to enhance guest experience during improvements, like workshops and free guided hikes in early 2012.

Winter Hours & Admission. The Park will remain open to visitors during winter capital improvements. Starting Dec. 5, the Park will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and winter hours will be Thursday–Monday from 10am–6 pm, weather permitting, with the Ticket Plaza closing at 4:30 pm. The Park will be open every day from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2, 2012, including Tuesday, Wednesday and New Year's Day. In case of inclement weather, check the Park's website for opening status. Also starting Dec. 5, winter admission will be reduced to only $9 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 6-15) and free for children under six; other discounts still apply. When the Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to inclement weather, rates are $5 for adults with no additional discounts and free for kids under 16.
 


Three Residents Mark the Passing of Their Mothers

Suzie Lancaster, 92, Keith Earnhardt’s mother, died October 31 where she had lived for the past 12 years at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living in Guilford, N.C. Thirty-five family members of the family gathered at graveside at the Guilford Memorial Cemetery. Earnhardt sons Brad and Jim attended from Asheville and Durham, respectively.  The third son Michael Earnhardt and his wife Angie live in Los Angeles, California, with their two children Ada Ruth and Silas.  Mrs. Lancaster’s other daughter Gayle and husband Ewan McVean of Wilmington, NC., and her son Jim and daughter-in-law Camille of Greensboro, with their two children Jennifer and Ben, also attended the service. Mrs. Lancaster is survived by a total of eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.   

Ida Pate, Sylvia Sane's mother, died November 9 at  Flescher's Nursing Home in Fairview.  In September, she moved there from Beystone Nursing Home in Fletcher, where she had lived since 2006. Sylvia and Jim Sane had moved her from Alabama.  For over 40 years, Ida was a bank teller before retiring in 1994, and then traveled to all the places she had dreamed of going. She spent a month traveling in Alaska in a motor home, visited Las Vegas several times, visited family in California three times and spent happy times at her beach home in Panama City, Florida. She took trips with her hometown senior center many times, including New York, Washington, DC, Branson, Mo., Williamsburg, Vir., Disneyworld, and other popular vacation spots  In 2004, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her graveside service in Cordele, Georgia, was attended by her three surviving siblings and their families. Sylvia's daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren also attended. Sylvia’s son Keith, his wife Sandra and their two children were unable to attend the service as they live in Spain. Mrs. Pate had one child, two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchilden—the youngest born November 3.  She would have been 90 in December.

Odessa Glover, Shirley Boone’s mother, died November 14 at Flescher’s Health Care Center where she had lived for the past nine years. She was just shy of her 96th birthday.  Her graveside services at Bearwallow Cemetery were attended by her daughter Shirley and son-in-law Jerry Boone, her grandson and daughter-in-law Derrick and wife Kim, and great-grandchildren Sam and Mattie, of Greensboro, N.C.; and granddaughter Erin and husband Peter Bracey of Concord, N.C., and great-granddaughter Karlye. The Rev. Margaret Torrence of First Presbyterian Church-Asheville read scripture and gave a homily reviewing Mrs.Glover’s life beginning on an Alabama farm.  Before the service began, three of Mrs. Glover’s favorite hymns chimed from Bear Wallow Church.


News from the Neighborhood 
Word has been received from Rutherfordton that Mary Francis Owens, wife of Judge Hollis Owens, died October 10 in Rutherfordton where the family made their home. The Owens family summered in the present Hartwell house on
Chestnut Hills Road
for many, many years. Judge Owens was a special friend to Ravenal Owensby, Sam Asbury, and David Douglas. As young boys, the four of them thought up mischief together during the 1930s.

Friend of Karen Hudson-Brown left this note of thanks after a late fall visit to Gerton:
......... and thank you again for extending an invitation to your mountain home. We so enjoyed it. The 'quiet' that takes up residence there at this time of year is a precious gift. And 'quiet' isn't exactly the right word. Maybe slumber is the right word. It's not dull or dead, all the senses are still required, but on a different level with a different power. It's no less intense than other seasons, just more secretive.

Ruth Hudson's New Website!  Great fun to find on the Internet, try www.designsbygahgoo.com, and see Ruth’s colorful display of polymer-bead jewelry she sells over the Internet.  Good neighbor Melanie Anderson helped design and produce the website itself.  Ever since Ruth saw an arts-and-crafts program on TV several years ago, Ruth has been interested in making jewelry.  She bought some books and studied the art of design and producing. Working from her little outdoor studio back of the house where she and sister Helen Brown live, Ruth spends absorbing hours creating the pieces.  Her website proves it—with a nine of her unique and quite beautifully colored necklaces to wear and give.  Ruth’s secret hope is to have Fox TV’s Megan Kelly one day wear one of her necklaces.  In the meantime, check out Ruth’s website, ladies and gentlemen!

David Cameron, who in the long ago days of his life was once a Fuller Brush Company salesman, has circled back into this same high-quality organization. He is now a distributor of Fuller Brush products in the Gerton area. If you need some product or a new broom, David can be reached at 625-1612 or ddcameron@compuserve.com.


Even though Christmas is now behind us, please remember that folks in the gorge who are in need of food during the holiday season, are still in need of food now. Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach, is located in Lake Lure and is always happy to receive your offerings of food. Also, every Monday starting in 2012, a counselor will keep hours at the Outreach office between the hours of noon to 3 p.m. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call Norma at 625-4683.
Melanie Anderson, a new community member on Bear Wallow Subdivision Road, can be reached at this corrected phone number 828-989-4991.  The last phone number given for her was wrong due to mistyping. Melanie can fix most computer problems, and can demonstrate how to use a computer more efficiently.












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