ECHO of the Gorge: March

Remember the Below Zero Days back in early January? Here is a sign of that cold.
(Courtesy: B Earnhardt)

The Echo is published bi-monthly throughout the year by the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Club. You can access the online blog at www.gertonecho.blogspot.com or pick up a paper copy at the Gerton Post Office. News is always welcome; pictures, too. Please submit to Editor Margaret Whitt at mwhitt@du.edu or 625-0264. Photographers: Jean Bradley, Shirley Boone, Jane Lawson, Debbie Posturino.

Officers for 2014: Margaret Whitt, President; Lynn Morehead, Vice President; Becca Hathaway, winter secretary; Lana Roberts, summer secretary; Sylvia Sane, treasurer. Board members include Jim Earnhardt, Claudia Freeman, Jean Bradley, and Jim Sane. Immediate past president, Mel Freeman.

The perfect spot for a quiet reflective moment. (courtesy: S Boone)

President's Note

On February 5, I attended a seminar at the Old Rock Cafe sponsored by the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce to see what it might have to offer UHNGCC. Our gorge is a visitor-based economy, so for people to want to return, we must develop a "culture of customer service." Obviously, the local businesses were the target audience for the information, but I do think that, in some cases, what works for the paying customer is also pertinent to what works for us at our annual fundraisers and our community gatherings. Here is what matters: we need to smile, have fun, and appreciate each other. Yes, I spent three hours having this what-should-be-obvious information re-enforced! The following information, however, should be of interest to all.

The average unhappy customer will tell 8-15 people. One in five of those unhappy customers will tell 20 people.
A typical business only hears from 4 percent of dissatisfied customers.
Seven out of 10 complaining customers will do business with you again if you resolve the problem.
95 percent will do business with you again if you resolve their problem on the spot!
80 percent of companies say they deliver "superior" service, but only 8 percent of their customers agree.
It takes 12 positive experiences to make up for one negative experience.
86 percent of customers have stopped doing business with a company due to a bad service experience.
It costs 5-7 times more to attract a new customer than to retain one.

Most businesses have statements that reflect their vision, mission, and values. While UHNGCC has a mission statement, the board will turn its attention soon to drafting both a vision and a values statement.

Spring promises many opportunities to come together. I look forward to seeing you at our first big fundraiser: the Sale on the Trail on Saturday, April 19--the same day as our community Easter Egg Hunt.

Until then, hope to see you at dinner. Bring a neighbor--and remember to smile, have fun, and appreciate each other!

Margaret Whitt

Wild turkey tracks in the late January snow. (Courtesy: S Boone)

Calendar of Events

March 18, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Community Covered Dish Supper. Program: We will watch a DVD of the home search of Keith and Alejandra(Sandra) Schimmel...Filmed in April 2013 in San Sebastian, Spain. Son of Jim and Sylvia Sane of Gerton.

April 4, Friday, 5 - 8 p.m. Shrimp and Grits fundraising event at Camp Lurecrest for Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach. $15 per plate.

April 10, Thursday, noon - 3rd annual Ministry of Hope South of Asheville luncheon at Lake Lure. Tickets for $35. Fundraiser to support the chaplains at the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women. Get your tickets from Margaret Whitt.

April 15, Tuesday, 6 :30 p.m. Community Covered Dish Supper. Program: Brad Earnhardt will present a short guitar performance.

April 19, Saturday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. - SALE on the TRAIL Breakfast; Community Yard Sale; Easter Egg Hunt begins at 2 p.m.

Chestnut Hills Pond--first it froze, then the snow came, next came the mallards looking for a place to rest. (Courtesy: S Boone)

In the quiet of the afternoon, the pond invites its own silence. (Courtesy: B Earnhardt)

Thursday Game Days are Back!

Weekly game days are back at UHNGCC! Thanks to the great idea of Virginia McGuffey and a vote at our January meeting, we launched the new 2014 edition of Game Day for Thursdays, 1 - 4 p.m. At the inaugural event on February 6, we had nine people who came for cake (Barbara Earnhardt's 80th birthday!) and cards and dominoes. Apparently, chicken legs has quite a historical reputation here in the upper gorge, so the trophy that Bonnie Moore made long ago was re-discovered and Jean Bradley went home with the first win of our new season and the chicken leg trophy to prove it. The second game week saw Patty Tanner take home the chicken leg. How many homes will this trophy get to visit?

Bring a treat to share and come join the fun on any Thursday that suits your schedule. Weather permitting, of course.

January Meeting

On a cold night in January, 23 of us gathered for our monthly meeting. As it turns out, the DVD we had planned to watch together--Tom Earnhardt talking about birds from one of his earlier "Exploring North Carolina" PBS television shows--was not accepted by our DVD player. We can call it a technical malfunction. The important business of the night was to vote on our 2014 budget. The following budget was approved unanimously. As you can see, last year our actual expenses were very close to $10,000, and we are budgeting this year for about $11,000. A big thanks to Sylvia Sane for keeping such good records, so that we now know exactly where our money goes, and how to accommodate our surprises throughout the year.

Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Club

2014 Operating Budget

Expenses

Maintenance of Club and Property 2013 actual 2013 2014

Lawn Care $2100 $1690 $1800

Pest Control 636 636 636

Utilities (1) 900 802 900

Heating oil (2) 400 0 300
Propane Tank Rental and Propane (3) 79 196 79

Sub-Total $3915 3324 $3715

Insurance (4) $2100 2651 2100

Taxes on rental space $140 135 140

Supplies

Paper plates, napkins, utensils, dining cloths,

decorations, calendar, etc. $300 202 250

Printing of ECHO, Postage,

PO Box rental, safe deposit

rental (5) $600 206 300

Sub-Total $900 408 550

Building Projects (6) $1300 1024 $2200

Programs

GertonFest food/expenses $800 630 800
Easter egg hunt 30 0 30
July 4 cookout/fireworks 300 86 100
Sale on Trail Food 120 63 100
Play 200 148 200
Thanksgiving Turkey 50 78 100
Others 200

Sub-Total $1500 1005 1530

Outreach $200 50 200

Rental Space 1000 577 100

Repairs/Maintenance 300 737 505

TOTAL $11,355 $9,911 $11,040

REVENUE 2014

anticipated 2013 actual 2013 anticipated 2014

Dues $750 740 740

Exercise $305 415 400

Meetings $400 418 400
Donations/unrestricted $1000 730 800

Fundraisers

GertonFest $2800 2153 2500

Summer Play $1500 1451 1500

Sale on the Trail $1000 1330 1200

July 4 $400 34 100

Cookbooks $300 170 200

Rent

Building $400 100 200

Store $2500 3,010 3,000

TOTAL $11,355 $10,551 $11,040

Not accounted for in the budget

Income - $1,325 - Award money from Henderson County and WNCCommunities (deposited to Savings Account)

Expenses - $1,138 - New Whirlpool Refrigerator (taken from Kitchen Funds)

(1) - down $50 from 2012

(2) - no oil in 2013; anticipate need in 2014

(3) - purchased propane in 2013; anticipate NO need in 2014

(4) - will re-shop insurance and anticipate premium will decrease

(5) - actual cost more, but donations defray the billed cost

(6) - 2013 includes ramp and handicapped accessible bathroom; 2014 kitchen work

Ice and snow on the rocks on 74A just across from the UHNGCC. (Courtesy: S Boone)

February Meeting

Ruth Ann Nappi presented the program at the February meeting to a good house of 35 neighbors. Ruth Ann was her usual sparkling self describing her work at the Biltmore House as a tour guide. She let us in on some little known aspects of the house, answered questions, and even gave away a complimentary pass, which went to Andy Normington, who was a first-timer at our monthly dinners.

Virginia McGuffey gave out several door prizes to those who stayed through the business meeting--winners: Barbara Earnhardt and Becca Hathaway.

Neighbors go through the buffet line among our St. Valentines' Day decorated tables.

2013 Walking Results

Walking (inside the UHNGCC) takes place each week day, and we invite you to join other neighbors in this new year.

In May 2010, the UHNGCC threw open its doors (once again) to anyone who wanted to join us from 9 - 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday to walk with Leslie Sansonne, who appeared on a tape. Since that time, we expanded to a daily routine and the number of Leslie's tapes have expanded as well.

In 2011, our first full year of walking, our community logged 3,273 miles (16 different walkers). In 2012, we walked a recorded 3,384 miles (18 walkers). In 2013, our total tally was 2,932 miles (15 walkers and assorted guests). Repeating from 2012, our champion walker was Sylvia Sane with 573 miles.

Here are the totals for those who participated. (In parentheses are the totals from 2012.)

Jean Bradley 258 miles (356)
Jean Carson 68 miles (78)
Margaret Colwell 171 miles (--)
Barbara Earnhardt 146 miles (324)
Joan Erskine 164 miles (229)
Syble Freeman 10 miles (60)
Sarah Gayle 56 miles (--)
Becca Hathaway 85 miles (--)
Karen Hudson-Brown 256 miles (245)
Sandy Jacobowski 20 miles (19)
Meg Mumpower 394 miles (242)
Lana Roberts 160 miles (162)
Sylvia Sane 573 miles (576)
Lois Simpson 149 miles (145)
Margaret Whitt 404 miles (405)
Various Guests 18 miles (--)

View of creek from Bearwallow Baptist Church during late January snow.
(Courtesy: S Boone)

One Hour from Gerton

(ed. note: sixth in a series. This column invites readers to share their stories/trips. Each place should be no more than one hour from Gerton.)

HICKORY, N.C., only an hour from Gerton, but you have to start your beginning from Black Mountain, exit 64 on I 40. From here you will continue east on I 40 to exit 123 A-B and exit, following the signs that lead you to Hickory. A good destination is the Hickory Art Museum, 243 Third Avenue NE, located inside the Arts and Science Center of the Catawba Valley, near the Lenoir-Rhyne University campus on the SALT block. (Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.: closed Mondays and holidays; free admission)

The Hickory Art Museum has three floors of eclectic art, but the top floor houses their holdings of folk/visionary/outsider art, many of these artists from North Carolina. The pieces are well displayed and the information posted is clear enough to get even the novice satisfactorily informed. Especially intriguing are the 3-D selections and the samples of "memory art." Special tours may be arranged for groups by calling 828-327-8576. A not-to-be missed special exhibition, coming in October for three months, is the traveling "50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic." Check out further information on their web site: www.hickoryart.org

Located in the same building is the Catawba Science Center (Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; children and seniors - $5; adults - $7). This place is especially inviting for young and curious children. In addition, the Milholland Planetarium, a state-of-the-arts facility, has changing shows. Their schedule and further information about the science center can be accessed on their web site: www.catawbascience.org

Time in either place may encourage a return trip to Gerton via hwy. 70, heading west. This scenic back road will take you through Valdese, where you can stop on Main Street for the best ice cream in town at locally owned Myra's, then continue on through Morganton, Marion, Old Fort, which drops you back on

I 40 for the rest of the way home.

Scholarships...

See the following web site to find further information about college scholarships for local students:

Golden LEAF Scholars Program:

http://www.cfnc.org/Gateway?command=GetBasedProgramDetail&note=no&type=7&vocType=-1&vocational=no&id=145

Golden LEAF Will award 215 scholarships to students from rural communities. Scholarships provide $12,000 to students committed to returning to rural communities upon graduation from college. Applications due March 1, 2014.

See Forms in the Gerton PO for a scholarship application for $300 from UHNGCC.

HICKORY NUT GORGE OUTREACH REPORT

When community members volunteer their time, and for those of us who donate food or make contributions to the the Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach, we are serving those nearby neighbors who ask for help and qualify for those donations. The 2014 statistics reported by the HNGO February newsletter gives the following information from the July-September Food Pantry records: 115 was the average number of individuals helped each month; 37 households were helped on average; 84% of those served were White; l4% Black; 2% Latino. 51% were male, 49% females. 56% were aged 18-64 years old; 8% 65+; 36% 0-l7.

Volunteers are always welcomed and needed. Note that Jean Bradley faithfully served this organization for the 14 years since its establishment.

See Jean—or Gloria Black Anders—for more details if you can help.

From the Rutherford County Tourism Web Site

by Ryan Lubbers

(Helpful suggestions of places to go with visitors)

Rutherford County and the surrounding lands are home to some of Western North Carolina’s most breath taking and biologically diverse outdoor recreational areas. If you are a hiker, biker, dog walker, bird watcher, Sunday stroller or rock climber…this area has the perfect outdoor experience for you. With so many great options, I thought a short list of some favorites might be in order.

1. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

This place is world famous for a reason: It's Awesome! With epic 75-mile views, massive old growth trees, spectacular waterfalls, well defined trails and lots of helpful staff, this family-friendly, dog-friendly area of the Chimney Rock State Park is the perfect place to start exploring the area. It's well worth the price of admission and is incredible all four seasons of the year.

2. Rumbling Bald at Chimney Rock State Park

This newly acquired parcel of the state park is quickly becoming a favorite locale for both rock climbers and adventurous hikers. The trails at Rumbling Bald weave between giant boulders in a beautiful mature forest at the base of an enormous granite wall. There is a well-established loop trail that takes an average hiker less then an hour to complete. The myriad of social trails that connect climbing areas could keep you busy for a lifetime. There is no charge for this area of the park; however, the parking lot fills up quickly…especially on dry weekend days in winter, when rock climbers descend on the area in droves.

3. Morse Park in Lake Lure

Although Morse Park has a great park setting with soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts and playground equipment, I find myself there most often to walk the flat trails along the shores of Lake Lure. This 23-acre park offers trails that are perfect for a casual walk. Bring your binoculars because birds and wildlife abound. The trail takes you through wooded wetlands, past ponds, and along the shores of the Rocky Broad River as it flows into Lake Lure. If you like to fish, this is some of the best public access for fishing from shore in the area. Bring friends, family, and a picnic lunch and stay all day at this lakeside park with mountain views in all directions.

4. Donald Ross Nature Trail

Composed of 10 interweaving trails that cover a total of 3 miles on relatively flat terrain, the Donald Ross Nature Trails are excellent family and pet-friendly paths suitable for all experience and fitness levels. These wide and well-signed trails meander through second growth forest opening up to the occasional meadow with long distance mountain views.

5. Buffalo Creek Park

Outdoor enthusiasts have clamored for years for a mountain biking park in the area. Well, its here…almost. At the time of writing (Feb. 2014) the Buffalo Creek Park is nearing completion. With over 7 miles of professionally built mountain biking and hiking trails, this 200-acre park is like nothing else in the area. Beautifully built bridges span bold whitewater streams in this rugged park. The best part…this is just phase one. According to the Town of Lake Lure Website:

Buffalo Creek Park “trail system will include the first leg of the Summits Trail, which will eventually circumnavigate the mountain peaks around Lake Lure and connect the area’s recreational lands.

Town staff, along with the Lake Lure Parks & Recreation Board, are working with Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) and the State Park to extend the second leg of the Summits Trail from Buffalo Creek Park to Eagle Rock.

The second leg will include an additional five to six miles of trail across CMLC and State Park property.”

With so many great outdoor activities to do, the real challenge is deciding which ones to do first. Hopefully, this list helps you choose an outdoor adventure that is right for you and your family. Be safe out there and enjoy this very special place now and as it develops into an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Found Sign: This notice appeared on a rural country store on the border of western Maryland/Pennsylvania. Thanks to Patty French, Barbara Earnhardt's sister, frequent Gerton visitor.

BUSINESS HOURS

OPEN Most days About 9 or 10

Occasionally as Early as 7, But SOME DAYS

As late As 12 or 1.

WE CLOSE About 5:30 or 6

Occasionally About 4 or 5, But

Sometimes as Late as 11 or 12.

SOME DAYS OR Afternoons, WE

Aren’t Here At All, and Lately

I’ve Been Here Just About All the Time,

Except When I’m Someplace Else,

But I Should Be Here Then, Too.

Chimney Rock's Year in Numbers

2013 Highlights: the Year in Numbers

1 – Number of times Grady the Groundhog predicted the weather correctly, while Punxsutawney Phil & area groundhogs got it wrong
2 – Dogwood blossoms awarded (out of a possible 3) for the Park's NC GreenTravel certification recognizing our environmentally-friendly practices
7 – Total awards readers voted Chimney Rock to win in Blue Ridge Country's Best of the Mountains awards, including "Favorite State Park"
10 – Ranked in the World's 10 Best High Places by USA Today Travel
14 – Evenings of live music at the Old Rock Café for Beats, Burgers & Brews (July & October weekends)
244 – Number of new Park reviews on TripAdvisor averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars
504 – Number of our followers on Pinterest
675 – Dollars raised for the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County through our Climbin' the Chimney event
1,300 – Attendees for our two Movies on the Meadows events
12,996 – Total participants in our year-round educational events
20,325 – Facebook friends and fans who follow us

Reminder:

If you are planning to replace one of your appliances this year, remember that Duke Energy Progress will come out to your home and take away your old appliance and give you $50 per appliance. Here is how it works: 1) Schedule an appointment; 2) FREE in-home pickup and removal; 3) appliance is recycled; 4) they send you $50 per appliance (limit two per calendar year) CALL: 800-599-5798 or visit duke-energy.com/ARP

If winter comes, can spring be far behind? Check this spot for our new Little Library come springtime.

(Courtesy: S Boone)

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Leslie Lee, 93, a part-time resident for over 30 years at Chestnut Hills, died January 5 at Florida Hospital in Altamonte Springs. After his 1942 graduation from Wabash College, Mr. Lee’s formidable accomplishments included setting up medical labs during World War II in Paris and Berlin. For his expertise in recognizing infectious diseases while in Paris, he received the Croix de Guerre. Back in the States, Mr. Lee managed the lab at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando. He initiated Med Tech training schools in two states, going on to write criteria for, mentor, and inspect hundreds of American hospital laboratories throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East, having been asked to bring Medical Laboratories under the umbrella of the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH).

After retirement in 1995, he became very active at First Presbyterian Church in Mount Dora, Florida, deeply grateful for that congregation’s support during his daughter Kathy's terminal illness. After years in various leadership roles, including establishment of a school in expanded facilities, he was elected Elder Emeritus.

During stopovers in his Chestnut Hills home on Upper Loop Road, he would write what became two autobiographical volumes—one including his WWII experiences (“The First Time I Saw Paris”). The second volume includes examples of change in medical technology over his 50 years in the field.

Leslie leaves behind his beloved French bride of 68 years, Jacqueline; sons, Philip, Alan; grandchildren, Matthew, Jason, Lesley, Sarah; and great grandson, Kenton. Memorial gifts can be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 222 W. Sixth Avenue, Mount Dora, FL 32757. Notes and more biography available online through Allen Harden funeral Home.

Jean Bradley, after 14 years of volunteer service at Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach, has decided to "retire" from her weekly duties. Jean began her commitment to Outreach at Shepherd's Care in the Thrift Store, prepared and set up for many yard sales, and then helped with the transition to the new location in Lake Lure. She led the Holiday Basket Program and packed Food for Kids boxes, and committed time as well to the annual Shrimp and Grits fundraiser. Her presence there will be sorely missed. Volunteers are needed and information can be obtained from www.hickorynutgorgeoutreach.org if you or someone you know may be interested.

NEW HIKING GUIDEBOOK FOR THE HICKORY NUT GORGE AND CHIMNEY ROCK AREA AVAILABLE NOW

A Hiker’s Guide to the Hickory Nut Gorge

Local outdoor enthusiasts Nate Ballinger and Ryan Lubbers have written a comprehensive hiking guidebook for the Hickory Nut Gorge, one of the Southeast's most spectacular natural areas. A Hiker's Guide to the Hickory Nut Gorge includes some of Western North Carolina's greatest hikes at Rumbling Bald, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Bearwallow Mountain, Bat Cave, The Florence Preserve and more....It contains: Over 35 Trail Descriptions, 100 Color Photos and 19 Color Maps.

Within the last five years there have been major land acquisitions consisting of thousands of acres by various land management agencies. Lands have been secured throughout The Hickory Nut Gorge including: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave and Gerton. However, until now, information available to the public was scattered, misleading and often times incorrect. This resulted in accidental trespassing on private lands while leaving some public hiking areas completely ignored on beautiful weekend afternoons. This book clearly illustrates what trails are currently open, how to access the trailhead and other site-specific information needed to plan a successful hike and outdoor adventure in the Hickory Nut Gorge.

The Hickory Nut Gorge provides something for everyone. In this book authors have outlined all of the trails currently open to the public. Some are very accessible, family-friendly hikes in relatively flat terrain, while others are moderate/difficult hikes with well maintained trails with mountain vistas and loop options. We even included some hikes that are described as rock scrambles and extreme “bushwacks” for experts only. Regardless, of your skill level there is a trail in the Hickory Nut Gorge that is suitable for you and this book provides you with the most current and accurate information you will need.

A Hiker’s Guide to the Hickory Nut Gorge can be found at Diamond Brand, Black Dome, Chimney Rock State Park and a variety of stores in Asheville, Hendersonville and the Hickory Nut Gorge. It can also be purchased on-line at: www.hickorynutgorgetrailguide.com

WOOD-FIRED BRICK OVENS would be an excellent addition to most of our backyards for barbeques and hamburgers. Neighbor August Breton will custom-design an oven for your space. Call him at 912-704-8330. Or visit his website

at www.formconstruction.com You can see from 74-A one of his ovens as you round the corner at Peaceful Retreats Motel—the oven is reflected in the pond near a picnic table.

SIX MALE BLUEBIRDS paid a cheer-up visit to a small tree at Chestnut Hill in mid-January. The neighbor who spotted them couldn’t believe her eyes—but there they were—onetwothreefourfivesix! Bluebirds have been thriving in the area recently—and welcome to them! Keep those meal worms coming, once nests are full of hatchlings!

OUR POST OFFICE NEEDS A FACELIFT! The paint will be provided, volunteer tapers and painters and drop-cloths and ladders will be needed for a probable warm spring Saturday afternoon’s work. If you agree Gerton’s PO looks more than a little seedy, let us know—please. (If you don’t agree, look a little closer.) Call 625-9255—and leave your name and number. We’ll be in touch!

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Paul FreemanRidgeland, SC - Paul E. Freeman, 91, died November 20, 2013 at Veteran's Victory House in Walterboro, SC. He was born May 1, 1922 in Steeds, NC to the late Tracy and Lula Comer Freeman. A Clemson graduate, he served in US Army Airborne units during World War II and the Korean War as an officer. In 1955, he moved to Jasper County, SC to be employed as Manager of Gregorie Neck Plantation until his retirement. A private service will be planned. The family would like to thank the staff at Veteran's Victory House for the care given to him in his final years.

Published in The Island Packet from Nov. 22 to Dec. 22, 2013

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