Thursday, December 31, 2015

January - February 2016

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 send to editor Margaret Whitt at mwhitt@du.edu Photographers this issue: Margaret Whitt, Sylvia Sane, Shirley Boone, and Dave McDonald.

Officers for 2015-1016: President Margaret Whitt; Vice President Lynn Morehead; Summer Secretary Lana Roberts; Winter Secretary Sarah Gayle; Treasurer Sylvia Sane. Board members: Jean Bradley, Patty Tanner, Mac McAdams, Jim Earnhardt. Immediate Past President Jim Sane.

Two Top Honors Go to UHNGCC from

WNCCommunities Annual Awards Event:

Community of Distinction and Calico Cat

Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Club being presented the Community of Distinction Award. Pictured (left to right) Jim Earnhardt, Lynn Morehead, Margaret Whitt, Sylvia Sane, presenter Lisa Leatherman with Duke Energy, Jim Sane and Jean Bradley

Sixty-Five communities located in western North Carolina participated in the 66th annual WNC Honors Luncheon at the Doubletree by Hilton in Biltmore on Saturday, November 7, 2015. This year WNCCommunities had a total of $36,900 to give to the 65 communities who filled out the annual report. $300 was given to each of 43 groups, naming them a "Participating Community." Twenty groups received $1,000 each, naming them "Community of Promise." Two clubs received the top award of $2,000 and the title "Community of Distinction." Bethel and UHNGCC were the recipients this year.

In recent years, UHNGCC has won the coveted "Community of Distinction" in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015. In 2013, we were a "Community of Promise. To take the top award four times in five years is most rare! For the present, the cash award of $2,000 has been deposited in the savings account until we make decisions about our next big project.

But UHNGCC did not rest with just the top prize, we also won the Calico Cat, a beautiful pottery cat piece of art. The Calico Cat has been awarded for the past 41 years to the group that has done the most to preserve, alter, change, add, improve their clubhouse. UHNGCC has won the Junior Calico Cat in 1994, 1995, and 2014. We won the BIG cat in 2002 and this year---a crowning reward for the completed kitchen! Please take a look at the cat in the newly cleaned (!) showcase in the service area beside the kitchen.

Interesting tallies this year from the 65 participating groups included 5,711 volunteers, 133,390 volunteer hours, and collectively the organizations raised from grants and fund raisers $480,000+. Those who support the clubs in rural western North Carolina, providing the cash prizes, include: Harrah's Cherokee, Biltmore Farms, Duke Energy, Mission Health, Farm Bureau, Carolina Farm Credit, First Citizens, and Wells Fargo.

Jim Earnhardt and Jim Sane with our new Calico Cat (the latest of five) awarded at the WNCCommunities event, where UHNGCC took home the special award. They stand with the Cat in the new kitchen, which won us the award. Be sure to check out all our calicoes in the special glass showcase near the rear of the serving room.

Calendar of Events

January 12 and 13, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Winter clean-up at the UHNGCC -- in preparation for the construction of the UHNG History Wall.

January 19, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Community Covered Dish. Program: 2016 Budget Review and Approval and Housekeeping Duties

February 16, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Community Covered Dish. Program: Gloria Anders on herbal preventions and remedies for colds and flu

President's Note

I want to start my thoughts in this new year by giving thanks to Jim Sane, for a good year of leadership in 2015, which included overseeing every detail of our long-awaited, completely renovated new kitchen. It is now hard to remember just how bad the old kitchen looked! As with the kitchen--and every other project the club has undergone--Jim didn't and couldn't do it alone. He had many people that gave lots of volunteer hours to get that job done. I give thanks to live in such a community.

On March 12 and 13, we are going to meet for our winter clean-up in anticipation of beginning our History Wall. We have some items that have been donated, and we plan to start with those, making our wall an ongoing WORK IN PROGRESS. As people see what we have, it is our hope that they will go home and bring back some pictures and stories that have been tucked away. We have talked about beginning the wall for some time, but we plan to actually move on it this winter. Please be checking to see what you might want to share. We plan to expand the History Wall beyond the community club to include the upper gorge.

I look forward to working with you again as we continue to live up to our designation as a COMMUNITY OF DISTINCTION. May 2016 be a good year for us all.

Margaret Whitt

A Story of Chairs....

Some years back the community center was filled with small wooden chairs. These chairs served the center and its people well for many years. Then...suddenly one day, we were playing Bingo and someone sat down and fell off the chair onto the floor. And it happened again...and again. It was time to do something. Lorri Erskine happened to notice a large number of chairs at Lake Lure that were awaiting a second life somewhere. She went inside and reported that the UHNGCC would LOVE to take those chairs off their hands. They agreed!

Next, we sold the wooden chairs; a popular restaurant in Black Mountain bought ten of them for $5 each. Others came by for a few more. We ran an ad in I WANNA. Mary Robinson offered her painting talents to dress some of them up a bit. Eventually, the wooden chairs were gone. Then Don Freeman brought his power washer to Margaret Whitt's home. A group gathered to load all the chairs onto a truck and brought them up to Chestnut Hills for a good cleaning. Then we took all 100+ chairs back to the clubhouse. We used them for the first time at our summer play.

Since that time, we have enjoyed the maroon plastic and metal chairs. They are larger than the wooden chairs, and they are comfortable. But if we wanted to ever re-do our pinewood floors, it would take a good deal of work to prepare each chair for a refurbished floor.

After the kitchen was finished, and after the success of two Gerton Teacup High Teas, in which we borrowed white tables and chairs from Lake Lure, and a gift from Billy Gaines of our first white rectangle table, we decided to go the distance. We watched carefully for sales at Sam's, so that we might use our collective dollars to the best possible advantage. On sale, we bought another five rectangle tables, bringing the total to six. Then we found another sale and purchased six new 60" inch round tables.

The board made a decision to give the maroon and metal chairs away if we could find a good home for them. Crab Creek Community Club was eager to have them. They came by in a truck on November 13 to collect the chairs. Before they left with their "new chairs," they were asked to honor the moral code of the chairs. At such time that they were ready to move on from these chairs that they not sell them, but instead, offer them to another organization for free. They agreed, and the chairs left UHNGCC to seat another group of people across the county.

Chairs bound for Crab Creek Community Center

Upper Hickory Nut Gorge History Wall

Beginning on March 12 and 13, we will hold our annual winter clean-up days. Along with moving things around and out!, we will also be organizing and collecting, displaying and arranging what we presently have of our history-- both personal and public--of our part of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Please bring historical items of our collective past for the enjoyment of all who live in Gerton.

Thanksgiving Dinner

We had 40 for our community Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday, November 17. We had a number of people who had never come before, others who were on their way South for the winter months, and still others who had not been at a meal in a long time. It was so good to see everyone and to break bread together at our brand new round white tables and to sit on our brand new white chairs. We had a feast of thanksgiving favorites, including the turkey and dressing. New officers were inducted by Barbara Earnhardt. Jim Sane reminded all that we will have our Christmas Greenery Work Day on December 1. The rest was just good conversation and much cheer---and a sense of gratefulness for Gerton.

Barbara Earnhardt performs the installation program for the new UHNGCC 2016 officers. From left: Barbara Earnhardt, Margaret Whitt, president; Lynn Morehead, vice president; Sarah Gayle, winter secretary; Sylvia Sane, treasurer; Jean Bradley, Mac McAdams, Patty Tanner, and Jim Earnhardt, board members, Also pictured are our new round white tables and chairs.

Christmas Greenery Work Day

Diego and Eva decorate the club Christmas tree on Work Day.

Anastasia Walsh and Jim Earnhardt make fresh wreaths for the clubhouse doors.

Jean Bradley, Shirley Boone, and Sylvia Sane gather fresh greens from the huge pile to assemble the greens that will go on each street sign on 74 A through Gerton.

Neighbors gathered on the cold and rainy morning of Tuesday, December 1, to both decorate the inside of the clubhouse and put together the fresh greens and red bows in the anticipation of the hanging on every street sign in Gerton. Jim Earnhardt and Anastasia Walsh made new wreaths for the front doors, while her children Diego and Eva decorated the tree. Lynn Morehead and Sarah Gayle wrapped the outside railings with garland. Doug and Margaret Colwell were first on the scene to drop off a load of greens. Jean Bradley and Lorri Erskine brought in another load, as did Jim Sane and Shirley Boone. We protected our new tables with dropclothes and the assembly line began. Someone suggested that we make additional greeneries to take to our neighbors who may be homebound. We assembled until every bit of the usable greens were turned into seasonal fashion. Shirley Boone made special bows for the greens that were to hang on our Welcome to Gerton signs.

On Thursday afternoon in the ongoing mists, Jim Sane and Jim Earnhardt took out the finished greens and hung them in at least three dozen locations. Join us next year if you want one for a road that does not exit off of 74A; you can make one for your road. Work Day is always as close to the first of December as possible and we leave the hangings up until the first of the new year. This tradition has been ongoing for over 20 years.

Christmas Party

John Sullivan Hathaway prepares to become Santa Claus at the annual Christmas party.

About 20 of us gathered on Tuesday, December 15, for our annual Christmas party of finger foods, of which there was a bountiful supply. After dinner, John Solomon Hathaway put on his Santa Claus hat and handed every person a present. When all had one in hand, we opened them. Then, table by table, we moved around the room and took a present away from someone, who had to give it up! Kind neighbors even brought special presents for the youngest members of the community. We closed out the evening by singing along with Dolly Parton--she couldn't be there personally, but she sent along a CD! Then we turned out the lights; those who had received flashlights as a gift turned them on, and by the light of the tree, we all sang "Silent Night" with Johnny Mathis.

We had a brief sharing of favorite Christmas gifts received as a child; several neighbors still had that special gift -- now over 50 years old!

Neighborhood News

Christmas Decorations in Gerton:

Bearwallow Baptist celebrates the Christmas season with wreaths and bows.

Lights on at the Anders' home.

Billy Gaines had a total right hip replacement on November 16 at 7:30 a.m., and he was home in his living room by 8 p.m. The best part of his hospital stay was the two meals he got! He walked around the nurses' station and up four stairs and back down and did the hallway again, and on the first day he had only one pain pill!

The Earnhardts enjoy a visit from Gerton neighbors at their home in Black Mountain at Highland Farms. From left: Dave McDonald, Gene Earnhardt, Sarah Gayle, Stan Mobley, and Barbara Earnhardt.

For Visiting Guests: Esmeralda Inn has a winter special -- three nights for the price of two -- from January 15-March 31. Call 625-2999 for reservations.

Chimney Rock State Park has the following BIG news:

Karl and Karen Bradley have another new calf, shown here at about a month old. Her mother is a Black Angus and her father a Highland Longhair.

NOTES From OUR LITTLE LIBRARY:

from Lake Lure: Thanks for doing this for the Gorge...Mary Ann Ransom. I will bring more books to leave!

from Tanja: Thank you for the wonderful books! My 11-year-old daughter would love to find some books for her, too, such as Nancy Drew, American Girl Magazines, etc.

Friday, October 30, 2015

November - December 2015

Fall Decorations adorn the front of the clubhouse.

Fall Colors show their best work at the end of October.

The ECHO is published by-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 send to editor Margaret Whitt at mwhitt@du.edu Photographers this issue: Margaret Whitt, Sylvia Sane, Gloria Anders, Marianne Adoryan, Shirley Boone.

GertonFest VII

Our annual fundraiser that takes place on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, September 5 this year, was once again a total success. We had 51 for pancake breakfast. Thanks to our cooks Syble Freeman, Ted Roberts, Joan Erskine, and Dari Tritt. Below, friends and neighbors gather for the first meal of the day. We made $196 on breakfast.

The Silent Auction was all set up by 8 a.m. Winners of the items collected their fare at 6 p.m. Over 60 merchants and restaurants provided gift cards. Especially nice objects left over from Sale on the Trail were also put up for bid. Thanks to the following for collecting the gift cards and other goods from the following locations: Lana Roberts - Hendersonville and Edneyville; Lynn Morehead - Chimney Rock; Jim Earnhardt - Lake Lure; Margaret Whitt and Sylvia Sane - Fairview and south of Asheville. Please keep the following places in mind as you shop or eat out. These are the places that always support our GertonFest: in Fairview - Angelo's, Silas's Produce, Smokey the Pig, Food Lion, Hot Dog King, Local Joint, Mr. K's Bookstore, Nacho's and Beer, Sonic, Appalachian Tropicals, Mountain Mojo, J and S Cafeteria, Hilltop Ice Cream, Ranshaw and Ruth Bakery. Chimney Rock: Bubba's, Esmeralda Inn, Gem Mine and Store, Medina's Bistro, River Watch, State Park, Laura's House Bakery. Hendersonville: A Day in the Country, Flat Rock Playhouse, Fresh Market, Lyda Farms, Coston Farms, Mast, Moose Cafe, Mountain Fresh Orchards, Burnt Shirt Vineyards. Lake Lure: Lake Lure Golf, La Strada, Larkin's.

Total made from the silent auction: $932.50.

Jan Beck and friends put their heads together during the team spelling bee, but the winners this year are below: Jim Earnhardt, Jim Sane, and Gene Earnhardt. Total made from Spelling Bee: $30.

Below, Patty Tanner sells a cake to Hank Will. The following bakers brought cakes, pies, and breads to the table: Marianne Adoryan, Shirley Boone, Jean Bradley, Helen Brown, Ruth Hudson, Margaret Colwell, Pat Davis, Virginia McGuffey, Evelyn Silwedel, Sarah Gayle, Joan Erskine, Bonnie Moore, Sylvia Sane, Becca Hathaway, Mary Kay McAdams, Melissa Grindle, Meg and Jack Mumpower, Lynn Morehead, Lana Roberts, Joan Pool, Claudia Freeman, Margaret Whitt, Lois Simpson, Lorene Shirar, Billy Gaines, and Patty Tanner. Thanks to Patty Tanner and Jean Bradley for organizing the sale.Total made from the baked goods sale: $448.75.

The evening ended with a delicious BBQ pork and/or chicken dinner for over 60 folks. Above, Billy Gaines organizes the kitchen crew of Ted Roberts, Claudia Freeman, and Jim Sane. Total made from the BBQ: $617.

Jean Bradley sells Stan Mobley the VERY LAST GERTON COOKBOOK! In 2005, we ordered 1,000 cookbooks. It has taken ten years to move all of them, and now we have NO MORE. Many thanks to Jean Bradley who made the final push to move out the last few boxes in the closet. Total made from cookbooks: $560.

The GertonFest VII total was among the most financially successful fundraisers we have held. The cookbook total. the baked goods, and the silent auction were the highest tallies we have generated in GertonFest history. Our total came to $2,784.25 before expenses. Thanks to all who came for part or all of the day and all who supported the event. GertonFest is meant to be a celebration of life in a small place--and this year, as in other years, those who came enjoyed the fellowship.

Calendar of Events

November 17, Tuesday, Thanksgiving Community Meal- 6:30 p.m. Turkey and dressing provided. Bring sides.

Programs at the Bullington Gardens:
Nov. l3—Pruning Seminar—proper techniques, 1-2:30

Dec. 1—Frasier fir wreathe provided. $40 for other materials and instruction

Dec. 4&5—Holiday Sale and Open House l0-4 p.m. wreathes, poinsettias, holiday crafts, pre- ordered Christmas trees (Nov. 25 deadline)

(Call Bullington Gardens 698-6104 to register for workshops)
November 26, Thursday - Thanksgiving Day
December 1, Tuesday - Greens Work Day - Meet at center at 10 a.m. Hanging of the Greens will occur later in the day.
December 15, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Community Christmas Party, Bring $5 gift to exchange and finger foods.

December 25, Friday - CHRISTMAS

President’s Note

My last President’s Note. The year has really gone by fast. It seems like just yesterday that Gene Earnhardt nominated me from the floor; thank you, Gene.

The club had a very successful year. And I think we’ve enjoyed working together. I will still be on the board, and I will support the new officers in all endeavors.

Jim Sane

Early Fall Litter Sweep

Stalwart neighbors gathered at the center on the day after Labor Day, September 8, at 10 a.m. to pick up litter from our scenic by-way 74-A, from the county line to the campgrounds -- just above and below our Welcome to Gerton signs. Bonnie Moore, Jim Sane, and Russell Anders were the drivers, while those canvassing for trash included Jean Bradley, Sylvia Sane, Lana Roberts, Sarah Gayle, and Gloria Anders. They collected 13 bags of trash and the eight people involved put in collectively 16 hours of labor. Several tubs had also been tossed roadside. Department of Transportation workers picked everything up later that week.

Above, from left, Jean Bradley, Sylvia Sane, Sarah Gayle, and Gloria Anders.

September Program

Mac McAdams gave a program on his weather station to 27 interested people at our September 15 dinner. Weather in Asheville can be very different from the weather in Gerton. The underground

website, which can be found at http://www.wunderground.com/us/nc/gerton, will have the most accurate accounting for our community. Look for Rabbit Run Creekside, and you will have Mac's station on your computer!

October Program

Lee Wicker from the North Carolina Forest Service joined Jay Alley from the Gerton Fire Department to present our program on fire safety at the October 20 dinner. Speaking about the Firewise Program, Wicker pointed out that our houses should be cleared of brush 30 to 60 feet out from the house. Trees should have lower hanging limbs removed. Leaves should also be removed. Rhododendron and mountain laurel are among the most combustible leaves and can be a real fire hazard. North Carolina is among the leaders in the country in fires on personal property.

Henderson County Council Comes to UHNGCC

UHNGCC took its turn in September hosting our neighbors from Crab Creek, Upward, and Edneyville. Six times a year the county comes together to find out what activities are going on, how we might support each other, and what projects need the attention of all of us. In September we made new decisions about how the county awards would be given this year. We also received from our guests over $100 to give to the Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach and another 50 pounds of food. At each meeting, all the county clubs support the project of the hosting club.

UHNGCC decided at an earlier meeting of our club to purchase new white chairs and tables. Many years ago, Lori Erskine secured for us --at no charge--the maroon chairs we have been using. They came from Lake Lure Inn, who no longer had use for them. Crab Creek has use for those chairs now, so we will be giving them to Crab Creek. Because the chairs were free to us, the officers decided to pass them on at no cost to another. Crab Creek is delighted and will come pick them up when our new white chairs have been purchased and delivered to UHNGCC.

Things to Do in the FALL Near Gerton:

Hikes through the fall colors:

1. Chimney Rock Park Trails - Chimney Rock

2. Mount Mitchell State Park - Burnsville

3. High Fall, Triple Falls Hike - Hendersonville

4. Triple Falls Loop - Pisgah Forest

5. Hooker Falls Trail - Pisgah Forest

Pumpkin Shopping/Browsing:
1. Hickory Nut Farm - Fairview
2. Henry Barnwell Farm - Hendersonville
3. Justus Orchards - Hendersonville
4. Coston's Apple House - Hendersonville
5. Lyda Farms - Hendersonville

Farmer's Markets:
1. Black Mountain Tailgate
2. Lake Lure Market
3. Oakley Farmer's Market
4. Curb Market - Hendersonville

Places to take your Grandkids:
1. Fibber Magee's Riverfront Inn - Chimney Rock
2. YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly - Black Mountain
3. Shadowbrook Golf and Games - Black Mountain

UHNGCC Wins in Henderson County Awards Banquet

Jim Sane, Jean Bradley, and Lynn Morehead attended the October 24 annual Henderson County Development Council awards dinner. UHNGCC won the top award for Center Improvement (new kitchen), Volunteerism, and Community Fundraising. For our efforts, the club received $250.

In the last full weekend of October, the leaves turned brilliantly red and yellow. On a wet Tuesday, October 27, the entry to Gerton was red and yellow and ...going bare.

THANKSGIVING QUIZ FOR OUR THANKSGIVING TABLES

provided by Barbara Earnhardt

Here’s a guessing game few of us would likely know many answers to for the questions below. Just for fun, guess anyhow—with someone else.

l. How many Englishmen sailed on the Mayflower?

How many were Pilgrims?

2. How many were women?

3. Where was the Mayflower chartered to land?

4. How many days did the trip take?

5. Where did everyone live that first winter?

6. How many settlers survived into the spring?

7. Why were natives called “Indians”?

8. Why didn’t the early settlers have to clear fields before they sowed their crops? Why was this the case?

9. How many women were alive to cook the first Thanksgiving dinner?

10. How many Wampanoag Indians showed up for the three-day feast?

11. And why didn’t they stay?

12. Who did the dishes?

Answers for the Questions above:

102 Englishmen and women sailed on the Mayflower. All were Pilgrims—that is, all were people searching for a better life. Only the Puritans (in the minority) were leaving for religious freedom since they had lost hope that the Church of England could be ‘purified’ from inside. Everyone hoped to find a better life: some wanted jobs, some were indentured servants. Officers and crew eventually returned to England.
Women numbered l8—all were married, three were pregnant.
Chartered by the Plymouth Company, the Mayflower was destined for what we know as the East Coast named by the King, “Virginia”--which included the Hudson River, the original destination. Blown off course, the Mayflower couldn’t buck the waves. Seasickness raged.

According to most accounts, 66 days.
They “docked” at a place called Plymouth, named for the ship’s joint stock company of London, which had invested in the trip itself. Weakened and sick builders plus terrible weather prevented building 22 planned houses. Four houses were erected by spring; the first burned down. Most of those living spent the winter on board ship with the icy winds, dampness, wishing they’d stayed home! 2 babies were born below deck.
Fewer than half the settlers survived into the spring—some lasted until they could live on the land; scurvy and starvation were constant threats.
In the 1500s, Spanish settlers named the natives “Indians," believing they’d landed in India.

The settlers were delighted to find open fields and several abandoned native villages. Little did they know that plague and other diseases had ravaged the native people with diseases brought by other explorers. So their deaths left fields unused, ready for the Pilgrims’ crops. Incidentally, it was the American Indians who taught planting in rows. Before then, the European pattern was to sow—as in scatter—seed. We who garden today in rows are following our Indian teachers.
Four (that’s four) women had survived the "starving times" and cooked the various dishes for the three-day Thanksgiving feast.
Ninety (90!) Wampanoag Indians, including their chief, showed up for dinner.
They left when they saw there wasn’t enough food to go around—and they returned bringing with them 5 deer and much game—duck, geese, maybe turkey and rabbits, to roast.
Guess who did the dishes….

Happy Note: Sometime during the three-day feast, the Pilgrims joined in a dance, and sang the “23^rd Psalm” for their guests. They shot off muskets! In return, the Wampanoags performed some dances as well. It must have been a merry celebration, —though somewhat strained —very like all our own preparations for sharing a special time for family and friends together today. (And—we do not expect 90 Indians to show up either!)

(Works consulted: On the Mayflower, by Kate Waters; Pilgrims and Puritans, 1620-76, Christopher and James Collier; Young People’s History of U.S., Howard Zinn; The First Thanksgiving Feast, by Joan Anderson; Googling “First Thanksgiving”.)

Notes from the Little Library...

Business has been so brisk, we have had to remove books from the library instead of adding them! Here are a few transactions that have taken place:

Thanks for the book. Follow my insta....(and then her insta address)
Left: Pillars of the Earth; Took: Beloved; From: Asheville. Thanks! D. Sawrel
Gifted: The Outlander, Highly recommended for the average bookworm; Received: Scribbling the Cat. We are all made of stars - Gypsie Estrella with (heart) fellow humans. accompanied by my furry friend DP
Gifted: The Aviator's Wife and Under the Wide and Starry Sky. Enjoy. Off to hike Chimney Rock
Left: Futures End Comic; Taking: The Line of Beauty - Karma
(someone from) Atlanta
Hi. We're from Michigan! Thanks for the books.
(someone from) Chimney Rock

Neighborhood News

Sylvia Sane visited her son, Keith and his family in beautiful San Sebastian, Spain, from October 13-26. On left, the crowded streets and above the calm of the water borders the bustling streets. Sylvia stepped out for a late lunch.

Jerry and Shirley Boone visited the Colorado Rockies, staying near Breckenridge for a week in late October. Shirley snapped this picture on right as they toured the area.

Below, Friends and family gathered to celebrate the 60th birthday of Don Aroyan. They enjoyed the community center and the grilling and picnic area by the stream.

And right here at home, Gloria Anders enjoys the Hickory Creek in her own back yard!

Friday, August 28, 2015

September - October 2015

July 4 Celebration in Gerton

A large gathering of neighbors and friends (over 70!) came together at the community center on July 4 to celebrate with a cookout, bingo, and fireworks at dark.

Jim Earnhardt, with help from Russell Barkett, flipped the hamburgers and turned the hot dogs, while everyone brought a side dish from home to accompany what has become a traditional meal when small towns come together to share a summer holiday meal.

Because of intermittent rains throughout the day, we set up the food inside and folks lined up to fill their plates. As always, the food was plentiful and delicious.

Afterwards, we pulled out our antique bingo machine, plugged it in, passed out the cards and markers, and Margaret Whitt called the games: regular, four corners, perimeter only, and concluded the evening with an exhausting cover-all. For the second year in a row, the Freeman family were the big winners. Prizes were giant candy bars with a surprise taped to the back: coins, bills, or just a note saying; Sorry! The Barketts supplied the candy bars and the Sanes supplied the money. Big winner was Eric Freeman's friend, Diego, who took three games and won the grand prize of $10.

Eric's friend Diego, Jason, Porter, and Mary Freeman were the big winners of the night.

When the last candy bar was claimed, we all headed outside to watch the fireworks set off by Jason Freeman and Jason Moore. The weather held and the skies were clear. We oohed and ahhed as the explosions filled the night sky. Thankful for each other and the country in which we live, we all went home feeling better about our world.

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. Roving ace reporter: Barbara Earnhardt, Bonnie Moore. Photographers: Sylvia Sane, Margaret Whitt, Lana Roberts, Gloria Anders

Officers for 2015: Jim Sane, President; Lynn Morehead, Vice President; Sarah Gayle, Winter Secretary; Lana Roberts, Summer Secretary; Sylvia Sane, Treasurer; Board members: Jim Earnhardt, Jean Bradley, Patty Tanner, Claudia Freeman. Immediate Past President, Margaret Whitt.

Calendar of Events

September 5, Saturday - GERTONFEST VII

8 a.m. - Pancake Breakfast - $4 (adults); $3 (Children under 12)

Silent Auction - Winners announced at 6 p.m.

Homemade Baked Cakes, Pies, Cookies, Brownies - Until they are all sold

3 p.m.Team Spelling Bee for adults and children - Teams are 1 to 4 people. Entry fee: adult $10 per team; children - entry fee is free. Spell age-appropriate words until you pop all three of your balloons and give up your one PASS card. Adult winner takes home $50 cash.

Kids prize - age appropriate!

5 p.m. Bar-be-cue Dinner. $8 adults; $5 (children under 12)

Music and Trivia Bowl

September 15, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - Community Covered Dish. Program: Mac McAdams - Gerton's weather station

October 20, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - Community Covered Dish. Program: TBA

President’s Note

It’s August 27, 2015. GertonFest VII is September the 5^th. I prepared a final checklist today. Final coordination was conducted via e-mail and phone, and we are squared away. I want to thank those that have been involved in the preparation for GertonFest VII. Pancake Breakfast coordinators, Syble and Don Freeman. Bake Sale coordinators, Jean Bradley and Patty Tanner. Silent Auction/Spelling Bee coordinator, Margaret Whitt. Barbecue Dinner coordinator, Billy Gaines.

Thanks to the following that have volunteered to assist the coordinators and for other tasks. Prepare and distribute flyers, Marianne Adoryan. Put up signs/banners, Marianne Adoryan, Jim Earnhardt. Solicit (Beg) Silent Auction certificates from businesses, Lana Roberts, Margaret Whitt, Sylvia Sane, Lynn Moorehead, and Jim Earnhardt. Preparation/Serving for Pancake Breakfast and BBQ Dinner, Ted Roberts, and Doug Colwell ( only names I currently have). And the many others that will be helping out on September the 5^th. And there will be others.

The point I’m making is this: I think we have something very special in Gerton. We come together and make these events work. And we have a good time as a community.

Jim Sane

Summer Litter Pick-Up

Fourteen gathered at the center on Tuesday, July 7, at 10 a.m. to pick up trash on the roadside of scenic by-way 74A from the Buncombe County Line all the way to the campgrounds just before Bat Cave. The 14 volunteers worked until noon or, collectively, 28 hours of walking and stooping to clear our roadway of ten bags of trash, 6 bags of recycled items, one mirror, one tire, and one motorcycle fender.Most valuable item found was a cell phone. It would be hard to indicate the sleaziest items: used condoms? sanitary napkins? dog poop in plastic baggies? cigarette butts? pop bottles full of urine? What are some people thinking!!

The crew and their yield

Those who participated, under the leadership of Gloria Anders, were Karl Bradley, Lori Erskine, Sylvia Sane, Addie Grindle, Karen Hudson-Brown, Sarah Gayle, Margaret and Doug Colwell (Doug was celebrating his birthday in this community-minded way!), Jean Bradley, Billy Gaines, Margaret Whitt, Jack Mumpower, and Bonnie Moore (who drove the warning litter-crew-ahead convertible at the rear of the walkers to alert people coming from Asheville. Thanks to all.

Bonnie Moore slowed oncoming traffic down and helped us to all come home safely!
Thanks, Bonnie.

TWO Many Ghosts!

The entire cast of "Two Many Ghosts!" includes front row: Ruth Ann Nappi, Ruth Hudson, Bonnie Moore. Back row: Tom Hilliker. Fred Nappi, Don Lewis, Freddie Ann Nappi, Pam Lewis, and J.D. Nappi

Zane Moore and Sadie Moore perform Abbot and Costello's "Who's on First?" as intermission entertainment. Zane and Sadie made their debut last year with the Hickory Creek Players. They are the twin grandchildren of Bonnie Moore.

Ellenor Harrington (Freddie Ann Nappi) negotiates between the long-time caretaker of the Harrington Mansion, Mr. Stipplehogger (Fred Nappi), and the realtor she has hired to sell the estate, Pete Wilson (Tom Hilliker).

Theodora (Ruth Hudson) has long been the only ghost at the mansion, but a fire down the road has run off poor Hagatha (Bonnie Moore), who appears here in her scorched ghostly attire.

Willa Grace Wingfield (Ruth Ann Nappi), local dowager and prospective buyer of the mansion, who also has her heart set on the attractive handyman, Mr. Stipplehogger (Fred Nappi), explains to realtor Pete Wilson (Tom Hilliker) her plans for the new look of the old mansion. In the back Lexal, Mr. Stipplehogger's apprentice (J.D. Nappi), listens in so that he will know when to direct Mrs. Wingfield to the special rooms in the back.

T. Tommy "Sweets" Thomas (Don Lewis), proprietor of a local and shady business wants to rent the mansion, but competitive serious buyers Willa Grace Wingfield (Ruth Ann Nappi) and Miss Triplett (Pam Lewis) could be horrified at his potential plans. Mr. Stipplehogger (Fred Nappi) looks on, interested in every detail about the old place, his home for over 40 years.

Once again, the last weekend of July, the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Center was converted into the set for Helen Hudson Brown's latest play, "Two Many Ghosts." This year, a 100-year-old mansion, with wings that ran down both sides of the stage and into the distant back, offered a front room entry area, tastefully appointed with comfortable chairs, a full bookcase, a casual bar from which to serve the prospective buyers, a fireplace and mantle, over which two portraits of the senior Harringtons served as a reminder of the past and a hiding place for the two ghosts that occupied the mansion.

Each time the ghosts appeared on stage, smoke rushed the floor, the good work of either Jason Moore or Billy Gaines, who made dry ice do its job. The set design was the work of Ruth Hudson, Jim Sane, and Freddie Ann Nappi. Mary Kay McAdams capably served as stage manager. Sylvia and Jim Sane staffed the refreshments each night, with help from others who stepped forward to lend a hand, while Virginia McGuffey and Patty Tanner sold tickets at the door.

We sold homemade cakes and brownies and cookies and candy, along with a good bit of popcorn and water and soft drinks. Concessions and the proceeds from the $15 tickets netted the UHNGCC a grand total of $2,150, the largest house yet from our annual dramatic event.

Thanks especially to this special gift that Helen Brown gives us every summer, to the cast that always does a stellar job, to the people who work in the background -- setting up and taking down-- and to the community who make up the audience!

This year Margaret Whitt and Freddie Ann Nappi were invited to radio station WGTM (G1520) in downtown Spindale to be guests on their Thursday, July 23, edition of "Talk of the Town." They spoke about the play and Gerton for an hour--to whoever might have listened that morning--with station owner Jesse Cowan. The play was advertised in Our State magazine, in the brochures of Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce, and in the Fairview Town Crier. Thanks to Virginia McGuffey who invited her Sunday School class from Arden (about 30 plus people), and to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge tenders. Our audiences continue to grow and they come from far and wide. Both Friday and Saturday night were full houses--and the laughter could be heard echoing down the scenic byway!

"Gerton" Makes Humor Page of Mountain Express

In the Mountain Express's popular Best of WNC double issue (August 12-18, 2015) in their "Asheville Disclaimer" column, Gerton gets top billing in a spoof under this heading: "Hendersonville hires 'parking ambassador,' whose duties include:""Re-establishing diplomatic ties with Gerton." Many reading the column may wonder, "What's Gerton?" or "Where's Gerton?"

We who live here get the joke and are delighted to be the first bullet under the lampooning of the new parking ambassadors of downtown Hendersonville!

July Program

As is our tradition, those at dinner on July 21 were treated to several scenes from the upcoming play,"Two Many Ghosts!" Helen Brown introduced the cast and set up each scene for the awaiting audience. It was a dramatic trailer or preview--made us want to hurry toward the weekend and see the whole of the play!

Helen Hudson Brown, who writes the plays the whole world loves!

August Program

After dinner on August 18 with 32, about 17 of us carpooled down to Laughing Waters for a guided tour by John Myers and Jane Lawson. Even though the retreat center is right here in Gerton, this was the first time to see the place for many of us.

John Myers leads the group toward the pond and the small cabin that houses the mechanism for hydropower.

The group goes upstairs to see the bedrooms and the cozy reading corner that are available for rental at weddings or reunions.

The main room of the center houses a large dining table, a kitchen, comfortable chairs, and plenty of open space. Surrounding the back side is a large deck and a beautiful waterfall. The sound of running water can be heard on all areas of the grounds.

Notes from the Little Library:

More business than notes, but here are our messages this time:

"Stopped by to take a look. We're from Stow, MA, It's beautiful here in the mountains!.__ Lily"

"Saw on our drive back to Asheville and made my husband turn around to stop. Left a book and took a book!" __unsigned

"May the Long Time Sun Shine upon You

All Love surround You

And the Pure Light Within You

Guide Your Way On" __signed with a heart

"Beautiful library and glad we saw it on our way back home. Jon and Crystal"__signed with a reference to their little library number

Neighborhood News

Jim and Sylvia Sane attended the Highland Games in early July. Here, Jim carries the flag representing Clan MacKenzie in the Parade of Tartans.

***

HICKORY NUT GORGE OUTREACH: It is time once again to remember the kids in the gorge who need help with food to make it through their weeks. After every monthly dinner, we take a load of food down to the outreach in Lake Lure. Here is a list of what is needed for the Backpack Program that helps kids get through the weekend: Large boxes of cereal (no highly sugared cereal). Single serve oatmeal packets. Small packs of raisins. Chunky soup. Saltine crackers. Macaroni and cheese boxes. tuna. Chef Boyardee. string cheese. canned fruit. granola bars. pudding. small packages of cookies. peanut butter. jelly. large bottles of juice. chips--small packages. juice boxes. If you bring to the center, we will deliver to Lake Lure. Kids think better and behave better when they are not hungry!

***

An afternoon deer parade -- two adult deer and baby in between. Here is the last one in the line.

***

Many of us will remember Johnathon Barrett from Charleston. He and partner Tom White (the architect who years ago submitted some ideas about how we might update Center’s dining area) vacationed at their Kelly Hill house directly up from Nita’s. They loved their time here, enjoyed immensely the summer plays, decided they’d buy their house after hearing Bearwallow Baptist chiming hymns. Johnathon has written a cookbook—“Rise and Shine: A Southern Son’s Treasury of Food, Family and Friends.” Now on a 30-stop book talk tour, he’d be glad to provide a Community Center program for us sometime next spring. His book includes a chapter on Gerton—the joy of being able to buy fresh local foods, and of wading streams here to gather watercress. The book (with l00 recipes) is available through mupressorders@mercer.edu, or by phone 866-895-1472.

***

Goats have returned in greater numbers to continue their assault on the kudzu towards Bat Cave.

***

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

Adventure Map of the Hickory Nut Gorge

Authors of A Hiker's Guide to the Hickory Nut Gorge, Nate Ballinger and Ryan Lubbers, have produced the first comprehensive topographic trail map of the Hickory Nut Gorge, North Carolina. The Adventure Map of the Hickory Nut Gorge beautifully illustrates the multitude of hiking and mountain biking trails in Chimney Rock, Rumbling Bald, Lake Lure, Bearwallow Mountain, Gerton, and Bat Cave. In addition, it provides driving directions, trailhead locations, park boundaries, rock climbing areas, access points, bouldering areas, fishing access, view points, swimming areas, whitewater kayaking rivers, zip-line areas, public marina locations, boat launches, park entrances, camping areas, logging roads, fee areas, beaches, picnic areas and much more.

It is an essential map for any and all outdoor activities and will be extremely helpful for everyone from the casual visitor to the most seasoned adventurer. The Adventure Map of the Hickory Nut Gorge is a full color, light weight, water proof, tear proof and foldable map (3.75 x 9 inches when folded) that easily fits in your pocket or back pack and will stand up to even the gnarliest expedition. Its large size (22.75 x 18.5 inches when flat) has high definition, full topographic coverage on both sides to give a large overview of the upper and lower gorge as well as a number of detailed insets that are full of features and critical information. The outstanding Map Legend allows for quick and accurate referencing to determine types of trail, private property, overlooks, waterfall locations and a variety of other significant information. Up until now there has been absolutely nothing like this map available to visitors of the Hickory Nut Gorge. With over 6 years of research, hundreds of hours of on the ground exploring, dozens of conservation partners and landowners contributing valuable information The Adventure Map of the Hickory Nut Gorge is finally in print and available to the public!

The Adventure Map of the Hickory Nut Gorge is a great companion for A Hiker's Guide to the Hickory Nut Gorge. A Hiker's Guide to the Hickory Nut Gorge is a comprehensive hiking guidebook for one of the Southeast's most spectacular natural areas. It 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

Available on line at www.hickorynutgorgetrailguide.com , on Amazon and locally at Bubba O’Leary’s, Diamond Brand, Chimney Rock State Park, Black Dome, Slick Rock Emporium, Lake Lure Inn, Sun Rift Adventures and Hickory Nut Gap Farms.

***

Thanks to the thoughtful, articulate person in the community who posted the tactfully worded instructions on how to get into the post office on the front door. We all await the door being fixed/oiled/replaced. This is a reference to the sign that a neighbor put on the door before the lock broke!

***

Roland Lee “Buster” Zeigler, 92, died July 28, his funeral was held at the Four Holes Baptist Church in Orangeburg, S.C., where he had been a long-time member. Born in July of 1923, Gerton and Chestnut Hills neighbors remember him fondly and well for his countless acts of friendliness toward this community. “Best money we ever spent,” he was fond of saying about living here summers at his home facing the Chestnut Hills pond.

Friends here recall his delivering huge beef roasts to neighbors willing to cook them for the Fourth of July dinners, Buster cheerfully slicing huge slabs of meat for diners. In late fall, he often would arrive with bushel baskets brimming with raw peanuts he would boil for any who cared to come and shell and eat. He swung many a hammer for repairs at the Community Center—the new wood floor in the library is one example he worked on, as well as at the Chestnut Hills Pavilion where flooring needed replacement. For lucky friends, a bag full of July peaches was a special gift he loved bestowing.

He was a regular at Nita’s where he and wife Mary would sit with Margie and drink another cup of morning coffee. He and Mary were regulars at Bearwallow Baptist Church as well. Both Zeiglers participated actively in the UHNG Community Club. “Best man in the world,” one of his longtime neighbors has said.

Buster served in World War II. He leaves behind two sons—R.L. Zeigler III and Roy C. Zeigler, both of Orangeburg, South Carolina, along with their wives Bonnie and Susan, and their families. He has 6 grandchildren and l0 great-grandchildren.

Memorials can be sent to Four Holes Baptist Church, 1622 Four Holes Road, Orangeburg, SC, 29115. Cards could be sent to the family at the residence of Roy and Susan Zeigler, 1854 Four Holes Road, Orangeburg, SC 29115.