January - February 2018

Finishing up the work on the roadside greenery we hang each Christmas season. It takes a village....(see below for others who helped)

Our first big snow of the season -- December 8-9--caused all-day power outages for most of Gerton on Saturday, December 9. But, it was a winter wonderland.

Calendar of Events

January 1, Monday - Polar Plunge at Lake Lure--fun to watch; invigorating to participate

January 16, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Community Covered Dish. Program: Annual Planning. Approve budget

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

President's Note

     It is with a great deal of pride and a hefty dose of humility that I accept leadership responsibility for the Upper Hickory Nut Gap Community Club.  Thank you for your vote of confidence.

     In concert with other Officers and Board Members, our immediate goal is to foster traditions and esprit de corps set forth by previous administrations.  Compassion and generosity to our fellow man continues to be a primary focus.  And along the way we'll have a little fun, too.

    The January Board Meeting will focus on our annual budget.  If time allows, we will also visit topics like event scheduling, minor building repairs, and a few new fundraising ideas that may prove lucrative to both you and our Club.

    Hope to see you at our January 16th Meal-and-Meet.

Jack Bancer

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  welcome; pictures, too. Please send to editor Margaret Whitt at margaret.whitt@du.edu. Photographers this issue: Margaret Whitt, Susie Bancer, and Sylvia Sane

Officers for 2018: President Jack Bancer; Vice President Jim Earnhardt; Secretary Susie Bancer; Treasurer Sylvia Sane; Immediate Past President Margaret Whitt. Board Members: Jean Bradley, Karen Owensby.

Halloween Litter Sweep: Most Trash Ever!

 

We had a great turn-out for our Halloween Litter Sweep. Though many of us expected to get less trash than ever, we actually had one of our biggest collection days: 13 bags of trash and 10 bags of recyclables. Plus some rusted mattress springs, buckets, pieces of vinyl straps--and the real find this year was some brand new rope with the name of the person who had ordered it! We returned it to Glen at the 3 B's Inn, who wondered why UPS never delivered it! Turns out, the rope somehow made its way from his gate to a ditch and had been resting there for almost two months.

Many thanks to all those who helped. From left to right in the picture--sporting their orange pick-up vests: Doug Colwell, Jack Bancer, Jim Earnhardt, Jim Sane, Lori Erskine, Russell and Gloria Anders with grandson Knox, Dawn Loftus, Luda Bacanskas, Margaret Whitt, and Jean Bradley. Not pictured: Sylvia Sane, taking the picture!

Gloria called our contact at the pick-up department--and all the trash we picked up was gone by Thursday, November 2. To cover our section of the scenic byway from the Continental Divide down to the campgrounds toward Bat Cave takes just a little over an hour when we have about a dozen people to help. Besides, taking your leisure to walk the road provides wonderful meditation time: for example, why do people go to Bojangles and then wait to eat the food until they are on the prettiest part of their drive...and then throw the trash out the window! Just one more example of how working together we can make a real difference.

Fire Department Fundraiser a Total Success!

Neighbors gather at the Gerton Volunteer Fire Department on November 4 to eat BBQ as part of the fundraiser for the Hathaway family. 

Young Sam draws the winning rifle raffle ticket while big brother John Solomon and mom Becka watch. Captain Jay Alley gave the bucket a good shake before the drawing.

And the winner was......Jim Sane. Dad John, John Solomon, and Jay Alley happily watch Jim hold his new rifle.

Thanks from the Hathaway Family...

To our mountain family,

       With Christmas being the time of year that we are most reminded of the many blessings that God has poured out on us, one of the biggest blessings that comes to my mind is the blessing of our mountain family.

      Last year, my family and I were thrown a chaotic curveball with the diagnosis of colon cancer.  Though this came as a tremendous shock, it also came with its share of blessings.  It came with a forced resting on God, a new perspective on life and family, and an outpouring of love from our community in so many different ways.  Split firewood has just "showed up" in the yard.  Gifts like fresh greens, cash donations or ever-needed cards of encouragement and prayers have been dropped by in a nonstop manner.  The fire department and the community that I have had the honor to serve in for the past 6 years has done more for me and my family  in the past 6 months than I have even had the opportunity to do in the full time I've been here. My family and I cannot express in words how much your actions of love have blessed us nor how thankful we are for you all! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  We love you and are so thankful to be part of this family. Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you. May your new year be as full of blessings as ours is thanks to you. 

With thankful and filled hearts, 

The Hathaway family

Rules for the UHNGCC College Scholarship

The following rules were approved at the November UHNGCC board meeting. The application will be available in the Gerton Post Office in May and will also be published in the ECHO for March-April and May-June 2018. The deadline for turning in the completed application will be on May 15.

The candidates, who are considering applying for the $500 scholarship, will satisfy these eligibility requirements.

1.  Any person living in the community, who is seeking a degree or certificate from a non-profit, accredited post-secondary institution may apply.

2.  A person may apply and receive the scholarship a maximum of TWO TIMES. But they may not be in consecutive years.

3.  Along with the scholarship application, the applicant must supply the name and address of the school. The winner's check for $500 will be made out to the school and mailed directly to that school with the check noted: to be applied to (the winning applicant's) tuition cost.

4. Depending on the number of applicants in any year, no more than TWO awards to two people will be given. The maximum amount of money awarded in one year will be $1,000.

5.  At the end of the academic year, the winner will report to the UHNGCC the progress towards their academic end goal.

UHNGCC Claims Big Cash Award for 7th Year in a Row! Western N. Carolina Communities Hosts 68th Honors Event

(Ed. Note: WNCCommunities awarded this year: Three Communities of Distinction ($2,000); 17 Communities of Promise ($1,000); 25 Engaged Communities ($500); and 20 Participating Communities ($250). In the past seven years, UHNGCC has won the top prize four times and the second prize three times for a total of $11,000. The following article is an edited press release from the WNCCommunities.)

 The WNC Honors Awards is built on a 68-year-old tradition of recognizing rural community development clubs for their innovative ideas and grassroots solutions. These centers and clubs are the backbone running through our beloved mountains.  The culmination of this year’s program occurred at a luncheon held on Saturday, November 11, with 240 community leaders from 15 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

Generous sponsorships from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Valley River Casino & Hotel, Biltmore Farms, Inc., Duke Energy, Mission Health, The McClure Fund, First Citizens Bank, Buncombe County Farm Bureau, Carolina Farm Credit and Wells Fargo brought in a record amount of $40,500 to award to the 65 community centers and clubs in the region. 

Communities of Promise receive a cash award of $1,000 and are chosen because of the initiatives implemented by the community that show promise and can be replicated around the region. Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Club was recognized for many successful programs this past year.  One was creating a plan for the Gerton History Wall to document the members of their multi-generational community. They also adopted a community conversation format instead of formal business meetings, so residents can discuss topics of mutual concern. The Party Rock fire in the gorge near Chimney Rock brought the reality of forest fires too close to home, so the community became Firewise certified to become active participants in their own defense. They formed a committee, completed a Community Risk Assessment, and created an action plan to assist neighbors. 

 “We should all be grateful for the dedication rural community centers and clubs put into making the mountains a place we can all be proud to call home.” shared Linda Lamp, Executive Director.  “For over 68 years, this program has served as an inspiration for continuing and replicating community success.” 

Community centers and clubs across the mountain region voluntarily participate in the annual cash awards program by submitting an application to WNC Communities, a nonprofit dedicated to strategies to improve rural community life. The 65 communities involved this year represent over 13,500 volunteers with an impressive 173,000 hours in outreach programs dedicated to education, health, conservation and events highlighting the mountain’s great art, craft, and music traditions, as well as collaborative efforts with government, churches, community colleges, nonprofits and small businesses. In addition, the collective fundraising efforts of these communities brought in over $865,000 for everything from neighbor helping neighbor to food pantries, community gardens, school supplies, senior meal sites, military honorariums, preserving mountain heritage and funds dedicated to the upgrades and maintenance of these rural beacons known as community centers. 

 (left to right) Craig DeBrew of Duke Energy presents the Community of Promise Award to Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community members:  Jean Bradley, Susan Bancer, Jim Sane, Sylvia Sane, Margaret Whitt, James Earnhardt, and Lynn Morehead  

Henderson County Development Council Awards Clubs

Henderson County community clubs gathered on the evening of November 14 at the Edneyville Community Center to receive the annual awards for the three clubs who still participate in Henderson County Development Council:  Edneyville, Crab Creek, and UHNGCC. Each club was awarded $250 for the work done in our communities this year.

Jim Sane, President of the Henderson County Development Council, presided over the business meeting that following the presentation of the awards.

Along with folks from Edneyville and Crab Creek , UHNGCC (Jim Earnhardt and Jack Bancer shown above) joined about 25 others. Seven people from UHNGCC enjoyed the wide offering of good food.

Community Thanksgiving

Close to 40 neighbors gathered on Tuesday, November 21, to celebrate Thanksgiving together. The club provided the turkey and dressing, while everyone else provided plentiful sides--and this year, we had an abundance of dessert, including pumpkin pie! 

After plates were full and good talk continued around the tables, we took time to share those things we were thankful for among the various tables --and then with the room at large. We always mention good health, family, friends, and, even from the very young among us--the mention of "this community." Those who have lived here a good while are delighted especially by the growth in the community among the young--always a good sign that the very community we all value has a long life ahead!

Russell Anders (not pictured) installs the new UHNGCC officers for 2018 at our Thanksgiving dinner: Jim Earnhardt, Vice-President;  Jack Bancer, President; Susie Bancer, Secretary; Sylvia Sane, Treasurer; Karen Owensby, Board Member; Jean Bradley, Board Member (not pictured).

Christmas Greenery Workshop

As is our tradition, on the first Monday of December, Gerton folks gather at the clubhouse to assemble about 40 greens with red bows for each street that enters on to Highway 74A through Gerton. We also put up some Christmas trees inside the center and wrap garland with red bows around the outside front piping. Then we add three fresh wreaths to the front doors -- and we call ourselves ready! Thanks this year go to Lorri Erskine and Gloria and Russell Anders, who collected all the greens; to Jean Bradley with help for setting out the drop cloths on the floor; to Mary Kay McAdams and Margaret Whitt for decorating the piping with garland; to Syble Freeman, Sarah Gayle, Jim Earnhardt, Lynn Morehead, Mac McAdams, Lorri Erskine for assembling the greens; to Sylvia Sane, for help on everything; and to Jim Sane, who hung every green on every pole, working into the dark of Monday evening. 

 Mary Kay McAdams finishing off the garland with new red bows.

 Lorri Erskine and Mac McAdams assembling the greens.

Syble Freeman and Lynn Morehead adding the red bows.

Sarah Gayle, Jean Bradley, and Jim Earnhardt work the assembly line. 

Sylvia Sane putting the finishing touches on the tree in the serving area. Because of a timer, we were able to light the tree for those passing by from 5 - 10 each evening of December. 

Christmas Party

Fortunately, the weather was great for our annual holiday gathering on December 19. We had 42 folks come for an array of finger foods -- with meatballs aplenty! Homemade cookies and candies also graced the table, while hot chocolate, tea, and coffee were the beverages of choice. 

New president Jack Bancer replaces the irritating old bell with a new cow bell, which will now call us to order--significant because of the historic Drover scenic byway out front, which was once used to drive cattle to market.

A special treat was having Eva and Diego accompany us this year for our carol singing. They even brought the books so that we wouldn't stumble over the words. Our whole community recognizes the talents of these two young people. One day we can say...we knew them when....

Everybody enacted their roles in a lively manner for our communal singing of "12 Days of Christmas": the young people -- Eva, Diego, Noah, Ethan, and River -- had Five Golden Rings. (Above, standing on chairs.)

And Danya, Syble, and Don put a modern spin on Four Colly Birds--with cellphones in hand, calling!

Across the way, Gloria, Lorri, Anne, and Karen demonstrate Seven Swans A-Swimming. 

John Solomon, with help from his brother Sam, handed out the Christmas presents under the tree to everyone present. Then the exchange began...or people managed to keep what they received! Best gag gift this year: a bottle of spray Poop Poo-Ree! A good time was had by all as people departed into the night to await Christmas day.

Neighborhood News

Lucille Cummings Freeman, 90, of Gerton, passed away Wednesday, Declember 21, 2017, following an extended illness. She was born April 15, 1927 in Buncombe County to the late Floyd Lee Cummings and Bertha Parham Cummings. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Lester Jay Freeman; sisters, Inice Cummings Woody and Margaret Cummings Worley; infant brother, Wallford Cummings and beloved niece Peggy Ellenburg Sharpe.

She is survived by sisters Virgie Cummings Johnson, Mary Cummings Ellenburg, and Ruth Cummings Worley, and will be greatly missed by Jim Sane and his wife Sylvia, her loving friend Mary Johnston, and numerous others that loved her. Lucille brought joy to all.

The funeral service was held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, in the Shepherd Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel. The family received friends one hour prior to the service.

November - December 2017

UHNGCC gets its fall trim behind the center. Also, the azaleas have been trimmed as well. 

Calendar of Events

November 4, Saturday, 11-4 p.m. Fundraiser at Fire House for Hathaway Family. Get BBQ Tickets and rifle raffle tickets from Jim Sane (625-1356). 

November 11, Saturday, noon - WNCCommunities Annual Awards Luncheon

November 14, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Henderson County Development Council annual awards dinner in Edneyville. Meet at UHNGCC to carpool at 6 p.m.

November 21, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - Community Thanksgiving Meal. Turkey and Dressing provided. Bring sides

November 23, Thursday - THANKSGIVING

December 4, Monday - 10 a.m.- Christmas Greenery Workshop

New Moon Marketplace Christmas Open House

Friday, December 8, 5-8 p.m. Come join us for some finger foods, hot cider, or a glass of wine. Santa Clause & live music

Come and do some shopping!! Hope you will join us!

December 19, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.-Christmas Party. Bring finger foods and small gift for exchange.

December 25, MONDAY - CHRISTMAS

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  welcome; pictures, too. Please send to editor Margaret Whitt at mwhitt@du.edu. Photographers this issue: Margaret Whitt, Michelle Perry, and Sylvia Sane

Officers for 2016-2017: President Margaret Whitt; Vice President Jim Sane; Secretary Susie Bancer; Treasurer Sylvia Sane; Immediate Past President Jim Sane. Board Members: Lynn Morehead, Jean Bradley, Patty Tanner, Mac McAdams, Jim Earnhardt

President's Note

After two years as president, I will be stepping aside for a time. Though I will still be involved on the board and in our community life, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for another few good years in our life together. We have taken care of our building, which belongs to all of us. And we have responsibly raised the money at our annual events to pay our bills--we spend about $10,000 a year to run the club and pay for supplies, programs, and events. PLUS, we have a number of people who spend their own money on our collective efforts. Because we are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, all gifts to the UHNGCC are tax deductible. In November, each of you on our mailing list will be sent a letter giving our annual report and asking for dues for 2018, still a modest $10 per year per person.

One of the things I like best about Gerton is that when we call on each other, when we ask for help, when we need to take food to a family, a pie or cake to a fundraiser, a work day to deep clean the center, a job that needs a leader, we always find that the answer is YES. In so many ways, it is easy to be president when the whole board assists, when the whole community steps up to help out. 

Once again, I look forward to our community Thanksgiving dinner on November 21. Last year at this time, we were all concerned about the fire in Lake Lure. A year has passed, and we are now FIREWISE certified, prepared, and ready when next something happens. Because we have lived so near to what might have been so threatening, we are perhaps more concerned about those who have been affected by earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes--flooding and fires. We are likely to experience even more of these acts of/in nature in the future. Let us always be aware of our good fortune and be kind to those who experience something less. At this time of the year, we have much to be thankful for. 

I look forward to working with Jack Bancer, our incoming President, in the new year and seeing you at our various activities around Gerton.

Margaret Whitt

GertonFest IX: Big Success

Our ninth annual GertonFest was held on Saturday, September 2. Rainy weather had been the order of the day the preceding week, but Saturday was cool and clear. We started the day with a community breakfast--thanks to good work from the kitchen by Syble Freeman, Ted Roberts, Mac McAdams, Joan Erskine, and Lynn Morehead at the money table. We made $269 and served over 50 people.

Breakfast is always a good time to catch up with neighbors and to welcome those who come for the weekend visit at Labor Day. 

After breakfast, there was time to shop for cakes and bid on the items of the silent auction. Homemade cakes, pies, breads, cookies, pralines, brownies, and one hot-from-the-oven quiche moved out the door with folks delighted to score a dessert (or a morning meal) --enough to share with friends and family or perhaps freeze for a later date.

Jean Bradley and Mary Kay McAdams made the calls, and in the Gerton Tradition, people said YES. Above Claudia Freeman looks over her choices while Jean waits for her decision. The bake sale is all profit for the club thanks to the generosity of those who baked, cooked, and delivered: Bonnie Moore, Margaret Colwell, Jean Bradley, Joan Erskine, Patty Tanner, Mary Kay McAdams, Susan McMurray, Sylvia Sane, Anastasia Walsh, Syble Freeman, Eileen Evans Eliswood, Sarah Gayle, Margaret Whitt, Susie Bancer, Roberta Pope, Lois Simpson, Lana Roberts, Toni Eastman, Maryanne Adoryan, Lynn Morehead, Claudia Freeman, and Lissa Grindle. The bake sale made $318.

For the Silent Auction this year, we had over 30 local merchants from the gorge and beyond who generously gave us items or gift cards, and another 30 items that we saved from the Sale on the Trail or were donated by neighbors. When you visit the following merchants, please know that they support our GertonFest and give a thanks to them:

From Fairview and Asheville (collected by Sylvia Sane, Stan Mobley, Toni Eastman, Susie Bancer, and Margaret Whitt): Hair Works,  New Moon Marketplace,  Appalachian Tropicals,  Mountain Mojo,  Food Lion,  Nachos and Beer,  Local Joint,  Mr. K's Bookstore,  J & S Cafeteria,  Sonic,  Silas's Produce,  Angelo's,  Hot Dog King,  and Manual Woodworkers in Gerton.

From Hendersonville (collected by Lana Roberts): Lowe's,  Mast General Store,  Ace Hardware,  Mountain Fresh Bakery,  A Day in the Country,  Village Green Antiques,  Fresh Market,  Fireside Restaurant,  Granddad's Apples,  Flat Rock Playhouse, and Pet Smart.

From Chmney Rock and Lake Lure (collected by Jim Earnhardt): Lake Lure Inn and Spa,  Lake Lure Boat Tours,  Lake Lure Golf,  Esmeralda,  Bubba McLeary's,  Gem Company,  Village Scoops Ice Cream,  Medina's Bistro,  Hickory Nut Antiques,  River Watch Grill,  La Strada,  and Larkin's

The total income from the Silent Auction was $1,100--this represents a new record. Thanks to all who bid and went home with a good deal!

For the first time, we held a Corn Hole Tournament in the afternoon. We had three teams in the competition. The first place winners were the family team of Danya Salos and son Clay Salos. They won a gift card to Wal-Mart. Danya and Clay are pictured above with their new trophies, blue ribbons and wearing their new GertonFest IX t-shirts. The tournament took place on the old tennis court in Chestnut Hills.

Danya and Clay Salos, fresh from a victory in the Corn Hole Tournament, crossed the street to win the team spelling bee this year. They took home $50 for their excellent spelling know-how!

The number of people who participated in the Trivia Bowl was close to 20. We had three teams and Team #2 won the gift card to Cracker Barrel--above are the winners, Margaret Whitt, Don Adoryan, team captain, Maryanne Adoryan, Susan McMurray, and David Evans.

The evening ended with delicious BBQ prepared by Billy Gaines, with help in the kitchen from Ted Roberts, Claudia Freeman, Linda Gaines, and Lana Roberts helping at the money table. While Bob Stepp and Friends played music, we enjoyed the BBQ and then Jack Bancer announced the winners of the silent auction. We made $592 on the BBQ and served over 50 plates.

New Health Clinic Opens at Bearwallow Baptist

Facilitated by Karen Owensby, RN

karenowensby@gmail.com

 674 - 0365

A church health ministry integrates traditional nursing practice while addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals as they strive to achieve wellness. It is based on the American Nursing Associations Scope and Standards for Practice in Faith Community Nursing.

A visit will include:

• Brief health history
• Blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level
• screening as appropriate
• confidential record of visit
• home viist upon request and appointment
• prayer

Services might include:

• Height and weight
• blood sugar screening
• A1C screening
• cholesterol screening
• triglyceride screening
• medication review

Office is located at Bearwallow Baptist Church. Hours are the following:

Tuesday morning - 10 to noon

Wednesday afternoon - 4 to 6 p.m.

5th Sundays - noon to 2 p.m.

Henderson County Development Council

Takes Second Place in Fair Booth Category

The fair booth for the State Ag Fair opening mid-September. Jim Sane is President and Sylvia Sane is secretary of the County Council and along with neighbors from Edneyville and Crab Creek worked on the preparation of the booth for the fair. We took first place last year in our category, and we took second this year. Thanks to Jim and Sylvia for reaching beyond our community to be helpful.

September Program 

 Neighbors visiting with neighbors. Meal time can also be a catch-up time or a get-to-know-you time. Thanks to hosts Jean Bradley, May Kay and Mac McAdams.

It is never too early to attend your first community meal. We welcome young Maple to the table. 

 Russell Anders, our man at the Gerton Post Office, presented a program to 46 people gathered at our September 19 meeting. Besides information on rules and regulations of the PO, perhaps the most important thing Russell conveyed was that he is watching out for us. Sometimes mail will not come for those who receive it at home because of conflicts and challenges in the Fairview office, which oversees the Gerton office. Mail in the Gerton office will always be in the boxes by 2 p.m. -- six days per week. We discussed the possibility of having a recycled container placed in the Gerton PO, but this is not possible because Russell would then have to go through each piece of mail assuring that no names are left on things tossed for recycling! We are on our own with this task.

Diego and Eva, who performed some classical pieces on violin at the summer play, were given gift cards from Barnes and Noble. We can look forward to hearing more from them as they continue to develop their talent. Diego plays trumpet with the Greenville Youth Orchestra, and he and Eva both play violin with the Asheville Youth Orchestra.

Wedding on Chestnut Hills Commons 

On October 7, 2017, Gracelyn Perry, the daughter of Eric and Michelle Perry, and granddaughter of Doug and Margaret Colwell (of Gerton), was married to Hayden McAbee (of Fletcher). The wedding took place in scenic Chestnut Hills, under the old Chestnut trees, with the reception in the pavilion. It was a lovely fall day for a mountain wedding in this beautiful place. The wedding party and the bride were escorted across the stream, over the bridge, and through the meadow to the ceremony area. About 120 guests attended, with a brunch and dance following.

The family is so grateful to the UHNGCC for graciously providing tables, chairs, parking, kitchen and bathroom facilities for the rehearsal dinner and wedding. We also send our gratitude to Chestnut Hills for hosting our wedding on their beautiful property.

The newly married couple, Gracelyn and Hayden, walk down the aisle together. 

October Program

 At our October 17 meeting, about 40 neighbors gathered outside to dedicate the walking track and the picnic pavilion to long-time community members. Jim Earnhardt made the attractive named signs and placed them appropriately where they belong.  Here is the content of that dedication ceremony:

Neighbors gather outside for the dedication ceremony

We are standing now on the land once owned by Ravenal Owensby. About a quarter of a century ago, he was approached by Lemuel Oates to buy this land so that Lemuel might put up a warehouse right here where we stand. Ravenal then approached Gene Earnhardt and offered him the land at a lower price so that the warehouse would not have a front and center on scenic highway 74 A. Gene then approached Tom and Nancy Eubank and Roy Owenby and together the three couples bought the land--preserving its natural beauty. For a number of years, horses grazed here. The Earnhardts and the Eubanks then gave their portion of the land to the UHNGCC and with the help of a grant in 2008, we put in this walking track.

Karen Owensby stands on the land once owned by her father, Ravenal.

We all know that people make up a community--on today's occasion, we are here to dedicate and name both the walking track and the picnic pavilion. Let's start with the Roy and Marjorie Owenby Walking Track.

Nita stands beside the sign honoring her parents.

Both Roy and Margie grew up on Middlefork Road. They married in November of 1946 and made the big move to Gerton in 1948, where their rock house was just a shell. Roy got the rocks from the Hickory Creek and finished it off. Soon Nita and Butch came along--born up the road at the Valley Clinic in Bat Cave.

Roy was known as a builder. At one time the volunteer fire department was located at the end of our building--it housed two fire trucks inside and a third outside. He built the short walls that created a dance hall--with open sides and a roof--the part of the building we now know as the dining hall. He helped build the swimming pool that existed for over 40 years -- from the 1940s-80s-in Chestnut Hills. (And Nita remembers driving the dump truck that filled it in.)  On the Bearwallow roads, he built 13 chimneys. In 1986, Roy turned the fire station into a store and Nita's came into existence--lasting until 2010--a place for men to gather in the mornings and women to gather in the late afternoon. If you walked into the store, there was always a welcome chair for you to sit a spell.

Here, Margie became the queen of Gerton, the keeper of everyone's keys--the host. She could be found around the center every day. Always present at our monthly dinners; she was an original member of the Homemakers Club. Kind to everyone--Margie watched out for us all. On her 65th birthday, her beloved grandchildren twins were born.

It is our honor to dedicate the Roy and Marjorie Owenby Walking Track in memory of two community-minded people, always willing to be of help.

Jean Bradley and daughter-in-law Karen Bradley stand by the pavilion that bears family name

And now the Grayson and Jean Bradley Picnic Pavillion. Grayson's mother's family, the Merrells, were among the original settlers in the Gerton area. Grayson did his education here-- attending Edneyville HS, now the Justis Center up Hwy 64. After his tour of duty in the navy in Japan, he returned home, visited a friend of his who was the director of the extension service in Henderson County, who offered Grayson the opportunity to be director of Camp Swannanoa. That summer Jean just happened to be a life guard at the camp--they were both active members in the 4H Club. A year and a half later, they were married, and she returned to Boone with him so that he might get his masters. Then off to NC State on a National Science Foundation project--and soon a teaching position in biology at LeGrange College in Georgia, while Jean taught first grade at LeGrange Academy.

They returned to Gerton permanently in 1974, making son Karl the 14th generation of the family line, which has, since the mid-1700s, called Gerton home. Grayson and Jean joined the Bearwallow Baptist Church, where Grayson taught adult SS from 1976 until 2004, meanwhile Jean taught the younger set. Grayson became president of both the UHNGCC and the County Council. He originated the monthly meal as we know it today--the event that brings us together tonight. Emphasis in the 1970s was on beautification--when he went to Raleigh to give a program on what we were doing here. He served on the committee to get Drovers Road (our byway, the one that runs 10 miles from Fairview to Hwy 9 at Bat Cave) classified as one of the 41 scenic byways in North Carolina. Grayson participated in the dedication service for this project in the parking lot of the Ingles in Fairview.  Jean has served in some leadership capacity on the UHNGCC board for the past more than 40 years. We all know her to be a pillar of our community, and if you want something done, she will be the one to do it. And we know that if Jean calls us, we get ready to say YES we will do whatever she has asked us to do.

It is our honor to honor Jean and Grayson Bradley in this small way for all they have done for our community. 

Back inside, the sun went down and we enjoyed our food in the midst of good company.

 When the food is back in the serving area, we have plenty of room for exercise among the young. Here, Sam and Kai have a bit of a race!

 Neighbors have a good opportunity to catch up with one another: John Hathaway, Ryan Sutters, Jane Sutters with baby Maple and Becca Hathaway.

And across the way, Dawn (back to camera), Eileen, and Danya talk, while Clay pays attention to both talk and his phone!--There is always something for everyone.

New board members were presented and elected to serve UHNGCC for 2018. The slate includes:
Jack Bancer, President; Jim Earnhardt, Vice President; Susie Bancer, Secretary; Sylvia Sane, Treasurer; Margaret Whitt, immediate past president; board members: Karen Owensby and Jean Bradley.

Neighborhood News

Update on former UHNGCC scholarship winner:

Gracelyn Perry used her scholarship to begin her studies at AB Tech in Asheville. Ste attended classes there until the family moved to Atlanta where she attended Kennesaw State University, with her goal being a degree in business. She maintained a high GPA, qualifying her for the President's List. She was accepted as one of the few college students to receive an internship at Home Depot's corporate office in Atlanta in the finance program. After completing her internship, she moved back to North Carolina. She was married in October and now resides in Edneyville. She will continue her pursuit of a business degree in spring of 2018.

Johnathan Barrett, former neighbor from Savannah, Georgia, and Kelly Hill Road, has two cook books available on Amazon.com. The first, Rise and Shine: A Southern Son's Treasure of Food, Family, and Friends, is 55th on the best selling cookbook list and contains some stories from Gerton.

The latest, Cook and Tell: Recipes and Stories from Southern Kitchens, has just been released.

From Chimney Rock State Park:

Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshop

Capture the dramatic hues of fall during our Shutterbug Nature Photography Workshop led by professional photographer Chuck Hill. This workshop is tailored to individual experience and will benefit novices and advanced photographers alike. Topics include wide-angle, telephoto, macro and intimate landscapes, composition inspiration, post-processing, critique and photo sharing. For more about Chuck, visit http://chuckhillphotographycom . Class is limited to 10, so register today to reserve your spot.

Information Event Info Date: Sunday, November 5 Time: 8:30am-4pm Pricing $100 fee includes an Annual Pass and lunch $75 for passholder, includes lunch Registration Register with Amber White by calling (828) 625-9611

September - October 2017

GertonFest IX - September 2, 2017

Come for all or part of the day!

8 a.m. - Community pancake and sausage breakfast - $4 adults; $3 under 12

8 a.m. - Homebaked cakes, pies, cookies, candy, jams -- available til all are gone! Take one to a neighbor or freeze for a later date.

8 a.m. - Silent Auction begins. Closes at 5 p.m. Bid on gift cards from local merchants

1- 3 p.m. - First Corn Hole Tournament. Come and take your turn.

3 p.m. - Team Spelling Bee. Winning team takes $50. ($10 to enter) Teams are one to four people.

4 p.m. - Trivia Bowl

5 p.m. - Music and BBQ --chicken and pork available. $8 adult; $6 under 12

6 p.m. - Winners of silent auction announced.

Our Fourth of July Celebration 2017

We tried to count and our official counter, Ted Roberts, came up with 93, but more came later, some departed early--so we are going to say we had about 100 folks -- more or less--gathered at the center for a community cookout. Jack Bancer and Jim Sane staffed the grills -- flipping 60 dogs, 68 burgers, and about a dozen bean burgers. Becky Shutrump donated the July 4 napkins and plates and banners--all from the home that used to belong to Bettye Douglas, who always celebrated the 4th in a big way. Now Becky owns the two homes that used to be Bettye's.

We had a prize, $25 gift card from Outback, that went to winner Faith Roberts (Lana and Ted's granddaughter) for the best patriotic outfit. We played BINGO and David Evans took the top prize of $10; Danya Silva captured the second place $5 award--and a dozen others took home pennies, golden dollars, a $2 bill, some $1s in paper currency, and assorted change--no one knew til they could pry off the duct tape hiding the gift on the back of a large candy bar-- OK a HUGE candy bar. Ruth Ann Nappi donated two complimentary tickets to Biltmore and these were won by the Eastman family group--from out-of-town. 

Finally, we took the chairs outside and set up to watch up close the fireworks. From across the street, we had another colossal show--people gathered on the greens of Chestnut Hills to watch both shows.

Diego and Eva open the evening with the Star Spangled Banner.

Knox bites into watermelon, held by his dad Clarke Conroy, part of the greater Anders' family.

The long line for sides to enhance the burgers and dogs begins just after our opening activities.

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  welcome; pictures, too. Please send to editor Margaret Whitt at mwhitt@du.edu. Photographers this issue: Margaret Whitt, Sylvia Sane, David Evans, Sheila Padgett

Officers for 2016-2017: President Margaret Whitt; Vice President Jim Sane; Secretary Susie Bancer; Treasurer Sylvia Sane; Immediate Past President Jim Sane. Board Members: Lynn Morehead, Jean Bradley, Patty Tanner, Mac McAdams, Jim Earnhardt

Calendar of Events

September 2 - GertonFest IX - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

September 13, Wednesday - Monarch Butterfly Migration - at Lake Lure Town Hall

September 19, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday - Community Covered Dish. Program: What you did not know about the Postal Service in Gerton, Russell Anders

September 26 - Tussy Mussy Workshop. Flowering Bridge, Lake Lure at 10 a.m.

October 10 - Build a Rock Wall, a hands-on workshop, led by Tom Gorman - Lake Lure Flowering Bridge at 10 a.m.

October 17, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - Community Covered Dish. Program: TBA

October 24, 10 a.m. Hands-on Pruning Class, led by Debbie Clark

President's Note

Not only does our annual GertonFest event celebrate our communal life as a small place, but it also signals the end of our summer days. And as far as our connection with over 60 other community clubs in western North Carolina, it is the end of the community-club year. Therefore, as we write up our annual report for the regional competition, it is a time to look back on what we have accomplished this year. Certainly, one of our biggest undertakings is to become FIREWISE certified, a rather organized way for us to look at how we might be our own best defense when the fires return--we know they will, we just don't know exactly when. But this past fall was a real wake-up call to all of us. Thanks to Jim Sane, who has been the leader of our move toward certification--toward following through with a risk assessment, action plans, and raising general awareness of what we might do on a personal level. Don't hesitate to reach out to Jim (ssane77@bellsouth.net) if you have questions you need answering. If you still don't have your special house numbers (white on a blue background) for the purpose of making your home more readily noticeable to emergency vehicles, Jim is the man to call.

We have power washed our building--and all the way around--it has never looked cleaner (except, of course, when it was brand new). Thanks to Sheila Padgett for taking on the job and getting it done in a timely fashion. 

I look forward to seeing many of you at GERTONFEST IX on Saturday, September 2---hope you will join us for all or part of the day.

Margaret Whitt

July Program

Helen Brown, the playwright of this summer's annual play, "Dinner with Aunt Katherine," delivered a short talk about the play for the program at the July 18 meeting to 49 people. Helen wrote the play, but her daughter, Ruth Ann Nappi, will direct this year. All of the Hickory Creek Players will be familiar to Gerton audiences. For the past 17 years, Helen has been responsible for our summer highlight. Seven of the past performances have been world premiers. We are always thankful to the whole family for providing and performing in these well-received plays.

Summer Litter Pick Up

If these bags could only talk! They might start by telling how very HOT it was on the morning of Wednesday, July 19, when Jim Sane, Jim Earnhardt, Sylvia Sane, Margaret Whitt, Susie Bancer, Jack Bancer, Steve Ringenberg, and Addie Grindle collected ten bags of trash (orange) and four bags of recycled (mostly cans) (blue). Jean Bradley stayed at home base and had everything ready--the Litter Pick Up Signs to post on the road, the orange vests, the picker-uppers, gloves, and the bags themselves. Big find this year was a perfectly good set of BMW car keys--Sylvia will make a call to BMW to see if the owner might be located through some code on the keys. Jean speculated that a child might have been given a set of keys to play with and tossed them out of the window. Margaret chatted with Sonny, since the keys were found near his house, wondering if he knew of anyone looking for such. Sonny said, "Well, I guess they must have had an extra set because they kept on going, didn't they?" Perhaps there will be more to this story....

Where the road sides had been mowed, spotting trash was fairly easy, but where the growth was plentiful it was hard to spot something hidden in the underbrush. Sunlight on the morning dew also caused perfectly good leaves from nature to look like possible cellophane trash! And the hardest discarded item to pick up remains the cigarette butt--especially those that have come unraveled and were just waiting for a patient gloved hand to snatch it away. Always a good idea to think twice before tossing something on any roadside, for some good-hearted person you may not know will be cleaning up behind you! 

UHNGCC is the oldest/the first (number 1) organization to join the North Carolina Adopt-a-Highway program. To keep our more-than-25-years standing in the program, we must pick up at least twice a year. Our club has voted to do this in July and again in September. We need eight minimally to accomplish the job, but more than that just makes the work go faster. Gloria Anders calls in our numbers and arranges for the bags to be picked up from the center when the work has been completed.

"Dinner with Aunt Katherine” Summer Play—DELICIOUS!

By Barbara Earnhardt

Well, they did it again!  Helen Hudson Brown’s play and The Hickory Creek  Players surely know how to entertain their audiences.  For those of us lucky enough to have bought tickets for either the Friday or Saturday night performances July 28-29, the faithful cast’s line delivery kept us riding high on laughter loops.  Both evenings were clear successes on everybody’s part.

Under Ruth Ann Nappi’s skilled direction, the seven-member cast gave us comic characters we grew to be rather fond of.  Each exaggerated character eventually confessed to a secret showing them human as well as comedian.  Their personal secrets drew the group closer, allowing the five cousins to rally to each other’s aid.

Aunt Katherine (Julie Delich, bedecked and bejeweled) had invited her five nieces and nephews together with her promise to finally decide the details of her will, and to announce her decisions over dessert.  The five cousins had gathered for this announcement, each insisting their own wealth and success did not require more income.  “Though everyone can always use more money,” was a frequent line, tossed off as afterthought.

Freddie Ann Nappi as Charlotte (“Call me by my stage name, Charlotta, please”) flounced and tossed her hair as movie star wannabes will do, proud of her acting ability in a grade-B movie, the nurse third from the left, in one movie scene.  Pam Lewis (Evelyn Devin), despite three marriages behind her, had not outgrown hopes to be a famous cheerleader, still looking for a big break.  And the faithful Don Lewis (Charles Devin), a swash-buckling investor; the always riveting Debbie Hill (Duchess Loretta Mae Hanover, from England, my dear); and JD Nappi, who expertly played the part of Leonardo Devin, professional gambler who at one point in the play, swallows his dice.  Mistaken for a menacing hit man was Tom Hilliker, (Homer "Killer" McGee) whose raincoat, hat, and dark sunglasses promised violence—and a plot surprise.

Take all that, plus Aunt Katherine’s fatal heart attack at the close of Act I—and you’ve got a comic mix of family members, desperate to impress their Aunt Katherine, who leaves them with no answer to her undisclosed will.

But there’s all that catered dinner food, there are all those secrets to be revealed, and the reality of their gambling, deeply-in-debt cousin about to face comeuppance by gang member gunshot...

You shoulda been there—that’s what. Won’t tell you the outcome.  See if you can convince playwright Helen Hudson Brown to reveal the secret—and how in the world she keeps creating these winter-written plays for the Hickory Creek Players’ summer comedies.  She’s a wonder.  So are they.

No play without these two: playwright Helen Brown and director Ruth Ann Nappi

 The cast (front row): Pam Lewis (Evelyn Devin), Julie Delich (Aunt Katherine). (back row): Tom Hilliker (Homer "Killer" McGee), Don Lewis (Charles "Corky" Devin), J.D. Nappi (Leonardo Devin), Debbie Hill  (Duchess Loretta Mae Hanover), and Freddie Ann Nappi (Charlotte Devin).

While the rest of the cast remains temporarily "frozen," Aunt Katherine explains to the audience additional helpful information.

 The Duchess confronts Killer about his role with Big Al, while Leo and Charlotte learn the inside story.

 Corky tries to explain what he would do with the money from Aunt Katherine's will.

Diego and Eva play classical duets on their violins during intermission entertainment.

August Program

Forty people gathered on the evening of August 15 to eat good food and enjoy a program from Bill Massey of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge group. Bill is one of about 25 volunteers who work weekly on the bridge. It has grown from an idea to save a 1936 historic bridge into one of only three flowering bridges in the country. Originally, they had plans for a dozen different gardens; they now have over 20. The gardens have expanded to both sides of the bridge itself. They now offer classes and workshops year-round. They have become the number 1 tourist attraction in the Lake Lure area on Trip Advisor and have welcomed many thousands of guests in the past few years--kids from schools, church groups, tour groups on buses all are interested in the site itself. Each season the bridge has something new and different to offer. A great place to take your guests!

No matter what season you visit, you will always find something new in bloom and some new aroma in the air!

Devoted Volunteers

Beautification volunteers accent the beauty of Gerton by planting a variety of flower beds.  Jenny and Scott O'Connor have planted and maintained the wire baskets on the Konatoga Circle bridge for thirteen years.  They plan and select the types of flowers, purchase the soil for the moss baskets, plant flowers, and provide care throughout the growing season--enhancing the beauty of the bridge and Bearwallow Baptist Church in the background.  Each day you will see cars stopping to take pictures of their beautiful handy-work on the bridge.

UHNGCC Receives a Power Washing...

After our August meeting, Sheila Padgett, who has leased our retail space for over four years, along with help from her son Kade, spent 26 hours giving our clubhouse a very necessary power wash. The back side toward the library had never been cleaned and was sporting quite a nice color of green. But now, even the back concrete deck, is like new again. The cleaning turned up some spots that we will now have to attend to, but volunteers are already stepping forth for such things as removing the small gardens from the gutters! We also need to trim the trees from across the stream that are moving toward the roof of our building. Thanks again to Sheila and son for a great job.

Power clean all the way around!

911 Street Address Signs

The white reflective numbers on a blue background are the preferred indicators to help emergency vehicles find your home. If you don't already have these markers in your yard, you may order them from Jim Sane (ssane77@bellsouth.net) for $10 per sign. If you want to know what they look like, just take a drive around Gerton and you will see them by many people's homes. It would be terrific if all of us could post such a sign; there sameness -- white on blue -- has a way of visually uniting our community. 

Neighborhood News

Marc and Toni Eastman recently paid a visit to ARK ENCOUNTER in Williamstown, Kentucky.The main attraction of this park is a full-scale model of Noah's Ark as described in Genesis. They report having had a wonderful time. ARK ENCOUNTER opened a year ago in the summer of 2016. Williamstown is about 340 miles (or 5.5 hours) from Gerton.