Late in the afternoon of Friday, January 6, the first snow fall of 2017 began...
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. Photographer this issue: Margaret Whitt
Officers for 2016-2017: President Margaret Whitt; Vice President Jim Earnhardt; Winter Secretary Susie Bancer; Summer Secretary Lana Roberts; Treasurer Sylvia Sane; Immediate Past President Jim Sane. Board Members: Lynn Morehead, Jean Bradley, Patty Tanner, Mac McAdams
Calendar of Events
March 21, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - Community Covered Dish. Program: TBA
April 11, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - County Council Dinner and Meeting at Crab Creek CC. Meet at Center to carpool.
April 15, Saturday - 8 a.m. Community Breakfast
SALE ON THE TRAIL - 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
April 16, Sunday - 2 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt. All kids 12 and under
April 18, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Community Covered Dish. Program: TBA
President's Note
Besides our big snow in early January, we have had a mild winter with many blue sky days. We had good discussions at our January and February meetings for new possibilities that UHNGCC can sponsor and put in motion this year. Among them are WIFI, accessible from the community center; a new facelift to the outside of our building (more on this come spring time); several new ways that we can communicate with each other: a Listserv and a neighborhood list called Nextdoor.com
A new Blessings Box is being built to help neighbors or passersby, who may need some relief from hard times (see story below).
A committee has been formed by Jim Sane to follow-up on our becoming a FIREWISE community. Already the first meeting has been held--on Sunday, February 26. If you would like to be notified of the next meeting, please contact Jim Sane (ssane77@bellsouth.net).
All this to say, our community is in action as we start this new year. Gerton is a community of people that continues to watch out for one another. We look forward to welcoming back our part-timers as the weather brightens and warms.
Margaret Whitt
Many in the community are familiar with the above program. The UHNG Community Club has had two programs presented on this subject. This report is an update on the status of our participation.
The UHNG Firewise Committee met on Sunday, February 26, and reviewed the process and benefits of participating in the program. Based on initial favorable reaction in the community to the program we decided to participate.
The first step is to have a Community Risk assessment performed. I have contacted the individual that will perform the assessment. He will contact me next week to set up a date.
You can go to firewise.org for more information on the Firewise Community/USA program.
Firewise Community/USA
Report by Jim Sane
Many in the community are familiar with the above program. The UHNG Community Club has had two programs presented on this subject. This report is an update on the status of our participation.
The UHNG Firewise Committee met on Sunday, February 26, and reviewed the process and benefits of participating in the program. Based on initial favorable reaction in the community to the program we decided to participate.
The first step is to have a Community Risk assessment performed. I have contacted the individual that will perform the assessment. He will contact me next week to set up a date.
You can go to firewise.org for more information on the Firewise Community/USA program.
Sale on the Trail: Saturday, April 15
The 9th annual 19-mile Sale on the Trail, sponsored by the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce, is held each year on the third weekend of April. The roadside sales begin in Gerton and run through Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and Bill's Creek. We will once again host a community breakfast of pancakes and sausage from 8-10:30 and also a home baked goods sale. The community-wide yard sale will be set up inside the clubhouse. Please bring your items for contribution to the center beginning Wednesday-Thursday-Friday, April 12-14. The Sale on the Trail is one of our major fund raisers for UHNGCC for the year. If you have questions, please contact one of the members of the board.
If you have recently taken a stroll around the Gerton Community Center or through the quaint neighborhood of Chestnut Hills, you might have heard the sounds of building; hammers drumming their rhythms as drills and the saws sing their song. But it’s not the sound of a new home nor is it even another remodeling project. It is actually the sound of blessings being built.
The students and faculty of Quest Educational Services, along with the generous neighbors of the community are building a Blessings Box. A Blessings Box is just as simple as it sounds, a box full of blessings. The box, when finished, will be placed near the Gazebo beside the community center and filled with staple items that any in need in the community, or just passing by, might be able to receive. This box will contain non-perishable foods, blankets, socks and other small necessities that would be welcome to all.
River Salos, a sixth-grade student of Quest Educational Service, and teacher, John Hathaway, are leading the project. The Box should be completed by the first of March. “We hope to be able to have this [The box] up and open for business around the first or second week of March,” Hathaway said. “The box has already received many donations from members of the community, and we can’t wait to see what the Lord does with it.”
Donations are being accepted and can be left at the Gerton Community Club. If you have any questions, you can contact John Hathaway: Jhathaway@quest4k.org
Blessings Box Comes to Gerton
By River Salos
The students and faculty of Quest Educational Services, along with the generous neighbors of the community are building a Blessings Box. A Blessings Box is just as simple as it sounds, a box full of blessings. The box, when finished, will be placed near the Gazebo beside the community center and filled with staple items that any in need in the community, or just passing by, might be able to receive. This box will contain non-perishable foods, blankets, socks and other small necessities that would be welcome to all.
River Salos, a sixth-grade student of Quest Educational Service, and teacher, John Hathaway, are leading the project. The Box should be completed by the first of March. “We hope to be able to have this [The box] up and open for business around the first or second week of March,” Hathaway said. “The box has already received many donations from members of the community, and we can’t wait to see what the Lord does with it.”
Donations are being accepted and can be left at the Gerton Community Club. If you have any questions, you can contact John Hathaway: Jhathaway@quest4k.org
Helpful Information about your Cell Phone -- Keep in your Car
4 Things you might
not have known about your Cell Phone
For all the folks
with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and
wallet. Good information to have with you.)
There are a few
things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.
Your mobile phone
can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.
Check out the
things that you can do with it:
FIRST (Emergency)
The Emergency
Number worldwide for Mobile
is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network
and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing
network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this
number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.
SECOND (Hidden Battery Power)
Imagine your cell
battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will
restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in
battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next
time.
THIRD (How to
disable a STOLEN mobile phone? )
To check your
Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone:
*#06# .
A 15-digit code
will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset . Write it
down and keep it somewhere safe.
If your phone is
stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will
then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card,
your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but
at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody
does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
And Finally....
FO URTH (Free
Directory Service for Cells)
Cell phone
companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when
they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our
vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to
use the 411 information option, simply dial:
(800) FREE411 or (800) 373-3411
without incurring
any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
This is sponsored
by McDonalds .
Bullington Gardens Offers Spring Workshops in March
There are
several workshops coming up in March at Bullington to give you a jump on your
gardening this spring.
Magnificent
Meadows I March 2, 3:00-4:30
Landscape
Designer Nancy Duffy and Bullington Gardener Amanda Lavallee will lead a
discussion on meadow plantings. They'll show examples of different styles of
meadows and provide information on how to prepare the ground, select plants,
and maintain the meadow overtime. Nancy and Amanda will also share their plan
for a meadow planting at Bullington
Gardens
Come join us in
the greenhouse to make your own dish garden using a variety of sensational
succulents. All materials supplied. Led by Mary Martin. $30.
Vegetable
Gardening Basics March 14-16, 4:00-5:30
Learn gardening
basics of improving soil, composting, what and when to plant, pest control
measures and other techniques to get your vegetable garden off to a great start
in this 3-day program. Led by John Murphy. $35
Growing
Small Fruits March 21, 3:00-4:30
Craig Mauney
will share his expertise on growing small fruits in the home landscape. Find
out how to grow blueberries, brambles, strawberries and grapes. Craig will
cover preparing the soil, how many plants you'll need, pruning, and harvesting.
$12
If you would
like to attend these workshops or have questions, here is the contact
information:
John H. Murphy
95 Upper Red
Oak Trail
(828) 698-6104
January Meeting and Dinner
Our January 17 gathering saw 23 people on a pleasant evening, weatherwise. As has become our tradition, the program was simply Housekeeping and Making Plans for the new year. We passed the 2017 budget (attached below). We also made a list of activities that we want to pay attention to this year. You will hear more about each of them as they become a reality:
- The Helipad
- Access to WIFI in the community center and parking lot
- A new Listserv
- A new facelift to the front of our building
- A "Blessing" box that will be built and put in place for those who may need some extra help (see article above)
Stay tuned as we have more to say on these subjects. Ideas from the community about how we can make life better in Gerton are always welcome.
2017 Operating Budget
Expenses
Maintenance of Club
and Property 2016 actual 2016 2017
Lawn Care $2000 $2690 $2000
Utilities 900 777 900
Heating
oil 300 0 300
Propane
Tank Rental and Propane 79 79 79
Sub-Total $3418 4185 $3418
Heating inspection 210
210 210
Fire inspection 100 0 0
Heating repairs 300
214 300
Total 4028 4609 3928
Total 4028 4609 3928
Insurance $1700 1633 1700
Taxes on rental
space 100 92 100
Supplies
Paper plates, napkins, utensils, dining cloths, decorations,
Calendar, etc. $300
239 350
Printing of Echo, Postage,
Total $600 591 700
Building Projects $1000
1523 1500
Programs
GertonFest food/expenses 500 279 500
Easter egg hunt 50 0 50
July 4 Cookout (and fireworks) 300 77 300
Play
300 0 300
Thanksgiving turkey 100 54 100
High Tea
300 0 300
Tales and Tunes 0 304 0
Others
200 0
200
Total
$1450 779 $1820
Outreach
$300 289 300
Rental Space 100 0
500
Repairs/Maintenance 500 177 500
TOTAL
$9,778 9,693 $11,048
REVENUE
2017
anticipated
2016 actual 2016 anticipated 2017
Dues $600 880 800
Donations
Exercise $300 284 300
Meetings $400 560 500
unrestricted $600 170 200
Fundraisers
GertonFest $2100 2340 2000
Summer Play $1928 0 1748
July 4 $100 208 100
Cookbooks $0 10 0
High Tea $1000 $
0 1000
Rent
Building $200 325 300
Store $3,000 3,000 3,000
TOTAL
$10,628 $9,332 $11,048
Not accounted for in the budget
Income - Prize money from county and region - Total in
2016: $1,250
Savings Account Balance: January 1, 2017 - $10,346.58
Walkers in 2016
Daily exercise continues in the clubhouse each morning from 9-10 a.m., Monday-Friday. All are welcomed to join us--regularly or on a drop-in basis. Our numbers have grown smaller, but still-- we pick our feet up and put them down, we work on balance--more important as we grow older.
Since we began keeping a tally of our miles, Sylvia Sane has been the annual winning walker with the most miles charted. You cannot do this exercise "wrong" -- if you are picking up your feet and putting them back down--you are doing just fine.
Here are our tallies for 2016:
Sylvia Sane 447 miles
Sylvia Sane 447 miles
Jean Bradley 423 miles
Margaret Whitt 323 miles
Meg Mumpower 190 miles
Gayle Morris 117 miles
Lois Simpson 113 miles
Lana Roberts 97 miles
Another seven women joined us, contributing collectively 38 miles, which brings our community total for 2016 to 1,748 miles. If the outside temperature is 40 degrees or warmer, we will be at the clubhouse at 9 a.m. Join us.
Forum moderators and facilitators:
Environmental Effects of the Party Rock Fire
Sponsored by the Weed Action Coalition of the Hickory Nut Gorge (WAC-HNG – say “wacking”)
A Report from Jami Linn
* David Lee – Natural Resources Manager Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC)
* Jennifer Adam – Volunteer, AmeriCorps
Panel Guests:
* Clint Calhoun – Environmental Management of the Town of Lake Lure – 25 years’ experience including a Naturalist for Chimney Rock Park
* Marshall Ellis – Mountain Regional Biologist for NC State Parks Department – Master’s degree in Fire Ecology
* Michael Cheek – Assistant Regional Forester; NC Forest Service
Other contributors:
Jennifer Hocz – Firewise Communities®
The forum was well attended and was live-streamed for out-of-towners. The entire forum is also still available to view in its entirety at the Town of Lake Lure website, here: www.townoflakelure.com and the Town’s You-tube channel for the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OXdXkF5SoM
The Party Rock Fire, which started at Party Rock in Lake Lure, N.C., involved 7,141 acres during which no lives or structures were lost thanks to the efforts of firemen/women and volunteers from across the country!
Jennifer Adams, AmeriCorps volunteer, kicked off the forum by introducing the panel guests and asking several questions that allowed the panel guests to expound, bringing a wealth of information and demonstrating their vast experience with our regional habitat and with regards to fire, the helpful and harmful impacts.
The take home message was this, Marshall Ellis stated “We live in a place that wants to burn.” It is typical that any forested region can expect to have a fire every 5-10 years depending upon the weather, terrain, and available fuels. Examples of areas where fewer fires would be expected include north-facing slopes, steep slopes, and moist environments. Shorter intervals between fires would be in areas that are south-facing (drier), with thin soils and dry and rocky ridges. He also stated that most of what was noted in the Party Rock Fire was that it was not a severe fire and that few areas burned extremely hot and they were the expected areas. He encouraged everybody to take a walk to Rumbling Bald, over to the climbing area and the nearby mountain. This particular fire was the ‘perfect storm’ of extreme weather, ‘big weather” he put it including dry and cold air.
Clint and Michael, together with Marshall, reviewed and discussed the immediate and long-term effects both seen and unseen on the fire to both the plant life, soil, and animals in our habitat. Overwhelmingly, the take-home message was that fire pushes the ‘reset’ button and will benefit the environment more than it has been damaged it. We should expect an increase in biodiversity by thinning out some of the more ‘thin-skinned’ species of timber to allow the harder timber seedlings to grow. Unfortunately, we may also see an increase in the unwanted plants like princess trees and poison ivy.
Due to the present La Nina weather pattern, and the other effects of climate change, we should expect fire to be a risk at all times of the year, not just the spring and fall as was the case in previous decades.
I encourage all to visit the Town of Lake Lure website: www.townoflakelure.com to watch this informative forum that was chock full of details too numerous to mention here. And, stay tuned for 3 additional forums that are part of a 4-part series hosted by WAC-HNG, next scheduled meeting at Lake Lure Town Hall:
2/22/17 @ 6 pm: The Natural Communities of the Hickory Nut Gorge
Future forum topics: Non-native Invasive Species and The Importance of Native Landscaping in Preventing Fires.
Resources: Weed Action Coalition of Hickory Nut Gorge (WAC-HNG), www.wachng.org – a partnership of the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) and the Friends of the Hickory Nut Gorge – available to inventory non-native invasive species on your property for FREE! For properties under 10 acres, custom management information for only $25
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) – a land trust of Hendersonville, NC
Firewise Communities® – www.firewise.org – offers tips for homeowners on mitigation to include these ‘year-long’ tips:
* Keep lawn and landscape healthy by mowing regularly, watering and removing any dead or decayed plants
* Prune trees so the lowest limbs are 6-10 feet from the ground. Remove dead or overhanging branches
* Remove leaf clutter and pine needles from gutters, under deck and around home
* Create a ‘fire free’ area within 5 feet of the home, using nonflammable landscaping materials and low-growing high moisture plants around the home
* Consider using Class-A asphalt roof shingles, clay tile or slate roofing materials
* Enclose eaves and bird stops to keep out firebrands
* Keep firewood piles, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least 30 feet from the home, deck, or porch.
Fire Adapted Communities® - www.fireadapted.org - helping communities understand its risks and take action to minimize harm to residents, homes, business, parks, and other community assets – the collective actions empower all community members to be safer in their environment.
* Jennifer Adam – Volunteer, AmeriCorps
Panel Guests:
* Clint Calhoun – Environmental Management of the Town of Lake Lure – 25 years’ experience including a Naturalist for Chimney Rock Park
* Marshall Ellis – Mountain Regional Biologist for NC State Parks Department – Master’s degree in Fire Ecology
* Michael Cheek – Assistant Regional Forester; NC Forest Service
Other contributors:
Jennifer Hocz – Firewise Communities®
The forum was well attended and was live-streamed for out-of-towners. The entire forum is also still available to view in its entirety at the Town of Lake Lure website, here: www.townoflakelure.com and the Town’s You-tube channel for the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OXdXkF5SoM
The Party Rock Fire, which started at Party Rock in Lake Lure, N.C., involved 7,141 acres during which no lives or structures were lost thanks to the efforts of firemen/women and volunteers from across the country!
Jennifer Adams, AmeriCorps volunteer, kicked off the forum by introducing the panel guests and asking several questions that allowed the panel guests to expound, bringing a wealth of information and demonstrating their vast experience with our regional habitat and with regards to fire, the helpful and harmful impacts.
The take home message was this, Marshall Ellis stated “We live in a place that wants to burn.” It is typical that any forested region can expect to have a fire every 5-10 years depending upon the weather, terrain, and available fuels. Examples of areas where fewer fires would be expected include north-facing slopes, steep slopes, and moist environments. Shorter intervals between fires would be in areas that are south-facing (drier), with thin soils and dry and rocky ridges. He also stated that most of what was noted in the Party Rock Fire was that it was not a severe fire and that few areas burned extremely hot and they were the expected areas. He encouraged everybody to take a walk to Rumbling Bald, over to the climbing area and the nearby mountain. This particular fire was the ‘perfect storm’ of extreme weather, ‘big weather” he put it including dry and cold air.
Clint and Michael, together with Marshall, reviewed and discussed the immediate and long-term effects both seen and unseen on the fire to both the plant life, soil, and animals in our habitat. Overwhelmingly, the take-home message was that fire pushes the ‘reset’ button and will benefit the environment more than it has been damaged it. We should expect an increase in biodiversity by thinning out some of the more ‘thin-skinned’ species of timber to allow the harder timber seedlings to grow. Unfortunately, we may also see an increase in the unwanted plants like princess trees and poison ivy.
Due to the present La Nina weather pattern, and the other effects of climate change, we should expect fire to be a risk at all times of the year, not just the spring and fall as was the case in previous decades.
I encourage all to visit the Town of Lake Lure website: www.townoflakelure.com to watch this informative forum that was chock full of details too numerous to mention here. And, stay tuned for 3 additional forums that are part of a 4-part series hosted by WAC-HNG, next scheduled meeting at Lake Lure Town Hall:
2/22/17 @ 6 pm: The Natural Communities of the Hickory Nut Gorge
Future forum topics: Non-native Invasive Species and The Importance of Native Landscaping in Preventing Fires.
Resources: Weed Action Coalition of Hickory Nut Gorge (WAC-HNG), www.wachng.org – a partnership of the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) and the Friends of the Hickory Nut Gorge – available to inventory non-native invasive species on your property for FREE! For properties under 10 acres, custom management information for only $25
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) – a land trust of Hendersonville, NC
Firewise Communities® – www.firewise.org – offers tips for homeowners on mitigation to include these ‘year-long’ tips:
* Keep lawn and landscape healthy by mowing regularly, watering and removing any dead or decayed plants
* Prune trees so the lowest limbs are 6-10 feet from the ground. Remove dead or overhanging branches
* Remove leaf clutter and pine needles from gutters, under deck and around home
* Create a ‘fire free’ area within 5 feet of the home, using nonflammable landscaping materials and low-growing high moisture plants around the home
* Consider using Class-A asphalt roof shingles, clay tile or slate roofing materials
* Enclose eaves and bird stops to keep out firebrands
* Keep firewood piles, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least 30 feet from the home, deck, or porch.
Fire Adapted Communities® - www.fireadapted.org - helping communities understand its risks and take action to minimize harm to residents, homes, business, parks, and other community assets – the collective actions empower all community members to be safer in their environment.
Henderson County Development Council
UHNGCC is one of the three remaining community centers to participate in the County Council. Meetings now take place four times a year: once at the county office in Jackson Park and the other three meetings at the three involved county chapters.
This year, at the January 5 meeting, new officers were appointed: President Jim Sane, UHNGCC; Vice President Liz Enloe, Edneyville; Treasurer Sue Myers, Crab Creek CC, and Secretary Sylvia Sane, UHNGCC . Meetings for 2017 will be April 11 at Crab Creek CC, August 8 at UHNGCC, and Edneyville November 14 for the 2017 awards program. This year, UHNGCC will be in charge of the booth exhibit at the early fall fair. More news about how you can help in our next edition of the ECHO.
February Program
The day after Presidents' Day, 25 of us gathered for good food and a lively program from Jessica Wocz, Executive Director of the Mountain Valleys Resource, Conservation, and Development Council, on the FIREWISE Program. We have heard about FIREWISE before, but now that the Party Rock fire has come near to our neighborhood, paying more attention to how to make our homes a bit more defended from fire has become a more urgent reality. Jessica explained about how important a 30' circle around our homes can make a big difference. Jim Sane will follow up with another opportunity for those interested to meet again in a longer session. We will write grants and have the forest service professionals come out to make recommendations for what we need to do on a more specific basis. Stay tuned for further information about how to make your home FIREWISE.
The Mountain Valleys Council's mission is to increase awareness of the risks of wildfire in our area and spread the message of FIREWISE. The Coalition is dedicated to making the Appalachian Mountains Wildland Urban Interface area safe from wildfire and to keep the mountain landscape safe.
(See Jami Linn's report above for more information about the ecological effects of the fire.)
Neighborhood News
Louis Marshall Black, Sr., 79, passed away of natural causes in his sleep on January 5, 2017 at his residence in Gerton.
Born to Mildred and George Black, he grew up in West Asheville. He was an avid tennis player, reader, a Mason, participated in Boy Scouts and was an Acolyte in the Episcopal Church.
Lou graduated from Lee Edwards High School and Western Carolina University and was a proud United States Marine.
Born to Mildred and George Black, he grew up in West Asheville. He was an avid tennis player, reader, a Mason, participated in Boy Scouts and was an Acolyte in the Episcopal Church.
Lou graduated from Lee Edwards High School and Western Carolina University and was a proud United States Marine.
He was preceded in death by his wives, parents, one sister and one brother and is survived by his sister, Anne Ray of Asheville; daughter, Gloria and her husband, Russell, of Gerton; son, Marshall of Greenville, S.C., as well as three granddaughters, two great grandsons and three great granddaughters.
In celebration of his life and in observance of his passing, a wake was held at his home beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday, January 9. At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10, a procession departed on foot from his home to the interment site at Bearwallow Cemetery in Gerton.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian assisted the family.
Lou had requested a brass band at his service, so The Empire Strikes Brass played "When the Saints Go Marching In" as the casket of Lou was brought to his final resting place on a morning that broke from cold into sunshine.
In celebration of his life and in observance of his passing, a wake was held at his home beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday, January 9. At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10, a procession departed on foot from his home to the interment site at Bearwallow Cemetery in Gerton.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian assisted the family.
