President's Note
On behalf of the Board of Directors, let me take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy New Year. May 2019 fill your home with happiness, good health, and prosperity. Prior to looking ahead, I would be remiss in not recalling some of the recent events of 2018.
First, thank you to all for supporting our Holiday Outreach Program. Your thoughtfulness generated 58 gifts for the children of families who may not have otherwise enjoyed a Christmas surprise. Again, thank you.
Second, thank you to all who responded to our annual Membership Drive. To date 50 residents have forwarded their $10 per person dues for 2019. In addition, many of you included an extra donation for which we are truly grateful. If you have not renewed your membership yet, please consider remitting a check for $10 per person to the UHNGCC, PO Box 222, Gerton, NC 28735. Remember we are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and any gift, including your dues, is tax deductible.Thank you for your consideration. Hope you'll join us, and if able, please add your own expression of generosity.
On to 2019. Our first covered dish/ meeting of the new year is scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 6:30 pm. The Program is designed to answer questions relative to your Real Estate Taxes. We have invited the Henderson County Tax Assessor and two of his Assistants to present a Program that will explain how your Property Tax is computed, why it goes up, and in some cases down. There will be ample time following the presentation for questions and answers.
Other business to be covered at the January 22nd meeting includes a review of our 2018 revenue/ spending and a look at our 2019 proposed budget. Hope you'll be able to join us.
Happy New Year,
Jack
First, thank you to all for supporting our Holiday Outreach Program. Your thoughtfulness generated 58 gifts for the children of families who may not have otherwise enjoyed a Christmas surprise. Again, thank you.
Second, thank you to all who responded to our annual Membership Drive. To date 50 residents have forwarded their $10 per person dues for 2019. In addition, many of you included an extra donation for which we are truly grateful. If you have not renewed your membership yet, please consider remitting a check for $10 per person to the UHNGCC, PO Box 222, Gerton, NC 28735. Remember we are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and any gift, including your dues, is tax deductible.Thank you for your consideration. Hope you'll join us, and if able, please add your own expression of generosity.
On to 2019. Our first covered dish/ meeting of the new year is scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 6:30 pm. The Program is designed to answer questions relative to your Real Estate Taxes. We have invited the Henderson County Tax Assessor and two of his Assistants to present a Program that will explain how your Property Tax is computed, why it goes up, and in some cases down. There will be ample time following the presentation for questions and answers.
Other business to be covered at the January 22nd meeting includes a review of our 2018 revenue/ spending and a look at our 2019 proposed budget. Hope you'll be able to join us.
Happy New Year,
Jack
Calendar of Events
January 1, Tuesday - New Year's Day. Polar dip at Lake Lure
January 21, Monday - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Banks and Post Office Closed
January 22, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Community Covered Dish. NOTE DATE CHANGE.
Program: Henderson County Tax Assessor
February 19, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Community Covered Dish. Program: TBA
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 Margaret Whitt (margaret.whitt@du.edu). Photographers for this issue: Margaret Whitt, Syble Freemanm Susie Bancer, Russell Anders.
Officers for 2018: Jack Bancer, President; Jim Earnhardt, Vice-President; Sylvia Sane, Treasurer; Susie Bancer, Secretary; Board: Jean Bradley, Karen Owensby, Margaret Whitt, Syble Freeman, Stan Mobley.
Officers for 2018: Jack Bancer, President; Jim Earnhardt, Vice-President; Sylvia Sane, Treasurer; Susie Bancer, Secretary; Board: Jean Bradley, Karen Owensby, Margaret Whitt, Syble Freeman, Stan Mobley.
WNCCommunity Luncheon Annual Awards
UHNGCC: Community of Promise ($1,000)
From Left: Jean Bradley, Sylvia Sane, Margaret Whitt, Lynn Morehead, Susie Bancer, Jack Bancer, Jim Earnhardt, Lumpy Lambert, of Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel and a member of the WNCCommunities Board of Directors
Representatives from 64 clubs of the western counties of North Carolina gathered at the Doubletree Hilton in Biltmore to recognize 69 years of community achievement on Saturday, November 3. Over $38,000 had been solicited from Harrah's Cherokee, Biltmore Farms, Duke Energy, First Citizens Bank, the McClure Fund, Farm Bureau, Farm Credit, Wells Fargo, and New Belgium Brewing to distribute among those clubs who participated in this year's competition.
The money was to be divided this way: 21 clubs would be awarded $250 each for Participating status; 25 clubs would receive $500 each for Engaged designation; 15 clubs would receive $1,000 each for Community of Promise; and the top award Community of Distinction would go to three clubs.
UHNGCC this year was one of the 15 cited for COMMUNITY OF PROMISE and a $1,000 cash prize.The other communities joining UHNGCC as clubs of PROMISE include: Caney Fork, Holly Springs, Spring Creek, Tipton Hill, Leicester, Sandy Mush, Spring Mountain, Big Y, Fine's Creek, Ellenboro Women's Club, Dunn's Rock, Lake Toxaway, Cedar Mountain, and Deep Gap Ruritan.
During the presentation of the various awards, new practices were highlighted so that clubs might learn what is going on with others. UHNGCC was the only Community of Promise in Henderson County. Here is what we were noted for in the presentation:
"Many new programs, activities and fundraisers took place at the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Club this past year. A new 50/50 raffle increased monthly donations for the club’s expenses by infusing new energy into the fundraising process. For the first time at their 4th of July celebration, Upper Hickory Nut Gorge provided old-fashioned games for kids and adults and offered prizes. They updated an old plan and expanded who can be eligible for their college scholarships and gave two $500 awards this year. The club offers wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and scooters on loan for those who need short-term help. In recognition of their achievement last year to become FIREWISE certified, the community gathered this May to accept their plaque from Wildlife Mitigation Forester, Justin Query. Upper Hickory Nut Gorge is doing all they can do to be ready for future fire incidents and are organizing events to inform the community of their responsibility to be prepared."
"Many new programs, activities and fundraisers took place at the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Club this past year. A new 50/50 raffle increased monthly donations for the club’s expenses by infusing new energy into the fundraising process. For the first time at their 4th of July celebration, Upper Hickory Nut Gorge provided old-fashioned games for kids and adults and offered prizes. They updated an old plan and expanded who can be eligible for their college scholarships and gave two $500 awards this year. The club offers wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and scooters on loan for those who need short-term help. In recognition of their achievement last year to become FIREWISE certified, the community gathered this May to accept their plaque from Wildlife Mitigation Forester, Justin Query. Upper Hickory Nut Gorge is doing all they can do to be ready for future fire incidents and are organizing events to inform the community of their responsibility to be prepared."
Last Litter Sweep of 2018
From left: Jean Bradley, Dawn Loftus, Brent Fodera, Sylvia Sane, Jim Sane, Gayle Morris
The last litter sweep of the year took place on Saturday, November 17. The group collected 8 bags of trash for recycling and 6 bags of trash for pick up. Those who participated were Gloria Anders, Jack and Susie Bancer, Jean Bradley, Jim Earnhardt, Brent Fodera, Dawn Loftus, Gayle Morris, Jami Lynn, Steve Ringenberg, and Jim and Sylvia Sane. Thanks to the good turnout, the work was completed in under two hours. This was the largest number of workers and the most amount of trash of the year.
And Jami Lynn and Steve Ringenberg
Community Thanksgiving Meal
Russ Anders led the installation services for the new officers: Jack Bancer will serve his second year as President. Jim Earnhardt will be Vice-President. Susie Bancer, secretary; Sylvia Sane, treasurer. The new board members will be Karen Owensby, Jean Bardley, Stan Mobley, Syble Freeman, and Margaret Whitt.
Jim Peione, a relative newcomer, won the 50/50 Raffle and took home over $50. Our monthly raffle has proven to be a popular (and quick) money maker for the club, earning the club over $500 this year.
Winter Workshop: Greens and Red Bows on All Street Signs off 74-A through Gerton
On what turned out to be December perfect weather, ten neighbors gathered at the clubhouse to get ready for the Christmas holidays. Russell and Gloria Anders delivered a large amount of various greens to the clubhouse. Jean Bradley was ready with plastic tarps already down on the floor and over the new table tops. The following showed up to create the greenery and add the new red bows: Lynn Morehead, Sarah Gayle, Margaret Whitt, Jim Sane, Sylvia Sane, Jim Earnhardt, Mary Kay McAdams, Sheila Padgett.
from left: Mary Kay McAdams, Jim Earnhardt, Sarah Gayle, Sylvia Sane, Lynn Morehead, Jean Bradley, and Sheila Padgett
Mac McAdams pulled the big Christmas tree from the closet and got it set up along with the timer. Every night from now through the holidays, the tree will light up from 6-10 p.m.
Once the greens were ready to go, Jim Sane took all 41 to hang up on the road signs that go through Gerton. Plus extras for the club sign, the entry signs, the post office, and Laughing Waters.
Mary Kay, Lynn, and Margaret worked on the garland with red bows on the front piping, while Sheila decorated her store front.
Mary Kay and Lynn begin the twisting and turning necessary to get the garland to stay where it is placed.
Jim Earnhardt made three wreaths from fresh greens for the center front doors. Finally, we pulled out the new tree from last year, and got it set up. This tree will be lit whenever someone is in the clubhouse.
Seasonal color adds lift to barren trees. With thanks to Jim Sane who hung all 40+ greens to the community.
Annual Christmas Party
On December 18, 48 neighbors gathered for our annual party of the season. We have a meal of finger foods (this was started long ago to make clean-up a bit easier!), followed by a gift exchange of gag gifts, which have gotten less funny and more delightful -- in other words, more people are happy with their surprise choice. This year, the kids handed out the wrapped presents and gifts were also provided for Hickory Nut Outreach, as well. We sang Christmas carols, accompanied by Karen Owensby on our wonderfully out-of-tune piano, which worked well as we made our own "joyful noise." Then a new favorite tradition: the singing and acting out of "Twelve Days of Christmas."
Neighbors gather, chat and set out their contribution to our meal.
Susie Bancer chats with John Solomon and Sam about gifts for the kids.
The Board is spread -- we had plenty of tasty morsels from which to select and sample. Desserts, too.
This year each of us got a star with a number, which indicated what day of Christmas you were to stand and sing. River was the one person with number ONE, which caused him to have the biggest role of all: A partridge in a pear tree. He offered many variations on the tune! Above, Danya Salos prepares to launch into "seven swans aswimming."
Bearwallow Baptist Begins its Holiday Decorations...
Joan Erskine helps hang wreaths at Bearwallow Baptist Church on November 29, marking a good beginning for the Christmas season.
Beautification Project Prototype
Here is the crew that helped move the new flower box to its permanent location: From left: Jim Earnhardt, Jami Linn, Steve Ringenberg, Jack Bancer, Mike Hamlin, and Mac McAdams
Opportunity to Contribute to Chimes Restoration at Bearwallow Baptist
The Bearwallow chimes have been silent for some time....and now we welcome them back: at 9 in the morning, noon, and 6 in the evening. The "Horn" on all four external speakers blew out and the cost came to nearly $1,000 for repair. The church would appreciate donations for this expense. Checks can be made out to Bearwallow Baptist and marked for CHIMES, so that the money can be appropriately allocated.
The Chimes are a part of the church's gift to the community and all who drive by--at these appointed times--receive a lift from hearing the songs or the chiming of the hour. The locals who can hear the chiming from their homes are especially fortunate.
