Sunday, October 30, 2022

November - December 2022

One of the most deeply colored fall seasons in years came our way in the second week of October. Looking up and around our homes and community was a rewarding pleasure!

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Tuesday, November 8, VOTING DAY--at the Bat Cave Precinct (if you haven't already voted early)

Tuesday, November 15, 6:30 p.m. Community Thanksgiving Meal. Turkey will be provided. Bring traditional thanksgiving foods to share with your neighbors. And don't forget the pumpkin pie!

Monday, December 5, 10 a.m. Come to the UHNGCC to participate in the decorating of our center and preparing the fresh greens and red bows for hanging on all the street signs that enter from 74A. Each year we hang up about 41 ornaments of the holiday season. Bring your own gardening snippers; everything else will be provided. We usually have everything done in about two hours, and it is a good start to our time together as the days grow colder.

Thursday, December 8, 6 p.m. Special meeting about the reappraisal of our properties by the Henderson County Tax Assessors. 

Tuesday, December 20, 6:30 p.m. Special Christmas gathering. We will have our traditional finger foods and gift exchange (a few dollars, no more), and sing some favorite Christmas songs together -- especially our acting out of "Twelve Days of Christmas."

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday afternoon, 3 p.m. FEBRUARY 25. Diego and Eva 

President's Note

   Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! Pumpkins for pies and cakes, pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin seeds, pumpkins for decorating, pumpkin pancakes and waffles, and pumpkin pie spice for almost any food! In our culture, pumpkin means fall and Thanksgiving. Most likely, the Pilgrim’s first Thanksgiving harvest in 1621 did include pumpkin. Both the Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag tribe ate pumpkins and other squashes indigenous to New England. The fledgling colony lacked butter and flour necessary for making a pie crust, so no pumpkin pie for them. Across the world, pumpkin is also used in many delicious ways: steamed pumpkin cake (China), savory stuffed pumpkin (Armenia), fried pumpkin with shrimp (Guyana), pumpkin porridge (Korea), grated pumpkin dessert (India), beef stew stuffed into a pumpkin (Brazil) and candied pumpkin dessert (Mexico). Seems like the whole world loves pumpkin. Pass the pumpkin pie, please!

Another delight of the season is the changing of leaves. Brilliant colors of red, gold and orange are on display all around us. Do you stop and admire the incredible beauty of a maple tree in its majesty? The drive on highway 74 to Asheville, highway 64 to Hendersonville or highway 9 to Black Mountain is ablaze with the beauty of autumn. Very soon, the leaves will fall, and the brilliant days of autumn will turn to the splendors of winter.

Aren’t we fortunate to live in a land of four seasons?

As the seasons turn to fall and winter, our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are again supporting Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach with food for the Thanksgiving HOPE (Help Other People Eat) bags. You, the incredible people of Gerton, have helped other people eat for many years; none were more important than the years of the Covid pandemic. This year, we have so far collected more than one ton of food for our neighbors. We will also have opportunity to provide Christmas gifts to those in our community who are in need.

May kindness return to you in the same beautiful way it was given.

And finally, in this – my last letter as UHNGCC president – I want to acknowledge the exceptional people who are our Board of Directors. These folks give generously of their time and money to help make our community the most special place on earth. I want to offer a very special thank you to Jean and Jim. You have given many years of service to Gerton and we are most appreciative.

Stan Mobley – Past President

Jim Earnhardt – Vice President

Sylvia Sane – Treasurer

Ellen Boyle – Secretary

Chuck Mallory – Member at Large

Jean Bradley – Member at Large

Margaret Whitt – Member at Large

Sarah Gayle – Member at Large

Karen Owensby

President, UHNGCC 

groundedingerton@gmail.com

No matter the season, THIS is where we meet, but in fall it is the most beautiful--especially this year!



First Litter Sweep of Fall Season

The first litter sweep of fall was held on Friday, September 2, at 9:30 a.m. Eight neighbors gathered to clean up the highway between the two Welcome to Gerton signs. From left to right: Steph Israel, Stan Mobley, Pete Reese, Chuck Mallory, Steve Jones, Jim Earnhardt, and Sara Fletcher. Mike Hamlin, taking the picture. Together they returned with eleven bags of trash and four bags of recyclables. Many hands make light work. The next litter sweep will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 9:30 a.m.


 September Meeting and Program

Apples were the theme and all left with a small bag of apples. Thanks to Sylvia Sane, Karen Owensby, and Jim Earnhardt who hosted the night where 33 neighbors gathered to welcome in a new season on Tuesday, September 20. At least ten people stayed to help clean up afterwards--making light work.

Outreach asked  for soup of all kinds this time, so we once again provided soup aplenty!  Jim Earnhardt delivered 225 pounds of soup on Thursday, September 22.

Before we begin dinner, neighbors always enjoy catching up with one another. 

Sylvia Sane was the winner of the 50/50 Raffle and took home $58; the club also got $58.


The Program was given by Peter Barr and Max Howes from Carolina Conservancy about trails, particularly the one near us where the gated access to parking lot opened the next day on Wednesday, September 21. A new loop—Strawberry Fields. Restrictions about hiking and their difficulty level are posted clearly on signs. What you take in, you need to take out. Further information can be obtained on the Carolina Conservancy website--maps, too. Members of the Clarke, Ager, and Hamilton families donated public access to their land.

Lots of volunteers came together to prepare the trail. Our UHNGCC is the epicenter of Gerton and  trails now surround all of Gerton. Being on a trial makes us all feel better about where we live and life itself. Lots of questions and excitement from among the gathered neighbors.

The new segment stretches three miles from the parking lot in Gerton to the top of Blue Ridge Pastures. You can do an out-and-back or link up with the Trombatore Trail at Blue Ridge Pastures and continue onward for a longer trek. It climbs a total of 1,200 feet one way and 1.450 feet round trip. Along the way, there are plenty of vistas that you will want to make sure you fully appreciate. 

The words on the marker:
 Trail in Memory of
Susie Skinner Clarke
Hamilton
Dec. 3, 1946 - Mar. 8, 2020
For the Beauty of each Hour
of the Day and of the Night
Hill and Vale and Tree and Flower
Sun and Moon and Stars of Light
Lord of all to Thee we Raise
This our Hymn of Grateful Praise

The start of Strawberry Trail....
---and the ascent begins!


Fundraiser for New Thermal Imaging Cameras:

Gerton Fire and Rescue Report

By Jay Alley, Fire Department Chief
On September 24, Gerton Fire and Rescue held what has become our annual fundraiser and open house. We had a great turn out as we have had in previous years. This year we were raising funds to purchase new Thermal Imaging Cameras. These cameras allow us the ability to see inside smoke filled or low visibility situations. They also could be used in search and rescue situations. Our hope was to be able to purchase at least two of these units to place on our first out engines. We had a private supporter who funded the food so our expenses to put this on were minimal. We served over 125 plates. Once the event was over, we found we had raised over $3000. The next week we were invited to another event where another $1000 was raised. We later had another supporter who donated $2000 to meet our goal. Our thanks go out to everyone who donated and has supported us throughout the last year.

As an update from last year’s event, we were able to purchase the Lucas automatic compression device with the assistance of a grant we were fortunate to receive. We were able to place it on service in late January. This summer we had to use the device and it assisted us tremendously.

Over the last year we have added three new members to our roster. We are excited to welcome Riley Lyda, Tim (TR) Maloney and Ryan Lubbers. They are working diligently to get some of their certifications under their belt. So far this year, we have responded to over 70 calls for service. The department is maintaining the volunteers and occasionally have new ones join. We are so proud of all the volunteers. They train every week and respond to calls. We have two of our volunteers currently in technical rescue school. We are also offering the firefighter 1 & 2 classes at our station. Their dedication to training helps to prepare them for whatever situation we may encounter.

We have been planning and continue to train for incidents on the trails in our fire district. Last year 40% of our calls were trail related. This year we have already responded to multiple incidents on the trails. These calls do tax our department, but with the use of our mutual aid partners we handle each one.

We also want to remind you that as we change the time in November, to please change out your smoke detector batteries. If your smoke detectors are older than 10 years old, you should think about replacing them. We do have a limited number of smoke detectors and batteries at the station and can assist you installing them if needed. We also would like to pre-plan your home if you would be willing to allow us. Remember smoke detectors save lives!

The Thermal Imaging Cameras arrived this week. After training and charger installation in the trucks, they will be placed in service. This addition to our arsenal of tools will assist us to perform search and rescues not only in structures, but in nighttime searches. We want to thank everyone who donated to this cause and remind you to call 911 anytime you have an emergency. Please do not call the station since it could potentially slow response if no one is there. Also, anytime you call on a cell phone, make sure you let them know you are in Gerton in Henderson County. The cell towers are in Buncombe County and all cell 911 calls go to Buncombe County 911 center.

As always, please stay safe and call us when you have an emergency. We are ready and willing to respond to help. Thank you for all of your support!

From left: David Lee, Conserving Carolina; Garret Harris, firefighter; Norris Lyda, Assistant Fire Chief; Patrick O'Kelly, firefighter; Erik Julian, firefighter; Aaron Eckhardt, firefighter; Jacob Lyda, firefighter; Riley Lyda, firefighter; David Young, firefighter; Jay Alley, Department Fire Chief; Jim Sane, firefighter; Tim Moffitt, NC House Representative, District 117; Will Crane, firefighter; TR Maloney, firefighter; Tucker Lyda, firefighter. 

The BBQ line at the fundraiser prepares for to serve over 125 plates. People enjoyed the food and learned about the new thermal cameras. Demonstrations were held for all who were interested in seeing how the new equipment will work. 



 Special Meeting on County Reappraisal at UHNGCC - 12/8

In preparation for Henderson County’s upcoming 2023 Reappraisal, the Assessor's Office is developing a schedule of public information sessions throughout the community.  Representatives will be at UHNGCC on Thursday, December 8 at 6 p.m.

They want to make every effort to assist the taxpayers throughout this process, and this meeting is our opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity about the process.

 When the last reappraisal occurred a few years ago, the representatives did a program at our regular monthly gathering, which shed a great deal of light. New neighbors might be especially interested in hearing about the process. 


October Meeting and Dinner

Sylvia Sane presents the 50/50 Raffle winnings of $29 to Clyde Whisenhunt. The club kept the other $29.
On October 18, we had 17 people gather on an evening where the temperature dropped considerably in the later afternoon. We gathered around three tables and spent the evening chatting with one another. Hosts for the evening were Jim Earnhardt, Karen Owensby, and Sylvia Sane. We now have placed the food in the back of the room and the tables together up front. (so that all may keep eating right through the speaker's program!) Karen Owensby was to have given a program on her time away on a medical mission trip to Ukraine, but she had to be out-of-town for business. This important program will be rescheduled for another time.

We delivered 280 pounds of Thanksgiving foods for the HOPE baskets being prepared by Outreach

Important business of the evening including the election of new officers for 2023:
President - Margaret Whitt
Vice President - Ellen Boyle
Secretary - Karen Owensby
Treasurer - Sylvia Sane
Board Members - Teresa Garrick, Sarah Gayle, Stan Mobley, Chuck Mallory, and Lee Strickland

Save the Date: Saturday, February 25, 3 p.m.:

     Concert by Diego and Eva

UHNGCC will host a concert on Saturday, February 25, at 3 p.m. The performers will be the popular and talented young neighbors Diego and Eva Infanzon, who will be traveling with the Carolina Youth Symphony to perform in Carnegie Hall on April 23, 2023.

The concert will consist of a 45-minute program with an intermission and refreshments. Donations will be received at the door to support this experience of a lifetime for DIego and Eva. 

Mark your calendars and invite your out-of-town friends. You don't want to miss this event! 

Neighborhood News

Rose Ann Douglas, 89, passed away in the early morning of October 15, 2022, after an extended illness.

Born in Canton, North Carolina, Rose Ann graduated Canton High School and later worked for Penny Insurance Agency in Hendersonville. After retirement, she and husband David were active members of the Gerton community.

With her bright blue eyes and a radiant smile, Rose Ann was known most for her kindness. As she would say, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” She had an affinity for those who struggled, and they could always tell she genuinely cared.

Nothing made her happier than seeing her children and grandchildren grow and thrive. She would listen patiently as family called her often and conversations were long. She was the first person to call when something wonderful happened.

Rose Ann enjoyed singing and had a lovely voice. Hymns were her favorite as she grew up in the Methodist church with her mother playing the organ in weekly services. She also loved to bake, and this passion has passed down through the generations. Her great-granddaughters serve up extra big portions of her chocolate chip cookies almost every week.

Her life defined the word matriarch, and as her granddaughter Tina says, even as her memories faded, her love held us all together like glue. She lived a long life, but it wasn’t enough time for the rest of us.

Rose Ann was preceded in death by her parents Gudger and Grace Duckett, husband David, and brother Kerry. She is survived by her sister, Mildred Nelson of Atlanta; four children: Jan and husband Pete Pelaez of Asheville, Mark and wife Susan Powell of Mills River, Amy and husband Dennis Goss of Chapel Hill, and Sue Coons of Chapel Hill; five grandchildren: Angela and husband Patrick O'Kelly of Gerton, Tina White of Chapel Hill, Jay and wife Mary Goss of Hillsborough, and Ben and Joel Coons of Columbus, Ohio; as well as five great granddaughters: Mireya, Leila, and Elora White of Chapel Hill, Corbin O’Kelly of Gerton, and Lily Goss of Hillsborough.

The family would like to thank Aston Park Health Care Center for its wonderful care and Hospice for giving her peace in her final days.


Officers of UHNGCC for 2022: President - Karen Owensby; Vice-President - Jim Earnhardt; Secretary - Ellen Boyle; Treasurer - Sylvia Sane; Board Members - Jean Bradley, Chuck Mallory, Margaret Whitt, Sarah Gayle; Immediate Past President - Stan Mobley






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