Mountain Living - April 2014
Mac Lee • April 7, 2014
April showers are here!
There is an old saying that "April showers bring May flowers". As I write this in the first few days of April, we are expecting a steady rain over the next several days, perhaps as much as 2 inches. This will be a welcomed rain for the mountains of western North Carolina as we are about 4 inches behind our normal for the year. This will also be beneficial for the May flowers that are expected next month. However, as most of us are chomping at the bit to go play in the dirt and begin planting annuals, please be mindful that the last frost date for Haywood County is May 15, meaning we could get an unexpected killing frost anytime between now and the middle of next month. Speaking of expected events in Haywood County, mark your calendars for Sunday, April 27 for the 79th Annual Ramp Festival at the American Legion Field in Waynesville. For those who do not know what a ramp is, it is a naturally grown wild onion found native to western North Carolina, the flavor of which you will not easily forget.
Kevin Alford, our professional engineer, has completed his specifications for the remedy to the Montrose Lane slope slide that took place last year and has put the proposal out for bid to certain pre-qualified contractors. We should have the numbers back soon, at which time the Board will determine the best, most cost effective, and practical approach to correct the slide and insure the integrity and safety of the road bed.
The spring is typically the time of year we as a community come together to pitch in and work on the landscape and beautification of our
neighborhood. One of our newest residents, David Vittum, will be heading up the event this year, which is scheduled for a Saturday in late May. David will be putting the word out soon as to what tasks need to be done and will be soliciting volunteers to work. More about this initiative next month.
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC)tells me they have approved another home for construction in Junaluska Highlands and ground should be broken soon.
Junaluska Highlands Book Club meets the First Tuesday of the Month at 6:30 pm. Hostess provides Dessert, Coffee and/or Tea. Book Discussion begins at 7:00 pm. September 10 Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel Hostess & Facilitator: Marie Aiken October 8 Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult Hostess: Jennifer Conrad Facilitator: Joyce Brunsvold November 5 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen Hostess & Facilitator: Kathie McCracken December 3 “Eat, Drink and Be Merry!!” Social Dinner or Dine Out TBD Hostess: Patti Surak Helpers: TBD (need 4). If you want to volunteer, let Patti know. January 7 A Gift of Time by Jerry Merritt Hostess: Tammy Wright Facilitator: Kate Gross February 4 Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman Hostess: Suzanne Patrick Facilitator: Kathy Bell March 3 The Swan House Hostess: Kathy Bell Facilitator: Debbie Savage April 7 Educated by Tara Westover Hostess & Facilitator: Susan Lee May 5 “Spring Fling” Social Dinner Meeting Includes Book Selections, Signups for Hostess and Facilitators/Helpers for 2020-2021 Hostess: Jan Vittum Helpers: TBD (need 4). If you want to volunteer, contact Jan Vittum. June, July, August: Summer Break Reminders: Hostess sends an email to members in advance of the meeting. Please include: Title/Author, Time, Date, Your Address, Special Info (Parking, etc.) and a RSVP date. Important: Please respond on/before the RSVP date so the Hostess knows how many are attending. Thank you!! Note: If you need to switch a date to host, facilitate, help or request a substitute, please contact another member and see what you can work out. We are always willing to help each other!! :)
Here’s a shot from the end of June showing George Patrick and Frank Lay hard at work - mostly Frank in this shot - putting down a cold patch repair on the driveway to the pavilion parking lot. Frank is a member of the Roads Committee and George graciously volunteered to help us with this project as well as filling a sinkhole on Crookston.
3 February, 2019 You have likely noticed the new yellow stripping between the entrance and exit gates. This is safety striping to help separate the lanes, but also serves the purpose of directing traffic toward the outside edges of the pavement. This is necessary because the magnetometer that detects the presence of vehicles and automatically opens the exit gate is a little touchy to set up. It has to be sensitive enough to detect small vehicles and open the exit gate for them as well as not being too sensitive when larger vehicle come in the entrance gate. If too sensitive the exit gate will open when vehicles come through the entrance gate, causing additional wear and tear on the gate opening system. The gate group has made numerous adjustments to the sensors trying to get the balance just right. The roads committee (Charles Gross, Max Wicks, and Frank Lay) volunteers were responsible for getting the new yellow safety striping in place. The roads group has many other responsibilities concerning the J.H. community roads including signage, and road repair. Kudos for a job well done. Thank you Gate Group (Phil Casso, Jerry Doucet) for your volunteer work in keeping the gate operational.
Many thanks to the Home and property owners (and friends) of Junaluska Highlands for working to beautify the community on 5 May, 2018. Following the planting of flowers, spreading of mulch, and general clean-up, a luncheon was enjoyed by the work crew. Following are some images of the work and fellowship from this event
Kathy Bell is coordinating the meetings for Highlands Residents who want to participate in the book club this year. Meeting start with some general chit-chat, then there is a book discussion followed by light refreshments and merriment. The Reading Calendar September 11 “Station 11” by Emily St John Mandel October 2 “Code Girls” by Liza Mundy November 6 “The Aviator’s Wife” by Melanie Benjamin December 4 Eat Drink and be Merry Social Dinner January 8 “My Italian Bulldozer” by Alexander McCall Smith February 5 “Isaac’s Storm” by Erik Larson March 5 “TBD” April 2 “TBD” May 7 Spring Fling Social Dinner + Next year planning The abandoned husbands club will occasionally meet on the same night for alternate festivities that may include dinner, a movie, or whatever else devious minds can conjure.
Many thanks to the Junaluska Property Owners for their time and effort during the 2017 Spring Work Day and Pic-Nic!! See the Gallery for photos commemorating this great event.
Mark your calendars now for the Junaluska Highlands community wide July 4th cook out and social at the pavilion next to the ponds. Planning is underway for this annual Community Event. This is a favorite get together for all residents, lot owners, and their guests. Meet and catch up with all your Junaluska Highlands Neighbors. A member of your party will have an opportunity to briefly tell about a memorable 4th of July, or what the 4th means to you (this is optional). Junaluska Highlands Community Association 4th of July Celebration Picnic Monday July 4, 2016 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the JHCA Pavilion 6:00-6:45 Meet and Greet Appetizers, Welcome New Neighbors, Reflections on the 4th of July, Sing Along “America the Beautiful” and Blessing 6:45-8:00 Meal and Socializing · Picnic is Potluck · Cost: $5.00 per person. You and your guests are welcome. · Children under 10 are free. You are responsible for paying for your guests. · Each family is asked to provide an Appetizer, Side OR Dessert (not all 3). · Bring your own chairs and beverages. · Bar-B-Q Pork and Chicken, Paper Plates, Napkins, and Eating Utensils are provided. RSVP to Joyce Brunsvold no later than Friday, June 24 Include in your RSVP: · Dish you are bringing -- An Appetizer, Side OR Dessert Indicate any items that may be Gluten Free. · Number of People/Guests in your party. Weather Note : In case of inclement weather, Charles and Kathy Gross at 36 Kinross Lane have graciously offered their home for the picnic. Notification will be by email by 4:00pm on the 4th if the picnic has to be moved to the Gross’.
Thanks to David Vittum for the photos (see Gallery) from the Junaluska Highlands [2015] Spring Workday! Also many thanks to the Home and Property Owners who generously contributed their time and resources to this annual Junaluska Highlands beautification workday and cookout.
This year’s (2014) neighborhood Spring Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd. If the weather is inclement on May 3rd, the backup date will be Saturday, May 17th. David Vittum is Coordinating this event. Additional Details will follow.
There have been several sightings of bears in the JH neighborhood over the past several weeks. The bears are not timid. One was seen up close and personal on the Coleman’s deck. This bear was interested in bird seed that was in a feeder near the deck. Bears are a fact of life in this area and connot be completely avoided. Be careful around bears. Do not attempt to wrestle with one. Do not allow your dogs to tangle with a bear, as the bear is likely to win this encounter. Do keep food sources and trash containers in bear proof containers or in a closed garage. Do keep your ground level doors closed and locked. Bears can climb, so upper level decks are not bear proof. If you encounter a bear in the outdoors, do not run, as this triggers an attack response. Also, you cannot outrun a bear. Avoid eye contact and back away if possible. If a bear does not know you are nearby, make some noise so he can avoid you. Bear spay is available as a last resort. This is a pepper spray that will burn the bears eyes, giving you time to depart the area (and leave the bear pissed-off). Small spray cans are not effective, only use the large spray cans designed as a bear deterrent (these can spray 20-30 ft in distance). Bear spray can be found at large outdoor/camping stores such as REI, or can be ordered on line from Amazon. If you have persistent bear problems, contact animal control for additional help. Also let your neighbors know when and where you saw a bear.