Mountain Living - September 2014
Mac Lee • September 15, 2014
Saddened at the passing of one of our community.
Most times when I sit down to compose these messages it is with a joyful heart that we live in such a caring and beautiful mountain community. That feeling is tempered this month as we are all saddened over the passing of Jennifer Santoro. Jennifer was a gifted musician and mother and an outstanding Christian woman. The entire Junaluska Highlands community morns the loss of Jennifer and all of our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Jordan at this most difficult time of their loss.
The heat of this summer is now moderating in the mountains of western North Carolina as we enter the pre-fall dog days of September. Pleasant days followed by crisp evenings signal that autumn is just around the corner, ideal for a brisk walk around Lake Junaluska. Our entrance gate is all decked out for the season thanks to Vicki Williams, Beth Doucet and Jerry Doucet, who really spruced up the area. Later this year we will begin our annual leaf removal and culvert cleaning to keep our roads clean and safe.
Later this month I will be sending out the formal notice of our Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 18, 2014 as required by our By-Laws. Included in that mailing will be the agenda for our meeting along with the minutes from our 2013 Annual Meeting, and very important information on the Association’s finances. We also have three officers whose terms expire this year and have agreed to run for re-election. Also, during our meeting information on the Montrose Lane landslide remediation will be shared. At the conclusion of our meeting, Jan and David Vittum will graciously open up their home for a social. I hope all members of our Association will make every effort to attend this Annual Meeting.
That’s all for now. Hope to see everyone at the Annual Meeting.
Mac
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.