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Mountain Living - February 2016

  • By Mac Lee
  • 06 Feb, 2016

Spring is just around the corner!

February is Groundhog month. Although here in Junaluska Highlands we seem to have our fair share of the rodents, arguably the most famous woodchuck or whistle pig (as they are also called) is Punxsutawney Phil of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Back in 1887, Clymer H. Freas, editor of the then Punxsutawney Spirit, apparently lacking for something to do in the dull winter months, designated the 2nd day of February as the official Groundhog Day and declared Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania as the center of the universe for that purpose. Legend has it that if Phil comes out of his hibernation and sees his shadow, he will be frightened and retreat back into his hole and that there will be six more weeks of winter. Conversely, if Phil is unable to see his shadow, he will stay above ground and we will experience an early spring.  On Groundhog Day, 2016, Phil did not see his shadow and thus we should anticipate warmer weather just around the corner. It is a little incredible to predict an early spring when we really have had no serious winter thus far here in the mountains.   In fact, Phil’s record of being correct regarding the arrival of spring has only been correct just 39% of the time since the event began. However, the celebration makes for good press and a lively time for all in Punxsutawney.

On a serious note, in our Board’s never ending efforts to reduce expenses and improve services in Junaluska Highlands, we will be testing new street lighting in the coming weeks in our community. Presently, our streets are illuminated by 200 watt high pressure sodium lamps, the kind of lighting that puts out a shadowy, orange glow and a technology that is some 20 years old. Through a program offered by Duke Energy to communities such as ours, we can relamp all of our street lighting to state of the art 150 watt LED lamps and fixtures at no cost to the Association. The advantage to us is about a 12% savings in electrical costs per electrified pole and light per month and a much cleaner, whiter light for our streets. The advantage to Duke Energy is that LED lighting presents less maintenance and repair costs and can last up to 20 times longer than incandescent lighting. Duke will install one LED fixture and lamp on the pole at the intersection of Breckenridge Road and Inverness Drive as a demonstration to show the difference in the two lighting systems. If acceptable to our community, Duke will then change out all lamps and fixtures to the new LED lighting system. Some time ago the Board chose to de-electrify several of the poles on our streets in an effort to save expenses. We will be reevaluating this decision once the new lighting is installed.

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) tells me that yet another property owner has submitted plans to construct a new home in Junaluska Highlands and that the ARC has approved the plans. The property owners anticipate construction may begin as early as this spring. This now makes two homes presently under construction with plans having been approved for two more homes. Once again, please remember that plans for new construction or alterations of existing homes, however minor, must have the prior approval of the ARC. Additional information, guidelines, and forms may be found on this website under the Building Information tab.

That’s all for now. Stay warm, notwithstanding the prediction of Punxsutawney Phil.

 

Mac

By Kathy Bell 17 Sep, 2019

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!! :)

By Charles Gross 30 Jun, 2019
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.
By WebMaster JHCA 13 Apr, 2019

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.


By WebMaster JHCA 13 Apr, 2019
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
By WebMaster JHCA 13 Apr, 2019

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.

By WebMaster JHCA 13 Apr, 2019
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.
By WebMaster JHCA 13 Apr, 2019

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’.

By WebMaster JHCA 13 Apr, 2019

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.

By WebMaster JHCA 13 Apr, 2019
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.
By WebMaster JHCA 13 Apr, 2019

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.


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