Montreat Minute 4/12/24
Greetings Montreaters!
This rainy day kept most people at home (watching on their computers?). We were thankful for the seven people who joined us.
My meeting summary follows below, but the official minutes will be in next month’s agenda packet. And remember that you can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.
Public Forum
- Jean Norris provided us with an update on the Pigeon River Grant. It was previously submitted for a request of approximately $34,000. Jean stated she has had several conversations with the program officer who asked several new questions outside of the grant application. Although she hasn’t heard anything about winning the grant, Jean is feeling optimistic based on her conversations.
To read more, CLICK HERE
Montreat Native Plant Sale and Arbor Day Celebration Coming May 4
Mark your calenders! The 2024 Native Plant Sale and Arbor Day observance is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, from 9am to 2pm at the Moore Center at Lake Susan. Plans are in the works for a day of shopping, learning, eating, visiting and enjoying the beauty that is afforded us in this special place. Additionally, the Landcare Committee and the Tree Board will have exhibits about their efforts to enhance the natural setting we enjoy.
Community volunteers are needed for 2 hours on Friday afternoon, May 3, at 4pm for set up and Saturday morning and afternoon on sale day to assist vendors and shoppers. For more information CLICK HERE. Contact Betty Douglas at [email protected] or 662-392-3050 with questions or to volunteer for a morning or afternoon shift. See you in May!
Clean Water!
Once again, we are pleased to report that Montreat has good, clean drinking water as assessed by required water testing and reporting standards. The 2023 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report may be accessed by CLICKING HERE. Please read the report to find out the sources of our water, what the EPA wants us to know about drinking water, characteristics of our water, and much more.
As you may know, there are some peculiarities about Montreat water. Here’s the background: Every summer and other popular seasons when the Town population increases, water demand increases as well. With the increase comes a unique aspect to our water: air bubbles, which create initial “milkiness” to the water. An explanation follows, but first a quick primer on how the water system works.
Our water comes from 11 wells situated throughout the Town, from down by the gate all the way up to the extra territorial jurisdiction off Greybeard Trail. Water is treated from each well then distributed either directly to homes and other dwellings/buildings or pumped into storage tanks located on Appalachian Way and Harmony Lane. The tanks provide water when demand increases. When populations increase in the summer and other popular seasons, significantly more water is drawn through the system. Pumps work overtime, with air getting in the water caused by the pumping action. Because demand is great, the bubbles do not have an opportunity to dissipate, and they end up in your water glass. Within seconds they disappear, but not without first causing a bit of consternation.
But as mentioned earlier, our water quality is high and those bubbles won’t hurt you. Our water is tested monthly by an independent laboratory, with results reported to the State and Montreat governments. What happens with the air bubbles is simply unique to our situation and has no effect upon water quality.
Many thanks to our staff responsible for water and water quality, especially Jarod McIntosh and Barry Creasman.
Come to the Daffodil Party Today, April 12
Spring has arrived and it’s time for the annual Daffodil Party, a perfect time to reconnect after a long winter. The event, hosted and sponsored by Margo and Tyler Smith in concert with the Montreat Adult Summer Club, is today, April 12th, from 2:00-4:00pm at 513 Greybeard Trail.
Bring friends and neighbors from Montreat and beyond. Bring a treat to share and join the community in a grand celebration of the season.
Treasured Tree Event May 4
In January, the Town Council voted to participate in the Swannanoa Valley Tree Alliance’s Treasured Tree program. Fourteen special trees in Montreat have been selected to be designated in the Treasured Tree program and marked accordingly.
On Saturday, May 7, from 10:00am to noon, a walking tour of the 14 trees will be held. The tour is approximately 2-2.5 miles, with stops along the route to learn about the history and significance of each tree.
For additional information, including the tour starting point and other key facts, CLICK HERE.
Updates and Reminders
- The Montreat Board of Adjustment will meet on Wednesday, April 17th at 11:00am in the Town Hall Community Room for Board Training, The meeting will not be live streamed.
- The Montreat Bearwise Committee is joining with Montreat Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, April 17th at 4:00pm in the Town Hall Community Room for a program entitled “Know Your 3 B’s– Bears, Behavior, and Biology” with Ashley Hobbs from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Refreshments will be served at 3:45 p.m. The meeting will be live streamed. Please check the website for streaming instructions.
- Do you receive your own copy of the Montreat Minute or know someone who doesn’t? Sign up for the Sunshine List to receive the Montreat Minute and stay “in the know” about the Town’s happenings. CLICK HERE to sign up for the list!
Questions or Comments?
Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angela Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a great weekend!