Montreat Minute 5/17/24
Northern Lights in Montreat? Yes Indeed!
You normally think of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) as a phenomenon seen only near both northern and southern poles. But last Friday, the Northern Lights were clearly visible here in Montreat. Martha and Gill Campbell captured the beautiful image above from the Lake Susan dam.
Per NASA, the Northern Lights are a “stunning phenomenon that happens when solar storms send energy and small particles Earth’s way, creating colorful light shows at or near both poles.” The different gases (oxygen, nitrogen) create beautiful colors. Space weather, such as the geomagnetic storms we have been experiencing, cause the phenomenon to stretch further away from the poles. Thus, you don’t have to go to the Arctic Circle to see it. Just wander up to Lake Susan! Expect several more opportunities to view the lights within the next several years.
Thanks to Martha and Gill for sharing their beautiful photograph.
Billy Graham Statue Unveiled at US Capitol
Yesterday, the late Rev. Billy Graham and his family were honored by Congress with the unveiling of a statue in his likeness in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol. The seven-foot-tall bronze statue is one of two statues sponsored by the state of North Carolina in the Capitol.
Speakers at the ceremony included Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Dr. Graham’s son, Rev. Franklin Graham. The Graham family and the North Carolina congressional delegation were also present. North Carolina US Senator Thom Tillis stated that he hopes Graham’s ability to bridge differences will filter down today to elected officials. “I hope when members of Congress walk by his statue, they reflect on the standards of faith, ethics and decency that he exemplified throughout his extraordinary life,” Tillis said. “I believe that his presence here in the Capitol can help us find opportunities to unite around what makes our nation great.”
Dr. Graham is only one of four Americans who have had three distinct honors bestowed by Congress. Those honors include receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, lying in State at the Capitol upon his death, and having a statue in the Capitol.
Treasured Tree Walk on Sunday
The treasured Tree Walk will be held this Sunday, May 19th, from 2:00 to 4:00pm.
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.
The Walk is a tour of the 14 trees. 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 Town Board of Adjustment will meet for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, May 23rd at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. CLICK HERE for streaming instructions. All are invited to attend.
- The Montreat Town Council will meet for its second Budget Workshop on Friday, May 24th at 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. Check the website for streaming instructions next week. All are invited to attend.
- 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!