Montreat Minute 5/31/24
Don’t Feed the Bears
Although not the right thing to do, feeding bears has been a common occurrence for ages in Montreat and elsewhere. We have received multiple reports recently of people feeding bears in Montreat. To be sure, there are many reasons why this should not be done:
- It is against the law. Montreat has ordinances against feeding bears. Doing so can result in being charged for a misdemeanor with a fine up to $200 and/or imprisonment. Additionally, civil penalties can be charged including fines up to $500.
- It is dangerous. Bears are incredibly powerful and fast even though they may look cuddly and cute. There are multiple reports every year of individuals being injured, maimed and even killed due to bear food encounters. Additionally, they have very keen memories and when fed once, they will return to the same source for more food.
- It is not good for the bears. Bears are wild animals. If fed by humans, they become habituated to finding “handouts” and depend on humans for their food source. Additionally, they lose their natural fear of humans, which is dangerous for them and humans. If this happens, the bears pay the ultimate price- they are destroyed.
Please inform your guests and renters about not feeding bears. If you see someone feeding bears, call Montreat Police On-Call Cell Phone at 828-767-3155.
Men at Work: Public Works Staff Tackle Big Projects Around Town
Public Works staff, standing L to R, Barry Creasman,
Drew Brown, Daniel Wiggs, and Jarod McIntosh sitting
Driving up Assembly Drive, you can’t help but notice the repairs of cracks in the road and the new re-striping. Montreat’s Public Works Staff, including Director Barry Creasman, Daniel Wiggs, Drew Brown and Jarod McIntosh, completed this important work on their own without using outside contractors, saving the Town significant expense.
But the big project they recently completed was the culvert and retaining wall repairs on Texas Road near the swimming pool. In 2018, Montreat was hit by a terrible tropical storm that resulted in nearly $1 million in damage to Town property. The retaining wall and culverts along Puncheon Branch were washed out. Interim “fixes” were done while other more critical projects were completed. Recently, contractors were hired to rebuild the retaining wall, add structural support behind the wall, and backfill. Again, to save tax funds, Public Works staff completed the curbing, culverts, planting beds and will begin landscaping soon. Stop by and take a look!
We appreciate the Public Works staff for their dedication, abilities, and “can do” spirits.
Sulaski “Paints the Town”
Last February, we shared a story about Allan and Lolly Hightower and their daily volunteer efforts walking the streets of Montreat picking up trash. They do it because they “love Montreat and want to keep it beautiful.”
We recently found another volunteer who also loves Montreat and wants to keep it beautiful as well. Robert Sulaski and his wife, Christie, walk their dogs by the Post Office regularly. Last year, Robert noticed the Post Office sign on Assembly Drive looked a bit weathered and could use a paint job. After getting permission, Robert bought barn- red paint to match the PO building and tackled the sign with his paint brush, bringing it new life. But, in typical Sulaski style, he didn’t stop there. He noticed the adjacent Community Building sign was in dire need of help. Several weeks ago, he gave it new life also. Why did he do it? “That’s what living in a community is all about,” Robert said. “It’s about contributing something beyond paying our taxes, and this is what I can do.”
Montreat is fortunate to have cottagers who care and are willing to volunteer their time and resources to keeping it beautiful. Many thanks to Robert, the HIghtowers and others who volunteer their services to make Montreat an even better place.
New 2024 Cottager Directory Coming Soon
The Montreat Cottagers are happy to announce that the 2024 Montreat Cottager Directory will go on sale starting June 22. Purchasing information includes:
When: Saturday, June 22 –Wednesday, July 3 (excluding Sundays) from
9:00 am – noon
Where: The Montreat Post Office
Cost: $25.00 per directory (if bought in person)
$35.00 per directory (if mailed)
Payment terms include cash or checks, but no credit cards please. Make checks out to Montreat Cottagers, Inc.
If you will not be here during the sales period, directories can be mailed. Please send a request by mail to Montreat Cottager Directory, PO Box 1135, Montreat, NC 28757. Include your full name and mailing address, number of copies requested, and a check made out to Montreat Cottagers, Inc. for the total amount of directories ordered ($35.00 each including shipping). Include “2024 Montreat Directory” on the memo line.
For questions, please contact Laurie Morgan at 828-669-7626 or email [email protected].
Updates and Reminders
- The Montreat Landcare Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 5th at 9:00am in the Town Hall Community Room. CLICK HERE for streaming instructions. 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 Angie Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a great weekend