Montreat Minute Oct. 17, 2025

October 17, 2025

Town Council Discusses Sanitation Ordinance

A document titled Montreat Code of General Ordinances outlining solid waste disposal and refuse collection requirements, with visible headings and textual content on health protection and disease prevention.

In a special called meeting last Friday, the Town Council and staff discussed possible revisions to the Sanitation Ordinance. No decisions were made, but good thoughts about important sanitation and safety issues were discussed, including:

  • Solid waste and recycling practices and collection
  • Bear resistant trash containers and permanent container systems
  • Yard waste such as leaves and tree/brush debris
  • Convenience Center operations
  • Feeding of wildlife
  • Enforcement of the sanitation ordinance

The next step in the process is for staff, in conjunction with our Town Attorney, to rewrite the first round revisions based on the discussions from the special meeting. As was the case in last week’s meeting, there will be public comment and public hearings for residents to express their thoughts on the revisions. No time frame was set for the next round of changes.

If you would like to view a recording of the meeting, CLICK HERE.

Bear Hunting Season is Open–  Be BearWise!

A black bear sits on the forest floor surrounded by green plants and trees, looking slightly to the side with its mouth slightly open.

Bear hunting season began on Saturday, October 4th, and ends November 22nd, then resumes December 13th to January 1st, 2026. Please be careful walking and hiking during this period.

Stay alert as you walk and hike around Montreat and the trails. If you encounter a bear, remain calm, back away slowly, and never run. Wave your arms and act as “big” as possible. Give the bear plenty of space.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recommends safe bear hazing techniques, including:

  • Make lots of noise, including using air horns, whistles and other noise making devices
  • Use bright lights to annoy the bear
  • If you are in your car and encounter a bear in the street, get as close as possible in your vehicle and honk your horn

No matter what you do, do not jeopardize your own safety.

Saturday Means Made in Montreat!

A craft fair features tables with handmade ornaments, soaps, wooden items, and gift displays. People browse and chat in a decorated indoor space with colorful tablecloths and festive decorations.

Made in Montreat, the highly anticipated craft show and sale, is returning to the Lower Moore Center tomorrow, Saturday, October 18th, from 9:00am to 2:30pm.

Beth Casper, coordinator of this year’s event, said the show will feature Montreat artisans offering a wide variety of hand made items including soaps, stained glass, jewelry, wood items, art, handmade household items, pottery and more.

“Last year the Montreat artists and crafters’ event was cancelled by Helene”, Beth reminded everyone. “This year will be a bumper year to buy your Christmas gifts ahead of the holiday rush.  We look forward to seeing you there!” Come for the shopping, snacks, and fellowship.

Also on Saturday: Montreat Wilderness Day

Rocky foreground with scattered autumn leaves, overlooking a forested hillside filled with colorful fall foliage. Bare tree branches frame the scene under a clear blue sky with mountains in the background.

Join the MRA at the Montreat Store and the Huckleberry on Saturday, October 18th, for a drop-in event between 10am and 4pm to support the Montreat Wilderness.

10% of each purchase made at The Montreat Store or The Huckleberry that day will support wilderness initiatives and the trail system.

Visit the 3rd floor beginning at 1:30pm in the old Ten Thousand Villages space next to the Huckleberry Cafe.

Special Programs:

  • 1:30: Updates and Q&A about the Montreat Wilderness
  • 2:00: Jane Holt and Perrin Wright talk about the history of the Montreat Wilderness and the Montreat Trail System

Invitation to PHC 2025 Distinguished Lecture October 24

A woman with short blond hair, wearing a light blue blazer over a floral blouse, stands indoors and smiles at the camera. The background is softly blurred, showing framed artwork on the walls.

The Presbyterian Heritage Center invites you to hear Dr. Crystal Downing speaking on

“From Wittenberg to Oxford: The Re-formation of C.S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers”.

Dr. Downing is a highly esteemed and internationally recognized expert on C.S. Lewis, Dorothy Sayers, and other “Inklings”. She served as Co-Director of the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College, the foremost archive in the world for published and unpublished materials by and about Lewis, Sayers, J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald, G.K. Chesterton, Owen Barfield, and Charles Williams.

Crystal was also co-holder of the Marion E. Wade Chair of Christian Thought and a Professor of English at Wheaton. Many will remember Dr. Downing’s excellent presentations at the “C.S. Lewis: Influence & Relevance Today” international symposium sponsored by the Presbyterian Heritage Center in November of 2019. 

Dr. Downing will begin her lecture by highlighting Martin Luther’s recognition of the power of theater, and his use of drama to communicate the need for Reformation in the Church. Her focus will turn to Dorothy L. Sayers, also condemned by Christians for her reforming efforts.

The event will be held on Friday, October 24, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm in Upper Anderson. Admission is free.

Treasured Tree Walk Set for Oct. 29

Map titled Montreat Treasured Trees: A Walk through Nature and History, showing a walking path, tree locations, labels, directions, a legend, QR code for an online map, and general walk information.

Like all Montreaters, the Montreat Tree Board and Landcare Committee love trees! They have done much work to save trees, clear fallen trees, and educate the community about trees. Recently, they introduced a Montreat Treasured Trees program including a “walk” to learn about Montreat’s treasured Trees.

A “Treasured Tree Walk” is scheduled for Wednesday Oct 29, 2025 at 3:30 pm.  Starting from the Nature Center. The walk will be led by Nancy Midgette of the Presbyterian Heritage Center and Jason Nanz, the MRA Ranger.  It will feature a mix of Montreat history and nature including many of the Montreat Treasured Trees. The walk is approximately two miles and relatively flat. It is sponsored by the Montreat Tree Board, the Presbyterian Heritage Center, and the MRA Nature Center.

For a copy of the Treasured Tree Walk map (and tree/historical descriptions on the reverse side), CLICK HERE.

Updates and Reminders

A hand is writing the word REMINDERS in black marker, with a red underline, on a white background.
  • The Montreat Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Thursday, October 23rd, at 10:30 am in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. For a copy of the agenda and streaming instructions, CLICK HERE. All are invited to attend.
  • The Montreat Board of Adjustment will meet on Thursday, October 23rd, at 5:00 pm in the Town Hall Community Room for its monthly meeting. The meeting will be live streamed. For a copy of the agenda and streaming instructions, CLICK HERE. All are invited to attend.
  • Do you receive Montreat CodeRedalerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane and wildfires? To learn more about CodeRed or to be added to the list, CLICK HERE.

Questions or Comments?

Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angela Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the autumn colors!