by Jack Powell

Many of you are now aware of the illness of Commissioner Gene Sheffield. Gene was forced to resign from the Town Council because of a brain tumor that was only recently diagnosed. Before our election, Gene and I attended many Council meetings and budget workshops together and talked about our political philosophies. After we were elected, we found that making the right decision was not easy and we did not always agree. But one thing has always been clear. Gene is a man of the highest integrity and caring, and did all he could to avoid letting politics sabotage a friendship. Yes Gene, you are certainly my friend. It is unfortunate that everyone in this community cannot follow your example in this respect.

Since we are a retirement community, many of our friends and acquaintances are reaching that time in life when we simply wear out or are overtaken by disease. Former Mayor Priscilla Doyle is extremely ill after suffering for many years. Priscilla got me into politics with an appointment to the Lake Advisory Committee and encouraged me to continue to be involved. She impressed upon me that it is important to become involved for the right reasons, not just to resolve a personal agenda. I sincerely thank you, Priscilla. We will take inspiration from you and Fred as we encounter the challenges of life.

Former Mayor Gene Michelon is presently recovering from recent heart problems. While Gene served primarily before I became active in town politics, he provided leadership in moving to the council/manager form of government. We appreciate his service as well as those of all elected officials whose contributions serve as building blocks to the future and stability of our community.

As these servants of our community endure the pain and suffering of their illnesses, please remember them and their families in your prayers.

The Town Council has unanimously agreed to rename Shakespeare Point to "Memorial Point" and to establish gardens and dedicated areas for the recognition of those who have served the Town of Lake Lure in an outstanding manner. This should take place at the September 2 special meeting.

* * * * * * * * * *

Blaine Cox was appointed to Council on August 18 to serve out Commissioner Sheffield's term. Blaine, congratulations on the recognition of your achievements and service to the Town on the Board of Adjustments and the Lake Structures Appeals Board. We will all expect the same dedicated efforts that you have exhibited in the past.

by H. M. "Chuck" Place III, AICP

 Lessons from Geese

 As elections draw near, it is important for all of us to reacquaint ourselves with both the benefits and obligations of living in a free and democratic society. In particular, our right and obligation to elect our leaders and policy makers. I urge you to get to know all the candidates and to make an informed decision based on qualifications and adherence to your opinions and not just because they may live in your neighborhood or belong to your service club. We have excellent candidates and it will be difficult to choose among them. I only ask that you do choose and get out and vote.

What does this have to do with geese? I came across this piece a while back and it seems to have a message for all of us in Lake Lure. It goes like this:

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the bird following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly goes back into formation to take advantage of the "lifting power" of the bird immediately in front.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those that are headed where we want to go.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership with people, as with geese, interdependent of each other.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging - not something less helpful.

When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect him. They stay with the goose until it is either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we’ll stand by each other like that.

- author unknown

This seems to be my month for borrowing material from others for this column. The following is taken from an article written for this newsletter by then Town Manager Tom Hord in 1993. Those of you who lived here at that time remember a major revision of the water use rates. The previous system had provided a discount for large water users, but the new rate rewarded those using less and penalized the large users. The intent was to encourage water conservation.

Water conservation is now more important than ever. We have been drier the past two years than in a long time; but, not only will water conservation be beneficial to our environment, it will also benefit your pocketbook when you pay your water bills. This is particularly important to all of you because of the recent 10% increase in water rates. Presented below are several interesting facts about water, a few cost comparisons with other purchases, and some suggested ways of conserving water. We want you to conserve water to reduce your water bills and also help protect this most valuable town asset - good water.

Interesting facts about water:

• How much of the earth’s surface is surface water? 80%

• Of all the earth’s water, how much is ocean or seas? 97%

• How much of the earth’s water is suitable for drinking? 1%

• How much water does the average residence use during one year? 107,000 gallons or about 9,000 gallons per month.

• How much does an individual use daily? 132 gallons

• How much water is used to flush a toilet? 2-7 gallons

• How much water is used in the average five-minute shower? 25-50 gallons

• How much water is used to brush your teeth? 2 gallons

• How much water is used by the average automatic dishwasher? 9-12 gallons

• How much water is used to hand wash dishes? 20 gallons

Does your water bill seem high? Compare costs:

1 Gallon Milk $3.00

1 Gallon Beer $2.89

1 Gallon Gasoline $1.25

1 Gallon Bottled Water $1.00

1 Gallon Heating Oil $0.90

1 Gallon Town Water $0.08

One gallon of safe quality water delivered to your home 24 hours a day costs less than eight cents! (current rate)

Water Costs Money -- Don’t Waste It

½ gallon for each brushing of your teeth by wetting the tooth brush and rinsing your mouth briefly.

1 gallon for each shaving or washing of your hands by using the drain plug then filling the basin with water.

1-4 gallons by washing your car from a bucket of water.

4 gallons for each shower by wetting down, soaping up and rinsing off.

4-6 gallons for each toilet flush by placing tank displacement bottles in older toilet tanks.

5 gallons for each dish washing by washing and rinsing dishes in dish pan or sink.

7 gallons by setting the controls of the dishwasher for the lowest practical setting for water. (If dishwasher has a short cycle, use it.)

10-12 gallons for each bath by filling your bath to a minimal water level.

27 gallons for each wash by setting the controls of the washing machine to the lowest practical setting for water. (If machine has a short cycle, use it.)

Water Leaks Cost Money

Municipal residents are constantly seeking methods to keep their water rates low. One of the most effective ways of accomplishing this task is to check for water leaks and repair the leaks once they are found. Running toilets with defective shut-off valves are a common problem. The following is an illustration of the amount of water lost at 30 pounds of pressure:

Size of Leak Gallons/Day Gallons/Month

1/32" 170 5,1000

1/16" 570 29,000

1/8" 3,600 108,000

1/4" 14,400 432,000

Identify and Repair All Leaks!!

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

By Police Chief Mike Bustle

This week, all full-time officers of the Lake Lure Police Department received new state-of-the-art bullet proof vests which should be more comfortable to wear.

These vests were received through the department’s coordination of two available grants from the North Carolina League of Municipalities and the federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. The coordination of these two grants resulted in a very small contribution from town monies to finance the purchase of these new vests, to more adequately protect our officers.

Recently, an incident of dumping brush into the lake was investigated jointly by members of the Police Department and North Carolina Wildlife officers. Please assist your local officers in keeping a close eye-out for similar incidents and report any suspicious activities to your new lake officers, Michelle and Bill, or any other on-duty officer.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT/LAKE STRUCTURES APPEALS BOARD AND PARKS/RECREATION BOARD

Applications for appointment to the Board of Adjustment/Lake Structures Appeals Board to fill Blaine Cox's vacancy are now being accepted. In addition, Town Council is still accepting applications for the new Parks/Recreation Board. Pickup an application form at Town Hall or print the form from the Town website. These applications need to be received at Town Hall on or before September 9, 1999.

Amendment revising Lake Regulations and Providing for elimination of All Personal Watercraft by January, 2000

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Lake Lure Town Council in the Council meeting room at the Lake Lure Municipal Center on the 14th day of September, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter for the purpose of considering approval of an amendment revising the Lake Regulations and providing for elimination of all personal watercraft by January, 2000.

The public is invited to be present for this meeting. Details of the request are on file in the office of the Town Clerk for inspection by all interested citizens.

REGULAR MEETING: The regular Town Council meeting was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 1999.

Under the "Consent Agenda", Council approved the minutes of July 13, 1999 (Regular Meeting), and July 16, 1999 (Special Meeting); approved Resolution No: 99-08-10 (authorizing to open electronic funds transfer account); approved cash management service agreement; and approved ACH origination agreement.

 In other activities, Town Council:

* Accepted Commissioner Sheffield's letter of resignation due to medical reasons;

* Adopted Ordinance No: 99-8-10 (amending section 40.19 of the town code of ordinances regarding damage to town roads);

* Approved conceptually the contract proposal with Duke Power;

* Approved to increase the COLA (cost-of-living) from 2% to 3% for the Town employees. The vote of approval was 2 to 1 with Commissioners Cobb and Stanier voting in favor of the motion. Commissioner Rose voted against the motion;

* A motion was made by Commissioner Cobb to consider a one time gift of $1,000 in support to the Hickory Nut Gorge EMS. The motion was not approved due to a lack of a second to the motion;

* Scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, September 14, 1999 for the purpose of amending the town code of ordinances regarding revisions to the lake regulations; and

* Announced there would be a Town Council workshop meeting held on Friday, August 13, 1999, 1:00 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center for the purpose of reviewing recommendations from the Strategic Plan, Lake Management Plan, Land Use Plan, and developing action plans.

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: Town Council held a special meeting on Friday, August 13, 1999, 1:00 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center. The purpose of this meeting was to review recommendations from the Strategic Plan, Lake Management Plan, Land Use Plan, and develop action plans.

Activities by Town Council included:

* Requested the Chairman of the Zoning/ Planning Board to ask his board to draft an amendment to the town's subdivision ordinance to include a provision requiring fire hydrants; and

* Tentatively scheduled a special Town Council meeting on Wednesday, August 18, 1999, 1:30 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: Town Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, August 18, 1999, 1:30 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

Activities by Town Council included:

* Appointed Blaine Cox to fill Commissioner Sheffield's vacant seat on Town Council with a term expiring November 2001;

* Approved the power sales agreement between the Town of Lake Lure and Duke Power; and

* Scheduled a Special Town Council meeting on Thursday, September 2, 1999, 9:30 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

The Lake Lure Mountains Library is holding a book sale on Saturday, September 4, 1999 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the library (community meeting room). Go through your old books, magazines, cassette tapes and videos and make room for new ones. Mountains Library had a very busy summer. Over 100 children participated in the summer reading program at the library and celebrated with a wonderful potluck dinner. Storytime will start on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. (September through the middle of November and will start back again in February). If you have not visited the Mountains Library, please make an effort to do so. The Mountains Library is very proud of their library and volunteers. If you would like to volunteer your time at the library, please call 828-625-0456.

There will be a AL-ANON meeting held every Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Mountains Community Church. For more information, call 828-625-1724.

Lake Lure Newcomers invites those who are a new resident in Lake Lure (24 months or less) to join them in various activities which include potluck, gourmet, out'n about, theater, bridge/poker, book club, and hiking. If you are interested in becoming a member, call Fred Noble or Jeanine Noble at 828-625-8706.

Lake Lure VFW members will hold meetings every third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Lake Lure Community Center.

The Bat Cave Fire and Rescue Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring a bar-b-que benefit dinner for Janelle English on September 4, 1999 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Janelle, a longtime Bat Cave resident, has been on oxygen for over seven years and is on the waiting list for a lung transplant. Your generous support will be greatly appreciated.

Note: The deadline for newsletter articles to be received at Town Hall for the October issue is September 16, 1999.