TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT

by H.M. AChuck@ Place

 It's budget time again.  The Town Manager's Report usual will not be present this month for our Town Manager is as busy as a bee working on our annual budget. Instead, here are some snippets from his last report to council:

 - The Parks and Recreation Board heard a presentation from Hope Bleecker, the Transportation Planner for the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission.  She discussed the NCDOT Transportation Enhancement Program, a grant program funded through the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21) to promote diverse modes of transportation.  Among the various categories of projects eligible for grants are pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The board discussed the concept of a 3.1 mile pedestrian sidewalk/bicycle pathway from Boys Camp Road to the Post Office, incorporating the existing boardwalk along the harbor.  Based on this presentation, the Parks and Recreation Board voted unanimously to recommend that we apply for the grant.  (Council approved the application and authorized McGill Associates to prepare the  preliminary engineering and cost estimates as well as drawings of the project for the application.)    

 - The town crew has completed the remembrance walkway in Morse Park and have done their usual great job.  They have also added six very nice park benches to the new deck around the Sycamore tree.  We have received a lot of complements about both the walk and the new deck.  Take a walk out there if you haven=t seen it for a while; it really turned out beautifully!  (Note, there is still a lot of room for engraved bricks - we can pull out blanks and insert yours.  Stop by Town Hall and drop off a check for $200 to create a permanent memorial to a loved one or just to see your name in brick.  It=s for a good cause.)

 HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

by Town Clerk Mary Flack, MMC, CTC

  REGULAR MEETING: The regular town council meeting was held on Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 7:00 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

   Under the consent agenda, Council:

 * approved the minutes of April 9, 2002 (regular meeting and closed session) and April 22, 2002 (special workshop meeting);

 * approved the termination agreement of the Inter-Local Cooperative Agreement for Rutherford City/County Narcotics Task Force and authorized the Mayor to sign this agreement; and

 * approved a request from Scott Salmon on behalf of American Honda Motor Company, to suspend the town ordinance restricting boat lengths during press events being held May 14, 2002 and May 16, 2002 to introduce the Honda Pilot.

   In other activities, Town Council:

 * heard a report from Lake Lure ABC Board Chairman Even Schmitt on the activities of his board;

 * held a hearing on an appeal from the decision of the Lake Structures Appeals Board regarding Patricia Hyatt Case #LSA-02-02. Patricia Hyatt was denied her request to overturn the decision of the Lake Structures Appeals Board;

* heard a report from Town Manager H. M. Place III regarding the silt removal preventative maintenance plan;

 * approved a deed easement between the Town of Lake Lure, Robert G. and Irene L. Olds;

 * approved a permit for fabric structure to Fairfield Mountains Property Owners Association;

 * approved a request from Sharon Theiss on behalf of the Hickory Nut Gorge Kiwanis Club to close a portion of town street temporarily during Memorial Day Festival on May 25-27, 2002 contingent upon vendors not leaving their vehicles and trailers parked in the closed portion of the street;

 * reviewed the current arrangement between the town and the Lake Lure VFW regarding the use of the Community Hall; approved continuing the arrangement of exempting the rental fee for use of the Community Hall in the Lake Lure Municipal Center for monthly meetings held by the Lake Lure VFW; a $20.00 fee will be charged  in instances whenever the town=s custodian is required to open and lock up the building for these meetings;

 * adopted Resolution No. 02-05-14 requesting enactment of legislation to secure municipal revenue sources and ensure revenues are distributed to Local Governments on a timely basis;

 * approved a request from the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce regarding (1) fireworks display on July 4, 2002; (2) Halloween activities on October 31, 2002 and November 1-2, 2002 and (3) boat parade on December 7, 2002;

 * amended the town budget transferring $3,500 from the contingency fund to cover preliminary cost including engineering, drawings of the project, and survey work to be submitted with an application to apply for a grant to be used toward a sidewalk/bicycle pathway from Boys Camp Road to the Lake Lure Post Office, incorporating the existing boardwalk along the harbor in Lake Lure;

 * scheduled a special town council workshop meeting on Tuesday, May  21, 2002, 10:00 a.m. to discuss preliminary budget items for fiscal year 2002-2003; and

 *  held a closed session meeting to discuss matters involving attorney client privilege under G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) regarding litigation between Patricia Hyatt and the Town of Lake Lure.

TOWN EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

by Betty Hinson, Personnel Director

 Employee of the Month Charles Greeson commenced his employment with the Town of Lake Lure on October 18, 2001.  Charles= position is that of cashier at the golf course pro shop.

Prior to his employment with Lake Lure, Charles was employed by Wingate Inn and the Holiday Inn Express in Asheville where his position was that of auditor.

Charles graduated from Marion High School of Marion, North Carolina and attended Western Carolina University and Piedmont Community College.

Charles enjoys the game of golf and chess and is a past member of the United States Chess Federation.

Charles, we say Athank you for a great job@.

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

by Chief Mike Bustle

  On Tuesday, May 21, the Lake Lure Police Department initiated and hosted a seminar by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement for all area alcohol distributors (on-premise and off-premise retail establishments). Agent Sam Darakjy of the NCALE provided an informative update concerning all current state regulations relating to the sale of alcohol and entertained a question and answer period for distributors.  The seminar was well attended and well received by area salespersons, with plans made to offer like seminars every three months to aid local businesses with employee training.

 On Wednesday and Thursday, May 22nd and 23rd, the N.C.  Wildlife Resources Commission and the Lake Lure Police Department hosted the first Boater's Safety Class of the season.  The two day - 6 hour class was well attended and provided useful material for both the new and experienced boaters.  The class will be hosted again during the month of June or July, according to community interest.

 Historical Note

 Sir Robert Peel, who is credited with establishing the first modern-day police force in England during 1829, said it best when he described citizen responsibilities for protecting their respective towns from crime:

"The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public that are paid to give full attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen, in the interests of community welfare and existence."

Please know that we can't do our most efficient and professional performance of duties without your participation and assistance.  Remember; "See it, hear it, report it!"

GOLF COURSE NEWS

by Chris Shute, Golf Course Manager

 Blackberry winter is over and the heat is on.  That=s not just temperature-wise.  We have a variety of tournaments coming up for the season.  The month of June has two: Two Man Best Ball, and Skills Challenge.  Both of these tournaments are one day events.  The Two Man Best Ball will be held on June 1st.  This tournament will be for 27 holes with the 1st 18 for qualifying and flighting. The entry fee is $30.00 per person and that includes cart. The second tournament will be Skills Challenge.  Entry fee is $20.00.  Details about the specific events in this tournament (such as sand shot, closest to pin, longest drive, etc.) will be available later.  Following below is a schedule of events currently planned for the remainder of the year.  All of the below listed tournaments will be mentioned again, month by month, in this newsletter.  The only tournament for non-member participation will be the Member-Guest held by July 13th and 14th.     

June 1st -Two Man Best Ball - One day event.

27 holes = 18 holes qualifying & Flighted--tee time 9:00 a.m.  9 hole tourmanament - Winner each flight. Entry fee-$30.00 per person, includes car.

June 22nd - Skills Challenge - One day event.

Details later.  Entry fee-$20.00.

July 13th & 14th - Annual Members/Guest Tournament - 2 Man Best Ball - 18 holes qualifying  Saturday - tee time 9:00 a.m. 18 hole tournament - Saturday - tee time 1:00 p.m.  Entry fee-$50.00 per person, includes cart.

August 3rd & 4th - Two Man Best Ball Tournament - Saturday 2 Man Best Ball - tee time 9:00 a.m. Sunday 2 Man Captain=s Choice - tee time 9:00 a.m. Flighted after Saturday=s round.  Entry fee -$50.00 per person, includes cart.

September 7th - Two Man Best Ball Tournament - One day event.  1st 9 holes - Captain=s Choice - tee time 9:00 a.m.  2nd 9 holes - Alternate Shot.  Winners each nine.  Entry fee-$40.00 per person, includes cart.

September 21st & 22nd - Annual Member=s Club Championship - Saturday tee time - 9:00 a.m.  Sunday tee time - 1:00 p.m.  Flighted after Saturday=s round.  Entry fee-$30.00 - Does NOT include cart.

October 12th - Men=s Club Tournament - Saturday only  - tee time 9:30 a.m.

November 2nd - Four Club Only Tournament - One day event - 27 holes = 18 holes qualifying & flighted - tee time 9:00 a.m.  9 holes tournament - winner each flight.  Entry fee-$30.00 per person, includes cart.

WOMEN'S SAFETY CLASS

by Sgt. Rick Tullis

First, thank you for your responses to our questionnaire on the class. The information really helped me design a class suited for your needs and concerns.  What I have come up with is five modules developed to focus on different aspects of safety concerns.  Each class is relative to the next class; however, it is not a requirement for any person to attend all classes.  You may choose which class best serves your interest. Each module will last approximately 2 hours.  All classes will be held at the Town Hall Community Center.  Space will be limited so please call the Lake Lure Police Department at 625-4911 to reserve your name in a class. A tentative schedule is listed below:

Module 1: Personal Safety Issues, Monday, June 24, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  This class focuses on techniques and concepts to make you more safety conscious at home, in your vehicle, and out in public areas.

Module 2: Mental Awareness and Survival Stress, Monday, July 8, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. This class focuses on your ability to recognize danger signs before it is too late and techniques on how to cope with the stress of being in a confrontation.

Module 3: Use of Force and Legal Issues, Monday, July 22, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  This class focuses on what you may legally do in a given situation.  It also covers force options to use against an assailant.

Module 4: Self Defense, Monday, August 5, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Physical control tactics and countermeasures.

Module 5: Self Defense, Monday, August 19, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  Physical control tactics and countermeasures.

You can contact Sgt. Rick Tullis at the Lake Lure Police Department at 828-625-4911.

LAKE LURE YOUTH PROGRAM

by Butch Kelly

 We are happy to say that our Youth Center is accelerating each day with new participants, and a new chapter is beginning with our second summer session this month.  I am excited to see all the recent attention given to our program, with the continued support of our town government, as well as the help and concern that has been coming from the parents and businesses.

I would personally appeal to many of our local grandparents who may have spare time on their hands, and could lend a little of their knowledge and expertise on a volunteer basis.  We would love to hear any input our residents may want to offer in order to assist us in successfully continuing our attempts to provide an excellent service to our working parents, while giving our children productive activities and a good atmosphere to ensure that their summer is fun and fulfilling. Our operating hours will be Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.  A sincere thanks to everyone for all the great gifts and compliments since our last article.  Call us anytime at 828-625-0158 or 828-625-5220.

CHIMNEY ROCK PARK CENTENNIAL

by Mary Jaeger-Gale

 This year, Chimney Rock Park celebrates 100 years of the Morse family=s dream:  to acquire, protect and share this natural wonder with the world.  A variety of special events, including first-time-ever evening concerts, will be held throughout the year to honor the Morse family's vision.

 Music on the Mountain

 What better place to enjoy music on a summer evening than high above Hickory Nut Gorge in Chimney Rock Park?  The Park is hosting two AMusic on the Mountain@ concerts in June.  The stage will be located at the base of Chimney Rock, so guests can watch the show while admiring the fabulous views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.  Bring the family and enjoy these evenings to remember.  John Roten, WPEK-Radio Music Director and founder of Mountain Music Time will emcee the all-ages show.  Tickets are limited and available now B call the Park.

~An Evening of Gospel, June 15, 7:30 p.m., Sponsored by PET Dairy    

The North Carolina-bred Cockman Family Bluegrass Gospel Group is the featured performer. Four brothers, their sister and their father have been singing and playing together for over 15 years. The Cockman Family has been one of the NC Arts Council=s Touring Artists since 1998.

~David Holt, June 22, 7:30 p.m., Sponsored by Egolf Jeep in Hendersonville, N.C. Grammy award winner David Holt, a traditional American musician and storyteller, will provide an evening of family fun.  David is the host of Folkways, a program on UNC-TV, and made a cameo appearance in the movie AO Brother, Where Art Thou?@ 

Concert tickets (entrance to Park allowed after 7pm)

In advance:  $18; $15 for Annual Passholders.   Day of Show:  $21

Admission plus concert tickets - Spend the day at the Park and enjoy the evening concert:

In advance: Adult $28, Child $22.50.        Day of Show:  Adult $31, Child 25.50

Plus, on Saturday, August 24, you can take a workshop to learn about two types of dulcimers and learn the basics for playing them. Call the Park for details and to reserve your space.

To receive more information or a brochure on these and other Park centennial events, call the Park at 828-625-9611 or 1-800-277-9611, or visit  www.chimneyrockpark.com.

The Park is located just 2 miles west of the Lake Lure beach on Hwy. 64/74A in Chimney Rock, NC.