Monday, July 21, 2008

Summer Sunday Concert - The Cockman Family

Sunday, July 20, 2008

The second Summer Sunday Concert of 2008, sponsored by Fred and Margie Pfohl, featured The Cockman Family, a Gospel/Bluegrass band.




The setting in and around the gazebo is always a great venue for this much anticipated event. Five concerts are scheduled for 2008, each Sunday from July 13th to August 10th. Check www.fredsgeneral/events.htm to see which band will be performing each Sunday.
As always, people came in droves with their folding chairs, blankets and a light jacket, sweater or umbrella - just in case. No one left disappointed. Thanks to Fred and Margie for sponsoring this great series for all to enjoy.


Thursday, July 17, 2008

New Bear Ordinance


photo courtesy of www.ncwildlife.org

Many items were discussed at the July 5th Town Hall Meeting, none as heart wrenching as the story of the bear problem here on Beech Mtn. Much thanks is given to Susan Haberton for providing the information she has worked so diligently to get concerning this issue.

For some unknown reason, we have one or more people who have decided to feed the bears! One would think common sense would preclude this practice, especially after information from experts have been provided to those feeding the bears. It is a state violation to feed bears anywhere in North Carolina. However, reports have been received that this practice continues to the point that the town had to enact its own ordinance prohibiting anyone from feeding bears within town limits and assessing a $1000 first offense fine to anyone participating in this practice. Should it continue past this stage, state wildlife officers would be called in and much stiffer fines and/or jail time could result.

Beech Mountain existed solely for wild animals and Indians for many generations before it was permanently settled. These animals should be respected and enjoyed 'from a distance'. I know first hand it is well meant to assist in feeding the animals, especially when summer visitors feed the animals, then leave for the winter when the animals need food the most. At the very least, we are contributing to their dependency on humans to provide sustenance; in the worst case, as in the case of feeding bears, we are creating a safety issue for the bears as well as property and humans.

Unfortunately, if the state steps in their policy is not to relocate the animals as they feel it is simply transferring the problem elsewhere. To protect the humans that created the problem in the first place would most probably result in the death of the bear, whether adult or cub. There are currently 13 known 'problem' bears created by this unfortunate circumstance. This could result in 13 bears losing their lives because of either misunderstanding or ignorance. Either way, it is a human error which could result in innocent deaths.

The state website to educate yourself on bears and living in proximity to them is http://www.ncwildlife.org/news_stories/pg00_NewsRelease/042908_Commission_Offers_Tips_for_Dealing_with_Black_Bears.htm. It would be advantageous for each Beech Mountain resident or visitor to educate themselves by reading the invaluable information in this article, as well as other articles on the ncwildlife.org website concerning other animals.

Let's all work to co-exist with these beautiful creatures...from a distance and with respect.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Fireworks this Saturday, July 12th

July 7, 2008
Fireworks Update

The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce and The Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department will be having their annual 4th of July fireworks show on Saturday night, July 12th, at dusk. The fireworks display was delayed after fog rolled in after the 47th Annual Hog Roast last Saturday night. Have dinner at one of our local restaurants, then come to the Ski Beech View Haus for the viewing of the fireworks. For further information, please call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-468-5506 or locally 387-9283.




Saturday, July 5, 2008

47th Annual Pig Roast...a Great Success

July 5, 2008

Although the weather threatened to wash us all away earlier in the day, the timing was perfect when the clouds departed and the rain moved on at just after 5:00 p.m. - just in time for the meat to be delivered and the final preparations for the Pig Roast to be put in place.



The volunteers, as always, outdid themselves and there were no complaints that I heard while taking tickets for the dinner. The mood was very upbeat and jovial.
The volunteer fire fighters had their hands full getting the meat cooked through the night and braving the weather throughout the day. But in the end, the meat turned out perfect and well worth the $7/lb. for the turkey and $6/lb. for the pork for the meat that was not used for the dinner.


Our ticket sellers were decked out in their patriotic glory and smiles.



Not to be left out, the kids danced, lit sparklers and seemed to have a very good time.




We really could not have had much better weather, even though some lingering fog postponed the fireworks display until next Saturday, July 12th.






Residents and visitors alike had lots of fun and plenty of good food. What a great event! A great job done by the Chamber of Commerce and all of those who helped to make this event a success.