CROWFIELDS · Garden Gal – page 10 Nature’s Nook – pages 11 & 12 New Neighbors – page 13...

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In Asheville, amid the mountains of western North Carolina

Dear Crowfields Residents:

As the current editor of the Chatter, I would like to inform the

community that I will no longer be including creative writing pieces of

work, such as poems, versus, short stories, etc. in the Chatter.

I will not take the time to get into the reasons why this decision was

made, but I will say that all past creative pieces were welcomed by me

without bias or agenda. I never read or edited for content any piece

that was submitted.

As for all you creative writers in the community, hopefully you can find

another way to distribute your works.

Mary D’Amore, editor, Crowfields Chatter

CROWFIELDS

CHATTER

The following information

is featured in this issue:

Property Manager’s Report –

page 2

Calling All Mermaids – Page 4

CCA Meetings – page 5

Committee News – pages 5 & 6

Activities & Events for the

Month – page 7

More Information on Activities/

Events – pages 8 & 9

Garden Gal – page 10

Nature’s Nook – pages 11 & 12

New Neighbors – page 13

Contributions from the

Community – pages 13 & 14

Employees BBQ – Page 15

************************ Edited & Published by Mary D’Amore

If you have ideas or an article or

picture for the Chatter, please contact

Mary at 774-6505 or

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Crowfields Property Manager’s Report

As I write this article, we have been experiencing many days of heavy rainfall. I guess the saying is true - when it rains, it pours. For some reason I don’t think that

particularly meant water from the sky; however, in this instance, I know it has little to do with rainfall at all. In April, I was happy to report that the two full time positions had been filled and we were on our way to a promising summer of catch-up work on the grounds. Well, unfortunately, this is where water had little to do with the aforementioned saying. Both new hires left shortly after their start dates. To be exact, one worked eight hours and did not return and the other worked eighty hours and turned in their notice. One made no comment as to why they left and the other stated the job was more labor intensive than expected. So now we’re back to square one. On top of that, our full-time employee Brian Bowers left in early April, (a planned exit) and to add insult to injury, Caroline our part time pruning guru left us in early May. A tale of woe for our already delayed grounds maintenance program. Fortunately, some relief is coming in the way of part time employees for the summer. One employee from last summer is retuning in mid-June and two others, one here now and the other to follow in the next few days. I have reached out to the Haywood Community College Horticulture Department and inquired if they have any interested applicants, as they may have just graduated or they may be out for summer break. No luck there so far. I have even resorted to asking other lawn care companies if they have or know of someone that would be interested in full time employment with benefits. Wouldn’t you know it, unemployment is at an all-time low, making it even more difficult to find qualified applicants. Those who are willing to inquire always ask that dreaded but most important question, how much does the job pay? Well to be perfectly honest I don’t know what your qualifications are so I can’t reasonably answer that. Their rebuttal, can you pay me “X” amount per hour, if not I am moving on. Of course, I can’t. Well that’s where the conversation ends. As before an ad will be placed with an online job listing site soon to see what’s out there. Let’s see how it goes this time around. For all the aquatic enthusiast out there, THE POOL IS OPEN. James and J.T. worked feverishly for the past few weeks to insure the pool would be ready for opening day. All work went smoothly and no surprises were encountered as they neared opening day. This year’s pool inspection (conducted by Buncombe County Health Department) included a post dusk lighting inspection. J.T. meet with the pool inspector after dusk to ensure that the proper lighting requirements were meet. The actual pool inspection was conducted the following day with all requirements of both being met and a valid permit in hand, the pool was opened on May 11th. There are three employees here that hold Certified Pool and Spa licenses. They are all responsible for insuring that the water chemistry is near perfect for your swimming comfort. J.T. especially takes great pride in insuring that the pool water and patio furniture is ready for your daily visit. Let me not forget Pete’s efforts, as he has added lovely flowering plants around the pool area for your visual delight. I hope everyone has the opportunity to visit and enjoy this relaxing amenity.

Continued on next page

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In the coming weeks and month Pete and staff members will be pruning seasonally appropriate shrubs.

This may include rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and other spring blooming shrubs. Best pruning

practices will be used where appropriate. In many cases rejuvenated pruning techniques will be used. This

approach is not always favored by most onlookers because the plant is reduced to a smaller more

compact size, but often this is the best approach when trying to eliminate pests (such as bores), disease

damage, over grown and leggy plants. Typically, plants that exhibit flush new growth at the grown or on

off shoot limbs of the plant will be pruned in this manner. Shrubs in this heathy state do respond better

to rejuvenating pruning techniques.

Also, any building being painted this year will receive shrubbery pruning. Sometimes severe pruning is

needed to allow access for the pre-paint repair work and of course the painters when they arrive. It is

better to conduct controlled pruning instead of the plant being damaged by ladders, power washers or

any other damaging activity that could be detrimental to the plant. All workmen are instructed to be

mindful and careful while working around our mature plants but accidental damage does occur. We do

insist they report any such damage to us so we can respond accordingly. Buildings on the 2018 paint cycle

are O, P, Q R, S, T, U, V, A and B clusters.

Other shrubs that pose potential safety risks will also be pruned or possibly eliminated altogether. Shrubs

that will be addressed are located at poor line-of-sight intersections. Many intersections have become

blocked by overgrown junipers and other evergreen plants. In most cases junipers do not generate new

growth from old wood (the branch below green needle growth), that is why some plants will need to be

removed. They may be replaced with a more appropriate plant or we may simply redesign the bed

altogether. Intersections that will be affected are Clubhouse Drive @ Crowfields Drive. C, D and E cul-de-

sac @ Crowfields Drive and possibly a couple other parking areas that enter directly onto Lane or Drive.

Safety is paramount for walkers and drivers alike and that is why I feel this work must be done.

Summer is only a few weeks away and soon we will be attending the annual Employee Appreciation

picnic. I look forward to seeing you there so we can share some great food and light-hearted camaraderie.

Until then, enjoy the bounty of life we have been given.

Charles Bennett, CCA Property Manager

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Calling All Mermaids by Aileen Estra

Great news for all you swimmers and sunbathers—the Crowfields pool is now open! The water is perfect and pristine, and the temperature is a constant 83 degrees—pleasantly warm, yet cool enough to be refreshing when the summer sun is blazing. Comfy lounge chairs, high-top tables and canvas umbrellas make the space perfect for a quiet lunch with a friend, or an afternoon of sunbathing. Crowfields Building Maintenance Supervisor JT

Hollingsworth has been the man in charge of preparing our

pool every Spring for the past twelve years. JT is an Aquatic

Technician, one of three certified Pool and Spa Operators here at Crowfields. It’s a certification that must be

renewed every five years, so it’s safe to say that they all are up-to-date on the latest pool technology.

Preparation of our pool takes about two weeks. Once the pool cover is removed, the entire area is pressure-

washed, repairs made to the concrete, paint touched up and filters replaced. The pump, sand filter and heater are

serviced, and the pool lights are checked for proper operation.

Once the pool is filled, the pool water is treated with Triclor chlorine tablets, maintained throughout the season at a

low, two-parts-per-million chlorine level. Precise management of the PH and alkalinity of our pool means that the

chemicals will be kinder to your swimsuit and are less likely to make your skin itch.

When JT is satisfied with the PH and Alkalinity, inspectors are called in to check that pool conditions meet the strict

guidelines set by the Buncombe County Health Department. (A surprise second visit by the Health Department will

occur sometime in mid-summer, so the crew has to stay on top of things throughout the season.) Our Crowfields

pool has never failed an inspection—in fact, the inspectors have consistently commented on the exceptionally

pristine quality of the water. Hats off to you, JT

JT was also in charge of the recent rebuilding of the bridge by the Japanese garden.

And what a task that was! The Grounds crew accomplished most of the work during

the winter months, putting aside their lawn mowers and pruning shears in favor of

saws and hammers. The entire job took about four months to complete.

First, the old bridge had to be demolished, and the material carted away for eventual

repurposing. A tractor was brought in to lay down two 32-foot steel I-beams across

Dingle Creek. Pressure-treated lumber and Kona composite decking material was

used to build the actual structure of the bridge, with aluminum balusters and six-by-

six posts installed for added stability. The composite is amazingly strong and durable,

impervious to rot, and won’t need to be painted. Using this material gives the bridge

a 30-40-year lifespan. As a final touch, JT and James installed solar light collectors along the length of the bridge,

creating visual interest, and making the structure usable for evening strolls.

I can’t pretend to understand all the mechanics involved in the building of this lovely bridge—terms like “fluting

grooves” and “I-beams” go right over my head—but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what a beautiful job our

guys have done. Kudos to JT and the entire Grounds crew on a job well done!

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CCA Meetings for June 2018

06/6 – EC Meeting 4:00 06/26 – EC Workshop 4:00

Committee News

Consolidation Update

The Bylaws Committee received the input from their requested revisions back from the attorney in early May.

They met several times during May to review his responses and finalize what they believe to be the final draft

that will go out to our community. This final draft must be approved by the attorney (with the bylaw changes

they have added in May) and then will be submitted to the Executive Committee for their review and approval.

A tentative timeline has been developed that would distribute the revised bylaws to our community via email

in late June or early July, and then community town halls will be held in July. These new and extensive bylaws

will govern Crowfields in the future. Stay positive and tuned in. Thank you for your patience!!! We will keep

you informed.

Meanwhile you might like to know that the new bylaws grant more voting power to the individual owners than

our current bylaws do. This increased voting power means that the owners will have a bigger voice in decision

making than is now the case.

Please feel free to reach out to any Consolidation or Bylaws Committee member with questions.

Social Committee – Details for the Crowfields Annual Employees Appreciation BBQ and

Celebration scheduled for Friday, June 29th @ 12:00 noon is location on the last page of this Chatter.

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More Committee News

Website/Communications Committee – The Website/Communications Committee has resumed

its meetings after an extended spring break. We are actively reassessing all items posted on the Resident’s

(Private) website to determine if they are still current and where the responsibility lies for maintaining the

origination document(s). We are also reassessing our maintenance procedures making sure they are

streamlined and efficient and up-to-date so that future Website chairs and committee members will have a

clear understanding of the standards and procedures that have been established for our website. Please take a

couple moments to view our Member’s website. We welcome all feedback and suggestions. If you would like a

little help signing on to our website, feel free to contact any of our committee members: Jim Crook, Kirk

Douglass, Georgette Love, and Laney Siegel. Regards, Mary D’Amore, committee chair

Members Website Sign-in Information: http://crowfieldsasheville.com/for-residents/

Username: crowfields

Password: Trees4ever! (case sensitive)

Wildlife Study Ad-Hoc Committee – The Crowfields Wildlife Study Committee would like to thank

all residents who participated in the recent survey concerning our resident geese population. Once all of the

survey information is consolidated and analyzed, the committee will present the findings to the community at

a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, June 25, at 5 p.m. in the community building. Residents will be able to ask

questions and offer additional input at that time. Members of the committee are Dan Constant (chairman),

Georgette Love, Ellen James, Greg Silliman, George Watson, Bobby Ray, Jerry Crow and David Slobodan.

Crowfields’ Health Items Need A Home

We, Crowfields, have a good selection of Home Help Items now stowed in the

basement of 433, which I own. I will be selling 433 shortly and the items (Wheel

Chairs, Crutches, Potty Chairs, Walkers, etc.) need a new home. Trust me when I say it is not much

work and very rewarding. We also have a regular size electric (up and down only) bed that needs a

new home. Thanks, Legette Zorn 827-505-4587

http://crowfieldsasheville.com/for-residents/

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Activities & Events for the Month

Refer also to the online Activities Billboards and monthly calendars available on Crowfields Members website, which

can be printed if desired. For general activities questions, please contact Helen Eill or Bonnie Gordon. Contact persons

for specific activities are indicated in blue following the activity listing below. Updates and reminders for activities and

events are communicated via the Weekly Activities Reminder distributed by the Crowfields Office.

Mondays

9:00 Crowfields Walkers (and/or @ 4:00) (Helen Eill)

10:00 Men’s Coffee & Conversation (Mike Herzoff)

11:00 Water Aerobics Group (Jim Addison)

2:00 Crafts & Conversation (Virginia West/Adrienne Williams)

7:00 Movie Night (Helen Eill)

6/4 – All the Money in the World/Williams & Plummer/Scott

6/18 – No Movie

Tuesdays

10:30 Senior Exercise (Elizabeth Addison)

7:00 Book Discussion Group (Fran Myers)

6/26 – A Gentleman in Moscow/Towles

Wednesdays


10:00 Bridge (Geri Silliman)

1:30 Mah Jongg (Anne Simmons)

2:00 Water Aerobics Group (Jim Addison)

6:30 Simple Suppers (Carol Schmidt)

6/6 – Ceci’s Kitchen/Chicken Piccata

6/13 – Carrabba’s/Roast Salmon

6/20 – Cinnamon Kitchen/Lamb/Chicken

6/27 – Moe’s BBQ/Fried Chicken

Thursdays

10:30 Senior Exercise (Elizabeth Addison)

1:00 Hand & Foot Cards (Virginia West)

1:00 Crowfields Writers (6/28) (Elizabeth Addison) (718 Ln)

5:30 Bocce (Gil Estra)

Fridays


11:00 Chair Chi (Maggie Crowell)

12:00 Employee BBQ (on 6/29) – see last page

1:30 Presentation (6/8) – see next page

5:30 First Fridays Social (6/1) (Carol Schmidt)

6:00 Pot Luck Dinner (6/15) (Adrienne Williams) – see next page

OUT & ABOUT

EVENTS

See Page 9

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More Information on Activities/Events

Pot Luck Dinners – Summer is finally here! It’s time for Fun in the Sun. A

swim in the pool and dining alfresco. Our June Potluck, weather permitting, we will dine

in the screened porch. Our theme this month is Simply Salad. See y’all at the

Clubhouse June 15th. Dinner @ 6:00pm. Teas & Lemonade will be available. Bring your

drink of choice and perhaps your neighbor. Questions? Call/Text Adrienne Williams at 847-271-6134

10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia

Every time I reach for a word that I can't find; whenever I forget why I came into the kitchen;

when the bill I want to pay isn't where I am sure I put it, I worry. Is this it? Am I losing

it? Where will this end? If this is a shadow under which I live, I know that other people are in the same place.

Denise Young, the Regional Manager of the Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, will speak at

Crowfields Clubhouse on June 8th at 1:30pm. She will tell us about the 10 early warning signs

that really mean that something is happening. Acting quickly, getting an early diagnosis increases our chances

of remaining independent for the longest time possible.

Come with questions; let her calm our fears. Find out when to worry and when to laugh.

CROWFIELDS WALKERS

If you like to walk, but also like to walk with company let's meet.

Crowfields’ Walkers meet at the Clubhouse to walk Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

If you are an early riser, come at 9:00am. If you like the afternoons, come at 4:00pm.

If you REALLY like to walk, make it both times.

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Out and About in April

June 9 (Saturday) "Full Monty" at Asheville Community Theatre, downtown. Tickets $25-32, share

parking fee. Carpool leaves clubhouse at 6:30 pm for 7:30 curtain. Reservations required! Make your

own reservation or call Bonnie 828-773-1809 for tickets. June 1 deadline to sign up for group tickets,

after that you're on your own.

June 12 (Tuesday) Tour River Arts District with lunch at 12 Bones. This is a walking tour, wear

appropriate footwear as the parking lot is not paved. Carpool departs clubhouse at 10:00 am, return

about 3:00 pm. See the artists at work, find the perfect Father's Day gift, be inspired to create your

own art. Famous 12 Bones barbeque restaurant has hosted the Obamas as well as the most of the

major names in North Carolina.

June 18-21 (Monday through Thursday) Buncombe Chatauqua Presentations at A-B Tech. Chatauqua

was a popular educational and cultural movement before TV. Traveling celebrities and musical

troupes gave lectures and performances throughout the country. Each night a different costumed

interpreter will assume the persona of a historical personality and present a lecture about his/her life

and times. A musical performance accompanies each lecture. Tickets at door are $5 each night.

Carpool leaves clubhouse at 6:15 pm for 7:00 curtain.

June 18 (Monday) Winston Churchill

June 19 (Tuesday) Harriet Tubman

June 20 (Wednesday) Alice Paul

June 21 (Thursday) Francis Marion

Call Bonnie 828-773-1809 for reservations or more details.

June 29 (Friday) Midsummer Night's Dream. Shakespeare by the Montford Park Players in the outdoor

theater. Free admission but they will pass the hat. There are 3 places available in the carpool or you

can meet us at the clubhouse and drive yourself. Bring a lawn chair. Carpool departs 6:00 pm, return

about 9:30 pm. Call Bonnie (828-773-1809), if you need more information.

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Garden Gal by Aileen Estra

My husband and I were out walking the other day, enjoying the gorgeous weather and admiring the flowering

dogwoods along Crowfields Drive. As we crested the hill leading down to the Clubhouse, we spied residents Darrell

Hardister and Randy Langley setting up a camera on the lawn between Clusters E and F. We strolled over to see

what was going on.

“It’s a nesting pair of red-shouldered hawks,” Darrell explained, adjusting his telephoto lens and clicking off a rapid-

fire series of shots. “With three chicks!”

We looked up and, sure enough, there was the mother hawk and her chicks, plainly visible amid the branches of a

tall stand of trees. As we watched, the father returned to the nest, carrying dinner for his babies—in this case, a

small yellow snake. The largest of the chicks stretched, wings flapping, giving us a perfect view of its soft, downy

feathers. We watched, mesmerized. Randy ran home to get his camera.

Time passed, and other residents began to notice the commotion. John and Diane Martin wandered over from

across the street, Paulette Webb stopped by with her dog, and Carol Schmidt walked up the hill to join our happy

little band of nature lovers. She said that this is the second year the hawks have returned to the same nest. I guess

they like the neighborhood!

Cars began stopping in the middle of Crowfields Drive, residents popping out to catch a glimpse of the hawks. Robin

Hardister arrived to join her husband on the lawn. It was a spontaneous block party, a celebration of nature, and a

tribute to everything that is wonderful about our Crowfields community!

Red shouldered hawks are a fairly common species in our area. They are easily recognized by the reddish feathers

on either shoulder, and by their distinctive whistling cry. They are monogamous, often returning to the same nest

year after year. Red shouldered hawks inhabit woodlands, feeding on frogs, rodents and small snakes. The main

environmental impact to the species has been deforestation, so I’m glad we’re able to offer this fine couple a safe

home here at Crowfields.

If you have time, stop by the area to see our visitors. The chicks—called eyas—recently left the nest but will

likely remain in our neighborhood for the summer. In the meantime, here are a few of Darrell’s beautiful photos

for you to enjoy! For pictures of the hawks, see next two pages.

Don’t forget to send me your gardening/landscaping questions to [email protected].


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Crowfields

Nature’s Nook

The brief note (below) was sent in by Janet Moore back in April but never made it into

the April issue. As it happens, I am glad the note was held, because it works well with

both the Garden Gal and the pictures in this June issue. The following is what Janet provided:

Pictures by Darrell Hardister

On the bird front…. we have a pair of nesting red shouldered hawks in an oak tree on Crowfields Drive

behind unit 217. This is the same tree that held a red shouldered hawk’s nest about two years ago, but a

wind storm destroyed it. These lovely hawks know a good place when they see one. Currently the birds are

sitting on the nest but expect to see fuzzy little white heads in a few weeks, when spring is in full swing.

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New Neighbors

Anne Pastreich moved into Y440 in May along with her little dog, Zazzie, a yorkie maltese mix. She moved

here from San Francisco, and after owning a cabin near Cherokee she decided that Asheville would suit her

well. Anne grew up in rural Pennsylvania, graduated from Penn State, and then did one year of graduate study

at Cornell, but bolted academia for two years in the Peace Corps/Chile where she did community organizing

and married a fellow volunteer. They moved to Cambridge, MA and raised their two sons, and are now

separated but on friendly terms; he helped her move into Crowfields. Anne’s career included working as a

program administrator, a building manager, and was the first female firefighter to be hired in Lexington, MA at

the age of 48. After her children were grown, she returned to Latin America and worked for Habitat for

Humanity for 4 years: Nicaragua, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras. She eventually retired to Surfside, FL where she

worked in a plant nursery and fell in love with gardening. A cross country move to San Francisco for 7 years,

and now here at Crowfields. Welcome Anne Pastreich at 440 Drive, tel. 415 795-0131,

[email protected].

Contributions from our Community

An Off-Campus Event Review – Mutts Gone Nuts by Ellen James

Three dog-loving Crowfielders attended a recent Sunday matinee performance of the touring group, Mutts

Gone Nuts, back by popular demand on the mainstage at the Flat Rock Playhouse. Although hard to describe

the act, it was a mix of rescue dogs who went from living in a pound to becoming amazing trick performing

artists with the mission to support animal rescue. The group includes high flying frisbee dogs, tight-wire

specialists, dancing dogs, a high jumper, and even a double Dutch jump roper. A two-legged musician adds to

the fun of this family-friendly show. Not your typical Flat Rock musical!

This show was a limited engagement but check out the summer/fall schedule at flatrockplayhouse.org to find

upcoming performances.

Resident Bonnie Gordon has been organizing off campus activities for Crowfields so watch for future

announcements from the Activities Committee for trips to nearby sites and venues and enjoy some time off

campus with your neighbors.


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HipHipHooray! Megan and Harry Are Married!

Submitted by Adrienne Williams

On May 19th, 12 Crowfields residents came to the Clubhouse to celebrate the Royal Wedding. All guests

arrived by 6am, parading down the main aisle of the Clubhouse in their wedding PJs accessorized with

glittering jewelry and handmade hats. It was a paparazzi’s delight!! We shared tidbits of articles we had read

and rumors we heard from media sources about Harry and Meghan.

We anxiously watched the Bride and Groom enter the Chapel. Harry, chatting with William...smiling, shedding

a thoughtful tear. We sat silently in our seats. As if actually present at the ceremony. And smiled along with

the beautiful couple pledging their love with sacred vows.

We watched English Royalty meet Hollywood. We heard from the famed Boys Choir and an exuberant Gospel

Choir. We listened to Princess Diana’s eldest sister and a dynamic Episcopalian Preacher.

We sipped tea and coffee. We toasted the Newlyweds with mimosas and enjoyed a fine buffet.

This was a fun event followed by refreshing naps. Thanks to all who made our function so

DELIGHTFUL!

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Crowfields Annual Employees Appreciation BBQ and Celebration

WHEN: Friday, June 29th @ 12:00 noon

WHERE: Crowfields Clubhouse

WHY: To celebrate our Crowfields staff—maintenance and grounds and office—and their

families

WHAT: By “pigging out” on some delicious picnic fare from Publix, including crisp fried

chicken, smoky BBQ pulled pork with gourmet sauces, potato salad, Southern slaw,

deviled eggs, Hawaiian rolls, fresh watermelon, and a gourmet selection of cookies.

Sweet and un-sweet tea and lemonade will also be available. Cost to residents is the

same as last year: $16.50 per person.

HOW: Beginning at 12:10, our property manager Charles Bennett will briefly introduce

staff members and their families. Following a blessing and a brief moment of giving

thanks, we will, once again, “break bread” together. To reserve your place, please

make out checks to: Crowfields Social Fund and place them in the box in the

Clubhouse which has been designated for that purpose. No reservations will be

held without accompanying payment.

We would also like to provide each employee with a bonus to show our

appreciation for their hard work year-round, and so you will have the opportunity to

write a separate check, made out to Crowfields Staff Bonus Fund, and place it in

its designated collection box in the Clubhouse.

Reservation sign-up sheets will be put in all Crowfields mailboxes on May 30th,

giving you adequate time to respond before the cut-off date, which is 5 p.m. on

Friday, June 22nd. No reservations can be taken after that time, as final

numbers need to be gotten to the caterer.

Remember also that after the BBQ the Clubhouse pool is for the exclusive use of

our employees and their families.

CROWFIELDS · Garden Gal – page 10 Nature’s Nook – pages 11 & 12 New Neighbors – page 13...

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