Caring Sharing. Vol. 34 Number 12 December Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

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1 Vol. 34 Number 12 December Lake Junaluska, NC /6 Junaluskans Social 10:00AM HCA 12/8 Handel s Messiah 7:30PM SA 12/9 Appalachian Christmas Craft Show 9:00AM-4:00PM HC The Cockman Family 2:00PM SA Junaluska Singers Concert 7:30PM SA 12/12 Junaluskans Christmas Dinner 5:30PM LI 12/14 Junaluskans Avimore Christmas Party 12/25 Merry Christmas 12/29 Celebration for Jack Ewing 2-4PM HCA 1/1/2018 Happy New Year Locations: HCA: Harrell Center Auditorium LI: Lambuth Inn SA: Stuart Auditorium Caring Sharing Condolences: Bishop Tom Stockton following death of wife, Jean Prayers: Lois Fulmer following surgery Let us be mindful in our prayers for all those among us who are missing loved ones this Christmas as well as those who are still recovering from health issues. Paul Davenport (828) gramsandgrandpapa@msn.com A happy Kathy Geyer McNeil with New (slightly used) Yamaha piano placed In Memorial Chapel to The Glory of God by anonymous givers. Deadline: Lake Views and News November 28th Diana Foederer, Editor (828) The President s Pen Paul Young Christmas at Lake Junaluska As we approach the Christmas season each year, we begin to think of friends and family and the gifts that we will give. As Junaluskans, we share our gifts throughout the year but especially at Christmas. As we think of the gifts of our time and money and participate in the many activities at Lake Junaluska it reminds us of the things that lift our spirits. Our spirits are lifted when we hear Pat Koonts tell about the Christmas meal and monetary gifts for the residents of Aviemore and how much it means to them, not only at Christmas but throughout the year as we participate in the Food Bank Program. Our spirits are lifted when we sign the Christmas Card at the Junaluskans Christmas dinner and we place our monetary gifts in the box. We know when we participate in this activity that we are helping others through scholarships and employee assistance. Our spirits are lifted when we volunteer to assist in the programs during Appalachian Christmas and we listen to the Junaluskan Singers concert and the singing of the Messiah. Mary Huff, Kathy McNeil, and the Singers show us that music and Christmas go together and they make Christmas come alive for us. Our spirits are lifted when Kathy McNeil leads our program of music at the Junaluskans Christmas Dinner and the volunteer choir sings. Kathy always has a bright spirit and is very generous with her talents. Our spirits are lifted when we see the Lake decked out with all the Christmas decorations. Don and Pat Rankin and all the volunteers work very hard to make Lake Junaluska merry and bright for all of us and the visitors to the Lake during Christmas. It is always rewarding to drive through the grounds and admire the beauty of this place and feel thankful that we have so many residents who are willing to volunteer their time and talents. I know those who visit also appreciate our Christmas decorations because Laura and I have heard them talking about how beautiful our grounds look. As we come to the last month of this calendar year we celebrate our faith heritage by thinking of, and helping others by having our souls nurtured through giving, music, and the beauty of the decorations. We are reminded again what a special place this is and what special people we have at Lake Junaluska. MERRY CHRISTMAS Directory 2018 Membership Announcement Yes, we will have a Junaluskan Picture Directory for It will need your picture, which will be taken by a professional photographer. Appointments will be during the Holston Conference, Western North Carolina Conference, and time before the 4th of July, Sat.Jun 30-July 3 and some time after the 4th, July 5,6,7, 8. Just in case we've missed anyone we will able be taking pictures during the Associates Weekend, Aug 2,3,4 and 5. If we all show up, the 3 ring binder and directory will be available before any of our neighbors go to warmer weather. Extra pluses: if you have any family members visiting you and they wish to have their photo taken, its possible. If you have a favorite dog that you would like to pose with, it can be done. There is even a chance that it may be available to have on your computer, laptop or mobile phone. Get ready to smile and let others enjoy you good looks. The committee that is working on this has Tammy Cox, Bob Hunter, Don Keck, Judy Starnes, Theresa Leatherwood, Daphne Chapman, Ed Russell and Jay Langford working together. Watch for more details coming. Don Keck, Chairman

2 Page 2 This n That. from APW Jack Over a late night snack of freshly sliced pineapple, a handful of not-yetstale Halloween M&Ms, a cup of non-flavored, non-sweetened black hot tea (the way God grows it) and 4 Ibuprophen to address a monstrous day-end headache, a conversation from a few years ago consumed my thoughts Three years ago, the former Director of Public Works for Lake Junaluska gave me a head s up about the job during my two-week orientation. Jack, there are interesting dynamics in our community here at the Lake, he mused. For instance, there are multiple stakeholders for governing our water and sewer system. It s a challenge to keep everyone on the same path. You ve got the Community Council. Officially they set the rates, but they ll want to tell you where to spend the Jack Carlisle, APW money, he counseled. They ll vote on things and try to tell you what to do. Remember. They are advisory to the Director of Public Works. You ve got the Board of Trustees. They own the system. They approve your budget for all the expenditures of Public Works including water and sewer, he said. Then there s the North Carolina Utility Commission (NCUC) in Raleigh. They are the ultimate authority dealing with water and sewer. In spite of the fact we ve been here all these years, they didn t know we existed until a few years ago. In 2011, they gave us an exemption from their regulation to allow the Community Council to set our rates. But what they gave, they can take away, my predecessor warned. They are always in the background. In mid-october, two members of the community each filed Formal Complaints with the NCUC against Lake Junaluska Assembly Inc. and Lake Junaluska Public Works over how we govern the water and sewer system. Both complaints requested that the NCUC take away our exemption and assume the role of setting our water and sewer rates. The complaints point to the way we re set up in our governing structure. Why do we have one body (Community Council) set the rates and another body (Board of Trustees) establish how the dollars are spent (the budget)? Admittedly, it creates issues. It muddies the role of the Community Council as the rate-setter but not the budgetapprover. We don t want to expend thousands of dollars in legal fees fighting the issue. In fact, it is a tension built into our governance system. The Board s APW Committee agrees. The Board of Trustees agrees. My boss and I both agree. So, in concurrence with the Formal Complaints, we re asking the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) if they agree. The result? The NCUC, as an outside arbiter, may again become our rate-setters, just as they do for any private owners of a utility system. For example, the NCUC oversees Duke Energy regarding our electric rates. As such, the NCUC would be the authority in setting our rates only for water and sewer. We would go through the formalities and expense of the NCUC regulatory system with the formalities of a rate setting process. We ll see how the NCUC responds. It ll be an adventure. On the North Carolina Utilities Commission website, you can read all of the filings about Lake Junaluska Assembly Inc. s water and sewer system. Here s how to get there: Google North Carolina Commission Docket Search Click on NCUC docket information North Carolina Utilities Commission Click on Docket Search within the page titled Docket Information Type W-1274 in the Docket Number field, Uncheck Exclude Closed Dockets, then Click the Search button. Coming Events Registration Open for Winter Youth Retreats Do you know a youth group looking for a fun retreat this winter? Help us spread the word about Winter Youth Retreats at Lake Junaluska! Lake Junaluska Winter Youth Retreats Schedule: December 29 January 1: Jeremy Steele (Speaker) and Jimmy Atkins (Worship Band). January 12 15: Celia Whitler (Speaker and Worship Band). Featuring comedian John Felts. January 26 28: Cecilia Tucker (Speaker) and The Advice (Worship Band) February 2 4: Chris Sasser (Speaker) and The Advice (Worship Band) February 16 19: Eddie Willis (Speaker) and Abbye West Pates (Worship Band). Featuring illusionist Joshua Lozoff. More information is available online at winteryouth Appalachian Christmas Concert Tickets on Sale Appalachian Christmas is a time for festive concerts at Lake Junaluska. Tickets are on sale for three concerts taking place December 8 & 9, Friday, Dec. 8 Handel s Messiah 7:30PM Saturday, Dec. 9 The Cockman Family, 2PM Saturday, Dec. 9 Lake Junaluska Singers 7:30PM Tickets are $23 reserved, $18 general admission. New Directory Pictures The new Junaluska Pictorial Directory Committee solicits pictures of your recent Junaluskan activities (made during Womans Club Tea 2017). Please send to Tammy Cox (tcox@lakejunaluska.com) by Jan. 30, NOTE: Digital pics only! A variety from which to choose would be appreciated and we thank you in advance. Theresa Leatherwood To the Junaluskans who donated all the candy for the residents at Aviemore for their Christmas Party. Your generousity shows the true meaning of giving to those who may be forgotten otherwise this special season. We appreciate your monthly response as well. The Aviemore Team

3 Page 3 Guiding Principles This is my 84 th and final column as the Executive Director of Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc. In this my last column, I share with you the guiding principles under which we have operated for these last seven years that I shared with the Board of Trustees in October. 1. Everything begins with mission. I know that people like to poke fun at me about my obsession with the mission statement. I readily admit that I am obsessed with it, not in a negative way but, I hope, in a very positive way. Great organizations are absolutely clear about what their mission is. Even though many of you laugh about my obsession with our mission statement, to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed though renewal of soul, mind, and body, I also know that most of you value our mission, know our mission, and own our mission. Being crystal clear about our mission has been fundamental to any success that we have experienced over these last seven years. 2. Fulfillment of our mission is tied directly to this place. You have heard me say over and over that these 1,200 acres are holy ground. I truly believe that they are. While it is a mystery to me that this place is more holy than some other places I believe that it is. It is holy because people experience the presence of the living God, the presence of the Holy Spirit, the presence of the risen Christ right here. I dare say that this is one of the most holy places on earth because of the sheer number of young people who have said yes to God s transforming love through Jesus Christ on these grounds. It is holy because of the number of United Methodist clergy who have been ordained here and the number of United Methodist Bishops who have been consecrated here. It is holy because of the people who recognize that this place is very special even if they are unable to explain why. We fulfill our mission on these grounds and no other place. 3. Attention to detail is an important key to success. If we have had some success in these last seven years it is partially because we have focused on the details. I have often said that the difference between mediocre and good organizations is attention to detail and the difference between good and great organizations is attention to detail. Some would say that I have been obsessed with things like the presence of weeds or the presence of trash or even the presence of dirt in the tracks of the elevator doors. I have been and so have many others who believed that paying attention to the details would result in success. I am most proud of the fact that the most of the attention to detail is not able to be seen but is reflected in the way in which we do our work, out of sight, behind the scenes, without the knowledge of our residents or guests. You have heard it said that it is the little things that make the difference. Absolutely! 4. Staff are the key to fulfilling our mission. You can have a great mission statement for your organization but if you do not have staff who buy into the mission and are willing to work to fulfill it you will not succeed. We have worked hard to find the right people to work at Lake Junaluska. We have subscribed to the Jim Collins school of thought that you must get the right people on the bus and the in the right seat on the bus. One of the things of which I am most proud is the commitment we have made to identify the gifts that our staff have and to place them in positions that allow them to use these gifts for their own personal sense of accomplishment and for the benefit of the organization. 5. We have been firmly committed to treating all employees with fairness, equity, and respect. We have attempted to motivate employees by encouragement, recognition, and rewards in ways that they value most. Our practice of sharing equally with all employees after we have ended the year with a positive balance is an example of this. We have worked to compensate our staff competitively although we know we are not where we would like to be. We have established a goal to provide a living wage for all full-time staff. I was unable to accomplish this goal but it is one that I hope will be fulfilled in the future. 6. Being a non-profit does not mean you should not make a profit. For some people the word profit is not associated with an organization like Lake Junaluska. As most of you know, I have used this word freely. I am more comfortable with not-for-profit than I am with the name non-profit. We do not exist to make a profit; we exist to fulfill our mission. But if we do not have more revenue coming in than expenses going out, over time, we will no longer cease to exist. Therefore, we have operated over these last seven years with the goal of ending the year in the black, of making a profit. Whenever we have made a profit we have shared that profit back with the staff and invested back into the infrastructure for the purpose of sustainability. 7. Do the right thing. By far, the most important guiding principle that we have operated under is to always do the right thing. I have learned over these last 23 years of leading institutions and organizations that making important decisions should always begin with the question, What is the right thing to do? For us, rightness is based on the Golden Rule. Another question we often ask is, What is in the best interests of the whole organization/community? Finally, we operate under the belief that decisions made behind closed doors and the logic that backs them should be made as if they had been made in public. We are committed to be leaders with integrity. It is my most sincere hope that Lake Junaluska will continue to operate under these six guiding principles long after I am retired. It has been a true honor and privilege to serve these last seven years. I close my time with you using the same words that I used as I greeted you seven years ago, The Future is Bright! Jack Ewing, Executive Director

4 Page 4 A note of appreciation from Barbara Borom Many prayers, love and concern were offered from the Junaluska community the past 11 months, supporting me during my health challenge. November 15th I received good reports after tests and medical consults in Houston. Thanks be to God and for each of you. Happy Holidays! One of our joys at Christmas is helping students choose school clothes! Thank you for helping these boys and girls through your donations and support! Fellowship Group Coordinators Please gather the following information from your group members: 1. Number of people who will be sitting at your group's table for the Christmas Dinner -- Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 at the Lambuth. 2. Group member or members who will be decorating your table for the dinner. Each group's table decorations are to be determined by the group. There is no one theme for the dinner. After the dinner group members just remove their Sylvia Russell Clothes to Kids Sarah & Bob Hunter decorating at the Lake. Junaluska Woman s Clu b Presents Appalachian Christmas Craft Show Saturday, December 9 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Harrell Center Auditorium, Susan Todd Lounge, and Room 202 decorations. 3. Remind your group members that the "Christmas Card" will be available at the Junaluskans' Christmas Dinner to receive contributions for our Employee Assistance/ Scholarship Fund Cost per ticket is $17.00 and attendees can get tickets at the Welcome Center. Coordinators need to get a list of the people who will be sitting at their Fellowship Group table(s) to Peggy Ledbetter by Friday, noon December 8th. You can the list to Peggy pledbetter@lakejunaluska.com) or take the list to her at the Administration Building front desk. She needs names, not just numbers. Tables may be decorated beginning at 3:00 on the afternoon of the 12th. The staff must clear and set up the tables after lunch. Remember that your group members must clear decorations from the table after the dinner and program. The scholarship fundraiser Christmas card will be at the Lambuth Dining Room Door. If you have any questions, let me know. Thanks for your help with this festive Special moments with Jack.all around the Lake 4th of July Parade Christmas Parade on the Trolly Jack as Atkins Playground Dedication Buddy s Retirement Party Renovated Terrace Hotel 100th Year Celebration

5 JUNALUSKANS FINANCIAL REPORT Page 5 Steve Berwager, Treasurer 772 BUDGET January - October November YTD Balance AMOUNT Bank Balance: as of 11/28/2017 $45, OVER/UNDER BUDGET RECEIPTS: Flea Market $12, $14, $0.00 $14, $2, Member Contributions $11, $12, $40.00 $12, $1, Miscellaneous (brought forward from 2016) $9, $1, $50.00 $1, ($8,000.00) Miscellaneous Gifts $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Tent Fund Transfer $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 TOTAL INCOME $33, $28, $90.00 $28, ($4,515.33) EXPENSES: Administration Printing/LV&N Copies $3, $1, $0.00 $1, ($1,543.96) Directory $1, $1, $0.00 $1, ($203.84) Fund Raising $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($200.00) Postage $ $ $0.00 $ ($53.89) Supplies $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Total Administration $5, $2, $0.00 $2, ($2,001.69) Services & Beautification Asbury Trail $1, $ $60.83 $1, $9.40 Gardens, Rosewalk $3, $3, $0.00 $3, ($735.58) Inspiration Point $1, $1, $0.00 $1, $0.00 Biblical Garden $ $ $0.00 $ $0.00 Corneille Bryan Native Garden $1, $1, $0.00 $1, $0.00 Environment (Lake Clean-Up) $ $ $0.00 $ ($17.69) Seasonal Decorations $2, $1, $0.00 $1, ($463.49) Swan Feeding Program $ $ $ $ $4.57 Total Services & Beautification $10, $9, $ $9, ($1,202.79) Ministries & Fellowship Caring & Sharing $ $0.00 $0.00 ($200.00) Community Chorus $ $ $0.00 $ $0.00 Lake Junaluska Singers $ $1, $0.00 $1, $ Heritage Center $ $ $0.00 $ $17.95 Junaluskans Dinners/Programs $2, $1, $ $1, ($859.59) Clothes For Kids $ $ $0.00 $ $0.00 Library $ $ $0.00 $ $0.00 Live & Learn $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Lja Staff Christmas Party $ $ $0.00 $ $0.00 Book Review $ $0.00 ($200.00) Childcare $ $ $0.00 $ $0.00 Internet Service $ $ $0.00 $ $28.00 Haywood Community Band $ $ $0.00 $ $0.00 Total Ministries & Fellowship $6, $5, $ $6, ($2,355.90) Miscellaneous & Special Projects $1, $2, $47.08 $2, $1, TOTAL EXPENSES $23, $20, $ $21, ($7,812.78) PROFIT/LOSS (MONTHLY INCOME LESS EXPENSES) $9, $7, ($284.63) $7, $4, JUNALUSKANS SPECIAL PROJECTS Beginning Balance INCOME EXPENSE YTD BALANCE p COMMUNITY CHORUS FUND $6, $10, $11, $5, p EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE $10, $1, $6, $4, p JUNALUSKANS DESIGNATED GIFTS $2, $2, p ATHLETIC FIELD BEHIND BETHEA WELCOME CE $8, $ $8, p VESPERS FUND $2, $ $1, $1, p SEASONAL DECORATIONS MEMORIAL $ $2, $ $1, p LICENSE TAGS $70.00 $70.00 p BEAUTIFICATION DAY $5.00 $5.00 p FOOD MINISTRY $1, $3, $2, $2, p TENT FUND $4, $1, $ $6, p LIVE AND LEARN $1, $25.00 $25.00 $1, TOTAL $39, $39, $0.00 $ Endowment Fund as of 10/31/2017 $9, $5, $8,944.63