JANUARY 2021 Life at Crowfields

Happy New Year from the 2021 Board of Directors!

Not many of us are sad to see 2020 in our rearview mirrors! A difficult year for all and tragic for so many in the world. In addition to the serious consequences of COVID came so many smaller challenges – like trying to pull our community together when we were unable to meet or socialize in person. Inside This Issue Your Board of Directors tried – we really did! – to devise ways to communicate with all of you and be “transparent” in our Meet the new Board 2 transactions. Some 2020 efforts were successful, and some Website Committee 7 really missed the mark. But we start 2021 with a clean slate Need a Resolution? 8 and a genuine desire to find more ways to interact with the Meet New Residents 9 community so we can all get to know each other better and The Property Manager’s work together for the benefit of Crowfields. Report 11 Mythology in the Garden 12

Covid Updates 16

Outdoor Holiday Decoration PLEASE JOIN US VIA ZOOM FOR MONTHLY. . . Contest Announcement 17 BOARD MEETINGS ( 1st Tuesday) In Memoriam 18 BOARD WORK SESSIONS (last Tuesday) From the Kitchen 119 THE ZOOM LINK WILL BE SENT TO ALL OWNERS, PRIOR TO THOSE MEETINGS. The Crowfields Chatter is edited by Send your comments, suggestions, questions and concerns Janet Moore, and published by to the Crowfields Board of Directors New Email: Gayle Connell. If you have ideas, an article or photos you would like to submit, contact Janet at [email protected] 778-9300 or [email protected]

“Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” --Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1960

Page 2 Meet the new Board of Directors

Deb Patterson, President 524 Crowfields Lane I am a four-year resident of Crowfields and delighted to be serving Crowfields as a first time Board member. As President, I look forward to joining our eight other Board members who are committed community representatives. The Board recognizes how the social restrictions required by the pandemic have impacted our community. This opens the door to creative ways to address the communication and social needs to keep our community informed and safe. The Board’s success depends on community participation. This can be accomplished by joining a committee, participating in a social event or simply by letting one of us know what you’re thinking. One of the perks of this position is getting to know more of my neighbors. If you have questions, suggestions or just want to talk, I can be reached at 828-252-5348.

Parker Moore, Vice President 413 Crowfields Drive

This my first term on the BOD, and we have lived in Crowfields for 10 years now. I have served on the Grounds Committee since shortly after our move here 10 years ago. I enjoy observing our beautiful campus on walks and also volunteer to prune the Japanese maples on the grounds. I want to wish all our neighbors a Happy New Year.

Page 3 Meet the new Board of Directors

Diane Martin, Secretary 554 Crowfields Lane

This is my 2nd year on the Board and my 4th year at Crowfields. We hope that you’ll let us know, especially during these challenging times, whenever you have suggestions, questions or concerns. Hopefully, it won’t be too awfully long until we can meet again, safely, in person. Stay safe and have a very Happy New Year!

Ellen James, Assistant Secretary 456 Crowfields Drive

I have lived in Crowfields for 9 years, have served on many committees, and this is my first year of service on the BOD. I am honored to be serving this wonderful community and I hope we can stay connected despite these difficult times.

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Page 4 Meet the new Board of Directors

Anne Brady, Treasurer 550 Crowfields Lane

I have lived in Crowfields for eleven years, but spend half time each month in Atlanta to be with my two daughters and their families. I believe Crowfields is a special community and feel blessed to enjoy the wonderful people, the beautiful grounds, and the many activities. I look forward to being Treasurer (again!) and welcome $$$$ questions – call me at 404 295 5733 or request to dial into our Zoom Finance Meetings. Happy New Year!

Ann Taaffe, Assistant Treasurer 103 Crowfields Drive

I moved to Crowfields on June, 2018. Many of you know how I found this beautiful place and this delightful community. I lived in tiny Murphy, NC for 35 years, and after my husband died in 2015, I wanted a little more cosmopolitan community. Asheville is perfect. I have enjoyed getting to know many of you and look forward to serving as assistant treasurer, assisting and learning from Anne Brady.

Page 5

Meet the new Board of Directors

Bill Catlin, At-large 402 Crowfields Drive

As a relative newcomer to this special place (September 2019) I am happy to be joining this team to work for the community. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2021. Take care.

Katherine Soderquist, At-large 537 Crowfields Lane

I am a native of North Asheville, but I have enjoyed living at Crowfields for 8 years. It is my pleasure doing hands-on projects for the community having served on the Executive Committee as Treasurer and on multiple Committees. I will “chat” with you anytime, especially while in the garden or on a walk in the neighborhood, and look forward to hearing about and responding to your ideas about life at Crowfields.

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Meet the new Board of Directors

Greg Silliman, At-large 207 Crowfields Drive

I am entering my second year of service on the Board. We purchased our Crowfields condo in 2015, and have lived here full time since 2017. I am active in the community garden and serve on the grounds committee. My wife Geri and I enjoy the fine quality of life at Crowfields and in the Asheville community.

Page 7 New Year, New Lists Help the Crowfields website stay up-to-date with 2021 online listings

In January the Website/Communications Committee will update our online list of Crowfields committees, officers and www.crowfieldsasheville.com committee members to reflect changes in 2021. Committee chairs are asked to review their list posted online under the tab Committees and Officers. If there are changes since our last update, please send corrections to Georgette Love at [email protected]

While you’re online, please check out any documents related to your committee such as minutes, forms and even your own contact information in the resident directory to make sure everything is accurate. We on the website committee thank you for helping, as the most current listings and links greatly help our neighbors as they search the Crowfields site.

Any resident who needs assistance with a password to our site, please email Gayle Connell at [email protected]

Updatethe Web/Communications Committee

“I don’t know where I am going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” -- David Bowie, 1997 at Madison Square Garden

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Need a New Year’s Resolution?

Have we got an idea for you! As they say, “it takes a village” to accomplish great things. And Crowfields many committees contribute significantly to the quality of life here in our community. From preserving and improving our campus and clubhouse to offering social, educational and supportive programs for residents, committees make it all happen.

olution? Crowfields’ many committees offer varying levels of time commitment and involvement, and provide an opportunity to work with neighbors on meaningful projects. Committees include Architectural Review, Social & Activities, Grounds, Community Garden, Security, Website, Chatter and more!

Look for upcoming detailed information about specific committees, their missions and work within Crowfields, and how you might be involved. Please consider sharing your time and talents as a committee member! In the meantime, if you have any questions just contact your Board of Directors at: [email protected]

New Year’s Res

First snow of the season – December 25, 2020

Meet our Newest Residents Page 9

Ellen Koerber and Neil Saretsky moved into 605 Lane in November. They purchased their unit in August but did some renovations before moving in. Dallas is where they came from and where they still have a home on the 18th floor of a downtown apartment building. However, their long-term plan is to live in Asheville full time.

Ellen grew up in Chicago and Neil was raised in a northern Michigan town named Alpena. They married after finishing their education and moved to Dallas where they pursued long medical careers, retiring about 5 years ago. They have a married son living in the San Francisco area, and a daughter who recently relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark with her family.

Both pursue artistic endeavors, with Ellen maintaining a small interior design business since the 1980s. They also enjoy hiking and the outdoors. They especially like that, here at Crowfields, they can just open their front door and be in a beautiful place where they can walk safely. Because of Covid, they have not yet been able to check out Asheville’s music scene, restaurant scene, or even downtown Asheville, but they’re looking forward to doing so as soon everyone’s life gets back to whatever the new normal will be.

Meet our Newest Residents Page 10

Mary and Scott Gillam moved from Biltmore Forest to 423 Lane during this last summer. They are both native North Carolinians. Mary grew up north of Asheville in Burnsville and Scott in Windsor, near Albemarle Sound. Scott is a retired textile executive, and Mary was a biology teacher for several years before becoming a full- time homemaker. They have three sons (Tom, Ingram, and Frank) who all still live in North Carolina, although none in Asheville. Among them, they have given Scott and Mary five grandchildren. Since they lived so close to Crowfields, Mary and Scott already have many wonderful friends here. Indeed, Mary has a long history of friendship with people living in Crowfields because her mother, who also lived in Biltmore Forest, had many friends here. Now both she and Scott are excited to be here themselves. Scott still plays golf at Biltmore Forest and also likes to fish “a tiny bit.” Mary’s hobbies are sewing, kayaking, and grandchildren! They both enjoy jigsaw puzzles and playing setback.

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The Property Manager’s Report By Charles Bennett

Happy New year to all! Now, let’s see what 2021 has to offer. Many might say 2020 was a bust. I would also agree in part, but in many ways, it was not a total wash. If anything, we all learned to be patient and understanding. As the world was encased in lockdowns, here at Crowfields, little was unchanged for the staff; however, the fear of contracting the mystery virus weighed heavy on our minds. The staff is very fortunate for being employed at Crowfields. While others were required to stay home, our jobs were considered essential, and as a team, we never missed a day. We are all so thankful for this community because it supports its staff, as it has shown time and time again. I recently was again shown the unyielding thoughtfulness of the residents by offering their thoughts and prayers for our family’s loss. I am fairly certain I received a card from every resident. Your cards did make a difference as we worked through the healing process. Just knowing we are not alone in this journey was very comforting. I can’t express nearly enough how much it meant to my family to hear from all of you. • J.T. and James continue their work on clusters. “E” cluster is now under repair, in preparation of painting this spring. Cluster “C” will receive repairs next. • At this point in time, painting has halted until favorable weather returns. However, the painters will be in and out as favorable weather days occur. • Pete and the grounds crew are now preparing for mulch. Raking the lawns and cleaning the few remaining downed leaves. Before long, mulch will arrive, and the fun begins. Keep an eye out for the notice of a lane closure at the large island. As last year we will be using this area again for mulch staging. • Some exciting news for 2021. Pool upgrades and much-needed repairs for opening day in May.

Until next time, as the song says, “If you can’t be with the ones you love, love the ones you’re with.”

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Mythology in the Garden

A Series by Martin Snyder

Christmas Rose

“Es blüht eine Rose zur Weihnachtszeit Draussen in Eis und Schnee.”

[At Christmas time there blooms a rose Outside in the ice and snow.]

(Traditional German song)

In early spring, when we are all feeling a little depressed about what might seem to be a never-ending winter, the early blooms of the hellebore, sometimes just peeking out through stubborn snow, announce that spring will soon arrive. It is a harbinger of life’s return and of hope for a new and better world. It is hardly surprising that this tough little plant became associated with Christmas and gained the name of Christmas rose,

The Christmas rose is steeped in history, tradition and folklore. The plant became associated with the birth of Christ through a little shepherdess named Madelon. The legend recounts that Madelon was tending her sheep one cold and wintry night when three wise men and a group of shepherds passed by her snow-covered field. They bore gifts for the Christ Child, the wise men carrying frankincense, gold and myrrh and the shepherds bearing fruits, honey and doves. Madelon followed after them and watched as they presented their gifts. She grew sad because she had no gift for the newborn babe, not even a simple flower. She began to weep. An angel looking down saw Madelon’s tears and came to her aid. The angel brushed away the snow to reveal a beautiful white flower with tips of pink, the Christmas rose. Madelon plucked the lovely flower and presented it to Jesus as her gift. Thus, was born the Christmas Rose.

Page 13 Mythology in the Garden

The traditional tale of Madelon may inspire us, but it disguises the more complicated history of hellebore. In fact, the darker history of hellebores may surprise those who love these early spring bloomers.

First, let’s consider what Black hellebore is. Helleborus niger, commonly called Christmas rose, is a winter-blooming, evergreen perennial which blooms around Christmas time in warm winter regions, but later (February or March) in the cold northern parts of its growing range. Bloom time can vary considerably based upon the severity of the winter climate.

Christmas rose typically grows to 8- 15" tall and features large, cup- shaped, rose-like white flowers (to 3" diameter) with crowns of conspicuously contrasting yellow stamens. Flowers appear singly on thick stems which usually do not rise above the foliage. The flowers sometimes bloom in the snow, and they can survive spurts of sub-zero temperatures. Although the flowers resemble wild roses (and despite its common name), the Christmas rose does not belong to the rose family. It actually is a member of the buttercup family.

[Left, illustration of Helleborus niger from an herbal manuscript.]

Hellebore’s genus name comes from the Greek words bora (βορά) meaning "food" and helein (ἓλειν) "injure or destroy." This menacing name refers to the plant’s toxic leaves, stems and roots which are poisonous to humans if ingested.

Most of the myths and legends surrounding the hellebore plant history are grim and dark. One such legend states that Alexander the Great was poisoned by his own assistants with powdered hellebore root placed in his drink. Another legend states that the ancient Celts would dip their arrowheads in hellebore powder to guarantee that their prey or enemies would die.

In his Description of Greece, the Greek traveler and geographer Pausanius relates how Solon of Athens, during the invasion of the city of Cirrha, invented a trick to outwit its people. The water of the river Pleistus ran along a channel to the city. In order to subdue the city, Solon diverted the river in another direction. When the Cirrhaeans still held out against the besiegers, drinking well-water and rain-water, Solon threw roots of hellebore into the Pleistus. When he perceived that the water held enough of the drug, he diverted it back again into its channel. The Cirrhaeans drank of the water without stint, and those on the wall, seized with obstinate diarrhea, deserted their posts and could no longer protect their city.

Mythology in the Garden Page 14

Hellebore plant history contains some truly bizarre myths. The ancient Greek physician, pharmacologist and botanist Dioscorides records that if an eagle saw you digging up hellebore, you would die within the year. Another legend states that if you tossed dried, powdered hellebore flowers in the air and walked through it, you would become invisible. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that hellebore was also associated with witches in medieval times. It was said to be used by witches to summon demons and to create an ointment that helped them to fly. Powdered hellebore was also burned to conjure and dispel evil spirits.

In the ancient world, hellebore became most famous for its reputed ability to cure insanity, probably schizophrenia, and was often called melampodium in honor of the seer and shepherd Melampus. His name in Greek means “black foot.” (Helleborus niger is named for its black root.)

Melampus was said to have been the first to devise cures by means of drugs and purifications. He discovered hellebore’s use in treating nervous conditions after noticing its effects on goats. According to the Theory of Four Humors, black hellebore expelled black bile, which in excess was thought to cause mental disorders. The roots contain cardiac glycosides, similar in effect to those found in digitalis species. One of its earliest uses was as an abortifacient.

Although most of the ancient mythology and legends surrounding hellebore are rather grim, there is at least one brighter tale, the story of the daughters of Proetus:

Proetus, King of Tiryns, had three daughters, Lysippe, Iphinoe and Iphianassa. They were seized with manic madness because they despised the worship of the fertility god Dionysus. They believed themselves to be cows and wandered in the wilderness, mooing, abominable to behold with bald head and skin turned white and covered with purulent sores. Their insanity manifested mainly as hypersexuality in the form of sexual attacks on male shepherds in the woods.

Melampus promised to cure the women if the king would give him one-third of his kingdom. Proetus refused the proposal, but when the madness continued, even spreading to other women of the kingdom, Proetus called Melampus back.

“In the ancient world, hellebore became most famous for its reputed ability to cure

insanity… .”

Mythology in the Garden Page 15

The seer, however, now demanded two-thirds of the kingdom, one for himself, and the other for his brother Bias. The king felt he had no choice but to agree, and so Melampus chased the insane women through the woods, trapped them in a cave deep inside the mountains of Arcadia and healed them of their madness with sacred baths and the use of a Helleborus niger. Lysippe sadly died during the chase, but Iphinoe and Iphianassa, were brought back to their father cured. They were married to Melampus and Bias, who ruled the kingdom with their new brides happily ever after.

[Left, Melampus and the healed daughters of Proetus in a sanctuary in the presence of the offended god Dionysus. Lucanian Nestoris. Naples, Museo Archeologico Nazionale]

References:

Apollodorus, Bibliotheca (2. 26)

Pausanius, Description of Greece (10.37.7)

Pedanius Dioscorides, De Materia Medica (4.151)

Meaning of the Christmas Rose https://www.clareflorist.co.uk/blog/2011-11-christmas-flowers-the-meaning-of- the-christmas-rose/

Missouri Botanical Gardens, Helleborus niger http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?ke mpercode=c990

Page 16 COVID -19 UPDATES

Governor Roy Cooper a modified stay-at-home order that will remain in effect until January 8th. This order states all individuals must stay at home during the hours of 10 pm and 5 am, unless an exception applies Included in those exceptions are: for the purpose of obtaining food, medical care, fuel or social services, travel to care for a family member, friend, or pet in another household; travel to or from a religious service, travel necessary for personal safety; and travel into or out of the state. The order also extends the capacity limitations for indoor and outdoor gatherings. For more information click the link Executive Order 180, The order tightens the existing statewide mask requirement – making it clear that everyone needs to wear a mask whenever they are with someone who is not from the same household. The Order also adds the mask requirement to several additional settings including any public indoor space even when maintaining 6 feet of distance; gyms even when exercising; all schools public and private; and all public or private transportation when travelling with people outside of the household.

For more information regarding the Covid-19 County Alert System, access this link https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/dashboard/COVID -19-County-Alert-System-Report.pdf

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination against the flu for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine. Vaccination against the flu can make illness milder and reduce the risk of more serious outcomes, making it especially important for those at higher risk of complications, such as people over 65, children younger than 5, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or obesity. Some of those same groups

MPORTANT I are also at high risk of complications from COVID-19.

Covid-19 Vaccinations Plan for North Carolina per the NCDHHS

PHASE 1a PHASE 1b PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4

Health care Adults 75 years Adults at high risk Students Everyone who workers fighting or older and for exposure and wants a safe and COVID-19 & Long - frontline essential at increased risk effective COVID- Term Care staff workers of severe illness 19 vaccination and residents

Keep practicing the 3W’s—Wear a Mask, Wait six feet apart, Wash your hands—until everyone has had the chance to get vaccinated.

The Anonymous Judge Announces the 2020 Page 17

Outdoor Decoration Winners!

Charles and Susan

Peele “2020 Sucked! So, since we could not have holiday parties and gatherings.... why not celebrate outside with shimmering lights, glowing ornaments, a little wildlife and of course Santa and his Gnome! I called it "Tacky Chic!" and enjoyed every moment!” - Susan Peele

Valerie Larrea "Since childhood I’ve been enchanted by holiday decorations and lights - indoors

and out. There’s something special about lighting up the Winter nights that reminds us to share the warmth and kindness in our hearts. As Dickens reminds us, we need to keep Christmas all year long". - Valerie Larrea

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Rev. John David Stewart, 84, late of 300 Crowfields Drive, died December 12th. John David was a beloved retired minister of Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, graduate of Davidson College and Union Seminary. He is survived by Freida Kelly Stewart, his wife of 64 years, and daughter Meg Stewart Rose, both of 300 Crowfields Drive, and daughter Carrie S. Emrick (Charles).

John David was a Renaissance man who restored classic MG’s, hiked Maine woods, made jewelry and kaleidoscopes, studied philosophy, lived his politics, and celebrated life. Memorial gifts may be made to MemoryCare.org or charity of your choice.

Eugenia Boone Jeter, 90, a resident of Crowfields, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020, at Givens Estates Health Center. A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Roberts H. and Maria Crymes Boone. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Joanne Boone Byrd, and husband, Sam; Page 11 brothers, James Boone, and wives Sara Margaret James Boone and Mildred Rogers Burrell Boone, Joseph Boone, and wife, Bertha, Allen Boone, and William Martin Boone, and wife, Quinn, and son-in-law, Chris Metzger.

Eugenia attended the Waynesville Public Schools and Mars Hill College, and completed Nursing School at Baptist Hospital in 1953. She lived a life of service, providing loving care to her patients at Mission Hospital (Asheville) from 1955 - 1978, and the Greenville (SC) Hospital System from 1978 - 1988. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and found tremendous joy in her cross-stitch and needlepoint. Her passion and talent for needlepoint were poured into many of the beautiful kneelers at Grace Episcopal Church and kneelers, chapel chairs, and bishop's chair at Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher, NC.

Eugenia is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jim Jeter, daughters Elizabeth Trask (Don) and Catherine Metzger, granddaughters, Allison and Raney Trask, all of Asheville; son, Robert Jeter of Greenville, SC; sisters Sara Boone Martin, of Waynesville, Ruth Helen Boone Noland and husband Bill, of Waynesville and Linda Boone Garrett, Clinton, Mississippi; sister-in-law, Betty Ann Noland Boone, widow of Allen Boone, Waynesville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services at Green Hill Cemetery in Waynesville will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801 or at www.trinityasheville.org.

Page 119 From the Kitchen Recipes by Gayle Connell

If you have cooking questions, or would like to request a recipe, email me at [email protected] Instagram: #foodlifeandcats