Greetings from Montreat! Here is an update on activities taking place here over the past few days: - On Friday, shortly after noon, power was restored to Assembly Inn, well in advance of estimates, and water was restored soon after. In addition, some homes had one or both restored as Duke Power and Town of Montreat personnel continued to work.
- Late in the week, Montreat’s Post Office was closed temporarily, with mail being routed to the Post Office in Ridgecrest. In the meantime, mail intended for Montreat may continue to use the usual addresses. (For Montreaters: I have been told that Post Office hours for Montreat mail pickup at Ridgecrest are 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The Post Office building appears not to have sustained significant damage.
- Friday evening, conference center staff who had worked on site around the clock from the onset of the storm were sent home, replaced by a small crew over the weekend to keep the lights on, answer questions at the front desk and distribute supplies as necessary.
- As of Monday morning, Town staff were reporting that 50% of Montreat’s wells were operational and urged town residents to use water sparingly. A boil water notice remains in effect, meaning a full minute of “rolling boil” before water can be considered safe to consume. Sanitation pickup will not resume before October 21, and dumpsters were reported “full.” Regarding security, Montreat police reported having received augmented support from other towns in recent days, and a resumption of full support by Montreat’s own force is at hand as officers return to cover all three shifts.
For a more detailed report on the Town’s status, visit this link.
Entering the new week, conference center efforts will focus increasingly in two areas: 1) reopening, and 2) supporting the ongoing recovery efforts in Montreat and the Swannanoa Valley. As part of the efforts to reopen, evaluation of our buildings and grounds continues. Thus far, 16 structures have received expert reviews for possible impacts of wind damage and rising waters. Several of the structures have been affected by mud and debris. As evaluations continue, remediation activities are already underway, with Assembly Inn receiving the most immediate attention. Because Montreat College also hopes to reopen as soon as possible, we are working to ensure the three lodges that house their students – Balsam, Sylvan, and Lookout – will be ready. (And yes, we want our Post Office back.) Regarding recovery efforts, needs are greater beyond the Gate. The devastation in Swannanoa is national news. Notably, Black Mountain Presbyterian Church continues to mobilize its congregation and the community, and the conference center will work through BMPC to help them as we are able and to get the word out about the needs of rescue workers and the communities affected. Regarding supplies, they are currently evaluating what they will need in the days ahead. In the meantime, you can support the church’s work directly by giving here. Today, the conference center received shipments of PDA Buckets provided by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. We also are working on a plan to activate volunteer groups (many of whom have already contacted us) in the months ahead, but first, we must clear our lodging facilities as safe for use and Montreat must stabilize its infrastructure. Those wishing to volunteer through us will have an opportunity. We will have more updates soon to let congregations know how they can support recovery efforts as our needs evolve. In addition to supporting BMPC, we will continue to house the Cajun Navy 2016, which has set up a base of operations on Collegiate Circle. The Navy, trained in rescue efforts and disaster recovery, are conducting missions all over the Swannanoa Valley. They have been serving in remarkable ways.
Looking ahead, we imagine there will be opportunities for Presbyterians to volunteer once life safety is no longer a concern in the area. Stay tuned for more information as we develop a plan for your congregation to help. For those in the middle of this crisis, both grief and gratitude are constant companions, and your prayers, enthusiastic encouragement, and support have made a wonderful difference. Sometimes even small kindnesses evoke warm appreciation. Saturday afternoon, I returned home to discover an anonymous delivery of assorted candies sitting atop an iced-down cooler of beer. (The former sets up the DuBoses well for Halloween; the latter probably won’t last past Wednesday.) Later that evening, longtime friend Chris Blair approached our home, and we shared some candy, some drink, and some conversation around our firepit in the driveway. Chris has lived in and around these parts for more than forty years, and I’ve known him for most of that time. We recalled old friends and old stories from the days of McDibbs on Cherry Street, and I noted that this was the first time we’d sat down for a chat in decades. Chris responded, “Richard, in all my years here, I’ve never seen Montreat and Black Mountain come together like we have this week.” So, to whoever dropped off the candy and cooler, thank you – the dividends were immediate. And to all of you, thanks for what you have done and are doing. If the spirit Chris noted is to be sustained in the months ahead, Montreat must show up where the need is greatest in ways that we can help. My hope is that we build on what is happening here and live fully into the plan God intends for all of us. Bless you, and more to come. | 
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