LETTERS

Oct. 19 Letters to the Editor

Black Mountain News
Letters to the Editor

Ministry has other money to help with heat

Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry wants the Swannanoa Valley community to know that, although we will not be receiving and administering CIP (Crisis Intervention Program) federal heating funds this year, we will continue our efforts to use ministry funds for heating in emergency situations.

SVCM is working with Eblen Charities to help ease the burden of our clients who are unable to travel to Eblen by providing a CIP clerk who will come to the ministry one day per week and possibly more often.  This will be done by appointment only.  SVCM will provide a gas voucher to those clients who are able to drive to Eblen, but unable to afford gas.  

Also, SVCM is grateful to have wood from the “Hope for Tomorrow” building site that will be available to SVCM clients who heat with wood.  We will also continue providing kerosene for small kerosene heaters, as well as heating assistance for those clients who are in emergency situations, such as for the elderly and in other special situations. 

Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry will continue to provide its clients with needs such as food, clothing, prescriptions, rent, and utility bills, as well as guidance in connecting clients with other resources and organizations that can help them meet their needs. 

As always, financial contributions are much needed and sincerely appreciated.

Cheryl Wilson, executive director

Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry  

Valley stepped up to combat hunger in September

Thank you to the Swannanoa Valley community!

September was Hunger Action Month, a period when hunger relief organizations like Bounty & Soul were raising awareness of the issues of food insecurity within our community, and recognizing individuals and community partners who joined to create solutions.  Bounty & Soul wants to thank everyone who donated to our appeals and especially thank these businesses:

  • Native Kitchen and all their customers who ate a Pear & Bleu Panini, the proceeds of which were donated to Bounty & Soul.
  • Louise’s Kitchen and all their customers who enjoyed Louise’s Cakes and AppalaChai, the proceeds of which were donated to Bounty & Soul.
  • The Dripolator and their customers who donated generously to support those we serve.
  • Dynamite Roasting Company and their customers who donated generously to support those we serve.
  • Dr. Deborah Anders, DDS, and her patients who donated generously to support those we serve.
  • Mellie Mac's Garden Shack and unWINE'd customers who shopped and enjoyed wine.
  • Black Mountain Yoga and their clients who donated generously to support those we serve.
  • Roots & Fruits Market and their customers who donated generously to support those we serve.
  • Black Mountain Natural Foods and their customers who conducted a healthy food drive.
  • The Hop West in Asheville who held a fundraising event for Bounty & Soul.
  • The Learning Community whose students and staff conducted a healthy food drive.
  • GreyBeard Realty donated space in their weekly BM News ad to promote Hunger Action Month.
  • Blue Mountain Pizza in Weaverville who designated Bounty & Soul as their Nonprofit of Choice for September.
  • iHeartMedia who promoted Hunger Action Month and hunger awareness on all of their morning shows throughout the month; especially to Mark Starling for his strong support.
  • Underground Fitness in Asheville for designating Bounty & Soul as their Nonprofit of Choice for August and September.

Addressing the issues surrounding food insecurity and hunger among those who are vulnerable among us truly takes a whole community to create and implement effective solutions.  On behalf of those whose lives were helped, accept our most sincere and grateful thanks.

Bruce Ganger, executive director

Bounty & Soul

Mayor explains actions on waste contract dispute

A few points need to be clarified about the article in last week's paper ("Board meeting gets hot" BMN Oct. 12). Your mayor negotiated a new garbage fee structure of $11.46 a month that saved the town $700,000 over four years. (Town manager) Matt (Settlemyer) endorsed the Waste Pro prop0sal of $15.06 a month. This was accomplished by eliminating the disposal fees, not the landfill fees, since Waste Pro knew that the town has always paid all landfill tipping fees.

Mr. (Larry) Harris made the motion and the (board) unanimously approved the $11.46. We do not operate on intentions, as Mr. Harris and Mr. Settlemyer imply. And Mr. Harris' figures were inaccurate. This board passes motions explicitly as made. The minutes reflect this precisely.

It is my fiduciary responsibility to report improper contracts, and I did so. This board chose not to deal with the elephant in the room. The town manager signed a contract six months later that will cost taxpayers $144,676 over the next three years (that was) not approved by this board.

C. Michael Sobol

Black Mountain mayor