Jochen Lucke

Come Enjoy the SHOW!
Western North Carolina Residents Witness First Show of Fall Colors
(And Wish To Share the View)

September 22nd marked the first official day of Fall this year, and evidence of the change in seasons is just beginning to take place on the southern crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. A rolling sea of green trees is slowly transforming to a rainbow of color as the leaves on the hardwoods begin to change. Unlike years past, 2009's leaf season is expected to be one of the most beautiful to date thanks to all of the rain during this year's spring and summer months. The rainfall should attribute to a more vibrant, longer lasting show of colors.

Fall Colors in Western North Carolina

According to Dr. Gary Walker, a professor at Appalachian State University, Western North Carolina has the highest diversity of tree species in North America. He explains that this diversity of trees, hardwoods in particular, lends itself to an extended display of color - lasting from early October through late November. Pair that with large tracts of protected land through our national forests and parks, as well as citizens, developers and builders dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the region - and spectators are afforded stunning unmarred colorful panoramas that stretch for miles and miles.

For more than one hundred years, residents of the Highlands-Cashier Plateau have been afforded front row seats to this colorful spectacle of Mother Nature. This year, they wish to share this very extraordinary time of year with their neighbors from near and far. The Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association has taken great care in planning their first annual Leaf Festival of Cashiers Valley for the weekend of October 8-10. The weekend's festivities will include live music, Artisan Festival, Tour of Homes, kid-friendly activities and so much more. For more information about this very special celebration of nature and community, click here. If you can't make it for that particular weekend, the historic villages of both Cashiers and Highlands offer dazzling scenery all season long, in addition to their unique brand of dining and shopping experiences. It's well worth the drive for an impromptu vacation weekend you won't soon forget! For more information about the Leaf Festival and area accommodations, contact the helpful staff at Silver Creek Real Estate Group at calling 828-743-1999 or via e-mail at info@ncliving.com.

* Cite: http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/seasonal-fun/fall-color-in-the-asheville-area/asheville-fall-color-report/index.aspx

On January 27, 2009, the Sapphire Valley Master Association (SVMA) purchased Red Bird Golf Course. Included in the purchase were about 30 acres of land, the pro shop building, carts, and other maintenance equipment. The SVMA also owns the Sapphire Recreation Center, the Sapphire Community Center, and the ski area. The association refinanced their existing debt and purchased the golf course with a new note in the amount of $3,153,853 . According to the president of the SVMA, Mr. Walt Green, the association will save approximately $6,500 per month because of favorable interest rates. For additional information, please contact Jochen Lucke at jlucke@ncliving.com.

When the North Carolina Association of Realtors wanted to interview a Realtor with over 30 years experience and find out what insight they may have, they called Elaine Zachary with Silver Creek Real Estate Group. Elaine pointed out that her "best tactic in this market revolves around great customer service that always puts the client first." This attitude, combined with resources and professionalism, sets us apart from other companies and brokers. For further information about the great people at Silver Creek Real Estate Group, feel free to contact Jochen Lucke at jlucke@ncliving.com or call 828-743-1999.

Many of you are familiar with the devastating effects of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) on the beautiful hemlock trees in our area. According to the US Forest Service, these pests will kill a hemlock tree within a few years. The HWA does not have enough natural enemies here to keep it in check, and the hemlock trees have not built up a resistance to it.

The good news is that there are effective insecticidal treatments for infected trees, as well as preventative measures that can be taken to protect healthy trees. The Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance (JMCA) provides helpful tips on how to treat against the HWA and save our properties and forests from this invasive and destructive insect. Visit the JMCA website at http://www.j-mca.org/hemlock.asp.