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A LOOK AT THE YEAR AHEAD 2016 The Blue Ridge Parkway: Connection to Lake Junaluska Transformation of e Terrace
A LOOK AT THEYEAR AHEAD
2016
The Blue Ridge Parkway:
Connection to Lake Junaluska
Transformationof The Terrace
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« Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE
4 Letter
5 STAFF PROFILE
Ryan SurrettEmployee shares his love for clogging
6 TOP 10
Go OutsideThe best outdoor activities
9
DONOR FEATURE
Joanna PaysourGiving back to Lake Junaluska
10 ‘No Better Location’Planning a conference at Lake Junaluska
12 Blue Ridge ParkwayA rich history intertwines with Lake Junaluska
16 Girls on the GreenYoung women learn golf
17 Grand TourGetting to know the Lake Junaluska Singers
19 Dream WeddingPerfect spot for a special day
12
DISCOVER LAKE JUNALUSKATHE OUTDOORS ISSUEIn this issue of Discover Magazine, learn about the outdoor places and spaces that make Lake Junaluska a fun and beautiful destination for your next vacation, retreat or conference.
VISIT LAKE JUNALUSKA
Lake Junaluska is a conference and retreat center in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Lake Junaluska first opened its doors in 1913 as part of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. We welcome corporate and nonprofit groups, families, weddings, reunions, leisure guests and church groups of all denominations. We also host concerts and ministry events throughout the year. To plan your Lake Junaluska getaway, visit lakejunaluska.com.
21 PHOTO ESSAY
In BloomA photographic tour of our gardens
26
Youth AdventuresWhy youth come back to Lake Junaluska year after year
27 Green ThumbsMeet the landscaping team
30 Transformation of The TerraceA look at our 2015 renovations
33 Lodging OptionsWhere to stay at Lake Junaluska
34
CALENDAR
2016 EventsLooking to the year ahead
42 Special Events & PackagesGreat escapes at incredible prices
43 RememberedIn history: Eleanor Roosevelt visits Lake Junaluska
4 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2016
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Welcome »
DiscoverLAKE JUNALUSKA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JACK EWING
EDITORIAL
Editor MARY BATES
Graphic Designer SUSANNAH BRINKLEY
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susanna Barbee, Mary Bates, Sunny Cook, Stephanie Drum, Amy Walker, Rachel Watkins
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mary Bates, Esther Blakely, Beth Brown Photography, Beth Buchanan, Stephanie Drum, Ken Howle, Robert Ludlow, Steven McBride,
Marie Metcalf, Tita Parham, Sposa Bella Photography, Amy Walker, Woody White, Madalyn Yates Photography
ON THE COVER
Sunset at Lake Junaluska. Photo by Robert Ludlow.
HAVE AN IDEA FOR DISCOVER MAGAZINE?
We welcome story contributions and feedback. Contact the editor at [email protected].
A fishing pole is cast over the side of an aluminum boat as morning mist rises off the water. Two swans glide across the lake and touch beaks. A couple
says vows against the backdrop of blue mountains under the shadow of the Lake Junaluska Cross. After a night of worship, a youth group discovers the thrill of a whitewater excursion on the Pigeon River.
Lake Junaluska is a gateway to the best outdoors that Western North Carolina has to offer. The lake itself has 16 gardens, four miles of walking trails, a golf course, boat rentals and dozens of areas for meditation. Not far from the lake you’ll find whitewater rafting, skiing and easy access to two of the most-visited national parks in the country.
This issue of Discover Magazine is dedicated to outdoor spaces— both at Lake Junaluska and in the surrounding area. There’s a list of the top 10 outdoor activities for your next trip. A story about the lake’s connection to the Blue Ridge Parkway. An inside look at the landscaping team who grow all the lake’s plants in an on-campus greenhouse. And a photo essay on Lake Junaluska’s hidden gems—the gardens.
Whether you visit for a vacation, a conference or company retreat, we invite you to explore the outdoor spaces and Discover Lake Junaluska. •
DISCOVER LAKE JUNALUSKA
FOLLOW US
facebook facebook.com/lakejunaluska
twitter @lake_junaluska
instagram @lakejunaluska
pinterest @lakejunaluska
email [email protected]
link lakejunaluska.com
MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 67
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
91 N. Lakeshore Dr.
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
PHONE 800-222-4930
The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed
through renewal of soul, mind and body.
Lake Junaluska is owned by the United Methodist Church.
© 2016 Lake Junaluska.
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« Staff Feature
W hen guests wave at Ryan Surrett as he drives a laundry van along Lakeshore Drive, they would never guess that he is a highly-skilled, award-winning clogger. During the day, Surrett is a member of
the Lake Junaluska staff, but in the afternoons and on week-ends, Surrett ties on his clogging shoes and entertains fans across the Southeast.
Among his many accolades, Surrett was named grand cham-pion at America’s Clogging Hall of Fame annual World Championships. This is just one of many first-place titles. In fact, he’s become somewhat of a local celebrity. Folks love seeing him clog at festivals, fairs and local venues.
We sat down with Surrett, 27, to learn more about his life as a clogger.
When did you start clogging?
I’ve been clogging since I was 4 or 5, a long time. My entire family clogs. It’s just something I’ve been doing my whole life. Even my grandparents clogged. They clogged at the Grand Ol’ Opry, and my grandma is in America’s Clogging Hall of Fame.
Do you clog by yourself or with a group?
Both, but I mostly clog with the group where we alternate partners. Right now, I’m with Southern Mountain Fire, but I’ve clogged with a lot of groups. Some of the other ones were Smokey Mountain Stompers, Blue Ridge High Step-pers and Carolina Country Cloggers.
Where have you performed?
All over the place. North Carolina, South Carolina, Ten-nessee. We clog at all the fairs and festivals in Waynesville, Canton, Asheville and other places around here. We per-form at the Mountain State Fair, the Haywood County Fair and the Stompin’ Ground in Maggie Valley. I love perform-ing for people.
How often do you compete?
Cloggers don’t compete as much as they used to. Competi-tions were really big in the 1980s and 1990s. I have competed a lot, though, and have won first place every time but once.
Are clogging groups competitive with one another?
Well, when we’re on the floor competing we are, but oth-er than that, we’re all good friends. We have something in common. I have a lot of friends from other groups like the Dixie Darlins’.
Why do you think you’ve continued clogging for so long?
I like clogging like someone else might like playing a sport or lifting weights. I think clogging is really fun. I’ve met a lot of people and have gotten to do a lot of great things because of clogging.
What has clogging meant to you?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t clogging. It’s a way of life. It means everything to me. •
CLOGGING & TWIRLINGEMPLOYEE RYAN SURRETT SHARES PASSION FOR CLOGGING
Ryan Surrett performs on the stage of Stuart Auditorium. Surrett, who works in the laundry department at Lake Junaluska, is a world champion clogger.
6 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2016
Get OutsideTOP 10 ACTIVITIES AT AND AROUND LAKE JUNALUSKA
With mountain peaks dropping into blue waters and our unique location between two of the most popular national parks in the country, Lake Junaluska is your gateway to the best outdoor activities in the North Carolina mountains. Check out these 10 most popular outdoor activities in and around Lake Junaluska, and plan your getaway today.
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« Top 10
1 CATALOOCHEE ELK45 minutes from Lake Junaluska
Thousands of elk once roamed the mountainous region along the North Caroli-na-Tennessee border, where mountain peaks rise between 3,000 and 6,000 feet in elevation. They were hunted to extinction in the mid-1800s, but re-introduced in 2001 as one of the National Park Service’s most successful conservation efforts. Drive 45 minutes from the Welcome Center to see these magnificent creatures and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another realm. The best spot for viewing the elk is the Cataloochee Valley, once home to the largest settlement in the Smoky Mountains. Now part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley’s historic buildings still stand among the elk. There are also several hiking trails and historic buildings open to the public. An information sheet is available at the Welcome Center.
4 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAYClosest entrance, 16 minutes
from Lake Junaluska
Skimming along the ridgelines, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best ways to see gorgeous mountain views and access popular hikes. Some of the most beautiful destinations around Lake Junaluska include Waterrock Knob, Richland-Balsam Peak, Hay-wood-Jackson overlook and trail, and Mount Pisgah. Or don’t choose a des-tination at all; simply turn off the radio, roll down the windows and watch the
mountains and trees pass by your car.
To learn more about the Blue Ridge Parkway and its connection to Lake Junaluska, see page 12.
3 BIRD WATCHINGAt Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska is a haven for birds, making it a bird watcher’s paradise. Ruddy ducks, buffleheads, mergansers and grebes are plentiful, with occasional sightings of Bonaparte’s gull, common goldeneye, scaup and many more. Winter residents include brown creeper, pine siskin, winter wren and fox sparrow.
The best views are near the pool, the parking lot near the Memorial Chapel, the cross at Inspiration Point, a pull-off across the dam where North Lakeshore Drive meets South Lakeshore Drive, and the boat ramp. A checklist is available at the Welcome Center.
2 WATERFALLS18 minutes to 1 hour
from Lake Junaluska
Discover the romance of a mountain waterfall. Several of the best North Carolina waterfalls are easily accessible from Lake Junaluska, including Graveyard Fields, Sliding Rock, Moore Cove, Looking Glass and Mingo Falls. The closest one, Soco Falls, is a double waterfall mixture of cascades and free-falling water. It’s located 18 minutes from the Welcome Center and is just a five-minute walk from the main road. P
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6 FISHINGAt Lake Junaluska
Grab your fishing poles and get away for a few hours on the smooth blue waters of Lake Junaluska. Or test your skills at fly fishing by the dam. Common catches include bass, perch, crappie, brim, bluegill and trout. Local guides are available.
Top 10 »
5 SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING AT CATALOOCHEE25 minutes from Lake Junaluska
With 50 skiable acres, 17 runs of up to 3,500 feet and a vertical drop of 750 feet, Cataloochee Ski Area offers fun for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Cata-loochee was the first ski area in North Carolina. Lake Junaluska offers “stay and ski” packages for groups that include lodging, meals and skiing, as well as Ski Lake Junaluska youth ski weekends. For more information, see page 26 or visit lakejunaluska.com/ski.
7 WHITEWATER RAFTING30 minutes to 1 hour
from Lake Junaluska
From the smooth, calm waters of the French Broad River to the thrill of a Class III rapid on the Nantahala, whitewater rafting is one of the most exciting activities you can do in Western North Carolina. Lake Junaluska partners with local outfitters to offer group rafting packages. Rivers include the Nantahala, French Broad and Pigeon rivers. Ziplining is also available through the packages.
Find out more at lakejunaluska.com/adventure.
8 GOLFAt Lake Junaluska
The 18-hole Lake Junaluska Golf Course offers affordable rates, spectacular views of the mountains and the lake, a layout designed for all levels, advanced tee times and PGA instruction. It’s perfect for a tournament with colleagues or a round with your friends. Learn more about the Lake Junaluska Golf Course on page 16 or visit lakejunaluska.com/golf.
9 KAYAKS, CANOES AND PADDLEBOARDS
At Lake Junaluska
Enjoy an afternoon gliding across the lake under a wide blue sky. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Lake Junaluska rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards from Lake Junaluska Boat Rentals near the pool. For more information, see lakejunaluska.com/activities.
10 CYCLINGStart from Lake Junaluska
The Blue Ridge Breakaway is an annual cycling event that starts from Lake Junaluska. Its route covers an adrenaline-pumping ride through county lanes, scenic byways and the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are options designed for all skill levels, so the event is open to beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. The 2016 Blue Ridge Breakaway is August 13. Lodging packages available. For more information, visit lakejunaluska.com/breakaway. • P
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can know and hear more clearly God’s will for our lives. I don’t know if it’s in the air, in the water, in the trees, or in the mountains, but it is palpable for someone who is 10 and someone who is 90, and that’s the great beauty of it.”
For Paysour, there is no question that the mission of Lake Junaluska should continue, so she makes a charitable gift annually to ensure Lake Junaluska remains a place where future gener-ations can experience holy transfor-mation and hear God’s call just as she once did.
“There’s a multitude of things we give our resources to, but the gift of Lake Junaluska is that you get to be part of honoring and creating the transfor-mative work amongst God’s people,” said Paysour. “It is a rare slice of God’s beautiful creation.” •
« Donor Profile
W here moments before the sounds of worship reverberated through the halls of Shackford,
there was silence. Hundreds of youth listened as Joanna Paysour passion-ately explained the journey on which they were about to embark. She had come full circle. Joanna once stood where the youth stood, waiting for instructions on how the group would walk contemplatively across the Lake Junaluska campus to the Cross at twi-light. Now, it was her opportunity to guide youth on their journey.
Having first come to the lake in the sixth grade, Joanna had returned every year from 1997 until 2004. Not only did she attend youth ministry pro-grams in the 1990s, but in college, she fulfilled a dream to work on the youth ministry staff.
“Lake Junaluska was one of the first spaces I was given to do ministry the way I wanted to do it,” she said. “It was here, at Lake Junaluska, that I heard it first and most clearly and distinct-ly. Lake Junaluska is a holy place that I can come to and trust. I may not always hear clearly, but Lake Junaluska grounds us in that holy call.”
A week after being ordained at Annual Conference in summer 2015, Paysour brought her church’s youth group to one of the summer youth events at the lake. One of the first places she took her group was the Cross.
“There’s part of me that would describe Lake Junaluska as utopia, but it’s more than that. It’s a real-life place where time is filtered differently so that we
“There’s part of me that would describe Lake Junaluska as utopia, but it’s more than that.”
Answering the CallGIVING BACK TO LAKE JUNALUSKA
JOANNA PAYSOUR
To make a gift to the Lake Junaluska Annual Fund, go online to lakejunaluska.com/support, call 828-454-6680, or mail dona-tions to the Office of Develop-ment, PO Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745.
Joanna Paysour stands outside Shackford Hall with the Cave Springs United Methodist Church youth group. Paysour attended and then worked at youth events at Lake Junaluska, and now, as an associate pastor, brings her own youth group to the lake.
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Group Events »
IHLRN, or International Human Learning Resources Network, has held conferences in Turkey, Portugal, France, Hawaii and Mexico.
In 2015, their destination was Lake Junaluska.
The conference gathers an interna-tional group of educators, trainers, counselors, therapists, healthcare pro-fessionals and artists once a year for a week of workshops. IHLRN was founded by Virginia Satir, an interna-tionally known family therapist.
“In many ways, the conference is like a family reunion,” said event organiz-er M.A. Bjarkman. “There’s a strong sense of community.”
She said Lake Junaluska could not have been a better location for their 2015 conference.
“The meeting space is ideal for our needs. The rooms are soundproof, the beds are magnificent. It’s nestled in an incredible environment that lends itself to deep and powerful spiritual work.”
Each day of the conference started with a “Temperature Reading”—a chance to show appreciation for one another, go over any new announce-ments, offer complaints with recom-mendations, and share concerns. Then
Linda Leviton sketches a visual representation of a workshop at the IHLRN conference.
‘NO BETTER LOCATION’
“Lake Junaluska was the perfect
environment for our conference.”
— M.A. Bjarkman, IHLRN
they held a morning plenary session; following that, each person met in a “triad”—a group of three that got together several times throughout the conference to offer support and listen to each other.
Workshops and breakout sessions continued throughout the day. Work-shops are not planned ahead of the conference—instead, any attendee can offer a workshop on the morning of the event. Workshop topics includ-ed “Human Kaleidoscope,” “Nonvio-lent Communication,” “Dreams,” and “Activate Hope.”
On Saturday night, which happened to be Halloween, the group held a party with costumes. Other activities throughout the conference included walking the Lake Junaluska labyrinth, doing improvisation games, perform-ing skits and watching movies.
“Lake Junaluska was the perfect envi-ronment for our conference,” Bjark-man said. •
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE HELD AT LAKE JUNALUSKA
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(Top) The lobby of the newly renovated hotel, The Terrace, is a great area for meetings and events.
(Left) Participants come together for an elm dance, a group game that happened every morning of the IHLRN conference. Workshops and breakout sessions took place throughout the day.
PLAN YOUR EVENT TODAYLake Junaluska’s convenient on-site facilities and services make group logistics easy. We offer a wide selec-tion of meeting spaces, lodging accommodations and amenities to suit your group’s business and leisure needs. Some of our frequently hosted events include conferences, person-al and group retreats, Bible studies, weddings and other special occasions, training events and reunions.
MEETING FACILITIES:
Stuart Auditorium: Accommodates 2,000 people in permanent theater-style seating.
Shackford Hall: 3,375 square feet in the main auditorium with stage; seven breakout rooms.
Harrell Center: 4,307 square feet in the auditorium; four breakout rooms.
Terrace Auditorium: 2,640 square feet; six breakout rooms.
Lambuth International: 1,557 square feet; seven breakout rooms.
Memorial Chapel: Accommodates 200 people in pew seating.
Kern Center: 2,379 square feet; accommodates up to 200 people in theater-style seating.
LEISURE FACILITIES & AMENITIES:
» 18-hole golf course » 200-acre lake » 2.6-mile lakeside walking trail and
Rose Walk » Canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and
paddleboards » Fitness center » Outdoor pool
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The Blue Ridge Parkway provides some of the best vistas and hiking trails, and its history has a unique connection to Lake Junaluska. (PHOTO BY HAYWOOD COUNTY TDA)
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An IntricateConnection
F our hundred sixty-nine miles of curving road etched into the ridgelines. Romanesque-looking tunnels, dark holes through the granite mountain rock. Bridges arching over steep slopes, defying gravity as they hover over the treetops below. Spectacular views above a sea of blue mountains, unfurling across the horizon in waves and folds.
With the closest entrance only 16 minutes away, the Blue Ridge Parkway remains one of the most popular destinations for Lake Junaluska guests. But few realize that the Parkway’s history is entwined with the history of the lake—in fact, the Parkway wouldn’t come through North Carolina at all if not for Lake Junaluska.
THE HISTORY OF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY IS INTERTWINED WITH LAKE JUNALUSKA
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when President Woodrow Wilson appointed Jose-phus Daniels, a devout Methodist, as Secretary of
the Navy. Daniels needed help, so he appointed a promising young politi-cian as his assistant secretary. Also that year, Daniels built a summer cottage at Lake Junaluska.
The Gilded Age followed, with a burst of prosperity for the country. And then came the Great Depression. In an effort to pull the United States out of its slump, President Franklin D. Roo-sevelt launched the New Deal and the Civilian Conservation Corps to create new jobs while simultaneously pre-serving the country’s natural resources.
One of the projects was the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Parkway was planned to join the Shenandoah Val-ley National Park in Virgin-ia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south. Competi-tion ensued by economic interests in Tennessee and North Carolina, each group vying for the Great Smoky Mountains portion of the Parkway to come through their own state. Final-ly, the word came down: Tennessee had won.
Promoters in Tennessee were jubilant. The Parkway would bring jobs, tourists
and greater prosperity to their state. The North Caro-lina interests were stunned. Didn’t North Carolina boast Richland Balsam Mountain, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Moun-tains? Weren’t some of the best views along the ridge-line of the North Carolina mountains? They weren’t willing to accept defeat.
Several influential men quietly planned a meeting at a location on Stuart Circle along Lake Junaluska. This was the summer cottage of Josephus Daniels, now the publisher of the Raleigh News & Observer. This meeting changed the course of
JOSEPHUS DANIELS
Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway features spectacular sunset views. You can reach it in 30 minutes from Lake Junaluska.
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« Blue Ridge Parkway
Parkway history, but turning the tide didn’t happen without some effort.
Those at the meeting included the pub-lisher of the Asheville newspaper, the director of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce and a top road engineer with the North Carolina Highway Commission who had trekked the west-ern North Carolina mountains exten-sively in preparation for the Parkway.
Their purpose was to get the Blue Ridge Parkway diverted from its sched-uled course through Tennessee, and go through North Carolina instead. The men asked Daniels to make an appeal to an old friend, that promising young politician he’d appointed as his assistant in the Navy—and who now
resided in the White House—Frank-lin D. Roosevelt.
Daniels had remained friends with Roosevelt all those years and he didn’t want to impose on—and possibly damage—their relationship. After three hours of discussion, however, Daniels agreed.
Thanks to the enduring friendship between Daniels and Roosevelt, and that fateful meeting at Lake Junaluska, the Blue Ridge Parkway, “America’s favorite drive,” was successfully routed through North Carolina.
As a side note, during his tenure over the Navy, Daniels ruled that ships could not stock alcohol. He suggested
BY THE NUMBERS
469 miles in length
26 tunnels (25 are in N.C.)
6,047 feet, the height of the highest peak, Richland Balsam Mountain
17 million visitors per year
Year-round sites: N.C. Minerals Muse-um, Spruce Pine, N.C.; Folk Art Center and Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Asheville, N.C.
Peak of fall season leaf color: Mid-October, depending on weather and elevation. For the latest reports, call the Parkway information line at 828-298-0398 (press option 3).
The Blue Ridge Parkway provides spec-tacular scenery for bikers and hikers. The route for the Blue Ridge Breakaway cycling event includes the Blue Ridge Parkway.
the crews could drink coffee instead. The crews may not have been happy about that, leading some to believe the expression “cup of joe” refers to their reaction to that long-ago ruling by part-time Lake Junaluska resident, and devout Methodist, Josephus Daniels.
So next time you’re savoring the view from the Parkway or at Lake Junalus-ka, raise a cup in a toast to Joe. •
MORE INFORMATION
National Park Service nps.gov/blri
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Golf »
If you’ve played a round of golf at the 18-hole Lake Junaluska Golf Course, you’ve likely met our golf course manager, Rick Constance.
Constance has a passion for golf and loves sharing that passion with oth-ers. Five years ago, he started The Lake Junaluska Girls Junior Golf Association (LJGJGA) to give back to the commu-nity and encourage female golfers.
The idea came to Constance when he was teaching a young lady just out of middle school. He wondered why more girls weren’t interested in the sport, and it occurred to him that with a place to play, instruction and encour-agement, maybe they would be. Since Constance started LJGJGA five years ago, nearly 300 girls have registered for the program. Currently their ages range from 5 to 17.
Mackinney Supola has participated in the program for four years and is cur-rently a sophomore playing golf for Pisgah High School. Prior to partici-pating in the program, Mackinney had never played golf.
“It’s an amazing program. Rick is tru-ly an inspiration for the girls,” said Suzanne Supola, Mackinney’s mom.
Ashley Thompson, Constance’s first stu-dent who sparked his inspiration, now attends Western Carolina University on a golf scholarship. Watching his students develop a lifelong love and talent for the game means the world to Constance.
Thompson began playing as an adoles-cent. Other girls start later and some start much earlier. Angie Duncan, Waynesville mom to Emma, 6, learned about the program two years ago.
GIRLS ON THE GREENGOLF COURSE MANAGER HELPS GIRLS GROW GAME OF GOLF
their daughters to learn a skill that will enhance their lives.
“Along with the skills of the game, the girls are also taught good sportsman-ship,” said Constance. “My hope is to continue introducing girls to the pro-gram so they can have a lifelong sport to play even if they do not choose to play competitively.” •
“Emma has always enjoyed going to the driving range with her dad,” said Dun-can. “The girls’ golf program at Lake Junaluska sounded like a wonderful way to get our daughter outdoors. Golf is a great sport for children who do not enjoy the more aggressive sports. It suited her personality perfectly.”
LJGJGA also offers scholarships to girls who play college golf. The schol-arships are sponsored by local donors.
Several parents say that joining the program has helped their daughters gain self-confidence.
“Involving our children in healthy activities can only help them become more well-rounded people,” Duncan said. “These types of activities also enhance their self-confidence, which for girls plays such an important part in their youth.”
Parents said they agree with Con-stance that unlike other sports and activities, golf is something that can be played throughout one’s entire life. Parents have expressed gratitude that Constance has opened a door for
Girls practice putting at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course.
LAKE JUNALUSKA GOLF COURSE
• Affordable rates
• On-site clubhouse & snack bar
• 18 holes
• Spectacular views of the mountains and lake
• A layout for all levels
• 5,034-yard par 68
• Advanced tee times
• PGA instruction
• Open year-round to the public
• Walking allowed
• Memberships available
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The Lake Junaluska Singers perform not only at Stuart Auditori-um, they also tour across the South-east during the summers. (PHOTO BY BETH
BUCHANAN)
THE LAKE JUNALUSKA SINGERS TAKE THE LAKE ON THE ROAD
f you have visited Lake Junaluska in the summer, you have probably heard the Lake Junaluska Singers.
GRAND TOUR
They’re on stage in June, July and August for Sunday morning worship services, concerts open to the public and private performances for confer-ence groups. They even perform the National Anthem from the Cherokee IV boat in the middle of the lake for the annual Independence Day fire-works display.
The Singers arrive during the first week in June, begin rehearsals immediately and are often delivering polished per-formances by the end of the first week.
They do an impressive amount of work here at Lake Junaluska. But did you know that they also travel?
For approximately three weeks every summer, the Singers hit the road as ambassadors for Lake Junaluska in churches and concert venues across the Southeast and beyond. In the sum-mer of 2015 they traveled more than 2,700 miles by bus and performed at 15 churches, spanning Georgia, Ala-bama, Tennessee and North Caroli-na. On most days, this meant getting
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on the bus right after breakfast and arriving at the next concert location just in time for a quick dinner and a brief rehearsal before the evening’s performance.
Despite being road-weary and living out of suitcases for days at a time, the Singers still brought the energy and spirit of Lake Junaluska to every note they sang. Today’s Singers are carrying on the tradition of taking the renewal of soul, mind and body on the road.
The tour concerts are typically spon-sored by local congregations who come together to raise funds to help cover travel expenses, promote the concert to their local community, pro-vide dinner before the concert and open their homes to the Singers for a good night’s sleep before they hit the road again the next morning. •
BRING HOME THE LAKEIf you would like to bring Lake Junaluska to your community through this delightful group of musicians and share in their ministry experience, please contact us at [email protected] for more details.
To see where the Junaluska Singers will be touring, visit lakejunaluska.com/singers.
“No matter how long we’ve been on the road, nothing compares to the wonder I feel when we first hear our voices resounding from the rafters.” — Shane Bloemetjie, tenor
(Above) The Lake Junaluska Singers perform Christmas carols at their concert during Appalachian Christmas at Lake Junaluska.
(Left) The Lake Junaluska Singers enchant the congregation of Trinity United Methodist Church during their summer tour.
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« Destinations
A my Clifton Keely had dreamed of her wedding her entire life. She col-lected wedding ideas, quotations, songs and loca-
tions for years—all while waiting for the right man to come along.
Early on, she decided on her dream wedding location: the Lake Junalus-ka Cross. A beacon of light and hope, the Cross was constructed by The Fed-eration of Wesley Bible Classes of the Western North Carolina Conference in 1922.
“Lake Junaluska has been a factor in my life as long as I can remember,” said Amy, the daughter of a retired Meth-odist minister.
She grew up attending the Western North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church at Lake Junaluska with her family, South Caro-lina residents who loved to spend time at the lake. Eventually, Amy’s parents bought a house at Lake Junaluska and made it their part-time home, a favor-ite place for family and friends to gath-er throughout the year.
Amy returned to Lake Junaluska for church youth retreats as a teenager, and later found the lake a welcome haven while studying psychology at Western Carolina University in nearby Cullowhee, N.C.
“I’d go over to Lake Junaluska to do homework,” Amy said. “I always found it a place where I could go back to the basics and be with family and God in a beautiful setting.”
While young Amy already had her dream wedding location in mind, it wasn’t until she attended a Lake Junaluska church youth retreat as a high school freshman that she pro-claimed her dream. While walking by the lake with her childhood friend, Robyn, Amy pointed out the Cross and said, “This is where I’m going to get married one day.”
Unbeknownst to the two young wom-en at the time, Robyn would one day act as a catalyst for Amy’s dream. Some years later, Amy and Robyn became housemates and Robyn’s then-boy-friend Burton also had a housemate: Tony Keely.
“Robyn and Burton had just started dating and they thought Tony and I should meet,” said Amy. “We dated at different times over a period of years, but it was eight years before things
dream weddingTHE PERFECT SPOT FOR A WEDDING
clicked. We reconnected a third time and that was the charm!”
Eight months later, Tony proposed to Amy during a picnic in Rock Quarry Garden in Greenville, South Carolina. From that moment, they moved for-ward together with a shared plan for a wedding that would take place at the Lake Junaluska Cross.
Tony, a restaurant chef whom Amy describes as generous, loyal, fun and huge-hearted, fully supported her childhood dream of getting married at the Cross. For Amy, a wedding pho-tographer, it was an added bonus that Lake Junaluska would also provide a beautiful backdrop for the couple’s wedding photographs. In combina-tion with the Cross, the surrounding scenery and architecture made Lake Junaluska the perfect place for the Clifton-Keely dream wedding.
Amy and Tony Keely’s wedding ceremony takes place at the Lake Junaluska Amphi-theater, below the Cross.
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The newlyweds celebrate at Inspiration Point, above the Lake Junaluska Cross.
Amy and Tony worked closely with the Lake Junaluska wedding sales manager to plan their wedding. They designed the Memorial Day Weekend wedding to be a getaway destination for family and friends so that everyone could enjoy the Lake Junaluska expe-rience. From on-site lodging and din-ing to activities on the grounds, plans were made so that guests could make the most of their time at Lake Junalus-ka and in the area. Most guests lodged at the historic Lambuth Inn or opt-ed for a vacation rental through Lake Junaluska Property Rentals.
“It was incredibly easy to plan the wed-ding,” said Amy. “The wedding sales man-ager was open to anything we wanted to do to put our own stamp on the day. And the best part was that there was no real need for decorations because the place is naturally beautiful.”
With the wedding ceremony planned for Sunday afternoon, Amy’s par-ents kicked off the weekend with a Friday night reception party at their
Lake Junaluska home. On Saturday, guests enjoyed a full day of recreation and relaxation that included a Lake Junaluska boat tour and a tubing trip on the Tuckasegee River in neighbor-ing Jackson County. Tony and a group of friends hit the links of the 18-hole Lake Junaluska Golf Course, and a couple of guests even saddled up for a horseback riding excursion.
Amy and Tony were married at the Lake Junaluska Cross, surrounded by family and friends. Both their Meth-odist minister fathers officiated the ceremony, while Robyn, husband Bur-ton and their young daughter stood in the wedding party. Amy’s cousin sang as Amy walked down the aisle
and opera singer Thomas Hydes per-formed a cappella on the hillside during the ceremony.
“Our wedding weekend was a dream come true: four days filled with cele-brations, laughter and love,” said Amy. “To this day, Tony and I joke that while I had known most of my life that I wanted to get married at Lake Junaluska, it was just a question of finding the right man! God picked the perfect match for us.” •
While walking by the lake with her childhood friend, Amy pointed at the Cross and said, “That is where I’m going to get married one day.”
To discover more about weddings at Lake Junaluska, visit: lakejunaluska.com/weddings.
lakejunaluska.com 21
« Photo Essay
In Bloom
16 GARDENS AND MORE THAN FOUR MILES OF WALKING TRAILS
A t Lake Junaluska, visitors find serenity and joy in a collection of uniquely beautiful gardens. From commemorative gardens to the historic Rose Walk, these cultivated treasures are open to the pub-lic throughout the year. The gardens are maintained by the Lake Junaluska landscaping team with year-round, hands-on support
from fellow staff, volunteers and donors.
The Corneille Bryan Native Garden is home to more than 500 species of native plants. (PHOTO BY
WOODY WHITE)
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Photo Essay »
Inspiration Point
A beloved venue for wed-dings, Inspiration Point is located adjacent to the Lambuth Inn and overlooks the Junaluska
Cross. Inspiration Point boasts unpar-alleled lake, mountain and sky views, and beautifully landscaped gardens that are in full bloom from early spring through fall. The gardens feature more than 30 different species of plants, including natives and hybrids. In concert with the gardens, the Point’s
sculpture of the Christ and Memorial Cross provide focal points for visitors’ reflection and inspiration.
The full-sized bronze sculpture of the Christ is the work of North Carolina artist William Eleazer and was given by Jim Ware. The Memorial Cross is con-structed of copper, stone, river rock and concrete. It was given in loving memo-ry of Methodist minister Charles Polk (1917–2000) by his family.
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Rose Walk
W hen in full bloom during the summer, the Rose Walk is a stunning scenic highlight along Lake Junaluska’s walking path. The Walk was conceived in 1962 when Dr. Lee F. Tut-tle, the World Methodist Council general secretary, plant-ed roses along a section of Lakeshore Drive across from the
World Methodist Building. Currently, the site features a combination of 210 hybrid tea, grandiflora and floribunda roses.
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Corneille Bryan Native Garden
Nestled within residential Stuart Circle, the Corneille Bryan Native Garden is a serene escape for nature lovers. It was created in memo-ry of Corneille Downer Bryan, the wife of Bishop Monk Bryan, who served as Nebraska Area bishop of The United Methodist Church from 1976 to 1984.
The garden features more than 500 species of native plants and is a welcome haven for birdlife. Each season of the year provides visitors with the opportunity to see a variety of plants in bloom. Early spring is an especially exciting time to visit as the garden awakens from its winter rest. • P
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Lake Junaluska Garden Tours
Come learn more about the gardens from the experts. Lake Junaluska garden tours are led by staff horticulturists and include the Bibli-cal Garden, the Rose Walk, Inspiration Point and the Susanna Wesley Garden. Love offer-
ings and/or donations are gratefully accepted and applied to the care and maintenance of the gardens. Depending upon availability, the old-time Lake Junaluska Trolley may be booked to transport groups of 30–34 adults on a gar-den tour; fees as applicable. To request and arrange a tour, contact Lake Junaluska Landscape Manager Roddy Ray at [email protected] or 828-454-6774.
Biblical Garden
Situated on the front grounds of the Bethea Wel-come Center, the Lake Junaluska Biblical Garden was established as a place of beauty and peace. It incorporates plants mentioned in the Bible, many of them edible, including herbs, figs, pomegran-
ates and vines. The garden also features plants that are rep-resentative of those in the Bible, but better suited to the Western North Carolina climate and terrain. Special fea-tures include a cascading water installation that represents justice and righteousness (Amos 5:24) and a Zimbabwean Shona sculpture.
Susanna Wesley Garden
T he Susanna Wesley Garden blooms between the World Methodist Museum and The Terrace. Named for the mother of John Wesley, the gar-den is a place for prayer and meditation. Dr. Lee F. Tuttle, the World Methodist Council Gener-
al Secretary from 1960 to 1976, created the garden, and to this day it remains under the care of the World Methodist Council. Boasting beautiful color in the spring, summer and fall, the garden is available for private functions such as wed-dings, receptions and garden club gatherings.
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Youth »
In the summers, the Lake Junaluska campus swarms with young people splashing in the pool, singing at the outdoor amphitheater and skimming across the lake on stand-up paddleboards. Just outside cam-pus, youth take advantage of the Lake Junaluska dis-
counted packages—skiing in the winter and whitewater rafting and ziplining throughout the spring, summer and fall. Whether you are attending a summer youth event or planning your own youth retreat at Lake Junaluska, the out-door activities are endless.
Recreation and outdoor activities have brought youth to Lake Junaluska for more than a century. Youth ministry has always been a core part of Lake Junaluska’s mission, dating back to the first Epworth League meeting in 1913. Throughout its history, Lake Junaluska has hosted youth
YOUTHADVENTURES
camps, confirmation groups, scout troops and hundreds of church youth groups.
The lake seems to have a majestic quality that inspires youth long into their lives. As a girl, Connie Elzey participated in youth retreats, Senior High Assembly and other events at Lake Junaluska. Now, as a Christian educator and youth minister at Myers Memorial United Methodist Church in Gastonia, Elzey brings her youth groups to Lake Junaluska to discover its inspiration for themselves.
“Those experiences impacted my life and ultimate calling to attend Pfeiffer College (now Pfeiffer University) and major in Christian Education,” Elzey said. “So, of course, as a youth director, bringing groups to Lake Junaluska was never a hard decision.” •
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Tackle the Nantahala, French Broad or Pigeon River — the whitewater rapids await. Packages include lodging, meals and guided half-day rafting adventures. Book during one of our summer youth events, or plan your own trip using our special rates. Find out more at lakejunaluska.com/adventure.
YOUTH OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR ALL SEASONS
ZIPLINE
Enjoy a soaring and gliding experi-ence at Pigeon River Canopy tours. Zips fly you beside, above and across the Pigeon River, and back to your starting point at heights of up to 120 feet above the river. Ziplining tours are available as a package deal with rafting. Packages include lodging, meals and half-day zipline tours. Find out more at lakejunaluska.com/adventure.
SKI
Hit the slopes with Lake Junaluska. Worship and ski at one of our six Ski Lake Junaluska youth events, or plan your own trip using our discounted package rates. We offer all-inclusive ski packages, which include lodging, meals, ski or snowboard rentals and lift tickets. Learn more at lakejunaluska.com/ski.
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« Lake Junaluska
E very year, thousands of visitors from around the world are awed and inspired by the beau-ty of the Lake Junaluska
grounds. From the historic Rose Walk to the sedum garden of Inspiration Point, the horticultural surprises are never ending.
What does it take to plant and main-tain these glorious grounds? Accord-ing to the Lake Junaluska landscaping team, it’s a labor of love that’s shared by staff members, volunteers and donors for the enjoyment of all.
The landscaping team numbers two full-time horticulturalists, Landscape Manager Roddy Ray and Landscape Assistant Donna Ewart, and two part-time seasonal employees. Ray has been a landscaper with Lake Junaluska for 24 years, while Ewart, who is also a cer-tified forester, joined the team three years ago.
Both graduates of Haywood Com-munity College’s horticultural pro-gram, the two women had ties with Lake Junaluska long before they were employees. Ray grew up attending summer Bible school at Lake Junalus-ka, while Ewart often brought her fam-ily to walk and play on the grounds.
The landscaping team is responsible for about 800 acres, which includes the Rose Walk, eight gardens and 42 flower
GREEN THUMBSTHE LANDSCAPING OF LAKE JUNALUSKA: A SHARED LABOR OF LOVE
Landscape Assis-tant Donna Ewart waters young plants in the Lake Junaluska green-house to pre-pare for the spring planting season. (PHOTO BY AMY
WALKER)
Landscape Manager Roddy Ray (left) instructs young volunteers at the Biblical Garden at Lake Junaluska. (PHOTO BY
STEPHANIE DRUM)
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Lake Junaluska »
NOMADS LEND A HANDNOMADS, Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service, is a group of people from all over the Unit-ed States who love to travel and provide volunteer labor for United Methodist organizations. As it states on the group’s website: “With God’s help, NOMADS pretty much do it all,” from new construction and remodeling, to cleaning, sewing and painting.
For more than 10 years, groups of NOMADS have come to Lake Junalus-ka for three-week work sessions in spring and fall, making their tempo-rary home at Lake Junaluska Camp-ground. Their incredible contributions to Lake Junaluska landscaping and grounds projects include building docks, benches, a potting soil shed and the Biblical Garden’s grape arbor; painting screens and windows; and weeding gardens and beds.
beds. Ray and Ewart make their rounds with their hand tools in an E-Z-GO Workhorse golf cart that was purchased for the landscaping department by the Junaluska Associates. They work closely with the grounds and mowing crew.
The landscaping team spends win-ter pruning back the grounds. Then, between the end of February and April, Ray and Ewart grow all the plants that they will use on the grounds. Maximiz-ing every inch of a 40-by-70-foot green-house and a small cold frame, they annually raise 7,000 coleus plants and 7,000 annual and perennial plants, the majority of which go into the ground. Extras are grown for the annual plant sale in May, the proceeds of which help to subsidize the landscaping budget.
“Roddy is why the budget works,” said Ewart. “She stretches it so that we get real bang for our buck.”
The team grows plants by division or from cuttings, plugs, seeds and bulbs. When the plugs arrive via mail, 528 to a tray, they must be potted right away.
“By April, the greenhouse is packed,” said Ray. “It’s a juggling act.”
Water, soil and pots are used sparing-ly and recycled when possible, result-ing in minimal waste. Cuttings are taken and propagated in September, ready for the next year when they will become the mother plants.
Due to the enormity of the task, Lake Junaluska contracts a group of land-scapers to help with the annual plant-ing in May. Once Ray and Ewart have placed all the greenhouse-grown plants in the gardens and beds to which they are assigned, the contrac-tors follow behind and put the plants in the ground. The process takes about
a week and a half. When the green-house is empty and planting season is over, Ray and Ewart turn their atten-tion to weeding, watering and main-taining the grounds.
Care and maintenance of the grounds is where volunteers and donors make their greatest contributions. Volunteers include Lake Junaluska
“We simply couldn’t do our job without the
volunteers.”— Landscape Manager
Roddy Ray
In return, Lake Junaluska provides NOMADS with subsidized campground sites and one meal a day. A banquet is held at the end of every work session to honor the group’s contributions.
“The NOMADS never say no, always yes with a smile,” said Lake Junalus-ka Director of Property Management Don Ebaugh, who jokingly refers to the group as “YES-MADS.” “I’m always amazed by how much they get done. I’d estimate that with all the work they’ve done for us over the years the savings are at the $1 million mark.”
For more information on NOMADS, visit nomadsumc.org.
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homeowners, the Junaluska Associ-ates, community members, and local and national organizations such as NOMADS (see sidebar). Many home-owners and community members par-ticipate in the Adopt-A-Spot program, in which small groups adopt a Lake Junaluska location and care for it.
“We simply couldn’t do our job with-out the volunteers,” said Ray. “We’ve had hundreds of volunteers over the years. And the homeowners, many of whom are master gardeners, are huge in making the place work.”
Donors allow the landscaping team to continue their work beyond the bounds of their budget. Both groups and individuals make donations that Ray applies wherever there is the
greatest need. She also makes sure that donors get a thank-you letter for their tax-deductible donations. Historical-ly, the Junaluskans provide the funds necessary to maintain the historic Rose Walk, which can cover anything from pine needles for mulch to chemicals and fertilizers.
During the fall, Ray and Ewart scout the grounds every other day, looking for the telltale signs of insect-related diseases. In doing so, they get to know the cycle of insects, which chemicals to apply and when to apply them.
Whether weeding beds, potting plugs or giving a garden tour, Ray and Ewart love the work they do and the oppor-tunity to wow visitors with their horti-cultural skills.
“We’re always learning,” said Ray. “New plants are constantly evolving, which means new ways of doing things. Also, it’s a blessing and a morale boost-er that there’s always someone thank-ing us while we work. That’s why we love to thank our volunteers with ros-es. It plain makes us feel good.” •
For more information on Lake Junalus-ka landscaping, contact Roddy Ray at [email protected] or 828-454-6774. The annual plant sale takes place May 2, 4 and 6, 2016, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Lake Junaluska green-house, 82 Sleepy Hollow Road, Lake Junaluska. Customers must pay with checks; cash or credit not accepted.
Donna Ewart and Roddy Ray prepare plants for the spring planting season. All of Lake Junaluska’s plants are grown in the on-campus greenhouse.
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The Terrace underwent a $3.2-million renovation in 2015, one of the largest renovation projects in Lake Junaluska history.
AFTER
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« Lodging
Hotel guests can relax in a rocking chair on one of The Terrace’s balconies overlooking the lake.
Transformation–– OF THE TERRACE ––
If you walked through The Terrace in 2014 and then walked through it again today, you probably wouldn’t recognize it. The tired quilts are now crisp white sheets and soft duvets. The old gray tile floor in the hallways that made your suitcase go “thump
thump thump” as its wheels caught in the grout is now a colorful carpet. The front desk is modern and clean, built of solid wood.
The Terrace underwent a $3.2-million renovation last year that transformed it into a modern hotel.
“I could not be any more pleased,” said Lake Junaluska Executive Director Jack Ewing. “When it was finished, I was filled with euphoria. I thought, ‘This is unbelievable.’”
As a result of the renovations, occupancy rate has skyrock-eted and guests are more pleased than ever.
“We are thrilled by the impact the renovations had on Lake Junaluska,” Ewing said. “To me, it’s proof of the saying, ‘If we build it, they will come.’”
A QUICK TURNAROUND
Plans for renovations of The Terrace began in mid-2014. The Board of Directors approved the plan in October. A frenzy of architects, contractors, electricians, designers and engineers worked day and night on the building, with as many as 40 people on the site at a time.
The hotel closed in December following Appalachian Christmas and opened again on April 1, 2015—a turn-around of only 12 weeks.
“A few weeks before the renovation was supposed to be com-pleted, I walked through and thought, ‘There’s no way this will happen,’” said Rob Huckaby, the COO and general man-ager of Lake Junaluska who oversaw the renovations. “But we did it.”
The renovations were purposefully planned for the slow season so they would be completed prior to the summer
months when Lake Junaluska would need both of the hotels to accommodate large groups.
“In all of my years working in the hotel business, I have never seen renovations completed in that short of a time,” said Dawn Barozzini, the director of revenue. “It was truly impressive to witness.”
A NEW LEVEL OF SERVICE
In addition to immense improvement of amenities, Hucka-by and Ewing said the staff is showing a huge improvement in service.
The laundry staff was re-trained about how to wash the white sheets and duvets. Housekeeping now knows how to take care of the new solid wood furniture, which shows more damage than the particleboard there before it.
Overall, the crew has a sense of pride about the space they maintain.
“The staff is so proud of the building now, and their level of service matches the quality of the building,” Ewing said. “We receive so many compliments about the level of hospi-tality of our staff.”
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A SPECTACULAR RESULT
The renovations were modeled after a Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn, Ewing said. The place is brighter, with the old fluorescent lights replaced by LED bulbs. Guests say the new beds are like sleeping on a cloud. There is a refrigerator in every room. The meeting rooms received new coats of paint. Thanks to new toilets, you can no longer hear them being flushed from two floors away.
But The Terrace brings something else that no Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express will ever bring. And that’s the “wow” factor when you peer out your window onto the beauty of Lake Junaluska.
“It’s the experience of opening the room door and being wowed by the window,” Ewing said. “Now you don’t have to walk through mediocrity to get to the spectacular.” •
“It’s the experience of opening the room door and being wowed by the window. Now you don’t have to walk through mediocrity to get to the spectacular.”— Executive Director Jack Ewing
The renovations of The Terrace included the front desk, which is made of solid wood.
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HISTORIC LAMBUTH INN Charming, elegant and historic, the Lambuth Inn is a pop-ular destination for guests looking for the quaint feel of a bed-and-breakfast. Built in 1931, Lambuth Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. It offers panoramic views of Lake Junaluska and the Great Smoky Mountains. Book your stay at 800-222-4930 or lakejunaluska.com/lambuth.
LAKE JUNALUSKA CAMPGROUNDLake Junaluska Campground offers RV and tent sites, rustic cabins, apartments and a meeting lodge. The campground includes full hookups, pull-through sites for RVs of all sizes, pet-friendly campsites, picnic tables and fire rings. Book your stay at 800-222-4930 or lakejunaluska.com/campground.
LAKE JUNALUSKA PROPERTY RENTALSYou can rent privately-owned houses, apartments and cot-tages through Lake Junaluska. Get a house overlooking the lake for your whole family, or book your weekend getaway with the girls. Lake Junaluska property rentals are furnished with a stove, refrigerator, cooking and eating utensils, TV and bedding. Book your stay at 800-222-4930 or lakejunaluska.com/rentals.
WEST END LODGINGLooking for a budget vacation? Stay at the Lake Junaluska Apartments, Lakeside Lodge, Mountain View Lodge or Sun-nyside Lodge. Accommodations are motel-style and dormi-tory facilities—perfect for an economical vacation or a youth group. Book your stay at 800-222-4930 or see your options at lakejunaluska.com/accommodations.
OTHER LODGING OPTIONS
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2016 EVENTSA LOOK AT THE YEAR AHEAD
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February2 Transitional/Intentional
Interim MinistryPHASE I: FEBRUARY 2–5, APRIL 26–29, AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 2An interim minister is an experienced, mature United Methodist pastor trained for the specialized ministry of the interim period. Learn tools and techniques designed for this unique ministry.lakejunaluska.com/interim.aspx
26CONFIRM 2016FEBRUARY 26–28;
MARCH 4–6, 11–13; APRIL 8–10, 15–17, 22–24; APRIL 29 – MAY 1Weekend events for young confirmands of The United Methodist Church. Spon-sored by the Foundation for Christian Formation and the Department of Religion at Pfeiffer University.fcfconfirm.net
March4 IGC Confirmation
RetreatMARCH 4–6, 11–13; APRIL 1–3, 8–10, 15–17; NOVEMBER 4–6Attended by kids from across the Southeast, the Intention-al Growth Center’s Confirma-tion Retreat Weekends help confirmands in their spiritual life as they prepare to make a commitment of faith.lakejunaluska.com/confirmation
26Lake Junaluska Easter Celebration
MARCH 26–27Weekend activities include the Lake Junaluska Friends of the Lake 5K and a sunrise service at the amphitheater below the Cross. Rain loca-tion: Memorial Chapel.lakejunaluska.com/easter
April3Road Scholar Program
APRIL 3–8“Folklore in Modern Society; Scottish and English Ballads; Scottish Dance”roadscholar.org, Program #22134
22Holston United Methodist Women
Spiritual EnrichmentAPRIL 22–23, 23–24Enrich your spirit and grow in faith and understanding through prayer, scripture, reflection and Christian fellowship.holstonumw.org
24Road Scholar Program
APRIL 24–29 “Brave Hearts, Bonnie Princes; Southern Mountain Musical Traditions; Cherokee of Yesterday and Today”roadscholar.org,Program #21338
24Road Scholar Program
APRIL 24–29“Nature Hiking in the South-ern Appalachian Mountains”roadscholar.org, Program #17288
29South Carolina United Methodist
Women Spiritual Growth Retreat APRIL 29–30The Spiritual Growth Retreat takes place at Lake Junaluska.umcsc.org/home/ministries/
advocacy/united-methodist-women
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May8Road Scholar Program
MAY 8–13“Great Smoky Mountains National Park: An American Treasure”roadscholar.org, Program #20552
22 Road Scholar Program
MAY 22–27“Nature Hiking in the South-ern Appalachian Mountains”roadscholar.org, Program #17288
29Carolina Conference Camp Meeting
MAY 29 – JUNE 4Seventh-day Adventist mem-bers from around the Caroli-nas join together for a week of seminars and activities designed to bring spiritual and physical renewal.carolinasda.org/camp-meeting
SUMMER YOUTH EVENTSTheme: Overwhelmed with Joy, Christmas in Summer
Join us this summer in the beautiful North Carolina moun-tains as we journey with the Wise Men! Focusing on themes of giving, service and encountering Christ, we will celebrate the joy of Jesus in our lives. Each event offers morning and evening sessions with high-energy worship, guest preachers and mission components. Afternoons are free for groups to plan additional service projects and rafting trips, or to enjoy the swimming pool or boats at Lake Junaluska.
The program is geared towards 6th- through 12th-graders.
June 24–26: New! Two-night event featuring Kevin Wright and Jimmy Atkins
July 7–10: Three-night event featuring Steve Cheyney and Abbye West-Pates
July 10–14: Four-night event featuring Andy Lambert and Abbye West-Pates
July 14–17: Three-night event featuring Duffy Robbins and Abbye West-Pates
Packages and program-only rates available. For more information, visit lakejunaluska.com/youth.
lakejunaluska.com 37
19Road Scholar Program
JUNE 19–24“Nature Hiking in the South-ern Appalachian Mountains”roadscholar.org, Program #17288
19Music & Worship Arts Week
JUNE 19–24A multi-generational edu-cational event composed of arts, praise and renewal. Designed for those who want to sing, dance or act all week, as well as for those who lead these ministries in local congregations. lakejunaluska.com/mwaw
21 Transitional/Intentional
Interim MinistryPHASE III: JUNE 21–23, OCTOBER 25–27, FEBRUARY 2017An interim minister is an experienced, mature United Methodist pastor trained for the specialized ministry of the interim period. Learn tools and techniques designed for this unique ministry.lakejunaluska.com/interim.aspx
24Native American Summer Conference
JUNE 24–26The SEJANAM Summer Conference weekend includes speakers, a small powwow, Native vendors and classes. lakejunaluska.com/sejanam
26 Road Scholar Program
JUNE 26 – JULY 1“Nature Hiking in the South-ern Appalachian Mountains”roadscholar.org, Program #17288
26 Summer Worship Series
JUNE 26 – AUGUST 7With dynamic guest preach-ers, the Lake Junaluska Sing-ers, Holy Communion and a Taizé service, the Summer Worship Series has some-thing for everyone on Sun-day mornings and Monday evenings.lakejunaluska.com/
summer-worship
26 Road Scholar Program
JUNE 26–29“Cherokee Culture in the Great Smoky Mountains: Oral Traditions and Performing Arts”roadscholar.org, Program #16415
June5 Holston Annual
ConferenceJUNE 5–8Leaders of member churches of the Holston Conference will meet at Lake Junaluska.holston.org/about/annual-conference
10WNCC United Methodist Women
Spiritual Growth Retreat JUNE 10–11Rev. Holly Adams will lead a time to pray, listen, reflect, study and share fellowship with women from across the conference.wnccumw.org
12 Summer ShindigJUNE 12
A free community event to welcome the summer season. Features a bluegrass concert at the recreation field and other outdoor activities for all ages. lakejunaluska.com
15Western North Carolina Annual
ConferenceJUNE 15–19Clergy and laity from the Western North Carolina Conference will gather for worship, learning, business and fellowship.wnccumc.org
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38 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2016
SUMMER WORSHIP SERIESJoin us for spirited traditional worship services featuring the Lake Junaluska Singers on Sunday mornings, and contemplative Taizé services of prayer and song on Monday evenings.
June 26: Rev. Kevin WrightJuly 3: Rev. Ashley Crowder-StanleyJuly 10: Dr. Robert E. LongJuly 17: Rev. Amy ColesJuly 24: Harry J. Lyness July 31: Dr. Tony CampoloAugust 7: Bishop Larry Goodpaster
For more information, visit lakejunaluska.com/summer-worship.
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June (cont’d)
26 Young People in Mission
JUNE 26–302016’s theme is “The Living Word: Living the Word.” The SEJ event is a high-en-ergy camp experience with hands-on mission opportu-nities for youth and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24. Includes time for worship and service work.umvim.org/go/youth-young-adults/
young_people_in_mission
30 M28 Youth Weekend
JUNE 30 – JULY 3Designed to help leaders and students grow deep relationships with Christ. Worship and teaching sessions make a difference to every attendee.m28camps.com
July1 Independence Day
Celebrations JULY 1–4The celebrations include concerts by the award-win-ning bluegrass group Balsam Range and the Lake Junalus-ka Singers, fireworks and other family activities.lakejunaluska.com/july4th
2 Balsam Range in Concert
JULY 2The award-winning bluegrass group Balsam Range takes the stage as part of the Lake Junaluska Independence Day Celebration.lakejunaluska.com/july4th
3&4
The Lake Junaluska Singers in ConcertJULY 3 & 4The Lake Junaluska Singers perform in Stuart Auditorium.lakejunaluska.com/singers
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3M28 Youth Week JULY 3–7
Designed to help leaders and students grow deep relationships with Christ. Worship and teaching session make a difference to every attendee.m28camps.com
17 Road Scholar Program
JULY 17–20“Folkmoot USA: North Carolina’s International Folk Festival”roadscholar.org, Program #15162
31 Road Scholar Program
JULY 31—AUGUST 3“Cherokee Culture in the Great Smoky Mountains: Oral Traditions and Performing Arts”roadscholar.org, Program #16415
August1 Festival of Wisdom
and GraceAUGUST 1–4Theme: “Come to the Water.” Led by Dr. Tony Campolo and Dr. Mickey Efird, this event features worship, workshops, profes-sional training and fellowship relating to the second half of life. Designed for individu-als, couples, small groups or church leaders.lakejunaluska.com/
wisdom-and-grace
5 The Lake Junaluska Singers in Concert
AUGUST 5 & 6The Lake Junaluska Singers perform in Stuart Auditorium.lakejunaluska.com/singers
5 Junaluska Associates Weekend
AUGUST 5–7The Lake Junaluska Asso-ciates is an organization of individuals from across the jurisdiction and beyond who love Lake Junaluska and want to serve in partnership with Lake Junaluska Assem-bly. Join the Associates for a fun weekend of entertain-ment, food, fellowship and inspiration. lakejunaluska.com/associates
6 Southeast Church Network
AUGUST 6–10Network with other SEJ church business administra-tors for support, sharing of knowledge and other tools for spiritual and personal growth. sejumacba.org
13Blue Ridge Breakaway
AUGUST 13An adrenaline-pumping bicycling event that winds through country lanes, scenic byways and the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. For riders of all skill levels; lodging pack-ages available. lakejunaluska.com/breakaway
14 Salvation Army Bible Conference
AUGUST 14–21 A spiritual highlight of the USA Southern Territory each year is the Territorial Bible Conference conducted for The Salvation Army officers, soldiers, friends and their families. Great Bible teachers from various denominations lead conference delegates through a week of renewal and spiritual refreshment. salvationarmysouth.org
21Road Scholar Program
AUGUST 21–26“Jews and Christians in Dialogue; Folklore in Modern Society; Why Am I Scots-Irish?”roadscholar.org, Program #22135
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40 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2016
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September2 Smoky Mountain
Folk FestivalSEPTEMBER 2–3The 46th annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival offers two nights of the finest traditional music and dance of the Southern Appalachian region.lakejunaluska.com/sm-folk-festival
9WNCC UMW Annual Meeting
SEPTEMBER 9–11 Theme: “A Fresh Wind Blowing.”wnccumw.org
11Road Scholar Program
SEPTEMBER 11–16“Nature Hiking in the South-ern Appalachian Mountains”roadscholar.org, Program #17288
11Road Scholar Program
SEPTEMBER 11–16 “Brave Hearts, Bonnie Princes; Mountain Musical Traditions; Cherokee of Yesterday and Today”roadscholar.org, Program #21338
12 Experience the World of the Bible
SEPTEMBER 12–14This course of study with Dr. James Fleming will incor-porate historical geography and biblical history, uniquely tying the studies with the biblical text and emphasizing the wedding of the theologi-cal/faith relationships. lakejunaluska.com/
experiencing-bible
14Experience the World of the Bible II
SEPTEMBER 14–16This course of study with Dr. James Fleming, will incor-porate historical geography and biblical history, uniquely tying the studies with the biblical text and emphasizing the wedding of the theologi-cal/faith relationships. lakejunaluska.com/
experiencing-bible
17 Holston Conference UMW
SEPTEMBER 17–18 The Holston Conference UMW Annual Meeting takes place at Lake Junaluska.holstonumw.org
18 Worship Design Studio with Dr.
Marcia McFeeSEPTEMBER 18–21 Gain a head start on sen-sory-rich worship plans for the liturgical year that touch hearts, transform lives and form disciples. lakejunaluska.com/worship_design
18 Road Scholar Program
SEPTEMBER 18–23“Great Smoky Mountains National Park: An American Treasure”roadscholar.org, Program #20552
30 The Lake Junaluska Singers in Concert
SEPTEMBER 30 & OCTOBER 1The Lake Junaluska Singers perform in Stuart Auditorium.lakejunaluska.com/singers
30 Fall Harvest Festival
SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 2Come celebrate fall at Lake Junaluska. Bring your family and friends for music and fun!lakejunaluska.com/singers
October7 Lake Junaluska
Signature Series ConferenceOCTOBER 7–9Featuring Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, the founding pastor of House for All Sin-ners and Saints in Denver, Colorado. lakejunaluska.com/
signature-series
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9 Road Scholar ProgramOCTOBER 9–14
“Nature Hiking in the South-ern Appalachian Mountains”roadscholar.org, Program #17288
9 Road Scholar ProgramOCTOBER 9–14
“Celtic Legacy; The Civil War’s Common Soldier; The Boogeyman, Witches and Mountain Haints”roadscholar.org, Program #21857
16 Road Scholar Program
OCTOBER 16–21“Nature Hiking in the South-ern Appalachian Mountains”roadscholar.org, Program #17288
18 Fall Fling OCTOBER 18–21
Enjoy the beauty of Lake Junaluska during peak leaf season. Features devotions, mini-workshops and ample free time.lakejunaluska.com/fall-fling
23 Road Scholar Program
OCTOBER 23–28“Bonfires, Magic Wells and Spirits of the Air; Popular Songs; Classic Movies”roadscholar.org, Program #22136
28 Choir Music Weekend
OCTOBER 28–30Designed for small and medium-sized adult choirs, the weekend includes wor-ship, specialized workshops, a Lake Junaluska Singers Concert and opportunities to learn new anthems. lakejunaluska.com/choirmusic
November10 Lake Junaluska
Peace ConferenceNOVEMBER 10–13Affirming the community of Abrahamic faiths, the Peace Conference seeks to work in partnership with Christians, Jews, Muslims and members of other religious traditions to advance the work of reconciliation and peace. lakejunaluska.com/peace
24 Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska
NOVEMBER 24Start a new tradition and savor an exquisite Thanks-giving meal with family and friends. Add a Biltmore Estate ticket or visit other local area attractions.lakejunaluska.com/thanksgiving
27 Road Scholar Program
NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 2“Scottish Christmas Cus-toms; Appalachian Christ-mas; Christmas Movies”roadscholar.org, Program #20308
December9 Appalachian
ChristmasDECEMBER 9–11 Awaken the spirit of Christ-mas through festive live music, hearty meals and local artistry. Festivities include “Handel’s Messiah,” featuring the Lake Junaluska Singers, and the Appala-chian Christmas Craft Show, which showcases the work of dozens of local artisans.lakejunaluska.com/christmas
9 The Lake Junaluska Singers in Concert
DECEMBER 9 & 10The Lake Junaluska Singers perform in Stuart Auditorium.lakejunaluska.com/singers
30 Ski Lake Junaluska
DECEMBER 30 – JANUARY 1Youth ski retreat that includes worship, housing, food and skiing.lakejunaluska.com/ski
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2016 »
BILTMORE ESTATE PACKAGESYEAR-ROUNDThe Biltmore Estate, located in Ashe-ville, is just a short drive away when you stay at Lake Junaluska. The estate boasts an abundance of festivities and activities for any season. lakejunaluska.com/biltmore
WHITEWATER RAFTING AND ZIPLINE ADVENTURESMARCH – OCTOBER Lake Junaluska Adventure Packages offer all-inclusive rafting and ziplining experiences. We provide simplicity each step of the way so you can relax and have a great time with your group. lakejunaluska.com/adventure
LAKE JUNALUSKA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONSJULY 1–5The celebrations include concerts by Balsam Range and the Lake Junaluska Singers, fireworks, a parade and other family activities! lakejunaluska.com/july4th
SMOKY MOUNTAIN FOLK FESTIVALSEPTEMBER 2–3The 46th annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival offers two nights of the finest traditional music and dance of the Southern Appalachian region. lakejunaluska.com/sm-folk-festival
FALL FOLIAGE GETAWAYSEPTEMBER 1 – NOVEMBER 29Experience the majesty of the changing autumn leaves! Convenient to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Junaluska offers the perfect escape during fall. Available Sunday–Thursday nights only. Some blackout dates and taxes apply. lakejunaluska.com/fall
NEW! FALL HARVEST FESTIVALSEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 2 Events include the Lake Junaluska Singers fall concert and family- friendly activities. lakejunaluska.com/singers
Special Events & Packages
THANKSGIVING AT LAKE JUNALUSKANOVEMBER 23–25Start a new tradition—savor an exqui-site Thanksgiving with family as we take care of the details. Add a Biltmore Estate ticket or cut down your own Christmas tree to make your trip truly unforgettable. lakejunaluska.com/thanksgiving
LAKE JUNALUSKA APPALACHIAN CHRISTMASDECEMBER 9–11Celebrate an Appalachian Christmas with your group of loved ones and enjoy a weekend of music and crafts. Performances include the Lake Junalus-ka Singers Christmas Concert, Handel’s Messiah and the Cockman Family. lakejunaluska.com/christmas
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PHOTO COURTESY OF SEJ HERITAGE CENTER AT LAKE JUNALUSKA
E leanor Roosevelt (center in white hat) poses at the Lake Junaluska Cross in July 1944. Roosevelt was invited to Lake Junaluska
to speak to the Women’s Club. During her visit, she took a boat ride on the lake, spoke at Stuart Auditorium, had an interview at a local radio station and attended a breakfast hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
Roosevelt wrote in the July 29, 1944 edition of The Evening News from Harrisburg, Penn.:
“ The first thing you see, on a high spot in the grounds, is a great cross which at night is illuminated. They told me that originally, when the cross had been built, the intention was to light it up only during the summer when the conferences were in session. But the railroad men, who can see it as they pass in the night, grew so fond of it that when it was turned off they sent a petition to the board asking that it be lit every night, for it gave them food for thought and inspiration as they drove their engines in the dark... I enjoyed every minute of the beautiful drive to Lake Junaluska, and the first glimpse of the lake as we came along the mountain road is a sight long to be remembered.”
REMEMBERED
Lake Junaluska PO Box 67 Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
Discover Lake JunaluskaLake Junaluska is a conference and retreat center in the mountains of Western North Carolina. With a unique location 30 miles from Asheville and between two of the most popular national parks in the country, Lake Junaluska is your gateway to the best outdoor activities and attractions in the Southeast. We welcome corporate and nonprofit groups, families, weddings, reunions, leisure guests and church groups of all denominations.
To plan your Lake Junaluska getaway, visit lakejunaluska.com today.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORSAT LAKE JUNALUSKAPAGE 6
