Scam Alert ‼️ Phone message 50% Ending

This is an attempted Scam Message left on my iPhone where the caller tells me that my 50% is ending and to please call their customer service number.

Scam Alert ‼️ Phone Message - Walmart Purchase

 

This is a voice message left on my phone. She is telling me that my purchase of a game console is being processed for over 900 dollars. Certainly this would get my attention and I would want to resolve it But This is a Total Scam to get me to call their number. Do Not Fall For This Scamming Tactic. I did Not Buy this Item or anything at Walmart recently so that’s a clue but I am getting calls like this everyday with different ploys; my card is being billed for an item or service, my refund is being processed, etc. etc. These scammers sound very professional. They provide you with a customer service number and if you call they will give you an employee number and know Exactly what to say in order to get you to trust them with your real credit card or bank account number so they can “process” your “refund” when in fact they are getting deeper into your private data. I think it’s worth knowing that these scammers are working 24/7 and using very sophisticated methods to steal from honest and unsuspecting citizens/consumers. I am posting this simply as one example and may post others as I receive them but as the old adage goes, “Buyer Beware” or in this day and age If you receive an email, a text or Phone call… Beware and do Not fall into their trap.

Walgreens Google Review

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qmadELeVDhkbQH6y9?g_st=im

People make the Difference!

I have grown accustomed to going to Walgreens @ “Little Ingles” for my vaccinations and other sundry needs. A pharmacist with whom I had developed a particular trust recently retired but I ran into another staff associate who also takes time and interest in his clients. We met by chance in Ingles and had a brief conversation. David, took the time to simply recognize me as a patron and a few minutes to chat. As a customer this makes All the Difference as to where I choose to shop. Some store staffers robotically say hello or goodbye as part of company policy while others actually show an interest. My point in this review is to say that People Make the Difference and my thanks to David and other associates for making that distinction in offering true customer service.

How North Carolina counties voted for president, governor in 2024

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/14/how-north-carolina-counties-voted-for-president-and-governor-in-2024-election/76264604007/

Pete

Fwd: Republicans take control of Congress

Social Security

 

Although President-elect Donald Trump has often promised to protect Social Security, he has not explained exactly how he would save the beloved — but financially troubled — entitlement program. Nor did he take any meaningful steps to shore up Social Security during his first term in the White House. Moreover, several of his recent campaign pledges — including to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits — could wind up costing seniors in coming years. The program's funds are expected to run dry in 2035 without congressional intervention, according to the latest Social Security trustees' report. After that, payroll tax revenue and other income would only be able to cover 83% of benefits owed. It remains to be seen whether the incoming GOP-controlled Congress will delve into the controversial issue anytime soon.

Pete

Begin forwarded message:

From: CNN's 5 Things AM <5things@newsletters.cnn.com>
Date: November 14, 2024 at 6:55:56 AM EST
To: peteandtess@gmail.com
Subject: Republicans take control of Congress
Reply-To: CNN's 5 Things AM <5things@newsletters.cnn.com>

Social Security

 

Although President-elect Donald Trump has often promised to protect Social Security, he has not explained exactly how he would save the beloved — but financially troubled — entitlement program. Nor did he take any meaningful steps to shore up Social Security during his first term in the White House. Moreover, several of his recent campaign pledges — including to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits — could wind up costing seniors in coming years. The program's funds are expected to run dry in 2035 without congressional intervention, according to the latest Social Security trustees' report. After that, payroll tax revenue and other income would only be able to cover 83% of benefits owed. It remains to be seen whether the incoming GOP-controlled Congress will delve into the controversial issue anytime soon

IBM's Research-Ready Quantum Chip

https://www.perplexity.ai/page/ibm-s-research-ready-quantum-c-VEra8Q9IQuyffSVEDB54.Q

Pete

Fwd: New issue: Asheville restaurants find costly water solutions

One interesting tidbit she discovered through her reporting is that World Central Kitchen — the global humanitarian food nonprofit that's been on the ground feeding people in Western North Carolina since the beginning of the crisis — was the first to install these tanks and cistern systems at restaurants they were partnering with.

Pete

Begin forwarded message:

From: Mountain Xpress <jmcguire@mountainx.com>
Date: November 12, 2024 at 2:01:42 PM EST
To: Reader <peteandtess@gmail.com>
Subject: New issue: Asheville restaurants find costly water solutions
Reply-To: Mountain Xpress <jmcguire@mountainx.com>

One interesting tidbit she discovered through her reporting is that World Central Kitchen — the global humanitarian food nonprofit that's been on the ground feeding people in Western North Carolina since the beginning of the crisis — was the first to install these tanks and cistern systems at restaurants they were partnering with.

Volunteer forest ranger, 18, dies responding to New York wildfire that sent smoky haze over NYC | CNN

https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/10/us/new-york-wildfire-death/index.html

Volunteer forest ranger, 18, dies responding to New York wildfire that sent smoky haze over NYC

CNN  — 

An 18-year-old New York State Forest Ranger volunteer and state employee died Saturday while responding to a wildfire near the New York-New Jersey border that sent smoke drifting across New York City, officials said.

Dariel Vasquez, a Parks and Recreation aide employed by the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, was killed while battling a fire in a forest in Greenwood Lake, about 35 miles northwest of New York City, according to state police.

The death stems from the Jennings Creek Fire burning in the area of Greenwood Lake Turnpike and East Shore Road in West Milford, Passaic County, as well as in Orange County, New York, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

The fire was one of several blazes in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast this weekend amid an ongoing drought, dry air and high winds. A fire in Brooklyn's Prospect Park took over three hours to extinguish, and a fire in New Jersey led to arson charges against a 37-year-old man.

The Jennings Creek Fire has burned 2,500 acres and isn't contained, the Fire Service said Sunday. About 25 structures are threatened, though none have been evacuated. Crews are working to put out the fire, and as of Saturday night were "in a good position" due to favorable weather conditions in the area, Greenwood Lake said on social media.

"Sadly, we have received news of the line-of-duty death of a NYS Forest Ranger Volunteer," Greenwood Lake Mayor Tom Howley wrote in the post. "Our deepest condolences go out to their family and fellow rangers."

Vasquez was a recent graduate of Ramapo High School in the East Ramapo Central School District and member of the school's varsity baseball team, the East Ramapo Titans. He was Rockland County's Athlete of the Season in the spring of 2024, according to district superintendent Anthony DiCarlo.

DiCarlo said in a statement that Vasquez "was a dedicated student and a gifted athlete - a leader among his classmates and teammates. We send our thoughts and condolences to Dariel's family during this difficult time."

"Dariel's spirit, determination, and dedication will never be forgotten," said a Facebook post from Sabrina Charles-Pierre, a representative of the East Ramapo Central School Board of Education.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was "deeply saddened" by the death.

"I commend his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers, and his bravery on the front lines," she said in a statement. "New York is battling multiple wildfires due to the dry conditions we are currently facing. Our State employees are working around the clock to protect our communities and we are keeping them close in our thoughts as they put their lives on the line to stop the spread of these wildfires."

Smoke from the fire drifted over to New York City and gave the area a smoky smell on Saturday. The state has issued an air quality health advisory and recommended people consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity, particularly for those sensitive to the effects of high levels of pollutants.

Andrew Meher, a resident of West Milford, New Jersey, on Greenwood Lake, took photos of the fire and said the smell of smoke was noticeable in the air.

Dane Carmichael told CNN he went to West Milford on Saturday night to see the wildfire and take video.

"From where I was last night, the fire looked dimmer near the neighborhood, but up higher on the ridge, away from the houses, it was absolutely roaring," he said.

Millions in Northeast under red flag warnings

A brush fire in Prospect Park in Brooklyn on Friday night burned two acres of extremely dry vegetation, spurring firefighters to battle the blaze for more than three hours, the Fire Department of New York said.

On Friday, red flag warnings were in place for over 50 million people, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. As of Sunday, nearly 12 million people remain under a red flag warning in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The Northeast has seen an incredibly dry streak of weather, leading to an ongoing drought that has provided plenty of fuel for any new wildfires that start up.

New York's second-longest dry streak –- 29 days straight – ended on October 28 when the city had only 0.01 inches of rainfall. The rainfall in the city has been running significantly below average since September 1. Central Park in New York City has seen 1.59 inches of rainfall since then, almost 8 inches below normal.

With this lack of rainfall, drought numbers have been increasing substantially across the Northeast. As of November 5, about 55% of the region was under some sort of drought.

"With recent drought conditions, there have been multiple wildfires ignited across the state, and we have deployed state assets and agencies to coordinate with local first responders in fighting these fires while closely monitoring air quality as a result of them," Hochul said in a statement.

"The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, and I urge everyone in impacted areas, especially those vulnerable, to stay alert, monitor air quality, and take necessary precautions to stay safe."

Man charged with arson in 'Shotgun Fire'

A man has been charged with arson after officials say he fired an illegal shotgun round that sparked a wildfire in Jackson Township, New Jersey, scorching 350 acres of land and prompting evacuations in the surrounding community.

Richard Shashaty, 37, has been charged with arson and violation of the regulatory provisions relating to firearms, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced in a joint statement Saturday.

Officials said they determined the origin of the fire, dubbed the Shotgun Fire, was "behind a berm in the Southwest corner of the Rifle Club, and the fire was caused by magnesium shards of a Dragons Breath 12-gauge shotgun round igniting available combustibles on the berm of the shooting range."

The firing of this type of incendiary or tracer ammunition is prohibited in New Jersey, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Dragon's Breath ammunition is a specialized type of shotgun shell that contains exothermic pyrophoric metal mesh as the projectile with the primary purpose of generating a burst of flame or a fireball upon firing, effectively simulating the effect of a flamethrower. Three states prohibit the manufacture, purchase and possession of this ammunition and it is illegal in at least 10 others, according to the Giffords Law Center.

It "should be used with caution as it can cause fires if it lands in dry brush, trees or other flammable objects," says Texas ammunition seller KIR Ammo in its product description page. "Therefore, it is important to use this type of ammunition only in a safe and controlled setting with the proper precautions in place."

This type of ammunition gained popularity after being featured in the film "John Wick 4" and is not made for self-defense or hunting purposes, but for entertainment purposes and producing visual effects in "controlled settings," according to KIR Ammo.

Shashaty surrendered himself to police headquarters with his attorney on Saturday and was transported to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

On Wednesday, 15 homes were evacuated due to the wildfire and 25 homes were threatened, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Among those evacuated were Barbara Ventre and Jean Paul Bergeron, who feared their home would not survive the fire after seeing smoke and being ordered to leave, CNN affiliate News 12 New Jersey reported.

"Oh, this was horrendous. Never been this close," Ventre told News 12. "My daughter and I packed up important papers and all of our prescriptions and got the dog, grabbed everybody, and when they said, 'Go,' we were ready to go."

Evacuees were allowed to return home late Wednesday as fire crews achieve 90% containment.

"God bless our firefighters," said Bergeron. "I have a home to come back to because of all of our firefighters out here for the last two days."

CNN's Robert Shackelford and Sara Smart contributed to this report.

Pete

 

After Trump’s win, some women are considering the 4B movement

Harmeet Kaur

CNN  — 

In the hours and days since it became clear that Donald Trump would be re-elected president of the United States, there’s been a surge of interest in the US for 4B.

Young liberal women across TikTok and Instagram are discussing and sharing information about the South Korean feminist movement, in which straight women refuse to marry, have children, date or have sex with men.

These women say they are enraged and fed up after a majority of their male counterparts voted for a candidate who was found liable for sexual abuse and whose appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices led to the overturning of national abortion rights protections.

In response, they say they’re swearing off men — and they’re encouraging others around the country to join them.

“We have pandered and begged for men’s safety and done all the things that we were supposed to, and they still hate us,” Ashli Pollard, a 36-year-old in St. Louis, told CNN.

“So if you’re going to hate us, then we’re going to do what we want.”

Trump says he is going to protect women whether they ‘like it or not’

02:09 - Source: CNN

What is the 4B movement?

4B is a shorthand for the four Korean words bihon, bichulsan, biyeonae and bisekseu, which translate to no marriage, no childbirth, no dating and no sex with men.

The 4B movement emerged in South Korea around 2015 or 2016, per Ju Hui Judy Han, an assistant professor in gender studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. Mostly popular among young women in their 20s, she described it as a fringe offshoot of #MeToo and other feminist movements that arose in response to stark gender inequality in the country.

Enter your email to subscribe to the CNN Five Things Newsletter.

In 2016, a woman was brutally killed near a Seoul subway station — the perpetrator reportedly said he killed her because he felt ignored by women. The incident prompted a national reckoning around how women are treated in the country, expanding to include conversations around femicide, revenge porn and digital sex crimes.

Feminism and the gender divide have been hot button issues in South Korea. Women in the country are paid about one-third less than men, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development — the highest wage gap among OECD nations. And despite being one of the world’s most advanced economies, women there are scarcely represented in senior and managerial roles.

The 4B movement was decentralized and existed in various iterations online and offline, making it difficult to assess its true size and scale. Over the years, the movement has diminished and splintered over disagreements about the role of queer and trans women, according to Han. But she says 4B and other South Korean feminist movements drew attention to gender inequality in the country and emphasized collective action.

“It’s not a very widespread movement, but the sentiments behind it I think a lot of people empathize with,” Han says.

“When there is such widespread violence against women, there is such systemic discrimination and inequality, when there’s so much that make marriage, childbirth and child rearing … difficult, why and how could anyone imagine getting married and giving birth?”

Though South Korea’s 4B movement mostly faded from media headlines in recent years, the US election has renewed interest.

“A lot of us — straight or not, queer or not, whether you’re in a marriage or not — are going to be in the same boat, dealing with an oppressive and violent institutions,” Han says. “And we see each other.”

The US election is inspiring conversation around 4B

It’s far too early to tell whether the 4B movement might seriously catch on in the US. But so far, at least, it’s generated a lot of online discussion among young women.

Some women are discovering the movement anew and are vowing to join. Others who are already married or partnered up say they plan to protest in other ways, such as boycotting male-owned businesses or refusing to do emotional labor for men.

Pollard says she learned about South Korea’s 4B movement a few years ago, inspiring her to “examine what a life looks like without centering men so deeply.” Since 2022, she says she hasn’t dated or slept with men and has realized that she’s better off on her own. She has the resources to support herself without marriage, and she plans to have a child alone.

Her decision to disengage from men wasn’t necessarily an act of vengeance, she says. Rather, it was about putting herself first. Now that other women around the country have taken an interest in 4B, she says she wants them to realize that they have other options.

“You push people far enough and they’re done,” she says. “How will that affect politics? We’ll see … but I think that women and their joy is going to be something that can’t really be overlooked anymore. Women are choosing themselves in droves.”

Alexa Vargas, a 26-year-old from Boston, says she stopped engaging with men a few years ago after a series of unhealthy relationships that included abuse and assault, and it wasn’t until earlier this year that she realized there was a movement and language that aligned with her actions. Though she says that “men need a wake-up call,” her decision is more about herself and other women.

“I don’t know if men are going to change their ways. I don’t know how this is going to pan out,” she says. “My goal in life and in this movement is to protect young women and girls.”

Women who have been talking about 4B online say the way some men have responded to their posts are already proving their point.

Abby K., a 27-year-old from Florida, recently broke up with her boyfriend over dismissive comments he made about Trump’s history of sexual abuse. When she posted a video about that and her decision to join the 4B movement, she says men flooded her DMs with death threats and hateful comments about her appearance.

“It doesn’t exactly entice you to re-enter the dating pool,” she adds.

Some are skeptical 4B will catch on

In Han’s view, the 4B movement is unlikely to become mainstream in the US.

She says it relies too heavily on the gender binary and that those inspired to join it as a result of the election are overlooking the fact that plenty of women voted for Trump, too. (Though Vice President Kamala Harris maintained an edge with women, exit polls indicate that her lead was smaller than President Joe Biden’s or former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s during their respective presidential campaigns.)

Hadia Khanani, a 24-year-old from Florida, also has reservations about 4B in the US. Though she hasn’t engaged with men romantically for several years in an effort to prioritize herself, she wants women to dig deeper and examine their own role in upholding patriarchy. She also worries about the consequences of further isolating men.

“The conversation online has been centered around sleeping with men and dating men, obviously to protect yourself, but I just feel like misogyny and patriarchy is much deeper than that,” she says. “I think a lot of it is rooted in the way that men are raised in society.”

Even if large numbers of women don’t adopt the strict tenets of 4B, those who are taking part for now hope the recent conversations around it lead women to think about themselves and their circumstances differently.

“I don’t ever expect everyone in America to hold hands and agree not to date men,” Abby K. says. “I could definitely see it fueling change in some way.”

Han predicts that American interest in the 4B movement will subside quickly. Still, she hopes that the recent discourse around it will help women understand that they aren’t alone in their struggles and build solidarity with others around the world.

“I think a lot of American women are … trying to find ways to seek empowerment and find a way to survive,” Han says. “And I hope what they find is not necessarily a particular movement like the 4B movement, but a recognition that struggles for reproductive justice and gender equality are certainly not just American concerns.”

 

 This video was very helpful and instructive in how to create a YouTube podcast uploading it on my windows PC it is Not available on the iPad so I need to create it on the iPad upload it to YouTube then put it in My Podcast playlist on YouTube and then assign it to the Podcast.

Travis Kelce Ties Chiefs Touchdown Record as Taylor Swift Cheers Him on

https://people.com/travis-kelce-scores-touchdown-as-taylor-swift-cheers-on-8706259

Pete

Donald Trump 

Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th and 47th president of the United States

I copied and pasted this heading from Wikipedia on today, Friday, November 8 three days after our 2024 election so I updated “and 47th” President of the United States. I am sure that the question on many people’s minds is How did this happen? How was Donald J Trump elected yet again to the highest office in our great nation? Well, I have some thoughts on the subject and I shared them in this little podcast and I’m putting it on my 1000 Reasons to Love Hendersonville. You know there are thousands upon thousands of reasons to love Hendersonville, to love North Carolina and to love these United States of America and because of that, because I do have a love of country, of the people in this country, obviously my family friends, but also the democracy that defines our country. The freedom of speech in honor of truth that describes our country and yet now there are many people, including myself who wonder if all of this is in jeopardy. The purpose, for my blog has been simply to record the various events that have shaped my life here in Hendersonville; hiking, biking eating in restaurants and spending time with friends. I wanted never to talk about politics and still don’t but now this presidency is one of those things that has intruded itself upon us and so the subject is impossible to ignore. I just wanna say that I wish Donald J Trump the best of success in building our country and even in building his wall if this is what our people want because he is our president and I want our country to do well therefore I want him to do well and as to why do I think he was elected president? I summarize it in two words, human nature. Human nature, those factors that both define us and differentiate us from other creatures on this earth, human nature, the good, the bad and Everything in between. May God Bless America 🇺🇸

Quixote Fine Cuisine - Google Review

 

Outdoor seating on a large sheltered patio on a cool autumn evening with the warm glow of heating towers around us lent itself to the inviting ambiance of our family gathering. Further enhanced with a local craft Oktoberfest from a surprisingly extensive list, excellent, unique and tasteful Mexican food with welcoming friendly and helpful service. This was our evening at Quixote Fine Cuisine. All this and only 2 miles from the naturally beautiful environs of Deerwoode Reserve. What a wonderful weekend in Brevard North Carolina. 😊❤️🍺

Corkey’s

 So great and such a big surprise! I admit I’ve passed dozens of times with all the hiking I do in Pisgah but I came here with my family while they were visiting and Corky’s is the ultimate Cool for retro foods and atmosphere. From the root beer to the real beer and burgers to dawgs to BBQ they’ve got it all and it’s All Great Food! Our server was so kind and cheerful I wanted to help her clean up. Corky’s is now my Stop in on my way home from Pisgah.

Dog n Suds - Dawn

 11/6/24 Helene hath her fury but she was no match for the love and care provided by Dawn and her highly skilled grooming staff. Due to the closure imposed by Helene, Dawn reopened a new location at 2001 Asheville Hwy and welcomed Zeke back with open arms. In that time Zeke’s fur just kept on growing and matting and yet within a matter of minutes Dawn transformed our little Shih Tzu from a Woolly Bully to a Skinny Mini and had Zeke looking better than ever.

 Update: Things just keep getting better and better. A dog is honest. They don’t act happy, they either Are Happy or Not… So when I pull up to take our puppy in for his grooming and he is just downright Excited!!!! I know that these folks Love and Care for him in a very special way. Dawn and her entire staff take the utmost care of our Shih Tzu. He simply loves going there to be groomed and if possible I think he looks forward to it. We have been going to Dawn for years and actually make our full year of appointments in advance with the help of her computer system. Finding a great groomer and day care provider is no small task and we are very pleased that we have found Dog n Suds.

 To set up a Revocable Living Trust in North Carolina, follow these steps:

## 1. Decide What Assets to Include

Determine which assets you want to place in the trust, such as:

- Real estate

- Bank/investment accounts 

- Business interests

- Vehicles

- Other property with titles of ownership

## 2. Choose Trustees

- Name yourself as the initial trustee to maintain control during your lifetime

- Designate a successor trustee to manage the trust if you become incapacitated or pass away

## 3. Identify Beneficiaries 

Specify who will receive the trust assets after your death and under what terms.

## 4. Draft the Trust Document

Work with an estate planning attorney to create a comprehensive trust agreement that:

- Reflects your exact wishes

- Meets all legal requirements

- Addresses potential contingencies

## 5. Execute the Trust

Sign the document along with your chosen trustees and have it properly notarized.

## 6. Fund the Trust

Transfer ownership of your designated assets to the trust's name. This critical step, known as "funding" the trust, may involve:

- Changing property deeds

- Retitling financial accounts

- Updating beneficiary designations

## 7. Review and Update Regularly

Estate planning is an ongoing process. Review your trust periodically and update it as needed when your circumstances change.

While it's technically possible to set up a trust yourself using online templates, it's highly advisable to work with an experienced estate planning attorney. They can ensure your trust is properly structured, legally sound, and fully funded to achieve your goals[1][2].

Remember, a revocable living trust in North Carolina offers several benefits:

- Avoids probate

- Maintains privacy

- Allows for incapacity planning

- Provides flexibility and control over asset distribution[1][3]

By taking the time to set up a revocable living trust correctly, you can ensure a smoother transfer of assets to your beneficiaries and potentially save them time and money in the long run.

Citations:

[1] https://caryestateplanning.com/how-to-set-up-a-trust/

[2] https://smartasset.com/estate-planning/living-trust-north-carolina

[3] https://matuslaw.com/6-different-types-of-trusts-to-consider-using/

[4] https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/create-a-living-trust-in-north-carolina

[5] https://www.carolinafep.com/faqs/what-is-a-revocable-living-trust.cfm

[6] https://caryestateplanning.com/set-up-a-trust/

[7] https://www.ncsecu.org/resources/learn/revocable-living-trust.html

[8] https://www.carolinafep.com/library/a-guide-to-different-trust-types.cfm

 The current species extinction status paints a grim picture of biodiversity loss, with climate change playing a significant role in accelerating this trend. Recent studies indicate that over 42,100 species are now at risk of extinction, representing a dramatic decline in global biodiversity over the past half-century[1]. This alarming rate of species loss is rapidly accelerating, with researchers warning that we are in the midst of Earth's sixth mass extinction event[2].

https://www.perplexity.ai/page/the-6th-mass-extinction-ppa5w5XVRGCG9OXbvigJ9w

* One in four species is currently threatened with extinction[3]

* Climate change is now the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss in oceans and the fourth biggest on land[3]

* Rising temperatures are lowering many species' survival rates due to changes in food availability, reproductive success, and habitat disruption[4]

* If current warming trends continue, the situation is expected to worsen, potentially pushing countless more species to the brink of extinction in the coming decades[5][6]

Climate change is rapidly becoming one of the most significant drivers of biodiversity loss, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems worldwide. Rising temperatures are altering habitats, disrupting food chains, and forcing species to adapt or migrate at unprecedented rates[1]. As global temperatures continue to increase, many species are struggling to keep pace with these changes, leading to reduced populations and increased extinction risks[2].

The impacts of climate change on biodiversity are multifaceted and often interconnected:

* Habitat loss: Warming temperatures are causing shifts in vegetation zones, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss for many species[1].

* Phenological mismatches: Changes in seasonal timing can disrupt critical life cycle events, such as breeding and migration, affecting species survival and reproduction[2].

* Ocean acidification: Increased CO2 absorption by oceans is making it harder for marine organisms to form shells and skeletons, threatening entire marine ecosystems[3].

* Extreme weather events: More frequent and intense natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, can devastate populations and habitats[1].

These impacts are not isolated but often interact synergistically, amplifying their effects on biodiversity and accelerating the pace of species loss[4]. As climate change continues to intensify, it is projected to become an even more dominant factor in driving species extinctions in the coming decades[4][5].

Fwd: Friends of Ecusta Trail October 2024 Newsletter

Pete

Begin forwarded message:

From: Friends of Ecusta Trail <friendsoftheecustatrail@mailman.bloomerang-mail.com>
Date: November 3, 2024 at 5:57:02 AM EST
To: Peter and Tess Tintle <peteandtess@gmail.com>
Subject: Friends of Ecusta Trail October 2024 Newsletter
Reply-To: info@ecustatrail.org



November 2024 Gratitude For the past several years, Friends of Ecusta Trail has sought donations for the Ecusta Trail on Giving Tuesday. But this year, as many of you are facing rebuilding your homes, your businesses and your lives, we ask that those who are able, help those in need.   While we do not yet know the full extent of repairs that will be required for the Trail, we are grateful that it can and will be fixed. We appreciate your questions and concerns regarding the Trail's damage, and we are grateful for such a motivated group of supporters.   We wish each of you a heartfelt and Happy Thanksgiving!   Friends of Ecusta Trail Ecusta Market and Café Opening Soon By Cindy Rusak By late this fall, the reasons to stop in at Lennox Station (at South Whitted Street and Lennox Park Drive just outside of downtown Hendersonville) on the Ecusta Trail will expand from the existing Trailside Brewing to include the Ecusta Market & Cafe. Owners Robert and Emily Gunn plan to open a community gathering space with wholesome food, quality ingredients, and artisanal products from trusted farmers and makers in Western North Carolina and surrounding areas.   The enterprise will feature both a café and a market in separate but connected parts of the building. In the café, guests can expect locally roasted coffee, an expansive house-made bakery program, seasonal breakfast and lunch selections, and a selection of local beer and wine. The market, which will open first, will focus on locally-sourced meats, produce and dairy, as well as natural and organic snacks, pantry staples, and handcrafted goods from WNC craftspeople. There will be plenty of grab-and-go items for trail-goers, plus a prepared foods section for those wanting an easy meal at home.  The café will offer an elevated yet laid-back atmosphere, with additional seating in a light-filled vestibule that connects to the market. There will also be ample outdoor seating along the trail. The entrance to the market and café will be from both the parking lot and the trail, thus encouraging interaction with trail riders and the community. Sometimes destiny can appear to make life's path inevitable, especially when it comes to busy multi-taskers. Emily and Robert seem no exception, especially since they were signing the lease for the buildings at the same time Emily was in the hospital giving birth to the second of their three daughters. She is originally from Brevard, and Robert grew up in Macon, Georgia, but like so many he was inspired to move to WNC fifteen years ago by memories of attending camp in the area as a kid.   Robert's career started at age 15 in a bagel bakery and has  included being a runner in a law firm, photographer, barista, hotel manager, English teacher, and indie rock musician. He worked in management and operations for the Chai Pani Restaurant Group for 10 years before leaving his position to work on opening the Ecusta Market & Cafe. It was the "mind blasting" customer service principles he learned at Chai Pani that inspired Robert to create a café model where service and guest experience are paramount. Emily also began her career at a young age washing dishes at Grammy's in Brevard.  She served and bartended her way through college, and after graduating from UNCA in Communications, had a stint as a paralegal. Eventually she landed with Wicked Weed Brewing where she worked for the last 11 years, most recently as part of their marketing team. This spring Emily left her position at Wicked Weed to focus on the Gunns' upcoming venture and their young family.   In their spare time the couple puts their love and energy into their small homestead in Hendersonville where they grow many fruits and vegetables and keep chickens and dairy goats. Treat Street in Hendersonville Ecusta Trail board members John Lanier, Jeff Meadows, Ken Shelton, their wives and other volunteers handed out almost 4,000 pieces of candy for Hendersonville's Treat Street on Halloween! Henderson County Rail-Trail Advisory Committee Due to Hurricane Helene the October RTAC meeting was cancelled. Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board By John Lanier At their meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 30, members of Brevard's Ecusta Trail Advisory Board (ETAB) learned about possible design and construction delays due to Hurricane Helene and discussed possible metrics to incorporate in measuring the success of the trail. Lonnie Watkins, who is overseeing the Ecusta Trail project in Transylvania County for the NCDOT, said the current plan is for Christy Staudt of TPD to assess Helene's damage to the railroad bed, streams and other geographical features that would impact the trail. After the assessment, it will be determined if some areas have to be surveyed again. Since this work is outside the current scope of work, a supplemental contract will have to be signed with TPD. Staudt said her final report assessing the damage should be completed in two to three weeks. "Hopefully, the impact is not too great," she said. Watkins said they would look at culverts and evaluate the existing pipes, many of which need to be replaced due to age while others may be replaced with larger pipes. Staudt said that some areas on the trail may need to be raised, but other areas would remain low enough that they could still be submerged during floods. "That's very common with greenway projects," she said. Staudt said the trail would be designed to improve drainage, including debris, while not increasing any flooding. "We are making sure we are not having any flood impact," said Staudt. Brevard City Manager Wilson Hooper asked if the flooding from Helene would impact the design timeline. Staudt said that would depend on whether or not they need an additional survey and if any modifications can be implemented into the final design. If the modifications have to be re-incorporated into the first 30 percent design, then that could delay the process. Watkins said he was "optimistic" the flooding would have "very little impact" on the timeline. Staudt did say that a positive is that most of the trail is not in the primary riverbed of the French Broad River. Brevard City Council member and ETAB co-chair Aaron Baker said it looked as if there has been some significant damage to the trail in Henderson County and wondered how that was going to affect their timeline and costs. Watkins said Henderson County is preparing a supplemental contract for reconstruction and that sections where the pavement buckled would have to be fixed and repaved. On a positive note, he added that there are no places where the entire railroad bed is gone. "That would be a major deal," he said. Hooper asked if Henderson County could get FEMA funds for the trail even though the first section was not technically completed. Watkins said Marcus Jones of Henderson County said they would include the Ecusta Trail in their FEMA claims. Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET) President Mark Tooley expressed concern that the opening would be delayed because paving season usually ends now when asphalt plants close. Watkins noted that asphalt plants usually shut down in mid-October, but due to the damage from Helene, they are remaining open as long as the weather is good. Staudt estimated the first six miles of the trail could open in March. Before Helene struck, the first section was supposed to open in December. Brevard City Council member and ETAB co-chair Mac Morrow then shifted the conversation as to how to best measure the success of the trail. Tooley said FOET has been talking to the employees at NC State about an economic impact study and the importance of getting baseline data before the trail opens. NC State suggests studying the impacts on construction, property value and tax revenues, tourism activity, health care cost reduction, environmental impact, and local trail user expenditures. Tooley said Henderson County is attempting to do this internally with its planning staff, which is looking at building permits and the possibility of a zoning overlay along the trail to better steer development along the trail. Hooper noted that a major distinction is that in Henderson County, the county will benefit from any increase in property taxes along the trail. However, since nearly all of the trail in Transylvania County is outside the city limits of Brevard, increases in property tax revenues would not directly benefit Brevard. He added that he would like to see a metric that would define growth specifically tied to the trail and not just overall growth. Baker said the Transylvania Economic Alliance is already receiving requests from businesses about proximity to the trail, and that tracking such business along the trail should be pretty easy. Morrow said the Alliance and TDA also have data that can be used in analyzing the success of the trail. "Those agencies have got the data," said Morrow. Larry Chapman, who represents the Transylvania County Commission on ETAB, said they should ask anyone receiving a building permit if the trail had any impact on their decision to build in the county. Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof, who is a non-voting member of ETAB, said it would be good to know how many people would use the trail to commute but that information may be difficult to obtain. She also said they should contact the U.S. Forest Service about what metrics it would use to determine success since the Forest Service was instrumental in helping obtain one of the $24 million federal grants for the trail. Board members also mentioned using customer zip codes and cell phone data to determine the origination of out-of-county trail users. ETAB member DD Perkins said the local TDA, for example, knows that many of the county's winter visitors are mountain bikers from Canada. Although the information might be more difficult to obtain, board members also mentioned trying to measure how the trail enhances health and quality of life. Morrow said there is enough information currently available to provide a solid basis of data to compare going forward. Board members briefly mentioned contacting economic/business departments at Brevard College, Western Carolina and UNC-Asheville to see if they might have students interested in doing economic impact studies. On another matter, Baker asked if R-5800, a project to redesign part of the Asheville Highway and therefore impact the Estatoe Trail that already exists within the city limits, would be delayed since so much of NCDOT's current efforts are focused on rebuilding roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Helene.   Vicki Eastland said she had not talked with the project manager, but said it is "highly likely" R-5800 is going to be delayed for a "variety of reasons." Hooper suggested that since there will be time between the opening of the Ecusta Trail and completion of R-5800, the board should figure out ways to induce trail users to come to downtown Brevard during that interim. Regarding trail amenities, Tooley said FOET has been talking with Staudt about locations for trail counters along the trail, and that FOET would be willing to pay for the counters and provide volunteers to conduct surveys. Hooper also added that preliminary maps including amenity locations should be available at the next ETAB meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 3:30 in the Brevard City Council chambers. Psst! We've Got Something to Show You! For the past year-and-a-half, Friends of Ecusta Trail has been working on a new brand, logo and website for the Ecusta Trail. Our big, public reveal is Monday, November 18 at 9am! Visit our website, ecustatrail.org, that day to see our new look! November ET Events   Henderson County R-TAC Meeting November 13, 2024 @ 10:30am – 12:00pm   https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/bc-rtac ____________________________   Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting December 4, 2024 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm   Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.                                                       ____________________________   New Ecusta Trail Branding and Website Go Live! November 18, 2024 @ 9:00am   FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, John Lanier, Mark Miller, RJ Miner, Matt Revis and Cindy Ruzak. STAY CONNECTED GET INVOLVED VOLUNTEER Our Contact Information Friends of Ecusta Trail P.O. Box 265 Brevard, NC 28712 ‪(828) 490-1854‬ https://www.ecustatrail.org/ Unsubscribe | Manage email preferences FOR TRAIL CONSTRUCTION QUESTIONS CONTACT: Marcus Jones, P.E. Henderson County Director of Engineering (828) 694-6526 mjones@hendersoncountync.gov