We lost a good friend in August. The old catalpa tree which stood between the Annex and the Inn developed a large crack which was not able to be mended although we tried. This tree stood its ground for almost 75 years. It provided shade for the Inn and the Annex and Dining Room and was the site of countless pictures of groups visiting the center over the years. All of us loved that tree and I know it will be missed. After we figure out where the new septic lines will go we will plant some replacement trees along the bank. We had some of the tree sawed into boards which we will use for picture frames or tables to be used at the Center. A wood turner from Statesville took some of the larger pieces to make bowls and plates for the Conference Center and a local wood worker took some pieces to make drawer pulls for his house and other houses he builds. The catalpa tree will live on even though we will miss it greatly.

Many of you, our readers, are friends of the Conference Center both old and new. We appreciate all that you mean to us in our life and mission in this sacred valley. We hate it when we lose one of you because of death or perhaps moving away but know that your presence here has made a difference in our lives just as our Catalpa tree has made a difference. We hope that we have made a difference in your life as well. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we journey together into this new year.

- Tom Eshelman, Executive Director

Keep up to date on all of the happenings at the Valle Crucis Conference Center with our Schedule of Events.

Do you have a long shopping list but don't know what to get for those people on your list that have everything? How about a gift to the Valle Crucis Conference Center in honor of or memory of someone? We will send an acknowledgment card of your gift and help take the fuss out of Christmas shopping. We ask for a minimum of $20 per person on your list.

Through the generous help of the Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina, the restoration fund of the many people who use the Apple Barn and our own earned income, we put a new metal roof on the Apple Barn and a new asphalt shingle roof on the Inn this past August. This much needed replacement work was ably done by Joe Mareka and his crew from Carolina Professional Roofers out of Efland, North Carolina. This work took about 3 weeks and we were able to schedule the time so none of our guests were inconvenienced.

In early October we had a major computer error in our address book which scrambled many of the names and addresses. If you receive a newsletter with an incorrect name or address please let us know so that we can make the proper corrections. We apologize for any mistakes!

It became apparent in August when we pulled out the one remaining box of the wonderful book by Susan Fenimore Cooper, Missionary Life at Valle Crucis, that we would need to have it reprinted. This unique book was self published by the Conference Center under the leadership of the Rev. Michael Cogsdale for the 150th anniversary celebration and is written about the life and work of Brother William West Skiles. With the help of John and Faye Cooper and the Mast General Store and other donors we will have new copies of this book for sale in early December. It would make a wonderful gift for the historian in your family and it’s only $10 plus shipping.

This is the time of year you receive countless appeals for your money. The Valle Crucis Conference Center is no different than all of these other appeals at this time of year. In order to continue to grow and offer programs and scholarships, to provide quality food and pay our wonderful staff, to make needed renovations to our buildings, and to plan for new growth, we need your help now and throughout the year. We appreciate all that many of you do for us during the year. Your gifts help to keep us going in this sacred place. Please help us by writing a check and sending it in the enclosed giving envelope and "See what happens when you plant your money in sacred ground!"

After a slow start, our sorghum cane took off and produced one of the sweetest crops of molasses we have ever produced. Every year our entire staff, with the help of some neighbors, work on this project. After 3 days of grinding, straining and cooking, under the expert leadership of Mac and Dale Townsend, we cooked 6 boilers full and were able to jar up 53 gallons of "liquid gold." We have jars of molasses for sale in the office while supplies last and for you to enjoy on hot buttered biscuits and rolls in the dining room or maybe you want to try it on oatmeal. Wow! That is good eating!

Our special thanks to these individuals & organizations for their generosity in giving to the Center in recent months:

The mission of the Valle Crucis Conference Center is to inspire, by loving example and service, those who break bread with us and share in the quest for spiritual renewal, Christian community, and stewardship of the sacred place.

The Right Reverend Robert H. Johnson
Bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina

David Yates, President
Diana White, Vice President
Ann Holtz, Treasurer
Billy DuBose, Secretary

The Rev. Brian Cole
The Rev. Jim Dannals
Tom Eshelman (ex officio)
Jaan Ferree
John Huie
The Rev. Tim McRee
Nina-Jo Moore
Judy Teele
Ralph Tilden