Hollymont News
What's Happening?
Calling ALL campers, staff, and alumni
What's happening? Do you want to keep up with what is going on with friends you haven't heard from in awhile? Do you want to share some exciting news and let the Hollymont family know about it? Did you win a big award? Are you engaged? Please send us the scoop with your name and year(s) attended and we'll keep your friends in the loop.
December 19,2012
Merry Christmas! I hope you have all had time to shop, eat cookies and ponder the wonder and excitement of Jesus' birth. Our prayer is that you would be joyfully reminded of how much God loves you this Chirstmas Season.
Christmas cards and DVD's will be arriving soon so keep an eye on the mailbox. Early registration Christmas gifts have gone out but it's not too late to get yours. Sign up for camp before the 31st and you can get a super cute, super handy bunk organizer of your own. Plus enjoy 2012 rates until December 31!
We need your pictures! Send us a picture of you and your friends in your Hollymont t-shirt celebrating Christmas! You could win a great prize! Email photos to 4info@hollymont.com
Celebrations have already started for some of our Hollymont friends! Congratulations to Tiffany Cagle Schrift and Jeff Schrift as well as Hope Putman Vunk and Jon Vunk on their recent marriages. We are excited for both couples and wish them all the best in their new lives together.
Maggie Benton was crowned Miss Lights of the Delta for 2013. This is a preliminary event to becoming Miss Arkansas. Congratulations, Maggie!
Mary Alice and Kay Lynn Hirst completed their first 5k together recently in Winston Salem. Way to work hard girls and finish strong!
Blakley Jones helped lead her basketball team to be champions of a recent tournament and was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the whole tournament! Awesome job Blakley!
Amy has already scheduled some great camp events in NC, VA, PA and TN! We would love to come to your hometown and tell your friends about Hollymont! Call the office soon to set up a camp showing!
Send us your news and announcements - we love to hear what's going on with the Hollymont family!
October 5,2012
Fall is in the air! We are enjoying cooler temps and the beautiful tapestry of the leaves changing colors here in the mountains!
With Fall officially here, our "Hollymont Around the World" t-shirt contest continues. This month's theme is "Fall"ing for Hollymont. Send us pictures of you and your friends in your Hollymont attire this Fall and you could win a fun prize! Submit your photo digitally to 4info@hollymont.com by October 19 and check our facebook page for winners.
Amy recently attended the American Camp Association's Fall Conference in Charleston, SC. She enjoyed learning from other camp directors and gathering some great ideas to take back to camp this summer. While in Charleston, she enjoyed visiting with Alex Lannie and her family for some delicious ice cream. Amy will be in the Brandon and Jackson, MS area early in November.�Let us know if you would be willing to host a get together for potential camp families in your area or just go out for ice cream! We love to visit with our Hollymont families!
Future Campers...Congratulations on the following new additions to some of our Hollymont Alumni! Laura Liddell Philpot and her husband Brad welcomed Sarah Cole on August 21. Sharon Hodde Miller and her husband Ike welcomed Isaac Xavier on August 28. Melissa Stephenson Kent and her husband Bob welcomed Henry Wallis "Hank" on September 14. Jennifer Wallace Easterling and her husband Jess welcomed Charlotte James on October 4.
Do you have news from your life you want to share with the Hollymont family? Email us at 4info@hollymont.com
Check out our Morning Watch playlist on I-Tunes. Now you can sing along to all of�your favorite camp songs at home! Send us any suggestions for songs to add in the future.
There is still time to save money on your favorite camp session! Register online and enjoy 2012 rates and qualify for a spectacular Christmas gift. Call our office with registration and payment questions. 828.686.5343
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August 20,2012
All the campers have gone home and it is quiet at Camp Hollymont.We are back in the winter office and in full swing preparing for the 2013 summer! We are pouring over camper, staff and parent evaluations to help us in planning new activities for next summer. Please feel free to submit any ideas you have throughout the year to Amy at 4info@hollymont.com
Don't miss out on deep discounts offered this Fall for the 2013 summer! Get your application in early and save hundreds of dollars! Check online for the application or call our office for more information (828) 686-5343.
We are also making plans now to come to your town! We would love your help in spreading the word about Hollymont! Let us know if you would be willing to host a camp show in your area and we will send you all the details.
Hollymont Around the World...Attention Hollymont Girls!� We know how much you love to wear your Hollymont apparel and now we want to reward you for it. Each month we will have a contest to see how creative you can get with "where you wear" your Hollymont gear. Submit your photo digitally to 4info@hollymont.com by each month's deadline adn we will announce the winner on our Facebook Page. So, this month since we are all excited to be going back to school, we want to see you take Hollymont "Back to School" - in the classroom, at a sporting event, with your favorite teacher - be creative! Submit your photo by September 14 to be entered into the contest! Let's take Hollymont around the world!
May 16,2012
The mountains are calling...
Not much longer and we will be gathering on the front porch to welcome old friends and meet new friends to celebrate another great summer at Hollymont! It's not too late to get your registration in! We want you to be with us! There are new trips and new skills to be experienced...and we are celebrating 30 years of "Living and Learning with Love and Laughter"! You don't want to miss out!
Amy had a mini reunion with several camp friends in Nashville, TN on April 28. She joined Brittany DuBois, Maddie Shelton and Mary Kate McAlister to run in the Country Music half marathon and marathon race! Everyone had a great time and finished well! Molly Tarr cheered from the sidelines providing some much needed inspiration to keep going!
Camp nurse and former staffer and camper, Michelle Lumpkin Hill gave birth to twins on May 10. John Ryan and Janie were welcomed by big sister Emma Kate and brother Owen with excitement and love!! We can't wait to meet those little bundles of joy! Congratulations to Jared and Michelle and their family!
Exciting news going on in your life?! Send us an email so we can share it with the Hollymont family... 4info@hollymont.com
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March 21,2012
Happy Spring! We are loving this warm weather here in the mountains! The flowers are budding and the trees are beginning to sprout some new leaves! Not much longer and summer will be upon us! Are you signed up and ready for your Hollymont adventure?! Don't miss out on a great summer! Sign up online or call our office for an application!
Congratulations to Matthew and Amy Huff Franck on the birth of their daughter(and future Hollymont camper) Eloise Aleece born February 26, 2012.
Ajaye Lovett was recently crowned Miss South Georgia Shamrock on March 17. She was a beautiful queen and represented Hollymont with style and grace.
Lauren and Amy enjoyed some time together in Atlanta at the American Camping Association's National Conference in February. They learned some fun new game ideas and did some strategic planning for making this summer one of the best yet. Great speakers renewed their excitement to make Hollymont a safe and fun learning environment.
Thanks to the Parris family in Birmingham, AL and alumni Nicole Simmons Hupfer in Florence,SC for hosting camp shows in their homes. It is always fun to catch up with old friends and tell the Hollymont story to new friends! There is still time to host a gathering in your home before camp starts. Let us know if you are interested!
February 2,2012
Happy New Year! Happy Groundhogs Day! Wow - it has been way too long since we have updated you on here! We have been enjoying some time off over Christmas then celebrated the New Year with heading out to see all of you!�Lots has happened in the meantime so here are a few things to catch you up!
Congratulations to Nick and Emily Ogletree Dimitris! David Nicholas was born into their family on December 7,2011! Big sister Aria is loving having a new baby brother!
Former staffer Emily Nicholson got married to Patrick Beaman on January 21, 2012! She was surrounded by many of her Hollymont friends as she said "I do"! Congratulations to both of you!
Amy headed south for some fun in the sun in January! While she was there she caught up with Alex and Amelia Catania and a few of their friends who are coming to camp this summer. A group of Eagle campers and CIT's reunited at the California Pizza Kitchen and had a great time catching up - Alana Healy, Caroline Zomermaand, Lily Frost, Tori Adams, Jenna Kirkland, McKenzee Herron, Mary Olive Gauthier, Lily Atkinson, Haley Greene and Berkeley Durrance! After all the fun it was back to business and Amy enjoyed getting to see Hannah Cavis and Simone Soper as they each opened up their home for camp shows. On the way home Amy enjoyed visits with Hollymont alumni Emily Burkert, Stacey Hanburry, Loral Burke and Anne Harvey.
Lauren has been just as busy seeing Hollymont friends - first stop was Athens, GA to recruit some fabulous new staff at the University of Georgia. Then it was onto Valdosta to reconnect with many of our program staff and camp families. Many thanks to Joy and Hannah Cooper for hosting everyone in their home! Gail Eldridge, Annie LaHood, Amy & Sarah Grace Gilbert, Katherine & Katie Courson, Jayne & Sarah Godwin, Cadden & McKinley Anderson, Susan Ring, Leigh & Madison Roberts all joined in with lots of potential new campers! Lauren made it home just in time to do some laundry then head back out to Nashville this weekend for a camp fair! Come see her at the Cool Springs Galleria on Saturday.
Amy and Lauren will be headed to Atlanta in February for the American Camp Association National Conference. They will join with hundreds of other camp directors to learn new ideas about camp activities, safety issues and staff training.
Be sure to check our facebook and twitter pages often for more updates and pictures! Have news you want to share? Email us at 4info@hollymont.com
November 14,2011
Congratulations! Abbe Crutchfield Malone and husband Michael welcomed Gabriel Huntley Malone into the world on October 9, 2011! Sweet little Gabriel has overcome some great obstacles his first couple of weeks but is doing great! We are very excited for the Malone family!
Amy and Lauren have been on the road and have enjoyed catching up with friends. Amy went home to celebrate her dad's retirement and while in Huntsville caught up with Lindsay Stone Rice (1998) and Mandy Scales (2011 nurse).Lauren enjoyed lunch with former staffer Clarissa Elmore while she was in town for business. We love seeing our Hollymont friends - let us know if you are going to be in our area or if you would like to help with recruiting in your hometown! Be sure to check the camp show schedule to see where we will be heading next!
Congratulations to the Brenner family! They won the October Prospect Drawing of $100! You could be next! Turn in your names of potential new campers and you will be entered into each month's drawing!
Don't forget to sign up for 2012 camp sessions early! We will be mailing out our Christmas gift next month and you don't want to miss out!
October 19,2011
Thanks to the Watts familyfor hosting a great camp show Monday night in Birmingham! Dad-Russell and campers-Mary Christine and Massey were great hostesses while mom Beth was recovering from back surgery! We will continue to pray for a speedy recovery! Ashley Eldridge andCampbell and Ella McAtee joined Amy for the fun! See our picture on Facebook! Amy also enjoyed spending time with Maddie Shelton andWoods and Virginia McKibbens while she was in town.
Don't miss out on the first Prospect Drawing of the Year! Turn in the names of friends or family you think would love to spend a summer at Hollymont and you will be entered into our monthly prospect drawing for $100!Deadline for the 1st drawing is October 31!
Lauren Glass enjoyed lunch with some of our Atlanta Hollymont moms last week. Thanks to Meridy King and Amy Frederick for giving Lauren some great ideas for camp! We would love to have lunch with you and hear your camp ideas - just give us a call!
October 5,2011
Congratulations to Steve and Kay Lynn Luttrell Hirst on the birth of Evaline Jane Hirst, Tuesday, October 4! Big Sister Mary Alice and big brother Charlie are very excited to welcome her into their family! We love all the new Hollymont campers being born!
September 27,2011
Congratulations to Brent and Rachel Murley McDaris! They welcomed Cora Rose into the world on September 19! She weighed 6lbs10oz and will be well loved by big sister Anne-Kelly.
Only a few days left to enjoy September savings!Send in your application today!
September 19,2011
CELEBRATE!! Hollymont is turning the big 3-0 next summer and we need your help to celebrate this important milestone!! Check our Facebook page often for Hollymont trivia that could win you fun prizes! Also, let us know if you want to be added to our mailing list to receive camp newsletters and updates on upcoming events! We will be having a celebration reunion next year and don't want you to miss out! Email us at 4info@hollymont.com to be included in all the celebrations!
Speaking of celebrating...Happy Birthday to our own Lauren Glass! We are thankful for Lauren and the many gifts she brings to Hollymont!
Congratulations to Tim and Taryn (Molnar) Lancaster! They welcomed Maya Joy Lancaster into the world August 19, 2011. Maya weighed 6 lbs and 15 oz - proof that good things do come in small packages!
Who do you know that would love to experience Hollymont this summer? Send us their name and contact information and you could win $100! And if they register for camp you get another $50!�Several families have already been�rewarded for their recruiting efforts!�Email us at 4info@hollymont.com to participate and help spread the word!
August 7, 2011
We've had a great summer here in the western North Carolina mountains. There's one more week left of the C session. Campers and staff are making the most of every moment.
The 2012 dates and rates are on our website.� We will be mailing 2012 applications on or around August 22nd. If you would like us to send you the 2012 application as a pdf file, please e-mail us at 4info@hollymont.com
The computer guru will be updating the rest of our website by September 1. He will change the page header dates to 2012 and will set it up so camper parents can register online.
June 16, 2011
The counselors arrived on Sunday, June 12 and they have been super busy with staff orientation. We talked about skills and night activities, and safety and so much more! The staff pulled out the paint , the paint brushes, the ceiling tiles, and their imaginations to create the hall decorations. A lot of the decorations are complete and things look pretty great up on the halls.Tonight the staff went off-campus for an overnight campout. Its a great opportunity for the girls to bond. Some of them will lead campers in the overnight campouts in the sessions ahead.
There's still time to register! Don't miss out on all the fun! Make every day of your summer vacation count!
March 29, 2011
Just finished talking with our computer guru. The April packet materials are now available on our website. The April envelope (charges & options, skills sheet, & health forms) will be mailed tomorrow (March 30).
March 18,2011
Congratulations to Melissa Stone Davis and her husband Brandt on the birthof their son, Brandt Steven Davis, II born March 13,2011.Mom and baby are doing great!
We were pleasantly surprised with a visit from Alumni ElizabethStephens Buyan. She was in townwithfamily visiting the area. We love catching up with Hollymont friends! Let us know if you will be in the area we would love to see you too!
Amy and Lauren recently enjoyed a trip down south for some reruiting.Lauren was in Valdosta, Ga at the home of Mike, Jayne, Sarah and Anna Godwin. They had a wonderful time getting together withlots ofHollymont friends and meeting new campers!Thanks to Tracy, Stacey, Peyton and Camryn Sexton who hosted a show in Fairhope, AL.Delnora Norman was there to help welcome new campers along with Merridy McKibbens Sims and Ben and Loren McKibbens.
April packets will be available soon! Be sure to check the website beginning April 1 for important camp information for the summer. New camp store items, skill assignment sheets, health forms, etc will all be available for you to fill out and send in! Summer is approaching quickly and we are getting excited! It's not too late to sign up so apply online or tell a friend! Another prospect drawing is coming up March 31! $100 could go a long way in the camp store - we have some great new stuff this year!
March 3,2011
Spring is in the air! The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, temperatures are warming up and we were even inspired to do a little bit of yardwork around the Hollymont office! I hope you are enjoying some warm, beautiful weather where you are!!
Congratulations to new parents John and Summer McCoy Ellis on the birth of their daughter (and future Hollymont camper), Anna Charles Ellis born January 10! Proud aunts are Mary Sunny and Sara Brent all Hollymont alumni!
Amy has just returned from several fun recruiting trips! She spent some time in Birmingham, AL where she caught up with Blakely and Rainer Jones at Rainer's soccer tournament. Later that evening, Amy enjoyed dinner with Woods and Virginia Thomas McKibbens.Sara Frances Lawson and her mom Amy were wonderful hostesses and had fun reliving camp memories. Amy also participated in the Birminham Parent Camp Expo on Saturday and ran into campers Sadie Long and Sinclair Turner. Lori Akin, Alumni counselor also stopped by to help promote Hollymont! On Tuesday, Amy headed to Winston Salem for a camp show with the Hirst family! Steve, Kay Lynn, Mary Alice and brother Charlie were all very excited to tell everyone about camp! Emmylou Dooly, an Alumni counselor joined us for the festivities! Next week Amy heads to Point Clear, Alabama!
Lauren returned last weekend from her trip to Haiti! She had an amazing time and really enjoyed being able to bless the Haitian people with the shoes you all provided!! She even spotted a few pairs of Hollymont flip flops that were sent during the summer! Check out our facebook page for more pictures and details!
Applications are rolling in! Don't be left out - get yours in today! We want to see you this summer!
February 15,2011
Happy Valentines Week!! Yes, we are celebrating those we love all week!! And we love our Hollymont family!!� Let us know how you are doing and what special things have been going on in your life!
Amy spent a week in the Sunshine State and had a great time catching up with camp friends.� Last Monday she was in Tampa and had dinner with Brooke Josepher, Olivia Muratides, Ashley Vargas, Nicole Gregory, Alyssa Skijus, Mary Petrick, Haley Greene and a few new friends who want to spend thier summer with us!� They enjoyed pizza and a lot of laughs!� The next evening, Audrey Carroll and McKenzie List hosted a camp show along with their mothers Marlene and Kim.� It was so fun to see them and meet several new campers for this summer!� Heading North, Amy stopped in Orlando and had a fabulous time getting to know Kassi Bernard, a true Hollymont Alumni.� She enjoyed camp as a little girl in the early 80's and is excited to hopefully see her daughter and other young girls have that same experience!� Amy's last night in Florida was spent at the home of Sarah and Sydney Hayes.� They provided a wonderful setting for several interested campers and we are excited to see both girls back this summer!� Before heading home, Amy made one last stop in St. Simons Island, GA where Hollymont Alumni Melissa Stephenson Kent hosted a camp show.� While there Amy managed to enjoy the scenery and catch up with alumni Anne Harvey for a walk on the beach!� Thanks to all our camp families for being such wonderful hosts and helping spread the word about Hollymont.� Don't forget to check our Facebook page for pictures!! And it's not too late to host a show in your area - just give us a call!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to one of our favorite sewing teachers, Clarice Blackwood, whose mom passed away this week.�
Congratulations to Alumni Blair Rainey Thompson and her husband Ben - they are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy - Parker James Thompson, born February 4, 2011.� Proud aunt, Anna Rainey, also former Hollymont camper and staff, and all of the Hollymont family can't wait to meet Parker!
Please keep Lauren Glass in your prayers as she leaves for Haiti this weekend with a group from her church.� They will be there for a week and while there will be able to distribute the remaining shoes from our "Soles for Souls" project.�
December 6, 2010
"Oh the weather outside is frightful..."Yes! We have had our first real snow here in the mountains of NC and its beautiful. But very chilly - temperatures are in the 20's! Brrr! We sure could use a warm blanket to snuggle up in on these cold winter days! And we have one waiting for you - just send in your application by December 31, 2010 and you will get a Hollymont monogrammed fleece blanket - warm and cute!
Congratulations to our November Prospect Drawing Winner!! Ava Callen and her mom Teri Stomski won $100! You could be next - just send in those potential camper names.
Amy and Lauren have been on the road and having a great time catching up with Hollymont friends! Amy was in Birmingham, AL for a show with HelenParris and Madeline Martin! Thanks to their moms Cynthia and Elizabeth for being wonderful hosts! Amy was also able to catch up with Woods and Virginia Thomas McKibbens while she was in town!
Lauren spent some time in Covington, LA withMary ClaireDubreuil and her family and in Baton Rouge with Lily LeBlanc, Charlotte McKernan, Mary Michael McDuff, Aubrey Field and Lindsay Fontenot. They had a great time catching up and promoting Hollymont to some of their friends! Many thanks to Stella Gray Sikes and Von Jicka, Sarah Riley's mom, who hosted a show in Jackson, MS - Madison McCreery and Kathryn Walton Monroe attended as well. We can't wait to get on the roadin 2011and would love to come to your hometown to spread the word about Hollymont!
November 1, 2010
Congratulations to our October Prospect Drawing Winner!! Christin Daniels, one of our wonderful counselors, won $100 for turning in potential camper names! You could be next! We start all over again this month, so get those names in!!
It's not the Miss Hollymont pageant, but even better! Sarah Reynolds (A session camper)was crowned the 2010 Jr. Miss Sweetheart and was honored with the Spotlight Award! Her mother, CareyWinn, said "I know that going to Camp Hollymont the last four years has given Sarah the leadership and poise that has helped her acheive so much. Thank you Hollymont!" You are welcome and we are always excited to hear from our Hollymont girls!
Did you enjoy putting on a costume this weekend? Save your costume or improve on it for Masquerade night at Hollymont. Imagination and fun run wild as costumed campers and staff parade across the Walker Arts Stage. Afterwards in the adjacent dining hall, its time for a big game of Clue. Campers are challenged to unravel puzzles, collect clues, and solve the mystery of the missing Totem Pole. When one tribe finally triumphs, we all get to celebrate.
We are always looking for ways to improve our night activities. If you have a suggestion or even a new idea for Masquerade Night, please email Lauren Glass at lauren@hollymont.com.
September 29, 2010
Save money!! Win money! - September discounts end this week so get your 2011 application in soon!! If you register by Friday you can take advantage of 2009 rates -wow! and you can win an awesome Christmas gift!! If you pay in full you can save even more money or you can sign up for our payment plan! But wait...there's more!
You can also win $100 - that's right, free money! All you have to do is give us the names of potential campers and your name will be entered into a drawing for $100. The first drawing will be Oct. 1 - so get those names in!! We will start over next month so keep those names coming and help us spread the Hollymont love to everyone we know!!
Congratulations!!! To Virginia Thomas McKibbensand Barrett McFatter who both recently passed the Bar Exam!! Not an easy task, but we are so proud of both of them. Virginia will be practicing in Birmingham, AL and Barrett is right here in Asheville, NC.
News from the Winter office: Amy Lewallen has enjoyed taking Pilates from Kim Pierce (Pilates instructor C session 2010) and is definitely "feeling" the rewards. She is walking a little slower these days!Gail Mashburn is recovering nicely from her recent fall and broken ankle. Still has a few more weeks of staying off of her ankle, but is making the most of her time and catching up on some reading and Hollymont paperwork! Lauren Glass has been playing tennis and enjoying Water Aerobics classes from Crystal Kilgore(B2 session Pilates instructor)- getting new ideas for skills I am sure!! Missy Roper recently celebrated Elizabeth Bracken Ivey's birthday with friends in Atlanta - several Hollymont moms and alum were in attendance.
On the Run! Lauren Glass ran into several Hollymont friends this weekend at a local cross country meet. Savannah Hightower, Madi Carter and Tate Piercy all ran in the event. Caroline Jordan's mom was there cheering on Caroline's brother Paul.Amy Lewallen also ran her first 5K in awhile and saw Diane Wilson (Asheville School Riding Director) who ran in the Half Marathon.
Several Hollymont alums are enjoying their time in the classroom! Molly McClamrock was here recently - enjoying some time off from teaching in Tabor City. She is enjoying her�4th grade students�and getting to spend time with her cousin Emma Ann Lay! Marin Mulkey has sent good reports from her eighth grade language arts class in New Bern, NC and Brittany DuBois is adjusting to life in the third grade at Burke Elementary in Lafayette, LA.
Wedding bells are ringing this time of year! Congratulations to Leslie Spencer (Hummer 1 Counselor in 2005) who married her long time love, Michael McKee in a ceremony on September 25. Emily Nicholson (former camper/staffer) was a bridesmaid in the wedding. Also, best wishes and congratulations to Gardner Annas (former camper) who married Duncan Gibson on August 14. Hollymont was such a special place to Gardner growing up and so she had one of her favorite camp songs sung during the ceremony. We wish you all the very best and pray that you are blessed with many wonderful years together.
Send us your news and fun stories!! We hope you are enjoying a cool and beautiful Fall!!
September 1, 2010
Happy Fall! Well,not officially, but here in the mountains we are beginning to see the first signs of the Fall season. The temperatures have dropped, a few leaves are beginning to fall to the ground, everyone is back in school and College football kicks off tomorrow! WOOHOO!! I hope that all of you have settled back into your back to school routines and are enjoying this next season! We have been busy gearing up for next summer - yes,Summer 2011! I hope that you have taken notice of the many opportunities to save by registering early! Watch your mailbox in the next week or two for more information to head your way! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 828-686-5343.
A few updates on our camp family:
Love is in the air... August 14 was a popular wedding day for several of our previous staff members!
Congratulations to Woods and Virginia(Thomas)McKibbens! They were married on August 14 in Montgomery, AL with their family and friends on hand to celebrate! It was a wonderful weekend of celebrating and catching up with Hollymont friends such as Emily Nicholson, Courtney Pienhardt,Millie Green,John and Kristen King Lawrence, Steve Hirst, Morgan Bromley, Katherine McKibbens,Elizabeth Bracken Ivey,Judy Sims,Barrett McFatter,Amy Lewallen and Brittany DuBois. Of course, Missy, Merridy and Virginia's brother Render were there to take part in the festivities. Woods and Virginia will reside in Birmingham, AL.
Congratulations to William and Whitney (Parrish) Sheffield! There were married in Montgomery, AL.
Congratulations to Jimmy and Lindsey (McCallister) Byars! They were married in St. Augustine, FL.
On July 24 Kelley Sheppard was married to Lubbert Leon Lambert, Jr. in Houston, TX. Congrats to the Lamberts and Sheppard families!
Our own Gail Mashburn had a little fall this past weekend. While working in her parents garden, she fell and broke her ankle requiring minor surgery. Amazingly, this was Gail's first hospital visit since she was born! She is recovering very well and just taking it slow! I am sure she would appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery!
5/25/10
The countdown has begun... Camp is three weeks away and we cannot wait to see all those faces so full of excitement on the front porch! Campers will make the drive up the tree lined road and veer to the right where all of the sudden, the view opens up to the garden, fields & rolling hills, tennis courts, the sports complex, and the mountains in the distant. It is breathtaking! Aaaahhh, home away from home! Sweet memories flood their minds and they cannot wait for another fun-filled summer. Those who haven't been before will soon be welcomed by friendly faces and within minutes, bonds are made and new friendships are formed. Can you tell we are excited and ready to spend our summer with the kids? We LOVE it!!!
On to the latest news... Kelly Hicks Kalajian and her husband, Matthew (Rockmont alum) welcomed a baby boy, Micah Aaron on April 22. We hope you are adjusting well and enjoying your new bundle of joy. Congratulations!
Molly Tarr is traveling in South Africa with a school program and seems to be having a great time. Last we heard, she was staking out a home because she wants to live there. Our vote is... come back to the states! We don't want you to live that far away!!!
Congratulations to all of the graduates of 2010! You have all accomplished so much and we are proud of every single one of you! We will be praying for you as you prepare for new endeavors in life.
We hear the Springfield girls are making a move from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, TX this summer. That's exciting and we hope the move goes well, however, we will miss� you at camp! Come back soon!
Congratulations to Crystal Duffala Weitzel who married Matt Weitzel on February 10. We are so happy for you and wish you many, many years wonderful memories together! Congratulations!
Please keep Madi Fehling in your prayers as she is in central Asia for 6 weeks. She is on a mission trip spreading God's Word. We know this is an awesome experience and can't wait to hear all about it!
Tiffany Cagle is on the RETURN! Hip-hip-hooray! After living in South Korea for two years, she is coming home!� We are so excited she will spending the summer with us at Hollymont and can't wait to see her happy to be home face! :) It has been way too long and we have missed you Tiff!
If you have any news, please send it our way as we'd love to share what's going on in your life, etc., with other alumni, staff and campers. To those staff and campers out there, we will see you VERY soon!!!!!
4/30/10
Okay Hollymont friends, we are in full bloom around here. The leaves are back and everything is beautiful, lush and green! The flowers are blooming, the sky is blue and the sun is out! There is nothing like being in the mountains this time of year and of course we feel that way come summer time! We are gearing up for this exciting summer at Hollymont and we hope you will be a part of it! As posted on our Hollymont Facebook page, if you (as a Hollymont camper, staff or alumni) recruit a new camper, ask them to write YOUR name in the 'how did you hear about Hollymont' line on the application so you can get $50 from us! It is that simple!
Last weekend was the Hollymont/Rockmont reunion at Rockmont for all the local campers, alumni and staff. We enjoyed a time on the waterfront, good food and great friends. Thanks for cooking those burgers and hot dogs, Dan... you are quite the chef! It was great to see so many familiar faces!
Lauren Glass and Missy McKibbens Roper held a Hollymont reunion at FUEL pizza in Charlotte and approximately 20 friends attended consisting of campers, potential campers, staff and alumni. It was a wonderful time and we appreciate all of you coming out. Help us continue spreading the Hollymont word!
We have seen some familiar faces around the camp office recently. Brittany DuBois loves the area so much, she is considering a move to the mountains after graduation and then camp this summer. She was scouting out the area with her mom last week. Also, Emily Levy and Christin Daniels was visiting the Asheville/Black Mountain area for the weekend. It was great getting to see all of you and we are excited you will all be back very soon. Get ready for an awesome summer!
A big hooray for Maggie England Waters (former staffer) who has just completed Nursing School!!! That's such an exciting accomplishment and we are so proud of you! We hope you will join our Hollymont nursing staff in the future! :)
Congratulations to Molly McClamrock and Emily Nicholson. Both recently accepted teaching positions in the Fall in this great state of North Carolina. Emily will be teaching in a private school in the Raleigh area and Molly will be at a charter school in the Whiteville area. You will both do a fantastic job and the kiddos will love, love, love you!!!
A big high five goes out to Courtney Peinhardt and Virginia Thomas! Virginia is graduating from the University of Virginia's School of Law in May and Courtney will be a graduate of Samford University's Cumberland School of Law.� You both have worked so hard and we are so excited for what lies ahead!�
Scott Counce (former ski crew/boat driver) has hit the ground running... literally! Scott finished his first 5-K recently and is running his first 10-K this weekend!! On that note, I think I will go get some exercise in myself. Those arm reps of popping popcorn in my mouth as I sit on the sofa this Friday night AND watch work out videos is really going to burn those excess calories I've been wanting to get rid of (just kidding!). Best of luck to you Scott and waaaay to go! Have a great weekend, y'all!
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3/29/10 - Stepping Into Spring!
We have so much to be thankful for...� The Spring season has sprung! We have sunny, blue skies and warmer temperatures in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! As you all know, we have been bearing the cold and the snow, etc (not a fan!). This is also the season in which we celebrate the resurrection and new life... HE IS RISEN! We hope as you 'spring' into this time of year, you will take time to reflect on God's love and enjoy the beauty of His creation in the newly blooming flowers, the chirping birds, and the crisp morning air that we all are so grateful for... Spring is here!� :)
So much has been going on in and around the camp office. With camp just around the corner, we are continuing to register campers, sending out April packets and finalizing summer details. There is still so much to do but we are excited and ready for the summer!
We have lots of news to share with you... Former staffer, Joni Johnson Phihoda and her husband, Nick, have welcomed a baby girl into the world. Vivian Jane was born February 22. Congratulations! We can't wait for her first summer at Hollymont and we have another future Hollymonter already lined up as her roomate (see below)!�
Anne Martha Bernaur Corley and her husband have welcomed a new baby girl, Anne Grace. We are thrilled for you and so glad you are all doing well. We already have a spot on hold for her in 2016!
Congratulations to former staffer Kara Gochnour who married Dan Aldrich in a destination wedding on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. Merridy and Terry Sims (Steele & Spence didn't make this trip!) attended the wedding and enjoyed the week catching up with Kara, her family and friends. While there, they also spent time with former staffer, Linda Canales White. Linda and her husband, Darron, live on the north shore of the island. A good time was had by all and we are so excited for Kara and Dan as they begin their new life together. Best wishes to you both!
Savannah Haney could very well teach drama at camp this summer! She did a fantastic job in her church's Passion Play as a member of the 'band.'� Way to Go Savannah!!! Also, Lauren Glass participated in the Passion Play and did a great job singing in a quartet. Maybe we can get her to sing a solo for us this summer!� hehe!� :)
Robin Raulerson Mehler (former staffer and assistant director) and her family recently spent time in Ecuador. Her husband, Jason spent two months there years ago helping out in a physical therapy clinic and it has been a dream of his to go back to serve the community.� We are so glad you were able to go back as we know there are so many needs there.
Amy Lewallen has been on the road. Recent camp travels have taken her to Valdosta, GA, Ashland, KY, and Corbin, KY. Thank you to the Godwin's for kindly allowing us to use the farm for our mini camp reunion outside of Valdosta. Amy enjoyed catching up with many camp folks who were in attendance (in addition to the Godwin's)-- Gail Eldridge, Lindsey Radcliff, Kayla Franklin, Eleanor Eldridge Clark, Wanda McQuitty, Leigh Roberts, and several potential camp families were there. While in Georgia, Amy also was able to briefly visit with Emily Levy! Amy's travels also have taken her to Ashland, KY where she visited with Andrea Wise and Emily Krick. In Corbin, KY, she had a camp show at the Greer's house and enjoyed seeing Beth, Emily, nurse Marisa, and nurse Mary Ellen Dulin. Thank you for opening your homes to Hollymont and we are looking forward to seeing you all this summer!
Lauren Glass recently traveled to Jackson, TN where she had a great time visiting with Katie Cooper, Stacey Hanbury and Rachael Moore Mogel. They all seemed to be doing well. Stacey and Katie are enjoying school and Rachael seems to be loving the married life!
Missy M. Roper opened her home for a camp show in Concord and it was a big hit! Several potential camp families were in attendance and some current campers came to join in the fun. It was great seeing everyone!
We are looking forward to a fun-filled, action packed summer at Hollymont! We have a few spots still available for the 2010 summer so please remember to share Hollymont with your friends and family. Have a blessed Easter season!
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2/22/10 --- Hooray!!!
We are celebrating around the office. Three cheers for warmer weather, blue skies, and NO SNOW (though it appears more is in the forecast by the end of this week!!)! We are hoping spring is just around the corner and we'll have some warmer consecutive days very soon!
In the news... Hooray for Kendall Shoffner! Kendall has gotten married and she is now Kendall Hanford Acombs! Congratulations and best wishes to you both!
Emily Nicholson (former staff) recently caught up with Lindsey Wilson Owens (former staff) over lunch and this past weekend she was in Jacksonville, Florida visiting Lizzy Overbey Thomason and her husband, Matt. They had a great time and were even able to catch a Jimmy Buffett concert!
Congratulations to Jenny Wallace Easterling and her husband who welcomed a son, Gray Easterling, on February 11. He is a precious gift and we know you are in awe over God's amazing creation! May he bring you so much happiness and many,many smiles!
Carrie Cameron Robinson (former office staff) and her husband,Will have recently moved to Birmingham,AL. Will has started a new job and Carrie is finishing up some master's work before beginning the great job search.We hope you are both getting settled and meeting lots of new friends in the area! :)
Richard and Melanie Capps (parents to camper Anna Capps) were excited to learn they were the winners from our Valentine Drawing for a $200 Suntrust Visa Gift Card. Congratulations!
Applications are rolling into the office and as a reminder, if you haven't gotten your 2010 summer applications to us, don't delay!� You won't want to miss out and we want to see you... THIS SUMMER!!!� :)
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2/9/10 - Camp Faces and Snowy Places!
We have had numerous amounts of snow fall this winter in the North Carolina mountains. Those of you who visit only in the summer wouldn't recognize this place! In the summer months, everything is usually so lush, green, and thick, but in the winter, you can see around every tree. We get to see things/places we never knew existed because they are hidden in the summer and spring. Steele, Spence and Loren Jane have enjoyed the 'snow days' and their parents have enjoyed the 'snow delay' days. There are some good sledding hills around so the kiddos have definitely taken advantage of being out of school by having fun in the snow. We are so thankful for the different seasons, but I think at this point, most of us in the office are honest in our opinions about the weather and we are ready to kiss winter goodbye! :)
Lauren Glass traveled to Florida recently and was able to spend time with camp families in Jupiter (Gays' Home), Ponte Vedra Beach (Skinners' Home), and Fleming Island ( Hayes' Home).Thanks to all of you that opened your homes to us and also thanks to Skylar McBride for coming to the show at the Skinner's home. Promotional shows are always so much fun and it's always great seeing familiar faces on the road.
Amy Lewallen has also been on the road promoting Hollymont. Recent travel took her to Charleston, SC, where she did a promotional show at the Rosol's home. A huge thanks to them for opening their home to us and to those who attended. Following the show, Amy met up with Caroline Sharp (staff 2009) for a short visit and had a great time catching up with her. Caroline attends the College of Charleston and is looking forward to spending a part of her summer with us! Amy put together a reunion gathering for Hollymont families in Birmingham last week and enjoyed seeing Ainsley Despot, Mallory Allen and Lillian Holt. We're so excited they're all planning to come back this summer! Also while in Birmingham, Amy saw Lori Akin (staff '95), Sarah Lamar (staff 2007-2008), and Meredith Winkler McDaniel (staff mid-90's). She also made a quick trip to Auburn and was able to meet up with Taylor Owen (staff 2009) and Cindy Orsenigo (staff 2009).
Loren Jane Roper turned THREE and had a birthday bash on February 7. Several camp friends and future Hollymont friends were there. Missy and Loren Jane enjoyed celebrating with Merridy, Steele and Spence Sims (staff and young Hollymont men), Meredith Brooks Sorrell(former camper and staff) and her daughters, Brooks and Laura; Brooke Lawrence Hata (former camper and staff) and her daughter; Cate, Bess and Sara Wilder Bryant (campers), Jane E. and Chapel Baynard (former staff and camper), and Christy Panner (camper). Loren Jane is looking forward to seeing some of you at camp this summer and she's also looking forward to perfecting her limbo skills with you all!
In other news, congratulations to Ms. Nina Haaskivi (former camper) for placing fourth runner up in the Miss USA division of the Miss America - Miss Maple City Pageant, February 6, 2010. The Miss America organization teamed up with the Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives' of children by raising funds for children's hospitals. This was a great partnership opportunity for Nina so she could help raise awareness and funds for two organizations. Way to go, Nina!!!
Emily Nicholson (former staff) is off to a great start in grad school. She started January 13 and is getting her master's degree in reading. In addition to her grad school work, she has gotten a job as a full-time nanny. Keep up the fantastic work, Emily!
The Hollymont year round staff enjoyed a night out in Greenville, February 2. After a delicious dinner at Soby's downtown, we enjoyed the production, WICKED at the Peace Center. It was great and if you have seen it, 'toss, toss!' :)
We've recently been in touch with Patricia Lemoine (former camper) and she filled us in on what she has been up to in the last few years. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2008, she moved out to Los Angeles and has been doing entertainment PR. She worked on the Twilight movie 'New Moon'� and ran the premier. She also�does events, branding and film representation. She truly is enjoying her work and really likes being in LA!
Vicki Jordan (former staff) and Anne Harvey (former camper and staff) have just returned from Australia and New Zealand. Other than a rough start to the trip (they missed their flight out of SF!), they had a good time and enjoyed the summer weather. We're glad they are back safely.
Congratulations to Samantha Williams!!! We were excited to learn of your acceptance to the University of Tennessee!!
Aloha! Gail Mashburn recently returned from a two week trip to Hawaii. She spent her vacation enjoying the beautiful beaches, vulcanic activity, gardens, shops, great food, friends and family, etc. She also went on an awesome zip-line tour!!! There were not many days she didn't hear from us in the camp office (sorry Gail!). What would we do without Gail L. Mashburn?!!
Don't forget -- If we receive your application between January 1 and February 14, the name of the individual who paid the deposit will go into our Valentine's Drawing. We will draw a name February 15 and the winner will get a $200 Suntrust Visa card that can be used toward whatever they'd like! It can also be applied toward camp fees or help offset travel expenses. Don't delay!� :)
We are getting applications in daily and in addition to those of you returning from last summer, we are excited to see some of you from 2008 returning for 2010!!! We're looking forward to a fantastic summer! Remember to tell your friends about Hollymont and 'if you can, bring a friend and come along!'� :)
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1/13/09
Is everyone staying warm??? The temperatures have been crazy cold in North Carolina and we still have snow on the ground from a month ago. We even had more this week (though it didn't last long)! I think we can all vouch to say we are ready for warmer weather. Yesterday, Merridy, Steele and Spence Sims, along with Merridy and Missy's dad, Ben McKibbens (aka Daddy Mac), played on the lake at Rockmont. The lake is covered with 5-6 inches of ice!!!
On another note, we have lots of news to share...
First off, congratulations to Victoria Colon for winning the Holly-days Christmas Phrase challenge. She won a $40 camp credit to use as she would like. Way to go Victoria! Thank you to all of those who entered into the contest. We will probably come up with another similar challenge for next year so have your creative juices flowing and ready... You just may be the next winner!!!
We want to extend our congratulations to Kelli Ashkouti Sullivan and her husband. They welcomed a baby girl, Skylar Elizabeth on September 9, 2009. We will be looking for her application in 2013!� :)
Congratulations to Lynde Massey McPherson who married, Wes, on December 12 in Mississippi. We are excited for the two you and pray you have a life full of happiness together!
We are so about Ashley Eldridge's new adventure as a school counselor... Ashley is living in Charlotte and is really enjoying city life. Keep us posted on your new job and congratulations!
Lauren Glass sure is keeping busy. Not only is she working full time for camp, she is also the assistant coach for the Asheville Christian Academy's Girls Middle School Basketball Team. Lauren is really enjoying her role and feels this is another great opportunity to minister to young girls. Not only is she doing this, but she volunteers for UPWARD basketball through her church on weekends.
Missy McKibbens Roper, Woods McKibbens, Ben (aka Daddy Mac) McKibbens, and Virginia Thomas were in Pasadena, CA for the Rose Bowl and spotted some familiar camp faces. It was great seeing Lizzie Overbey Thompson and her husband, Matt, as well as Campbell and Ella McAtee's mom, Betsy and Brooke Randall's mom, Janis. Also, they ran into Adele and Addison Bortz's dad, Scott. All were there to cheer on the Crimson Tide and were glad to see Alabama pull through as the National Champions!
Amy Lewallen was in St. Simon's Island, GA for a wedding and saw Mary, Stephanie, and Kathryn Greene. As always, they are so much fun and they all had a great time catching up.
Where in the world is Brittany DuBois (to the tune of Carmen Sandiego!)?? Brittany has just returned from France and England with a group from the Univ. of Louisiana at Lafayette. It sounds like Brittany had a great time and we are glad she is back safely. In other exciting news from Brittany - she has been assigned a student teaching position in an elementary school! Brittany's fun personality and love for kids will make her a great addition to the classroom.
We hope and pray your 2010 is off to a great start and you are already making wonderful memories in this new year.� Please remember to send us any new and exciting news you may have as we would love to keep up with you and share what's going on in your life!�
Til' next week....� :)
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1/1/TWO THOUSAND AND TEN!!!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!
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12/28/09 --
We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. Everyone in the camp office went their seperate ways for the holidays and now we are back in full swing and preparing for 2010. Over the Christmas holiday, Lauren went home to Jackson, MS, Gail went to Franklin, NC, Amy went to Huntsville, AL and Merridy, Missy and the kiddos were in Black Mountain with their family. While out and about Amy saw Laura Jo Hurt in Huntsville, AL and had a short visit. Amy saw Camille Long's mom at a Christmas brunch in Asheville, and Merridy and Missy saw former camp nurse, Kim Barnett in Charlotte. Kim Barnett is doing great and now has two sons --22 months and 11 months.
Also in the camp news, Hallie Parker (former staffer) tied the knot with Ben Mordecai on Sunday, December 27, in St. Simon's Island, GA. Congratulations and we're so excited for you as you begin your new life together!
What a month this has been... What a month? How about what a year? It is hard to believe 2009 is coming to an end and 2010 is on the horizon. As we look back, we have so much to be thankful for and we can't help but pause to think about how grateful we are for all of you. The friendships that are made at Hollymont last a lifetime and we hope you will come back in 2010 for another SUPER summer!!! Til' 2010....
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12/25/09
Merry Christmas everyone! We hope your day is Christ-filled and you have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Savior with your family and friends.
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12/18/09� Let it Snow!
The snow is falling and it just keeps coming down. Within a few short hours, the grounds have gotten covered with several inches of snow. Lauren has gone home for the Christmas holiday, Gail is in Franklin with her parents for a long weekend, and Merridy, Terry, Steele, Spence, Missy, Loren Jane, Woods, Virginia Thomas, Amy Lewallen, Mudder (Merridy and Missy's grandmother), and Lolo and Daddy Mac (Merridy and Missy's parents), along with 7 dogs, 1 cat and 1 fish are hunkered in at the Black Mountain winter office/house. Sounds like a Grizwald experience waiting to happen doesn't it? A lot of folks around have lost power so everyone is so thankful to have a backup generator... especially with this many people in the house! The kids are bubbling with excitement over the fact there is so much snow on the ground and a snowman is soon to be built. It truly is a beautiful sight to see and before it's all over, we should have over a foot of snow.
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