A Foundation of Love and Learning

Originally from New York, Elaine Marten has accomplished and is still accomplishing much in her life. Often found in an exercise class or at the swimming pool, she enjoys staying active and dons the most interesting outfits that range from fun colors to eccentric patterns. Intelligent and coming off very demure, she claims she “isn’t very interesting,” but sources say quite the opposite! Our discussion consisted of a number of topics, from her life’s work, to technology, to faith, to academia, family life, the resilient human spirit, and volunteering and sustainability efforts.

With a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Rochester in NY, Elaine is a very intelligent lady, and her life’s work has focused on sustainability and water conservation. The author of a number of publications while she was still in grad school, she worked industrially for Eastman Kodak most of her career before leaving at the age of 50. She said that what drew her to the sciences was simply, “I had an affinity for math and science … I was good at them and have found that accomplishing anything in those fields is very rewarding. I think you sort of have to feel that way about your life’s work. It served me well.”

The granddaughter of Italian migrants on the maternal side of her family and of German migrants on the paternal side of her family, she recalls her family life as “very warm, loving, and supportive,” and had “a wonderful relationship” with her parents and grandparents. Her father passed in his mid 60s, leaving her mother devastated, but as women tend to do, “we bravely pushed ahead — my mother met and married a lovely widower, and they had a happy life until both passed around the age of 80.”… Read More

Gene and Helen Banks have known each other since they were preschoolers. Both natives of Burnsville, NC, Gene’s grandmother lived down the road from Helen’s mother, so the two children often played together and also went to Burnsville schools together. After graduating from Burnsville High School, Gene joined the Navy at 19 years old. Helen, who graduated a year later, went on to Cosmetology school and became a beautician.

The couple were married on February 27,1953, and had two daughters, Kelli and Angel. While raising a family, Gene went back to business school and was holding down several jobs at once. It was a difficult thing, so he felt very fortunate when a friend from church told him about a job at WWNC Radio as the Advertising Sales Manager! Gene landed the job and continued working there until retirement.

Helen, meanwhile, continued her beautician work and was quite busy raising the two girls. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and keeping a pretty home. The Banks were very active in Macedonia Baptist Church where Gene served as a deacon for many years. Helen worked with the young children’s programs. She especially enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School in the summers.

Family activities were centered around the church, and they made many friends there. Gene and Helen had fun entertaining these friends at their home. A favorite thing to do at these gatherings was to play Canasta.

Gene and Helen both love the outdoors and are very interested in birds and animals. He enjoys woodcarving and gardening. Her special interests besides cooking and sewing are crafting and decorating.

The couple moved to Heather Glen in January of 2020, and despite some initial adjustments, have found that this is a good place to call home. They miss seeing family and friends but are looking forward to good things to come.

Thank you for being a part of Heather Glen, Gene and Helen. We are glad you are here!