3.17.10 Cherokee Sentinel by Sentinel News Media

What to expect from government run health care

How well do you know your body? “Bodies The Exhibit” in Atlantic Station Reviewed

New Urgent Care Center a Reality

Check out the new column: “From the Right” Page 3A

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Sentinel

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CHEROKEE

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ECONOMY

EMERGENCY

COMMUNICATION

Where have the

entrepreneurs

BREAKDOWN

gone?

Enterprising business proprieters are becoming a rarity

As the economy takes it’s toll on evEditor ery one, the number of self employed are dwindling. It has been reported that the number of businesses started in the United States has fallen more than 10% in the last year. Locally we have seen a tremendous decrease in business owners and starters. Lack of foot traffic has forced many of our retail businesses to either downsize or close their doors all together. In Cherokee County nearly twenty businesses have had to close up shop in the past fourteen months. Proprieters are forced to seek employment under the wings of larger companies. Town Council members and our Chamber’s of Commerce are continually exploring ways to beef up our economy, but much to the frustration of everyone in town business seems to be in a perpetual stalemate. “It’s like everyone is sitting back waiting for somebody to make the first move,” remarked Josh Hughes, Cherokee County Resident, who is just one of the many business owners trying to wait out this period of transition. Still, optimism reigns supreme in Murphy. Citizens and representatives alike are hopeful for the future and continue to brainstorm on new ideas for the coming fiscal years. In light of this, over the next few weeks the Sentinel will be exploring a number of different topics relating to the economy, such as: the effects it is taking on each demographic, and creative ways to revive that old entrepreneurial spirit that used to be so prevelant. Working together as a community, we will be able to find a solution to break this economic holding pattern.

Cherokee County Dispatch Call Center in Desperate need of updates

By: Bryan Hughes

By: Bryan Hughes Editor No longer just a Led Zeppelin song, it is the grim reality of the Cherokee County 911 Call Center. Our emergency communication systems are broken down and obsolete. In 1999 the 911 call center was moved from the Sheriff ’s Department building to the old Murphy

Post Office which sits across from Chevelle’s restaurant. At the time of the move, Moducom radios were installed by Charlie Gamble and the communication servers were set up. Since that time, there have been no upgrades to the servers. The computers running our 911 call center are severely over used, considering the amount of call volume it receives. It is estimated that the Call

Center receives around 100,000 calls per year and 80% of which require emergency personnel to be dispatched. That’s close to 275 calls per day. Right now the facility is using a system that barely provides even half of the processing power it requires. What’s more is, as the system grows older and older the software is no longer being supported and the spare parts for repairs are becoming scarce and expensive. There have already been several shutdowns on the communication system, one of which occurred while emergency personnel were landing a helicopter during a river rescue. The problems have been temporarily bandaged, but the gap between shutdowns is closing in. It’s no longer a question of IF the system will shut down, but WHEN! County Commissioners Johnathan Dickey, and Dana Jones together With County Manager, David Badger, and Sheriff, Keith Lovin met last Friday to assess the situation and determine the best solution. Anthony M. Allen a Policy Advocate for the Association of County Commissioners was present to take note of the situation and convey the

needs to the higher ups in Raleigh. The representatives took a tour through the 911 Call Center where they found countless archaic communication devices and a rat’s nest of network cable in the drop ceiling above. As was stated before, there have been temporary modifications to the system but so far have only bought time. As it sits now, the call center is experiencing a number of problems on a daily basis, including: inaudible radio communications during times of heavy traffic, a 30 to 45 second delay after transmission, the system can no longer produce reports, and telephone calls are consistently dropped. In an emergency situation a lost phone call can mean lost lives. The most recent telephone shutdown was in February 2010 and the call center was out of order for around 14 minutes. The issue is an imperative matter of public safety and our representatives are doing their utmost to rectify the situation in a speedy manner. It is proposed that a new Verizon phone system together with a Spillman Computer Dispatch system will bring the Cherokee County

EVENT

HVWC honors steward with banquet By: Ann. B. Doran Sentinel Writer

The Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC) bestowed its Holman Water Quality Stewardship award to Lamar Paris, sole commissioner of Union County, Ga. last Friday night following a banquet in the ballroom at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa (BVR)

in Young Harris, Ga. Preceding the dinner and award ceremony, HRWC held a splendid silent auction wherein members and guests mingled festively while bidding on vintage and other interesting auction items donated to raise funds for the Coalition. Watershed, 1. A region drained by a river or rivers, 2. A ridge dividing such regions from each other. Hiwas-

see River watershed encompasses three counties in Georgia as well as Clay and Cherokee counties in North Carolina. That’s us, folks. Forest and agricultural lands have shrunk as our watershed is being developed. Most people know in theory that land use and land management determine the protection of our water resources. The HRWC members and other volunteers put this theory into practical applications all year long. On Friday night, HRWC honored Lamar Paris for his many years of service and his commitment to strike the right balance between growth and environmental protection. Lamar Paris has been called a model to follow for other elected officials in our watershed. Paris stated, “The Holman Award is a great honor. I’m a private property rights person, but there is no reason we can not still have our water quality.” Paris remains committed to working with state and local governments and believes the HRWC works so well with elected officials, who therefore see the Coalition as a partner rather than an adversary. This

4800 Hwy. 64W Suite 305 Murphy NC, 28906

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“It’s no longer a question of IF the system will shut down, but WHEN! “

EDUCATION

Reaching out with Research

GMRE seeks patrons from across state lines

The Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center Sentinel Writer wants to reach across state lines to help Clay County citizens become more aware of the environment. The center’s community council met with local business leaders last week to discuss a series of programs and express the necessity of the center. “Even though we’re neighbors in a different state, we have the same environment, we have the same needs, and we hope to serve you just as well as we can serve the citizens of Georgia,” staffer Joe Garner said. Council members said that the goal was to encourage people to make better decisions through knowledge, noting that the closest similar program in North Carolina is hours away on the other end of the state. “We want to cooperate with them; we’re not in conflict with them,” Garner said. See GMRE Page 8A

By: Harrison Keely

We e k l y We at h e r Fo re c a s t

CHEROKEE

Sentinel

and similar attitudes will help to reach and to maintain the right balance between private property rights and a safe environment. While about 160 guests finished dessert (Brasstown Valley’s perfectly dark chocolate truffle cake) and coffee, the lovely and hardworking HRWC Executive Director Callie Moore of Hayesville, N.C. welcomed attendees and introduced special guests such as Paris’ wife and family. Robert Head, Chairman, HRWC Board of Directors, then presented the 2010 Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award to Paris. HRWC member Tom Bennett described the sculptured art glass trophy’s significance: “The glass torso shape suggests the strength of HRWC and the power of water. The glass also represents the fragile ecosystem of streams and rivers - the colors of the living things in it that must be protected.” The stunning sculptured art glass statuette was created and donated by David Goldhagen of Hayesville. The Hiwassee

Call Center up to date and help it remain future proof. The systems would provide an in house backup and a mobile communications system that is Next Generation 911 compliant. This proposed system will also allow a seamless upgrade with no downtime. The total estimated cost of the project is in the neighborhood of $356,000 which is not an outrageous figure considering the amount of lives this could save, and the vital community service it will provide. The county is currently under a serious liability because of the outdated dispatch system. Rest assured that the problem is being addressed and we will have a solution that allows our service men and women to efficiently perform their jobs instead of troubleshooting faulty communications equipment.

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NEWS

The Cherokee Sentinel March 17, 2010

BRIEFS

Strong support for new Urgent Care Facility

Researchers discover HIV blocker in Bananas A potent new inhibitor of HIV, derived from bananas, may unlock the key to new treatments to prevent sexual transmission of the virus that causes AIDS. Lectins, naturally occurring chemicals in plants, are proving to be an area of intense study by scientists because of their ability to halt the chain of reaction that leads to a variety of infections. In laboratory tests, BanLec, the lectin found in bananas, was as potent as two current anti-HIV drugs. Researchers say its health implications are great because it may become a less expensive new component of applied vaginal microbicides. “HIV is still rampant in the U.S. and the explosion in poorer countries continues to be a bad problem because of tremendous human suffering and the cost of treating it,” says study senior author David Marvovitz, M.D., professor of internal medicine at the U-M Medical School.

Internet in the running for Nobel Peace Prize The committee selecting the winner of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize has included the Internet among its 237 nominees for the prestigious award. The Norwegian Nobel Committee came up with the list on March 9 and the Internet was among it because it has connected the world, created a global community “that shares ideas and innovation,” helped relief efforts in countries devastated by natural disasters and also uncovered government controversies and oppression. The 237 nominees this year is a record in the history of the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2009, the number of nominees, including eventual winner U.S. President Barack Obama, was also a record at 205. If the Internet wins the prize, an issue anticipated is the person who will receive the award. The winner will be announced in October.

Robotic Arm Found To Be Useful In Stroke Therapy Rehabilitation In the future shaking hands with a robotic arm may be part of the rehabilitation protocol for stroke patients learning to use their arms again. Elena Vergaro, from the University of Genoa, Italy, worked with a team of researchers from the Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, to develop the robotic aid. When asked about the early findings of the ‘Braccio di Ferro’ (Iron arm) she says, “Our preliminary results from this small group of patients suggest that the scheme is robust and promotes a statistically significant improvement in performance. Future large-scale controlled clinical trials should confirm that robot-assisted physiotherapy can allow functional achievements in activities of daily life.” As patients work to guide the robotic arm into a figure-of-eight motion using the device’s controls they would assist patients in re-learning how to use their arms. Vergaro says, “Stroke survivors perform arm movements in abnormal ways, for example by elevating the shoulder in order to lift the arm, or leaning forward with the torso instead of extending the elbow.” Researchers and therapists believe employing incorrect patterns may limit a patient’s ability to achieve higher levels of movement ability, and can also lead to repetitive use injuries. Vergaro says, “By demonstrating the correct movements, a robot can help the motor system of the subject learn to replicate the desired trajectory by experience.”

Government issues warning on the use of baby slings The U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission has issued a warning about using baby slings with infants younger than 4 months. The agency researched incident reports from the past 20 years and found at least 14 deaths related to the products, in which babies are carried in a sling draped across a parent or caregiver.Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than 4 months. Three of these deaths happened in 2009, the CPSC said in a statement. The agency identified two suffocation hazards associated with the slings. First, it said babies can't control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling's fabric can press against the baby's nose and mouth, blocking his or her breathing and suffocation can happen within one or two minutes. The slings can also keep babies curled in a position with their chin toward the chest. This can restrict breathing, and the baby will not be able to cry for help. The CPSC warned in particular about babies who were either low-birth weight twins, were born premature or who had breathing issues.

New urgent care and family practice center finally a reality.

Murphy Medical Center has received $985,000 in support of the development of a new Urgent Care Center and Family Practice facility scheduled to open on March 30 in Murphy. The financial support is being used to offset costs from land and building purchase, renovation and construction, equipment and furnishings, and recruitment of staff. Cost for the project through January was $1.6 million. Kathi Osborne, Foundation Director, said support has come from Federal and State agencies as well as private foundations and individual donors. “We are extremely grateful to have received a number of grants totaling $884,000. Proceeds from the Foundation’s 2008 and 2009 ‘Two Hours from Anywhere’road race fundraisers totaled $100,000 and the remainder was given by individual donors,” Osborne stated.

Contributed Photo

The public is invited to an Open House on Monday, March 29 from 2-4pm to tour the new Urgent Care Center and Family Practice facility.

Ledford St. on the corner of Highway 74 in Murphy. For more information about sup-

porting the efforts of the non-profit Murphy Medical Center, contact Osborne at 835-7506.

I-40 Rockslide Update Crews finalize plans for installation of new rock bolts

As the first shipment of steel rods arrived, plans were finalized for the installation of the new rock bolt system at the I-40 rockslide. The new “passive” rock bolt system uses thicker, heavier steel bars than the “tensioned” rock bolts that have been installed so far. The new rock bolts, which are threaded steel rods with a diameter of 1 ¾ inches, weigh about 10 pounds per foot. The holes drilled on the mountainside are 50 to 120 feet deep, so that the longest rock bolts will weigh about 1,200 pounds. Crews will continue to use a helicopter to lift the rock bolts up the mountainside. They found, however, that the threads on the new rock bolts – which are essential for coupling the 45-foot-long rods into the right-sized lengths – are sharper and closer together than those on the older rock bolts. In tests, the new bolts tore the nylon straps the helicopter had been using to lift them, so crews are switching to a wire rope system. “We’re building the new bolts we received today,” said NCDOT project inspector Mike Patton. “It looks like we should have good flying weather on

Saturday so the plan is to try to install 40 or 50 of the new bolts then.” In consultation with federal highway officials and the specialty contractor, NCDOT decided on Sunday to begin using a passive “anchor” rock bolt at the site. This system uses the mountain itself to create the downward pull that stabilizes the site. Under the “tensioned” system used to date, workers used a hydraulic jack to create that downward pull in steel rod rock bolts and cable strand anchors. The elimination of this step, which took upwards of an hour for each rock bolt or anchor, is the primary advantage of the new system. The new rock bolt system is as safe if not safer then the previous system. Because it requires less time to install each bolt, the switch will not affect plans to reopen I-40 by late April, weather permitting. It will not add to the cost of the $10.1 million project. A video detailing how surveyors determine precisely where each of the 590 rock bolts should be installed has been posted on NCDOT’s YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/ NCDOTcommunications. Click on

“Surveyors Mark the Spot at I-40 Rockslide.” This section of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee border has been closed in both directions since the rockslide occurred Oct. 25. NCDOT estimates that it will reopen I-40 by late April when work at the October rockslide site should be completed. About one mile of the westbound lane closest to the mountain will be closed until this summer to allow crews to complete the work – including the installation of rock bolts and anchor mesh – at five additional sites. Travelers still can reach Western North Carolina via I-40 from the east and I-26 to the north and south. Exits 20 and 27 on I-40 provide access to popular destinations west of Asheville. In Tennessee, exits 432 through 451 provide access to popular destinations in southeastern Tennessee. The detour route is 53 miles longer and is an additional 45 minutes to an hour driving time. Motorists traveling on I-40 West should take Exit 53B (I-240 West) in Asheville and follow I-240 West to Exit 4A (I-26 West).

Follow I-26 West (a North Carolina Scenic Highway) to I-81 South in Tennessee. Take I-81 South and follow it back to I-40 at mile marker 421. Eastbound motorists should use the reverse directions. NCDOT reminds motorists to stay alert, follow instructions on the message boards on the highways, obey the posted speed limit, leave early and travel at non-peak times when possible. Plan ahead before driving by visiting the NCDOT Traveler Information Management System Web site at www.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/ or calling 511, the state’s free travel information line, for current travel conditions. NCDOT also provides alerts about traffic congestion and construction work on Twitter. To access them, go to www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter/. For daily rockslide updates, please visit the NCDOT Web site at www.ncdot.gov and click on the I-40 rockslide daily news and information section or follow work on the rockslide project on Twitter at http://twitter.com/i40_rockslide.

Both lanes on U.S. 129/SR-115 remain closed at the scene of a rockslide approximately two miles south of the Chilhowee Dam and more than 13 miles north of the Tennessee and North Carolina state line. This rock slide has effectively shut down Deal’s Gap also known as the Dragon’s Tail. TDOT geotechnical engineers have conducted preliminary evaluations of the slide and are currently developing

a plan to stabilize the mountainside and re-open the road safely and expeditiously. No timeline has been confirmed. Meanwhile, motorists can take temporary detours around the rockslide area. From North Carolina Traffic travelling on U.S. 74 can take State Route 68 north to Ducktown. Continue on SR-68 through Polk and

Monroe Counties to I-75 in Sweetwater. (Non Commercial Traffic Only) Motorists travelling on State Route 143 in North Carolina will continue to travel north onto State Route 165 to Tellico Plains to State Route 68 north to U.S. 411 (State Route 35) toward Maryville. (Non Commercial Traffic Only) Motorists can also use U.S. 441

to travel through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into Cherokee, North Carolina. For road closures on U.S. 441 through the Smokies, motorists can call (865) 436-1200. TDOT is now on Twitter. For up to the minute traffic information in Knoxville and the Tri-Cities follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/knoxville511. For statewide travel information follow www.twitter.com/TN511.

Rockslide slays dragon The Search is On

Britain issues new rules on credit card rates British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will issue on Monday new rules affecting financial services providers in the country, particularly affecting credit card rates. The release is time with the observation on March 15 of World Consumer Rights Day. Brown said in a podcast released Friday that the government wants to make banks and credit car firms to be more responsible and to be fair to their customers. Among the provisions of the new rules would be to change how repayments are allocated to card debt, a right to reject interest rate hikes and a prohibition on automatic credit limit increase. Brown said the new regulations aim to discourage Britons from borrowing beyond the capacity to pay. He said companies that would break the new law would be penalized heavily, including revocation of their license. Brown said in a statement, “We want not only to empower and protect you as consumers, but also to make banks and credit card companies behave responsibly and act fairly. And so we will re-write the rules on lending to end the sharp practices which sting so many credit card holders.”

Grantors to the project are The Cannon Foundation, The Duke Endowment, Golden Leaf Foundation, NC Health & Wellness Trust Fund, NC Office of Rural Health and Community Care, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Two physicians have been recruited to work in the Family Practice. Osborne said the addition of Dr. Glendon Rougeou and Dr. Dana Conner (who will begin in June) will help alleviate the current shortage of primary care physicians in the tri-county area. The Urgent Care Center is relocating to the new site from its location in a modular unit on Andrews Road in Valley River Shopping Center where it has been for the past 13 years. The center currently treats over 10,000 walk-in patients per year with urgent healthcare needs. The new facility is located at 183

The stage is set for “Relay For Life Idol” to benefit a great cause

“Relay for Life Idol-2010” Hurry, Hurry, Limited Time to Register!!! Don’t Miss Your Chance!!! All proceeds go to the Cherokee County Relay for Life The JobLink Career Center is seek-

GET BREAKING NEWS UPDATES ON YOUR PHONE:

ing talented individual vocalists to participate in the “Relay for Life Idol2010” competition to be held at the Henn Theatre, Downtown Murphy, N.C. This year only “individual singers” will be accepted to compete. The initial competition will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2010 and we expect to have in excess of 20 competitors. The final competition to select the “Relay for Life Idol-2010” will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2010 and the top four winners will be selected. Vocalist registration forms are available now at the JobLink Career Center (next to the Sweet Tooth in Murphy, N.C.) between 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. The

deadline to register is Friday, March 19, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. Prizes and recognition plaques will be presented to the winners and they will be asked to perform at the final Relay for Life event in May 2010. Individuals or businesses are encouraged to sponsor talented vocalists by registering them and obtaining a commitment from them. It will cost $25.00 to sponsor an individual to compete. There will be admission charges to attend the competition and tickets will be on sale soon for the first competition. Tickets may be purchased at the Tri-County JobLink Career Center/ Employment Security Commission.

Also, tickets will be available the night of the competition unless we are “sold out”. The audience may vote for their performer of choice as many times as they want to at $1.00 per vote. Please tell family and friends to come out and support their favorite performer for a worthy cause. Anyone interested in performing or sponsoring a performer should contact the JobLink/ESC Office at 828-8377407 or stop by between 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. for registration information. The deadline is Friday, March 19, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. Please register as soon as possible!

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VIEWS

3A History Hysteria Unfounded Who’s the victim here? By: Paula Canup Columnist The textbook controversies are again in the news. Texas is currently writing its standards for their social studies curriculum. Since Texas and California have the nation’s largest student populations, it is likely that book publishers will write their books to conform to the standards of these states. Those books will then be the ones available to all states. The outcome of this Texas dispute is likely to affect education throughout the country. As usual, liberals and conservatives are facing off in a war of words and misinformation. If you have been listening to FOX News, you have no doubt heard that the standards committee is recommending United States History begin in 1877, leaving out the Founders and the writing of the Constitution. What they are not telling you is that early American history will be taught in eighth grade, and eleventh grade will pick up where it left off in 1877 and cover modern American history. As a former history teacher, this makes perfectly good sense to me; in fact, I fought for permission to break American history into two separate courses in the private school where I taught. My reason was simple – there is just not enough time in a school year to cover over 500 years of history (assuming you begin in 1492 with Columbus’ discovery) with any depth. And depth is what makes history interesting. I cannot count the times I have told someone I was a history teacher only to be told how much they hated history when they were in high school. It was boring, just a lot of names and dates to memorize. Well, I don’t mean to toot

my own horn, but my students were not bored. When we studied the writing of the Constitution, they divided into small groups and wrote school constitutions. We studied the Declarations of Causes of Secession issued by the southern states prior to the Civil War so they would know what really caused the conflict – and yes, it was about slavery. We watched Ken Burn’s excellent documentary, The West, and I read to them from the diary of missionaries who were massacred by Indians in Oregon Territory. The kids loved all of it. But, it took time – lots of time. There was no way to do all that and cover two world wars, the Great Depression, Vietnam, etc., in one year. The truth is, many history teachers never finish a history textbook, so modern history often gets shortchanged. I’m guessing that is what prompted the Texas standards committee to make modern US history a separate course. I would never have known about the two separate courses from the sound bites I’ve been hearing on the news. I googled “Texas textbook controversy” and was led to a press release from the Texas Education Agency refuting some of the claims made by FOX News. I also learned that the standards being recommended must be voted on by an elected State Board of Education which is dominated by conservative GOP members. For this reason, there has been much concern among educators that the standards will have a conservative, not liberal bias. The board feels there is a liberal bias in the current standards being taught. They would like to add information about groups such as the Heritage Foundation, the Moral Majority, and the NRA as well as information about

The Cherokee Sentinel March 17, 2010

the Republican Contract with America. Certainly there is no harm in including those items, but both liberals and conservatives must realize that one textbook cannot possibly include every thing they consider important. If it did, it would break the backs of the students who had to carry it! The board also wants to see more emphasis on Christian influence in America’s beginning. Of course, any study of the settling of American must include religion, as the Pilgrims came hear looking for freedom to worship as they pleased. This is included in the eighth grade standards. The Texas Tribune has published online the entire standards along with additions and deletions suggested by the conservative BOE. For example, the board crossed out American imperialism and wrote the term “expansionism” in its place. The two words definitely have different connotations, but the classroom teacher will be the determinant of how the period is presented, not a word in the standards. Most of the changes proposed are inconsequential – just changes in the wording. I have read proposed changes and see no cause for controversy in them. The final vote on the new standards is due to take place in May. Meanwhile, the Board of Education is holding hearings so citizens can voice their opinions about what should and should not be included in the state’s history standards. The media loves it – nothing like a good fight to help fill up 24 hours of news. What we have here is a non-story, one that recurs every time new standards are written. We have bigger problems that need our attention.

From the Right

What to Expect from Government Run Health Care By: Jim Davis Columnist It is not how many pages that are in the health care bill, it's what's in the bill that makes it good or bad. To summarize the reasons why the Democrat health care bill is bad: 1) There are no meaningful cost controls in the Democrat medical care bill. Premium costs will skyrocket. When has a government program ever costs as little as its advocates claim? Medicare is already bankrupting the nation and will be insolvent by 2017 according to the same people who support this bill. 2) With the additional mandates and price controls, private health insurers will be driven out of business. It will be impossible to make a profit. 3) We have a shortage of doctors now and will have even more shortages if 31 million additional people are added. And more people will be requesting medical services if they think they are getting ‘free’ medical care. That is human nature. Rationing is inevitable and medical care will deteriorate. 4) The bill is unconstitutional. Nowhere in our Constitution does it give the Government the authority to decide who gets medical care and who doesn't. And it does not give the Government the authority to force people into an insurance contract against their will. 5) They may not be called “Death Panels” in the bill, but it allows a bureaucracy, rather than a doctor, to decide whether you get life saving treatment or not. 6) Just about every poll shows that the majority of Americans do not want it. Most polls show that between 85 to 90% of Americans are satisfied with the insurance they have. Most doctors don't want it. It will ruin the doctorpatient relationship.

There is no free market in health care. That is why it costs have skyrocketed. Government mandates all sorts of requirements of the medical and insurance industry. This is the major cause of higher costs. In the past reconciliation has only been used to settle budgets. The takeover of almost 20% of our economy (health care) by the government is a major policy change and reconciliation has never been used before for major issues of policy. One would know this if they are intellectually honest enough to consult information outlets that are not propaganda arms of the Obama administration and Democratic Party. Jim Fitzgerald mentioned he thinks that conservatives believe our founding fathers made a terrible mistake in creating a three-part checks and balances system of government. I wonder how he came to that conclusion. After all, our founding fathers were what we now call conservatives and that's why they created a Republic, not a democracy. They wanted limited government and maximum freedom of choice and liberty. Liberals are largely responsible for our high unemployment rate. It was the Liberal Clinton Administration that pushed for ‘no money down’, no income verification mortgage loans, threatened banks with fines if they didn't make these loans, lowered the capital requirements of the quasi- government Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lending institutions which guaranteed these loans and blocked knowledge of how bad it was until right before the last election – so they could spin it for their advantage. These loan defaults were the principal reason for the financial breakdown of our banking system and economy. Also, the so called ‘Stimulus bills’ have a long history of prolonging recessions. And lastly, as most of us are

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acutely aware, and contrary to what Mr. Fitzgerald wrote, the US Post Office is heavily subsidized by our government. Take a look at their annual reports. You will see a line item called “US Government Appropriations.” Facts are a sticky thing.

By: Jim Fitzgerald Columnist

Conservatives are really good at acting like victims. The latest injustice they are suffering is the proposed use of reconciliation to pass the health care reform bill. Conservatives are calling this method of covering an additional 30 million people and reducing the national deficit by 118 million dollars a parliamentary “trick,” an “assault on the democratic process,” and an attempt to “cram health care down our throats.” If you look at Wikipedia.com, you can see that, since 1980, 17 of 23 reconciliation bills were signed into law by Republican Presidents, undermining current claims that the Democrats are doing something underhanded. Under Bush II, reconciliation was used three times to pass tax cuts even after the Congressional Budget Office predicted they would substantially increase the federal deficit. Conservatives significantly violated the original purpose of reconciliation to pass their agenda in the face of Democratic opposition and now are crying foul when the tables are turned. How patriotic of them. They have been cramming legislation down our throats for several decades. However, are the Democrats really cramming (or ramming – depending on commentator) health care reform down our throats? Shortly after Obama was elected, he sponsored a series of conferences where he invited all of the health care stakeholders to participate in reforming a broken system. These series of meetings included business CEO’s, health insurance companies, providers of health care, politicians, ordinary citizens, and pharmaceutical companies – everybody that would be affected by changes to the system. The stakeholders fully participated in these meetings, progress was being made, and Obama was showing us a new way to deal with thorny issues. He was not only holding public, transparent meetings, but also, in doing so, undermining the influence of lobbyists. As Republicans watched Obama usher in an intelligent, inclusive form of governing, they starting going ballistic.

If Obama was successful, they would lose power for decades to come and that was more than they could bear. Though they had been obstructionistic before, they really cranked up the spin machinery and played to everyone’s fear though distortions and outright lies. In the recent past, conservatives had voted to cut Medicare funding, to turn Medicare into a voucher system, to pay physicians to discuss end-of-life decisions with their elderly patients, socialized pharmaceuticals for the elderly, and the list goes on. Suddenly, every-

to witness his openness to incorporating Republican ideas into the reform process. We were able to see first-hand that the Republicans had no intentions of working with the Democrats to overhaul a broken system. In spite of total conservative opposition, Obama folded a number of Republican ideas into the reform process. He accepted the arguments for small business tax breaks and medical malpractice reform, among others. He understood that these ideas had merit and would contribute to the success of health care reform. The bill is bipartisan even if the votes fail to be. However, the inclusion of these ideas did not stop the relentless conservative drumbeat that nothing was better than something. I have to hand it to them, Republicans are excellent at fear mongering. We are more than a year down the road since health care reform was introduced. As Obama said the other day, everything that needs to be said about health care has been said. There is nothing new to add to the debate. It is time to pass reform and in the face of continuing Republican opposition, Democrats must forget bipartisanship and go it alone. Polling shows that the primary opposition to reform lies in ignorance over the details. Overall, people say they do not want the reform bill to pass. However, when informed of the key components (health insurance exchanges, existing coverage unchanged, prohibited from denying coverage, close doughnut hole for seniors), they overwhelmingly support it. Space will not allow me to provide all of the details but check the Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll of January 2010. To answer the question I posed about the “cramming/ramming” distortion, I fail to see how a yearlong debate over reform, that included all of the stakeholders, “crams” anything anywhere. Everyone had a say, everyone was heard, and now it is time to pass reform. Let the Republicans take their best shot in November.

“They yelled so loud about death panels, government takeover of health care, and socialism that people begin to think the Democrats caused 10% unemployment, fell into bed with Wall Street, and crashed the housing market ...“ thing they had tried to change before the Democrats gained control became unacceptable. They seized on this excellent opportunity to distract ordinary citizens from their gross mismanagement of the economy and increasing the national debt over five trillion, with a T, dollars in less than seven years. They yelled so loud about death panels, government takeover of health care, and socialism that people begin to think the Democrats caused 10% unemployment, fell into bed with Wall Street, and crashed the housing market – all within nine months of assuming power! Now, that is power my friend! Not only did Obama hold these stakeholder conferences but also he met face-to-face with politicians from both parties. More important, some of these meeting were televised and we were able to witness his mastery of the complexities involved in changing the health care system. We were able

LEGALS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BARBARA GENE S. MARLER

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Barbara Gene S. Marler, deceased, late of Cherokee County, State of North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at the following address: c/o W. Arthur Hays, Jr. P.O. Box 596, Murphy, NC 28906, on or before the 24th day of May, 2010, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said decedent will please make immediate payment. This 24th day of February, 2010. Terry Paul Marler, Executor of the Estate of Barbara Gene S. Marler, deceased W. Arthur Hays, Jr. Attorney for the Estate Hays, Bius & Walker, PLLC P.O. Box 596 Murphy, NC 28906 (828) 837-2178

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CORRECTIONS If you find a mistake of fact in the Smoky Mountain Sentinel that is serious enough to warrant a correction or clarification, call 828-837-6397, fax 828-389-0075 or email cherokee@wncsentinel.net ADVERTISEMENTS In case of errors, the Cherokee Sentinel is responsible only for the cost of the actual advertisement. Customers are encouraged to check their advertisements the first week of run. In case of errors, the Cherokee Sentinel will not credit advertisements for more than one week.

(USPS # 017-584) is published weekly every Wednesday. Subscriptions are $25 in Cherokee County for 1 year, $45 out of area for 1 year. Single copy rate is $.50 Periodical postage is paid at Murphy, NC

To Subscribe call: 828-837-6397 Postmaster: Send address changes to: Cherokee Sentinel 4800 U.S. Hwy 64 W. Suite 305 Murphy, NC 28906

COMMUNITY EVENT

Senior Games are a Go

March 17, 2010

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Community Service Recognized

Event to take place May 8th - 22nd Now that the excitement of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games are over, local seniors are gearing up to take gold medals in the local games beginning May 8 in Murphy. The Senior Games are open to seniors, 55 and up, living in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. Registration forms and a complete games schedule are available at the Senior Cen- ters in all the counties, on the web site: www.cherokeecountyseniorga mes.com or email ccsrgames@yahoo.com. In this inaugural Seniors In Action we hope to spur interest in the Cherokee County Senior Games, now in its third year. We also plan to publish issues and concerns geared for people 55 and up. The Games promote healthy living for seniors. As Dr. Brian Mitchell said in opening remarks at the 2009 games (see page 3), â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fitness improves our health and increases the quality of our life. It is easy to be fit. Just 3060 minutes a day, 4-6 times a week of exercise to the point of mild fatigue or sweating is enough to create physical fitness.â&#x20AC;? So, all you couch potatoes, get up and start walking, bik- ing, swimming and get n shape. Next step is to sign up for the 2010 games and show the younger generation that healthy lifestyles are age- less. Not into competing on a physical level? Then exercise your mind by enter ing works that show other talents in the areas of writing, sewing, photography, wood- working, jewelry making, singing, dancing and more. Whatever your interests, there is something for you to show off! Just ask the cheerleaders, Rocks of Ages, what fun they are having. Come on out and as our action line says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Never too Old to Come Play With Us.â&#x20AC;? (Coming soon, Senior Spot- light featuring local medal winners.)

The Â Cherokee Â Sentinel

Writers hub workshops

Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hub of the Mountains, a new area service that seeks to assist writers to hone their creative skills and become published, is offering a series of five writing courses that will touch on the most important aspects of crafting well-written stories that grab and keep their readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention. The first course, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Elements of a Story â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An Overviewâ&#x20AC;? consists of six classes. Each class is two hours in length, and is taught by Ronda Birtha, local photographer and writer (www.rondabirtha.com). Ronda, a James Carr Scholar, earned a degree in English Literature from Rutgers University. With 18 years of experience in all aspects of photography, writing, instructing and

printing, Ronda is looking forward to sharing her expertise. The cost of the six week course is $60. The location for the Hayesville classes is the Clay County Senior Center, 196 Ritter Road, Hayesville, NC. The time is from 2-4 PM each Thursday afternoon, starting March 18 and ending April 22. The location for the Hiawassee classes is the Mountain Perk Coffee House, 195 N Main St, Hiawassee, GA. The time is from 1-3 PM each Wednesday afternoon, starting March 24 and ending April 28. For more information, or to enroll in the class, please email mountainwritershub@gmail.com or call 828-644-4413.

Music from the Seventies rocks this film

Contributed Photo

Â Karen and Mike Crubaugh, Barbara and Mayor Bill Hughes, Anne and Ron Cluff show off their Community Service Recognition plaques following service at open house.

Mayor Bill and Barbara Hughes, Ron and Anne Cluff, and Mike and Karen Crubaugh received recognition and gratitude for their community service at an open house at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Saturday, February 27th. As he conducted the award service, President Alden Caron acknowledged the exemplary efforts of these three â&#x20AC;&#x153;dynamic duos.â&#x20AC;? He said their work makes this community better both

because of their public service and because of their quiet, private service. Caron also paid tribute to the many in the audience who could also have been honored; he encouraged those attending to follow the examples of the honorees who have truly gone many â&#x20AC;&#x153;extra milesâ&#x20AC;? to bless and help others. Guests at the open house enjoyed touring the building and displays featuring quilts, crocheted items, family histories, and scrapbooks. Because of

recent catastrophes in Haiti and Chile and the shaky economy, people also were impressed with the display showing how to prepare for emergencies. Finally, many were excited to visit the Family History Center and to learn of the free research helps available there. Director Marlene Bryan announced the additional hours the center will be open: Thursdays, 4-8 pm as well as the usual Tuesdays, 10 am-2 pm, and Fridays, 1-5 pm.

Tractor Supply Co. names manager for Murphy location

Tractor Supply Company has named Shane Bradford as the store manager at the Murphy, N.C., store that is under construction, according to district manager Keith Morelan.Â Tractor Supply Company is the largest retail farm and ranch supply store chain in the United States, and has been operating in North Carolina since 1994. Â Â Â Â Bradford began his career at Tractor Supply Company as a manager-intraining at the Statesville store in June

2009.Â Before joining Tractor Supply Company, Bradford worked as a store manager at Harbor Freight Tools and Home Depot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are proud to have Shane on our leadership team,â&#x20AC;? said Morelan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His experience, and the talented team of farmers heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s built, will be a great asset to this store and the community.â&#x20AC;? In his new position, Bradford will oversee all store operations, including receiving, inventory control and merchandising, as well as customer and

team member relations. The new Murphy Tractor Supply Company store, located at 3340 W. US Highway 64, will open for business in late March. The company offers a comprehensive selection of merchandise for the health, care, growth and containment of horses, livestock and petsÂ including select Purina and Nutrena brand feeds; a broad selection of agricultural products; and tools and hardware selected for our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs.

Actress Frances McDormand has tackled demanding roles before.Â So when she was offered the toughest one of all, she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t flinch.Â McDormand plays the mother of a brainy fifteen year-old boy who thrives on the rock music she fears will destroy her family. Â Then her fear is confirmed.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rolling Stone Magazineâ&#x20AC;? wants him to go on tour with a rock band and write about it. Â The Murphy Library is showing the coming-of-age film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almost Famousâ&#x20AC;?Thursday at 6 p.m.Â Writer/ director Cameron Crowe won an Oscar for his screenplay and dressed each scene in music from the likes of Simon and Garfunkel, Elton John, Black Sabbath, the Who, Joni Mitchell, the Allman Brothers, and Neil Young.Â Â The film is rated R.

Pre-K Registration Cherokee County Schools will hold Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration at all elementary schools on Friday, March 26th, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. To schedule a registration time, please call the school. Pre-K Children must be 4 years old by August 31st, 2010, to be eligible. The childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immunization record, birth certificate, documentation of current physical, and proof of Cherokee County Residency are required for registration. Kindergarten Children must be 5 years old by August 31st, 2010, to be eligible. The childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immunization record, birth certificate, documentation of current physical, and proof of Cherokee County Residency are required for registration. If your child is currently attending a Cherokee County Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pre K Program, they do not need to register for Kindergarten. If any parent has a conflict with this date, call the principal of the school to schedule a time to register the child. If you have questions concerning Pre-K and Kindergarten registration, please call the school your child will attend or call central office at (828) 837-2722 Ext. 230.

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Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rolling Stoneâ&#x20AC;? doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that William Miller (Patrick Fugit) is just fifteen.Â He got their attention because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been writing about bands in underground newspapers.Â And heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very smart: when they call him he makes his voice lower and more â&#x20AC;&#x153;grown-up.â&#x20AC;?Â Â Crowe based the story on his own experiences writing for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rolling Stoneâ&#x20AC;? as a teenager.Â He remembers the innocence, the decadence, and swirling all around, the music. And he remembers his mother who let him go on his journey with this admonishment: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do drugs!â&#x20AC;? Call the library at 837-2417, or go to my blog at www.friendsofmurphylibrary.wordpress.com to see the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trailer.

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LOCAL

The Â Cherokee Â Sentinel March 17, 2010

Tributes

Edward â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rabbitâ&#x20AC;? Ledford

Edward â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rabbitâ&#x20AC;? Ledford, age 62 of Murphy, NC passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville, NC. Â Â Â Â He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC; son of the late Lucille Ledford. Edward was an US ArmyÂ veteran and has worked for MGM Brakes.Â HeÂ was an outdoorsmenÂ and a beloved grandfather. Â Â Â Â He is survived by his wife,Â Joanne Walls Ledford;Â son, Eddie Ledford of Alexandria, NC; one daughter, Tanya and her husband, Andy Long of Hayesville, NC; aunt, Parris Ann

Geneva Clonts Stiles,Â age 93, of Murphy, NC passed away Saturday, March 13, 2010 her residence. Â Â Â Â Â She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County and the daughter of the lateÂ Benjamin and Georgia TaylorÂ Clonts. Geneva enjoyed sewing and aÂ gift for hospitality.Â She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Â Â Â Â In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Rhodie Ira Stiles; grandson, Kent Ramsey; two sisters, Desma Garland and Pauline Beaver and three brothers, Cecil Clonts, Leonard Clonts and Wayne Clonts. Â Â Â Â Â She is survived by a son, Colen Stiles of Ball Ground, GA; two daughters, Margaret Hamby and herÂ husband, CarolÂ of Cartersville, GA and Syble Magness and her husSue Killian Dotson, age 81, of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at St. Josephs Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Â Â Â Â Sue was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of the late Franklin and Sarah Dockery Killian. Along with her husband she was the owner/operator of the former Tarheel Restaurant and later worked as a personal caregiver.Â Sue served as the president of the Board of Directors for the Culberson Volunteer Fire Department for five years before recently retiring due to declining health.Â She was a member of the Culberson Baptist Church. Â Â Â Â She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey William Dotson; two brothers, Cliff Killian and Burt Killian andÂ three sisters, Hattie Mills, Melissa Garrett and Bertha Mallonee. Â Â Â Â Sue is survived by one son, William Dwight Dotson and his wife, Willa Mae Dockery, age 96, of Blairsville, GA and formerly of Murphy, NC passed away Monday, March 8, 2010 at the Union General Hospital in Blairsville, GA. Â Â Â Â She was a native and lifelong residentÂ of Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of the late Noah and Dovie Fricks McDonald. Willa Mae was a homemaker.Â She was aÂ memberÂ of theÂ Hiawassee Baptist Church where sheÂ loved going andÂ had taught Sunday school in her younger years.Â Willa MaeÂ enjoyed quilting andÂ gardening. Â Â Â Â In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Andrew Dockery; one son, Mack Alden Dockery; three brothers, Fred McDonald, Olen McDonaldÂ and Leonard McDonald; three sisters, Bessie Johnson, Beatrice Kephart and Lola Dockery. Â Â Â Â She is survived by three sons, Guy Charles Dockery and his wife, June Emma Lou Rose, age 68, of Murphy, NC passed away Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Murphy Medical Center following an extended illness. Â Â Â Â Mrs. Rose was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County and the daughter of the late Arthur William and Estelle Graham Coleman. She was a member of Unaka Baptist Church. Â Â Â Â In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Clarene Mays. Â Â Â Â Â She is survived by her husband of over 48 years, Roy Rose; a son, Keith Rose and his wife, Pam of Murphy, NC;Â a daughter, Joan Queen and hus-

Moore of Murphy, NC; cousins, Kathy Kent and Kelly Smith andÂ two grandchildren, Kylee Ledford and Ethan Long.

Â Â Â Â Graveside Services were held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy, NC. Rev. Chester Jones officiated.Â Â Â Â Â The family received friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, March 12, 2010 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. Â Â Â Â You may send tributes to the Ledford family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Â Â Â Â Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Geneva Clonts Stiles

Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Merlin Ramsey, Harold Garland, Wifford Hamby, Kenny Garland, R.L. Howard and Tony Graham. Honorary pallbearers will be Edgar Anderson and Claude Stiles. Â Â Â Â The family will receive friends from 6:00 PMÂ to 9:00 PM, Monday, March 16, 2010 at Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. Â Â Â Â In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Geneva StilesÂ to the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 160 Oak Grove Road, Murphy, NC 28906. Â Â Â Â You mayÂ send tributesÂ to the Stiles familyÂ at www.mem.com and view all obituaries at www.townsonrose.com. Â Â Â Â Townson Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

band, BillÂ of Murphy, NC;Â one sister, Louise Cecil of High Point, NC;Â several grandchildren and several great grandchildren and a special caregiver, Pam Rose. Â Â Â Â Funeral services will be at 4:00 PM, Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Rev. Philip Williams will officiate.Â Music will be provided byÂ Lisa Strickland.Â Interment will beÂ in the OakÂ Grove Baptist Church

Sue Killian Dotson

Diane of Greenville, SC; three daughters, Kathy Graham and husband, Tony of Murphy, Debbie Henderson and husband, Tony of Blairsville, GA and Anita Kurtyak and husband, Jeff of Murphy, NC; one sister, Maybelle Dockery of Murphy,Â NC;Â three granddaughters, Shanda Nicholson, Mendy Hughes and Sarah Brinke andÂ eight greatÂ grandchildren. Â Â Â Â Funeral services were at 3:00 PM, Saturday March 13, 2010 in theÂ Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. James Gray andÂ Pastor

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Harold Stiles will officiate. Interment will beÂ in theÂ Friendship #Â 2 Baptist Church CemeteryÂ in Mineral Bluff, GA. Pallbearers were John Dockery, Jay Killian, Robert Killian, Terry Killian, Greg Graham and Jim Worsham.Â The men of the Culberson Baptist Church served as honorary pallbearers. Â Â Â Â The family received friends from 1:00 PMÂ to 3:00 PM Saturday March 13, 2010 at Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. Â Â Â Â In lieu of flowers memorials may be made In memory of Sue Killian Dotson to the Culberson Baptist Church, PO Box 41, Culberson, NC 28903. Â You may send tributes to the Dotson family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Â Â Â Â Â Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Â

Willa Mae Dockery

King Dockery of Lebanon, TN, Dennis Dockery and his wife, Marie G. Dockery of Murphy, NC and Noah Odis Dockery and his wife, Betty Ellen Hall Dockery of Kingston, TN; one daughter, Eva Beth Decker and her husband, Billy M. of Blairsville, GA; one brother, J.D. McDonald of Cary, NC; one sister, Nettie Green of Sylva, NC; seven grandchildren,Â 14 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Â Â Â Â Funeral Services were held at

Emma Lou Rose

band, Calvin of Blue Ridge, GA; three brothers, Cecil Coleman and Herman Coleman both of Murphy, NC and Raby Coleman of Conover, NC, four sisters, Ruby Dill, Viuta English, Betty King and Louise Teague all of Hickory, NC; four grandchildren, Daniel Queen, Nathan Rose, Karla Day and Katie Day. Â Â Â Â Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Rev. Calvin Murphy and Emmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother, Cecil Coleman will officiate. Interment will be at the Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nathan Rose, Dan-

11:00 AM, Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the TownsonRose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC.Â Pastor Jim Beasley and Dr. Eddis Dockery officiated. Burial was be in the Hiawassee Baptist Church Cemetery. Grandchildren and great grandchildren served as pallbearers. Â Â Â Â The family will receive friends from 6:00 PMÂ to 9:00 PM, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at the TownsonRose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. Â Â Â Â In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hiawassee Baptist Church Building Fund,Â c/o Linda K. Seabolt, 95 Bates Creek Road, Murphy, NC 28906. Â Â Â Â You may sendÂ tributesÂ to the Dockery family at www.mem.com orÂ view other obits at www.townsonrose.comÂ Â Â Â Â Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

iel Queen, Robert Coleman, David Alen Coleman, Chris McLendon and Jamie Rowell. Â Â Â Â The family will receive friends fromÂ 12:00 PM to Â 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. Â Â Â Â In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Emma Lou Rose to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923. Â Â Â Â You mayÂ send tributes to the Rose family atÂ www.mem.com and view all obituaries at www.townson-rose.com Â Â Â Â Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

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CALENDAR

March 17, 2010

U p c o m i n g E v e n t s Story Hour

Story hour at The Curiosity Shop Bookstore, 46 Valley River Avenue, Murphy, on Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your children or grandchildren and let them enjoy being read to. Call 835-7433 or 321-2242

hours a week to volunteer your time and energy, please contact Castaway Critters at 706781-3992 or call Martha at 706-379-2729.

Amateur Radio

Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hike, and regular trail maintaining tripsall in the mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.

Attention HAMs and anyone interested in Amateur Radio The North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665. Amateur license testing will be held on January 23rd in Blairsville. Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information.

Experimental Aircraft

Paint with a friend, please

Mountain High Hikers

The Experimental Aircraft Association local tri-state EAA Chapter #1211 meets the third Thursday, 7 p.m. of each month at Blairsville airport. If interested, contact Jim Olson @ 828-557-2446.

GWRRA Meetings

Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Daniel’s Steakhouse, Hiawassee, Ga. We eat at 11 a.m. followed by the meeting at 12 p.m. during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed. We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us. For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-896-7403 .

Family Resources

Family Resources in collaboration with Tri-County Community College will offer ESL (English as a second language) classes every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Classes will be held in the basement of Family Resources and are free to anyone wishing to participate. For more information call 837-3460.

Abandoned Animals

Cherokee Trail Decorative Painters will be having a “Bring A Friend” meeting in January. Members will be inviting friends for a day of painting and fellowship. We will have a variety of projects at all levels to paint. The projects will be provided by our Ways and Means Committee and will be a lot of fun to paint. The meeting is January 23 at 9:30 at the All Saints Lutheran Church on Highway 76 in Blairsville, Georgia. Cherokee Trail Decorative Painters is an affiliated chapter of the Society of Decorative Painters located in the tri-state area of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. For more information email Nancy Gillis at wgillis@windstream.net.

Paint with a friend, please

Prepared childbirth classes will begin Jan 21st through Feb. 11th 2010. Classes are on Thursday evenings 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Cherokee County Health Department. Participants must arrive by 6:30pm on the first night in order to register. Classes are taught by a Lamaze Certified Instructor. To sign up or for more information call 828-837-7486 and ask for Ronnie or Montez.

Such thing as a free lunch

FREE SOUP AND SANDWICH LUNCH Fridays at Noon in January – February at Hickory Stand United Methodist Church on Green Cove Road in Brasstown, NC. All are invited.

Mountain Community Chorus

Mountain Community Chorus will hold auditions for new singers at 6 PM Feb. 8th Young Harris College Clegg Recital Hall. Regu-

lar rehearsal at 7 PM. Visit www.mapaa.org. Mountain Community Seniors meets second Thursday each month at Senior Center in Hiawassee at 2:00 P.M.. We invite and welcome all Mountain Seniors from Towns, Union and Clay Counties to join us. We have Music, Informative speakers, picnics and field trips. On Thursday Feb. 11th We have Roy Perrin, Principal of Towns County High School who will give us his very entertaining rendition of Elvis. Light refreshments served. Do come join us.

Castaway Critters

This the the beginning of a new year and CASTAWAY CRITTERS ANIMAL RESCUE needs YOU! We have so many areas (Puppy Promises Program, transporting dogs to northern state for adoption, assisting with adoptions, transporting dogs/cats to/from the vet, etc). I could go on and on. If you are interested in joining our wonderful team please call June Young at 706-400-8612.

Mountain Community Seniors

The Mountain Community Seniors was formerly called AARP, but the Towns County AARP has closed. We are now called “Mountain Community Seniors”, which means you do not have to be retired to join in on all the fun. Our monthly meetings will still be the second Thursday of each month at the Senior Center in Hiawassee at 2 pm.

Comunity Night for Critters

“COMMUNITY NIGHT” TO BENEFIT CASTAWAY CRITTERS PET RESCUE BROTHERS RESTAURANT AT WILLOW RANCH ON HIGHWAY 76, YOUNG HARRIS TUESDAY, MARCH 2, FROM 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm What a great way to have a great meal and also benefit a worthy cause. Please mention to the hostess when you walk into the restaurant that you are supporting Castaway Critters. A volunteer from Castaway Critters will be there to answer any of your questions regarding their non-profit organization.

Emergency bicycle repair class

Blairsville Bikes & Boards Thursday evening April 1st. 7 PM The class is free and will be approx. 1 ½ hours long. Topics covered will be basic bicycle repairs for trail or road, like fixing a flat, broken chain,

R e c u r r i n g E v e n t s DAR Meetings

DAR meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of Jan.-May and Sept.Nov. at 2 p.m. at the Harshaw Chapel in Downtown Murphy. For more information contact Joan Wallace at 837-0876 or Margaret Warner at 837-8777 or 837-2644.

Blue Ridge MOAA

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, National Guard, reserve, retired, and former Military, Public Health Service, and NOAA officers and warrant officers and surviving spouses are invited to attend. For information please contact Jim Ferrell at 828-835-9203 or visit www.moaa. org/chapter/blueridgemountains .

Amateur Radio

Attention HAMs and wannabe HAMs North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. For more information, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665.

Brasstown Potluck

Brasstown Potluck The Brasstown Community holds a potluck supper and meeting on the third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Brasstown Community Center, 255 Settawig Road, Brasstown.

Flying Club

Flying Club. The Over mountain Flyers meets the second Saturday each month at the Andrews-Murphy Airport from 9 a.m. to noon. For information, call 837-3468.

Hiwasse Kennel Club

Hiwassee River Valley Kennel Club: Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Brother’s Restaurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC. We invite all those interested in pure bred dogs and canine activities to attend. Call President Kit Miracle @ 706 492 5253 or Peggy Moorman @ 828 835 1082 for details.

Experimental Aircraft

The Experimental Aircraft Association - local tri-state EAA Chapter #1211 meets the third Thursday, 7 p.m. of each month at Blairsville airport. If interested, contact Jim Olson @ 828-557-2446.

Small Scale Agriculture

The Far West Small Scale Agricultural Action Team meets the second Monday of each month in the St. Andrews Lutheran Church community room, Andrews. For information, call Mary Janis, 828-389-1913 mjanis@meyecomputer.com

Cherokee Mountain Lions

Cherokee County Mountain Lions meet the first and third Tuesday of each month at Downtown Pizza, 6 p.m. New members are welcome.

GWRRA Meetings

Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Rid-

ers Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Daniel’s Steakhouse, Hiawassee, Ga. We eat at 11 a.m. followed by the meeting at 12 p.m. during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed. We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us. For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-8967403.

visit mtnregartscraftsguild.org.

Mountain Economic Partners

Alcoholics Anonymous

Far West Mountain Economic Partners’ Small Scale Agriculture Action Team meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of every month at the Far West offices located at 452 Main Street in Andrews. All farmers in from Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary are invited to attend. For details, contact Pat Love at 828-321-2929 or via email at fwpartners@ verizon.net.

Anti Death Penalty

People of Faith Against the Death Penalty meets the 1st Monday each month at 7 p.m. at the Glen Mary House, next to St. William Catholic Church. For information, call 837-0867.

Commissioners Meeting

The Cherokee County Commisioners meeting will be held on the first Monday of each month at 8:30 a.m. and on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners boardroom of the Cherokee County Courthouse, unless Monday falls on a holiday, or unless otherwise posted.

Valley River Civitan Club

Valley River Civitan Club of Andrews meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., PJ’s restaurant in Andrews. Visitors are welcome. For more information call Anita Davis at 361-1247.

Basket Weavers

The Shooting Creek Basket Weavers Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Shooting Creek Community Center (fire station). Refreshments are served and a business meeting is held before a weaving project is presented. For more information contact Joan (Guild president) at 706-896-1534.

MRACG Meeting

Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild, Inc (MRACG) meets the second Tuesday of each month at ArtWorks Artisan Centre. ArtWorks is located at 308 Big Sky Drive (behind the Holiday Inn), Hiawassee. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to learn more about the Guild, we invite you to the next meeting as our guest.Contact us at 706-896-0932 or mtnregartscraftsguild@hotmail.com or

The Cherokee Sentinel

NCWN Poetry

There will be no NCWN West Poetry Critique Group in July, as the college campus will be closed. The next meeting will be in August at the regular time.

Alzheimer’s Support

Alzheimer’s Support Group of Murphy meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Murphy Senior Center. Contact Laura Harris at 828-644-0680 for more information. Also meetings every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Senior Center in Hayesville. Alcoholics Anonymous has scheduled meetings as follows: Tues. 7 p.m., in the back of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah located across the street from the Cherokee Scout and the Verizon building on the corner of Central & Church Street; Sat. noon at the 409 building; Thur. 8 p.m. St. William’s Catholic Ch., Murphy; Wed. 8 p.m., United Methodist Church, Andrews, in the fellowship hall; Tues. noon, Thur. noon, Fri. 8 p.m.; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hayesville; Sat. 8 p.m. First Methodist Church, Downtown Hayesville. For a complete area meeting schedule and information, call 837-4440.

Domestic Violence Support

Domestic Violence Support Group REACH of Cherokee County offers a free confidential support group to women whose lives are, or have been affected by domestic violence. The group meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the REACH office in Murphy. Please call (828) 837-2097 for more information.

Compassionate Friends

The Compassionate Friends is a selfhelp, non-profit organization that offers that offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings meets at 7 p.m. every third Thursday each month at the Senior Center in Murphy. Call Maxine Arne at 837-0425, Mabel Cooke at 837-6871 or Vicky Sullivan at 837-9168 for details.

Weight Loss

Tops Weight Loss “Take Off Pounds Sensibly” in Murphy meets on Mondays at 5 p.m. at the Glen Mary Hall, Andrews Road. For more information, call 8374587. Two Tops clubs meet in Andrews on Mondays. The morning club meets in Valleytown Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 8:45 a.m. weigh in, meeting at 9 a.m. Call 321-5242 for more information. The evening club, which meets at Christ Community church, weights in at 5 p.m. and has a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Call 3213040 or 321-1422 for more information.

Divorce Care Seminar

Divorce Care Seminar. Divorce Care, a special-help seminar and support group for people experiencing divorce or separation will be held on Monday evenings at

minor brake & shifter adjustments, and a proactive pre-ride check over. The necessary tools you will need & how to use them. So you will hopefully never have to push your bike out. For more info call the shop @ 706 745 8141 Or stop by @ 49 Blue Ridge St. Blairsville GA. Located in historic downtown Bring your bike if you like (optional) & and what ever beverage you want to drink. Coffee & Soft Drinks are available at the shop. SABA member & supporter offering 10% discounts to SABA members

Amateur Radio

Attention HAMs and anyone interested in Amateur Radio The North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. Our next meeting is to be held March 2nd and will begin with a special technical session to discuss and demonstrate interfacing/using N1MM logging/contesting software. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665. Amateur license testing will be held on March 13th in Blairsville. Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information and/or make an appointment.

Tri-County Women’s Connection

Tri-County Women’s Connection will host a GOING GREEN luncheon Thursday, March 4 at Murphy First Baptist fellowship hall from 12:00-1:45 pm. A mini-concert of Celtic and Irish melodies will be presented by local popular ensemble “The Bear Notes”. Vivian Blackerby, former food service director of Juliette, Ga, will present “The Perfect Recipe for Life.” Call Linda by Monday noon March 1 at 828508-0387 for details and reservations.

Urgent Care Closing

The Urgent Care Center located in the Valley River Shopping Center on Andrews Road in Murphy will close to patients on Tuesday, March 23 at 8:00PM. It will reopen on Tuesday, March 30 at 8:00AM at 183 Ledford Street on the corner of Hwy. 74. During this time, those in need of urgent healthcare should contact their physician or visit Murphy Medical Center’s Emergency Department at 3990 E. US Hwy. 64 Alternate in Peachtree.

Submit your events to us directly from our website at wncsentinel.net 6:30 p.m. at Hiawassee United Methodist Church. Divorce Care features nationally recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics.

English Classes

Classes de ingles gratis. Tri County Community College. Ofrece classes de ingles como Segundo idioma (ESL Classes) Todos los Miercoles y Jueves De 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. En el local de Family Resources of Cherokee County. Ubicado en 70 Central Street Murphy, NC 28906. Para mayor informacion llame al tlefono No. (828) 8373460.

Family Resources

Knitting

Knitting and Spinning Lessons: “From How to Knit to Knitting Design”, Monday mornings 10 a.m. to noon and Monday evenings 7-9 p.m. “Spinning Saturdays”, 9 a.m. to noon, once a month. Call Martha at Yarn Circle, 835-4592 for details.

Quilting Classes

Quilting Classes In Nonnie’s Attic is quilting 100 squares in 100 days to help Andrews celebrate its 100th birthday. Join us each day at 1:30 p.m. and learn new quilt square. Call 321-2800 for more information.

Abandoned Animals

Just 4 Hours. Just 4 hours a week can make a big difference in caring for abandoned and abused animals. Just 4 hours to walk dogs. Just 4 hours to groom dogs or cats. Just 4 house to clean the cattery. Just 4 hours to transport dogs and/or cats to the vet. If you have just 4 hours a week to volunteer your time and energy, please contact Castaway Critters at 706-781-3992 or call Martha at 706-379-2729.

Moose Lodge We are now forming a Moose Lodge and invite you to join us. Our meetings are held at Homers Corner Cafe located at Hwy 19/129 in Murphy, NC inside Fosters Flea Market. Come early and join us for a Dutch Treat lunch. Our meetings are held on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1 p.m. For further information please call Art or Donna Harris at (828) 389-6342.

Body Sculpting Class

Body Sculpting/Cardiovascular Exercise classes are being offered at Towns County Recreational Center in Hiawassee, Ga. Class is from 6:30-7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The cost is $4 per class or $48 per month. Contact the recreation center at (706) 8962600 or Susan Rogers at (706) 896-6842.

Square Dance Classes Enchanted Valley Squares is having Basic Mainstream Classess on Tuesday Nights at the Towns Co Middle School

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Experience Chautauqua Spring Weekend There will be entertainment for everyone in the family at Chautauqua events presented this weekend from Friday, March 19 thru Sunday, March 21. There is no charge for any of these presentations, which include storytelling, historical drama, Appalachian folk music and our own Andrews Middle and High School choruses. Friday Afternoon 12:30 PM -”The Magic of John Tudor “- Combining pure entertainment with artistic telling of tales and state of the art magic. (Valleytown Cultural Arts Center). Friday evening - 7:00 PM - “The Bright Forever” - A one woman play written by Gary Carden and starring Bobbie Curtis, of the Foothills Little Theatre in Lenoir, SC, as the blind poet and hymn writer Fannie Crosby. Gary Carden is a well known area playwright. Mrs. Curtis has also starred in Mr. Carden’s play, “Birdell” (Valleytown Cultural Arts Center). Saturday - 3:00 Pm - Sylvia Payne, professional story teller, from Hickory, N.C. Stressing the importance of oral history, Ms. Payne presents multicultural folktales and legends that captivate adults, families and students . (Valleytown Cultural Arts Center) Saturday evening 7:00 PM - “Ballads and Folk Songs of Appalachia” Presented by Rob and Anne Lough, renowned performers and teachers of guitar, mountain and hammered dulcimer,and auto harp. Rob and Anne have appeared on NPR and at the Kennedy Center. (Valleytown Cultural Arts Center) Sunday afternoon - 3:30 PM - Andrews Middle and High School Choruses - Performing a variety of selections ranging from spirituals to sea chanties to Mozart! (Andrews First Baptist Church) For further information on the events and artists please visit the Chautauqua website at www.chautauquaandrews.org Chautauqua Andrews Valley Experience is supported in part by the North Caroline Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by the North caroline Humanities Council.

Cafeteria from 7:00-9:00 pm. For more information: GA-Al Supplee (706) 3792191 or NC-Bob or Loretta Hughes (828) 837-2561.

Brasstown Suppers Brasstown Community Club meets at 6:30 p.m., the third Thursday of each month with a pot luck supper. Grocery game night, 7 p.m. the first Saturday of every month. Please bring snack foods.

Senior Game Day Dominoes, Hearts, Scrabble, Checkers, etc. Every Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Clay County Senior Center Call 838-389-9271 for more info.

HAMs meetings North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665.

Intermediate Bridge Intermediate Bridge is being played at the health department, downstairs in Hiawassee on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 12:45 p.m. All players welcome. For more information please call (828) 3898065.

Oil Painting Classes

Classes for beginners and intermediate students, Wednesdays, 9AM - 1PM at Clay County Senior Center. Cost is $65; must furnish own brushes and canvas. Call the senior center for more information at (828) 389-9271

Helping Hands meet The ladies group at Sweetwater United Methodist Church meets from 10 a.m. to noon every first and third Tuesday. They make quilts for Clay and Cherokee counties’ sick and needy. Helpers are welcome.

Fellowship Weekly Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at Daniels in Hiawassee, Ga. Call (828) 3890140.

Valley Kennel Club Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. the

first Monday of each month at Brother’s Restaurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC. We invite all those interested in pure bred dogs and canine activities to attend. Call President Kit Miracle @ 706 492 5253 or Peggy Moorman @ 828 835 1082 for details.

Mountain Hikers Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hikes, and regular trail maintaining tripsall in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.

Blue Ridge MOAA

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, reserve, retired and former military, and Public Health Service, and NOAA officers, and warrant officers are invited to attend. For information please contact one of the following individuals, in North Carolina: John Bayne at 828-389-9427 and in Georgia: Jim Reynolds at 706-379-6601.

Veteran Consultant

The veterans’ consultant, Mike Casey, will be at the Job Link Office on the second Tuesday and the fourth Wednesday of each month. Call (828) 837-7407 of the Social Service Office in Hayesville at 389-6301.

Granny’s Attic

Granny’s Attic, Auxiliary of Good Shepherd Home Health Care and Hospice, is open Wed. - Sat., 9 am - 4 pm. We are now stocked for Fall. To make donations or volunteer contact Linda at 828-389-4233.

REACH Thrift Store The REACH Thrift Store hours are from 10 a.m. - 4:30 a.m. Monday Saturday. We are located at 1252 Hwy 64 W. (Old KT Billiards bldg., Donations accepted during business hours. Volunteers welcome. Call 828.389.1415 or 828.557.7416 for more information.

Women in fellowship

Tri-County Women’s Connection meets the first Thursday of each month in the fellowship hall of Murphy First Baptist Church, welcoming retirees, homemakers, home-schoolers, young moms-------all women. Fascinating programs, delightful music, inspirational talks, good food, child care and wonderful fellowship make each gathering special. Call Linda at 837-2305 for information and reservations.

Submit your events to CherokeeSentinel @gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS

Reminder:

Deadline for classifieds is Monday at 3:00. All classifieds received after this time will be printed the following Thursday. 100-Autos 2005 FORD FOCUS SES, Runs GREAT! Automatic, white, power locks, power windows, leather seats, tinted windows. Great gas mileage. Well maintained car. Asking below Kelly Blue Book. 2008 Lexus GS350, 15,600 miles. One owner, non-smoker, garaged. GPS, rear camera, bluetooth, etc... Asking: $36,500 Call 706-896-6076 GAUSE RV CENTER, INC. SALES-SERVICE-PARTS STORE ( CONSIGNMENTS WELCOME) 706-896-7897 SR 288- Hiawassee, Ga. MOBILE SERVICE AVAILABLE.

200-Employment CNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed for Cherokee and Clay County. Please call Helen @ (828) 8358147 Now accepting applications Hiawassee Huddle House 706-970-0631 Medical: Immediate Opening Full time ( Monday-Friday) for general secretarial duties. Excellent benefits include Health/ Life Insurance, Paid Holidays, 401K Plan, Experience preferred, but not required. Send resume and references to : Peachtree Internal Medicine, P. O. Box 158, Murphy, NC 28906 or you may bring them to our office at Suite 1, Physicians Bldg., 4040 East US 64 Alt. Murphy, NC 28904 Part-time Early Childhood Specialist to work with families of children, 0-3, with disabilities or delays in Clay, Cherokee, and Graham Counties. Promote

familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; use of interest-based intervention model promoting childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s communication and language development in everyday activities, collect project data, and related tasks. Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in early childhood development, early childhood education, early childhood special education, or related field. Two years experience working with children, 0-3, and their families. Send resume to Melinda Raab, Ph.D., Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute, 8 Elk Mountain Road, Asheville, NC 28804, or e-mail to jobs@puckett.org. CNA available excellent references. Will work Sundays. 706-896-5794 Drivers/CDL Career Training w/ Central Refrigerated. We Train, Employ w/ $0 Down Financing. AVG $35 K-$40K 1st Year! 1-800-543-4023 Real Estate Attorney full-time office position: Experience with real estate transactions and /or mortgage lending background required. Send resume to : P.O. Box 2807, Blairsville, Ga 30514

300-Services Cooking with Kara *NEW* The Hiawassee Health Hut, your natural grocer. 3243 Dogwood Lane Hiawassee GA. Open Tuesday-Friday from 8-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-4. Saturday morning cooking classes from 11-1. For more information call Kara 828-389-7044. Visit: www.Cooking with Kara.com Bush hogging, Stump-grinding, gardens plowed, gravel-roads/driveways scraped, post-holes dug, sickle mowing. Free estimates, reasonable rates,

ECBI

Job Announcement

THE CHEROKEE INDIAN HOSPITAL AUTHORITY has the following jobs available: FT LPN. Anyone interested should pick up an application and position description from Arlenea Chapa or Teresa Carvalho at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Human Resources Office between the hours of 8:00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:00pm Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Friday. This position will close March 19, 2010. Indian preference does apply and a current job application must be submitted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of CIHA application.

dependable service. (828) 837-7809 Cell: (828) 361-8738 # D&L Painting & drywall INC. PaintJOH 4UBJOJOH *OUFSJPS t &YUFSJPS t 3FTJEFOUJBM t $PNNFSDJBM %3:8"-- )BOH t 'JOJTI t 5FYUVSF BMM UZQFT PG GJOJTIFT UFYUVSFT 100% Quality Driven. Free Estimates cell: 828-508-5270 office(1): 828-321-2111 office(2): 828-479-4052 # Tile installer your tile or mine, 26 years experience have references and liability insurance. Ask for Don at 828389-9394 # Walker Storage Corner of Old Highway 64 West and West Cherry Road. Concrete block Construction 828-3894926 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. # Massage Therapy- in the comfort of your home. Licensed and insured. 18 years experience, call Gerri; 1 hour $40; Half hour $25; 706-896-6108. A&R Landscape Residential, and commercial lawn care. Plant, turf and grassing, lot clean up, mulching and retaining walls. 706-994-2457. Horse back riding lessons for kids. Horses are calm and well behaved. Given by an experienced rider. Interested? Call for more information or rates. 706299-1614. Will baby sit your child or children: Any age. Reasonable rates.References available. Call 706-299-1614

500 - For Sale Antique Couch and chair in beautiful condition. Reupholstered chenille fabric. Walnut trim on both pieces. $300 8376623 2007 Honda ATV TRX 400 EX , Good condition with IOW hours. Asking $3,600 Call 828-735-1061 Gorgeous, soft green, Country French, distressed China Cabinet. Original Price $1,950.00 will sell for $475.00. I will be happy to e-mail pictures for anyone interested. Call 706-897-5728 2009 Kawasaki KLX-110 with Monster Graphics. 6.3 HP Engine bike has been ridden very little and is in like new condition. Asking $1,500.00 Call Deb Odom @ 828-479-2789 For Sale Dining Room table with 4 chairs, Handmade solid wood, Asking $200 Call 828-735-1328 Sell your Boat/RV. We bring the buyer to you! 1-866-417-8291 Dry hay in 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bales $25.00 828-3614633 Hay for Sale June 2009 cutting $3.00 a bale 828-389-0956 RELOCATED & OPEN The PINK RIBBON Thrift Shoppeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 1615 Hwy 17 (at the *OUFSTFDUJPO PG KVTU CFMPX Crossroads next to D-Nails). Due to extensive water damage from a pipe break DFJMJOH DPMMBQTJOH XF IBWF SFMPDBUFE again and are in need of your donations, FTQFDJBMMZ GPSNBM HPXOT KFXFMSZ PGG

Place your ad in our classifieds and reach thousands of Western Carolina readers. Cost is only $5 for the first 10 words for one week in Cherokee, Clay and Graham Counties. Call (828) 389-8338

your purchase w/donations. Mon- Fri. 105p.m. Sat 10-4 Black Angus. Appalachian Grown- All natural farm raised USDA Inspected, processed and packaged by the quarter. Heifers and cows bred with quality genetics for sale. Walnut Hollow Ranch, Hayesville, 828389-8931 crkissling@verizon.net Pro-Activ Solution for sale! I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read the fine print â&#x20AC;&#x201C; am now swamped with the stuff. How about $20 for the $45 product package? Call me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great product but I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use all of it. 706-781-3044. Sofa bed (queen) beige/ burgundy plaid $100 and small beige recliner $60 All good condition. 706-896-6071. 33â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Travel Trailer for Sale. Very clean, no pets, no smoking. Located in Hiawassee in Campground on Lake. Has attached 30? deck with aluminum/ vinyl awning, pool, Recreation area, boat dock and storage, 8*'* DBCMF BWBJMBCMF 0#0 378-4175, 229-377-6104 LEAVE MESSAGE

550 - Antiques Hiawassee Antique Mall 460 N. Main Street Hiawassee. Open year round. Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun 12-5. Antiques-Collectibles. 706-896-0587

600-Wanted Have any old Mac/Apple products just sitting around gathering dust? Donate old iPods and computers, even if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work anymore, to Harrison by contacting hkeely@gmail.com. Wanted: Old Pinball machines, electro-mechanical, . Call 828-389-6459 Looking for bumper-pull horse trailer in good shape. Nothing too pricey. If you have one for sale or you want to get rid of call 706-299-1614. MODELS NEEDED: Looking for female models for pseudo bridal shoot. No compensation but photographer will provide images for your portfolio. Please email best images of yourself and we will contact chosen models. info@ lorenrouthierphotography.com #

700-Lost and Found LOST 2 Stihl Chain Saws from North End of Dickey Road to Culberson NC. $200 reward offered for their return. Call 706.745.2590 or 828.361.4520

800-Animals Happy Jack Mitex For ear mites in rabbits, dogs, or cats, ask for Happy Jack Mitex. Contains no IGRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s., Hiawassee

'FFE 'BSN 4VQQMZ XXX happyjackinc.com. Professional dog training, Boarding & grooming. 1-4 week courses available, training service guaranteed, references abundant, in Mineral Bluff, GA. visit mountaindogboarding.com 706-374-9021

900 - Real Estate 139 Acres of land with with trout stream. Good place for campground. Has 45 X 100 metal building. Land also has spring - lacks two filter tests for being state approved. Has nice views and would be good for developing. Price: $7,000 per acre. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less than half of what it has been priced for. Call 828.835.7880. Investment Property near YH College? 3 BR Brick House, remodeled on BDSFT JO DJUZ MJNJUT $JUZ XBUFS TFXer. Located below Elementary school. $195,000.00 Steve 201-315-9818 stop THE CAR HONEY! $319,000 short sale Make offer- in town- lake view, MBLF BDDFTT NPVOUBJO WJFXT CS CB oversize 2 car garage, complete apartment downstairs. Many, many extras. Almost new. Excellent condition. Must sell. Beautifully furnished by designer. Owner must sell furniture and furnishings at fraction of cost. Charlotte Ledford Realtor; 706-781-7028 Lots within a gated community. Reduced. Highest elevation in Towns County. Call 706-896-2353. Must sell! Hiawassee, Ga. 2 adjoining lots, long range, year round mountain views. Well established neighborhood; $36,500 each; 706-781-5274. 3 Cabins, must see- reduced! In gated communities.Starting at $199,000, Call 706-896-2353.

1000 - Rentals 2BDRM/2BA mobile, CHA, completely furnished on pond, 55+ community. Year round Mtn. views, decks, carport, many extras. $49,500. 706-896-8363 or 706-897-0311. Two bedroom, one bath Mobile Home for Rent in Hiawassee, Ga. $125 per week or $400 per month plus $200 deposit. No pets. Call 706-8356561 Early Spring Special! Sit in your rockers and watch Spring Arrive from your front porch! 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath to 2 Bedrooms , 1 1/2 Bath from $495.00 per month with security deposit. MainUFOBODF '3&& /0 TUFQT '3&& XBUFS

Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Construction Â&#x2021; Bulldozing ÂĽ Backhoe work Residential & Commercial Ă&#x2019;GeneĂ&#x201C; Martin

389-6024 37 years experience

Trash disposal! All appliances included! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to move up to the Ridgeline Apartments! â&#x20AC;&#x153;3346 Highway 64 East, Hayesville, NC 828-389-1545 Nothing else like it in Towns County. 2 unrestricted lots for sale or MFBTF 6UJMJUJFT CFBVUJGVM MBOETDBQJOH drive-ways already done by owner. All you have to do is place your RV, park model, or home on lot. 706-207-4159. 1 BR, 1 1/2 BA, Large duplex Apt. + bonus room in Blairsville. Flp., jacuzzi, custom kitchen. $550./ mo. + security deposit. 706-745-2297 or 770-7122107 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath partially furnished home, Lakeview, Hwy 175 $850.00 per month. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath $450.00 per month. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath furnished $350.00 per month. References and Security deposit required. 828-507-1617. We have cabins and Homes for Rent! Weekly to long-term, and we;re looking for more ! Call 828-837-5551. FOR RENT - 2 BR/2.5 BA, Mountain Home w/ long range views. LR, eat-in ,JU "QQMJBODFT 8 % 8PPE CVSOJOH GJSFQMBDF DBSQPSU EFDL TIFE $700.00 month. 706-897-1734 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Cabin for rent in Hanging Dog area. Unfurnished, washer/dryer, fireplace. $550 per month. Call 1-828-360-4630 We have cabins and Homes for Rent! Weekly to long-term, and we;re looking for more ! Call 828-837-5551. Young Harris rentals available Mountain Realty 706-379-3115 3br/2ba 2 car attached garage close to Young Harris College. BeauUJGVM QSJWBUF NPOUI EFQPTJU plus utilities; 706-897-3730. 5br/3ba Upscale home 2 car garage 1.71 acres near Young Harris College. $1200 per month/deposit plus utilities or for sale $399,000. Call 706896-6208. 3 BR 1 1/2 BA mobile home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not in a trailer park. $300 a month. (828) 837-6222. # 3,000 square foot Commercial Building for rent in downtown Murphy. $800 per month. Call 828-8376222 # 2 Bedroom 1 Bath house for rent in the town of Andrews. Call 828-8376222 # Newer Lake Nottely Waterfront Home for Rent. Large 3 BR/2BA secluded lakefront home.Unfurnished, partially furnished, or furnished. $1,000 per month + security. 140 ft. on Lake Nottely, Unfurnished basement for storage,Call 706-258-7134 or 561-2897493 Two bedroom, one bath Mobile Home for Rent in Hiawassee, Ga. $125 per week or $400 per month plus $200 deposit. No pets. Call 706-835-6561 House for Rent: 3 Bedroom, 1 bath Brick Ranch House in Brasstown, NC. Good privacy on 1.2 acres. W/D Hook-ups, refrigerator, stove, indoor Monitor Heater, also wood heater and " $ QFS NPOUI XJUI TU MBTU monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rent as Security. Call 828-6449388 John or Honor

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COMMUNITY GMRE: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " The center is open for residents of Towns, Union, Fannin, Clay and Cherokee Counties, the council said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we all realize the increase in population in our region,â&#x20AC;? member Lou Ann Bleakley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;New residents face the challenge of a different environment completely in their gardening and farming.â&#x20AC;? The center aims to help newcomers by answering questions and offering advice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year we are trying to help people deal with the economic situation,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are so blessed to have this in our region to help our residents.â&#x20AC;? Seminars on topics such as cutting energy bills and even raising backyard poultry all add up, she said. Council member Peg Schneider described the importance of the program in local schools. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we had to name one major supporter of our programs, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hayesville Elementary and Mr. Tommy Hollingsworth,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They come to everything,...so we always go to them first.â&#x20AC;? Schneider said that the center just introduced its first water lessons in Hayesville schools, adding that Hayesville will get the â&#x20AC;&#x153;first shotâ&#x20AC;? at every new program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The teachers told me the kindergarden students have an attention span of about 20 minutes,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are so wrong. You keep them busy, you teach them the right stuff, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gonna have them forever.â&#x20AC;? At the research centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent Johnny Appleseed program the kids paid attention for an hour and fifteen minutes, she said. On March 19 the research center plans to teach a bird lesson at Hayesville schools, encouraging kids to create

their own birdfeeders in class. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our programs are all about action,â&#x20AC;? Schneider said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hayesvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really special to us because they believed in us from the beginning.â&#x20AC;? A base of about 200 volunteers come together to design programs for each grade level, she said. Of the 2,700 students served last year by the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education program, more than 600 were from Clay County, Schneider said, noting that the council expected more than 3,000 kids to take part this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously, you can tell we are excited about this place; we view it as a treasure thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in our community,â&#x20AC;? she said. Clay County Commissioner Herbert Cheeks said he enjoyed visiting the center as well, noting that he approved of the student events. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always love the kids being able to go,â&#x20AC;? he said. Council member Jennifer Cordier invited citizens to the grand opening of the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interpretive center on June 5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are the oldest mountains in the world, and we have the most diverse biological plant life probably on the planet,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are living in a very, very, very special place.â&#x20AC;? Cordier said that a plant rescue team volunteers to move plants that may be in harmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way due to developments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of the weeds we stomp around on in our backyard are actually displayed in [the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s] garden because they have played an important role in our past and in our present,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We honor folks who have set aside a portion of their property as a native botanical sanctuary;...more than 700 acres have now been preserved.â&#x20AC;? Sandy Zimmerman, a representative from Congressman Shulerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, said that the agriculture and education program was of big interest to Shuler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to see that the council is working across not only county lines

Got News? Mental: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headwaters begin in the North Georgia mountains, flowing into North Carolina and Tennessee to join the Tennessee River. The Hiwassee River is the southernmost major tributary flowing into the Tennessee River from Cherokee Co., N.C. in the east and drains a 2,700 square mile area for example. The water-trip starts high up on the north-facing slope of a granite bulge that defines North Georgia with,

The Â Cherokee Â Sentinel March 17, 2010

but state lines,â&#x20AC;? she said. Garner said that the community council relies on donations to keep activities going. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The state legislatureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been going through some turmoil,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We think that there will be some cuts, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how hard. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expecting our budget to be restored;...hopefully the cuts are not as severe.â&#x20AC;? Council member John Mays said that the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget is $8,000 lower this year than the standard $60,000 per year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Would we like financial support from Clay County? I think the answer is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? he said. One of the research centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent projects has been to study the effect of cold weather on palm trees. Garner said that while there have been more chill hours this year than last, the temperatures fluctuated more wildly in the past. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2006 we started working with wine grape, trying to have a diseased vineyard,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got an acre and a half of wine grape. I know that you at least have some wine grape enthusiasts in Clay County;...theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to see us before.â&#x20AC;? The centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current concern is Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, a pest that has started killing hemlock trees in the north, Garner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the big black eye coming into our general area. ...Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working with scientists who are trying to discover answers on how to control it,â&#x20AC;? he said. Claire Johnston, the community councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technician, said that the insects are originally from Southeast Asia, and noted that by the end of April, the problem will be extremely apparent as a serious concern. Clay County resident Clay Logan voiced his support of the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs to local business leaders, too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It sounds like you all have come to join us, not to change us,â&#x20AC;? he said.

From the desk of Heath Shuler 4IVMFS 5ISPXT 4VQQPSU #FIJOE 7FUFSBOT -FHJTMBUJPO

In 2006-07, Callie Moore and HRWC assisted as Paris led Georgia counties to craft smarter rules for water supply watersheds. Stronger language includes site plan approvals, annual renewals of permits, no more building homes above 2,200 feet above sea level or within 50 feet buffers from the full pool levels of Lake Chatuge; nor on slopes of 25% or greater steepness. Since its inception in 1995, HRWC has taken responsibility for and performed the following duties: It fixes riverbanks and plants trees; it fights algae in lakes, having developed the 2007 Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan containing

Today, Congressman Shuler (DWaynesville) cosponsored a bill that will expand educational opportunities to our veterans.Â Â The Post 9/11 Education Fairness Act, H.R. 4230, expands the types of education programs that veterans are eligible for under the G.I. Bill.Â Â Â The G.I. Bill compensates veterans for tuition, housing, and books at colleges and universities, but does not cover apprenticeships, training at non-college educational institutions, or flight training.Â The bill Shuler supports expands the benefits available to men and women who serve to ensure that they have the opportunity to pursue their desired professional career.Â Â Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;This bill rewards our troops for their sacrifices and makes it easier for them to pursue their professional goals after their service.Â Â Members of the American Legion from Western North Carolina brought this matter to my attention and I am glad to be able to support this bill to provide our veterans with more options for their education and career,â&#x20AC;?

Shuler said.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not every veteran wants to pursue a college or graduate degree.Â Many, through their service to our country, have developed technical skills, interests and expertise that would allow them to excel as electricians, pilots, plumbers, and in other professions.Â This bill not only improves access to training opportunities for current veterans, but also will make military service more attractive.â&#x20AC;?Â Â Rep. Shuler is also a cosponsor of the Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act, H.R. 816, which would institute a permanent freeze on health fee increases for retired military personnel who use the Department of Defense TRICARE Program.Â He has also cosponsored the Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements (BRAVE) Act, HR. 2943, which would synchronize disability determinations for total disability between the Veterans Administration and the Social Security Administration.Â This bill makes it easier for veterans to receive their benefits

and saves taxpayer dollars by reducing duplicative bureaucratic processes.Â Â Additionally, Rep. Shuler supports H.R. 1175, the Military Families Relief Fund Act, which gives taxpayers the opportunity to donate a portion of their tax refund, if they so wish, to families of service members who are struggling financially while a member of their household is serving abroad.Â Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those who choose to serve in the military make countless sacrifices to protect our country and our freedoms.Â Our struggling economy has impacted far too many hard-working American families, including the families of our troops.Â We have an obligation to make sure that the brave men and women who serve our country are supported as much as possible,â&#x20AC;? said Shuler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the U.S. House of Representatives, lifting up our service members and our veterans is one of the most important things we do.â&#x20AC;?

Yesterday, Congressman Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) voted help earthquake victims in Haiti and Chile by approving legislation that provides immediate tax benefits to Americans who make charitable contribution.Â The bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House, allows Americans to take deductions on their 2009 tax return for donations made to relief efforts in 2010. Since the earthquakes in Haiti on January 12th and on February 27th in Chile, American families have poured support toward charities and organizations working on recovery and assistance to those two countries.Â While donations from Americans for Haiti have exceeded $1 billion, donations for Chile have been more sluggish.Â The quake experienced in Chile was one of the largest in recorded history (gauged at 8.8 on the Richter scale).Â As a result,

roughly 500 lives have been lost, 2 million have been displaced or wounded, and more than 500,000 homes have been destroyed.Â The earthquake in Haiti led to the deaths of approximately 230,000 people, and displaced 1.3 million people from their homes.Â Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americans are probably the most giving and charitable people on earth, even during these tough economic times,â&#x20AC;? said Rep. Shuler.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;The timing of the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile occurred in such close proximity that it has been hard for families to give as much as they would like.Â This bill makes it easier for people to give and will hopefully lead to more life-saving aid getting to those affected by these natural tragedies.â&#x20AC;? This bipartisan legislation, H.R.4783, allows individuals to claim charitable contributions to Chile made between February 26th and April 15th on their 2009 tax returns.Â Without this legisla-

tion, taxpayers would be required to wait until completing their 2010 tax returns to claim deductions.Â This bill also ensures that taxpayers can use their phone bills to prove charitable contributions made via text message.Â The bill similarly extends, to April 15, the deadline for taxpayers to claim donation on their 2009 tax return for Haiti earthquake relief.Â A bill previously passed an enacted extended the deadline to March 1st.Â This bill adds additional time for concerned taxpayers to contribute to the ongoing situation in Haiti.Â Â Rep. Shuler said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we see the effects of tremendous tragedies like those that took place in Chile and Haiti, most of us are compelled to help.Â This legislation helps Americans in their efforts to help others, and I urge people to donate what they can.â&#x20AC;?

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Then send it to cherokee@wncsentinel.net

let us say, one molecule of water beginning its journey that will end in the Gulf of Mexico. As stated by HRWC member Tom Bennett, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The maternity ward for this water molecule is Union County, fortunately, which has good leadership and an acute understanding of water science.â&#x20AC;? With correct water stewardship, our aforementioned tiny molecule of water can remain pristine. Most likely our citizenry want their descendants and their friends to behold the same sparkling waters we are still free to behold. Much has been accomplished by this dynamic coalition that crosses beyond political parties to create achievements toward this goal.

step-by-step guidelines for lake recovery from algae, â&#x20AC;&#x153;if we will only follow themâ&#x20AC;?; it tests water quality; and, last but not least, it educates (i.e., â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Day at the C.R.E.E.K. camps for junior high students, as well as other learning events for all ages for which HRWC will coordinate, find a hall in which to hold your event, and set up everything). HRWC works primarily in the upper 1,486 square miles of the Hiwassee River basin in Georgia and North Carolina. Eighty-five percent of this watershed is forested. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Open waterâ&#x20AC;? is contained in our larger rivers and our five large reservoirs: Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin Co. and Lake Nottely

in Union Co., Ga.; Lake Chatuge in Towns Co., Ga. and Clay Co., N.C.; and Lakes Hiwassee and Appalachia in Cherokee, N.C. The generous donations for the silent auction showed the dedication to this cause by persons from many walks of life. More than 50 items were displayed in the vast hallway outside the Resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ballroom, ranging from vintage first edition books to a newly published novel by George Ivey; from delicate English Queens Bone china tea cups and saucers in a Shamrock pattern (won by Ben Kennedy) to a miniature John Deere round baler and hay tedder; and from a Round

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of Golf For Two at Brasstown Valley Resort to a six-course Country French dinner for six created and hosted by Anne Mitchell of Hiawassee. Our photo depicts the winner of a 32â&#x20AC;? Limited Edition R.M.S. Titanic wooden model. Mr.Tom Bennett of Hiawassee donated the Titanic model as well as a pair of Hodgman rubber chest waders. Those of us who are lucky enough to dwell in Northeast Georgia or Western North Carolina need to know that the HRWC is our â&#x20AC;&#x153;home placeâ&#x20AC;? in the watershed to practice the ideals of water protection.The HRWC is where both elected officials and all of us as citizens can discover these watery ideals and begin to support the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition to keep clean waters. Visit their website to learn more information at www.hrwc. net. Or, you can call 828-837-5414 or toll free 877-863-7388 or email to info@hrwc.net. They will welcome your comments, suggestions and donations.

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