Cherokee County NC Blog

(Murphy NC)

The Closing Place’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Wednesday at its new location on Tennessee Street.

Business partners Sherry Snyder and Angie Ledford opened the first office in Murphy in October 2000 with six employees. Soon a new building was constructed on Tennessee Street next to Foxfire Realty, now occupied by the law firm of Cowan and Cowan.

When Snyder saw her business growing rapidly and recognized the need for more employees, the 1898 Coward building was purchased. It took six months for the renovation of the historic landmark.

The Closing Place now has a staff of 23 and is growing.

Joining the ribbon-cutting were Cherokee County NC Chamber of Commerce directors, ambassadors, Mayor Bill Hughes, and Closing Place staff. Angie Ledford cut the ribbon as Sherry Snyder peeked over the mayor’s shoulder.

(Murphy NC)

Dee Matthews and Deena Collins were the top listing and selling agents for October at Western Carolina Real Estate Co., Inc.

Deena Collins was the top sales agent for the month by closing the most transactions in October. Collins joined the company full time in June.

Dee Matthews was the top listing agent. She listed the highest number of new properties in and around the Murphy area. She joined the company in August 2004.

(Murphy, NC)

The Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors recognized Jane Posey as Realtor of the Year for 2005.

Posey has been owner/broker of ERA Carolina Mountain Homes for the last 27 years.

She has a “realtor spirit” and is faithful to the principles of organized real estate, laws and regulations of the board and to the Code of Ethics, said officials of Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors.

She is also active in civic affairs, activities of the board, as well as state and national boards.

(Murphy, NC)

The Cherokee County NC Chamber of Commerce welcomed Jamie Keener of Cricket Hollow Communications, one of its newest members, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 8, 2005, at Keener’s studio office in the Wells Lake area.

Those present at the ribbon cutting were chamber board President Marvin Raper, Jamie Keener, and chamber Executive Director Sande Kimball.

For more information about Cricket Hollow Communications, call 828-837-8851.

(Murphy, NC)

Johnny Prather, owner of Western Carolina Real Estate Co., Inc., recently presented Jennifer Epperly with a $100 check.

The money will help buy Christmas presents for nursing home residents in Cherokee and Clay counties.

They are the 16th recipient of Western Carolina Real Estate Co. Inc.’s designated “Giving Back to the Community” budget for 2005.

For more information about contributing toward this cause, call Jennifer Epperly at 828-837-5470.

(Murphy, NC)

Autumn Johnson and Josh Hawk will sing in the New Year on Saturday, December 31, 2005, at ShoeBooties Cafe in downtown Murphy, North Carolina.

For more information, call 828-837-4589.

(Asheville, North Carolina)

Almost one year ago, they began coming together, a group of women who wanted to create positive change for women and girls in western North Carolina.

They formed Women for Women and now have more than $185,000 to grant in the coming months to nonprofit organizations and public agencies that serve women in crisis. Grants from $30,000 to $100,000 are available, and the deadline to apply is Friday, February 3, 2006.

To date, 188 women have become members of Women for Women, a special initiative of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina that encourages women’s philanthropy. Each member contributes $1,100 per year for three years, then together they learn about pressing needs facing women throughout the region and determine how to direct their funds.

During the first year of grantmaking, the membership decided to award grants to organizations that are helping economically disadvantaged women rebuild their lives and be more self-sufficient.

“We are looking for applicants that can supply safety net programs to prevent setbacks for women such as homelessness, joblessness, and hunger,” said Carol Minton, chair of the grants committee. “We plan to fund groups that work cooperatively with others, address causes rather than symptoms, and make a lasting impact.”

To be eligible for consideration, a nonprofit organization or public agency must meet specific guidelines and serve one or more of the 18 counties in the western North Carolina region.

To apply for a grant or become a member of Women for Women, visit Community Foundation of Western North Carolina or call 828-254-4960.

(Unaka Community)

A benefit for Luther Kidd will start at 4:00 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2006, at the Unaka Community Center.

There will be singing, an auction, a cake walk, and a drawing for a charbroil grill.

All proceeds will go to Luther Kidd.

(Peachtree Community)

Tri-County Community College begins its spring semester on Monday, January 9, 2006, with more than 20 programs of study, many in vocational and technical areas, as well as an extensive number of continuing education courses.

Registration will be from 8:00 am until 6:30 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, January 4 and 5, 2006, at the main campus in Peachtree; and Tuesday through Thursday, January 3 through 5, 2006, at the Graham County Center in Robbinsville, NC.

“Make it your New Year’s resolution to get started on a new career or to take classes on subjects that interest you,” said Jason Chambers, director of admissions at the college.

“Tri-County offers dozens of programs, and one is sure to interest you, no matter your age, job, or education level.”

Tri-County Community College also offers a wide variety of continuing education courses in Andrews, Hayesville, Murphy, and Robbinsville, NC.

These classes can also help one earn a pilot’s license with the aviation ground school, teach one how to speak Spanish, increase computer skills, and even learn about holistic alternatives to medicine.

Tri-County Community College has been recognized by the North Carolina Community College System as superior performing for five years in a row.

Complete class schedules are available at Tri-County Community College or any Tri-County Community College location.

For more information, call 828-837-6810 (main campus) or 828-479-9256 (Graham County Center).

(Peachtree Community)

Good Shepherd Home Health & Hospice Agency held its 14th annual memorial service on November 20, 2005, at Cochran’s Funeral Home Chapel. There were 123 names memorialized as family and friends lit candles in their remembrance.

This year, 17 Good Shepherd employees and volunteers participated in the annual event.

“We are very fortunate to have a lot of talented and caring people who were willing to share their time and talents in planning and executing this tribute to our patients who have died in the last year,” said Towanna Roberts, home care manager.

Arnaldo Lugo, hospice chaplain, and the Rev. George Simmons, volunteer hospice chaplain, offered scripture, meditation and prayer. Roberts welcomed the group by asking all participants to join with the Good Shepherd family in remembering their loved ones as well as one of Good Shepherd’s own, Martha Truett, who also died this year, by lighting a candle as each person’s name was called.

Julie Yonce, registered nurse supervisor; Lisa Waters, registered nurse; and Angela Palmer, hospice social worker, served as greeters. Ida Stafford, registered nurse, and Tammy Ledford, registered nurse supervisor, presented the patient’s names as they were remembered.

Registered nurse Beth Decker and volunteer Betsy Lewis assisted with candle lighting. Music was provided by Lynae Cheeks and June Hensley, hospice registered nurses; Sally Mashburn, registered nurse; and Kyle Cody, friend of hospice.

Dr. Teresa Heavner, hospice volunteer medical director, offered comfort and support to those in attendance.

After the service, a time of fellowship was shared during the reception, hosted by Cochran Funeral Home Staff and Good Shepherd Staff. Mabel Cook and Betsy Lewis, hospice volunteers, and Vicky Sullivan, friend of hospice, served as hostesses.

Good Shepherd thanks the staff of Cochran Funeral Home for providing the facility, refreshments and staffing assistance for this service; staff and volunteers who give freely of their time and talents to hospice and home health; and all participants.