You are invited to participate on the Western North Carolina Forum.
Local business news is covered in the Cherokee County, NC Blog and Cherokee County, NC News.

Main Menu
Cherokee County NC Home
Cherokee County NC Blog
Cherokee County NC News

Search WWW Search CherokeeCountyNC.com Search MurphyNCBusiness.com Search JohnDilbeck.com

Week of June 19, 2005

Never let anyone destroy your dream!

Posted by johndilbeck on Friday, June 24 2005 at 6:21 AM

(Context Tag: Act On Your Dream) Sometimes it gets so discouraging that quitting -- not usually an option -- seems like the best way to deal with a setback.

Normally, I'm highly-motivated and don't let setbacks get me down.

However, in mid-May, 2005, after spending about nine months building A Portal For Cherokee County, NC, someone came along and destroyed it in a matter of several hours.

I was crestfallen and nearly heartbroke when I went to work on that site on the morning of May 15, 2005. All my hard work was destroyed and, in its place, was an obscene message.

Some misguided individual in Egypt destroyed my site, which is designed to help my local neighbors promote themselves and what they're doing, and replaced it with a hate-filled slogan about the United States and Israel -- neither of which were related to the site.

I don't promote political agendas and I don't discuss my politics in public -- yet, here I was the victim of someone half-way around the planet who destroyed my site and nearly a year of hard work to express his political views.

I think everyone has a right to express their views, but I think nobody has a right to destroy someone else's hard work.

So, what did I do when I found this?

I turned off my computer, poured my fresh cup of coffee in the sink, and went back to bed.

When I woke up a couple of hours later, the initial shock had worn off and my willingness to quit had been replaced with a resolve that I would rebuild the site and make it even better in the process.

I looked at why and how this destruction was accomplished.

Part of the reason was that the person who destroyed the site thought that was a legitimate form of expression. There was nothing I could do about that except go through my log files, track down where and when the destruction had taken place, and report it to the FBI.

That took a few hours. Once it was done, there was nothing else I could do, so I started thinking about what I had control over and what I could change to lessen the likelihood that this problem would reoccur.

When I initially dreamed of A Portal For Cherokee County, NC, I wanted to build an interactive site so that others in the community could easily participate. So, I decided to build it using PHP-Nuke, an open-source content management system that is very popular for building community sites.

Unfortunately, I was not aware, at that time, of the propensity for others hacking and destroying sites built by open source content management systems (CMS). After the destruction of my site, I did a search on Google for "hacked PHP-Nuke" and found many thousands of pages devoted to the subject.

I learned, after the horses had escaped the barn, that it is a full-time job keeping all the security patches applied to PHP-Nuke sites. This is not a condemnation of the program, because I liked it. Rather, it is an indication of just how many people revel in destruction rather than building something of worth for themselves.

I learned a long time ago that it was much more exciting to destroy something than it is to build something. Blowing up car models my brother and I made with fireworks was exciting and took much less time than the slow process of building them, but in the long run, it was much less satisfying. Not only did I waste all the time building the model, but I was left with nothing after destroying it.

Over time, I learned that creating a vision of something I wanted to accomplish and then working to make it real -- while harder to do -- was much more satisfying in the long run.

As an aside, from my brother's love of cars and racing, we graduated from building model cars to going to races. Over the years, my brother's love of drag racing grew while mine dimmed. A few years ago, more or less as a present to him, I started working on Georgia Drag Racing and it gives him a way to not only express his love of the sport but to also meet and get to know his childhood heroes. Who would have thought that a hobby site would grow to attract over a million page views per year?

Back to the subject at hand...

One of the central problems was that I was building my portal using software that was insecure and intrinsically prone to destructive attacks.

So, goal number one was to identify a different way to build the site.

Since I had been having very good results building sites using Radio Userland -- JohnDilbeck.com and GeorgiaDragRacing.com, each with about a million page views per year -- and I'd had no hacking problems from those sites, I decided to redesign my portal for Cherokee County, NC, using that system.

Without going into details, Radio Userland is a database that is scriptable and includes tools for blogging, building static sites, and much more. Not bad for a program that only costs $40 per year.

While it is true that we'd had problems with GeorgiaDragRacing.com about a year ago, it was because of programs we were using to show pictures on the site and other scripts that were running. Once we redesigned the site and rebuilt it having eliminated those scripts, the site has run without problems since.

With that background, I was confident that a new portal built using static web pages would not only be less prone to hacking, but would probably rank better in the search engines, as well.

So, with that in mind, I looked at the features that were built into the old portal and had to decide what would be in the new one.

Some of the interactive features were out. The forum, the free journals (blogs), web site directory, reviews, and most of the interactive features had to go.

How could I replace them?

I built a new forum at WesternNorthCarolinaForum.com that could be used for posting news and conversing with others. It takes some time to get a new forum going, but I knew I would be posting a lot of articles and others would eventually find it and jump in.

Why this approach? Because, the people who manage Sparklit's ActiveBoards do all the background work to update the code and install security patches and all I have to do is concentrate on providing content and moderating the forum. Not only that, but they offer as many free forums as you want -- no charge!

I chose to pay for my forums because I wanted the extra control I could get for paying only $5 per month or so.

Now, for that one small monthly fee, I have four forums hosted there -- all in their infancy, but all with real potential for growth over time:

• WesternNorthCarolinaForum.com
  
• AYearFromNowForum.com
  
• SuccessCooperativeForum.com
  
• ResidualIncomeForum.com

Rail Days Celebration -- Andrews, NC 28901 -- July 23, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 7:02 AM

(Context Tag: Andrews NC) You are invited to attend the Rail Days Celebration on July 23, 2005.

Rail fans of all ages are invited to come to see and talk to the owners of railcars by the members of the North American Railcar Operators Association (NARCOA).

The group will be traveling from Bryson City to Andrews and will make several small trips toward the Nantahala Gorge and Marble throughout the day.

Entertainment will be on hand, and area non-profit organizations are invited to provide food at nearby Hall Park.

For more information, call the Andrews Chamber of Commerce office at 828-321-3584 or toll free at 877-558-0005.

Our Summer Celebration -- Andrews, NC 28901 -- July 4, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 6:49 AM

(Context Tag: Andrews NC) Join in the fun as we celebrate our nation's birthday with a day filled with fun festivities.

Plans are underway for a special parade down Main Street to celebrate our centennial.

Volunteers are needed to help coordinate some of the events. To volunteer or for more information on events, call the Andrews Recreation Department at 321-2135.

Call for information on the times of the events.

For more information on the parade, call the Andrews Chamber of Commerce at 321-3584 or toll free at 877-558-0005.

Professional Cowboy Association Rodeo -- Andrews, NC 28901 -- July 1-2, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 6:40 AM

(Context Tag: Andrews NC) A Professional Cowboy Association Rodeo will be held on the grounds of the Hillbilly Mall and Super Flea Market on Friday, July 1, 2005, and Saturday, July 2, 2005, with activities beginning at 8:00 pm each evening.

Admission is $10 for adults with children under 7 admitted free.

Proceeds benefit the Ladies Auxiliary of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department.

For more information, contact the Andrews Chamber of Commerce at 828-321-3584 or toll free at 877-558-0005.

100 Squares in 100 Days -- Andrews, NC 28901 -- June 20 - September 28, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 6:30 AM

(Context Tag: Andrews NC) 100 Squares in 100 Days -- Pick up your thimble and join in the fun as we celebrate and make history at the same time. Residents will be banding together to create a 100 square quilt in a 100 day period.

When completed, the quilt will be given to the Town of Andrews to place in the Community center. For more information, call In Nonnie's Attic at 828-321-2800 or the Andrews Chamber of Commerce office at 828-321-3584 or 877-558-0005.

Bingo Party: Doyle's Cedar Hill Restaurant -- Murphy, NC 28906 -- July 14, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 6:24 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) The Cherokee County North Carolina Chamber of Commerce will hold a bingo party on Thursday, July 14, 2005, at Doyle's Cedar Hill Restaurant to benefit the chamber's building fund.

Call for the exact time of the event.

Doyle's Cedar Hill Restaurant, 925 Andrews Road, Murphy NC 28906

Telephone: 828-837-3400, Fax: 828-835-7971

Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues -- Murphy, NC 28906 -- August 3, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 6:14 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) The next Eggs and Issues, sponsored by the Cherokee County North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, will be held at 7:30 am on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 at The Shoppes of Murphy.

The Daily Grind will be open for participants to purchase coffee, tea, and pastries.

There will be no charge for this meeting, but reservations are needed to make sure there's enough to go around.

Bill Forsyth, economic development director, will address issues related to Interstate 3 and the U.S. 64 bridge over the Hiwassee River.

Forsyth said that, when completed, the bridge in the Peachtree community will be the longest single-span bridge in North Carolina.

He will follow a question-and-answer format.

All attendees will be asked to introduce themselves and allow a 30-second infomercial.

The Daily Grind, 46 Valley River Ave., Murphy NC 28906

Telephone: 828-835-7322

See, also, the status of the S-459 -- Interstate 3 and HR-301 -- Interstate 3 pending legislation.

48th Annual Western North Carolina Wagon Train -- Andrews, NC 28901 -- June 27 - July 4, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 5:08 AM

(Context Tag: Andrews NC) The 48th Annual Western North Carolina Wagon Train rolls out of Andrews, NC on Monday June 27, 2005.

Saddle up for the nation's oldest continuous wagon train.

This year's adventure will be day trips from Andrews. For more information, call this year's wagon master Donald Ray Luther at 828-321-2376.

See, also, the online 2005 wagon train schedule for more information.

Hidden Closet Consignment Shop Moves to New Location -- Murphy, NC 28906

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 4:49 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) On June 1, 2005, The Hidden Closet held a ribbon cutting ceremony to open its new location in the old J. C. Penney location in Valley Village Shopping Center.

The three store owners and chamber ambassadors cut the ribbon. Participating were Rod Springer, Barbara Hughes, chamber Executive Director Sande Kimball, Nancy Breazeale, Cindy Miller, and Andrea Sanner.

The Hidden Closet, 1180 Andrews Rd., Murphy, NC 28906

Telephone: 828-361-0299, Fax: 828-644-9765

The Landings: Office or Store Space for Lease -- Murphy, NC 28906

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 4:05 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) On June 7, 2005, Smoky Mountain Holdings, Inc. and the Cherokee County North Carolina Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of The Landings. Attending the ceremony were chamber President Marvin Raper, Charles Studley and Ann Studley of Smoky Mountain Holdings, chamber Ambassador Chris Collins, and chamber Executive Director Sande Kimball.

The Landings is a strip mall containing Studley Chiropractic Clinic and having five other bays available for lease. The smallest space is 800 square feet and the total space is 4,800 square feet. A business can lease one or more of the spaces as needed, and Dr. Studley said, "We will build to suit."

For more information on leasing space or to set up a tour of the office bays, call 828-837-7320.

Studley Property Holdings, Inc. also has residential investment properties as well as rental properties for lease. All properties are proudly managed by Studley Property Management.

Smoky Mountain Holding, Inc., 1787-1 US 64 West, Murphy, NC 28906
Telephone: 828-837-7320, Fax: 828-837-2996

Grand Opening of Peace Valley Campground -- Marble, NC 28905

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 3:54 AM

(Context Tag: Marble NC) Dee and Dale Witting, the new owners of Peace Valley Campground and Cabins, held a grand opening on Memorial Day.

The Cherokee County North Carolina Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 28, 2005, to commemorate the grand opening. Attending were chamber Executive Director Sande Kimball, chamber Ambassador Rod Springer, Dee Witting, Dale Witting, Murphy Mayor Bill Hughes, chamber Ambassador Barbara Hughes and chamber Ambassador Carolyn Hembree.

They have over 50 RV sites, tent sites, primitive cabins and a couple of fully-equipped cabins. Other amenities are available. See Peace Valley Campground and Cabins for more information.

The campground is four miles east of Murphy on US 74.

Peace Valley Campground, PO Box 606, Murphy, NC 28906.

Location: 117 Happy Valley Rd, Marble, NC 28905.

Reservations: 828-837-6223, Fax 828-835-3893

Jeff Martin, MD, Urology, Now Taking Appointments -- Murphy, NC 28906

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 3:41 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) Southwestern Health System, Inc, welcomes Jeff Martin, MD, Urology, back home to Murphy. Jeff is a Murphy High School graduate.

Dr. Martin's office is located in the Murphy Medical Center Physicians Building and he is now taking appointments.

He is sharing office space with Urologist Dr. Ziyad Mugharbil, 4188 US Highway 64 East, Suite 6, Murphy NC 28906. He can be reached by phone at 828-837-7513.

Murphy Elementary School Students Celebrate Arbor Day -- Murphy, NC 28906

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 3:31 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) The North Carolina Association of Educators and Cherokee County Association of Educators provided 10 magnolia trees to county schools this spring.

Murphy Elementary School held a dedication ceremony on April 29, 2005, for their tree with an Arbor Day planting. Staff and students met at the main entrance.

Using the program created by school secretary Price Stiles, Principal Wanda Arrowood reflected on the history of Arbor Day.

The tree was dedicated to the late Hobart L. McKeever, who was known for his love of children and animals and his community service.

Fifth-graders shared quotes and poems related to trees. Representing CCAE, Mary Block told the reasons the state association chose a magnolia tree.

"Even though the official tree is the pine, the magnolia tree was proposed for several important reasons," Block said. "The magnolia grows tall, which would be symbolic of the growth of the 'high-flying' students in our schools. The magnolia grows wide and full, which would be symbolic of the masses of our students who are at and above grade level and making substantial academic progress.

"The magnolia tree also has beautiful branches that grow low to the ground level to higher heights. The great thing about the branches of the magnolia is that the beautiful flower of the tree blooms brightly without regard to the portion of the tree."

The program concluded with a choral reading of this observation:

"Each and every tree which is planted stands as a living reminder that we all bear responsibilities of stewardship.

"We are living links in a chain of humanity stretching from the dimmest past and into an unknown future. We can each help make that future more certain by performing a simple act -- by planting a tree."

Amanda Jane Barmmer Receives SECU Scholarship -- Murphy, NC 28906

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 3:23 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) NC State Employees Credit Union Foundation, funded solely by State Employees Credit Union's membership, has presented a $10,000 four-year college scholarship to Amanda Jane Barmmer, a senior at Hiwassee Dam High School.

Amanda is the daughter of Jonathan and Antoinette Barmmer.

This scholarship was awarded for study at East Carolina University, part of North Carolina's 16-campus University of North Carolina system.

The scholarship was given based on SECU's philosophy of "People Helping People," recognizing the recipient's community involvement, leadership skills, character and integrity, as well as scholastic achievement of maintaining a 2.5 or higher grade point average.

The scholarship will be used for tuition and university approved educational expenses over eight consecutive semesters.

"In keeping with the 'People Helping People' credit union philosophy, SECU's members, via the foundation, are helping local students further their education through North Carolina's University System," said Billy Ray Palmer, SECU's local advisory board chairman.

"It is with great pleasure that we award this scholarship to Amanda Barmmer. As a representative of SECU's membership, I'm proud of our commitment to education and our efforts to help our local communities' students succeed."

SECU is a non-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. SECU has been providing the employees of the state and their families with customer financial services for more than 65 years.

Head Start Registration -- Cherokee County, NC

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 3:15 AM

(Context Tag: Cherokee County NC) Four Square Community Action, Inc. Head Start is accepting applications for the 2005-2006 school year.

Head Start is a free pre-school program for children ages 3-5, including children with minor to severe disabilities for eligible families.

Services provided include transportation, dental services, health screenings, nutritional services, breakfast, lunch and snacks, and family services.

Head Start will begin on Monday, August 22, 2005, for the children. Teachers will be in the classroom at varying times after Monday, August 8, 2005.

Head Start operates from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm with a subsidized extended-day program for eligible families of working parents that continues until 5:30 pm.

Head Start is licensed by North Carolina Day Care Licensing with Four Star Rated License and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

For more information, call:

• Murphy Head Start - 828-837-9749
  
• Hilltop Head Start in Andrews - 828-321-0641
  
• Murphy Outreach Office - 828-837-7318
  
• Four Square Office - 828-321-4475

Students with Perfect Attendance Awarded -- Ranger Community

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 3:07 AM

(Context Tag: Cherokee County NC) At Ranger Elementary/Middle School, when a student achieves perfect attendance, he or she receives a free bike upon completion of the school year.

Students with perfect attendance this year included:

• Adam Figueroa, first grade
  
• Emily Figueroa, fifth grade
  
• Chad Macaluso, sixth grade
  
• Melissa Ball, eighth grade
  
• Megan Israel, seventh grade
  
• Kristin Byers, eighth grade
  
• Rose Ball, fifth grade

The Learning Center - A NC Public Charter School -- Murphy, NC 28906

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 2:58 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) The Learning Center!, a North Carolina Public Charter School, is meeting the challenge of choice in public education for grades K-5.

No Tuition -- No Districts

Commitment to Quality

The Board of Directors, the Director, and the Staff of The Learning Center! Charter School stand on this commitment to our public:

• To provide a quality education for each child
  
• Four Blocks, multi-learning style Language Arts Curriculum
  
• Houghton Mifflin Math Curriculum
  
• Hands-on, Across-the-Curriculum Science, Math and Technology Program
  
• Reading/Math Intervention Program
  
• Customized "Fast Track" Curriculum for gifted students
  
• Daily 45-minute Physical Fitness Program
  
• "Seedin' to Feedin' Program" - hands-on garden/nutrition curriculum
  
• Chorus, Art and Mini REAL (entrepreneurship) Programs
  
• Field Trips and 4th/5th Class Trips
  
• Certified Teachers committed to excellence

Michael Stiles Honored for 25 Years of Service to NC -- Murphy, NC 28906

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 2:40 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) Michael Stiles of Murphy, NC, was recently honored by Steve Troxler, NC Agriculture Commissioner, for 25 years of service as an employee of the state.

Troxler honored employees from the western part of the state at an employee appreciation day ceremony at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center on May 10, 2005.

Michael Stiles works for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Veterinary Division.

Laura Jean Long Graduates from Reed College -- Cherokee County, NC

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 2:32 AM

(Context Tag: Cherokee County NC) Laura Jean Long, daughter of Mary H. Long of Hanging Dog, has received her bachelor's degree in linguistics from Reed College.

Her senior thesis was titled Information Packaging in Russian.

Reed College is an undergraduate institution of the liberal arts and sciences dedicated to sustaining the highest intellectual standards in the country, with an enrollment of about 1,360 students.

Hinton Rural Life Center: David Feathers Earns Housing Certification -- Hayesville, NC 28904

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 2:25 AM

(Context Tag: Hayesville NC) Officials of the Hinton Rural Life Center announce that David Feathers has successfully passed the certification exam for the Basic Housing Counseling -- Track A.

The week-long class and certification test was administered by the North Carolina Association of Housing Counselors in Greensboro on May 6, 2005. This test was the first step in becoming a Housing and Urban Development Certified housing counselor.

Feathers is group coordinator for Hinton Rural Life Center's new Mutual Self-Help Housing Program, which is funded by USDA Rural Development. This equal opportunity housing program provides an opportunity for qualified people to obtain their dream of home ownership. Feathers will be responsible for recruiting families for this program, as well as providing home-buyer education and financial literacy education for participants in this program.

He will also serve as a community resource, assisting other programs such as the youth build program with financial literacy education classes for participants in their program.

Miss Cherokee Rose 2005 Pageant and Fundraiser -- Andrews, NC 28901 -- July 30, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 2:15 AM

(Context Tag: Andrews NC) The second annual Miss Cherokee Rose beauty pageant and fundraiser has been scheduled for Saturday, July 30, 2005.

Entry deadline is Saturday, July 9, 2005.

This is not a professional pageant, officials said. Proceeds will go to help support area children with disabilities.

Divisions will include:

• Baby Doll Miss, ages newborn - 11 months
  
• Toddler Miss, ages 12 months - 23 months
  
• Tiny Miss, ages 2 - 4
  
• Little Miss, ages 5 - 7
  
• Young Miss, ages 8 - 10
  
• Junior Miss, ages 11 - 13
  
• Teen Miss, ages 14 - 18
  
• Toddler Mister, ages newborn - 12 months
  
• Tiny Mister, ages 2 - 4
  
• Young Mister, ages 5 - 6

Blood Drive: Little Brasstown Baptist Church -- Brasstown, NC 28902 -- June 28, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 2:03 AM

(Context Tag: Brasstown NC) A blood drive will be held from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2005, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church.

There will be free t-shirts and wristbands for all donors.

For an appointment, call 828-837-8875.

Blood Drive: Kelley's Home Health Care -- Murphy, NC 28906 -- June 25, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 1:51 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) A blood drive will be held from 9:00 am - 1:30 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2005, at Kelly's Home Health Care, 4472 US 64 East, Murphy, NC 28906.

For an appointment, call 828-837-9536.

Family Resources of Cherokee County Baby Shower -- Murphy, NC 28906 -- June 24, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 1:41 AM

(Context Tag: Murphy NC) Family Resources of Cherokee County invites the public to a baby shower from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm on Friday, June 24, 2005, at its office at 70 Central Street, Murphy, NC 28906.

The shower is to help support families with baby needs, such as diapers, wipes, car seats (new and used), high chairs, bottles, formula, clothing, and so forth.

For more information, call Heather at 828-837-3460.

Blood Drive: Valley View Care Center -- Andrews, NC 28901 -- June 23, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 1:29 AM

(Context Tag: Andrews NC) A blood drive will be held from 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2005, at Valley View Care Center, 551 Kent St., Andrews, NC 28901.

There will be free t-shirts and wristbands for all donors.

For an appointment, call 828-321-3075.

Learn Food Preservation, Test Canner Lids -- Cherokee County, NC

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 1:15 AM

(Context Tag: Cherokee County NC) Jessica Roberson, of the Cherokee County office of the NC Cooperative Extension Service, writes regularly about upcoming extension service events and meetings in Cherokee County, NC. Here, she presents information related to canning and preserving your harvest:

Food Preservation Made Easy

There is nothing better than eating food from your garden in the summer, unless it is eating food in the winter you have preserved during the summer months. There are many ways to preserve the bounty from your garden and enjoy it later, when fresh fruits and vegetables are not available.

The NC Cooperative Extension Service is sponsoring a workshop in Cherokee County on how to preserve food properly and safely, called "Food Preservation Made Easy" from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm on Thursday, July 7, 2005, at the Penland Senior Center in Murphy, NC.

Extension Family and Consumer Science agents Jessica Roberson from Cherokee County and Cheryl Beck from Jackson County will lead the workshop. Topics covered will include:

• canning high and low acid foods
  
• pickling
  
• jams and jellies
  
• freezing and dehydrating foods

• 8:00 am - noon, Friday, June 24, 2005
  
• 8:00 am - noon, Tuesday, June 28, 2005
  
• 8:00 am - noon, Friday, July 8, 2005
  
• 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Tsalagi Aniwoni -- Last Warriors of the Cherokee Language -- Cherokee, NC

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, June 22 2005 at 1:00 AM

(Context Tag: Cherokee NC) Individuals and groups trying to preserve the language of the Cherokee are "the last warriors of the language," and if the ancient speech does live on through the coming years it will be because of their efforts.

That was the message delivered by Harry Oosahwee, language project supervisor for the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, as members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, educators, linguists, and visitors from other tribes met May 26-27, 2005, for a two-day language revitalization symposium at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Hotel.

"The Cherokee language won't be around if we don't do something about it," Oosahwee said. "We are the warriors that are going to teach the language."

"It is not your fault you don't know the language. It is your fault if you don't learn it," he said.

The goal of the symposium was to explore new strategies for revitalizing the Cherokee language.

The Eastern Band's Culture and Language Program, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Cherokee Central Schools, and Western Carolina University's Cherokee Studies Program operate several language initiatives. Tsalagi Aniwoni, a committee of advisors from all the initiatives, works to pull those efforts together.

In addition to a number of other speakers, symposium attendees also heard from a number of Cherokee elders who voiced their strong emotions, concerning the revitalization of their first language -- Cherokee.

Eastern Band Principal Chief Michell Hicks welcomed the participants and spoke about the necessary support of community, family and schools in the revitalization effort. "This symposium is a learning experience for each of us," Hicks said.

As the symposium concluded, Renissa Walker, manager of the Eastern Band's Culture and Language Program, said the desire to save the language is there, and the symposium is the first step of many that are in the works to revitalize the language.

The symposium was co-sponsored by the Eastern Band's Culture and Language Program, Aniwoni, and Western Carolina University's Cherokee Studies Program. Translated into English, Tsalagi Aniwoni means everyone speaks Cherokee.

Funding for the event was provided through the Cherokee Preservation Foundation's Sequoyah Initiative grant to Western's Cherokee Studies Program.

For more information about Cherokee language revitalization efforts, call Renissa Walker of the Eastern Band's Culture and Language Program at 828-497-1586 or Roseanna Belt at Western Carolina University's Cherokee Center at 828-497-7920.

(Here is information on some of the most recent grants made by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.)

See, also, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Tourist Information site.

Harley Davidson Drill Team To Perform -- Andrews, NC 28901 -- July 2, 2005

Posted by johndilbeck on Tuesday, June 21 2005 at 4:57 PM

(Context Tag: Andrews NC) The Fort Lauderdale Harley Davidson Drill Team will be performing at the first annual Cherokee County Cycles bike event on Saturday, July 2, 2005, at 6:30 pm.

(Correction: When originally published on June 2, 2005, this article mistakenly said the event would be on July 3, 2005. That is incorrect. The actual date is Saturday, July 2, 2005.)

The all-day event will feature a ride-in bike show, car show, food and other surprises. Bruss Rossmyer's Fort Lauderdale Harley Davidson Drill Team was formed in 2003 to show the capabilities of riding the Harley Davidson motorcycle to the limits.

Through rider education and awareness, each member who performs with the team strengthens their riding skills and command of their motorcycle while entertaining thousands and improving the worldwide Harley Davidson lifestyle.

All members volunteer their time, motorcycle, money -- and in some cases their health -- to enjoy competitive drill team riding while creating long-lasting bonds of friendship between each other and their fans. Each member of the Fort Lauderdale Harley Davidson Drill Team has been involved in countless charity events, parades, fundraisers, and festivals.

For more information, contact Jim Payne at 561-441-8410 or via email at jim@flhdt.com

Cherokee County Cycles, 14660 US Highway 19, Andrews, North Carolina 28901

Telephone: 828-321-0499

Copyright © 2003 - 2007 by John L. Dilbeck: jd@johndilbeck.com

Last built on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 2:09:59 AM by JLD,
Another site in the growing Dilbeck Marketing network owned by John L. Dilbeck.

Our privacy statement may be read at Privacy.

(Go to Top)