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Week of May 20, 2007

Home > Cherokee County NC News > News: Archive

Article: A Basket Case in North Carolina - New York Times Travel Section - May 20, 2007

Posted by johndilbeck on Saturday, May 26 2007 at 7:32 AM

I want to thank my friend, Jerry Chautin, for alerting me to an article in the New York Times, A Basket Case in North Carolina, written by David Rakoff, and published on May 20, 2007.

In this article, the author talks about taking a week-long class at the John C Campbell Folk School, in Brasstown, NC.

Originally, like most men, he wanted to experience the thrill of blacksmithing, of smiting hot steel and shaping it into new forms with fire, hammer, and anvil, but (for reasons he details in the article) he changed to taking a basket weaving class.

As a true lover of the Folk School and all that goes on there, I felt the resonance of reading what I know to be true about the Folk School experience, not just what happens when taking a class and learning a new skill, or improving your ability to create pieces of art in your chosen craft.

Mr. Rakoff talks about the unexpected moments of silence and "getting into the zone" that artists strive for while transforming the vision in our minds into the item in our hands.

This is one of the best articles I've read about the Folk School, and I recommend it to you. I don't know how long the New York Times keeps these articles archived, so maybe you should read A Basket Case in North Carolina, now.

(For more information about the John C. Campbell Folk School, its classes, crafts, and events, call 828-837-2775 or 1-800-FOLK-SCH (800-365-5724) or visit www.folkschool.org.)



Campbell Folk School to Expand Blacksmith Shop - Brasstown, NC 28902

Posted by johndilbeck on Friday, May 25 2007 at 4:48 AM

(From the Folk School Website:)

The new Blacksmith studio fundraising campaign has begun!

Timber framers from all over will gather at the Folk School for an old fashioned barn raising!

The John C. Campbell Folk School is proud to announce plans for an annex to the historic Blacksmith Shop, originally dedicated to Francis Whittaker in recognition of his two decades of teaching and demonstrating at the school.

Whittaker, known as the “Dean of American Blacksmiths,” devoted his life to keeping the art of blacksmithing alive in this country and the existing studio stands as his symbolic legacy. But, while Blacksmithing has long been the most popular of some 50 programs the Folk School offers, the shop has suffered decades of wear and its space is no longer adequate for the size and diversity of classes such a premier program should offer.

The solution is to renovate the Whittaker Studio and to build an annex with the help of the Timber Framers Guild, which has offered to assemble close to 80 timber framers to do a traditional barn-raising in June 2008.

Fundraising for the project kicked off with a $1000 gift from longtime instructor Lou Mueller. Clay Spencer, nationally known blacksmith and fixture at the school also donated $1000. Not to be outdone, Don Neuenschwander, a long time student and friend of the Folk School from Indiana, donated $5000. Julie Clark, Folk School blacksmith instructor, donated $10,000!

While the full architectural plans have not been finalized, the project cost is estimated at an ambitious $500,000. With the strength and spirit of the Blacksmithing community, we are confident the goal can be met. Ours is a community that is resourceful, creative and, like the Folk School, dedicated to the spread of knowledge and education about blacksmithing.

Please contact Susi Hall, Development Manager, at susi@folkschool.org or at 828-837-2775 ext. 118 to contribute or to discuss making a gift and Paul Garrett, Resident Artist for Blacksmithing, at pdg86@hotmail.com or 828-835-8441 with ideas to assist with the project.

Learn more about the new Blacksmithing annex on the Folk School's website.



Sing Behind the Plow, a Folk School documentary, premiered on UNC-TV - Brasstown, NC 28902

Posted by johndilbeck on Friday, May 25 2007 at 4:06 AM

The new documentary Sing Behind the Plow: John C. Campbell Folk School, explores the 82-year history of the Folk School through interviews with various scholars on Appalachia, Folk School personnel, and archival photos, footage and recordings.

Even people who know and love the Folk School may not know who John C. Campbell was. Who were the founders Olive Dame Campbell and Marguerite Butler Bidstrup? How did the local people build the school? Who was Fred O. Scroggs? How did Denmark come into the story? These are some of the questions this program tries to answer, while setting the Folk School's story in the larger context of what was happening to the nation and the world during those years.

Funding was provided by United Community Bank.

Following its premier on UNC-TV, the documentary will be available for purchase on DVD from the Folk School's Craft Shop.

For more information about the John C. Campbell Folk School, its classes, crafts, and events, call 828-837-2775 or 1-800-FOLK-SCH (800-365-5724) or visit www.folkschool.org.

Their website has more information about the school, the Craft Shop, and their Concerts, Dances, and Events.



Guest Chef Night at The Longhouse - Murphy, NC 28906 - May 31, 2007

Posted by johndilbeck on Friday, May 25 2007 at 3:33 AM

Guest chef night from 5-9 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2007, at The Longhouse restaurant will feature Father George Kloster of St. William Catholic Church.

Cost of the three-course dinner will be $13.99, with $2 per plate going to local Christian charities.

For more information, call The Longhouse restaurant at 828-837-1762.



Butterfly Life Women's Fitness Club Opens - Murphy, NC 28906

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, May 23 2007 at 9:43 AM

Butterfly Life, a women's fitness club, opened at 3000 US Hwy 64 West, Suite 118, in Lakeside Plaza.

The new club is designed for women who are interested in attaining simple, achievable results in a nurturing, non-threatening environment.

Members will enjoy the club's innovative approach to providing "Healthy Living Solutions for Women," which encompass everything from fitness, health, and nutrition to beauty, fashion, and psychology, all under one roof.

"The Butterfly Life concept of developing an integrated approach to women's fitness, weight loss, and healthy living, was created by a team of pioneers boasting more than a century of industry experience," club owners Annette Downer and Karie Clayton said. "Butterfly Life understands that weight loss is only one component of a healthy life, so that's why the program was developed with an integrated, 360-degree approach to accommodating all components of women's fitness and health."

The club is equipped with an exclusive 15-station, strength- and cardio-training circuit that has been custom designed and is fully adjustable to meet the needs of women at all levels.

In 30 minutes, members complete a well-balanced circuit that works the entire body efficiently and effectively, the owners said.

Butterfly Life membership rates are competitive in the industry with other women's programs.

For more information, call 828-837-1900, 1-800-Butterfly, or visit www.ButterflyLife.com.



ERA Carolina Mountain Homes Earns High Honors - Murphy, NC 28906

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, May 23 2007 at 8:56 AM

ERA Carolina Mountain Homes received one of the highest honors that can be achieved by an ERA company.

This elite club is a direct reflection of customers' buying or selling experiences as reported on the ERA Customer Satisfaction Survey.

The 2006 achievement demonstrates that the service the company provides to its customers and clients embraces the "ERA First in Service" philosophy.

Because of the company's dedication to its customers, ERA Carolina Mountain Homes received a certificate representing its achievement. This award lets the public know that customer service is the cornerstone of repeat business and referrals and one of the most crucial factors distinguishing a real estate professional in a competitive market.

ERA Carolina Mountain Homes received congratulations for keeping customers first in everything it does.



Fish Fry and Boat Show - Murphy, NC 28906 - Saturday, June 23, 2007

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, May 23 2007 at 7:52 AM

The Cherokee County NC Chamber of Commerce is planning its first Fish Fry and Boat Show in hopes of "reeling in tourists and new chamber members," chamber Executive Director Sande Kimball said.

The boating extravaganza is set for Saturday, June 23, 2007 at the TVA boat ramp in downtown Murphy, NC. Activities will spill over into the L&N Depot on Hiawassee Street.

The show will open at 10:00 am and end at 4:00 pm. There is no cost to attend.

Fish sandwiches, cole slaw, and a drink will be served between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. The fish fry will be $6.00 per person.

The Longhouse Restaurant is doing the fish fry for this event to benefit the chamber.

Participating in the boat show so far are Smith Power, Nick's Marine, High Country Canvas, and Appalachian Outfitters.

Some vendors will have boats in the water and will give demonstrations.

While in town for the boat show, Kimball said to be sure to walk into the historic downtown area of Murphy, where many businesses will be open, including a farmers market, gift and antique shops, restaurants, and more.



Singles Mingle at ShoeBooties Cafe - Murphy, NC 28906 - Saturday, May 26, 2007

Posted by johndilbeck on Wednesday, May 23 2007 at 6:59 AM

Come join in the fun. Meet new friends and mingle with singles.

Grab a glass of wine and get ready to unlock the possibilities.

Music and dancing by the Mad Hatter.

ShoeBooties Cafe, Saturday, May 26, 2007, 7:00 PM

$10.00 cover charge includes appetizers and a beverage.

Wine will be available at an additional charge.

For more information, call 828-837-0733 or 828-837-4589