Cherokee Sentinel

Hard times ahead for rural hospitals

Frank Bradley Sentinel writer — 11/19/2008

It's not that fewer people need medical care. It's that more and more of us are unable or unwilling to pay for it. That's the problem facing Murphy Medical Center and many other small rural hospitals around the country. Some hospitals have found themselves running in the red so much financially that it could be said they are hemorrhaging.

Hard times bring jump in food stamps

Frank Bradley Sentinel writer — 11/19/2008

Like much of the rest of the country, Cherokee County has fallen on hard times. Even though gas prices have fallen recently to about half of a month ago, people are still suffering, tightening their belts, putting out more money at the grocery store and perhaps not eating quite as well as they are use to.

TCCC students learn to increase gas mileage

11/19/2008

When gas tops $4 per gallon, people start looking for ways to improve their gas mileage. Automotive technology students at Tri-County Community College took this challenge to heart and have spent the last few weeks building an engine booster to increase fuel efficiency.

Local dog trainer receives high honors

11/19/2008

Brad Waggoner of Cold Nose College, recently returned from Maryland where he completed an intensive Level 1 Intern Instructor's Academy at Peaceable Paws. The week focused on the theoretical and practical application of the scientific principles of behavior and learning in the world of dog training.

Chamber awards dinner set for January 15

11/19/2008

Scott T. Hamilton, executive vice president, AdvantageWest, will be the keynote speaker at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce's 39th Annual Dinner Meeting set for January 15, 2009. The event will take place at The Millrace Farm Banquet Hall located off Hendrix Road, Peachtree community.

4-H holiday workshop to be held November 26

11/19/2008

Join 4-H for a fun filled day on November 26 for a holiday workshop. We will be making some holiday crafts, baking and just having fun. Theworkshop will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Lunch, as well as snacks and drinks, will be provided. The workshop is open to all youth ages 6-15 and cost only $20. There is a minimum registration of 5 and a maximum of 15 youth.

Award winners

11/19/2008

At the recent annual corporate convention in Atlanta, Waffle King Franchisees Rick and Christy Johnson won a top Franchise Operation Award for their Murphy restaurant. Here, pictured with staff, from left, Stephanie Willliams, Dawn Graves, Christy Johnson, Rick Johnson, Adrienne Hope, Rick proudly shows off his recognition plaque.

Stream Restoration open house delayed one week

11/19/2008

On Friday, November 21, 2008 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition will hold the field day previously scheduled for November 14 along the Valley River in Marble at the future site of the Valley River RV Resort.

Industrial Opportunties will spotlight, present awards

11/19/2008

Industrial Opportunities will spotlight and present its disability awards to clients and businesses who hire people with disabilities to give them a chance to be productive members of the workforce and to feel good about themselves. These awards will be given out on January 15, 2008 at the Cherokee Chamber Awards Dinner Meeting.

Babysitting

11/19/2008

Austin Sheffield helps his grandparents at the Farmers Market on Saturdays in Murphy. Jeramiah, who runs the Farmer's Market, allowed Valley River Humane Society to bring their own 'home grown' furballs. Austin helps by babysitting the puppies.

Trip to the fire department

11/19/2008

Daisy Troop 152 visited the Murphy Fire Department on June 30, 2008 and earned thier Fire Department Vist Patch. Their tour, which included a video and discussion on fire safety, was given by Fire Fighter, Phil Bowman. The girls also got to meet Sparky the fire dog, learn about fire trucks, and spray some hoses. This visit helped the girls work toward their Respect Authority Petal. Pictured with Phil Bowman are left to right are Ethan Ennis, Reagan Ennis, Chloe Decker, Emma Hampton, Hailey Bowman, Caity Sneed, and Taylor Ledford. The girls and leaders give a big thanks to Phil Bowman and the Fire Department for the great tour. The girls really enjoyed it! We are always accepting new members to our troop. For more information call Sonya at 835-8576.

Toys for Tots workday

11/19/2008

Bill and Dianne Wells donated a storefront in the Valley Village Shopping Center to be used for the distribution of toys. Over 30 volunteers worked on Saturday, November 8, to move some toys, using a truck and driver donated by Eller and Owens, to the Valley Village storefront. Lunch was provided by Quizno's and Arby's.

Golf Week magazine visits Charter School

11/19/2008

GolfWeek magazine, a national publication, paid a visit to The Learning Center! Charter School last month. Beth Ann Baldry, senior writer for the magazine talked to 7th and 8th grade language arts students about the importance of good writing and communication skills no matter what career or job students may one day choose.

Have you planted your 100 trees yet?

11/19/2008

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources says November is a good time for people to start buying state-grown tree seedlings to promote sustainable forestry and protect air and water quality. The division grows and sells more than 30 species of hardwood, conifer seedlings and Fraser firs at cost.

Percy B. Ferbee Endowment Fund accepting applications

11/19/2008

The Percy B. Ferebee Endowment Fund will be accepting scholarship applications postmarked through January 15, 2009. The fund was created under the will of Percy B. Ferebee for educational, charitable and benevolent purposes. Mr.

It's in The Vault

11/19/2008

The Vault at Liquidation Station is a full service jewelry store that is now open to serve customers. A ribbon cutting was held by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce to recognize the new chamber member. Owner Jeff Dill cuts the ceremonial ribbon along with friends, chamber members and chamber directors. From left, are Rob Kaser, Appalachian Community Bank (ACB), chamber Ambassador Brian Smith (ACB), chamber board President Marvin Raper, Raper Realty, Dill, chamber Ambassador Jamie Keener, Cricket Hollow Designs, Monica Abad, BB&T, chamber Ambassador Marge Gaulin, BB&T, and Ann Castle, AHC. In back, from left, are Elizabeth Howard, Geraldine Lominac and Mickey Fox. For information on The Vault, call 828-835-7962. For more information about the Cherokee County Chamber and member benefits, call 828-837-2242.

Students observe Democracy in action

11/19/2008

The Martins Creek fifth grade class showed their patriotism and learned first-hand about the voting system on Election Day. They made their way to the Martins Creek Community Center to watch their teacher, Rodney Sellers, cast his vote for President and other state and local offices. Also voting and sharing some of the class load was Assistant Principal Paul Wilson. Pictured first row, from left, J.T. Gray, Joseph Chastain, Boone Dobbs, Ryan Card and Zach Jones; second row Luke Laney, Cody Truett, Destin Crowe, Holly Radford, Bryson Cheek, Rebecca Lynch and Allison Myers; third row Tiffany Day, Shannon Wilson and Rodney Sellers. Not pictured teacher Cecelia Shoemaker, Paul Wilson, and Patricia Sellers.

Community invited to Christmas tea, bazzar

11/19/2008

The community is invited to a Christmas tea and bazaar at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, 76 Peachtree Street, on Saturday, December 6. Thetea and Christmas shopping opportunity are presented by Episcopal Church Women from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fall Art Expo to feature several local artists

11/19/2008

The Mountain Arts Association is pleased to sponsor a Fall Art Expo hosted by Brasstown Valley Resort. Theexpo will showcase some local award-winning artists. The Art Expo takes place on Friday, November 28, 2008 from 10 a.m.

Donation for a cure

11/19/2008

01 Robin Kolar of Designer's Alley in Murphy, left, presents a $350 check to Barbara Hughes. Local hairdressers from Designer's 7.25" Alley, Downtown Do, Anthony's from Murphy and Allure NC_01 Hair Salon of Hayesville came together for "cut for the cure" at Designer's Alley. They gave haircuts to 35 clients and all proceeds 09-15-08 were donated to Susan G.Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.

Calendar of Events

11/19/2008

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.

Humane society receives reward for foster work

11/19/2008

So far this year, the Valley River Humane Society (VRHS) has sent a total of 291 animals to rescue. Thatincludes the nine beautiful, part Shar-Pei puppies that my husband and I put on the shuttle to New Jersey last week.

Preserving the Peacock Playhouse

11/19/2008

When a group of concerned citizens got together last spring to make the Peacock Playhouse a major center for the performing arts in this region, they approached the task with enthusiasm and determination. First, they organized the Lilith Lidseen Performing Arts Association, Inc., to purchase the property from the Lidseen Foundation.

Animals need a home

11/19/2008

Opal and Ozzie are 12 week old terrier mixes. They are brother and sister that are finished with their shots and will be neutered and micro-chipped as part of their adoption, they are very sweet puppies. Hopefully they can be adopted together.

AgOptions grant available for WNC farmers

11/19/2008

The grant will be provided by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, which will partner with Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) and the WNC Agricultural Options program to accept applications and monitor the recipients' projects. Through this partnership, WNC AgOptions, a program managed by N. C.

Mistletoe Market and Sugar Plum Tearoom's Arts and Crafts Show

11/19/2008

Halloween has come and gone. Thoughts now turn to preparing for the holidays and shopping for the perfect gifts for family and friends. Mistletoe Market and Sugar Plum Tearoom, an arts and crafts show held the weekend before Thanksgiving, is the ideal place to do your holiday shopping.

Highway Patrol conducting Operation Slow Down

11/19/2008

The Highway Patrol is conducting Operation Slow Down statewide for two weeks which began Monday, November 17. The Highway Patrol will be cracking down on speeders on the interstates and major four lane highways across the state.

Scionti featured in Andrews Tour of Homes

11/19/2008

The Scionti home is located in the cozy neighborhood of Collett Woods off Junaluska Road. It is a cottage style home with an Old World ambience. Owners Jeno and Robin and their children moved in after construction was completed in June of 2007. Thehome lies upon two acres of lovely wooded land and natural surroundings.

Jim Dobson to receive Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award

Tom Bennett Contributing writer — 11/19/2008

Jim Dobson, retired superintendent of the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center and Union County, Ga., resident, has been named the recipient of the first annual Holman Water Quality Stewardship Award of the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition.

Indie film finds life in New York diner

Julie Chautin Contributing writer — 11/19/2008

A gritty diner, characters that can only be found in New York and quirky animation meet on the screen at the Murphy Library this week. Jorge is a shy dishwasher in a bustling eatery in the Jamaica section of Queens. Even a friendly waitress can only break into his silence for a few moments.

Cookie of the week

11/19/2008

Ingredients Makes about 2 1/2 dozen • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted • 1 cup packed light-brown sugar • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1 large egg • 1/2 cup chunky-style

Mountain Community Chorus to perform winter concerts

11/19/2008

Since its inception in 1974, the Mountain Community Chorus has presented winter concerts for 32 years, with only three winter's seasons missing from the 35 years. The chorus, under the direction of Mr. Bill Fox, is very busy preparing this years program to be presented on Friday, December 5 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m.

Christmas Show at Peacock Playhouse

11/19/2008

If you want to get into the holiday spirit, plan to see TheBest Christmas Pageant Ever at the Peacock Playhouse in Hayesville. The show, which is a Christmas classic, runs December 11-14. The play tells how the six notorious Herdman children find the true meaning of Christmas after bullying their way into the annual church pageant of the birth of baby Jesus.

Ghosts and deadly nightshades

Elaine K. Delcuze Plant Rescue Team Member — 11/19/2008

Our native Appalachian wildflowers carry with them a heritage of folklore, fact, fiction, natural history and superstition like no other plants in the world. The origins of their common names are often as unique as their lifestyles, habits, and habitats.

Cooking With Barbara

11/19/2008

While traveling in Scotland, we stayed in a Bed & Breakfast in Edinburgh. The hostess served us some delicious bars which she called Scotties, along with a hot pot of tea.

Pronounced husband and wife

11/19/2008

On Saturday, October 18, 2008 Lester Greene and Brook Little were united in marriage at Marble Springs Baptist Church. A reception followed at the Andrews Community Center. Lester is the son of Carl and Joann Greene of Robbinsville. Brook is the daughter of Janie Stratton and Danny Stratton and Harry and Jan Little, all of Murphy. The couple will reside in Robbinsville with their daughter Bailea.

What is a Billion?

11/19/2008

"If you have been listening to the news lately, you know that our politicians have been throwing our money around by the billions...with a B! And, of course, whenever Washington is in a spending mood, lots of folks will be lining up with their hands out to get theirs.

Two people deserve thanks

11/19/2008

Last week I submitted an article thanking community volunteers for their help at our Annual Monster Mash at The Learning Center. As much as one tries to keep up with the incredible number of wonderful people who helped this year, we have overlooked 2 people who deserve many thanks.

Yonce family says thank you

11/19/2008

The Yonce family would like to thank all of the nureses and doctors at Murphy Medical Center, all the churches, and everyone else for the flowers and prayers after the loss of Ms. Sue Yonce. TheYonce Family

Sponsors thanked for support, generosity

11/19/2008

Thank you for your kind generosity and support of our first annual Celebration of the Human Pet Bond event held here at the hospital on November 1, 2008. We held a rabies clinic, raffle, pet photos, catered refreshments and several pet and family fun activities; and local pet rescue agencies were on hand with pets available for adoption.

KENNETH HANEY

11/19/2008

Kenneth Haney, 87, of Andrews died Monday, November 10, 2008 at his residence. A native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, he was the son of the late Garland and Myrtle Cothren Haney. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army in the European Theatre.

PAULINE JONES

11/19/2008

Pauline Jones, 86, of Nantahala community, Topton, died Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in an Andrews care center. She was a native and lifelong resident of Macon County and the daughter of the late General and Delphia Cochran Owenby and the wife of the late Vincen Jones, who died May 13, 1994. She was a retired clerk having worked for Lays 5 & 10 Store and Garrett's Hardware.

JOHN ALLEN "Jackie" GAMBLE

11/19/2008

John Allen "Jackie" Gamble, 61, of Murphy died Monday, November 17, 2008 in Murphy Medical Center. Born September 29, 1947 in Baltimore Mary., he was the son of the late Robert Allen and Jessie Telford Gamble. Jackie attended Pine Castle School in Jacksonville, Fla., and later, Children's Haven in Sarasota, Fla.

Wal ter Evan s

11/19/2008

Walter Evans, age 82, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home He was a native of Macon County, and had lived in the Nantahala community before coming to Murphy, six years ago. He was the son of the late Cline and Lori Rowland Evans. He was retired from Baker Furniture as a furniture repairman.

Ru th Kincaid

11/19/2008

Ruth Marie Kincaid, age 94, of Asheville, NC formerly of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at the Laurels of Green Tree Ridge in Asheville. She was a native of Macon County, NC and a faithful member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Murphy, where she enjoyed singing in the choir.

Lena Graves Spivey

11/19/2008

Lenna Graves Spivey, age 85, of Murphy, passed away Monday, November 10, 2008 at Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home. She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Robert and Elvia Killian Graves.

Erich Ebe rt

11/19/2008

Erich Ebert, age 93 of Murphy, passed away Monday, November 10, 2008 at the Union General Hospital in Blairsville, Ga. He was a native of Dresdon, Germany and the son of the late Gertrud Luise and Kurt Ebert. He served in Germany in the Air Force. He was a retired school teacher and had taught history in Hartford, Conn.

Julia Elizabeth Harper

11/19/2008

Julia Elizabeth Harper, 92, of Murphy died Friday, November 14, 2008 at her residence. A native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Alexander and Estella Jordan Voyles. She was a homemaker and a member of the Tomotla United Methodist Church. Julia was a devoted wife and loving mother.

Virgina Davenport

11/19/2008

Virginia Martin Davenport, age 64, of Midway, Tenn., formerly of Hayesville, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2008 at the Johnson City Hospital in Johnson City, Tenn. She was a native of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Howard (Buck) Claude Martin and Thelma Irene Auberry Martin.

Narvel Le Garrett

11/19/2008

Narvel Lee Garrett, age 78, of Hayesville, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee, Ga . He was a native of Towns County, Ga., and the son of the late Glemra W. and Edna Jane Hunter Garrett.

LILIE BOWERS

11/19/2008

Lillie Bowers, 95, of Hayesville died Saturday, November 15, 2008. She was a native of Swain County, but had lived in Clay County for most of her life. She was the daughter of the late John Marion and Ollie Rose Proctor Wilson and the wife of the late Charlie C. Bowers, who died August 9, 1992. Lillie was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith.

GraceE. Mathis Ledford

11/19/2008

Grace E. Mathis Ledford, age 85 of Junaluska Road, Andrews, passed away at her residence on Saturday, November 15, 2008. She was a native of Cherokee County. Grace was a homemaker and of the Baptist Faith. She was the daughter of the late Jess and Culla Hicks Mathis.

United Way sponsors Day of Caring

11/19/2008

More than 30 volunteers carried out service projects benefiting about 80 people in Clay County last Saturday as part of a Day of Caring" volunteer project sponsored by the United Way of Cherokee and Clay counties.

Toys For Tots Calendar of Events

11/19/2008

The following is a list of local businesses that have generously donated their services to Toys for Tots.

YHC Guitar Ensemble Concert set for November 20

11/19/2008

The Young Harris College (YHC) Guitar Ensemble will present an evening of music composed by Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos on Thursday, November 20. Vila-Lobos is considered the most significant Brazilian composer. He has written many different types of work but is best known for his guitar compositions.

Purchase tickets for Tour of Homes

11/19/2008

The Annual Holiday Tour of Homes sponsored by the Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Society (VCAAHS) will be held Saturday, December 6, 5-9 p.m. and Sunday, December 7, 1-5 p.m. You can purchase your tickets in advance begining Saturday, November 22, 5-8 p.m.

Private school receives recognition

11/19/2008

The educational challenge of the 21st century has motivated Refuge Christian School, a ministry of Refuge Missionary Baptist Church, to uphold their standard of excellence that has earned them quality status. Using the individualized Bible-based curriculum of Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.