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A Whole Month to Remember " TO SIMPLY GIVE ....THANKS!"
Thanks-Giving 24/7, 365 days a year is such a great concept!
One day a year to simply give Thanks is not adequate, in any fashion, for the blessings we all have and often take so much for granted.
I love the Buddhist idea that thanks-giving should be given 24/7 with every breath and with every step we take on this green earth.
A simple prayer on one day does not adequately express the gratitude we all should have for simply being alive and living in this fantastic community.
Is there any doubt that we are blessed to live in a community with clean air, greenery all around, plentiful water, freedom to do what we desire, and, most importantly, people who truly care for each other?
For some unknown reason, our beautiful mountain community has been spared most of the great economic suffering that has inflicted our nation these last few years.
While we all try to remember to give thanks for our blessings, it is also imperative that we work to assist those in our community that need our help.
Many in our extended community are suffering great economic hardship due to job loss, health problems, and other things simply out of their control.
Do see our Table of Contents on how you can help our community by donating to Sheppard's Care and other groups that help our community.
We have SPOT LIGHTED Sheppard's care this month as it is directly trying to serve those in need in our community along with other caring groups..
Have a fantastic month friends! Let's say a simple THANKS to all we meet this month!
Let's all go out this month, live in joy,love and peace and simply give thanks!
namaste,
Russ Meade
Editor
Hickory Nut Gorge News, Inc
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
On this day may we ...."beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord;...and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity....."
Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment.?
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We are expanding again..... THANKS TO YOU!
- Before a group of local residents decided to report the news of our beautiful mountain home there was no news but "word of mouth".
- Now we receive hundreds of pictures, events, and e-mails concerning news of our area..
- There are ideas, pictures and articles below that we hope will give you hours of enjoyment!
Our Community Newspaper and Web site is sent to the largest known data base of local individuals who want to receive information of our area and people.
If you do not want to receive, a simple click below to unsubscribe will forever take you off the news..
Let's keep the GOOD NEWS flowing!
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All the Local News is Right Here!
Eight Time Emmy Wining Flautist Kat Eppel Performs in Lake Lure
Kat Epple recently appeared at The Jade Turtle in Lake Lure on October 12h for a live performance with the Band Pond Experiment. The Pond Eperiment plays a blend of jazz, world, blue grass, and new age music. Numerous local residents enjoyed a a delightful Sunday afternoon with Kat and the band
Kat has also done live performances including: solo performances at the Guggenheim Museum in NYC, and Spain, with Symphony Orchestras, The National Gallery, Washington DC, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
To see her web site please do click here
Editor's Note: If you have a band or other performance in our area do let us know early in the preceding month so we can let everyone know. do e-mail us at gorgenews@bellsouth.net
Another plant closes in our area!
If anyone needs more reasons to SHOP ONLY LOCALLY, perhaps the recent news of another plant closing in our area will do the trick!
Grover Industries closed its plant in Polk County recently. The plant has manufactured goods from that location since right after the Civil war. The unemployment rate in our area is now one of the worst in the nation.
Let's all vow to stay out of the big box stores and spend our dollars where it helps our neighbors and our nation
To read the entire story do see the Tryon Daily Bulletin
King Tract Purchased by The Nature Conservancy
“In addition to protecting Rumbling Bald, the King tract is also a biological treasure in its own right,” said Ray. “Montane oak-hickory forest covers much of the tract, along with acidic cove forest and chestnut-oak forest. Within these natural communities are found a multitude of flora and fauna, including the state rare lampshade spider and two federal species of concern – green salamander and eastern woodrat.”
Rumbling Bald is a long mountain located on the north side of the gorge that extends from about one mile northwest of Lake Lure and links up with Shumont Mountain. Rumbling Bald is distinctive for its series of three mounds and towering rock cliffs. The mountain gradually rises in elevation to about 2,800 feet and is characterized by sheer cliffs and granite domes. Mature chestnut oak forest and oak-hickory forest cover much of the mountain's slopes and crest. Rare plants, including the federally endangered white irisette, grow in these forests. A rocky outcrop on the north side of the mountain's crest supports round leaf serviceberry, Biltmore sedge, and eastern shooting star.
Rumbling Bald is home to a wealth of unusual animals.
Ravens nest in these rocky exposed cliffs. The uncommon Bat Cave form of the Yonahlossee salamander, which was formerly known as the crevice salamander, also inhabits this preserve. Several large fissure caves on the preserve serve as hibernation spots for many bats, including the eastern small-footed myotis." Article by Debbie Crane TNC
To read the complete story from the Asheville-Citizen times do see: http://www.citizen-times.com/article/200881008002
Our Local Bookstore Featured at the Independent Booksellers Alliance
Our local bookstore was featured in a front page article about the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance.
"Kay Hooper and her business manager Linda Parks bought the 18-year-old Fireside Books & Giftsin Forest Lake, N.C. Parks, along with former owner Suzanne Ledford, attended last weekend's SIBA (Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance) gathering held in Mobile, AL from Sept. 25-28. The two arrived early for Thursday's all-day Bookseller School.
"Sometimes when people hear 'bookseller school' they think it's going to be all beginner information," said Ledford, who has stayed on at the store as its media contact. "I'd been working at Fireside since I was 16 and I owned it for the last three years and I still learned new things from that day of education."
New co-owner Parks was a first-time SIBA attendee and was enthusiastic about the re-branding of Book Sense into IndieBound. "I like that they've opened up the idea away from just being book-focused so we can have an indie cooperation that can involve all the local retailers in our town in spreading the word about supporting local businesses. You get more support, the more people you involve," Parks said." by Kevin Howell
State Buys Grandfather Mountain!
Another mountain is now preserved with Gov. Mike Easley's announcement on September 29th that it will buy Grandfather Mountain and its about 2,600 acres of back country wilderness, preserving one of the state's natural treasures."
"The $12 million deal will not include state ownership of the 600-acre tourist attraction that includes the Mile High Swinging Bridge, the nature museum and animal habitat, but North Carolina will have a conservation easement on that land. The agreement ensures that the scenic attraction will continue and can't be developed for other use."
Stop Outdoor Range in Edneyville
"Stop Outdoor Range in Edneyville (SORE) is a community-based group of concerned citizens who do not want an outdoor range placed in the middle of our growing community. We support law enforcement activities and do not oppose an indoor range, but an outdoor firing range in a populated area will not serve the best interests or contribute to quality of life in Edneyville, NC .Please take a moment an click on ACTION an e-mail all our representatives that you oppose this in our community"
Take Action NOW: an e-mail to stop this dangerous activity in our community: http://www.stopoutdoorange.org/index.html
Another Film Features Lake Lure as it's Setting!
Lake Lure has been film makers destination of choice since the early 1930's. National films such as Dirty Dancing, Last of the Mohican's, All the President's Men, A Breed Apart and numerous other national movies. Recently another possible hit is the horror film Rottweiler that was was recently presented to the world.
National North Carolina film producer Earl Owensby received the first lifetime achievement award given by the Charlotte Film Festival. His horror film, Rottweiler, which was first released in 1982 in 3-D.was featured at the festival.
It's about a pack of dogs bred and trained to kill by a secret army lab. When a military transport truck crashes on a North Carolina mountain road, the dogs spring loose and descend on the Lake Lure mountain resort. If you are a fan of horror films, this is the one for you!
Help Our Economy- Support The Farmers Fresh Market!
"Farmers Fresh Market is a virtual "Farmers Market" for local farmers. We are creating a sustainable food system linking growers, chefs and local distributors into a community of partners. Farmers Fresh Market's registered Buyer partners can access our website and place all of their orders online. Our Grower partners process the orders and we deliver direct to the Buyers. At present, the Farmers Fresh Market is serving Producers and Buyers in the Rutherford County NC area and Charlotte NC areas. The Farmers Fresh Market's goal is to provide the best, freshest, most flavorful, naturally grown produce to chefs and produce buyers in our local area.." For further information please contact: Foothills Connect Business & Technology Center. or online at will@FoothillsConnect.com.Foothills Connect is located at 146 N. Main St. in Rutherfordton.
To Purchase Healthy Produce and Help Our Economy, please see: http://farmersfreshmarket.org/home.php
Another Farm Preserved Thanks to Janet Shisler of Fairview!
The people of our area owe a great deal of thanks to Janet Shisler of Fairview! Janet has been recognized by the NC Forest Stewardship Program for her commitment to natural resource conservation and the excellent management on her 200 acre plus farm in Fairview.
"The North Carolina Forest Stewardship Program is a cooperative effort to help owners realize the objective of managing their forests for the benefits they desire. The program is voluntary, and participants receive recognition for achievements in promoting total forest resource management. Landowners receive technical assistance in developing a stewardship management plan. The forest stewardship plan is based on the landowner's objectives, and activities are scheduled to enhance the forest for wildlife, soil and water quality, timber production, recreational opportunities, and natural beauty.
The forest stewardship plan is action oriented and follows a time schedule that is compatible with the owner's resources and ability to conduct the work. Recommendations are made by agency and resource professionals, and the landowner then decides which activities to pursue.
The recommendations focus on practical modifications of existing conditions rather than costly investment. Stewardship practices do not need to be expensive to be beneficial. In fact, many landowners already practice good stewardship in many of their management activities. " See:http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/tending/tending_stewoverview.htm
Emergency Number Notification System
The Town of Lake Lure has instituted theCodeRED™ Emergency Notification System - an ultra high-speed telephone communication service for emergency notifications. This system allows us to telephone all or targeted areas of the Town in case of an emergency situation that requires immediate action (such as a boil-water notice, missing child or evacuation notices). Be sure to add your telephone numbers
Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber
The chamber is looking for some pleasant, friendly and outgoing people who would like to promote the area by being a volunteer at the Lake Lure Visitor’s Center. Hours and days are very flexible, and training is provided. What a great opportunity to meet visitors from all over the country and maybe the world! Our visitors come in to learn about the Hickory Nut Gorge area & love that personal touch! Please call 828-625-9696 if you are interested or call Roz or Cheryl at 828-625-2725 .
FireFighters Needed!
The Town of Lake Lure is facing a critical shortage of volunteer firefighters. Without a significant increase in volunteers, the Town faces the likelihood of a substantial drop in our ISO rating, which would increase both commercial and residential insurance premiums town-wide. The Town of Lake Lure is covered by 4 Fire Stations, operated by 3 Fire Departments. The Fire Departments are Bills Creek, Chimney Rock, and Fairfield. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED DESPERATELY. Volunteer firefighters receive 1 free boat permit annually for volunteering. Please contact Ron Morgan at firechief@townoflakelure.com or (828) 625-9333 for more information on becoming a volunteer firefighter.
Old Mill to be Transformed into Call Center
The former Stonecutter Mills No 1 building will be transformed into a call center for Sky American Services Center, Inc providing the eventual addition of 100o new jobs to our county. With one of the highest unemployment rates in the state this is fantastic economic news for our area. The pay rate will be above minimum wage and will offer benefits to their employees. .
New Visitors Guide Promotes Our Unique County
The Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority has produced a new visitors’ guide that promotes the legacy of the county’s new logo, “Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills.”For more information or to order a visitors’ guide, call 800-849-5998or visit www.rutherfordtourism.com.
Our Caves Are Being Explored Daily!
When most people think of our area, they think of our magnificent lake or green mountains. HOWEVER, there is a treasure we SEE EVERYDAY but KNOW NOTHING ABOUT- Our Caves!
These truly are a NATIONAL TREASURE AND NEEDS TO ALWAYS BE PRESERVED.
Thanks to my new friend, Dr. Cato Holler, Director, North Carolina Cave Survey from Old Fort, we will hopefully have some great updates on a Treasure that Most Do not Know They Have! ( PS: Cato was the one who sent us " The Lost Moonshiner's Cave below"
Thanks to the children of Jamie and Elspeth Clarke the Hickory Nut Gap Farm will be preserved forever! The farm is located on a scenic byway 10 miles from Chimney Rock Park.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm Preserved Forever!
The Hickory Nut Gap Farm is one of the region’s most historic and scenic, places in our area. It is located on the old Drovers Road scenic highway.
The six surviving children of the Clarkes, whose grandparents purchased the land in 1916, chose to place the land under a conservation easement.
The conservation easement will be paid for by the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Trust Fund. The Hickory Nut Gap Farm sits near the top of the Eastern Continental Divide in Buncombe County, North Carolina, along the tightly winding turns of the old Drover’s Road, an early path for farmers out of the southern Appalachians to markets on the coast. The Farm is known locally as the “Sherrill’s Inn. .
Do e-mail the children through jjamie@hickorynutgapfarm.com> and simply say THANKS for protecting our Mountain Home!
Decorating the Gorge Winners Announced
The HNG Chamber has recently announced the winners of their Decorating the Gorge winners.
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First Place- Wyndham Fairfield ($300)
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Second Place - The Old Cider Mill ($175)
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Third Place – Chimney Rock Inn ($75)
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Judges Award – McDaniel House on Herman Wilson Road
Congratulations to all for making our Gorge even more spectacular! See the pictures of the Winners on the SIDE BAR!
Missy Meade Gates Returns to the Lake Lure Salon and Spa!
Missy has returned to the Lake Lure Salon after giving birth to the newest addition to our communites newest child, Olivia Gates on September 13th, .
Missy grew up at Rumbling Bald Resort and will now be available full time at the Salon.
Missy has been a Lake Lure Stylist for years and counts all in our area as her " family!"
Do make an appointment to see her at 828 625-0838 or 828-243-9507
The beautiful full service Lake Lure Salon and Spa where Missy works with the many talented Staff there is located directly across from Town Hall in Lake Lure.
If you have not seen this beautiful addition to our area do visit TODAY.
For further Information do see The Lake Lure Salon and Spa's Web Site
Carolyn Frykberg Designs Costumes for Limestone College
Carolyn Frykberg ,another Rumbling Bald native along with Missy Meade Gates above, has been hired as a Specialty Costumer for the Beauty and the Beast musical production in November at Limestone College in Gaffney, SC. Last Spring, Carolyn redesigned and constructed costumes for the contemporary production of Hamlet at Limestone College. Creating costumes of all types has been a passion of Carolyn’s for many years. She has operated as a freelance costume designer for the past five years. She most recently was commissioned to create three costumes worn at the Bug Ball held at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Gastonia; a function held at Daniel Stowe by benefactors. Carolyn graduated from Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, a charter school in Rutherford County. Currently, Carolyn lives in Gastonia and works part-time at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. She is a part-time student at The Art Institute of Charlotte Carolyn is the daughter of Bill and Rae Frykberg of Lake Lure. Limestone College in Gaffney, is the largest private accredited college in SC. . Many of the building are on the Historic Register. Let's all come to Limestone College to see Beauty and the Beast that will be performed Thursday, November 13- Sunday, November 16.. For further information see the Side Bar link to Limestone College.
Support Growing For New Lake Lure School!
Bill Frykberg, who is heading the Lake Lure charter school effort. for the charter of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy recently appeared before Lake Lure Town Board. Bill and numerous supporters told of the great need and benefit to our town of this new addition.
The town has offered Thomas Jefferson a 99 year lease on 20 acres of property valued at over $1,000,000 off Island Creek Road in town. Town council members passed a resolution supporting the new school effort and agreed to distribute a petition for it by the town’s e-mail list.
Our Counties New Web Site! Check it Out and Pass Along~
Ann Almond, executive director of Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills, which operates visitors’ centers in Forest City and Lake Lure. announced our counties new web site. The site is totally updated and includes videos and an interactive map. The new and creative redesign, by Tryon-based Synergy Point includes more detailed information to help visitors plan trips to our county
Now sit back, relax and pass along the Video on our county : Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills
Land Added to The Bat Caves
56 acres in Hickory Nut Gorge has been acquired by The Nature Conservancy that the group plans to transfer to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation for inclusion in Chimney Rock State Park.The land provides a great forested buffer for the Bat Cave Preserve.
Do join and support The Nature Conservancy and preserve forever our MOUNTAIN HOME!
"Preserving Hickory Nut Gorge is a Nature Conservancy priority because of its significance as an ecosystem. The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goal is to protect 10 percent of each major habitat on Earth by the year 2015. The Southern Blue Ridge, where Hickory Nut Gorge is located, is part of a priority forest habitat type for the Conservancy. Many rare plant and animal species, including some that are federally endangered, are found in the gorge. The Nature Conservancy has protected almost 3,000 acres in five significant natural areas in the gorge – Bat Cave, Rumbling Bald, Rainbow Falls, Cedar Knob and Cane Creek.The Nature Conservancy, along with its partners – Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina and Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy – is working to acquire additional property that will also be transferred to the state park system." From The Nature Conservancy
Lake Lure Lions Club Spend $77,801 Locally!
After two years the Lake Lure Lions Club has completed distributing $77,801.33 received from our participation with the HGTV Dream Home Tours. From January 2 through April 7, 2006, tours were organized to visit the HGTV Dream House in the Grey Rock development in Lake Lure, NC. Land Resource Companies organized the event and tours, charging $20 per ticket. Members of the Lake Lure Lions, Boys & Girls Clubs of Transylvania County and Hospice of Rutherford County assisted with tours as tent greeters, hospitality volunteers, parking attendants, shuttle drivers, and tour guides in the Dream House. As a result of this three month event, enough money was raised so each organization received a check from Land Resource Companies in the amount of $77,801.33.
All recipients are well-deserving organizations/individuals. These financial gifts have helped people in our local community, town, county, state and other areas.
The Lake Lure Lions again thank those members and non-members that helped us complete this project. Special “Thanks” to Lion Roseanne Pena for making the contact which resulted in the Club being involved with the HGTV Tours and receiving these funds.
Since 1917, Lions Clubs have offered people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving members in projects as local as cleaning up an area park or as far-reaching as bringing sight to the world’s blind, Lions Clubs have always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their community. Today with more than 46,000 clubs in 196 countries and geographical areas, the Lake Lure Lions Club is part of the world’s largest organization. The Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community and their programs are continually changing to meet new needs and greater demands, but their mission has never wavered from their motto “We serve”. For more information on the Lions Club of Lake Lure, visit www.district31alions.com .
Rutherford Hospital Recognized For Top Performance
Our local hospital was recently ranked among the nation's top hospitals in Thomson Reuters' 100 Top Hospitals: Performance Improvement Leaders survey.
Rutherford Hospital was recognized by the survey as being are among 20 medium-sized community hospitals from across the country that demonstrated the fastest, most consistent improvement over five consecutive years. The survey recognizes hospitals that demonstrates over all improvement improvements in all areas from clinical to operational to financial operations.
2009 Dragon Boat Race to Award Grants to Children
Lake Lure Dragon Boat Race and Festival. will be accepting applications until October 31st for grants from the proceeds of next year’s Lake Lure Dragon Boat Race and Festival. Local nonprofits programs must have 501c-3 nonprofit status and provide programs or services that improve children’s lives in Buncombe, Henderson, Polk or Rutherford .
For more information or an application please contact either Doug Long - 625-1427 or Diane Barrett 625-2812 .
Local Resident's Daughter Writes College Required Reading Book
The former Kayla Williams, the daughter of Lake Lure Residents Darby and Chris Williams, book Love My Rifle More Than You, " Being Young, Female, and in the Army" is now required reading at several colleges.
Kayla's book was recently selected as a required reading text for freshman students at Northern Kentucky University After her years of Army military service (Intelligence field, fluent in Arabic languages) Kayla went on to earn her Master's Degree in International Studies (special focus on the Middle East) at American Universityin Washington, DC. She now works for the renown think tank RAND. Kayla has spoken at dozens of colleges and universities--both in the U.S. and abroad. Kayla and her husband Brian, a seriously injured Marine who served this nation in Iraq are also working full time on Senator Obama Campaign. Brian is also a major organizer of Veteran's that oppose the Iraq war.
Do see their excellent web site below and watch Videos of these modern day heroes.
You can order Kayla's excellent book through Amazon on Our Online Bookstore
To view Brains primary work with Veteran's who oppose the war do see http://votevets.org/index_html
Gale Wilson's Sister To Host Seminar
Katherine Welch, Ph.D the sister of our local "Piano Lady-" Gale Wilson, will host an essential seminar in Atlanta on effective meditation..
This SelfCentered meditation program includes: A two hour in-person session with a certified Awareness Architect ,continuing education training via web, email, and video , downloadable guided meditations, access to the Ask an Architect Forum, and the The SelfCentered Challenge. Saturday November 22nd 3pm-5pm.You must pre-register to attend this training. Please email katharinewelch@netscape.net or call 404.519.7447 to sign up or inquire.. Do e-mail her and ask her to hold one here in Lake Lure!
Do see her great web site to see why we ALL need to attend her program!
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Mark Your Calendars Now For These " SPECIAL EVENTS"!
November 1-Fire Prevention Education Workshop and Hike SaturdayNovember 6: Nature Conservancy Workday
Lake Lure Municipal Center - Come hear from the fire fighters who worked for weeks to control a blaze that took 263 acres of forest in Hickory Nut Gorge. Other panelists will discuss how forest fires affect native and invasive species. Learn what steps you can take to protect your home from a forest fire. After the workshop, there will be a guided hike on a property that was directly affected by the fire.
Workshop 9 A.M. - 11 A.M. Lake Lure Community Hall 2948 Memorial Hwy
Panelists:
Ron Morgan, Lake Lure Fire Coordinator
David Ray, Director, (regional) TNC
Henry Hunsig, Educator, US Forest Service
Travis Smith, Naturalist
11A.M – 2 P.M. Hike at Wolf Creek - Carpools depart from Lake Lure Town Hall *Hikers should wear appropriate hiking boots and clothing. Please bring water and lunch or snacks. *Please RSVP by Mon. Oct 27 batcave25@yahoo.com or call Becky at 828-685-8798 for more details go to www.friendsofhng.org
Sponsored by: Friends of Hickory Nut Gorge & Rutherford Outdoor Coalition Donations to benefit the fire departments are welcome.
November 1-30 at Chimney Rock Sstate Park
Simply Click here for all Events at our new State Park
November 15 Fall Party for Children at Our Library
"Fall Party for the children in the area, ages preschool thru 8th grade, to be held at the library at 2 PM. Even if you don’t have children, we hope you will come. We will need volunteers to furnish refreshments, help with games and crafts and donations to pay for prizes and supplies. If you wish to support us, please call the library for more information.
As a wonderful finale to a terrific year, we will sponsor an evening of beautiful music featuring the vocal and musical talents of Miss Deborah Brinson whose specialty is music from the Old South and Celtic traditions. This promises to be an unforgettable program made even more so with delectable desserts, compliments of the ‘Friends’. Please plan to join us Sunday evening, December 7 at 7 PM in the Community Room of the Mountains Branch Library.
2009 ‘Friends’ Calendars are now available for purchase at the library and feature the beautiful photography of Nancy Hoopes. Choose from the desk size for $5 or the larger wall size for $10. If you are a Lifetime member of ‘Friends’, we would like to give you a desk size to show our appreciation. You may also receive a free desk size when you join or renew your membership at any level. Support our library and pick up a few more as gifts." For information contact Saundra Nelson, csnelson38@bellsouth.net
November 18 through November 20-“nalyzing Your Mountain Homestead
The North Carolina Arboretum presents an in-depth educational program on “Analyzing Your Mountain Homestead: First Steps to Landscaping,” led by Master Gardeners Glenn Palmer and Debbie Green.Held November 18 through November 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, the workshop explores what it means to address landscaping in our mountains: steep slopes, storm water runoff, invasive plants, wildfires, wildlife, and more.
Palmer’s “Analyzing Your Mountain Homestead” program was identified as a regional asset during a Mountain Landscapes Initiative charette held earlier this year, sponsored by the WNC Community Foundation. The program is $55 for Arboretum Society Members and $68 for the public. Pre-registration is required by calling (828) 665-2492, Ext. 317 or online at www.ncarboretum.org. For More Information on The North Carolina Arboretum see their Advertisement on our web site.
November 22 Bill's Creek Community Dinner
Turkey Supper with all the trimmings! The proceeds will benefit the further development of the community center grounds and pavilion.For more information, please contact Barbara Welge at(828) 625-5517
December 8- Annual Christmas Walk-
9 AM– 1:30pm , Fairfield Mountains Chapel, Women of the Church, Lake Lure
House Walk 9:00am – 11:30am, Tickets $10.00 Christmas Luncheon- Lake View Restaurant at Rumbling Bald Resort. 12:30pm -Tickets $15.00,
Call Anne Gundel 625-9400 or Fairfield Mountains Chapel @ 625-2411 for more information
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Living the WILD LIFE in Lake Lure and Western North Carolina!
Living the WILD LIFE in Lake Lure and Western North Carolina!
No, that is not the WILD LIFE we are referring to!
If you want a wild life do go to New Orleans!If you want artificial Wild Life do go to Disney World!
However if you want real wild life simply look out your window or walk into our mountains.
Approximately 65 mammals live in the Hickory Nut Gorge, Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains area.Black bear, coyotes , bobcats, deer, red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, red and gray foxes, skunks bats, turkey and Elk (Chattahoochee area)Reptiles include snakes, turtles and lizards. The only two poisonous species are the timber rattlesnake and northern copperhead. Neither have a lethal poison.Birds of prey include turkey vultures, hawks, and eagles. Peregrine falcons, the world's fastest bird, were close to extinction a few years ago and recently nesting in chimney Rock and the cliffs of Round Top Mountain.
Just a few pictures that we have received are pictured on the Side Bar to your left.If you have pictures or other information please do send them to us at : gorgenews@bellsouth.net
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Support a TRUE LOCAL for Lt. Governor- Walter Dalton on November 4th!
Unlike other Newspapers, we have elected to not state our recommendations in this coming elections.
However, a major MISSION OF OUR NEWSPAPER is to SUPPORT ALL LOCALS and support those who preserve our area!
There is perhaps no more local family or individual who has worked harder for our community than Walter Dalton!
His efforts to preserve chimney Rock and our area has earned your support this November 4th for Lt. Governor!
Growing up in Rutherford County, Walter was a leader. A popular student who did well in school, he quarterbacked his high school football team. His good grades and leadership qualities led him to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After receiving a degree in Business Administration, Walter went to work in banking. He later returned to Chapel Hill to earn a law degree.
In 1971, Walter married his high school sweetheart, Lucille.
Thirty-five years and two children later, they are still an inseparable partnership. Like their parents before them, Walter and Lucille raised their children, Brian and Elizabeth, in Rutherford County. Recently, when Chimney Rock, a natural landmark, came up for sale,
Walter successfully led the effort to add it to our state park system. It was not a new fight.
Throughout his career, he has fought to preserve North Carolina's natural beauty, working to add gameland to the South Mountain State Park, enlarge Lake James State Park and create Hickory Nut Gorge State Park.
We urge you to vote for a local who has worked the hardest to preserve our area- WALTER DALTON for Lt. Governor of NC.
See : http://www.walterdalton.org/about13.html
SMALL TOWN FRIENDLY!
This month let's all CHANGE from shopping in the BIG BOX stores to shopping locally and supporting our neighbors!
Our historic downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district and the stores and businesses of our neighbors represents the town motto of SMALL TOWN FRIENDLY"!
Afer visiting Historic Downtown Rutherfordton, complete your day in Forest City!
The Town was awarded the Main Street status in July 2003.
Seventy-nine buildings in downtown are located within the Downtown Forest City Historic District. Fifty-seven buildings are considered "contributing" buildings. See below also for our article on THE FOREST CITY OWLS!
(If you are a Forest City business that wants all to know about please let us know so we can let everyone know. at gorgenews@bellsouth.net )
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Our Wandering Photographers!
Let's face it friends, we LIVE IN A PHOTOGRAPHER'S PARADISE!
We have clear mountain streams, soaring mountains, color that makes one sigh with joy, a lake of sheer beauty, happy brides and families enjoying our mountain home, and the special people of our area simply living their journey!
So take those pictures off your computer and send the to us! We are the only media that has such an extensive collection of the photos of our area. Send us your photos so all can enjoy!
If you have not seen the beautiful photographs and hiking descriptions by Jack and Amy Thyen you have missed a real treat! Thanks Jack and Amy for showing us places many will not see!
Rich Thyen at the Edge of the World (aka Worlds Edge)
To see their entire album, please click here.
Wayah Bald Fire Tower
To See Rebecca' Jane's Great Photos Click Here
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We have been Discovered by THE WORLD!
We have: made the top ten lists of numerous publications, been featured on Good Morning America, featured in the NY Times, and featured on top10 lists from numerous publications!
We will try to bring you some of the many places that have featured our area!
Do check back next month for even more! If you have found a news article on our area, do let us know so all can read and enjoy!
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Let's support Our Mountain home by BUYING ONLY LOCALLY!
Our County is experiencing a tremendous loss of jobs, closed factories, and long established businesses.
When we buy at the BIG BOX STORES, we are sending out money to China, India, and other nations. Let's use our purchasing power in support of our NEIGHBORS!
We can all complain about the loss of jobs BUT we all contribute to it when we do not buy LOCALLY!
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Where are the discounts in our area?
Try the new Discount Ticket ( Go Blue Ridge Card) to the Biltmore, Lake Lure Tours, Chimney Rock and 25 Local Attractions. This is a MUST CARD for you and your guests!
The Go Blue Ridge Card was touted as one of the top new tourism boosters of the year by NC Magazine, a publication of the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
In its January issue, the magazine highlighted the launch of the Go Blue Ridge Card and its unlimited admission to more than 25 attractions in the region as one of the top new attractions, events and awards of the past year.
The formation of Chimney Rock State Park, the new Mitford Days Festival in Blowing Rock, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian's "Emissaries of Peace" exhibit at the Smithsonian, and the re-opening of Ghost Town in the Sky also received kudos from the magazine
~If you offer people a discount, let us know what it is so we can let everyone know!~
In these hard economic times, we all need a DISCOUNT!
Find Local Discounts by Clicking here
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Explore A Little Know Treasure- FENCES~
One of our mountains 'little know treasures is FENCE ( Foothills Equestrian Nature Center) located in nearby Tryon!.
"FENCE is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing facilities and focus for education, recreation and preservation in nature studies and equestrian activities with the aim of enhancing these endeavors to enrich the quality of life for the community.
Six miles of hiking and riding trails thread their way through the property, including a hard-paved trail for the physically challenged. The trails are equipped with information stations and shelters.. A nature pond with an observation boardwalk serves nature pond as an outdoor classroom for observing wildfowl and native plant species." From FENCE.
For More Information See: http://www.fence.org/general/about-fence
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What Happened 3 Hours ago or Three Years Ago!
Our Internet SPYDERS NEVER SLEEP!
24 hours a day, 365 days a year they search for news on our area and then out it on our site for you to enjoy!
Thanks to their work,our site on Topix is Now No 1 on GOOGLE!
A simple search on Google for " Lake Lure News" will bring up our site!
Being No 1 on GOOGLE out of 333,333 web sites does not get any better!
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED JUST MOMENTS AGO OR 3 YEARS AGO!
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More Articles and Poems by YOUR NEIGHBORS!
Forget the novels and poems by others for a few moments and read the poems and short articles by your friends and neighbors!
Please see below and you will read a beautiful poem on one's love for the Bill's Creek Community, Isa's great writing on NOW, Pat's beautiful poem on The Lady of the Lake and some other great writings!
Do submit yours today!
If you have written an article, a poem, or anything do let us know!
Read Local Aricles, Poems, and Stories
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Where is YOUR WEB SITE?
If you know anything about the internet, you know that that there are BILLIONS ( yes BILLIONS) of web sites!
Our Lake Lure Newspaper is unique as it SHOWCASES local sites.
Do send us yours so everyone can see and enjoy it!
It does not have to be a business ( though that is great), it can be any local site!
Do you have a family web site that you would like your neighboirs to see do you have a photo slide show of your family .How about a BLOG that you write daily?
Do send it to us at gorgenews@bellsouth.net so all can enjoy!
We will be featuring these web sites in future issues so show us what you love!
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Our Mountain Treasures
The NC Arboretum
A treasure right in our own back yard! See the list of activities that go on all year!
See Our Web site and visit today www.ncarboretum.org.
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SPOT LIGHT ON OUR GROUPS! SHEPERD'S CARE!
- One of the primary Missions of our Community Newspaper is to support and encourage the great service groups of our area.
- Each month we will showcase a group from our area that serves our community.
- Please do volunteer and donate to these great groups!
- To see all our service groups do see our GROUP PAGE ON OUR WEB SITE.
- If you have and announcement or information about your group, please do let us know so we can let everyone know!
Shepherd's Care serves the Hickory Nut Gorge (Western North Carolina), a four county area - parts of Rutherford, Polk, Henderson, and Buncombe Counties by assisting families/individuals with food, shelter, housing, medical, health, scholarships, and short term emergencies.
They are always in need of the following items:
Office Furniture, children's furniture, household goods i.e. dishes, pots and pans, anything one needs to set up house/home. Also, we ask you to please bring someone to help you take home heavy items i.e. furniture since most of our volunteers are not able to lift due to their age. We wish we had younger volunteers who could lift and do the heavy work, however, at the present time we do not. Your help with this would be most appreciated.
Shepherd's Care Food Pantry reaches out to less fortunate people in our area. What happens at our food pantry.
They strive to provide caring, consistent quality of services and an equitable distribution of food from our pantry to all clients regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
828-625-4683 - 154 Jean Luc Lane, Bat Cave NC 28710
Email: shepherdscare1@bellsouth.net
Visit their web site and help your Neighbor TODAY
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Did you know?
Did you know that:
Just outside our doors and with one hour of our doors, we have:
The most visited National Park lands in the country- the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,
America's longest scenic highway-the Blue Ridge Parkway,
The Southeast's most popular whitewater river – the Nantahala River,
The ancestral homeland of the Cherokee – the Qualla Boundary
America's largest home – Biltmore Estate
The deepest gorge in the Eastern United States – Linville Gore
The highest mountain east of the Mississippi – Mount Mitchell
The first school of forestry in America – the Cradle of Forestry National Historic Site
One of the best bouldering areas in the nation- Rumbling Bald
One of the oldest mountains in North America – Grandfather Mountain
An internationally known ecological, permaculture community -Earth Haven
One of the world's most beautiful lakes-Lake Lure.
One our nations great biodiversity regions - the Hickory Nut Gorge.
A national top 10 scenic highway-Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
If you have more information, do let us know at gorgenews@bellsouth.net
Now, do you KNOW YOUR COLORS?
This year, according to most reports was one of the best leaf seasons yet! Recent rains will also keep the leaves on the trees and extend the season.
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Thanks For Visiting!
If you surfed the Internet to find this site, you may Subscribe for free by clicking below;
We hope that you have enjoyed our Monthly Newsletter and
- Our Newsletter is an " opt-in" system so that only those that want to receive it on a monthly basis.
- To unsubscribe forever, a mere click below will take you off the News.
- Our data base is now believed to be the largest in 4 counties
- We welcome your thoughts and assistance as we try to bring you the very best of our unique mountain home each month.
The"Hickory Nut Gorge is a mood, a mystic moment, a presence that is ephemeral and yet permanent; always changing, constantly the same; a bleak and unforgettable beauty shared by only a handful of those who know the gorge in all seasons...It is the magic found the laughter of children who see the mountains, the river, and the endless activity and in the quiet delight of the grandparents who see the area in the deep and pure light of joy" Robert L. Williams, from The Living Legacy of Hickory Nut Gorge
 gorgenews@bellsouth.net
"ALL THE NEWS OF LAKE LURE AND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA!"
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ON OUR COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER AND WEB SITE!
Let's keep the GOOD NEWS FLOWING! Send us your articles and pictures!
Web Site. Our site is the most comprehensive web site on our area that we know of and exists solely to tell YOU what is happening in our area!
THIS IS YOUR NEWSPAPER!
PRODUCED BY YOUR NEIGHBORS
SENT TO THOSE WHO DESIRE TO RECEIVE
IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO RECEIVE A SIMPLE CLICK BELOW WILL TAKE YOU OFF FOREVER.
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Our Local Hiking Trails!
No other site that we know of has all the " local" trails that exist in our area. Do enjoy them all.
Please remember to secure any necessary permission and hike safely.
To see our hiking trails simply click here
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Wildlife in Our Mountain Home
WILD LIFE IN OUR MOUNTAIN HOME
Approximately 65 mammals live in the Hickory Nut Gorge, Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains area.
Black bear, coyotes , bobcats, deer, red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, red and gray foxes, skunks bats, turkey and Elk (Cataloochee area)
Reptiles include snakes, turtles and lizards. The only two poisonous species are the timber rattlesnake and northern copperhead. Neither have a lethal poison.
Birds of prey include turkey vultures, hawks, and eagles. Peregrine falcons, the world's fastest bird, were close to extinction a few years ago and recently nesting in chimney Rock and the cliffs of Round Top Mountain.
Just a few pictures that we have received are below. Do send us your photos and let's built a collection of our wild life! Send to : gorgenews@bellsouth.net
Big Brown Bats
(Eptesicus fuscus). Submitted by Chris Calhoun
Big Timber Snake
Crotalus horridus , Submitted by Chris Calhoun
Indiana Bat
Black Bear ( Harriet Taylor)
Deer ( Wolfgang Richter)
Turkey Vulture
Elk ( Vista Seekers Hike)
To View the Elk and Our Vista Seekers hike to view them do click here
Gray Fox
Coyote
Eastern Grey Squirrels
Groundhogs
Chipmunks
Muskrat
Do you have a great picture of the Wild Life in Our area?
Do send so all can enjoy! E-Mail us at anytime at gorgenews@bellsouth.net
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Our Local Colleges-Take A Class On the Internet!
ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ICC - Our areas great Community College offers degrees for all ages as well as classes of interests from the most basic to the most advanced.
See our Orientation Videos and support and go to college locally
LIMESTONE COLLEGE
Limestone College- founded in 1845. Limestone is an accredited, independent, coeducational, four-year liberal arts institution
This nearby beautiful college has nine buildings that are included on the National Register of Historic Places It's extensive Internet classes has made it the largest private, accredited institution in South Carolina.
Our Local Bank
Mountain First Bank in Lake Lure
Simply click the mage above and start your online account!
Nothing represents our " Small Town Friendly" motto than fresh baked cookies, coffee, rocking chairs, and down hom friendly than Mountain first Bank in Lake Lure.
For online banking and true personal service do see Lake Lure's own Edith Bond ( Manager)
Our Local Music
STATE OF MIND! Click Image above
e
The Tiki Bar & Grill ! Click above image
The Asheville Choral Society! 150 voices strong! Order Tickets Today! Simply click above!
To See All Our Local Music Click Here
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We are ALL on The Same Journey! Shared Moments
Fantastic free Concert featuring the" Pond Water Experiment "at the JADE TURTLE
Entertaining on a lazy Fall day in our town!
Our "never tiring" Leaders of our Hiking Club- The Vista Seekers, Wolfgang and Germaine Richter
If you have not seen the positive sayings at the Grove Park Inn, you have not seen the Grove Park Inn.
What a great thought to remember this month and every month!
Bill and Diane Ward enjoy a Sunday afternoon concert.
How many days until your retiremen again, Diane?
Pam and Bob Keith ,Jenny and John Wisniewski
at the" Moon Light Dragon Boat Paddle" Dinner
The Flag on the boat says it all!
Chris Williams. Olivia Meade Gates, and first time Grand Dad Russ Meade!
"Full Moon" Dragon Boat Paddle on the lake.
Spartanburg Dragon Boat Team.
Concert at The Jade Turtle
Walter Dalton and Family-
He helped save Chimney Rock for us!!
Vote on Nov 4th for a true local.
See Index above for the full story and his web site:
http://www.walterdalton.org/about13.html
Kids know how to help Our Community!
Support Shepherd's Care Today!
The DYNAMIC DUO : Jim Dunn and Sue Dunn
Hariet Taylor Hosts the Lake Lure Newcomers
Decorating the Gorge Winner 1st Place-
Wyndham
Decorating the Gorge Winner
2nd Place-Old Cider Mill
Photo Submitted by: Frank Campbell
Decorating the Gorge Winner
Third Place – Chimney Rock Inn
Photo Submitted by: Frank Campbell
Decorating the Gorge Winner-Judges
Award – McDaniel House
Photo Submitted by: Frank Campbell
Olivia Lucrezia Gates celebrates the Season!
First daughter of Missy Meade Gates and Justin Gates
Lake Lure Nature Trail Dedicated
Jim Proctor , Ed Dittmer, Chuck Pace,
Martyn Watts and Steve Wheeler
Photo by Wolfgang Richter
Relaxing after hiking the Bear Wallow Trail!
Chris and Darby Williams always go formal!
Friendship makes life a joy!
Good food, Cold Beer, Great Friends-
" Life is Good in Lake Lure"- Jessie Hutchinson
Experience NOW!
If there ever was a thought that we believe
expresses the thoughts of all who call our area HOME.
It is ISA's work below.
Do see his web site and let us all experience the joy of NOW.
NOW!
Life is a continuous flow of moment into moment.
With each moment brings the total perfection of NOW.
Awareness of this moment allows you to experience this perfection.
When you experience NOW,
Your Heart Sings
Your Being Soars
Your Soul is Free.
Nothing exists outside of NOW.
NOW is the eternal expression of GOD.
When you smell the fragrance of NOW,
You Know God.
You Taste God.
You Experience God.
You Become One with God.
NOW is your choice.
Take a risk.
Jump into this moment totally.
It is all you will ever have.
It is all you will ever need
Be seen by all - ADVERTISE on YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS AND WEB SITE~
Advertise with us AND BE SEEN!
When we started this Community Newsletter and Web Site several years ago, there was no local news for our beautiful area on a regular basis and no comprehensive web site to promote our great services and businesses.
Now, we are the No 1 site on google for most key words with a massive data base of those who desire to receive the news monthly!
A Web Site is ineffective if no one sees it!
A Newspaper is discarded in a day.
Radio is forgotten in a flash!
Through the use of numerous marketing techniques we work to make sure YOUR BUSINESS is seen by all in our community.
Just a few of these marketing ideas that we use are as follows:
Distribution of our Newsletter to what we believe is the LARGEST data base of local potential customers each and every month!
A mailing list comprised only of those who want to receive it.
A simple opt out feature is in place where those who do not want to receive can click below and be forever removed.
Our Newsletter and Web Site is useful to all and not mere advertising!
Our site contains Daily News through RSS feeds, Daily Weather, and a local Discussion Group and people check it daily for all their daily news!
Mouse over features with second picture from your web site.
Animated graphics to maintain interest.
Images directly link to your site
Highest ranking on many Key Words on the No 1 Search Engine-Google!
Your advertisement is seen 24 hours a day/365 days a year!
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US!
THE TIME TO GET INVOLVED IS NOW!
Do join and support these groups TODAY!
The NC Nature Conservancy
TNC is a leading international, nonprofit organization that preserves plants, animals and natural communities representing the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The North Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and its 23,500 members have protected more than 577,000 acres in the Tar Heel state. For more information :http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/northcarolina/
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
The Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, a regional land trust, is dedicated to working cooperatively with landowners and public and private conservation partners to preserve and protect important natural areas and open spaces of the Blue Ridge Foothills region, including watersheds, environmentally significant habitats, forests and farmland, for this and future generations.
See: http://www.foothillsconservancy.org/index.htm
REMEMEMBER TO SEND US YOUR PICTURESS AND ARTICLES ABOUT OUR SHARED MOUNTAIN HOME!
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY!
THE 1927 LAKE LURE INN AND SPA
THE ESMERALDA
RUMBLING BALD RESORT ON LAKE LURE
STONEY CREEK FARM AND CABINS
FIRESIDE BOOKS AND GIFTS
FARRAL BRADTKLE-AUTHOR
GENEVA RIVERSIDE LODGING
LA STRADA AT LAKE LURE
POINT OF VIEW RESTAURANT
DUNCAN'S BAR B QUE
BELLA OF CHIMNEY ROCK
THE BACKDOOR RESTAURANT AND LODGE
CHIMNEY ROCK PARK
THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM
THE ASHVILLE CHORAL SOCIETY
THE OLD CIDER MILL
LAKE LURE SALON AND SPA
SIGNATURE TOURS
GLASSICAL HEIRLOOMS
BEVERLY-HANDS AND ASSOCIATES
THE JADE TURTLE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
COMPLETE 3D HOME DESIGN LLC
HOMEPLACE WALLPAPER AND WINDOW FASHIONS
KEN STEVENS-HANDYMAN
VIEW SAVERS WINDOW CLEANING
ALL IN ONE FOR BIRDS
MATTHEWS HOMES LLC
COLDWELL BANKERS REAL ESTATE
FAIRFIELD MOUNTAINS REALTY
BUFFALO HOMES
MOUNTAIN FIRST BANK AND TRUST
ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
STATE OF MIND BAND
JOELLE van den BERG, BEVERLY-HANKS AND ASSOCIATES
MIGHTY DOLLAR STORES-FOREST CITY
WYNDHAM VACATION RESORT AT FAIRFIELD MOUNTAINS
W.N.C CERAMIC TILE INC
Do you have a MOM AND POP BUSINESS?
http://hickorynutgorgenews.com/images/Shop_Local.jpg
LET US KNOW AS WE ARE THE ONLY KNOWN NEWSPAPER
TO GIVE A SPECIAL RATE TO OUR SMALL BUSINESSES
"Give me the end of the year and its fun
When most of the planning and toiling is done;
Bring all the wanders home to the nest,
Let me sit down with the ones I love best,
Hear the old voices still ringing with song,
See the old faces unblemished with wrong,
See the old table with all of its chairs,
And I'll put soul in my thanksgiving prayers"
Edgar A Guest
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