Letters to the Editor

The Generous Spirit

National Philanthropy Day is November 15, and I’ve been thinking lately about that universal spirit of generosity that prompts us to help others.

On a national scale, Americans gave $3.3 billion in charitable gifts in 2010, even in this tough economy.  On a local level, too, as the Foundation Director at Murphy Medical Center, I see examples of generosity every day right here at home:

Our incredible volunteers donating over 10,000 hours per year to help us with our important work for the community.  A concerned citizen walking through the door with a cash donation to help us fight breast cancer.  Hundreds of people turning out to participate in a fundraiser.

The good work of Murphy Medical Center Foundation is possible because of generous spirits like these, enlightened donors who know their gifts help, no matter the size.  People who believe that philanthropy creates good in the world, making it a better place.

As a supporter of various causes, including non-profit Murphy Medical Center, I know first-hand that it feels good to give.  To make a positive difference in my own community, to personally contribute to helping others.

In recognition of National Philanthropy Day, I thank all the generous folks who support Murphy Medical Center with their time and donations.  We provided over $11 million dollars in uncompensated care to our community members last year, diligently caring for those who need help.  We appreciate those of you who support us in our efforts and encourage everyone to be part of our good work in this community.

Kathi Osborne, Foundation Director

Murphy Medical Center

Letter to the Editor:

The Licklog Players and the Lilith Lidseen Arts Association

The writer is saddened to learn the Licklog Players will end their performances at the end of the year at the Peacock Playhouse.  Like most of the community I was unaware of what transpired between the Licklog  Players and the Lilith Lidseen Arts Association to cause the Licklog Players to make this decision.

Can’t all of you come together and “talk this out, openly and freely?’ Please-Please!

I remember my sixteen years of volunteering for you. Harold Seiler was Treasurer for the Licklog Players . All of us looked forward to the upcoming events, which we knew would gladden the hearts of all “Theater goers”.

Leta Harris

Letter to the Editor: October 28, 2012

Congratulations to all who worked so hard for months to make a huge success  on our Punkin Chunkin Festival!  We welcomed nearly 3500  residents, visitors, family and friends to Clay County last weekend and Mother Nature provided us a spectacular Fall weekend for all to enjoy.   Unfortunately, this year we

were unable to utilize the Riverwalk and downtown Hayesville location, as in the past, due to the uncertainty of harvesting the corn crop in time for the Festival.

So special thanks goes to Dr. John Kelley for allowing the Chamber of Commerce to host our event in Tusquittee Valley.  Our mountains and valleys came alive with music, good country cooking, crafts, and entertainment.

Thank you to the teams who presented a dynamic exhibition of their mechanical skills and talent with their Punkin Chunkin machines.  Your enthusiasm has prompted quite an interest from others who are considering building their own machine entries for next year’s Festival.

We especially want to thank Sheriff Vic Davis and his deputies for helping with the traffic control, Scott Penland and Annie Lloyd for providing and manning the shuttle bus, Gary Slagle for parking control, the Boy Scouts who helped keep the festival grounds clean, Glen & Bill Brechbill for hay and trenching, and Wood Automotive for the “Klunker”.  The glass pumpkin auction item from David Goldhagen was amazing!  Special thanks to all our volunteers, the food and craft vendors – and to our event sponsors – you are all truly appreciated.

Our Festival benefits the Chamber Hayesville High School Scholarship Fund.

Clay County and all its community spirited people have shown the World that this is truly a very special place to live! Congratulations to the Chamber Directors, Staff, and Committee Chairmen for all their efforts – A job well done!

We welcome your comments and suggestions for next year’s Punkin Chunkin Festival which will be held on the weekend of October 26^th, 2012.   Until then, “Let the Pumpkins Fly”.

Mary Wiegold & Cathy Jones

Chairman & Board Members

Punkin Chunkin Festival

Clay County Chamber of Commerce

Letter to the Editor:

I am a long time actress and supporter of the Peacock Playhouse . It’s with great sadness that we are losing our building as of December 31st. We can no longer meet the mortgage or pay all the expense involved in keeping the Playhouse open.

I’ve seen so much great talent in this community especially  among the young people-where will they go to further their talent and love of the theater? At the closing of “Fiddler of the Roof” my last performance, I told the actors to “Keep Show BUsiness in their Blood and a song in their hearts, and they will always be happy.”

Also it was an outlet for all the people in the community especially the elderly of which I am one/ My great concern is for the youth of this area who have so much talent.

Barbara Walker-Hayesville, NC.