by William V. Reynolds

Joel Chandler Harris, a Georgia writer who lived at Eatonton, Georgia, was born in the year 1848. He grew up in the antebellum South and continued to live there until his death in the early 1900s. During this time Joel heard many stories from the African-Americans who lived around him. To his credit, he decided to collect these stories and publish them in a volume called, “Uncle Remus.” This collection of stories became the basis for the film we are considering today.

In the middle 1940s Walt Disney, who had been exclusively producing animated features since 1938, decided to make the film Song of the South (1946). Disney hired two screenwriters, Dalton Reymond, a Southerner, and Maurice Ralf, a liberal Jew, to write the screenplay for this production. He reasoned that the two writers would counterbalance each other helping to keep the production from becoming racially biased.

In spite of Disney’s efforts, the NAACP and several other African American organizations denounced it as racial stereotyping. The racial bias is so strong that even today in our politically correct society the film is not widely available. A few copies can be found on the Internet but some of these are bootleg, i.e., illegal copies. The Disney Company canceled plans to re-release the film in 2007.

Contrary to popular belief, the story is set in the post-Civil War South. And the subject of the story is about a friendship between a distraught young boy and an old black man. Johnny (Bobby Driscoll) goes with his mother to visit his grandmother’s plantation. When he learns that his mother and father are separating, he is emotionally overwrought and plans to run away.

It’s during this run away episode that he meets the old black man, Uncle Remus (James Baskett), who is telling stories to a group of young blacks. Johnny stops by to listen and later he and Uncle Remus become friends. During their relationship Uncle Remus tells Johnny a number of stories using animals in the role of people to make his moral points. This type of storytelling was common among many cultures including American Indians. If we go far enough back, we find European tribes who likewise used this form of mythology.

The conflict comes about when Johnny’s mother, Sally (Ruth Warwick), accuses Uncle Remus of “warping” Johnny’s mind with his stories and orders him to stop. Finally, Uncle Remus decides to leave the plantation. As he leaves, Johnny rushes to catch up to him making the mistake of crossing the bull’s pasture. Johnny is injured by the bull and the rest of the story has to do with his recovery and Uncle Remus’s remorse.

The film was nominated for two Oscars, and it won best music – original song. In 1948 James Baskett was awarded a special Oscar for his work in the film. Incidentally, this was the first Oscar awarded to a black male actor.

Today we give a reel memories salute to Walt Disney’s Song of the South (1946).

William V. Reynolds is the author of “Life with Charlie” available at McCaysville Public Market and Pat’s Country Kitchen in McCaysville; Parris Pharmacy, The Book Nook and Ingles in Blue Ridge; Book Nook in Blairsville; and Phillips and Lloyd in Hayesville.

John Bruce & Dawn S Chambers sold 1.22 acres, Lot 1 (Mission Hill Estates) in Shooting Creek Township to Myron H & Linda T Patterson for $ 29,000 on July 22, 2010.

Mike Free-TR; Carl Maxwell-Tr; Shady Grove Baptist Church sold 1.00 acres in Hayesville Township to Richard

E & Denise Osborn for $ 2,000 on July 22, 2010.

Darren Patrick Jones sold 3.3332 acres, Tract R in Hayesville Township to Michael L. Jones for $ 225,000 on July 23, 2010.

Darren Patrick Jones sold 2.179 acres, Tract A in Hayesville Township to Darren Patrick Jones and Darren Jones Hayesville Land LLC for $ 217,500 on July 23, 2010.

Health Fair Offers Many Health, Learning Experiences

Murphy Medical Center will host a Health Fair on August 14 from 7 am – 2 pm, in conjunction with the WNC Business Expo/Job Fair which starts at 9 am.  The three-county event will be held at the Coats American building at 115 Palmer Lane, in Marble, NC.

This year’s Health Fair will be the largest yet, featuring 15 tables representing all departments of the hospital, along with Murphy Group Practice, Good Shepherd Home Health & Hospice, PARC, the Foundation, and the Nursing Home.

Medical staff will be available throughout the day to answer questions and provide health screenings.   “Murphy Medical Center is privileged to serve this community, and we are excited that so many of our employees and physicians are volunteering their time to make this health fair successful,” stated Mike Stevenson, CEO. “ I hope the public will take advantage of the information and significant savings on health screenings that will be available.  Health screenings have been proven to save lives by their early detection of health problems.”

Attendees will leave the Health Fair with a wealth of information on how to manage and optimize their health.  In addition to reduced-cost health screenings, attendees can participate in a free “Know Your Numbers” health assessment which includes height, weight, body fat, blood pressure, blood glucose, and other important information.

A special feature this year includes free breast exams from 7-9 am, conducted on site in a private exam room by Nurse Practitioner Kay Hayes.  Skin cancer screenings will also be available.

The “Meet Our Medical Staff,” booth will give attendees the opportunity to meet our medical staff and learn more about their specialties.  The program includes several presentations followed by question and answer sessions.

The Foundation of Murphy Medical Center will also offer the opportunity to pre-register for the “Two Hours from Anywhere” Road Race, to be held September 18.

Staff will be available to provide information on diverse topics, such as diabetes education, dietary education, pediatric services, and pre-natal education, in addition to information on home health services, hospice, advanced directives, Lifeline, and nursing home services.  Information on radiology, orthopedic, rehab, cardiac rehab services, and PARC will also be available.  Expectant parents can learn about free pregnancy and childbirth classes offered by the hospital’s Family Tree program, and register to win a new infant car seat.

Blood work will be available at reduced fees.  Anyone intending to have lab work done should remember to fast (no eating or drinking, except water) for at least 8 hours prior to testing.    The free Body Fat Analysis also requires fasting and no caffeinated drinks prior to testing.  All tests involving fasting will run from 7 – 11 am.  Other screenings not dependent on fasting will continue until 2 pm.  Light refreshments will be available after testing, for those who have had blood work done.

CUTLINE: Anne Cluff, left, of PARC, and Vance Ingle, Rehabilitation Manager (right), check over the Body Fat Analyzer in preparation for the upcoming Health Fair.  Body fat analyses will be part of the free “Know Your Numbers” health assessment offered at the August 14 event.

Mrs. Donnie Wood, age 78 of Young Harris, GA passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, July 11, 2010 following a period of declining health. She was born to the late Barn and Dessie (Arrowood) Ledford on June 09, 1932 in Hiawassee, GA. She was employed by GA Boot in Blairsville for thirty years. Donnie enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower garden and loved and cared for her dog Sadie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Jule Wood; brothers, Lawrence Ledford and Ethern Ledford; sisters Mary Louise Ledford, Eva Cothren and Ruth Ledford. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Glenda and Calvin Hooper, of Hayesville, NC; Golda and Jimmy Koluder, of Blairsville, GA; Barbara and Dean Tucker, of Hiawassee, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Mary Wood, of Young Harris, GA; brothers, Darnce Ledford, of Burlington, NC; Clarence Ledford, of Hiawassee, GA; Garnet Ledford, of Michigan; sister, Maggie Crane, of Hiawassee, GA; four grandchildren, Craig Hooper and his wife Ilise of Hayesville, NC; Timothy Wood, of Atlanta, GA; Adam Tucker, of Hiawassee GA; and Hope Koluder, of Blairsville GA; one great grandchild Dustin Hooper of Hayesville NC; and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 from Lower Hightower Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Rogers, Rev. Clark Moss and  Rev.Harrison Bradley officiating. Music was provided by Stanley-Karen Wood and a dear friend Bobby Ellis. Pallbearers were: Rondal Wood, Clyde Brown, Roger Ledford, Kenneth Mull, Adam Tucker, Dustin Hooper and Glen Hicks. Interment was in Lower Hightower Baptist Church cemetery. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.

Reva Lois Price, 85, of Hayesville passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 in Tampa, FL.  She was a native of Towns County, GA. After retiring from AT&T in 1986, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with family and friends.

She was the second of three daughters of the late Lewis and Dollie Smith Fuller.  She was preceded in death by two sisters, Odel Shook and Juanita Sistrunk; and two brothers, Lewis White Jr. and Robert White.

Surviving are two sons, Leo and wife, Sue of Hayesville and Richard (Joe) and wife, Carla of Tampa, FL; five sisters, Nolie Ballard of Hayesville, Idel Shook of Hiawassee, GA, Jeanette Fonville of Tunnel Hill, GA, Joy Crowe of Monroe, GA, and Marcia Riden of Rockford, TN; two brothers, David White of Dallas, TX and Paul White of Richmond, VA; eight grandchildren, Renee, Denise, Anthony, Amanda, Rachel, Leo Jr., Richard Jr., and Shelbi; 22 great grandchildren, Dustin, Emily, Brittany, Joshua, Bethany, Noah, Brian, Jenny Lynn, Christopher, Courtney, Desire, Jason Jr., Dominique, Alexis, Taylor, Isaiah, Jadyn, Tristan, Beth, Gabby, Lizzi, and Benji; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 24 in the Woods Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Darryl Dale officiated. Interment  followed in the church cemetery.

The family received friends from 6-8 Friday evening, July 23 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville and 9:30-10:45 Saturday morning at the Woods Grove Baptist Church prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Reva Lois Price to the Woods Grove Baptist Church, c/o Jerry Kendall, 1700 Kendall Road, Young Harris, GA 30582.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

An online guest register is available at “Obituaries” at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com

Mr. Dale Lee Green, age 74 of Brasstown, NC, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at Murphy Medical Center.  Mr. Green was born in Towns County, GA,  April 19, 1936 to the late Benjamin Franklin Green and Owa Elvira Payne Green. He was a member of Hickory Stand Methodist Church, a Master Mason, he was a retired route salesman for Kerns Bread Company, he enjoyed traveling to antique motor shows and had a passion for hit and miss motors.

Another pass time he enjoyed was grinding corn meal.

He was preceded in death by sister, Julie Caylor, sister, Vesta Dyer, brother, Willie B. Green, son, Dale “Eddie” Green.

Survivors include: son, Ronnie (Debbie) Green, son, Tommy (Kathy) Green, son, Kenny (Peggy) Green, daughter, Becky (Rickey) McDonald,  loyal companion and care giver, Faye May, mother of his children, Bobbie Mae Taylor Green, Eddie’s fiancée, Tonya Peterman, step son, Mark May,

brother, Carl Green, brother, Robert Green, dear friend, Wendell Hester, eight grandchildren, three step grandchildren, four great grandchildren.

A celebration of his life was held Thursday evening July 22, 6- 8 PM from the Cochran Funeral Home. Interment followed Friday Morning  in Hickory Stand Cemetery.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Green. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhome.com

She was a native of Harrisburg, PA and the daughter of the late George Anthony and Martha McCalation Resetar. Dorothy was an LPN and enjoyed helping others especially those in need.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one son, Don Carl Nasco.

She is survived by her husband, Dominic C. Nasco; two sons, Dennis George Nasco of Cleveland, GA and his wife, Terrie and Dean Nasco and his fiance, Cheryl of Hayesville, NC and daughter, Juanita Nasco of Hayesville, NC.

A private Memorial Service is being conducted by the family.

You may send tributes to the Nasco family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangemets

Lisa Helton Mull, 47, of Hayesville died Saturday, July 17, 2010 at her residence. She was a native of Cherokee County, but had lived in Clay County for the past 22 years. She was a homemaker and enjoyed landscaping. She was a member of the Bell Hill Baptist Church.

She was the daughter of the late Calvin and Billie Jean Orton Helton.

Surviving are her husband, Rick Mull; a daughter; Jessica Mull of Hayesville; two sisters, Linda Garrett and husband, Dennis of Dalton, GA and Brenda Smith and husband, Bob of Murphy;  two brothers, Harold Helton and wife, Debbie and Ronnie Helton and wife, Joan all of Murphy.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Monday, July 19 in the Chapel of the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Rev. Charles Shelton officiating. Interment was in the Bell Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jamie and Tyler Helton, Jason Rose, Kevin Garrett, Christopher Revis, and Edwin Patterson.

The family received friends from 12:00-1:45 Monday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

The family requests memorials be made in loving memory of Lisa Helton Mull to the Bell Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 865 Bell Hill Rd., Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

He was a native of Cherokee County, NC but had lived in Clay County, NC all his life. Earl was the son of the late Ralph and Ruby Belle Anderson Rowland. He was a maintenance worker for Chatuge Shores Golf Course in Hayesville, NC. Earl was of the Christian faith.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Beasley in 1993 and Shirley Thomas in 2006.

He is survived by his son, Joseph Rowland of Murphy, NC and one sister, Dorothy Rogers of Hayesville, NC.

Funeral Services was held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Hayesville, NC. Rev. Arnold Hovis officiated. Burial was in the Hayesville Baptist Presbyterian Cemetery in Hayesville, NC. Pallbearers were Bill Berrong, Denver Ledford, Verlon Ledford, Glover Brown, Cecil Brown and Kenneth Rowland.

The family  received friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Hayesville, NC.

You may send tributes to the Rowland family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

James Carl Barnett, age 70, of Gallatin, TN and formerly of Murphy, NC passed away Friday, July, 16, 2010 at Long Hollow Terrace in Hendersonville, TN.

Carl was the son of the late James Hubert and Mamie Marie Dockery Barnett. He retired from the TVA as a Heavy Equipment Operator and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Waverly, TN. Carl was US Navy veteran.

He is survived by two sons, Keith Barnett of Lobeville, TN and Michael Barnett of New Iberia, Louisiana; one daughter  Kathy Williams of New Iberia; three grandchildren and two sisters, Pam McDaniel and Pat Hendrix both of Gallatin, TN.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 18, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Carl’s brother- in-law, Ed Hendrix provided the Eulogy. Interment was at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family received friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 18, 2010 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1604 Ebenezer Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

You may send tributes to the Barnett family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James Carl Barnett, age 70, of Gallatin, TN and formerly of Murphy, NC passed away Friday, July, 16, 2010 at Long Hollow Terrace in Hendersonville, TN.

Carl was the son of the late James Hubert and Mamie Marie Dockery Barnett. He retired from the TVA as a Heavy Equipment Operator and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Waverly, TN. Carl was US Navy veteran.

He is survived by two sons, Keith Barnett of Lobeville, TN and Michael Barnett of New Iberia, Louisiana; one daughter  Kathy Williams of New Iberia; three grandchildren and two sisters, Pam McDaniel and Pat Hendrix both of Gallatin, TN.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 18, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Carl’s brother- in-law, Ed Hendrix provided the Eulogy. Interment was at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family received friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 18, 2010 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1604 Ebenezer Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

You may send tributes to the Barnett family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.