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.

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.

Fred Raines Melton, 70, of Murphy died Thursday, July 15, 2010 at his residence.  He was a native of Hartsville, TN but had lived in Tampa, FL before moving to western North Carolina in 1988.  Fred was a self employed petroleum contractor in Florida and later worked for Schneider National Trucking Co. and the Crisp Paving Co.  He was of the Baptist faith.

He was a wonderful loving husband and a wonderful father to his children.

He was the son of the late Walter Fred and Jessie Vance Melton.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Jordan Melton.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Janice Howard Melton; a daughter, Michelle West and husband, Shane of Andrews; a son, Donnie W. Melton of Crossville, TN; a grandson, Andrew Raines West; an aunt, Billie Vance Lannom; a sister-in-law, Merry Grace Howard; and a brother-in-law, Russell Lee Howard.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 17, 2010 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Rev. Derrick Palmer officiating.  Interment was in Vengeance Creek Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers were Shane and Jeremy West, Trampas and Eric Crisp, Jerry York, and Kip Bartlett.

The family received friends from 12:30-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

The family requests memorials be made to the Vengeance Creek Memorial Gardens, c/o Vengeance Creek Baptist Church, P.O. Box 253, Marble, NC 28905.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

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

Ruth Bailey Jenkins, age 90, of Canton, GA and formerly of Murphy, NC passed away Monday, July 12, 2010 at her residence.

She was born in Fannin County, GA., but was a native of Cherokee County, NC. She was the daughter of the late Julius Robert and Amanda Bell Bailey. In 1938 she married Virgil V. Jenkins and celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary before his passing in November of 2009. Ruth was unable to finish her schooling because her father passed away when she was young and she had to help on the farm. She completed her education after raising her six children. Ruth was a department store manager of Sears Department Store in Colorado. She was a member of the Harris Chapel Church of God.

She is survived by two sons, Jerry Jenkins and Rev. Guinn Jenkins; four daughters, Joyce Durand, Gail Oates, Sandi Southland and Pam Jenkins-Lamb; one sister-in-law, Luella Newman; 21 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren.

Funeral Services were held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, July 15, 2010 at the Harris Chapel Church of God in Murphy, NC. The Rev. Guinn Jenkins and Pastor Jim Hall officiated. Burial was in the Flax Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Charles Newman, Daymon Southerland, Robert Gullatt, Brad Jenkins, Todd Hall and Bill Jenkins.

The family  received friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC.

You may send tributes to the Jenkins 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.

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.

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.

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

Staff, residents, and family members were encouraged to nominate staff members for each category for their outstanding service throughout the year.   Amy Moody, LNHA, and Vice President Long Term Care, presided over the awards ceremony.  Judy Hunter, LPN, received Nurse of the Year Award.  “Judy is a very caring and compassionate nurse who puts the residents and their needs first.  She is a team player who is always willing to help others,” were some of the comments from staff and residents who nominated her for the award.

Diane Burris was named Nurse Aide of the Year.  “Diane is loved by all her residents and co-workers. She goes above and beyond the call of duty in helping provide the best care responsible for her residents,” stated Amy Moody.

Cathy Rhoades was named Ward Secretary of the Year in recognition of her helpfulness to the staff and residents.  Margaret Sistrunk received the Nutritional Assistant of the Year award for her thoughtfulness and caring attitude.

Debra Keating, Director of Nursing, remarked, “We realize that all of the staff are special in their own way, and appreciate all of the hard work they do on a daily basis.”

The Nursing Home of Murphy Medical Center is a Medicare/Medicaid certified facility providing comprehensive and personalized nursing care to both short and long term residents.  The facility includes 120 beds, with a separate 14-bed  Alzheimer’s unit.

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CUTLINE #1

Francie Farnsworth, left, presents Nurse of the Year award to Judy Hunter, LPN, right.

CUTLINE #2

Diane Burris, left, receives Nurse Aide of the Year award from Amy Moody, LNHA, right, Vice President of Long Term Care at Murphy Medical Center.

CUTLINE #3

Cathy Rhoades, recipient of Ward Secretary of the Year award.

CUTLINE #4

Angela Michi, left, presents Nutritional Assistant of the Year award to Margaret Sistrunk, right.

HRWC invites everyone to its Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 24th at the

John C. Campbell Folk School. Although a variety of events will take place

throughout the day, the actual meeting will be held at 10:00am at Festival

Barn.

Try your hand at fly-casting or watch experienced members of the

Chattahoochee-Nantahala Chapter of Trout Unlimited tie flies. Look through

microscopes to see what’s living in pond water. Play the predator-prey game

with Shannon Colman of Cherokee County Cooperative Extension. Find aquatic

insects in the creek or talk a walk with the HRWC restoration coordinator to

learn about invasive plants. Games for kids and outings for adults are all

free.

This event is a great opportunity not only to learn about the Hiwassee River

Watershed Coalition, but also to give us your own input about concerns you

have related to water quality protection. Displays for various program areas

will be set up and staff and board members will be available to discuss

specific projects and ideas. Following the meeting, Doyle’s Cedar Hill

Restaurant will provide three lunch options for $8.00/plate.

We welcome everyone to come out and enjoy the beautiful campus of the John

C. Campbell Folk School, learn more about water quality, and the local

organization that’s working to protect it! More details including a draft

schedule of events can be found on the HRWC web site: www.hrwc.net

Interested persons may also call 828-837-5414 for details and directions.

Suggested photo captions:

- Children and adults alike enjoy “making it rain” on the mini-watershed

model to see what kind of “pollution” runs into the water.

- Check out what’s in the water with TVA’s high-powered stereoscope and

other microscopes borrowed from Young Harris College.

- We’ll be testing the dissolved oxygen in Brasstown Creek throughout the

afternoon to see if it changes as the temperature increases.

George and Carolyn Michelson, holding scissors, owners of George’s Butcher Shop, celebrate the opening of their new Murphy location with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.  They are joined by employees, friends, family and Chamber representatives.  Their new shop is located behind Grocery Outlet at 20 Wells Connector Road, Murphy.  They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.  They have the same delicious meats they had in their Ranger store, including Brasstown Beef and other meats, and they smoke their own meats right in the shop.  For more information, call 837-7878.

By Julie Chautin

Contributing Writer

Katie O’Connor is five years old and loves books.  She and her parents, Matt and Jenn O’Connor were visiting her grandparents, Murphy residents Mike and Marcia Smith, when they stopped by the Murphy Library.

The library has been buying new nonfiction books for its children’s section recently with funds raised at the May yard sale and book sale.  Katie found a new book about the color yellow full of everything yellow, from bananas to parakeets.

Librarian Jeff Murphy noted that he ordered new books from Crabtree Press and also from Amazon.  A young person (and even an adult) could spend a hot summer afternoon reading about France, China, the color blue, the Hudson River, and even….vampires!  Just ask the librarians where the new children’s books are.

More fundraising events are on the calendar.  The Craft Supplies Sale (for the Spelling Bee fund) and Book Sale take place at the library on July 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The annual auction is at Bob Grove Auctions on August 7.

Photo by Julie Chautin

Five-year-old Katie O’Connor reads one of the new books at the Murphy Library purchased with funds raised at the Friends of Murphy Library yard and book sale in May.  Katie was visiting the library with her parents Matt and Jenn O’Connor during their recent vacation.  More fundraisers are coming up.