Spring Membership Meeting, April 30, 2012

Approximately 30 CCCRA members and guests were present at the Gathering Place for the spring membership meeting.  Members brought desserts to share and coffee was provided by CCCRA.

Rob Tiger, President welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending.  Tiger also told the group that the CCCRA is in need of a member to help with marketing, public relations, and to be and advocate within the community.

Our speaker for the evening was Donna Gains of High Mountain Meadows Farm in Hayesville.  In addition to a wide variety of vegetables the farm also raises goats for both meat and milk.  They are currently building a creamery and hope to have it up and running by July.  They will specialize in mozzarella cheese, ricotta and chevre.  Also speaking was Debra Sloan, Agribusiness and Aquaculture Consultant for the North Carolina Department Agriculture (NCDA), who shared with the group the work of Southern Appalachian Family Farms, Family Farms Direct and NCDA.

Our first committee report speaker was Dorothy Ethridge who brought the group up to date on the projects that the Appearance Committee is working on.

Next was Sandy Nicolette of the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, Education Committee.  Nicolette explained the items that were on the exhibit set up at the meeting and the future plans regarding education for the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit.

John Bayne, Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, Facilities told of the work being done at the exhibit.  He explained that due to the incredible about of skilled work that was needed to build the planned cabin, that the site will now be a summer kitchen and will also be used as a presentation area.

Bob Brock of the Friends of the Historic Courthouse explained where the committee is in regards to the renovation of the courthouse and that work on the grounds and drainage around the courthouse will need to be completed prior to any inside work being started.  Brock continued with an explanation of how and why the Golden Leaf Foundation was formed.  He also told the group about the April 2 meeting that was held in Hayesville with the Golden Leaf Foundation representatives and what the next steps will be at the upcoming May 7 meeting.

Bev Adkins brought the group up to date on the efforts of the Membership Committee.

Joanna Atkisson, of the Trails and Greenways Committee, has been attending meetings with the North Carolina USFS Comprehensive Trail Strategy planning meeting and told of the efforts they are making to develop a long term plan regarding trails and trails usage.  She also told of the visitor counts that the Jack Rabbit Trail is experiencing.

Next Ron Guggisberg of the Trails and Greenways Committee reported on the work being done and work that will need to be completed in order to complete the Hayesville Connector Trail from the Cherokee Heritage Exhibit to Spike Buck Mound.

Treasurer, Eleanor Moyer reported that the CCCRA currently has $108,524.73 in the bank for various projects that are currently ongoing.

The meeting ended around 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Bowar, Secretary

CCCRA Board Meeting April 30, 2012

Officers:            Rob Tiger, Gail Criss, Eleanor Moyer, and Linda Bowar

Directors:            Bev Adkins, Joanna Atkisson, John Bayne, Bob Brock, Dorothy Etheridge, Ron Guggisberg,

Natalie Moses, and Sandy Nicolette,

President Rob Tiger called the meeting to order at 5:25 pm.  Sandy Nicolette made the motion to approve the agenda, Bev Adkins seconded the motion and the board voted approval.

Board Meeting Minutes:  Nicolette made a motion to approve the March 20th board meeting minutes, John Bayne seconded the motion and the board voted approval.

Treasurer’s Report:  Bob Brock made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, Ron Guggisberg seconded the motion and the board voted approval.  Eleanor Moyer discussed this year’s budget, passed out a revised copy of the budget and requested input on the projects that are currently being worked on.

President’s Report:  Tiger reported that the Auberry Family would like a plaque on the Hayesville Connector Trail showing that the land was Auberry Family land.  In regards to the cabin for the Cherokee Heritage Exhibit, the grant that CCCRA received for this work was cut in half when the grant was awarded.  Tiger has received approval to build a summer kitchen and presentation area instead of a cabin, which has proven to be more work than can be handled at this time.  Cost and type of material to be used for the summer kitchen roof were discussed.

Vice-President’s Report:   Gail Criss told about Donna Gains, who will be our speaker for the Spring Membership Meeting.

Old Business:  Criss sent an email with the draft committee descriptions and would like for everyone to review the job descriptions and let her know of any changes that are needed.  Criss also connected with Lou Lanwermeyer and he will be willing to work on the planning for CCCRA, but declined working on the marketing.

Tiger stated that we need to find a member with marketing or public relations experience and someone to be an advocate for CCCRA.

Guggisberg and Atkisson will attend the Travel & Tourism meeting on March 8^th.

Brock told about the meeting that was held on April 2^nd with the Golden Leaf Foundation.  The next meeting will be May 7^th and again will be held at the Courthouse.

New Business:  Tiger related that three funders with be at the Handmade meeting on May 23^rd in Ashville.  Each town is asked to have an exhibit at the meeting.  Representatives from CCCRA will be attending.

Criss is working on updating the CCCRA brochure.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:17 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Bowar, Secretary

CCCRA Board Meeting March 20, 2012

Officers: Rob Tiger, Gail Criss, Eleanor Moyer, and Linda Bowar

Directors: John Bayne, Bob Brock, Ron Guggisberg, Natalie Moses, and Sandy Nicolette,

Vice President Gail Criss called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm. John Bayne made the motion to approve the agenda, Ron Guggisberg seconded the motion and the board voted approval.

Board Meeting Minutes: Eleanor Moyer made a motion to approve the January 17th board meeting minutes, Bayne seconded the motion and the board voted approval.

Treasurer’s Report: Bob Brock made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, Sandy Nicolette seconded the motion and the board voted approval. Moyer discussed this year’s budget, which she is working on, but could use some input from the officers and directors.

President’s Report: Rob Tiger reported that the County is insuring the Cherokee Exhibit. General discussion followed on insurance for future events.

Vice-President’s Report: Refer to discussions in Old and New Business.

Old Business: The Spring Membership Meeting will be held. Criss will check with the church to see if the Gathering Place is available for April 30, May 1 or May 8. May 1 is the preferred date. The meeting will be at 7:00 pm and members will be asked to bring desserts. Set-up will be at 6:30 pm and the regular board meeting will be at 5:30 pm. Brian Trout will be asked to speak at the meeting and brief committee reports will be made.

Brock updated the board on the Friends of the Historic Courthouse Steering Committee and passed out a typed update, which is attached.

New Business: Criss reviewed the new flow chart. Nicolette, Guggisberg and Criss had met earlier and discussed the organization advocacy, including marketing, and which members could head these functions. Criss is still working on the committee descriptions. Bob Leonard is out of the state due to family needs and may be gone for up to six months. We will need someone to take over his grant coordination duties.

Brock told of the upcoming April 2 Golden Leaf Foundation meeting for Clay County and that this first meeting will be a “listening meeting” with other meetings to follow.

Tiger discussed the Blue Ridge Natural Heritage (BRNH) grant, which still has $3,000. A report of the accounting is due in April and a final report in May. He has requested an extension on the deadline, but it will need a BRNH board approval and the board doesn’t meet until June. Further discussion followed on what monies has been used from the grant.

Natalie Moses asked for feedback on the recent newsletter and inquired about all the emails that are duplicated, i.e., between the CCCRA, Clay County Chamber, BRNH, Handmade, etc. Moses will coordinate with Beverly Adkins and Helen Firor to get the emails organized.

Guggisberg requested help with the walking trail preparation on March 28^th.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Bowar, Secretary

Minutes of January 15 Board Meeting

Officers: Rob Tiger, Gail Criss, Linda Bowar

Directors: John Bayne, Sandy Nicolette, Lou Lanwermeyer, Joanna Atkisson, Dorothy Ethridge,

Bob Leonard, Ron Guggisberg and Bob Brock

Chairs: Jean Gora

President Tiger called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm. Lanwermeyer made the motion to approve the agenda, Bayne seconded the motion and the board voted approval.

Board Meeting Minutes: Nicolette made a motion to approve the November 15^th board meeting minutes, Criss seconded the motion and the board voted approval.

Treasurer’s Report: The board reviewed the Financial Report. Information as of the 2011 Recap indicates a Savings Account Balance of $30,680.14 with $ 20,350.14 designated for the Heritage Park and $10,330.00 for the Courthouse Restoration. Jack Rabbit Trail has funds totaling $22,510.46 and there is a balance of $23,016.88 in the General Account. A Certificate of Deposit totals $32,582.12. All CCCRA funds total $108,789.60 (See Exhibit A). Nicolette made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Bayne and approved by the Board. The Board will discuss ways for the treasurer to show expenses without creating a lot of additional reporting and paper at the February Planning Meeting.

President’s Report: Tiger recently attended the Steering Committee Meeting for HandMade in America and brought the Board up to date on the status of HandMade. Also, there will be a Cluster Meeting in May for the Small Town Initiatives and the fees are changing. It was suggested that we seek funding from the Town of Hayesville to pay the fee for the Small Town Initiatives.

Vice-President’s Report: Criss wants to make sure that all volunteer hours and mileage are reported. The hours are valued at $20.50 per hour for volunteers. The information is very important when submitting reports or seeking grants. This will be discussed further at the upcoming planning meeting

Old Business: The planning meeting will be held on Sunday, February 12^th at 3:00 pm at the home of Dorothy Ethridge. The facilitator will be Faye Hobbs. Everyone should bring an appetizer and whatever beverage they prefer. Also to be discussed is whether we want to have one or two membership meetings per year.

New Business: Funding for a 2012 archeological dig near Spike Buck Mound was discussed. Tiger has learned that Jane Eastman of the Western Carolina University Department of Anthropology and Archeology has received $3,000.00 from the university for a future dig. The board felt that CCCRA should contribute at least $500.00 at this time and possibly more in the future. Bayne made a motion to approve the $500.00 contribution and Lanwermeyer seconded the motion with the board voting approval.

Criss has talked to Moyer in regards to forming a Budget Committee and Moyer agreed that a committee was needed.

Criss was given the go ahead to purchase a display board for events and name tags for the board. The display board will cost about $150.00 and the name tags $10.00 each. Board members will each pay for their name tag.

Criss read aloud the CCCRA Conflict-of-Interest policy to the board members.

Open Agenda: Guggisberg wanted to make sure that Moyer understands all the forms that need to be sent to the IRS for CCCRA. Bayne suggested that if Moyer had any questions she should call Millie Bayne, our former Treasurer.

Nicolette attended the Clay County Chamber of Commerce Business after Hours and met Hazel Cording from Radio Station 97.5 in Young Harris. The station has recently been purchased by new owners and the format is news and talk. Tuesdays and Thursdays will focus on Clay County businesses, organizations, and events. Hazel Cording can be reached at 706-839-1490 or at Hazel@wjulradio.com.

On Thursday, February 2^nd a community meeting will be held a 5:00 pm at the courthouse to officially close the Clay County Sesquicentennial.

Guggisberg told about available grants for the urban trails program.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Bowar, Secretary

Oct. 27, 2011 - Annual Board/Membership Meeting

CLAY COUNTY COMMUNITIES REVITALIZATION ASSOCIATION
Annual Membership Meeting
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

Approximately 65 CCCRA members and guests were present at the Gathering Place for the annual membership meeting and covered dish dinner. The meeting was called to order by President Rob Tiger who welcomed all in attendance.

Dr. Jane Eastman, WCU Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, presented historical information about the Cherokee who lived in North Carolina and seven other states thousands of years ago. Dr. Eastman thanked CCCRA for offering financial assistance for the digs she and students have conducted in our community for several years.

Darry Wood was thanked for his work done on the 1820-1830 basket weaver that will reside in the Clay County Historical Museum. The double-weave basket accompanying his piece was woven by EBCI member, Lucille Lossiah.

Sandy Zimmerman, H&A Council member and chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee, indicated that proceeds from sales of Sesquicentennial memorabilia will be used to make repairs to the old jail museum and for historical courthouse restorations. Zimmerman presented a check for $3,000 to President Tiger on behalf of the committee.

Outgoing Vice President Margie Weathers and Director Louise Lorentzen were thanked for their years of service to CCCRA.

Eleanor Moyer presented the slate of officers and directors for 2012 on behalf of the committee:
President: Rob Tiger
Vice President: Gail Criss
Secretary: Linda Bowar
Treasurer: Eleanor Moyer

Director: Sandy Nicolette
Director: Natalie Moses
Lou Lanwermeyer made the motion to close the nominations, John Bayne seconded the motion and the members approved the slate.

President Tiger referred the members to the accomplishments of CCCRA during the 2011 which are printed on the back of the agenda. The Cherokee log cabin will be the next CCCRA project. The Historic Courthouse Committee will begin pursuing funding for the interior restoration as soon as an agreement is signed with Clay County.

Outgoing CCCRA Officer Margie Weathers was thanked for her years of service to CCCRA and the community. A gift certificate to The Copper Door was presented to Weathers in appreciation of her leadership and accomplishments.

President Tiger thanked everyone for their attendance. Door prizes were provided. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Nicolette, Secretary

Minutes of July 11 Board Meeting

Officers: Rob Tiger, Margie Weathers, Sandy Nicolette, Eleanor Moyer

Directors: Ron Guggisberg, Bob Brock, John Bayne, Joanna Atkisson, Gail Criss, Dorothy Ethridge, Lou Lanwermeyer

Guests: Amy Hollifield and Angie Chandler, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

Vice President Margie Weathers called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm and requested that we add the revision of the Welcome to Clay County Progress brochure disseminated by the Clay County Progress. Ron Guggisberg made the motion to approve the revised agenda, John Bayne seconded the motion and the board voted approval.

Board Meeting Minutes: Gail Criss made a motion to approve the May 17 board meeting minutes. John Bayne seconded the motion and the board voted approval.

Treasurer’s Report: Eleanor Moyer presented the Financial Report information as of 7/12/11 indicating a Savings Account Balance of $47,522.39 with $ 40,192.39 designated for Heritage Park and $7,330 for other projects (Courthouse Restoration). Jackrabbit Trail has funds totaling $22,387.79 and there is a balance of $22,476.49 in the General Account. A Certificate of Deposit totals $32,488.16. All CCCRA funds total $124,874.79. (See Exhibit A) John Bayne made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Bob Brock and approved by the Board.

HandMade Meeting Report: Board members reported that the CCCRA display was the best, in large part to the Sesquicentennial quilt. Topics of interest from the community reports and focus groups included social networking and developing a community calendar. Gail Criss will contact Ronda Birtha for information and Angie Chandler will supply information about Smoky Mountain Host.

Old Business:

1. HandMade Small Town Signs: The signs range from $40 to a sandblasted sign for $160-200 depending on the size. Possible locations for the signs include under the community information board at town hall or at the entry signs. Rob Tiger will investigate how the signs might be attached before we make a decision.

New Business:

1. Spike Buck Mound/Quanasee Site: President Tiger reported that 18 acres have been purchased at the site for a land trust. It is hopeful that additional acreage will be purchased to include the current dig site. Jane Eastman has uncovered relics dating back to possibly 1280-1380. Dr. Eastman will complete an archeological study gratis of the proposed trail site which needs approval by the Historical Preservation Society.

2. CCCRA Project Update: The exhibit will be included in a DVD funded by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area to promote the historical sites in the region. It can be used to educate business groups, chambers of commerce, tourism boards, etc. The 10 minute DVD will be launched on August 30.

The exhibit was photographed by CNEF, which will share the photos with CCCRA.

There was mention of the exhibit in the June issue of the WNC Magazine and the September issue will include coverage of the Jackrabbit Trail.

The Blue Ridge Country Outdoor magazine will also feature an article on the Trail.

National Endowment of the Arts personnel spoke with Tiger about the courthouse and exhibit.

3. Nominating Committee: Gail Criss, Eleanor Moyer and Lou Lanwermeyer agreed to serve as the nominating committee. Each board member was asked to submit a name to a committee member. The proposed slate of officers and board members will be presented at the September 20 board meeting.

4. Blue Ridge National Historical Area - Angie Chandler: Chandler commended CCCRA on its accomplishments. President Tiger will speak at the BRNHA annual meeting. CCCRA has been awarded two BRNHA grants for the Cherokee Exhibit.

BRNHA projects include: NC Dept of Cultural Resources: music trail in western North Carolina.

Blue Ridge Heritage Trail book: marketing will be focus of revision

Gems and Minerals in WNC: wanting to attract younger people to region.

BRNHA Website: Includes social media and events calendar. Send heritage focus event dates.

Artist Directory: updating with over 400 musical groups to be released in fall.

Interpretive Committee: signage for sites which have received grant money.

Visitor Survey: survey to be conducted in August at Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

5. Welcome to Clay County published by Clay County Progress: Rob and John will address the revision of the information for the Cherokee Exhibit at a Heritage Park Committee meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Nicolette, Secretary

Minutes of Spring Kickoff Meeting March 31

CLAY COUNTY REVITALIZATION ASSOCIATION
Spring Kickoff
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Hayesville First United Methodist Church Gathering Place


Approximately 60 CCCRA members and guests were present at the Gathering Place for the Spring Kickoff dessert meeting. The meeting was called to order by President Rob Tiger who welcomed all in attendance and invited them to help themselves to dessert and coffee.

Clay County Economic Development Group: CCCRA director and 21st Century Planning Committee Chairperson Gail Criss introduced Gary Reffit who provided a status report for the Clay County Economic Development. The committee was set up as a result of the Clay County Comprehensive Plan. The committee’s goal is to encourage businesses and companies to locate in Clay County in order to create jobs. A request was made by Reffit to identify CCCRA members who would be willing to receive training in order to become ambassadors or behalf of the committee. Ambassadors would answer questions and assist individuals who wish to open businesses in Clay County.

Historic Courthouse Reuse Plan: Chairperson Bob Brock introduced Joe Rybicki who shared the Powerpoint presentation presented to the Commissioners at a recent meeting. Repairs will need to be done to improve draining issues and a new floor installed before other repairs can begin. Funding will be needed to commence with the project. CCCRA members were invited to attend the committee meetings which occur at least once each month.

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit: John Bayne provided background for the development of the exhibit. A grant has been written to apply for funding to build a Cherokee transition cabin on the level below the Homestead Exhibit. Rob Tiger shared information about the April 16 workshop that will be presented for Warren Wilson College and Western North Carolina University students. A goal for this year is to develop a Cherokee Heritage Day to be held at the exhibit. A Cherokee garden demonstration is scheduled for May 5. Sandy Nicolette shared how the exhibit is being shared with local school children. Volunteers and donations were requested.

Jackrabbit Trails: Joanna Atkisson and Ron Gugggisberg gave an update on the progress of the Jackrabbit Trails. Use of the trails has increased over last year. A practice section is planned. The Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, April 30. Members are encouraged to assist with this event.

Family Fun Fest: Sandy Nicolette described this event for Clay County children which is held the second Saturday each August. Volunteers are needed to help with food, games, contests and art activities. Suggestions for “old-fashioned” games are appreciated.

Car B Que: John Scroggs is the chairperson for the Car B Que scheduled for June 11th this year. John Bayne explained that the American Legion will provide food with the Legion Auxiliary preparing desserts. Attendees and participants are asked to wear period clothing. Two Bloodmobiles will be on hand. Proceeds from sesquicentennial events will benefit the Historic Courthouse fund and repairs to the Old Jail Museum. A parade will be held on the square, July 4th with all organizations and businesses asked to participate.

President Tiger announced that the next HandMade Cluster meeting is scheduled for May 25th in Asheville. CCCRA members are invited to attend. The cost per attendee is $15.

Adjournment. Rob Tiger thanked Margie Weathers for coordinating the meeting, Dorothy Ethridge for the table decorations, Bev Adkins for the beautiful Sesquicentennial quilt and everyone for providing the delicious desserts. Door prizes were awarded. Dennis Barber helped pay for the $50 gift certificate to the Copper Door. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Nicolette
Secretary