Tuesday, April 19, 2011

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

Board Meeting March 15, 2011

CCCRA Board/ Committee Chair Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 5:00 pm
Moss Memorial Library Meeting Room

Officers: Rob Tiger, Margie Weathers, Sandy Nicolette, Eleanor Moyer
Directors: Ron Guggisberg, Bob Brock, John Bayne, Joanna Atkisson, Bob Leonard, Louise Lorentzen,
Gail Criss, Lou Lanwermeyer
Member: Jean Gora

Vice President Margie Weathers called the meeting to order. John Bayne made the motion to approve the agenda, Joanna Atkisson seconded the motion and the Board voted approval.

Board Meeting Minutes: Bob Leonard made a motion to approve the January 18 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 3/15/11 indicating a Savings Account Balance of $17,014.32 with $9,684.32 designated for Heritage Park and $7,330 for other projects (Courthouse Restoration). Jackrabbit Trail has funds totaling $26,065.98 and there is a balance of $24,258.67 in the General Account. A Certificate of Deposit totals $32,392.70. All CCCRA funds total $99,731.67. (See Exhibit A) John Bayne made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Gail Criss and approved by the Board. Treasurer Moyer will talk with committee chairpersons to develop a proposed budget for 2011.

President and Vice President: President Tiger will check on the timeline for the distribution of STEP funds next week. Marketing will be the topic for the May Handmade Cluster meeting. HMIA will begin charging $15 for participants’ lunches. Funding for HMIA continues to be a concern.

Old Business

1. Cherokee Exhibit Security System: President Tiger reported bids were obtained for the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit security system. Cardinal System will complete the work when funds are received from the Rural Center.
The April 16 workshop for Western North Carolina and Warren Wilson College students is in the planning stage.
Extension Agent Kevin Welch will demonstrate the Cherokee method of planting crops on May 5. Mr. and Mrs. Scheuer will be in attendance. A dedication for a plaque commemorating Ella’s work with the exhibit is scheduled for that day.

2. Hayesville Brochure & Map: Margie Weathers will develop a list of distribution points for the Handmade map and brochures which will be submitted to board members for review.

3. FOHC Presentation to Commissioners: Bob Brock reported that Joe Rybicki developed a Powerpoint presentation which he shared at the commissioners’ meeting. The commissioners have been supplied copies of the reuse plan and presentation. Rybicki will make the same presentation at the Spring Kickoff meeting.

4. Spring Kickoff General Membership Meeting: All board members are encouraged to arrive at 6:00 pm on March 31 to help with set-up. The meeting will start at 7:00 pm. Gary Reffit will present the Economic Development information. Margie Weathers is developing the program, which will be forthcoming. Please call friends to invite them to the meeting. There will be a $50 gift certificate for the Copper Door. Attendees should bring a dessert.

New Business

1. Commissioners’ Meetings: Louise Lorentzen is attending the April 7 Commissioners’ meeting.

2. Sesquicentennial Quilt: Tabled due to Bev Adkins’ absence.

3. CCCRA Donation to HandMade in America: Bob Brock made the motion to donate $1,000 to HandMade in America with the stipulation to review the need for additional financial assistance in subsequent years. The motion was seconded by John Bayne and the board voted approval. Margie Weathers will write the accompanying letter for President Tiger’s signature. Weathers will also supply board members with a sample letter supporting HandMade which can be sent to politicians.

4. Summer Concerts: Gail Criss agreed to schedule two people to host the CCCRA membership table at each of the concerts.

5. HandMade Small Town Sign: The board will address this topic at a future meeting after samples can be obtained.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:04 PM.

Respectfully submitted,


Sandy Nicolette, Secretary