CCCRA News

UNC-TV Host Interviews CCCRA Reps at Local Projects

2011-11-10T12:04:00.002-05:00

On November 8, the host of North Carolina Now paid a visit to Hayesville to interview people associated with various Clay County projects that promote local development. Jeff Smith and his videographer spent half a day filming interviews at the Cherokee Heritage Exhibit, Hayesville's Old Jail Museum, the old Clay County Courthouse, and the Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails. UNC-TV broadcasts North Carolina Now. Jeff Smith says that the program is likely to be broadcast in December 2011.
At the Cherokee Heritage Exhibit, Smith interviewed John Bayne, Sandy Nicolette, and Eleanor Moyer of CCCRA. The North Carolina Now team filmed Sandy and Eleanor teaching several classes of Clay County Elementary School students about how Cherokee Indians lived. Later they filmed Bob Brock and Margie Weathers of CCCRA talking about the renovation of Clay County's historic courthouse, a project spearheaded by CCCRA. Finally, they interviewed CCCRA's Joanna Atkisson with students from the Clay County school system's Pathways After School Program.

CCCRA Annual Meeting Elected New Officers

2011-11-02T12:56:00.002-04:00

Members of CCCRA gathered at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on October 27 to elect officers for the coming year. Here they are:
Rob Tiger, president
Gail Criss, vice president
Eleanor Moyer, treasurer
Linda Bowar, secretary

Sandy Nicolette will serve in the 2012 class of directors. Ron Guggisberg, Bob Brock, and Natalie Moses will serve in the 2014 class of directors.

Professor Jane Eastman of Western Carolina University discussed Clay County's Cherokee heritage and recent archeological research into it.

Cherokee Heritage Festival a Success

2011-10-17T13:20:00.001-04:00

Clay County’s first annual Cherokee Heritage Festival took place on Saturday, October 15, at the Cherokee Heritage Exhibit near the square in Hayesville. The weather was glorious, and many people turned out to visit demonstrations of Cherokee crafts and discussions of Cherokee history and culture by experts. The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI) generously provided information that serve as the basis of this festival. EBCI members provided rich insights into their culture. The exhibit celebrates Clay County’s rich Cherokee heritage and culture. It offers travelers and students a gateway to Cherokee heritage sites in the region and will boost the economy of Clay County as its existence attracts visitors to the area.

Presenters included T.J. Holland who spoke about Hiwassee and Valley River towns, Diamond Brown who presented Cherokee culture through stories, and Darry Wood who demonstrated dart making and blow guns. During the festival, various artisans demonstrated their crafts. They included Davy Arch who demonstrated flint knapping and masks, Emma Garrett who demonstrated rivercane baskets, Lucille Lossiah who demonstrated double-weave rivercane baskets, Ramona Lossie and Lucy Teesateskie who also demonstrated rivercane baskets, and Lamar Marshall who answered questions about Cherokee trading trails in front of a large map of the trails.

The basket weavers demonstrated their craft on a concrete pad that Hayesville resident, Reba Beck, had painted in a beautiful basket-weave pattern. Cindy Curtis of Hayesville filmed the event and will share it with the Western Carolina University (WCU) Film Department. WCU is producing a documentary on the development of the Cherokee Heritage Exhibit. David Sellers also filmed the event for his Art in the Mountains cable show out of Young Harris.

Scott Ashcraft, who provided extensive insight on the petroglyphic rock art images used on the wall panels of the Exhibit, was present. Kathleen Marks of the Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF) came all the way from Chapel Hill for the event and photographed it. Darry Wood coordinated arrangements for the basket weavers who demonstrated their crafts. The Junaluska Museum and the Hiwassee-Valley Land Trust (LTLT) sponsored TJ Holland’s talks about the Valley-Hiwassee River Cherokee settlements.

The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit is a joint effort of Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) and the Clay County Historical and Arts Council (CCHAC). A large number of additional organizations provided support for the project. They include the following in addition to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians: the NC Rural Center, the Conservation Fund, Clay County Board of Travel and Tourism, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the N.C. Arts Council, HandMade in America, Walmart, and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. Rob Bell of Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and Deborah Grant of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation attended the festival.

Several community groups organized the festival. They included the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) and the Clay County Historical and Arts Council (CCHAC). Clay County’s rich Cherokee heritage has the potential to attract large numbers of visitors to the area during the prime fall leaf season. A Blue Ridge National Heritage Area grant helped fund the event. The Blankenship Seed Company provided hay bales for it. C&H Services provided port-o-lets. Chip Harper with Cub Scout Pack 407 helped by removing the trash and items for recycling on Saturday after the festival.

Photos from May 27 Junction Band Concert in Hayesville

2011-06-09T09:21:00.004-04:00

Clicking on the above link will take you to the photos of the concert that was held on May 27.

CCCRA Sponsors Spikebuck Archeological Dig

2011-05-20T13:45:00.005-04:00

Western Carolina University is beginning an archeological training course at Spikebuck Town in Clay County led by Professor Jane Eastman, Director of Cherokee Studies at WCU and sponsored by CCCRA and the Fred Moss Foundation. Students in the WCU summer archeological field school are: (front/left) Kira Nothnagel, Alex Bialek, Ashley Hussey, Stephanie Hribar, Melanie Boeyer, Heather Sweeny and Steven Yates. (Back/left) Beau Carroll, Daniel Heilig, Dr. Jane Eastman and Paul Martin.

Ride the Rabbit: The Opening of the Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails

2011-05-01T19:38:00.001-04:00

On a glorious spring day, the Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails opened officially on April 30. Coincidently, 2011 is also the year of the rabbit on the Chinese zodiac, and the trails’ logo is a rabbit. The trails are the result of a partnership of the Tusquitee Ranger District of the US Forest Service, the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association (SABA), and the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA).

Speakers at the event included Marisue Hilliard, supervisor of national forests in NC; Steve Lohr, outgoing district ranger for the Tusquitee Ranger District; Joanna Atkisson, president of SABA; and Ron Guggisberg, chairman of the trails and greenways committee of CCCRA. Lohr reported that the trails attracted 15,000 visitors last year. He expects 40,000 more this year.

The speeches were followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the existing 14.5-mile system and for the new 500-foot bike practice trail. Afterward, SABA led group mountain bike rides; members of the Young Harris College cross country team led group trail runs; and the Mountain High Hikers led group hikes.

The Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails were created on thickly forested land over the past eight years. They did not exist previously. This article tells the story of how they came into existence. It is the story of the activities of two groups of people: local lovers of mountain biking who wanted a convenient place to ride, and local lovers of this area who saw nature-based tourism as a route for economic development compatible with the area’s great natural beauty. The first group, led by Joanna Atkisson, enlisted the Forest Service’s cooperation, found experts in trail building, boosted local interest in mountain biking, and did much of the work in trail construction. The second group, led by Ron Guggisberg, secured the financing that made the project possible. Both Joanna and Ron were volunteers, as were most of the people who helped them. The following account comes from Joanna’s and Ron’s speeches at the Jackrabbit grand opening.

In the summer of 2001, the Clay County School System added mountain biking to its Pathways After School and Summer Program. Members from the local bicycle club volunteered to teach the students about bicycle safety, skills and etiquette in an effort to promote this sport as a lifelong activity while simultaneously fostering health and fitness. Joanna Atkisson, the nurse at Hayesville High School, led the way. She discovered that most nearby trails were too steep, too technical, or too long for beginner riders. She and her students had to drive two hours out of state to find entry-level trails. Because the students had to take their bicycles, this situation limited the number who could participate.

Joanna began wondering why there were no local biking trails, given the fact that Hayesville sits in the middle of National Forest lands. She began talking with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which operates the Lake Chatuge dam, and with the Tusquitee Ranger District of the US Forest Service. She learned about the Jackrabbit peninsula off Lake Chatuge. The district ranger at the time was Charles Miller, who told her about the steps involved in establishing a project on National Forest lands.

Joanna’s bicycle club, the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association (SABA) was just getting off the ground. To apply for grants, it needed a well-established partner that had experience in applying for grants and administering them. Joanna approached Rob Tiger with the Clay County Communities Revitalization Communities (CCCRA), which had such experience. In 2003, SABA, CCCRA, and the Tusquitee Ranger District began collaborating.

The group began holding monthly meetings to determine goals and conduct the required environmental impact studies, a 2-year process. Because the group had the opportunity to create trails from scratch, it wanted did not want to rush through the planning process. It had other wishes as well:

§ To make trails accessible to novice mountain bikers as well as advanced ones and to hikers and runners, as well as mountain bikers. The trail would be multi-use and highlight Jackrabbit’s forested, lakeside terrain.

§ To have trailhead amenities found elsewhere.

§ To maximize mileage without having trains running over each other.

§ To attract visitors to the area and have a positive economic effect while providing green tourism.

Dwayne Stutzeman of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources evaluated the proposed site and approved its use for a trail stem.

The planning group began getting to know the land and the terrain and to flag some proposed routes without disturbing the ground until the environmental impact studies had been completed. It then obtained the help of Mike Riter, the owner of Trail Design Specialists. He examined the proposed routes and pointed out limitations and possible improvements. The planning group realized it needed more education. Joanna and Fred Lewis attended a trail school conducted by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) at the Jaw Ridge Trails near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. There, they learned about “sustainable” trails. They then asked IMBA to conduct a trail school at the Jackrabbit site, which it did in November 2005. That date marked the actual beginning of ground construction of the Jackrabbit Trails. Mike Riter returned to help the group with trail construction.

Various people spent hundreds of hours laying out sustainable trails in heat and cold and during rain. Joanna cannot remember how many snakes she has stepped over and how many trees she crawled over or under while flagging the trail. To hold costs down, volunteers cleared paths and did all finish work. They pulled off countless ticks and suffered untold chigger bites, heat rashes, and briar thickets. The work was not easy or pleasant.

Once the group had constructed a few miles of trails, the community’s support for the project increased. Students at both Hayesville and Murphy high schools conducted senior exit projects on trail building and mountain biking. Bill and Johanne Kittle of Mountain High Hikers and Master Gardeners helped identify plants of interest and place signs next to them for the benefit of hikers.

Recently, the Clay County Schools and Clay County Health Department bought more bicycles for the after school and summer programs and built the bike practice trail designed to improve the students’ bike handling skills.

For the past few years, the schools have been able to bring all students from the summer program to Jackrabbit several times each summer. Most students do mountain biking, but some elect to hike instead. Many kids have enjoyed their experience so much that they have purchased bicycles and have gotten their families involved in biking or hiking.

The trails have received favorable reviews on bicycle forums. Last year, Jackrabbit was selected as a site for an endurance race series called Chain Buster Productions. In the first year, it brought more than 250 cyclists to Jackrabbit.

The success of this project depended on grants from a wide variety of sources. Ron Guggisberg, the trails and greenways chairman for CCCRA, led the effort to secure funding and to enlist local businesses in providing in-kind support.

Ron’s group obtained its first grant in 2004, a $15,000 grant from Advantage West NC to fund the necessary studies to allow this type of project on public lands. Eric Brinke of BRMEMC Economic Development helped Guggisberg learn the ins and outs of grant writing and became an advocate for the project.

In 2005, the project received a $50,000 matching grant from the NC Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation. This grant allowed large-scale trail construction to begin. DeWayne Stutzeman played an important role in choosing land suitable for trail building and in advocating for the project.

In 2007, the project received an economic development grant of $120,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The organization’s vice president, Patricia (Pat) Cabe, whose roots are in Clay County, convinced its board to fund this project because it promotes recreational tourism, which can boost Clay County’s economy.

Much of the success of the effort to obtain grantor funding was due to the fact that the project could demonstrate such strong local community support. Handmade in America is and has been a longstanding partner to CCCRA. It helped CCCRA with funds to begin the process of soliciting matching funds. David Quinn, Judy Jetson, and others were strong supporters of the program. From there, others committed to the project in order to provide the critical local support necessary to obtain the larger grants. Among these organizations were the Clay County Travel &Tourism Board, the Towns County Tourism Association, the SW NC Rural Development, and Walmart. SABA itself conducted many fundraisers and raffles, auctioned donated items, and worked at any event at which it could raise funds.

Over the past seven years, a long list of individuals and businesses donated funds to the project they saw as benefiting the community. They were critical to keeping the project going. A local developer, Scotty Fain, and his construction company built the parking lot at the trailhead. They provided the labor, machines, and expertise as an in-kind donation. Others helped the project stretch its limited funds by providing goods and services at a reduced cost. These businesses include Signs Fast for providing the many necessary signs; Ron Salzer for building a bridge on the trail; Jackson Home Repair for covering that bridge; and Steve Hindsman for providing and servicing the very necessary portable restroom at the site for years at no cost.

Here is a summary of key funding the project received:

Grants $265,000

Fund raising $29,000

Private donations $16,000;

Organization and business donations $5,700

Total cash: $316,000.

There were outright in kind donations documented at $42,000, not counting any of the reduced cost goods and services.

What cannot be measured, but is the greatest of all, is the volunteering of thousands of hours by SABA and CCCRA members, and the thousands of miles driven by them in support of this project. This project demonstrates what good things can happen when people work together. It is one of the reasons this area is a special place to live. It offers a valuable example to others who want to build major local projects from the ground up.

Photos from Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails Opening

2011-04-30T16:53:00.027-04:00

These photos were taken on April 30, 2011 at the celebration festivities for the official opening of the Jackrabbit biking and hiking trails.

Hayesville's Historic Courthouse Renovation and Re-use Plan

2011-04-19T12:55:00.002-04:00

At the CCCRA General Membership Meeting on 31 March, there was a lot of interest in the status of the courthouse renovation. Many local Clay County residents have fond childhood memories around the beautiful old building. Newcomers admire the skill and imagination of the builders who used materials at hand to construct a useful and lovely structure. All of us long to have a new life for the courthouse, and we want to in this report to answer some questions that we didn’t have time for at our meeting.

In May 2010 the community came together to form a Friends of the Historic Courthouse steering committee under the auspices of the CCCRA, to approach the challenge of renovating the building and fitting it for use as a retail and meetings space. An independent consultant employed by the Clay County Commissioners outlined a plan that the committee is using as a blueprint.

The steering committee met Thursday, 14 April; the agenda items will give you an idea of where we are:

1. Lease agreement with the county. We asked the commissioners to lease the building to us for a minimal sum so that we can with authority pursue grant opportunities for the $500,000 to $700,000 needed for renovation.

2. Grounds preparation work. Even if funds were available, work could not proceed until issues of grading and drainage are addressed. We have a cost estimate for this work, and ask the commissioners to allocate funds and get this part of the job done.

3. First floor configuration. Fortunate to have some astute business people in our group, we explored ways to maximize revenue from the space. An added benefit would be public restrooms, of which there are now none in the downtown.

4. Refined business plan. Again, our experienced and successful business people analyzed the various scenarios and came up with dollars and cents estimates of operation income and expense.

In our 19 May meeting (9:30 in the Moss Memorial Library) we look at grant sources. The committee has been working diligently and effectively, we believe, to move forward, but the grant seeking remains a challenge in these economic conditions. If the money were available, we think that the building could be ready in a year’s time. We could then move forward, seeking tenants, scheduling many kinds of gatherings upstairs for the enjoyment of the community, and save taxpayer dollars as the courthouse begins to pay its way.

Everyone who wants to help is welcome to join the steering committee. And if you have ideas for fundraising, we’d like to hear them.

Photos from April 16 Cherokee Homestead Exhibit Workshop

2011-04-17T19:09:00.035-04:00

The following photos are from the April 16, 2011 Cherokee Homestead Exhibit Work Day in Hayesville, NC. We hope you enjoy them.

Homestead Exhibit to Host Cherokee Heritage Workshop

2011-04-17T19:07:00.002-04:00

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit in Hayesville will host a workshop in traditional Cherokee heritage and culture on Saturday, April 16 from 10am – 3pm. Participants will include students from Western Carolina Univ. and Warren Wilson College, under the direction of Dr. Jane Eastman, WNC Dept. Of sociology and Anthropology and Dr. David Moore, WCC Dept. of Anthropology.

Instructors will include Davy Arch, EBCI artist and historian, Darry Wood, founder of Earthskills Rendezvous, and members of Western North Carolina Gourd Patch Guild.

Arch is an accomplished Cherokee artisan and culturalist. His craft expertise covers carving, traditional Cherokee pottery and basketry, and flint knapping. His work is exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and The Museum of the Cherokee Indian. He demonstrated Cherokee tradition and craft at Euro Disney and was involved in creating a Cherokee heritage and culture program for schools in Germany. Arch is assistant manager at the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee.

He is considered one of the go to people if you need to talk about Cherokee traditions and has served as a primary consultant on the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit and has assisted in artistic design and is at present creating a sculpture for the exhibit.

Wood is an amateur ethnologist and historian, member of the Society of Primitive Technology and Founder of Earthskills Rendezvous, a continuing program dedicated to teaching the nature lore and life-skills of Native peoples.

As a professional craftsman, much of his career has focused on creating reproductions of historic artifacts and clothing of the Southeastern Indian tribes.

Wood’s work may be found in the North Carolina Museum of History, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Georgia Capital Museum, Ah-Tha-Thi-Ki (Seminole Tribe Museum) and others. For the last three decades he has been involved in community affairs and traditional dances of the Eastern Cherokees and is currently teaching a class in old-style moccasin making at the Cherokee High School.

Workshops with WCU and WCC will include flint knapping and the use of gourds in traditional Cherokee mask making with Arch while Wood will demonstrate cording techniques, fire making and blow gun and darts. The Gourd Patch will use gourds to construct traditional utilitarian objects. An open firing of traditional coil method pottery, made by the students will also take place during the workshop.

Dr. Eastman and Dr. Moore have served as consultants and have provided on site assistance in the process of constructing the exhibit.

Rob Tiger, Clay County Communities Revitalization Association’s president, will provide overview of the process of developing the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit.

The workshop is sponsored by CCCRA in partnership with the Clay County Historical and Arts Council. The development and construction of The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, and related workshops and elementary and middle school education programs, have been made possible through the generous funding of HandMade in America, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, The Conservation Fund and CNEF, The N.C. Rural Center and STEP, The N.C. Arts Council, The Cherokee Preservation Foundation, Clay County Board of Travel and Tourism, The Town of Hayesville, CCCRA, CCHAC, The Community Foundation of N.C., Design Corp., and a group o dedicated volunteers and consultants t

Hayesville Celebrates the Opening of the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit

2010-10-23T17:02:00.044-04:00

Hayesville Celebrates the Opening of the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit

Hayesville’s Cherokee Homestead Exhibit opened officially on Saturday, October 23. The exhibit is located just off the historic courthouse square adjacent to the Old Jail Museum in Hayesville. It celebrates Clay County’s rich Cherokee heritage and culture. It offers travelers and students a gateway to Cherokee heritage sites in the region and will boost the economy of Clay County as its existence attracts visitors to the area. The site includes a Cherokee summer house, winter house, and corn crib, designed to conform to the historical record regarding late 16th century to 18th century Cherokee structures. It also displays public art, representing elements of Cherokee heritage and culture, including clan masks, mural panels and contemporary and historic quotes. The opening recognized the many people who contributed to the exhibit and provided the public with information about Cherokee history and demonstrations of Cherokee culture.

Walker Calhoun, a 92-year-old WWII veteran and member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, opened the exhibit with an invocation in the Cherokee language. Mr. Calhoun grew up speaking Cherokee and did not learn English until the age of 16. He is credited with knowing more of the ancient Cherokee songs and dances than any other living person. The Raven Rock Dancers, a troupe composed of Mr. Calhoun’s children and others, performed three traditional Cherokee dances: the bear dance, the corn dance and the friendship dance. They also demonstrated how to make a Cherokee blowgun out of reed cane. Mr. Calhoun made some darts, and Richie Bottchenbaugh shot one of the darts into a squash 30 feet away, demonstrating how a Cherokee hunter might use a blowgun to shoot rabbits and squirrels.

Russell Townsend, tribal archaeologist and director of the Eastern Band of the Cherokees (ECBI) Tribal Council Historic Office, explained that in the period leading up to the American Revolution, there was a large Cherokee settlement on the land near the Spikebuck Mound and adjacent to the Hiwassee River. The settlement had dozens of houses and hundreds of residents. Fearing the Cherokee would side with the British during the American Revolution, in 1776, the government sent General Griffith Rutherford on an expedition against the Cherokee, burning the Cherokee settlement here. The settlement revived after that and maintained a significant presence in the area until the Cherokee removal of 1838. Mr. Townsend and his associate, Johi Griffin, Cherokee Tribal Historic Sites keeper, provided significant advice about the construction of the Cherokee exhibit.

Diamond Brown, educator, storyteller and Tribal Council member representing Snowbird, also spoke at the opening. He has already given several presentations to local school children at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit. He made important contributions to the curriculum designed by Sandy Nicolette for children about the exhibit. So far, 636 children from three area school systems have come to the exhibit to learn about the Cherokee contribution to their heritage: Hayesville (Clay County), Murphy (Cherokee County), and Hiawassee, Ga. (Towns County). Several other representatives of EBCI have previously given talks to the public at the exhibit site. They include Kevin Welch, director of the Center for Cherokee Plants, and Davy Arch.
 A number of other people who have contributed to the exhibit also spoke. They included Angie Chandler, executive director of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area; Dr. Jane Eastman, assistant professor of anthropology and director of Cherokee studies at Western Carolina University; and Judi Jetson, small towns coordinator for HandMade in America; and Rob Tiger and Darry Wood of Hayesville.

The program recognized a number of other individuals who made important contributions to the project. They include Garfield Long, EBCI; Mary Jane Ferguson, EBCI; T.J. Holland, Junaluska Museum; Tyler Howe, Tribal Council Historic Office; Dr. David Moore, Warren Wilson College; Dr. Brett Riggs, UNC Chapel Hill; Scott Ashcraft, USFS; and Mark Butler, reconstruction archaeologist, Moncks Corner, S.C.

The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit is a joint effort of Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) and the Clay County Historical and Arts Council. A large number of additional organizations provided support for the project. They include the following in addition to the EBCI: the NC Rural Center, the Conservation Fund, Clay County Board of Travel and Tourism, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the N.C. Arts Council, HandMade in America, Walmart, and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.

Here are some more of people who played important roles in making the exhibit a reality:

The Cherokee Exhibit Committee designed and laid out the exhibit structurally and artistically. Its members included Barbara Bussolari, the late Ella Scheuer, Susi Hall (artist), Davy Arch (Eastern Bank of the Cherokee Indians artist), Joseph Miller (metal smith) Rob Tiger, and Tighe White.   The core steering committee for the project met weekly over the past three years. Its members include Glen Love, John Bayne. Hal Farren, Tighe White, Rob Tiger and more recently Sara Smith, Paul Cent and Janice Padgett.
 A number of people wrote applications for grants to fund the project. During the first year, John Bayne, Ella Scheuer, and Rob Tiger wrote grant applications. In the last two years, John and Rob have written and administered grants. So far, the project has received eight grants. One grant application is pending. In addition to these grants, the project also received generous support from the Clay County Board of Travel and Tourism and The Town of Hayesville.
 Sandy Nicolette and the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) directed the development of the curriculum used by volunteers to teach children visiting the exhibit about the Cherokees.
 John Urani, Glen Love and others have contributed long hours toward finishing the additional storage building for Clay County Historical and Arts Council (CCHAC).
 In addition to these people, dozens of volunteers from a large number of organizations have worked on the project. They include CCHAC, CCCRA, the Clay County 4-H Club, Cindy Curtis and Pathways students, Hayesville middle and high school students, Dr. Jane Eastman and students from Western Carolina University, members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, and the Clay County community at large.

The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit

Another view of the Exhibit

The Cherokee summer house and dugout canoe during the invocation by Walker Calhoun

Rob Tiger acknowledging contributors to the exhibit

The Cherokee dugout canoe

Angie Chandler, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

A representative of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians

Darry Wood of Hayesville

Walker Calhoun making a blow dart

Richie Bottchenbaugh fires a blowdart at a squash

The blowdart in the squash

The Cherokee corn dance by the Raven Rock dancers

The Cherokee friendship dance by the Raven Rock Dancers and the public

The Cherokee friendship dance by the Raven Rock Dancers and the public

Dr. Jane Eastman of Western Carolina University

Judi Jetson of Handmade in America

Sandy Nicolette talking about the Cherokee curriculum for school children

Information about some of the wall hangings that are part of the exhibit

Supporters of the exhibit

Volunteers Construct Cherokee Dugout Canoe at Hayesville's Cherokee Heritage Park

2010-09-17T20:49:00.014-04:00

On September 17, 2010 a group of volunteers met at the Cherokee Village site in Hayesville to start construction of a traditional Cherokee dugout canoe. See a description of the event here.

CCCRA-Sponsored Summer Activities Boost Clay County

2010-08-31T15:39:00.031-04:00

Cherokee clan masks are now on display at the Cherokee village near downtown Hayesville. The display is outdoors and available all year round. Come and enjoy it.

An independent film company filmed on the Hayesville square on August 15. The movie is Doctor Ryan's Magic Elixir Medicine Show with music by Dom Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. For more information on the film, see kazoofilms.org.

Children enjoyed themselves at the Family Fun Fest on the square in Hayesville on August 14.

CCCRA's beautification committee worked with Friends of the Library to spruce up Moss Memorial Library on August 11. Workers were (from the left) Bob Leonard, John Tiemon, Patsy Leonard, Margie Weathers, Jake Ehrhart, and John Atkins. Not pictured: Dorothy Ethridge.

Friends of Clay County Courthouse Need Your Support for Interior Renovation

2010-08-10T15:48:00.004-04:00

Friends of the Historic Clay County Courthouse
“Let’s Bring it Back to Life!”

This week some of the members of the Friends’ Steering Committee took a look at the courthouse interior. At this point, it’s a sad sight. The inside is jarringly different from the beautiful restored exterior.

We have hope that before too long things will change. The Steering Committee has met most weeks this summer, discussing ways to go forward; the main thrust is building and showing community support. Experience tells us that grantors want to see on our applications how residents feel about a proposed project-- it’s a major factor in their decisions.

How can you have a part in this opportunity? Sign the petition saying that you support the renovation of the courthouse interior. We won’t phone, email, or ask you for money, just list you as someone who thinks this is something that should be done.
Stop by Tiger’s or Phillips & Lloyd on the square to sign.

Landscape Architect intern Martha Eberle, whose services to Hayesville were arranged by HandMade in America, gave us some beautiful design ideas for the Square, the Old Jail Museum, the Cherokee Exhibit, and the proposed walking trail to Spikebuck Mound.

Along with her CAD plans, Martha furnished cost information that will come in handy when we apply for grants. You can see her work at the fall annual meeting.

Now all we need is money!

Hayesville Students Visit Nelson Heritage Park Exhibit

2010-07-08T16:04:00.010-04:00

June 15, 2010 Although the Nelson Heritage Park Cherokee exhibit is incomplete, it is already providing educational experiences for students. Hayesville fourth and eighth graders practiced activities common in the life of the Cherokee who lived in our valley thanks to the efforts of community volunteers. Students played the butterbean game and used a rivercane spear to try to hit a chunkey stone. They learned how difficult it was to make the sides of the winter house, corn crib and summer house, while practicing weaving techniques. The students discovered making corn meal from corn kernels was time consuming and learned how the Cherokee planted corn and beans in a mound . Learning about the Cherokee’s respect for the balance of nature became meaningful when heard through several legends.
The students enjoyed learning about the seven clans and various symbols the Cherokee used to convey messages. The artifacts depicted on the retention wall at the base of the museum came alive for students after learning what the symbols and pictures represented. Of particular interest was the quote from Diamond Brown written in Cherokee and English that appears on one of the panels. The students learned about the Cherokee culture from educator and tribal councilman, Diamond Brown in a recent performance at the Hayesville school amphitheater. A visit to the museum enabled students to view artifacts from the Spikebuck/Quanassee village, identify locations in Clay County that retained their Cherokee names and discover the names of individuals displaced during the Removal.

The Cherokee exhibit has been made possible by funding from The North Carolina Arts Council, the NC. Conservation Fund and CNEF, The NC Rural Center, The NC Rural Centers STEP Fund, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Clay County Board of Travel and Tourism, WalMart Foundation, HandMade in America and the Town of Hayesville. Eastern Bank Cherokee artists and consultants, Kevin Welch, director of the Cherokee Native Plants Center and local artists and volunteers were involved in the project.

The Cherokee Preservation Fund, North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Humanities Council supplied curriculum materials for use in the classroom. Lesson plans for the educational field trip were developed by CCCRA members and the presenters. If you would like more information or are interested in assisting with future educational experiences at the Cherokee exhibit, please call 389-3045.

Clay County Continues to Attract Archeologists

2010-05-19T12:04:00.020-04:00

Professor Jane Eastman and archeology students from Western Carolina University have begun excavating several areas of Cherokee settlement on Lynn Waldroup’s property near the Clay County recreation center. The project follows a similar excavation conducted in the same general area last year. A grant from the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) pays the cost of transportation for the archeology students to commute from their campus in Cullowee. Over time, Clay County’s Cherokee heritage is likely to attract tourists to the area and boost the local economy. The current excavation will last four weeks.

The site being excavated this year includes the remnants of a settlement likely dating from the 13th century before Columbus opened the Western hemisphere to European exploration. One exciting discovery at the site already this year is a small, turquoise-colored glass bead. Native Americans used glass beads manufactured in Europe in trading. Venice, Italy, was an important glass blowing center, and it is possible that this bead comes from there.

The current excavation has also uncovered a subterranean pit that held charcoal. The team is looking for good charcoal samples and traces of organic food. These items can allow radio carbon dating to establish the precise period of human habitation.

Jane Eastman, the leader of the project, is an associate professor at Western Carolina University and the director of the archeology lab and the Cherokee studies program.

The turquoise colored bead found at the site

Hayesville's Cherokee Village Gets a Cherokee Garden

2010-05-08T16:11:00.023-04:00

May 6, 2010 Kevin Welch, a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, demonstrated how to make a Cherokee "three sisters' garden to a group of Hayesville residents. The "sisters" are corn, beans, and squash, which have a simbiotic relationship in traditional cherokee gardens. Several Clay County Master Gardeners then planted such a garden at Hayesville's Cherokee village, which is near the town square. The Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) is a sponsor of the village project, which is expected to attract tourists to Clay County.

CCCRA Gains New Business/Organization Members

2010-02-05T14:23:00.002-05:00

February 5, 2010: With its campaign to gain new business and organization members only one month old, CCCRA has already attracted these new members:

Clay County Board of Education
Clay County Historic and Arts Council
Computer Connection/Robert Hicks
Far Western North Carolina Gourd Patch
Flashback/Charles Milne
Gourdy Girls -- Blairsville GA
Lith Lidseed Performing Arts
Magic Bean & Brew/Robert Pullman
Misty Mountain Quilt Guild/NC and GA
Mountain Valley Country Store
Pizza Divas
Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association
St. Pierre's Wood Pottery
Tiger's/Chinquapin's
Transformational Learning

CCCRA Hopes to Update Courthouse Interior, Needs Business Support

2010-02-03T14:07:00.003-05:00

January 10, 2010: Nearly 10 years ago, CCCRA spearheaded the restoration of the courthouse exterior. This beautiful building is just a shell, needing significant interior work to become once again a community resource, a useful space. Imagine it in perfect order, complying with ADA requirements. Think of its being used as a gathering place, a venue for meetings, weddings, receptions, musical events, arts and crafts classes, artists' and artisans' display, and retail spaces. For the businesses around the square, increased pedestrian traffic -- their feet on our street! For taxpayers, an income-generating property rather than an ongoing expense with no benefit. We're hoping there will soon be a chance to see this happen.
We're asking businesses to join us. Having the support of the business sector makes it more likely that grant makers will give us money to improve and promote our town and county. The participation of artists, artisans, and guilds helps us in the same way. Ask those with whom you do business to join CCCRA. The fee for business membership is $20; for artists, artisans, and guilds, it's $10. A small investment can bring a huge divided.
Have you paid your 2010 dues? We need your support now more than ever. Ask your friends to joint too. $20 a person, $30 for a family. Send checks to CCCRA, PO Box 1533, Hayesville NC 28904.

Survey Results In

2009-12-07T11:49:00.002-05:00

December 7, 2009: Here are the results of CCCRA's membership survey: You considered our big projects--courthouse restoration, the Heritage Park, continuing beautification, the Jack Rabbit biking and hiking trail—of major importance, and you thought they were done well. The array of events including Concerts in the Park, the Car-B-Que, Family Fun Fest got high marks. We enjoy a reputation for good governance in fulfilling our mission, use of volunteer time, and financial stewardship.

Another conclusion is that we need to increase the diversity of our membership, to recruit more members, and to access the talents of more of our current members. Importantly, most of you gave economic development issues here in Clay County a high priority

Work Continues on Cherokee Summer House

2009-11-23T14:21:00.019-05:00

November 22, 2009. Local volunteers worked with students from Dr. Jane Eastman's archeology and bioanthropology class at Western Carolina University to construct the walls of the Cherokee summer house adjacent to the Hayesville town square. CCCRA and the Clay County Historic and Arts Council supplied the local volunteers.

Locust poles support the roof of the summer house

Volunteers strip the leaves from cane that will be woven among the wall posts to create walls for the summer house. Volunteers include Ella Scheuer and Drew Holzemer of Atlanta, Hal Farren of the Historic and Arts Council, Amanda Grippe from Dr. Eastman's class, and John Adkins of CCCRA.

Barbara Bussolari of the Historic and Arts Council, Kevin Welch of Western Carolina University join Drew Holzemer of Atlanta, Amanda Grippe of Western Carolina University and John Adkins of CCCRA in stripping cane.

Ella Scheuer of Atlanta and Hal Farren of the Historic and Arts Council strip cane.

Brittany Starnes and Sarah Jane Jacobs of Western Carolina University cut leather that will be used to hold the cane in place after it has been woven to create the summer house's walls.

Dr. Jane Eastman, Eric Crowe, and Casey Edwards of Western Carolina University weave cane.

Dr. Jane Eastman, Tina Crowe, and Eric Crowe of Western Carolina University weave cane.

Eric Crowe, Tina Crowe, and Casey Edwards weave cane.

Interior Views of the Completed Winter House

The interior of the completed Cherokee winter house

The smoke hole at the top of the Cherokee winter house

Another view of the smoke hole of the winter house

Bike Ride Fills CCCRA-Funded Jackrabbit Parking Lot

2009-11-10T10:13:00.003-05:00

November 7, 2009. Glorious weather brought out dozens of bike riders to the Jackrabbit parking lot next to the Jackrabbit off-road biking trail. Most riders were members of the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association (SABA) and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA). CCCRA provided much of the funding for construction of the parking lot and trail. These facilities have attracted hundreds of visitors to Clay County. Such visitors provide an important boost to the local economy.

CCCRA's Annual Meeting: October 2009

2009-10-30T14:19:00.031-04:00

The Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) held its annual meeting on October 29 with a potluck supper at the Hayesville First United Methodist Church. To see photos of the event, scroll down the page. There is also a photo gallery with larger pictures but no captions here. Various speakers from the association described its accomplishments for the past year, and members voted on a new slate of officers for 2010. Dr. David Moore, professor of archeology at Warren Wilson College, discussed how Clay County might exploit the economic, educational and cultural value of the Nelson Heritage Park.

During 2009, CCCRA and its members have conducted a host of activities to benefit Clay County. These include:

Construction of a Cherokee winter house at the Nelson Heritage Park. Students from Western Carolina University under Dr. Jane Eastman, assistant professor of anthropology, worked along side CCCRA volunteers to erect the building. Thirty-one volunteers contributed 405 hours of work on the project. Construction of a Cherokee summer house is now underway at the same site, which is next to the Old Jail Museum. The Nelson Heritage Park is expected to draw tourists and school children from outside the county to see how early inhabitants lived.

Completion of the trail work on Jackrabbit Mountain Hiking and Biking Trail. This is a joint venture with the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association. Scotty Fane and his crew donated large blocks of time above and beyond the work they contracted to perform. Construction of various trail head amenities is now underway. The Mountain High Hikers have identified plants along the trail and will post identifying signs this winter. Partly as a result of the trail, the Jackrabbit Campground logged a 20% increase in visitors over the summer. The rather primitive trail traffic counter logged 800 hits in the month of August and 1,000 in September. Various Atlanta-area chapters of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association plan a group ride for November 1. Thus, the trail is already drawing an increased number of visitors to Clay County. Plans call for a structure at the trail head that will allow Clay County businesses to advertise their services.

Organizing community events during the summer on the square in Hayesville. These include the Car-B-Que, the Family Fun Fest, and a number of concerts. The Car-B-Que raised $2,200 and the Family Fun Fest raised $700 that will go to support the economic development of Clay County. Hundreds of people of all ages attended these events.

Construction of a new Hayesville welcome sign at the corner of routes 64 and 69.

Clean-ups of the Nelson Heritage Park site, the Hayesville town square, the pocket park, and the road through Warne. Jim Orr of the Clay County Detention Center made jail inmates available to help with clean-up. CCCRA also donated 130 trash clean-up bags to the elementary school on Earth Day in April.

Participation on the Clay County Comprehensive Planning Committee along with other community organizations. CCCRA board members Gail Criss and Ron Guggisburg serve on the committee. Its job is to develop a plan that will guide Clay County’s development over the next decade. The committee is currently holding community meetings and focus groups to identify what Clay County residents believe is important for future development. A survey on the subject is being sent to area residents with their October power bills. The survey is also available online at www.claycountycomp.wordpress.com.

CCCRA officers for 2010 will be Rob Tiger, president; Margie Weathers, vice president; Sandy Nicolette, secretary; and Millie Bayne, treasurer. Board directors for the class of 2012 will be Gail Criss, Lou Lanwermeyer, and Sandy Nichols.

CCCRA members meet at the Hayesville First United Methodist Church.

CCCRA members listen to speakers.

Dorothy Ethridge reports on work by the appearance committee.

CCCRA members listen to Dorothy Ethridge.

Officers, board members, and committee heads Margie Weathers, Sandy Nicholette, Lou Lanwermeyer, Rob Tiger, Gail Criss, Millie Bayne, Sandy Nichols, and John Bayne.

Margie Weathers, Sandy Nicolette, Lou Lanwermeyer, Rob Tiger, Gail Criss, Millie Bayne, Sandy Nichols, and John Bayne.

Rob Tiger, CCCRA president.

Dorothy Ethridge speaks on the activities of the appearance committee.

Pam Nichols and Sandy Nichols speak about the events sponsored by CCCRA in 2009.

Gail Criss discusses the Clay County Comprehensive Planning Committee.

Joanna Atkisson and Ron Guggisberg report on the Jackrabbit Mountain trails.

John Bayne reports on the Nelson Heritage Park.

John Bayne shows pictures of the Cherokee winter house being erected at the Nelson Heritage Park.

Beverly Adkins reports on CCCRA membership. John Bayne is in the background. Dr. David Moore is in the foreground.

George Schaaf conducts voting for 2010 officers and the 2012 board of directors class.

Dr. David Moore, professor of archeology at Warren Wilson College, illustrates the way that historical exhibits like Nelson Heritage Park can attract tourists.

Dr. David Moore

The Blue Ridge Dulcimer Players entertain CCCRA members during the potluck dinner.

The Blue Ridge Dulcimer Players

Heritage Park Cherokee Houses Nearing Completion

2009-10-26T12:18:00.007-04:00

On Saturday, October 24, CCCRA volunteers worked to finish the Cherokee winter house and to strip cane for the roof of the Cherokee summer house at Hayesville's Heritage Park:

John Humphrey and Gordon Ottinger stir mud to be used to fill in the cracks on the Cherokee winter house. Rob Tiger fills the cracks in the walls of the house. The mud coats honeysuckle vines woven around the posts that support the roof.

David Lang, Sandy Nichols, Fanny Watson, and Pam Nichols strip leaves off of cane that will be used for the roof of the Cherokee summer house.

The frame of the Cherokee summer house next to the soon-to-be completed Cherokee winter house.

Family Fun Fest Provided Entertainment at the Square

2009-09-21T11:55:00.007-04:00

Games, prizes, live entertainment, Pet Parade, free popcorn and delicious food were enjoyed by several hundred people who attended the Family Fun Fest coordinated by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) on Saturday August 8. The Square was alive with 56 enthusiastic pets and their owners who performed for the public at the Pet Parade hosted by Carolyn Molder, owner of HeadStart Obedience School.

Many budding artists enjoyed creating their own works of art at the art pavilion.

Hula hoop jump rope and limbo contests were a hit.

Local youths provided entertainment

Children and adults went home smiling after winning prizes at the free games, which included Ring the Prize, Hit the Bottle, Moon Pie Walk, Lucky Duck, Fish, Balloon Stomp, Ladder Golf, and Bucket Toss. Competition was keen during the Hoola Hoop, Jump Rope, Limbo and Water Balloon Toss contests. The children enjoyed having their faces painted and creating their own works of art at the Art Pavilion. The public was entertained by local youth including Kyle Moss, Tiny Tarts, Sweet Tarts, Brett Walker, Singing Starts for a Better World, and In Motion.

CCCRA thanks the following sponsors who made this event possible: Computer Connections and Bank of Hiawassee. Sponsors of the games, activities and services included United Community Bank, All Tucked In, Katie Bugs, Proflame, Hendrix & Hendrix, Bowar & Associates, Inc., Parker Law Firm, Molly & Me, Tri-County Office Supply, Ingles, Hayesville Printing, Take A Break Portables, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Cinquapins, The Rustic Rose, Signs Fast, The Market, Cinquapins, Hayesville Elementary School, Art Works, McDonalds, Nantahala Bank, Fun World and Clay County Progress.

Look forward to another Family Fun Fest next August where more games, prizes and fun-filled activities will be on tap for all ages.

Photos from the Car-B-Que

2009-06-19T00:14:00.019-04:00

The annual Car-B-Que held on the Hayesville Town Square is a popular event in Clay County. It was held this year on June 13.

We hope you enjoy the pictures in this little gallery.

Joanna Atkisson, CCCRA board member

Tighe White and his grandson

Construction of the Cherokee Winter House Begins

2009-05-27T10:48:00.017-04:00

On May 20, construction of a Cherokee Winter House began at the Nelson Heritage Park adjacent to downtown Hayesville. Tighe White of Tighe White Construction provided earth moving equipment and grading. Jane Eastman, associate professor of anthropology and sociology and director of Cherokee studies at Western Carolina University, provided advice on design and construction. A group of students from Professor Eastman's partical archeology course assisted in construction. Rob Tiger of CCCRA participated. A first step was to burn the bark off of the bases of the locust poles that provide the vertical supports of the winter house. CCCRA played a major role in securing grants to fund construction.

Digging holes for vertical supports

Organizing the locust poles

Professor Eastman and a colleague observe construction

Burning bark off the locust poles

Students from Western Carolina University

Preparing the locust poles

Tighe White Construction truck

The mural that provides a backdrop to the Cherokee exhibits

Gnarly Fingers Band Plays on the Square in Hayesville

2009-05-17T14:48:00.027-04:00

On Saturday afternoon, May 16, the Gnarly Fingers Band performed a concert on the square in downtown historic Hayesville. Concert goers enjoyed barbeque while they listened to music and chatted with friends. CCCRA was a sponsor of the concert, the first in a series of musical events that will be held on the square this summer.

Hayesville High Art Club Students Prepare for Exciting Summer Music Events

2009-04-30T16:58:00.003-04:00

Come to the square May 16th to eat $5 barbeque and enjoy a favorite local band, the Gnarly Fingers. This event will be the first of the Music on the Square series, free concerts on the square each month all summer. Hayesville High art club students have been working hard to publicize these events. Under the direction of art teacher, Ashley Snowden, art club members Isaac Hogsed, Berek Westfall, Keegan Wingate, Keri Griffin, Rockelle Reagan, and Emily Teems prepared 20 publicity posters now on view at local businesses and other locations. The May 16th concert will run from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to serve barbeque. Please contact Candy at 828 389 9601 to volunteer.

From left to right are Isaac Hogsed, Berek Westfall, Ashley Snowden (art teacher), Keegan Wingate, Keri Griffin, Rockelle Reagan, Emily Teems.

Car-B-Que Comes to Hayesville Again

2009-04-10T12:01:00.002-04:00

Do you like barbeque? Do you like antique cars? You will be able to enjoy both on June 13, 2009, and participate in a blood drive at the ninth annual Clay County Car-B-Que. This event, which runs from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm on the Hayesville Town Square, is sponsored by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association. Chuck Krauz is the event coordinator; he also serves as master of ceremonies. Money raised by the Car-B-Que is used to support various local development activities funded by CCCRA.

As in prior years, this year’s event will feature:

§ A Red Cross blood drive.

§ Antique cars parked around the square.

§ Chicken barbeque and hotdogs on the lawn of the historic Clay County Courthouse.

§ 50s and 60s music, with “Cousin Tom” and “Be Bop Brittany” providing the music.

The whole family will be able to play games at no cost. Here are some of them:

§ “Do You Remember” a guessing game of items of yesteryear. Players will be able to win by naming antique items correctly. Molly and Me, a consignment shop on the Square in Hayesville, will supply the antiques.

§ Triva.

§ Musical Trivia. Players who guess songs correctly will be eligible to win prizes.

§ “Coin Toss,” a game for children aged 12 and under. Coins of different amounts will be thrown in the grass. Children can scramble to get them. They can keep the money they find.

§ “Millionaire Trivia,” a trivia game with a large prize. This game features a lifeline from which any player can receive help one time. Players who have used the lifeline once and do not know answers are out of the game.

§ Scavenger Hunt. Chuck will be looking for items that the crowd might have.

As part of the event, the Red Cross will conduct a blood drive. Red Cross representatives will come from Asheville to run it. The blood drive will run from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Blood donors will receive a complementary Red Cross T-shirt.

Antique car owners who wish to enter their vehicles in this event need to have cars made no later than 1974. Registration costs $15 per vehicle. Pre-registration is open until June 6, 2009. Those who pre-register by that date will be able to receive a free T-shirt and barbeque dinner. Those who pre-register and donate blood will also receive a 1950s CD.

To pre-register, send a check to Chuck Krauz, 233 Forest Cove Trail, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Registered vehicle owners will be eligible to win awards. Some awards will be specially designed plaques featuring antique cars. Awards will carry such names as “People’s Choice,” “Mayor’s Choice,” “Top 20,” “Ladies’ Choice,” and “CCCRA ‘s Choice.”

Local businesses are invited to sponsor various activities and awards. Several businesses have already agreed to do so. The Cottage Deli has agreed to sponsor Millionaire Trivia and will provide free meals to the winners. Molly and Me and Chinquapins will sponsor plaques. Other business sponsors are needed.

An event as large as this one needs the help of many people. Volunteer workers are needed to help cook the goodies and help with registration. To help and/or to get further information, call Chuck Krauz at 828 389 2906 or contact him by email at chuckkrauz@verizon.net.

It’s going to be a big day again…Don’t be square - Be there.

Nelson Heritage Park Moves Closer to Reality: Construction of the Cherokee Exhibits to Start Soon

2009-04-10T11:56:00.000-04:00

Over the last several weeks, the site of the Cherokee exhibits at the Nelson Heritage Park has been graded and hydro-seeded, and money had become available to finance construction of Cherokee summer and winter houses. Work on them will start soon.

Construction is possible because the Nelson Heritage Park has received several grants through the work of the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) and the Clay County Historical and Arts Council (CCHAC).

The most recent grant, received in the last several days, is for $9,500 from the Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF). This grant will fund the construction of the Cherokee summer house. The park had previously received a $12,500 grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area for the construction of a Cherokee winter house. A grant from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center under the NC Small Towns Economic Prosperity Demonstration Program (STEP) is funding the creation of a mural on the retaining wall at the edge of the park.

Dr. Jane Eastman, associate professor of anthropology and sociology and director of Cherokee studies at Western Carolina University, hopes to make available some of her students to help with the construction of the Cherokee exhibits.

CCCRA's 2008 Accomplishments; 2009 Plans

2009-02-13T12:53:00.003-05:00

Thanks to local governmental agencies, community organizations and individuals, 2008 was a most productive year. Over 150 volunteers were involved in helping with CCCRA projects. Approximately $30,000 was raised through events and donations to help with our three major projects: Jackrabbit Hiking/Biking Trails, Nelson Heritage Park and Courthouse restoration. In addition we received grants from the Rural Economic Development Center, Towns County Board of Tourism, and Clay County Board of Travel and Tourism. The Hinton Center provided housing for the Heritage Park Design Corps architect Ella Scheuer and Don Meyer donated office space at Tom Day Mall.

Early in 2008, North Carolina State University faculty and graduate students from the College of Design and community members came together for the Design Charrette. After receiving input from residents, who focused on enhancing our town’s economic viability while preserving local culture, the team developed designs for our by-passes, entry way signage, Nelson Heritage Park, Peacock Playhouse, Courthouse, library and town square. Truett Baptist Church provided work space, Copper Door and Master Gardener volunteers assisted with meals. As a result of the Charrette and with assistance from the Town of Hayesville, two entry way signs were installed on Hwy 64 and another is nearing completion. Recommendations from the team will continue to guide our planning for future projects.

Partnering with the Southern Appalachian Biking Association resulted in the completion of the trails at Jackrabbit during 2008. A covered bridge has been completed. Work on the parking lot is underway with Scotty Fain’s employees providing time and equipment. The Forest Service completed an official trail map and provided grass seed for areas near the parking lot. Approximately 830 volunteer hours were provided during the year for this project. With adequate funding and consistent work by volunteers, the project should be completed during 2009.

The Nelson Heritage Park project made progress with collaboration of County government, Historical and Arts Council, Master Gardener volunteers, CCCRA, Tighe White and other individuals from the community. During 2008 the site was expanded due to a donation made by the Auberry family. The Cherokee Nation provided approval of the designs for the Cherokee portion of the Park. The retention wall was built and painted. The property was surveyed, site preparation begun, sewer lines replaced, a site plan and model were developed and grants written to obtain funding. During 2009, site prep work will continue, plants will be relocated, the retention wall mural completed, and the Cherokee summer house and winter house built. A volunteer project manager will be needed to oversee progress on the project.

County Commissioner Harry Jarrett formed a committee to focus on the Courthouse restoration. Clay County’s architect has been developing plans and funding will need to be obtained in order to proceed with the project. CCCRA will provide assistance with writing grants.

The CCCRA Appearance Committee conducted trash pick-ups throughout the county and cleaned up the square on several occasions. The Car B Que, Concert in the Park and Family Fun Fest brought visitors into our community and residents to the down town. Local businesses, schools and corporate sponsors made these events possible.

Our goals for the coming year are to focus on economic prosperity, cultural preservation and protection of the environment. Our three main projects will continue to be the Jackrabbit Trails, Nelson Heritage Park and restoration of the Courthouse. Our Car B Que is scheduled for June 13 and the Family Fun Fest will be August 8. Working with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association, and Clay County Historical and Arts Council, Concerts in the Park are scheduled for May 16, June 27, July 3, August 1 and September 4.

We invite you to participate with CCCRA and other organizations in our community …To stimulate, to promote and to serve…” Clay County.

CCCRA Board Members Meet to Plan Future

2009-01-23T13:23:00.035-05:00

January 11 2009 Here are photos of the members of the CCCRA board who gathered to plan the future of the organization. Faye Hobbs facilitated the planning meeting.

Steve Kagan, Ron Guggisberg , George Schaaf, Louise Lorentzen, Wayne Smith, Rob Tiger

Ron Guggisberg, Louise Lorentzen, George Schaaf

Wayne Smith, Rob Tiger

Steve Kagan, Wayne Smith, Margie Weathers, Rob Tiger, Sandy Nicolette, Louise Lorentzen

Sandy Nicolette, Margie Weathers, Wayne Smith, Lou Lanwermeyer

George Schaaf, Joanna Atkisson, Faye Hobbs

Faye Hobbs, John Bayne, Gail Criss, Dorothy Ethridge

Ron Guggisberg, George Schaaf, Wayne Smith, Rob Tiger, Louise Lorentzen

Joanna Atkisson, Ron Guggisberg, Rob Tiger, George Schaaf, Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith

Joanna Atkisson, John Bayne, Gail Criss, Dorothy Ethridge

Faye Hobbs, John Bayne

Margie Weathers, Sandy Nicolette, Rob Tiger, Louise Lorentzen

Steve Kagan, Sandy Nicolette, and Lou Lanwermeyer

Rob Tiger, Louise Lorentzen, Wayne Smith, Margie Weathers, Steve Kaagan

Sandy Nicolette, Rob Tiger, Louise Lorentzen

Steve Kagan , Louise Lorentzen, Ron Guggisberg

Dorothy Ethridge, Gail Criss

Work Progresses on Nelson Heritage Park

2009-01-02T13:54:00.007-05:00

Thanks to local volunteers, the Native American section of the Nelson Heritage Park has moved closer to completion. The Nelson Heritage Park is a cultural heritage tourism destination located in downtown Hayesville. The Native American section of the park will display a Cherokee winter house and summer house. In late November and early December 2008, volunteers cut and collected donated locust poles that will be used for the construction of the Cherokee structures. Locust is a hard, durable wood that was widely used in construction by the Cherokees prior to European settlement in the region. Volunteers included Tighe White and Ian White, Bill Clement, Glen Love, and Rob Tiger. Ella Scheuer also helped. Bruce Cheek and Charlie and Barbara Kissling donated the locust poles, the trunks of locust trees grown on their land.

In addition to the Cherokee houses, the Native American part of the Nelson Heritage Park will also include a series of murals mounted on an existing retaining wall. The murals will serve as the backdrop to the park and present an artist’s depiction of Cherokee patterns and artifacts. This project involves close collaboration with the Eastern Band of the Cherokees.

The Nelson Heritage Park is a joint project of the Clay County Historical and Arts Council (http://www.clayhistoryarts.org) and the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (http://www.cccra.net/).

The donors of the locust poles -- Bruce Cheek (828-389-6813) and Charlie and Barbara Kissling (828-389-8931) operate cattle farms. The Kisslings run Walnut Hollow Ranch, where they raise commercial Black Angus cattle and Simmental crosses. They also run livestock sales of Paso Fino and other gated horses.

Tighe White, who coordinates construction on the Nelson Heritage Park site, is a developer of Hayesville’s Riverwalk of Hayesville community. In November 2008, the community was the scene of Hayesville’s first annual “Punkin’ Chuckin” contest in which the objective was to hurl a pumpkin the farthest using a home-made medieval siege machine. Mr. White and his son build custom homes, commercial buildings, and churches. See http://www.tighewhite.com/ or contact at tighe@tighewhite.com or 828-389-8102 (office phone) or 828-361-1232 (cell phone).

Bill Clement, one of the volunteers, is the owner of Shrimps Seafood Market (828-361-4479) on highway 69 near the Hayesville rotary. Glen Love, another volunteer and a retired aerospace engineer, provided a chain saw.

Ella Scheuer (570-362-3277) was the project architect for the Nelson Heritage Park and the Clay County Historical and Arts Council. Ms. Scheuer served as a Design Corp fellow in Hayesville for one year, after which she continued to work on various design and funding components of the project until the end of 2008. Rob Tiger, owner of Tiger’s / Chinquapins on the Square in Hayesville, is the president of CCCRA (http://www.cccra.net/).

In addition to the Native American section, the Nelson Heritage Park will also include various historic pioneer buildings donated by a local family. These buildings will be divided into two destinations within the park; a farm homestead which will display buildings such as a corncrib, outhouse and a smokehouse, and a village which will display public buildings such as a post office, schoolhouse and general store.

The Cherokee winter house and summer house will be built on the area where the farm implement shed now stands. Plans call for relocating the shed and its tools plus the old smoke house. The latter is currently being used for storage by the Historical and Arts Council. The project has applied for grant money to finance the move and the new construction. If the application is approved, construction will begin in early 2009.

At the base of the park will be a small visitor’s center to orient the guests and provide educational support for children. Maps and information about the park and all other Clay County tourist attractions and parks will be available as well. There will be public restroom facilities, indoor exhibition space, office and archive space, classroom/meeting space and additional storage space for any overflow from the museum.

Ian White, Tighe White, Ella Scheuer, and Glen Love
stand in front of the locust poles.

Rob Tiger and Tighe White unload locust poles.

Faye Hobbs Assists CCCRA to Plan for the Future

2009-01-02T13:42:00.002-05:00

On January 11, 2009, members of the board of the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (www.cccra.net) will gather to plan their activities for 2009 and beyond. For the first time, the board will use a professional human resources consultant to facilitate this process. Faye Hobbs of Hayesville, who will serve as facilitator, is the president of Transformational Learning, Inc. (www.TransformationalLearning.com). Ms. Hobbs specializes in providing assessments, coaching, and mentoring. In her work for the CCCRA board, she will help board members understand their own communication styles, identify common objectives, and formulate a practical plan for reaching these goals. She has a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

Ms. Hobbs has experience serving both the business community and nonprofit world. This blend of experience will provide a valuable resource for the CCCRA board, which includes representatives from both arenas. In addition to her current business, Ms. Hobbs was co-founder and marketing director of the Spring Mountain Resort & and Wellness Center in Murphy. Before that, she served as the director of training and development for ChoiceHire Company in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In the nonprofit area, she has worked as director of community relations and training for the Hospice of Central Florida. She was also an internship coordinator for a displaced homemaker program run by Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida. Contact Ms. Hobbs at 828-361-8498 or fayehobbs@earthlink.net.

Volunteers Clear Heritage Village Site

2008-11-17T14:39:00.009-05:00

On November 14, volunteers from five civic groups in Hayesville worked together to clear underbrush from the site of the Nelson Heritage Village:

Clay County Community Revitalization Association
Friends of the Library
Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association
Historical and Arts Council
Master Gardeners

Glen Love provided the heavy equipment used in the clean-up and then took all the debris to the dump. Other volunteers participating in the clean-up:

Wayne and Sara Smith, Dorothy and Julian Ethridge, Margie and Cliff Weathers, Nancy and Mike Brewster, Pricilla and Lynn Richardson, Ella Scheuer, Steve Sutherlin, Candy Carlyle, Chuck Kraus, Linda and Chet Westergard, Jake Ehrhart, Bill Aherns, John and Ginny Urani, and Steve Zimmerman.

Here are some photos of the volunteers hard at work:

Wayne and Sara Smith

Julian Ethridge

Candy Carlyle and Chuck Kraus

Chuck Krause

Three Local Women Join CCCRA Board

2008-11-17T13:58:00.007-05:00

At the recent annual meeting of CCCRA, three local women joined the board of the organization: Gail Criss, Kathy Mercer, and Louise Lorentzen.

Gail Criss, shown below, retired from her 15-year stint as Hayesville High School Principal, continues to teach on a part-time basis and now has time for volunteer activities, such as the Friends of the Library Bookstore.

Kathy Mercer owns “All Tucked In,” a shop featuring bedding, linens and more, an elegant addition to the square.

Louise Lorentzen runs a thriving garden center just off the square, after refurbishing an existing building.

These busy women were elected to the CCCRA Board of Directors at the November 2008 annual meeting.

Possible New Uses for the Courthouse Explored

2008-11-14T11:32:00.009-05:00

The Clay County Board of Commissioners held a public meeting on November 13 with Smithson Mills of Mars Hill College to receive suggestions about possible uses for the courthouse. With the help of Caroline Cunningham, a graduate student at UNC Chapel Hill, Mr. Smithson will submit a feasibility study to the county outlining the most promising possible uses of the courthouse building.

The old Clay County Courthouse is 8,000 square feet, with 4,000 square feet on the ground floor. The second floor holds the courtroom. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Commissioner Harry Jarrett reported that he and 8-10 volunteers have met monthly over the past year to discuss the building. The County successfully applied for a predevelopment grant of $25,000 from the state and added $5,000 of county funds to hire Ellen Harris from Brevard, a restoration expert. It spent another $45,000 stripping the courthouse and hiring a structural engineer, who examined the building and found that it is sound.

Ms. Cunningham described what three other counties in North and South Carolina have done with their old courthouses:

The Old Wilkes Courthouse in Wilkesboro, NC. This building now houses a heritage museum. It has also become a popular venue for weddings. The county owns the building and leases it to a nonprofit organization. It has an annual operating budget of $200,000, part of which is devoted to marketing the building to potential users.
The Robert Mills Courthouse in Camden, SC. The county owns this building but leases it to the chamber of commerce, which manages the building. Chamber dues contribute to its upkeep. The building used for weddings and fund raisers.
The Old Cabarrus Courthouse in Concord, NC. This building is owned by the county and has a budget of $650,000 per year. It houses an arts council, an art gallery, and a theater. The art gallery generates revenue of about $20,000 a year.

According to Mr. Smithson, Clay County will need to decide who manages the courthouse, specifically whether it will be the county or an existing community organization. The courthouse will need an income stream and a budget that will be separate from normal county operations. If the courthouse serves as an event center, it will require staffing. In many cases, breaking even is a challenge. Renting out at least some of the space will generate a continuing revenue stream. The goal will be to have a self-sustaining operation.

Participants in the meeting suggested that the old Clay County Courthouse might be used to do the following:

Operate a branch office of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
Serve as a welcome center for Clay County.
Provide a base for transportation to and from public land.
Enhance the Saturday farmers market so that it is a festival.
Provide retail outlets for local crafts people and artists.
Support the local heritage.
Serve as a center for special events.
House selected county offices or community organizations.
Serve as a venue for a summer drama like "Unto These Hills" in Cherokee.
Allow demonstrations of local crafts such as blacksmithing.
Post a map of Hayesville indicating all of the local sites worth visiting.
Provide instruction in how to make ethanol.
Promote the Hiawassee River Basin and the chain of TVA lakes.
Provide a memorial to the Cherokees who were removed on the Trail of Tears.
Serve as an attraction for hikers on the Appalachian Trail.
Serve as a wedding venue.
Hold fiddling contests like the one in Blairsville.
Allow rotating exhibits sponsored by various local organizations such as Communities in Schools.
Integrate into the various festivals on the square that are already being held.

Mr. Smithson is continuing to accept suggestions for possible uses of the building. Contact the county offices to have suggestions forwarded to him. He plans to submit a final report in the spring. The report will incorporate both architectural and funding recommendations.

Jackrabbit Trail News - A Good Link

2008-11-14T11:20:00.001-05:00

We've made great progress this year at Jackrabbit and hope to start construction of the final parking lot in the near future. Check out the news about the Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails at the website of the Southern Appalachian Trail Association.

CCCRA Celebrates 10th Anniversary

2008-11-14T10:34:00.006-05:00

November 6, 2008: CCCRA celebrated 10 years of operations with a pot luck supper held at the First United Methodist Church. Here are some of the results of our work:

Hayesville's historic courthouse has been rescued from further deterioration, and plans are in place to complete the interior renovation.
15 miles of the Jack Rabbit hiking/biking trail, created in partnership with SABA.
New sidewalks in the town of Hayesville.
A playground accessible to all children, including the handicapped, created in partnership with Communities in Schools.
New plantings on Highway 64 East among the boxwoods that have stood for decades as the entry way to Hayesville.
The first stages in the construction of Nelson Heritage Villiage, in partnership with the Historical and Arts Council.