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Letters to the editor: 06/08/00

Excuses, excuses

To the Editor:

I thought when you voted for a county commissioner and part-time commissioners, they were supposed to work together. All I see is a county with a dictator instead of a county commissioner.

I was raised at Ralph J. Andrews campground for 17 years. My mother and father were the managers at that time. I have seen the campground in many different stages. When we first went to the campground there was no one camping. Over time, with hard work and dedication by my father, mother and recreation director Rick Bennett, Ralph J. Andrews Park came to be known to the community and county.

Allegations made by Commissioner Jay Denton about the campground have made me furious. There were regular people who camped all summer and that is what kept the campground going. In the whole 17 years that I lived there, not 10 percent of the campers were from Jackson County. People from Jackson County always wanted to go out of the county for vacation. Now you can only stay two consecutive weeks.

How we miss Rick Bennett and Wayne Hooper. Over the last year there have been so many promises made to the managers that have not been kept.

When my brother-in-law, J.C. Norris, was asked if he would assume the responsibilities of manager, he was told that there would not be a grounds maintenance person hired to replace him. He was promised that the county grounds crew would handle the mowing and that he would be asked to handle the campers, cleaning the bathrooms, cleaning the shelter, answering the phones, taking reservations, minor plumbing and repairs, etc. The grounds crew finally showed up May 18.

The rates were changed at Andrews Park this year with a price increase. Folks just driving through came in the park and made the comment at the price has increased and where were the improvements? Mr. Denton was too cheap to approve another full-time person (the park has always been operated by two full-time people), and J.C. was asked to find a camper to camp free of charge to help watch the park. Who wants to get away from everything to camp and put up with people partying and spend their entire weekend enforcing the rules, not getting to even enjoy the lake?

Mr. Denton created a work schedule for Andrews Park. J.C. was only allowed to work 42 hours per pay period and his part-time helper would work 29 1/2 hours. Weekends J.C. was scheduled to work 11 hours each day. This is when most of the campers are there, so this would keep J.C. busy without time to mow grass. This schedule left J.C. 20 hours to mow and weedeat a park, which has approximately 20 acres of developed property.

Another situation for which Mr. Denton did not exercise a great deal of intelligence is regarding the boat storage and camper storage at Andrews Park. Nantahala Power and Light Co. officials have instructed the county that no boats will be allowed to be docked at the park beginning April 15.

A resident of Jackson County has docked his boat at the park for the last two years and told the campground manager that he would pay the county for the storage. He refused to pay her, saying that he was exempt since his son works for the county.

This year this resident was told of the new rules for no docking but docked his boat anyway. NP&L employee Richard Conley called the park and wanted to know whose boat was docked, He was informed of the situation, and he told the recreation department to give this resident six days to remove.

Well, the boat was still there six days later. It seems funny that paying customers who have stored their boats there can no longer, but a ³freeloader² has the county's blessing.

As far as camper storage is concerned, the campground manager suggested that storing campers in some wasted space at the park might give campers the incentive to camp since they could store the campers instead of pulling them up and down the mountain. Mr. Denton agreed, but then decided to charge them $7.50 per day for storage. This is ridiculous.

By the time this letter is published, J.C. will have already taken another job due to the lies, unfulfilled promises and misconception that the county commissioner has made. When J.C. gave his notice he was asked to give two proposals to Mr. Denton regarding why he was leaving the park. Much thought went into these proposals and three hours were spent in Jay Denton's office discussing them.

J.C. was told that should all the commissioners agree, a full-time helper would be hired for Andrews Park. J.C. received a visit and numerous phone calls from Franz Whitmire and Conrad Burrell regarding this matter. I would like to thank both of them for showing some interest in the happenings in our county. J.C was told that everything looked promising and almost turned down the present job he had. He asked Mr. Denton to give him permission in writing as to the acceptance of the proposals.

Well, Mr. Denton is no different than any other liar. He, of course, refused to give anything in writing and he denied either proposal.

I don't understand why we elect and pay part-time commissioners who seem to have some interest in the county when a dictator like Jay Denton can rule over them and make so many secret decisions without their knowledge or consent.

I was born and raised a devoted Democrat, but the current leadership of the chairman of commissioners makes me want to hang my head in shame. It sure makes me realize how one bad apple can ruin the entire bushel.

When a county manager finally makes our voting ballot, please remember this position might be an asset to our county and break the chain of dictatorship that Mr. Denton has started.

Earlene Hooper Rich

Cullowhee

Professionalism comes shining through

To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the different individuals and agencies that assisted with the emergency at Cullowhee Valley School on May 25.

Jackson County Emergency Management, WestCare, Cullowhee Fire Department, Sheriff's Department, Western Carolina University ­ including Gene McAbee, Dr. Jeff Davis, Dr. William Kwochka, Dr. David Butcher and the Ramsey Center staff ­ all did an outstanding job assisting with that situation.

Thanks is also extended to Wal-Mart for contributing snacks to those children who were waiting to be picked up.

It is extremely gratifying to know that Jackson County has dedicated professionals working in these situations. The professionalism exhibited by every individual was truly outstanding.

Again, thanks to all of you, the parents, and the Cullowhee Valley School staff, Principal Ron Yount, Assistant Principal Ellen Hunter and Arlin Middleton, from the superintendent's office.

Thank you,

Frank Burrell

Superintendent

Jackson County Schools

Political games played at studentsı expense

To the Editor:

It is in my opinion that the recent action of the Board of Education to dismiss Tom Dillard from the faculty of Blue Ridge School is one more indication that even though there may be new names and faces, the old political games are still being played at the expense of our students.

Was it really in the best interest of Blue Ridge School students for the board to fire Tom Dillard (or any teacher) the very last week of a school year? Was there any respect shown for the Class of 2000 by banning one of the most popular teachers among students from walking and sitting with other Blue Ridge School faculty at their graduation? Did any board member or school administrator have an ounce of consideration for the emotional damage their "public flogging of a beloved teacher" may cause those young ladies graduating, who have played their hearts out for Coach Dillard and considered him their mentor and friend? Was graduation week really the most appropriate time for the board to make a decision they knew would divide the faculty and this community yet one more time? Will there ever be a board who loves our children and focuses on their physical, emotional and educational well-being or is that just a dream I have longed to see realized for 14 sad years?

If I were asked to describe the character of Tom Dillard, I would borrow words of Martha Whitmore Hickman who wrote: "To be a teacher is to share your knowledge and skill so that others can find their way to their own view of truth. To be a teacher is to care about the questions and have an endless hunger and alertness for the answers. To be a teacher is to have, in the back of your mind - even on days off - the continuing questions 'How can I do it better? Relate to them more effectively? Share with them my love of the subject without depriving them of the joy of discovering it for themselves?' To be a teacher is to have an investment in the lives of those you teach, so that who you are to them is part of the formative equation of their lives. To be a teacher is to risk your own vulnerability so that others know it's okay to make mistakes. Nobody is right all the time. To be a teacher is to look for the depth in yourself and, from that place, reach out to the depth in another." Tom Dillard was such a teacher.

Over the past four years I found Coach Dillard to be one who leads rather than controls; one who gives rather than takes, one who serves rather than demands, and one who restores rather than scatters. We may have to live with the reckless decisions the school board makes but it is the board members alone who, each day, have to look at themselves in the mirror. Most days, I can't imagine what they must see.

Jeanne Pickerel

Cashiers

FCA gives thanks

To the Editor:

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the generous support, donations and commitment to the Smoky Mountain High School "huddle" group of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes by the people of Jackson County.

Donations provided a means for students to enjoy activities such as a monthly breakfast meeting, refreshments and pizza for the "Fifth Quarter," a year-ending cookout/pig-picking, and sponsorships for students to attend FCA summer camps.

A special thanks to extended to the several local churches for their gifts and to SMHS supporters and fans who contributed at the football and basketball games. We are also grateful for additional contributions of money, materials, and/or valuable help supplied by Scott Hartbarger and family of the Jarrett House in Dillsboro, Gary and Rose of G.J.'s Pizza in Cullowhee, Lee Ewart of Smoky Mountain Diner and Lee's Barbecue, the Merita Bakery Thrift Store, Francis White of the Western Carolina University catering service and Aaron Tuttle of Moore's Chips.

Also much gratitude goes out to Tom Frazier for the donation of the pig and the tremendous amount of time and work in preparation and cleanup by him, son Patrick, and fellow FCA member Junior Trantham for the year-ending cookout. A special thank you also to Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Strobeck, for the recent much needed generous donation.

Appreciation is also expressed for the tremendous support from school administrators: Ken Henke, SMHS principal; Libby Knight and Wanda Fernandez, SMHS assistant principals; Si Simmons, SMHS athletic director; and David Steins, president of the Jackson County FCA Adult Chapter.

Because of outstanding community support and commitment, the SM Fellowship of Christian Athletes, with God's help, has been able to provide opportunities for Christian growth and nurture as well as a variety of activities that are fun, wholesome and Christ-centered. To the people and organizations mentioned above, a heartfelt thank you and God bless!

Sincerely,

Tim Hawkins

Dolphus Brown

Sponsors

SMHS FCA Huddle Group

WestCare apologizes for ad campaign

To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Sylva Herald editorial staff for joining with WestCare Health System in an effort to make Western North Carolina a healthier and safer place.

WestCare Health System will open Hospital Hill Pharmacy in Bryson City June 9. This venture is the result of a community request and a need identified by the community.

In an effort to inform the citizens of Swain County of the new pharmacy, an advertising campaign was developed and aimed at the adult population of Swain County. Several WestCare staff members attended community functions in Swain County and distributed "Hospital Hill" medication containers filled with candy. This ad campaign was designed as an effort to inform the public of this new health care service.

Although targeted at adults, we learned in the June 1 edition of The Sylva Herald that at least one child received one of the advertising premiums. Distribution to children was not the intention of the advertising campaign. As soon as we learned that our best intentions were met with "potential unwanted side effects," WestCare immediately discontinued distributing these containers. We apologize to any parent we may have offended or caused concern.

WestCare Health System does not advocate the misuse of prescription medication containers by adults or children and in no way desires to influence children to think prescription medication containers contain candy. Educational resources outlining the appropriate use and storage of prescription medications will be a part of Hospital Hill's patient education and counseling.

Again, we apologize if this ad campaign offended anyone and we trust the parents of Western North Carolina to discuss this an other childhood health care issues with their children.

Thanks again to The Sylva Herald for pointing out this error to us.

Sincerely,

Mark Leonard,

FACHE, President & CEO

WestCare Health System

Coach Dillard had time to help when others were too busy

To the Editor:

Upon hearing of Coach Tom Dillard's dismissal from Blue Ridge School, I was saddened. Not only for him and his family but for Blue Ridge School as well.

I graduated from BRS one year ago. I do not recall what my grade point average was or what score I made on any test. I do not remember the awards or honors I received. However, I do remember a man, tired from all the hours he put into BRS, but never too tired to do one more thing for someone. I remember a man in the locker room whose eyes were filled with tears of joy at the game we had just won, not because he won the game but because we had. I remember a man who opened his home to the basketball team for a Christmas steak dinner. I remember a man who motivated and helped me get into UNC-Wilmington when the very people who were supposed to help me told me they did not believe I would be accepted.

I remember a math teacher who sat in his classroom at 9 o'clock at night to help me understand calculus. I remember having a math teacher who never left me behind in the classroom and always found some new way to help me comprehend all the algebra and calculus. I remember a man who said that basketball wasn't forever and that education was. He told me to be successful in the classroom so that I could be successful in life. I remember watching a man pour his heart, soul and precious time into students so they could do their best and be the best they could be.

Over the years, this man has become a second father to me. He is always checking in with me to see how I am doing in college. He still asks if there is anything he can do to help me. This is the man known to so many simply as "Coach." He has helped shape my goals and helped me obtain the goals I have today. It saddens me that a man who has had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of so many other students at Blue Ridge is forced to leave a school that desperately needs teachers, coaches and mentors like him. He was the man who always had time to help when everyone else was too busy. Everything Coach ever did, he did for the good of each student.

In the politics of education, the students are often forgotten, but Coach never forgot us. That memory alone means more to me than any award or GPA. When I am 80 and look back on my life, that GPA or award will not matter. But the memory of a man who cared about my future will warm my heart and bring a smile to my face.

Coach Tom Dillard is a huge loss for Blue Ridge School. He is a man who can never be replaced.

Ashley Pickerel

Cashiers

Seniors enjoy events planned for Older Americans Month

To the Editor:

May was Older Americans Month, and the entire month was filled with special events at Tsali Care Center. The Goldenaires singers of Sylva started the month off with a great program of "oldie goldie" tunes from the 1930s and '40s. Then the "Bouncing Braves" Jump Rope Team gave an exciting performance of their special jumps using pogo sticks, balls, etc.

On the 12th we honored all the mothers in our facility with a strawberry shortcake social, and the Yellowhill Baptist Church youth group delivered fresh flowers to all the ladies here for Mothers Day.

National Nursing Home Week was observed beginning May 15 with "Indian Day." The dietary staff prepared a traditional Indian lunch complete with bean bread, cabbage, fat back, etc., and after lunch we had performances by the Cherokee High School and Elementary Dancers. They did a great job!

On Tuesday of that week we had a Senior Carnival, which consisted of games set up in the activity room and cakewalks all day. Special thanks to Environmental Services Director Peggy Bradley, DON Jennifer Wachacha, and LPN Jennifer Roberts for providing baked goods for the residents' cakewalk prizes.

Wednesday was '50s Day at Tsali Care. We had an ice cream soda shop set up in the dining room. Special thanks to Winona Cooper and Sonya Barker, volunteers for serving as "soda jerks."

We also honored our residents over age 90 on this day, which are Dinah Welch, 90, and Betty Lossiah, 96.

Our residents participated in the annual Cherokee Senior Celebration on Thursday. What a fun day, with games, door prizes, fashion shows, talent show, and lots of good food. We always enjoy getting to see Bob Caldwell, who serves as Master of Ceremonies. We appreciate Connie Waldroup and Allen Smith for helping to transport all our residents, wheelchairs, etc. Thanks to Tsali Manor staffwho hosted the event.

Nursing Home Week ended on Friday with a Western Day cookout, and the Swain High Chorus performing for the residents. Free blood pressure and sugar screenings and body fat analysis were offered to our staff by Cherokee Health Education and the diabetes program.

Special events and programs do not just happen without lots of planning and preparation. I would like to say how much I appreciate the help of the following individuals and merchants for their input, donations and assistance this month.

Any individuals, church or youth groups wishing to share your talents this summer are invited to call me.

Janice Barker

Activity Director

Tsali Care Center

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