THE RED CROSS...
has issued an urgent appeal for type O and B donors because the supply of available type O and B blood has reached seriously low levels. Wal-Mart of sylva will sponsor a blood drive Friday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, call the local Red Cross chapter at 586-2019.
A SIGNALING CHANGE ...
at the N.C. 107/Business 23 intersection should help improve traffic flow, said Gary Millsaps, assistant traffic engineer with the N.C. Department of Transportation. The right turn signal for northbound traffic from Cullowhee has been changed to a "Yield" sign. "The right turn signal prohibits a right turn on red," Millsaps said. "With the change they'll just have to yield to oncoming traffic." DOT officials expect "better traffic progression" as a result of the change, which Millsaps said is the first step toward improving Sylva's busiest intersection. The change has some historical significance as well. We've always heard that when that signal was installed it was the only traffic light in Western North Carolina that stopped traffic five ways at one. With the switch to the yield sign, that light will only stop traffic four ways at a time.
THE DRAMA MOTEL...
in Cherokee has been sold to Laverne Wilson Plemmons and her brother, Lambert Wilson. The sale was effective Jan. 1. Tom and Rose Marie Haigler had owned and operated the motel for the past 12 years. Laverne and Lambert were born and raised in Swain County. She formerly worked with the N.C. Extension Service in Swain and Jackson counties; Lambert is principal of East Elementary School in Ela. The motel was originally built by C.C. Walker and is located across the street from the Cherokee Ceremonial Grounds.
SYLVA STORYTELLER...
Gary Carden has released audio versions of several stories from his latest book, "Mason Jars in the Flood." Both CDs and tapes are available locally at City Lights or Livingston's Photo.
GREAT SMOKY...
Mountains Railroad won a culinary honor for Most Original Cuisine at the recent Culinary Cruise competition in Asheville. The railroad team of Sous Chef Jason Boulle and Manager Deborah Plymal were recognized for their Smoky Mountains Orient Express theme with a menu that consisted of green tea, smoked breast of duck with five-spice oriental braised cabbage, sweet plum and spicy chili sauces. Their display also presented steak au poirve with brandy cream sauce and roasted duck montgomery with kiln-dried cherry sauce. The gourmet train departs from Dillsboro every Saturday night at 6 p.m. through April when departures move to 7:30 p.m. For information and reservations, call 586-8811.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS...
of the late Melanie Thompson have adopted a highway and will have their first cleanup this Saturday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. Anyone wishing to participate should meet at the Webster Baptist Church. For more information, call 631-9625.
A WEIGH DOWN...
Workshop will begin Monday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Sylva Church of Christ in the church annex. Weigh Down is a non-denominational, spiritually-centered weight loss program that has been offered in more than 30,000 locations worldwide. Classes last for 12 weeks and are scheduled to run through May 7. An orientation session has already been held, but new members can join the program through the second class. The first class (Feb. 19) is free to allow others to decide if they want to join. There is a fee for class materials 12 audio cassettes and a workbook. Weigh Down does not include any liquid meals or pill. For information, call Roxanne Burr at 631-2433.
ALMOND TWIRLERS...
will host a regular dance Thursday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. at the old Whittier School. Marty Northrup will call, and Carol Pound will lead line dancing. Call (828) 488-6756 for information.
JOB CORPS...
veteran Don Scott has been named regional director for Job Corps' seven-state Southeast Region. He has served as acting regional director since September. As director, he will oversee Job Corps programs in North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee.
FAITH GROUPS...
continuing to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Floyd's historic floods say they need skilled volunteers to help them finish their work. Especially needed are electricians, plumbers and drywall finishers, said Carolyn Tyler of North Carolina Interfaith Disaster Response. Work is also still available for those who do not fit the skilled volunteer category, disaster coordinators said. Potential volunteers should inquire about age restrictions; however, as some organizations require volunteers to be of a minimum age in order to work at a disaster area. Those wishing to volunteer may contact their local church or may call Methodist Disaster Recovery Ministries, 1-800-849-4433, Ext. 310; N.C. State Baptist Convention, 1-800-395-5102, Ext. 333; Mennonite Disaster Services, (717) 859-2210; Lutheran Disaster Response of North Carolina, 1-888-336-4250; N.C. Interfaith Disaster Response, 1-888-324-8470; or Presbytery of New Hope, (252) 443-7090, Ext. 120
|
