by DJ | Sep 23, 2020 | 2020 Elections, Blog, Community Events
Dear Fellow Democrats,
Today I’m feeling many emotions as we mourn the death of a gentle, giant warrior, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Although I’m very sad and my heart is heavy, I’m reminded that I am not powerless.
I’m sharing with you a message from Jeff Rose, President of the North Carolina County Chairs’ Association and Chair of the Buncombe County Democratic Party. Jeff’s words are just what I needed to lift my spirits this morning, and I hope you find they comfort you, as well.
Although some links are specific to Buncombe County, please reach out to your County Democratic Party to support your candidates and Party.
We’re Stronger Together and United We Win.
Warm Regards,
Kathy Sinclair, Chair
NC CD11 Democratic Party
Here’s Jeff’s Message.
Tonight, our nation is mourning the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Justice Ginsburg was a legal pioneer for gender equality and a fierce ally of civil rights, equality, and justice during her entire career. She was an inspiration to women all across the country for decades, from her time working at the American Civil Liberties Union through her years on the Supreme Court.
As we grieve her loss, we also must work to honor and defend her legacy. North Carolina is the barrier standing between Trump and a second term. We can be the ones who elect Joe Biden, and we can be the state that flips the Senate by electing Cal Cunningham.
Tonight, Senator McConnell announced “Trump’s nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the Senate.” While we cannot stop him from holding a vote, we can put pressure on vulnerable senators and show the nation we’re all watching. And we must.
That starts with you. You can talk to your friends, neighbors, and family about voting this year, no matter where they live. Together, we can connect with as many left-leaning voters in Buncombe and share information about when, where, and how to vote.
Here are some concrete steps you can take this weekend to help Democrats win in North Carolina.
- Sign up to make some phone calls during the North Carolina Democratic Party’s Weekend of Action here in Buncombe county. Click here to register for Saturday, or join County Commission candidate Parker Sloan on Sunday by clicking here
- Donate to the North Carolina Democratic Party to support winning the state for Joe Biden and electing Cal Cunningham as our next senator
- Join in the Vigil for RGB on Saturday at 6pm in Pack Square
All of us at the Buncombe Democrats are heartbroken and grieving with you. This year has been so difficult for our nation, and I know Justice Ginsburg’s passing has left many of you with less hope for the future.
I truly believe that working together, we can and will get through these next 45 days. Our work will send Joe Biden to the White House to begin to heal our nation.
Thank you all for your continued work and dedication to a better county, state, and nation.
Jeff Rose
BCDP Chair
by DJ | Sep 8, 2020 | Activities, Blog, Community Events
Come to a Yard Sale held at the Democratic Headquarters on September 12 from 8:30am to 12pm. All donations go to the Democratic Women of Jackson County.
All types of items will be available for purchase (except clothing) and all safety precautions will be available. They will have sanitizer and masks available.
by DJ | Sep 8, 2020 | 2020 Elections, Blog, Community Events, Election Central, Legislative Watch
A MESSAGE FROM MOE …
The first two debates are in the books and we are already looking ahead to Wednesday, when the third debate will be held at Southwestern Community College in Sylva. I hope you share my view that this race is about who can best serve the needs of the people of Western North Carolina. Who offers the policies that will allow us to grow and prosper?
After two debates, I think the answer is clear.
JOINT STATEMENT WITH NC-13 NOMINEE SCOTT HUFFMAN ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S DISPARAGING REMARKS ABOUT TROOPS
The President of the United States has gone too far.
According to an article in The Atlantic magazine that has been confirmed by multiple media outlets, President Trump has disparaged the troops who gave their lives for our country. As veterans and public servants, we cannot allow the words of our President to stand without forceful objection.
We served. We enlisted. We volunteered. We swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Our military service is not beholden to a single man, woman, or public official. Our service is sworn to the people and the laws of the United States of America, as outlined in the Constitution.
Some of you may call us brave heroes. We wish that you would not. The heroes are the men and women who laid down their lives in the field of battle. We served to honor them. We continue to honor them, not as “losers” and “suckers,” as the President said, but as the solemn guardians of our shores and, more importantly, our freedoms.
Make no mistake, my fellow Americans and North Carolinians, when a Commander in Chief desecrates the memory of the men and women who died protecting his freedom, it diminishes the value of every member of the military who has stood a post, here and abroad.
We served so Donald Trump could play golf on his bone spurs.
As candidates for federal office, we now stand for North Carolina so that the vicious and vile disregard for our state’s brave servicemen and women doesn’t put them in danger. We are running for office because we cannot stand silently while threats to our nation go unchecked and our military brothers and sisters go unprotected.
This is the United States of America. We honor the legacies of the devil dogs, midshipmen, airmen and Rangers who came before us and we wish to serve to protect those who stand post for us now.
His enablers amplify his dishonor. We’re here to stop them.
VETS FOR MOE!
Are you a veteran supporting Col. Moe Davis for Congress? We want to hear from you! Send us a short selfie video to VetsForMoe@moedavis.com saying why you support Col. Davis and we might highlight it on our social media.
Col. Davis met with a group of veterans last Saturday in Burnsville and hopes to have more events with veterans throughout the 11th District. If you would like to host an event, or if you know of a good location to hold one, please let us know and we’ll try to arrange a meet-and-greet.
DON’T FORGET WEDNESDAY’S DEBATE
Want to watch Round 3, Moe vs. Madison? It will be live streamed here starting at 7 PM ET. It will also be available on Moe’s campaign Facebook and YouTube pages, and Moe’s personal Twitter fee
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DEBATES
There were plenty of key moments in the first two debates. We are particularly partial to this one, where Col. Davis talked about his military record and the pride he felt in receiving the Legion of Merit, one of many honors he earned during a 25-year career in the Air Force.
His career wasn’t without controversy. It included the decision to resign his post as Chief Prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay after he was ordered to use evidence obtained by torture.
Not surprisingly, there were those who criticized Col. Davis for taking that stand. But there is no doubt who is on the right side of history. Torture was wrong then and it is wrong today.
And that’s what true character and integrity are all about. Col. Davis knew that it would cost him to make that decision. He did it anyway.
Because it was the right thing to do.
ENDORSEMENT FROM THE COALITION TO STOP GUN VIOLENCE
Leaders from Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper have stepped forward to endorse Col. Davis. And more than a dozen organizations have also “signed up” to support our campaign, representing everyone from veterans to teachers to the LGBTQIA community.
Thank you to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence for joining VoteVets, the Sierra Club, North Carolina Association of Educators, National Organization of Women PAC, Equality NC, AFL-CIO Western North Carolina Central Labor Council, Common Defense, Moms Demand Action, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Progressive Turnout Project, Patriotic Millionaires and Serve America PAC in supporting Moe Davis for Congress.
OUR RESTAURANTS NEED HELP. NOW.
LIVE IN POLK COUNTY? MAKE A VIDEO!
Every Democrat (and independent and Republican) should go to the Polk County Democratic Party website and sign up for its newsletter. It’s packed with information on absentee ballots, signs, when and how to vote and more.
This month’s newsletter features a request for selfie videos on why you are a Democrat or what candidates you are supporting (like Col. Davis!) to be used in their virtual Fall Rally on Sept. 27. Submit videos to their dropbox by Sept. 19 and don’t forget to include your pet in the video if you can!
SIGNS AVAILABLE!
We are seeing Moe Davis signs go up all over Western North Carolina! Thanks to everyone who has ordered a yard sign or a 4 x 6 banner – we’ve had to place a double-order for new ones because we’ve had so many requests.
If you would like a sign, please check at your local county Democratic Party HQ. Signs should be available at Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania HQs. We also have signs available for pick-up in Avery, Black Mountain, Graham, Mars Hill, Swain, and Yancey. (Send an email to yardsign@moedavis.com for info on those non-HQ pick-up locations.) And if you want to give another one to your friend, family member or neighbor, please consider a donation to help us defray the costs. We would really appreciate it!
Remember, you can place signs on your private property now, but you have to wait until Sept. 15 to put a sign on public property. (We wish our opponent would follow the law).
APPLYING FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT IS EASY
We have been urging voters to consider voting by absentee ballot this election cycle given the current COVID-19 pandemic. Now, North Carolina has made it even easier to apply. All you have to do to apply for an absentee ballot is go here to apply online. It takes just a minute or two to fill out the application.
Given delays at the post office, we would also urge you to do this sooner rather than later to get your ballot in on time. Remember, too, you can drop your ballot off at the Board of Elections rather than mail it.
WHEN THE SHOUTING ENDS
Our opponent is good at yelling – my goodness, we all heard it on both nights of the debate. If volume was all that mattered …
But this race isn’t about who can shout. It’s about who can lead.
If you want a leader in Congress, help us get there. Please donate.
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Mountain Strong
by DJ | Sep 8, 2020 | 2020 Elections, Blog, Community Events, Legislative Watch, News
by DJ | Sep 6, 2020 | 2020 Elections, Blog, Community Events, Election Central, Legislative Watch
Plan to Vote
Voting begins today, September 4th. The election is underway and starting today the first ballots are being mailed to those who have already submitted their ballot requests.
In this election you have three distinct ways to vote. First, by Absentee ballot beginning today. Second, during one stop Early Voting or third by voting on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd.
How to Register
Requirements to Register:
- Be a US Citizen.
- Live in the county where you wish to register to vote for at least 30 days.
- Be 18 years old by Election Day, November 3rd, 2020.
- Not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction, including probation, parole or post-release supervision. Once all sentence conditions are served you may vote again.
Citizens registering to vote must offer proof of their identity and residence by showing any of the following documents with their name and address:
- NC Driver’s License
- Other photo identification issued by a government agency. Any government-issued photo ID is acceptable, provided that the card includes the voter’s name and address.
- A copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document showing the voter’s name and address.
- A college/university photo ID card paired with proof of campus habitation.
How To Register:
You may register by any of the following ways anytime between now and October 9th*:
Voting Absentee by Mail (no restrictions)
You may vote by Absentee ballot any time from now until Election Day, November 3rd. You must be registered to vote in order to vote by Absentee. The deadline for requesting an Absentee ballot is 5 PM on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. Absentee ballots have to either be received by your Board of Elections or postmarked by Election Day to be counted. (Voting by Mail in NC is Safe.)
Here are the steps to vote Absentee:
Early One-Stop Voting
(Vote & Register at Same Time)
In 2020, the in-person Early Voting period begins Thursday, October 15, and ends Saturday, October 31,
During Early Voting between Oct. 15 – Oct. 31*individuals who are not registered but are otherwise qualified to vote in a county may register in person at any of their counties’ Early Voting sites during the voting period. After registering, the newly registered voter can immediately vote at the same site on the same day.
including two Sunday opportunities.
During Early Voting, you may cast a ballot at any Early One-Stop Voting site in your county. If you are not registered or you need to modify your registration you can do it at that time. (During the General Election on November 3, you must vote at your assigned precinct.)
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3rd
Know Your Polling Place:
To find your polling place, use the link
here. Once you’ve found your polling place, all you have left to do is be sure
you’re registered and
to vote. Polling places are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Any voter in line at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote. The busiest times tend to be early in the morning and just before the polls close. Avoid longer lines by voting at off-peak times, or plan ahead and vote absentee or during the Early Voting period.
Polling Places Will Be Safe:
Significant precautions will be made to protect voters and election workers against the transmission of COVID-19. These include:
- Enforcing social distancing at polling places and Early Voting sites
- Providing hand sanitizer and masks for voters and election workers who do not bring their own.
- Providing gloves and face shields for election workers.
- Erecting barriers between election workers and voters at check-in tables.
- Providing single-use pens in counties that use hand-marked paper ballots and Q-tips for voters who use ballot-marking devices.
- Frequently cleaning surfaces and equipment in polling places and Early Voting sites.
- Recruiting poll workers who are less vulnerable to the virus.
Joe Sam’s Notes
Voting is our highest civic honor and duty.
Make yourself a plan to vote. And help your friends and family.
Don’t leave anyone behind. We’re all in this together.
Until we speak again, stay safe. If you or a loved one is concerned about your health, the numbers for each of District 119’s Health Departments are listed below:
Haywood – (828) 452-6620
Jackson – (828) 586-8994
Swain – (828) 488-3198
Sincerely,
Joe Sam Queen
by DJ | Sep 2, 2020 | 2020 Elections, Community Events, Election Central, Legislative Watch, News
Over the past three campaign cycles, students in Dr. Bucky Dann’s Social Problems class at Southwestern Community College have questioned candidates vying for varying levels of state and local office.
At 7 p.m. on Sept. 9, Dr. Dann’s current students get to step on the national stage as they will guide the conversation in a debate featuring the two men contending for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives: Republican Madison Cawthorn and Democrat Moe Davis.
“I’m kind of mixed with emotions right now,” said Courtney Thomas, an SCC student who resides in Sylva. “I feel excited because I get to ask questions about topics I think are super-important right now. I’m also super-nervous about public speaking. But I’m mostly excited.”
SCC students spend the first few weeks of their class meetings researching and discussing issues of relevance in the race, and they develop their own questions on a variety of topics with the goal of illustrating the differences in the candidates’ points of view.
The congressional event will be the first of four debates hosted at Southwestern this fall. Following is a list of the other debates, dates and candidates who’ve been invited to appear:
- Jackson County Board of Commissioners (Sept. 24) – Democrats Susan Bogardus (Dist. 3) and Mark Jones (Dist. 4); and Republicans Tom Stribling (Dist. 3) and Mark Letson (Dist. 4).
- N.C. House of Representatives, Dist. 119 (Oct. 8) – Republican Mike Clampitt and Democrat Joe Sam Queen.
- N.C. Senate, District 50 (Oct. 22) – Republican Kevin Corbin and Democrat Victoria Fox.
All debates start at 7 p.m.
Because the state remains in Phase 2 of Gov. Roy Cooper’s reopening plan, members of the public will not be able to physically attend the Sept. 9 debate that will be held on SCC’s Jackson Campus. Instead, SCC will provide live streaming video at https://livestream.com/southwesterncc/congress2020.
“From the time we started hosting these debates in 2014, our goal has been to provide an unbiased platform for candidates to express themselves to the public,” said Dr. Dann, a member of SCC’s faculty since 2006. “Every time we’ve gone through this process, our students have impressed me with how thoroughly they’ve researched the issues. Their questions generate thoughtful – if passionate – dialogue among the candidates, and I can already tell this year’s students will uphold that tradition.”
Considering the effect of COVID-19 on today’s political climate, student Donald Norton of Sylva said he’s looking forward to hearing how the candidates respond to questions posed by himself and his classmates.
“2020 has shown a lot of things about America and its underlying infrastructure, and there are a lot of weaknesses that got highlighted: How fragile the economy is sitting versus the unemployment rate,” Norton said. “(COVID) has played a pretty major impact on this year, so candidates need to find a way to step up to the problems that have arisen.”
For updates about SCC’s debates, check SCC‘s website, official social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) regularly.
by DJ | Jul 27, 2020 | 2020 Elections, Blog, Community Events, Election Central, Legislative Watch
Join Indivisible CommonGround WNC and Swing Left Asheville to make calls on Wed. 7/29 at 6-9 pm for 6th Generation Jackson County rep, Joe Sam Queen (HD-119). Make sure he is re-elected and stop GOP Gerrymandering! Register at this link: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/289640/
by DJ | Jul 9, 2020 | Blog, Community Events, COVID-19 Updates, Uncategorized
by DJ | Jun 21, 2020 | Blog, Community Events
The People of Sylva had their voices heard on Saturday, June 13th. Hundreds of citizens gathered in downtown Sylva to show their support for more regulation to prevent the abuse of power by law enforcement. They also called for more transparency of police departments. Citizens marched down Main Street chanting “Black Lives Matter” and “Justice for George Floyd”. The protest on Saturday is the third protest to occur in Sylva in the past three weeks. Protestors were well prepared for protesting in a pandemic, as the overwhelming majority wore face masks. The Sylva Police Department was very helpful, setting up roadblocks to make way for the march and even unlocking some public bathrooms for the participants to use.
After the march participants gathered in Bridge Park and heard several speeches. The Jackson County Democratic Party provided microphones and speakers. The Party for Socialism and Liberation provided a medic station and a free water station. Speakers called for civil action to change the current justice system. Some speakers called for more radical action. For example, some speeches called for the abolishment of capitalism as the speaker argued that systematic racism will never go away until capitalism is abolished. Some speakers encouraged the audience to research radical movements, such as the Haitian Revolution. Most of the protestors appeared to be moderate and didn’t fully support radical notions. However, they were willing to listen to new ideas.
There were a few counter-protestors. They were not very vocal; however, they did display their message by driving by in trucks and motorcycles with large Confederate Army flags flying from the backs of their vehicles. These counter protesters revved their engines when they drove by the BLM demonstration. Despite all this the protest was peaceful and there was no violence.
One BLM protestor appeared to call for violence as she claimed, “Peaceful protest won’t save my black daughter’s life!”. She was pulled aside, however, and some the other BLM protesters listened to her. They later convinced her to use the microphone and explain what she was calling for. She later noted that she wasn’t necessarily calling for violence, but she believed that there needs to be more radical action needed to effectively change the system.
It is important to remember that although radical action can change things for the better, it is very unpredictable. Radical action sometimes creates a new system that is more unjust than the previous system. Therefore it is important to be active in a democratic system. Democracy is the slow process of coming up with the right solution compared to going straight to the wrong decision. Politics requires careful decision making. There is nothing wrong with radical ideas. However, it is important to know exactly what changes should be made before tearing down the current system. Apathy kills democracy. For a healthy and just democracy to survive, a well-informed voter base is necessary.
by DJ | Jun 6, 2020 | Community Events, COVID-19 Updates
by DJ | May 19, 2020 | Community Events, COVID-19 Updates
Smoky Mountain News, Written by Admin.
Some 15,000 much-needed surgical masks are now available for health care providers across the 18 counties of Western North Carolina, thanks to big efforts by a small group centered at Western Carolina University.
“This has been quite an adventure for a team without much international logistics experience in medical equipment,” said Yue Cai Hillon, on behalf of the American Chinese Friendship Society of Western North Carolina. “However, with encouragement and support of many community partners, like the Western Carolina Medical Society and WCU’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, we persevered.”
The society was created last year by WCU faculty, including Will Lehman, an associate professor of German, to spread awareness about Chinese culture and help foster relationships and understanding of a close-knit community here in this region. But as the COVID-19 pandemic escalated and local clinics, medical offices and assisted living facilities were left with limited personal protection equipment, the group shifted to more humanitarian efforts.
Hongyun Shen, a student in the Master of Accountancy Program, located a surgical mask distributor in China, made contact and secured an order, while Hillon, professor of management, along with Yangyun Yan, an associate professor in the College of Engineering and Technology, and Yiqing Yang, an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology Department, provided immediate funding.
An initial shipment of 6,000 masks was received and distributed in March. As news spread, donations flowed in and allowed the group to make additional orders.
A second order of 4,000 masks was distributed in April. A third and final order of 5,500 masks has been placed and is expected soon.
“We are so appreciative of the donated masks from Western Carolina Medical Society and Western Carolina University,” said a grateful Teresa Strom, CEO of Hot Springs Health Programs in Madison County. “This donation will enable us to continue to care for our patients.”
Surgical masks are intended to provide broad barrier protection, according to current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making use an essential element for health care workers and those dealing with at-risk populations and recommended for everyone in a public setting.
“Our Western North Carolina medical providers and other individuals providing essential services in our community are doing so while putting their own health and lives at risk,” said Miriam Schwarz, CEO of the Western Carolina Medical Society, headquartered in Asheville. “Providing them with the personal protective equipment they need to feel safe and minimize that risk is absolutely critical right now. Since there are supply shortages and limited funds available for many of them to secure this equipment themselves, we are partnering with several others in this regional effort to be resourceful.”
Some of the frontline recipients include:
Emergency Medical Services
* Jackson County EMS
* Haywood County EMS
* Henderson County EMS
* Transylvania County EMS
Hospitals, Community Caregivers
* Harris Regional Hospital
* Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
* Mountain Community Health Partnership
* Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers
* Mission Health Partners
* Blue Ridge Community Health Services
* Smoky Mountain Medical Society
Assisted Care, Senior Living Facilities
* Autumn Care Nursing Home
* Battery Park Senior Apartments
* Asheville Terrace Senior Apartments
* Vanderbilt Senior Apartments
* Skyland Care Center
* The Hermitage
Doctors, Dentists
* Dr. David McGuire General Dentistry
* Clinic of Dr. Clifford H. Mault
* Digestive Health Partners
The American Chinese Friendship Society of WNC is made up of WCU faculty members, staff and students, as well as neighboring residents, but is independent of the university. “We are truly just a member of the WCU community and global citizens in this world,” Yan said. “United we prevail, divided we perish.”
In North Carolina, more than 17,000 people had tested positive for the coronavirus and 661 people had died as of Friday, May 15, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Large scale tragedies tend to bring out both the best and the worst in humanity, and unfortunately some people have exploited the current pandemic to spread hateful and incendiary messages about Asian Americans for their own political gain,” said Lehman. “As an American, I find this utterly appalling, yet I firmly believe that mutual trust and respect will be eventually achieved as each ounce of blind intolerance is answered with a pound of loving kindness.”
For more information, contact Hillon at ycai@wcu.edu.
by DJ | May 5, 2020 | Community Events, News
The Census is your chance to make sure your community counts. Participating in the Census will help make sure your community gets:
- Fair representation in Congress
- Financial resources for health, schools, transportation, and more
- Information leaders need to help your community plan for the future.
Help Make NC Count! View and download resource materials by clicking on the button below.
NC Census Outreach & Engagement Toolkit
What is the Census?
Established by the US Constitution, the US Census Bureau is required to conduct a count of every person in the United States, including North Carolina. Everyone must be counted no matter their age, residence status or location. This includes deployed military at their current base address. Federal law requires that all information collected be kept confidential. The information compiled cannot be shared with law enforcement, the courts, immigration or anyone for 72 years. Census 101
2020 Operational Census Timeline
Contact:
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
512 North Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27604
919-733-2126
by DJ | Apr 21, 2020 | Community Events, COVID-19 Updates, Education, News
Written by Cory Vaillancourt, Smoky Mountain News
Southwestern Community College Director of Career Services Michael Despeaux has been holding bricks-and-mortar job fairs for almost 20 years, but on Friday, April 24, he’ll hold his very first “virtual job fair” to connect employers and job seekers online.
“As of now, I’ve sent out invitations to the virtual job fair to well over 7,000 employers and 400 who regularly or actively recruit through SCC,” Despeaux said on April 10.
Thus far, he’s had close to a dozen employers respond, not only from Jackson County but also regional businesses and non-local businesses that have a local footprint. Those include well-known names like Drake Software, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Terminix pest control services.
Despeaux said he’s been targeting essential businesses that are in a position to hire, but he’s also targeting businesses that will need employees quickly once business returns to normal in the coming weeks or months.
Many of those employers rely on students from Western Carolina University, but since large numbers of WCU students are from major metropolitan areas like Charlotte and Atlanta, they’re no longer here, looking for part-time or summer jobs like they normally would be.
“Our local labor force will be more critical than ever,” Despeaux said.
The virtual job fair will give employers an opportunity to make presentations on available jobs and how to apply for them, and may become a weekly event, according to Despeaux.
Applicants should visit www.southwesterncc.edu/job-board to register for the virtual job fair.
Employers looking to participate should contact Michael Despeaux, Southwestern Community College director of career services by emailing m_despeaux@southwesterncc.edu.
by DJ | Apr 18, 2020 | Community Events, COVID-19 Updates
Admin., Smoky Mountain News
While Western Carolina University had to cancel the 18th annual Spring Literary Festival, WCU is happy to announce that listeners can soon find exclusive virtual content from some festival authors at www.litfestival.organd social media.
First up, a live conversation with New York Times bestselling author Jeff VanderMeer at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. Dr. Laura Wright, professor of English at WCU, will speak with Jeff about the natural and unnatural worlds in his fiction and how art can take on environmental issues. Viewers will also have a chance to write in with questions. You can find the live steam at litfestival.org. This event is sponsored by WCU’s 2019-20 campus theme: Sustainability and the Environment.
Then, throughout the rest of the week, you’ll also find videos — readings, interviews, tours around writing spaces — from Doug Bock Clark, Nickole Brown, Jessica Jacobs, Cassandra Kircher, Kevin Boyle, Catherine Carter, and Wesley Browne.
by DJ | Apr 10, 2020 | Community Events, COVID-19 Updates, News
Thanks to Gayle Barker Woody, Jackson County Commissioner
I am sharing some notes to address questions I have received from citizens during this CORONA-VIRUS crisis. This is NOT a comprehensive report on our meeting.
“What are you all doing to address the crisis?”
Well, as individual commissioners, we are each doing individual things. I think when folks ask this question – they want to know what our County Government is doing. We had a report Tuesday from the following:
1) Our acting County Manager and County Attorney, Heather Baker.
Mrs. Baker, by the way, is doing an outstanding job filling in for County Manager Don Adams. He is doing well recovering from a heart attack and by-pass surgery.
Mrs. Baker is overseeing all functions of County Government. All departments are open and serving citizens. Whenever possible, they are working remotely, and if that is not possible, they are taking all necessary precautions. Please CALL the County Department first if you require their services. (phone numbers are on the WEB site) They will let you know if you NEED to come to the Justice Center. Otherwise, they will help you over the phone.
2) Todd Dillard – Director Emergency Management Team
Mr. Dillard is doing an outstanding job coordinating our team and services. The Team has been operational since March 16 – 24/7 and is one of the reasons we have a low number of infections so far. They have addressed 398 health related calls so far. They have ordered large amounts of protective gear, including masks. They have purchased and deployed 4 new (making a total of 8 county wide) message boards which encourage following state and county directives. They can also post emergency updates as needed. The state of North Carolina evaluates each county with a “Preparedness Rating”. In 2017-18 Jackson County earned a “B” rating. In February of 2020, Jackson County earned a 100% rating – due in large part to the leadership of Todd Dillard. (that is according to Shelley Carroway, Health Director)
3) Shelley Carroway – Jackson County Department of Public Health – Director
Good data allows our county officials to make good decisions. Mrs. Carroway and her staff, including Mellissa McNight, Deputy Health Director, are working tirelessly to keep us updated and aware of current COVID-19 cases and results of testing as we move forward. She emphasized the importance of continuing the “stay home, stay safe” order. In fact, now more than ever as we reach a critical period of the outbreak “curve”. Ms. Carroway emphasized the need to keep social distancing and take it very seriously. We still have 2 known cases of COVID-19 in Jackson County, but there are test results continually coming in, so that number can change. For daily updates, go to the Health Department WEB site.
4) Chip Hall – Sheriff, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department
Sheriff Hall told us he is in daily communication with State officials and surrounding counties’ Sheriff Departments. He shared several recent changes to address current needs –
a) School Resource Officers have been reassigned duties in the community
b) There are increased patrols in southern Jackson County
c) There are increased patrols county wide
d) They are monitoring county businesses’ compliance with directives and orders
e) No fines have currently been assessed. So far, businesses are responding to officers’ concerns about non-compliance
f) No need for curfew at this time. The volume of traffic drops after 8:00pm when businesses close. This will continue to be evaluated.
g) The State of North Carolina does not recommend road closures. Jackson County has US Highways as well as State highways and our local roads. Essential traffic uses these roads throughout our county.
If you have questions about the above information, please email me at gaylewoody@jacksonnc.org. I do not reply to Facebook messages. It is all I can do to keep up with email and texts.
Thank you to ALL our public servants who are serving us so well during these difficult days.
May each of us do our part as well. Stay well and safe.
Gayle
by DJ | Feb 7, 2020 | 2020 Elections, Activities, Community Events, Dems in the Community, Election Central, Legislative Watch, News
New Chairs Announced to District 11
A warm welcome to our new 2nd Vice Chair in charge of training, Kathie Kline. A lifelong Democrat, Kathie has been active in politics since 1983. Her experiences range from working on campaigns, precinct chair, campaign manager, cluster leader and trainer. She also works on BCDP’s Data Team and the BCDP GOTV Operations Team. Kathie can be reached at Kathiebkine@gmail.com.
Karen Albig smith has joined District 11 as Third Vice-Chair. She is a lifelong Democrat and currently serving as Union Precinct Chair in Macon County. North Carolina contributions to the Democratic Party include serving on the Resolutions Committee for the District last year, staffing at Macon County headquarters coordinating canvassing for the 2018 midterms. Her most recent source of activist pride is having attended the Women’s March in January 2017. “I am happy to serve the 11th Congressional District as your Communications Coordinator. Let me know how I can help.” 🙂 mailto:karen@programservices.org
2020 Primary Election: NO VOTER ID IS NEEDED
- Early Voting is February 13-29. Early voting site can be found at: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/ossite/
- Same Day Registration is available to those who are not yet registered during early voting with proof of residency – Not on Election Day!
- Primary Election Day is March 3 from 6:30AM to 7:30PM. Voters must vote in their home precinct that day. Polling places an be found at: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/PPLkup/
2020 District Convention: Saturday April 25, 2020
- Pisgah High School, 1 Black Bear Drive, Canton, NC
- Start time : Noon-4:00PM Watch for updates at: https://www.nc11democrats.org/new-events
- Registration at 10:30 AM Food at 11:00 AM
- FOOD!!! There will be a BBQ lunch available prior to the Convention (YAY!) – more details will be posted at the event page.
The Proposed Agenda
- Election of District Delegates and Alternates to the DC Milwaukee (Applications are available at https://www.ncdp.org/dnc-2020/ accepted through March 26)
- Election of Member (Biennial State Convention Committee on Credentials and Appeals)
- Election of Member (Council of Review)
- Election of Member (Resolutions and Platform Committee)
- Nominate one Presidential Elector from the Congressional
2020 Liston B. Ramsey Dinner
(“Please pardon our TBAs – We are Still under Construction”
- April 25, 2020, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Waynesville Inn Golf Resort
- 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville, NC 28766, USA (MAP)
- Cocktail/Social Hour at 4:00 PM: Dinner and Program at 5:00 PM
- Dinner Ticket: $_TBA_; Young Dems $_TBA_
Program
Introduction of Candidates
Key Note Address: To be announced
Presentation of the 2020 Liston B. Ramsey Awards by County
Mountain Democrat of the Year
Please join our fellow NC 11th Congressional Democrats for dinner and community fellowship. The event will follow our 2020 Congressional District Convention.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
NC CD11 Democratic Officers
Mark Your Calendars
Meet the NC11 Congressional Candidates – Monday February 10th, 6:00 PM: Agricultural Center, 589 Raccoon Road, Waynesville (map). Hosted by the Haywood County Democratic Party, the candidates will participate in a debate moderated by Julia Buckner.
All 5 Democratic candidates are scheduled to participate. This is your opportunity to meet Gina Collias, Moe Davis, Michael O’Shea, Phillip Price and Steve Woodsmall.
2020 Precinct Organizational Period – February 15, 2020; Make up day – March 14, 2020
2020 County Democratic Party Conventions – Saturday, March 28, 2020
2020 District 11 Democratic Convention – Saturday, April 25, 2020 12:00 PM
- Registration 10:30 AM
- BBQ Lunch 11:00 AM
- Pisgah High School (map)
2020 North Carolina Democratic Convention – Saturday, June 6, 2020
Check the Events Page for Updates and Tickets: https://www.nc11democrats.org/new-events. You can also find information and updates of events around the district at nc11democrats.org or by following us on Facebook.
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