LATINO COMMUNITY, MAGGIE VALLEY COMMUNITY, AND AFRO-AMERICAN COMMUNITIES WERE ON THE STOP TODAY

We boarded the bus this morning, Haywood Transit that is. Nine a.m.,now that's a little early for some of us but we all make it in time.
Todays Senior Leadership Class started by traveling to Canton, North Carolina. Once into Canton we went to the Latin Church and heard from the pastor at the church. He said that there is a real need for assistance in his area. A lot of hard workers but lack of work because of the economy, lack of food, vehicles and such make it hard on that group of Haywood residents.
Second speaker was an Afro-American lady, Anne. She told us that she grew up in Canton. Her sons were also educated in Canton. She was a warm and loving person interested in her heritage and community.
Next stop, Canton Senior Citizens. A very nice welcome from Juanita Dixon. She told us of the history of Canton. I wondered if Canton was named from Canton, Ohio but sure didn't know that Canton had had 2 previous names. Did you know that?
Have you ever seen the water mark that the floods left behind? The brick wall showing the spot is really amazing. To think that the water was that high in that old building and the building still stands today. Pretty amazing after viewing that to understand that Canton is still on the map!
Next we boarded the bus and headed to Maggie Valley. Ernestine Upchurch, a dear, dear friend, was the main speaker. Oh she did delegate some of the speaking to the mayor but you know he didn't talk long:). Ernestine told of the first ones there, her family roots and all the Town events (water/sewer, lights, and such). The best part was her telling about the women of Maggie that were in a group they labeled as Maggie Walkers, or something like that. I can't name names!
Back on the bus and a stop at Subway. Boy, I'll bet they were so surprised to see so many of us get off the bus and come in for a sandwich to go!
Back at the main place, Haywood Community Connections, we had lunch, discussed what we had heard and learnt and then, until next week, put away our notebooks and left with lots of new thoughts about the people who share our Towns.
I was excited to receive a phone call tonight from a Lake Logan gentleman who is interested in the same thoughts that I have as to feeding Haywood. A native of Haywood, he's had several businesses of his own and given of himself to help his community. Although his "plate is full" on a daily basis making a living for himself and serving on committees his interests is ag and politics. I truly enjoyed talking with him and am looking forward to seeing his name in the future as one who want to Feed Haywood!!!
Don't forget Saturday morning at the Canton Senior Center breakfast. 8-10 am and then the Canton Heritage Day following.
Also, the Latino community will host a meal September 19. I think it will be a dinner with music and lots of love and laughter. More on that as time draws closer.
I think that it's time to draw on all the resources in our area and pull up our chairs in a circle and put on our thinking hats and decide where we go from here to Feed Haywood. Please, please, your thoughts and ideas are needed. Please contact me here, facebook or twitter and let me know you are willing to help.
Thanks for reading. I truly would love to know who you are and what you are thinking about gardening. Please take a few moments to contact me. I'd love to hear what you have to say! Your opinion counts with me!