Help a Neighbor

A few weeks ago Kim wrote a very informative note about the free lunches Rooster Head Plantation is serving to the children and adults in our community in need of a meal. The note encouraged donations from members of Moving to Conservers. I was curious about what the response was to this donations request so I contacted Jacqui at the Farm. Well, the response was disappointing so let’s see if we can do better! The Farm started the meals on March 18th and has served every Wednesday-Saturday except for one Wednesday when the farm flooded. Jacqui and her volunteers serve anywhere from 48-125 lunches a week. Weather seems to dictate. The cost of preparing these free bag lunches averages $1 a day. It is very easy to donate: 1. One can stop by the Farm and give cash or a check. Plus while there, do some shopping of local and regional foods, fruits and vegetables. 2. I live far from the farm so I send a check to [...]

It is amazing.  It was so simple and has made such a difference.  After George Floyd was murdered John and I painted a sheet and hung it from our garage.  We had to do something.  We never expected what happened as a result of that sign.  I don't know why we didn't.  I always cringe when I know my black family members are coming for a visit because of the confederate flags they are going to pass to get to our home. Why had we never hung a sign of support for black lives, and our LGBTQ family and friends?  I can tell you, we will always hang flags of support from now on.  Our home has changed.  Our world has broadened and the number of diverse faces in our yard and around our home has become visible.  Almost daily, a vehicle slows, a smiling face reveals itself and a hand waves.  It brings me to tears of sincere joy and gratitude. Last week a car of young [...]

Our own Kim Coram and John Wiseman were recently honored as recipients of the N.C. Governor’s Volunteer Award, along with seven other awardees in Transylvania County. In addition, they were recognized as Medallion Award winners for 2020. Medallion Award winners represent the 20-25 most outstanding volunteers statewide so this is a very special recognition. Kim and John have been actively involved in positive change in the community since they moved here several years ago. As noted in the Transylvania Times “Many people impact their communities, but Coram and Wiseman’s commitment to local action is unparalleled in our county as it crosses multiple organizations, social groups, and causes.” Many of us who have worked with Kim and John have seen this commitment and dedication to positive social change first-hand. Rob Slover, one of those who nominated Kim and John for the recognition noted “ Kim and John are focused on making the world a better place through living their lives as an example.” Well said and so true! Congratulations [...]

Update on June 16, 2020 I posted this several weeks ago.  I continue to publish it for those who may have missed it.  I also continue to post it because my granddaughter is still expressing her fear.  Good for her.  We are enjoying a visit with them this week while we social distance in our home and wear masks and wash our hands a lot.  We have chalkboards in our home on doors and such and yesterday, my granddaughter wrote on one of them: I'm scared for my black family's life.  Black Lives Matter. I shouldn't be scared because I am 10. What wisdom.  What is happening now is amazing in so many ways.  I feel hope.  I also deeply feel the grief our family is experiencing.  Best friends have left, family members don't understand and it brings others to their knees.  It is a deep wound, exposed and while it helps move to healing, the grief is incapacitating at times.  It is why I was unable to [...]