Gleaning the Fields Last year one farmer in Bethel and the Mountain Research Center participated with the Society of St. Andrew to salvage vegetables that would otherwise have gone to waste. Mr. Bill Walker, of the SOSA Chapter based in Asheville, has just contacted me so that we might get an early start lining up farmers who would offer their fields at the end of harvest season. We also need to get volunteers who would pick the produce. Farmers are given a tax credit for produce they donate and volunteers get the satisfaction that they are helping feed the needy. I am asking for someone to step up now as coordinator for that project within our organization.

Cold Mountain Heritage Tour Malinda Messer’s committee has completed the planning and organization of the 2008 Tour. In collaboration with the Haywood County Bicentennial Celebration, the Tour - July 5th and 6th this year - promises to be outstanding. More than 100 volunteers will be needed that weekend. February, March, and April will be consumed now in compiling the Book and the promo material.

Land and River Conservation Our Rural Preservation Committee, with George Ivey as Project Director, is seeking farmers and landowners who will help protect streamside and floodplain land in Upper Pigeon River Valley. That is the heart of Bethel plus up 276 past Cruso, up 215 past Lake Logan, and along 110 and Old River Road going into Canton. Contact George at 648-2710.

Community Pantry Dawn Cox’s committee is filling the storeroom with non-perishable food items. Most is purchased, much is free to us. A lot of planning and organization is being done to prepare for the initial distribution in March. Helpers are needed. Call Dawn at 550-4001.

Litter Sweep 2008 is Apr 19-May 3. Should we organize a Bethel Roadside Cleanup?
Bring a neighbor to the March 11, 2008 members meeting. Board meeting is April 7th.

Ted Carr, 506-0939