The family of Maggie Lossiah would like to take this time to say thank you to everyone who has showed support to us, not only in her passing but also during the months she was in the hospital. Your willingness to help and generosity will never be forgotten. Maggie was a very special lady to everyone she met. She enjoyed singing with her family for many years.

Thank you to everyone who brought food and drinks, sent flowers, sat with her while she was in the hospital, the doctors and nurses (here in Cherokee and at Mission), the preachers who conducted her services (Blue Jay Sequoyah, Charles Ray Ball, Red Bradley and Bo Parris), to all the singers and church groups (those who came to the hospital and to her visitation), to the crews that were sent by Tribal Construction, to her nephews, great-nephews and Big Cove Free Labor friends who served as pall bearers and to the staff at Long House Funeral Home.

There were many helping hands, too many to list, so please don’t be offended if you’re not mentioned by name. The family knows who you are and that’s all that matters. Maggie is now at rest. She is reunited with her family in Heaven!

Sincerely,

Thomas and Charlene, Genoa, Charlene and her grandson, John Lossiah

The New Kituwah Academy announced its honor roll and perfect attendance lists for the first nine weeks on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

A Honor Roll

3^rd grade: Naomi Taylor

5^th grade: Andi McCoy

A/B Honor Roll

3^rd grade: Hailee Velazquez-Lossiah, Anasette Cooper, Cecily Swimmer, Cameron Jackson, Marilyn Swayney

4^th grade: Eva Welch, Champ Maney

5^th grade: Milli Bryson

6^th grade: Haley Smith, Praire Toineeta, Joryn Walker

Perfect Attendance

Kindergarten: Morgan Hernandez, Kiara Sneed

1^st grade: Mack Burgess, Kaden Stephens

2^nd grade: Samuel Hernandez, Alex Motola, Alexis Motola, Moke Tafoya

4^th grade: Champ Maney

6^th grade: Abigail Taylor

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the support we received during the loss of our father, Donald Edward Maney.  We are especially grateful to our immediate family members who came by to express their condolences and to be there with us during our time of loss: Aunt Stacy and Dianne, Lisa Penick and Amanda Moore, Charla Crowe, Kenny and Dianne Panther, Annette and Kevin Jackson, Nancy Maney, John Henry and Delores Maney, Pinhead and Joann Kalonaheskie.  You are all special to us and will always be remembered as such.

And, thank you to all of our friends who came by and reminisced with us.  Jenn and Bear Driver, we love you for making us laugh. Tara and Tiff Reed, thanks for being such good friend.  Duke McCoy, you have always been a good friend to Donny.  Thank you to the Big Cove stickball team and wives for your support and to John Grant for always being a friend.  Monica Bryson, you are the greatest.  Nikki Chiltoskie, you always have funny stories to tell.  Drew Grant, one day you will be a golf pro.  Richie Bottchenbaugh, you are like a brother to us, and Michelle Thompson, you are such a great friend.

Thank you to those of you who brought food, Family Support Program, Aunt Stacy and Dianne, Granny Nanny, Recreation Department and Tiff and Tara Reed. The flowers were beautiful.  The kind words you left us and the financial support was greatly appreciated.  We love each and every one of you.  Last, but not least, Foreman Bradley, we appreciate the messages you brought to the services.

Stephanie, Donny, and Frances W. Maney

Former Miss Cherokee Kara Martin models a traditional Cherokee feather cape made on a netted base. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is offering workshops on making fish nets and feather capes Nov. 13-14.  These workshops will take place in the Ken Blankenship Education and Research Wing of the Museum. Materials for nets will be provided.  Workshops are sponsored by the Museum and the North Carolina Arts Council.

Participants will learn knotting techniques for making nets, which have been part of Cherokee tradition for more than 9,000 years.  On Friday, Nov. 13 from 9am – 3pm, the basic technique for making a net will be taught, and participants will learn to make a rectangular net like those used for fishing.  On Friday evening, Nov. 13, from 6-8pm, the techniques for sorting feathers and attaching feathers to nets will be taught.  On Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9am – 3pm, techniques for shaping nets into a cape will be taught, so that participants can make the netted bases for feather capes.

All workshops will be taught by Deborah Harding, Carnegie Natural History Museum.  Harding worked with the Museum to make the feather cape for the Emissaries of Peace exhibit in 2006, based on research by Barbara Duncan.  The workshop size is limited to 15 people.

To register, visit the Museum Store or call 497-3481 ext. 208.  The cost is $25 for all three workshops for EBCI members.

Info: bduncan@cherokeemuseum.org.

– Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Cherokee Elementary School

Principal’s Honor Roll – Student must receive an A in all of the following: Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies

4^th grade: Ann Toineeta, Carys Holiday, Dalaina Mills, Dayvian Pheasant, Eric Fitzgerald, Jasmine Robertson, Jenna Cruz, Madison Ledford, Miylaya Pratama, Roxi Bark, Sean Fitzgerald, Shelby Solis

5^th grade: Alexis Smith, Idalis Crowe, Maria Fourkiller-Raby, Walika Sexton

A Honor Roll – Students must receive an A in Reading, Language Arts, and Math

4^th grade: Cassius Ross, Dreyvon Taylor, Eve Stamper, George Saunooke, Kyla Moore

5^th grade: Ariyonna Hill-Maney, Ashlyn Chronister, Braylon James, Catherine Cline, Hayden McCoy, Kalina Blanton, Mahala Allison

B Honor Roll – Student must receive a B or higher in Reading, Language Arts, and Math

4^th grade – Ahanu De Los Reyes, Awee Walkingstick, Bayley Wright, Boie Crowe, Breydan Ensley, Dante Taylor, DJ Hornbuckle, Gabriel Crowe, Hawk Reed, Hermione Ward, Illeyeni Wolfe, Isaac Welch, Janna Girty, Jayle Creson, Jimya Driver, Jodi Bird, Kaden Blanton, Kilandra Hornbuckle, Laura Martinez, NIyaha Mora, Siddalee Thomason, Tyeala Hampton, Zoe Walkingstick

5^th grade – Aid Martinez, Alessandra Martinez, Allyson Reed, Alyxandra Armachain, Amiya George, Ansley Ogle, Autumn Greene, Aylin Welch, Ayden Thompson, Brystyn Littlejohn, Calvin Lossiah, Caven Reed, Chayme Cucumber, Cristofer Rivera, Destiny Siweumptewa, Ellise Stamper, Fala Welch, Jacklin Lossiah, Jaden Armachain, Kaella Hornbuckle, Kaniah Reed, Katherine Armachain, Kenneth Welch, Kamia Wiggins, Kyra West, Lexi Bird, Magdalene Colvin, Makyla Taylor-Hernandez, Mya Sequoyah, Rachel Maney, Rae Littlejohn, Tanis Esquivel, Tyler Wolfe

Merit Honor Roll – Student is recognized for their effort and progress

4^th grade: Abigail Ledford, Adrian Armachain, Awee Watty-Ivey, Bud Mathis, Dyami Saunooke, Hunter Hendrix, Julia Gonzales, Kenyon Martin, Olivia Swayney

5^th grade: Acacia Reed, Connor Pheasant, Jaelyn Lossiah, Jolie Locust-Pheasant, Joseph Smart, Nessa Smith

Cherokee Middle School

Principal Honor Roll

6^th grade: Caedance Smith, Kaielin Jones, Takota Sexton, Kegan Curtice, Isabel Lambert, Woodrow Lossie, Evan Caley, Chloe Lambert, Jae Lossiah, Leilaya McMillan, Danasia Toineeta, Luther Standingbear Light in the Lodge, Keeifer Taylor

7^th grade: Mayz Cruz, Dreyton Long, Rocky Peebles, Destiny Mills, Zoey Walkingstick

8^th grade: David Hartbarger, Destyni Johnson

Alpha Honor Roll

6^th grade: Taylor Blanton, Lucian Davis, Patricia Armachain-Biddix, Taylor Quackenbush, Vivian Ross, Tevy West, Cameron Lane, Makala McGaha, Mackenzie Reed, Shawn Parsons, Tehya Littlejohn

7^th grade: Adam Reed, Rossi Wachacha, Anthony Allison, Kyle Galanick, Rose Reyes

8^th grade: Raylen Bark, Breanna Mangold

Beta Honor Roll

6^th grade: Gabriel Jarvis, Caidyn French, Carys Graves, Daniel Bean, Betty Lossiah, Alverta Henson, Miranda Lopez, Jamice Mora, Joshua Smith, Marcus Armachain, Emily Bradley, Mason Ledford, Aaliyah Queen, Donna Thompson, Samuel Bernhisel, Kyanna Brady, Aria Foerst, Malakai Fourkiller-Raby, Joseph Hornbuckle, Mylisa Mathis, Nikkia Swayney, Johnny Bradley, Brandon Martin, Benjamin Feather, Dylan Littlejohn, Malik Wolfe, James Reed

7^th grade: Teja Littlejohn, Deante Toineeta, David Bushyhead, Tayana Calhoun, Jonathan Frady, Rhyan Girty, Hayley Keever, Silas Sequoyah, Kayleigh Wolfe, Abragail George, Lorenzo Ramirez, Derek Thomas, Serbando Welch, Diamond Alvarez, Desiree Amos, Justus Armachain, Rebecca Armachain, Shashoni Panther, Elizabeth Reyes, Zayne Taylor-Hernandez, Kalista Luther, Emma Bernhisel, Darius Bigwitch, James Davis, Julian Littlejohn, Maria Reyes, Isaac Saunooke, Abbigail Space, Jaden Welch, Emma Wolfe, Dylan Woodard, Samantha Cole, Jordyn Martin, Thomas Pheasant, Felicity Watty, Richard Welch, Syrena West, Wa-Ya A-Di-Si Younce, Judson Bradley, Francisco Figueroa, Eeyannah Catolster, Michael Otter, Paulo Sadongei, Daniel Thompson, Braden Taylor, Laila Locust, Calista Wolfe, Rashonda Wolfe, Ryanne Junaluska, Jacob Hill

8^th grade: Reef Cochran, Christopher Gammon, Maiya Davis, Acecia Lambert, Sterling Santa Maria, Tierney Bradley, Deliah Esquivel, Caden Pheasant, Kimberly Hendrix, Alexa Ledford, Michael Kalonaheskie, Christina Lee, Brian Littlejohn-Bigmeat, Cameron Reed, Mykel Lossiah, Dorian Reed, Hallah Panther, Johanna Bean, Daquan Jumper, Emilio Librado, Lauren Luther

– Cherokee Central Schools

The Wolftown Community Club would like to thank all the volunteers that came out and helped with the Safe Trick-or-Treat event: Mary Jackson, Sadie Jackson, Linda Jumper, Tammy Gibby, Raynee Catt, Charlene Otter, Mary Long, Sharon McCoy, Patrick West and family, and Kelsey Jackson. We appreciate you and your service to the community! We had over 2,000 trick-or-treaters come through!

We will be having our Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 6pm at the Wolftown Gym. Meat and drinks will be supplied so bring your favorite side dish or dessert. We would like to extend a special invitation to all the Wolftown Veterans so you can be recognized and honored for your service. We hope to see you there!

Submitted by,

Tammy Jackson, Secretary

Wolftown Community Club

On Oct. 27, the Big Cove Community hosted their annual Halloween Carnival.  It was truly a success!  This year, we not only used the event for a fundraiser but also as a food drive for our food pantry.  We raised over $700 for our community club and brought in over 300 non-perishable food items.

We wanted to thank all of those who came out, and we hope each and every one of you had a great time.  We want to extend a special thank you to those programs or people that gave donations to this year’s event.  This group includes: TGC Board, Tribal Council, TOP Office, KOA Campground, Yogi in the Smokies Campground, First Lady Cyndi Lambert, Cherokee Central School Board, Totsie Welch, Big Cove Rep. Teresa McCoy, Big Cove Rep. Richard French, Nancy Pete, and Otis Swayney.

Thank you to all of the individuals who volunteered their time to work in the kitchen, the games, the haunted trail, set-up, clean up, and all those who brought baked goods for the cake walk and items for the country store.  We apologize if we have overlooked anyone.  So many people came together to make this night a true success for the Big Cove Community.  Thank you to all of the community club officers, Heather and Diane Driver, and Cindee West for their hard work and putting this event on.

Sgi,

Big Cove Community Club

Lisa Leatherman, with Duke Energy, presents a Community of Promise Award to Big Cove Community members (left-right) Lester Hardesty, Lisa Hardesty, Consuela Girty, and Joe Redcloud. (Photos provided by rbmcgee portraits)

By LINDA LAMP

WNC COMMUNITIES

ASHEVILLE – WNC Communities celebrated 66 years of community achievement through the WNC Honors Awards Program on Saturday, Nov. 7 as 250 community leaders from 14 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians were recognized and rewarded for their exceptional community development programs at a luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Asheville.

The Big Cove Community and the Big Y Community were both named Communities of Promise and given cash awards of $1,000 each.

“Rural communities are the lifeblood of the mountain region working day in and day out to improve the quality of life for residents,” states Linda Lamp, executive director of WNC Communities.  “It is our honor to recognize the community organizations from the Eastern Band of Cherokee and highlight their best practices which can be replicated throughout the region.”

Big Y Community is shown being presented a Community of Promise Award (left-right) Trudy Crowe, Gage Welch, presenter Janna Hyatt with Harrah’s Cherokee, Donna Lambert, Reva Brown, Dave Lambert and Donald Brown.

Big Cove was recognized for creating opportunities to enhance and perpetuate the Cherokee culture. Their Woman’s Group received grant funds from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to teach sewing, cooking and craft classes. Their largest event Kolanvyi Day was turned into a fund raiser to benefit a cause which has impacted many families in their community, the Cherokee Cancer Support Group.  Big Cove was also honored for hosting tribal programs this year focusing discussions on sustainability and held discussions on bringing back the fishing season.  Big Cove is currently in the planning stages of building a new community facility to increase opportunities to share the Cherokee Culture and traditional ways with future generations.

Big Y was recognized for receiving a DARE grant of $4,400 to obtain equipment for all ages to start an archery club.  Volunteers provide safety briefings, demonstrate and teach how to shoot the bows so entire families can participate in this weekly activity.  Big Y was also honored for their work on a Community Watch program to purchase outdoor cameras for use in areas of concern, as well as lessening their carbon footprint on the environment by using all natural biodegradable paper products at their events.

Participating Communities receive a cash award of $300 each for their successful projects implemented during the past year.  The EBCI winners in this category for 2015 were the Painttown Community, the Snowbird Community, the Tow String Community and the Wolftown Community.

Community centers and clubs across the region voluntarily participate in the annual WNC Honors Awards Program by submitting an application to WNC Communities in September. The 65 communities involved in this year’s program represented a total of 5,711 volunteers with 133,390 hours in outreach programs.

The annual Reservation-Wide Christmas Lighting Contest will be sponsored by the EBCI Division of Commerce and the EBCI Cooperative Extension Office.  Each Community Club will sponsor their own lighting contest, and the first place winners from these communities will be submitted to the Community Development Coordinator.

To enter the contest in your community, please contact the following community officers:

• Big Cove – Butch Hill
• Big Y – Bunsey Crowe
• Birdtown – Jody Taylor
• Painttown – Lula Jackson
• Snowbird – Roger Smoker
• Tow String – Raymond Matthews
• Wolftown – Tuff Jackson
• Yellowhill – Reuben Teesateskie
• Cherokee County – Frank Herron
• 3200 Acre Tract – Renissa McLaughlin

Judging for this contest will be Thursday, Dec. 10.  Prizes include: first place, $300; second place, $200; and third place, $100.  Info: Tammy Jackson, community development coordinator at EBCI Cooperative Extension Office, 359-6934

– Tammy Jackson

The 2nd Annual Lights & Legends Christmas event kicks off at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds on Saturday, Dec. 5. (Photos by Kristy M. Herron/EBCI Commerce)

By ROBERT JUMPER
ONE FEATHER EDITOR

Again this year, the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds will be decorated in tinsel and lights. Enjoy a winter wonderland with light tunnels guiding guests to each of the Cherokee legend sculptures that were custom-made for Cherokee and for this event.

The centerpieces will be the uniquely Cherokee legend sculptures, including a mountaintop clan feature (24 feet in height) and depictions of Cherokee legends like “How the Bear Lost His Tail”. These sculptures are professional renderings with sharp detail. There will also be a life-sized Nativity scene and a 40-foot, fully lit Christmas tree. There is no admission fee to enter the grounds and enjoy the walking tour of the Lights and Legends sculptures and displays.

A big hit at last year’s event, the ice-skating rink, will be returning. It is a synthetic 40’ by 80’ rink that does not require freezing water and can be skated upon regardless of weather conditions. Adults and children that skated at the event last year said that they had fun and enjoyed their experience on the synthetic “ice”.  Thirty-minute sessions are $5. The Fairgrounds will have skates available at no additional charge. A signed liability release form will be required for skating and the form will be available at the rink.

Santa and his helpers will be back this year so families will have an opportunity to get a picture with Santa (in a nice sleigh and holiday background). For $5, individuals will receive a CD containing one photo with Santa. Santa will be available for pictures at the event through Saturday, Dec. 19.

The EBCI Commerce Department has made several changes to make the event more “user-friendly”. There is no admission fee to enter the Fairgrounds and enjoy the light and sculpture displays. Several activities have been move into the Exhibit Hall so that families may enjoy the games, rides and Santa in a climate-controlled environment. Activities in the Exhibit Hall include a 9-hole miniature golf course, face painting, balloon animals, a 16-foot inflatable kids’ slide, an inflatable rainbow kids’ castle. All of these activities are available for $7 per person. Everyone is welcome in the Exhibit Hall; only those participating in activities pay the fee. There will also be free popcorn and cotton candy inside the Exhibit Hall. Some activities in the Exhibit Hall will require a signed liability release form and the form will be available at the entrance to the Exhibit Hall.

Patrons go through the light exhibits at last year’s event.

The event will offer “bundle” pricing this year. For $15, an attendee may enjoy the activities in the Exhibit Hall, a 30-minute skate session and a photo with Santa, which saves $2 per person.

One of the new features this year, Par-T-Pets will be on hand to help design a stuffed animal for anyone wishing to take home a customized “pet”. This activity is similar to the Build-A-Bear factory at the Asheville Mall. A Par-T-Pet will be $10 and is not included in the bundle pricing.

Cherokee food vendors will be available on the Fairgrounds with great local and fast foods for the evening. Prices will vary depending on the vendor. A large tent and tables be set up near the food booths for dining.

Each night of the Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas event, from 7-9pm, a Cherokee Bonfire will be held on the Fairgrounds. As is the tradition during the summer, EBCI tribal members will be at the bonfire, telling stories of the Cherokee people and sharing cultural and historic information about the land and communities of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks will be shot at 9pm on Thursday, Dec. 31. The fireworks display will be visible from the Fairgrounds. The Sound of Music Disc Jockey Service will be on hand throughout the event, providing seasonal music and making announcements. On the evening of Dec. 31, Sound of Music will provide musical patriotic background leading up to the fireworks display.

Bring the family and the EBCI Commerce Department promises holiday cheer as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians hosts its 2^nd annual Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas event. Scheduled to kick off Saturday, Dec. 5, the hours of operation will be from 6-9pm.  The opening will be just after the Cherokee Christmas Parade, which begins at 5:30 pm. Also, on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 pm, there will be an official lighting ceremony for the 40-foot Christmas tree as part of the kick-off. Principal Chief Patrick Lambert and Vice Chief Richard Sneed are scheduled to be on-hand to light the tree and exchange Christmas best wishes with event guests.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each week after that (beginning Thursday, Dec. 10 and ending Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016), holiday activities continue at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. The hours are 6-9pm throughout the event. Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas will also be closed Dec. 24-26. Tickets will be sold in the exhibit hall and at the ice skating rental booth, and the main entrance gate at the front will be the only point of entry to the event. All other gates will be closed.

Info: Cherokee Welcome Center 359-6490 or travel@nc-cherokee.com. For vendor information, contact Angela Hernandez 359-6473 or  angehern@nc-cherokee.com.

By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.

ONE FEATHER STAFF

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Cherokee High School Cultural Program served Indian dinners on Thursday, Nov. 19.  The program served to over 400 students, faculty and a few community members who just heard about it through the grapevine.

“We served all of the students and about 80 teachers,” said Alyne Stamper, CHS Cultural Program, “and, a few of them came back twice.”

Stamper went on to say, “November is Native American Month, and we try to do something every week, and this week was native food…we had bean bread, homemade hominy with pinto beans, bear roast with mushrooms and gravy, deer stew, and a homemade sauerkraut.”

Cherokee High School seniors Kenny Griffin and Daniel Griffin were among over 400 students, faculty and community members who received Indian dinners at the school on Thursday, Nov. 19. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)

“We were supposed to have squirrel, but my hunters didn’t come through so we didn’t have squirrel.  We had squirrel last year.”

Funding for the food came from the CHS Cultural Program.

Stamper added, “We try to make them proud of who they are, and some of them don’t eat these foods.”

Daniel Griffin, 12^th grade, gave the food a flowering review.  “I liked the pinto beans.  They were delicious.  The bear meat was cooked just right.  The sauerkraut was delicious, and the bean bread was good.  I liked it with some salt.”

Griffin said his enjoys Indian food at this house regularly.  “We had frybread and chili last night.”

He has learned how to make a few of the dishes himself including frybread and chili, pinto beans and sauerkraut.

Summer Wilson, 10^th grade, commented, “I wish my family could cook like this.”

The family of Bob Smith would like to express our deep appreciation to those who offered such kindness, support and messages of sympathy and comfort to us in our time of sorrow.  Your many acts of kindness such as visiting with us, offering prayers, sending all the beautiful flowers and cards meant so much to us all during this time.  We would like to acknowledge a huge thank you to all of those that brought food and came to our home to sing during his home stay and passing.  We appreciate each and every one of you that helped us when we needed it most.

Dorothy Smith

Birdtown

Miss Cherokee 2015 Taran Swimmer (2nd from left) is shown at the Harvest 5K and Half-Marathon in Cherokee in Saturday, Oct. 31. Shown (left-right) are: Principal Chief Patrick Lambert, Swimmer, Junior Miss Cherokee Abigail Taylor, Little Miss Cherokee Madison Ledford and Teen Miss Cherokee Blake Wachacha. (Photo courtesy of Tina Swimmer)

TARAN SWIMMER

MISS CHEROKEE 2015

Si-yo, I would like to take this time to thank the people who have helped me with preparing for the Miss Cherokee Pageant and who have been absolutely amazing once I was crowned. I first of all would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for never leaving me nor forsaking me. To my mother, Tina Swimmer, who is always there to encourage me to do the best I can, thank you for always loving me unconditionally. To my Momaw and Popaw, thank you for always keeping me in your prayers and supporting me in whatever I do. Aunt Tracy, thank you for making me laugh when things seemed hard and discouraging. Uncle Jerry, thank you for always keeping me in your prayers and always being willing to help me out with whatever I need.

I have so many wonderful cousins who have been so supportive as well. Heather Younce, thank you for helping me find shirt patterns and designs for my wool wrap skirt, and thank you for making sure that I had the right type of accessories that I needed. To Micah Swimmer, thank you for helping me with speaking our language. Thanks to Dvdaya Swimmer for accompanying me with my talent and being my little stage coach.  Thank you to Carrah Swimmer for helping me with my hair and encouraging me backstage. To Courtney, Gina, and Gabe, thank you for always being so encouraging and loving. Big thanks to Jayan and Shane Swimmer for driving me in the parade and for not running over my candy throwers. Thank you to my cousins who have shown support whether you are here in Cherokee or far off. To my great aunts: Rina, Flora, Gig, and Mary, thank you for your encouraging words and the love that you always show me. Sean, April and Vivian, thanks for all the supportive messages you sent.  Paisley Raby, thank you for doing my hair the night of the pageant. I definitely want to send a big thank you to my church family at Yellow Hill Baptist Church and to my pastor, Forman Bradley. I know you all keep me in your prayers and are so very supportive.

The CMS volleyball team, thank you for your love, loyalty and support. I encourage you all to work hard on your academics and your athletics. You can achieve anything if you believe in yourself.  I was told that the only person who can keep you from achieving your goals is you.

To all of my former high school, middle school and elementary teachers, thank you for all of the kind words and knowledge you have shared. To my Magic Makers, Radonna and Madison Crowe, you are so awesome and so much fun to be around. You both kept me laughing and made the stress go away.

I am so blessed to not only have family and friends in Cherokee, but I also have a family at Western Carolina University. Thank you to Lori Wooten and your family for the support and encouragement. Emily Jones, Kristin Collins, Kristin Bolejack, and Phoebe Brook, thank you for always being there for me and being such awesome friends. I also want to thank the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Big Cove Community, and 3 Sisters Enterprise for sponsoring me. Thank you to Stacy Ledford for taking my pictures this past month. The royalty board has been amazing.  They have been patient with me and have given me so much support and encouragement as I get ready to take on this amazing position as your 2015 Miss Cherokee. I am so thankful to God for putting so many wonderful people in my life and I know He has more that I will meet on this journey. I know I may have left some people out but please know that I appreciate everyone in my life.

My journey has begun, and I would like to share with the communities some of the events that I have had the privilege to attend the month of October.

On Oct. 13, I was presented to Principal Chief Lambert, Vice Chief Sneed and the Tribal Council.  I look forward to working with our tribal government.

On, Oct. 14, I had the honor of attending the ribbon cutting for our new Cherokee Indian Hospital.  What a blessing for our tribe, our new hospital is remarkable and I am very proud to have been a part of this wonderful event.

On Oct. 16, I was asked to join the newly elected and elected school board members and the newly crowned Teen Miss Cherokee Blake Wachacha, Junior Miss Cherokee Abigail Taylor, and Little Miss Cherokee Madison Ledford for the coin toss at the beginning of the Cherokee Braves football game against Rosman.  Once we took the field I was then asked to flip the coin to see who would receive or kick off to start the football game.

On Oct. 24, I had the privilege to attend Cherokee Day at Mars Hill University along with Teen Miss Cherokee and Little Miss Cherokee.  Some of the Cherokee High School cheerleaders and their Coach Madison Crowe were also there and they took part in the half time show.  It was a lot of fun and I am thankful for the invite.

On Oct. 27, I attended the Snowbird Halloween Festival and the Big Cove Halloween Festival.  I had an amazing time at both events and enjoyed meeting all the young and older people from the communities.

On Oct. 28, I had the honor of attending the Ned Long Day and enjoyed fellowshipping with everyone there.

On Oct. 31, I had the privilege to hand out the participation medallions to all the participants in the harvest run (5K & half marathon) as they crossed the finish line.

Thank you to everyone who invited me to attend your event and I look forward to many more.

If you would like to have me attend an event please send your requests to the following link ebcimisscherokee@gmail.com.

Cherokee Choices would like to thank the following groups/people who were instrumental in the Turkey Strut 5K: Kituwah Parent Group, Cherokee Fairgrounds-for use of facility, Facilities-table/chairs/barrels/cleaning track, Cherokee Food Lion-donating turkeys, Cherokee Tribal Cannery-donation canned apples, Healthy Roots Garden-donating canned okra, Helen Arch-donation canned beans, Nellie Taylor-cleaning corn beads, Qualla Library-making corn bead necklaces, Cherokee Transit, Cherokee Indian Police Department, Joan Parks, Jean Mathews and Catcuce Tiger.  If someone was left out, our apologies.

By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.

ONE FEATHER STAFF

Everything you ever wanted to know about the fruit named after a berry that isn’t actually a berry can be found in “The Strawberry Story: Cultivating to Cupboard”.  Written by Lynn K. Lossiah, the book covers a multitude of subjects from growing and picking your own strawberries to over 200 pages of strawberry recipes.

“It’s a simple book for youth gardeners and sustainable living gardeners trying to get a little bit off of the grid,” said Lossiah, a master gardener herself who has lived in Cherokee for over 30 years and is married to Ernie Lossiah of the Yellowhill Community.

Several hundred illustrations adorn the book, all done by Lossiah herself.  “I’ve always been interested in drawing. I have a degree in Fine Arts (Vanderbilt University).”

From the foreword of her book, Lossiah writes, “As a master gardener, I use heirloom seeds that I save from year to year, and I enjoy the organically grown produce from my garden.  I enjoy sharing healthy foods during the harvest.  I do have a favorite, it seems, the strawberries.  This could be because of the family memories that come to mind when I first see the strawberries turn bright red in the spring.  Each spring, at this time, the family gathered at the strawberry farm for a reunion.”

The recipes shared in the book are categorized and include: butters, conserves, jams, jelly, marmalade, preserves, biscuits, breads, cakes, cheesecakes, cobblers, crepes, gelatins, muffins, mousse, pies, salads, and more.

Lossiah also includes many tips (gardening, baking, harvesting, etc.) and interesting facts such as, “The average strawberry has 200 seeds” and “Greeks had a taboo against eating anything red, including strawberries.”

The book itself has a “hostess” that takes you through the different sections in the form of a strawberry fairy from a 1608 shipping logo.

“The Strawberry Story” can be purchased at any of the following locations: Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Medicine Man Craft Shop, Bearmeat’s Indian Den, Talking Leaves Native American Bookstore, Bee Log Farms in Burnsville, Magnolia Salon in Bryson City, and the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (Vonore, Tenn.).

Cherokee Indian Hospital will hold a re-dedication of the veteran’s memorial on the new facility campus on Monday, Dec. 7 at 1pm.   The American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post 143 will host the ceremony, which includes a flag raising, along with the Cherokee Indian Hospital and the Charles George Veteran’s Administration Center (VA). Staff from the Veterans Administration will also be available to enroll veteran’s for benefits.

“The Veteran’s in our community have served our country well and we look forward to the re-dedication of the memorial which they built, said Casey Cooper, Cherokee Indian Hospital chief executive officer.  “We are also fortunate to announce a partnership with the Veteran’s Administration which allows veterans to enroll for services and receive medical care through the Cherokee Indian Hospital. This partnership will allow our veteran’s to receive services at home.”

The public is invited to attend this event. Veterans who bring their DD214 can enroll with the VA and will be eligible for prizes.

– Cherokee Indian Hospital

9^th Grade

Principal’s Honor Roll: Isaiah Armachain, Isaiah Evans, Terry Hampton, Tanner Howell, Joaquin Layno, Jarron Lossiah, Josiah Lossiah, Juanita Paz-Chalacha, Shirley Peebles, Niobie Redus, Blake Smith, Seth Smith, Emma Stamper and Tori Teesateskie

Alpha Honor Roll: Sylas Davis, Jimiqua Driver, Joshua French, Darius Lambert, Jamie Lossiah, Jacob Sneed, Malakai Tooni, Derek Torres, Wesley Wildcatt and James Wolfe

Beta Honor Roll: Stacy Armachain, Logan Blankenship, Logan Bradley, James Browning, Safiya Daggs, Joshua Driver, Moira George, Joshua Girty, Kyler Hill, Olivia Jackson, James Tay Lambert, Terrance Ledford, Lucina Lira, Corbin Long Wolfe, Tihjah Lossiah, Dylan Mangold, Julian Martin, Brianna Murphy, Bekah Panther, Jullian Parra-Rubio, Juakina Perez, Dustin Pheasant, TaeLynn Pheasant, Mariana Reyes, Samuel Sneed, Lataya Taylor, Amaris Watty and Carla Wolfe

10^th Grade

Principal’s Honor Roll: Scarlett Guy, Gabriel Lebron, Tye Mintz, Robin Reed, Kyra Sneed, Jerome Thompson, Macie Welch and Shelby Wolfe

Alpha Honor Roll: Timiyah Brown, Latika French, Samantha Lee, Jordan Maney and Ashenee Pheasant

Beta Honor Roll: Shannon Albert, Antonio Bernhisel, Tristin Bottchenbaugh, Isaiah Bowman, Marley Bradley, Riley Crowe, Samuel Esquivel, Brennen Foerst, Jordan Grant, Travis Hall, Christina Littlejohn, Dorian Martens, Lidia Ramirez, Elijah Rosario, Mikah Rosario, Tierra Stamper, Jeremy Swayney, Tiarra Toineeta, Anya Walsh, Kaley Locust and Shanenon Wolfe

11^th Grade

Principal’s Honor Roll: Dalmericka King

Alpha Honor Roll: Menoch Grant, Dakota Houston, Anthony Toineeta, Kendric Watty, Naomi Swimmer, Lou Montelongo and Dawson Wilnoty

Beta Honor Roll: Trinity Bean, Sydney Bird, Christus Cedillo, Karli Davis, Jeffery Girty, David Andrew Griffin, Cory Junaluska, Livia Lambert, Daniel Long, Madison McCoy, Lloyd Mitchell, Austin Niccum, Megan Paugh, Noah Pete, Devona Reed, Lucy Reed, Jessa Sampson, Danica Sequoyah, Aaron Smart, Richard Smith, Mikhail Swimmer, Blake Wachacha, Dylan West, Kyleigh Wiggins, Taylor Nelson and Lukus Woodard

12^th Grade

Principal’s Honor Roll: Austin Davis, Dayini Lossie, Chloee McEntire, James Panther, Austin Ross, Tierra Martinez and Autumn Smith

Alpha Honor Roll: Michael Cain Arch, Amber Beck, Virginia Grant, Selena Herrera, Nathaniel Littlejohn, Jason McMillan, Autumn Norton, Tysha Sampson, Kieran Sequoyah and Gabrielle Squirrell

Beta Honor Roll: Dezman Crow, Gabriel Crow, Jesse Crowe, Harley Davis, Brittney Driver, Jamie Fuller, James George, Jamyus Lossiah, Kirstin Mathis, Anna Mintz, Jalen Pruitt, Samantha Rauch, Austin Reed, Alexis Smith, Emilie Stamper, Steven Straughan, Joshua Taylor, Dakota Ward, Laurel Welch, Tara Wolfe, Annleata Montoyo and Bryanna Zollinger

Laurel Rematore, executive director of Mesa Verde Museum Association in Colorado since 2008 and director of membership and development at Yosemite Association prior to that, has been named to take over the helm at Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Rematore steps in to the leadership role at GSMA as its current executive director, Terry Maddox, is set to retire at year’s end after 26 years.

“The Great Smoky Mountains Association board of directors is very excited and pleased to announce Laurel Rematore as our next executive director,” said its chair, Cheryl Light. “While we had many excellent candidates from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, Laurel was our unanimous selection for her passion for our mission, her knowledge of national parks and cooperating associations, her consensus building skills, and her strong financial background.

Laurel Rematore, seen here in her role as executive director of the Mesa Verde Museum Association, has been named to take over the helm at Great Smoky Mountains Association starting in early January. She follows current executive director Terry Maddox, who is set to retire after 26 years as the organization’s leader. (GSMA photo)

“We are excited to move forward with Laurel’s leadership and hope to grow in our support of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” Light continued.

Rematore brings to GSMA some 15 years executive and senior management experience in the partner to public land association arena. Her experience includes seven years as executive director of Mesa Verde Museum Association and at Yosemite Association for nearly the same span of years.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead Great Smoky Mountains Association, a true innovator in the nonprofit cooperating association world,” said Rematore. “Terry Maddox and his board and staff have created a remarkable partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National Park to benefit the park and its visitors. It will be an honor to build on Terry’s legacy of creativity and collaboration.”

While at Mesa Verde, Rematore led that organization’s management team in developing operational plans to achieve strategic goals; developed an annual $1.2 million budget; and managed the association’s operations, including three year-round and two seasonal store locations and an online presence. She served as the face of MVMA to maintain supportive and productive relationships with the National Park Service, the Mesa Verde Foundation, the Association of Partners for Public Lands and other essential partners. During her years at Yosemite, Rematore directed the association’s membership program, which generated $3 million in revenue, as well as its fundraising and volunteer efforts.

“Laurel will undoubtedly bring great leadership skills and experience from the Mesa Verde Museum Association to Great Smoky Mountains Association, and I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to provide exceptional educational products and services to visitors,” said Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash. “Laurel’s creativity makes her a perfect fit as the new executive director and a partner for this park, especially as the National Park Service moves into its next century of service.”

– GSMA

The Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition is sponsoring a Wellbriety Snow Moon (Usgiwi) celebration and potluck lunch Saturday, Dec. 19 from 11:30am – 2pm at the Cherokee Youth Center.  Everyone is invited.  The event will be honoring Brothers in the Wind Motorcycle Club for their service to the community. Door prizes will be given.

Please bring a traditional Cherokee food dish for the potluck lunch along with your favorite beverage.  Such dishes may be made with wild berries or grapes, persimmons, field apricots, corn, beans, squash, mushrooms, wild greens, ramps, potatoes and succotash.  Traditional breads are made with chestnuts, beans, sweet potatoes, flour corn and hominy.  Possible meats are bear, deer, fish, raccoon, turkey, squirrel, rabbit or wild game birds.  Nuts are hickory nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts and butternuts.

Coalition Vice Chair Carol Long said, “Join us as we celebrate the changing of the seasons and honor those who are doing so much for the Cherokee people.”

Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition officials said the group “is committed to enhancing the lives of people by honoring and reclaiming the seven Cherokee core values especially in the promotion of clean, wholesome, healthy life styles.  The seven core values are:  spirituality, harmony, education, sense of place, honoring the past, strong character, and sense of humor.”

Info: Carol Long 554-6222 or 788-2132

– Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition

We would like to thank everyone who has helped us in our time of need. Words can’t express our appreciation of everything donated to us from a place to stay to food, clothes, furniture and money. A special thank you to the Cherokee Elementary school staff and students for all their donations. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Carl, Sharon, and Carl Ray McCoy