December 12, 2024
Greetings from BRCA 28605. this week from Raleigh.
We trust you and your family are healthy and looking forward to a grand Holiday season. With many at their “winter home” the slow and painful recovery from the storm here continues. We continue supporting Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation (GMSF). Please click on the following link for a heart wrenching story of one family, and this is only one of many still struggling from the storm. The article can be found here: https://www.wral.com/story/buncombe-mother-two-young-sons-fianc-die-after-being-swept-away-by-helene-s-floodwaters-while-trying-to-evacuate/21664240/
Update on the Calloway Family’s Christmas
from GMSF & Hilda Edwards:
First, thank you to everyone who has helped make Christmas special for the Calloway family. Your kindness and generosity have truly made a difference. We wanted to share an update with you—there’s good news to celebrate, but also some heartbreaking news for a family with almost no resources on a good day.
Good News:
• Out of the 23 family members, 11 reached out for help this Christmas. I’m happy to share that their wish lists of clothes, toys, and stocking stuffers are on their way!
• One family member who lost their truck and tools has been provided with a complete set of tools, from wrenches to saws.
• For those who contributed funds instead of gifts, your donations will be used for additional Christmas needs, food, and general support.
For those of you who asked for an address to send a monetary gift. Please mail to:
Grandfather Mountain
C/O Family Christmas Fund
2033 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC 28646
Sadly, we’ve just learned that another family member, Freddie (39), passed away from a stroke.
• This marks the third family member lost since the storm. They lost their grandfather, the central home of their family complex, and all of their cars in the hurricane.
• A month ago, Lisa lost her husband to a rare muscle disease. Now, the family is grieving Freddie’s sudden passing.
Please continue to keep the Calloway family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for helping this family with Christmas and showing them that people care.
For those of you who we reached out to who have already helped western North Carolina, a Big Thank You! This is just one story of many who appreciate your help.
This reminds us all how blessed we are. This Christmas season, please reach out give a helping hand to those in need. We are so thankful to all of you!
Congratulations Lady Tar Heels!
UNC Lady Tarheels won the Soccer National Championship this week. They defeated Wake Forest 1-0. This was the 43rd time they played for the NCAA National Championship, and they have won the title 23 (AIAW title in 1981) times. Our youngest played for them winning three national titles and one second place. We are proud of the UNC victory. No other women’s soccer team has won more than four titles nationally.
Downtown Development Subcommittee
The next meetings will be at Town Hall on December 18th 2024, and January 8th, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Town Hall. There will be a Public Information Workshop for citizens on January 22, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM. Work on content is now being developed.
BR Chamber Names New CEO
The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has named Robin Miller, a veteran chamber of commerce executive, as the chamber’s next President & CEO.
The chamber’s board of directors voted to approve Miller for the position after a search committee that reported to the board of directors conducted an extensive nationwide search. The chamber retained Anissa Starnes, IOM with YGM, LLC to provide oversight for the executive search. Starnes specializes in executive searches for chambers of commerce.
Miller will begin work officially on January 6th, 2025.
Robin Miller currently serves as President & CEO for the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber in Florida where she has been at the helm of the business organization since 2008. Miller is a dedicated community leader and advocate with a passion for making a positive impact. With a diverse background in board leadership, advocacy, and community service, Robin has demonstrated a commitment to driving change and improving the lives of others.
On behalf of all of us at BRCA we sincerely appreciate your financial support and your ongoing engagement. Thank you for following us. We also want to welcome our new members and viewers; we welcome you to BRCA.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Tom Barrett
Vice President
Executive Committee Member