By Becky Long
Publisher
Commissioners quickly wrapped up a brief agenda April 4 that included reports from the health department and a proclamation designating April as “Mountain Community Chorus Month” in Clay County.
Health Director Clarissa Rogers told commissioners a grant the health department received from Maternal Health Dogwood, enabled them to buy 95 car seats in “all sizes and weight capacities” as required by law.
She said 25 seats have already been given to children and were installed in the vehicles by Tiffany Harrison who is certified in car seat installation. Families were also educated on proper use of the seats.
In an unrelated matter Rogers said the health department passed its on-site state audit for the Immunization Program.
The health department will be hosting an on-site dental training called “Medical Emergencies in the Dental Field,” for their dental staff, Rogers said.
It is an eight-hour educational course that covers emergency situations that may occur when a medical professional/dentist is on staff.
“This is especially important for hygiene staff as this is a required component to practicing unsupervised, under a state standing order,” she said. “So, if the dentist was out for an illness/emergency, we can still serve patients under the hygiene section, preventing a cease in revenue.”
Regarding the proclamation designating April as “Mountain Community Chorus Month,” in commemoration of its 50th anniversary, the document noted that James Carly began the Choral Society in 1974, which later moved to the John C. Campbell Folk School under the name of The Community Choir and finally to Young Harris in 1986 with the name the Mountain Community Chorus or MCC.
In the proclamation signed by Chairman Rob Peck, it said in part:
“Whereas, the MCC is celebrating its 50 year anniversary in which the organization has been able to offer the community two free concerts each year including the 2024 Spring Concert, which will be at the McConnell Baptist Church in Hiawassee on April 26 at 7 p.m. and April 27 at 3 p.m.; and
“Now Therefore, the Clay County Board of Commissioners, hereby do proclaim the month of April as ‘Mountain Community Chorus Month’ throughout the County of Clay.
“In doing so, we recognize the MCC for 50 years of achievement in enriching the cultural fabric of Clay County; and applaud the organization for providing accessible opportunities for residents to be inspired by the power of live performance and expanding appreciation of excellence in choral music as well as providing local talent a professional outlet in which to share their abilities with the world. “
Commissioners also heard updates from N.C. Extension Office, Clay County Director Kim Terrell, along with Youth Coordinator Tiffany Stokes and Program Assistant Tyler Osborn. They offered their support and applauded the commissioners’ future plans to create a farmers’ market and arena in the county.
Terrell, who also serves in Macon County, highlighted some of the programs of which the Extension Service has been involved. These include Clay on the Fly fishing program and 4-H Trails & Rails. They also participated in the annual Ag Day which includes the tractor parade sponsored by the Clay County Tractor Club in September. “We want to grow our programs and offer more services in Clay County,” Terrell said.
The commissioners meet the first Thursday of the month. Their next meeting is May 2 in the courthouse multi-purpose room at 261 Courthouse Drive. Meetings start immediately following the Water & Sewer District meeting at 6:30 p.m.