These are high quality, bare-root plants:

     Asparagus (Jersey Night) $1.00 ea; Blackberries (Triple Crown – thornless) $3.00 ea; Black Raspberries (Jewel) $3.00 ea; Red Raspberries (Heritage) $3.00 ea;  Blueberries (hardy, highbush varieties) $5.00 ea; Strawberries $5.00 per bundle of 25 plants – one variety per bundle (Seascape – ever-bearing, very productive, large fruit, and disease resistant) (Earliglow – early, medium-large, great taste).

     Planting and growing instructions will be available at the time of pick-up. Because these are bar-root plants, they will need to be planted right away.

     Orders will be ready for pick-up on Tuesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 18 from 12-5pm at the Center for Cherokee Plants, Cooperative Extension’s Field Station located at Kituwah, across from Galbreath Creek Road, 7 miles from Cherokee on Hwy 19. If you need a different pick-up time, call Sarah at 554-6935 to make arrangements. Plants that are not picked-up will be donated to local community gardens. Sorry, but we are not able to reimburse for orders that are not picked up.    

- EBCI Cooperative Extension

Items needed for appt:

1. Wage(W-2), Per capita(1099-M), Interest(1099-I),Social Security (SSA-1099), if SSI (No form necessary), Pension or Retirement (1099-R) forms
2. Daycare provider statement including provider tax ID
3. Social Security Card and birth date of each individual listed on tax return
4. Enrollment card for each individual eligible for NC Tax Exemption
5. Driver’s license or other government picture ID for Proof of Identification
6. Full Bank account number and routing number, if filing for electronic refund direct deposit.
7. Any other information income or expense information needed to prepare tax return
8. If filing electronically, Joint returns require both signatures during appointment
9. Last year’s tax return (if possible)

     All documents must be provided at the time of appointment.  If not, your taxes cannot be properly processed and will require another appointment.  For an appointment, please call 554-6860

- Tsali Manor

Printable Valentine’s Day Cards

Debbie Lambert (3rd from right holding plaque) was honored during the regular session of Tribal Council on Thursday, Feb. 2 for her service on the TCGE Board. Shown (left-right) are Sean Ross, John House - TCGE chairman, Richard Sneed - TCGE vice-chairman, Lambert, Ray Rose and Paula Wojkowski. (Photo courtesy of TCGE)

Debbie Lambert was honored during the regular session of Tribal Council on Thursday, Feb. 2 for her time of service on the TCGE Board.  Below is the text of a citation she received from the Board:

Debbie Lambert

Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise/Tribal Bingo Enterprise

November 1997 thru January 2012

In recognition of and appreciation for your loyal and faithful service, the Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise and Tribal Bingo Enterprise Board of Advisors we would like to thank you for your commitment to the TCGE/TBE Board and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.   

During your tenure on the TCGE Board you have been part of every major expansion of the enterprise including the on-going master plan to grow the Casino into a first-class resort.   As a member of the Board you have helped guide the enterprise that has produced over a billion dollars in tribal distribution during your term. Your personal commitment to our community, its membership and their education has been consistently demonstrated over your fourteen-year appointment by your additional service on the Tribal Scholarship Committee. 

Your service as Chairperson of the TBE Board of Advisors since 2009 has also been invaluable in assisting Tribal Bingo management in operational and personnel issues.

We are extremely grateful for the service and support you have rendered during your time on the TCGE/TBE board.   Your loyalty and friendship will long be remembered.  Your efforts and personal sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. 

On behalf of the TCGE and TBE Board of Advisors, thank you for your outstanding and dedicated service.

John Houser                                                                           Richard E. Sneed

Chair, TCGE                                                                            Vice-Chair, TCGE

Board of Advisors                                                                Board of Advisors

ONE FEATHER STAFF

                An independent analysis of USDA data has concluded that there are three times the amount of farmer’s markets in areas of the United States with the lowest obesity rates. 

                “To produce the analysis, March 2011 data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on market locations throughout the United States were mapped and correlated with county-aggregated obesity statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” Gretchen Peterson, of Peterson GIS, who conducted the analysis, wrote in an article. 

                Obesity rates are broken down into four categories based on the percentage of the population aged 20 or older that have a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher including: Category 1 (12-25%), Category 2 (25-30%), Category 3 (30-35%) and Category 4 (35-45%). 

                According to the analysis, those in Category 1 had a farmer’s market rate by area of .26 percent compared to those in Category 4 who only had a rate of .08 percent. 

                “Cherokee needs growers who are interested in selling their produce,” said Sarah McClellan-Welch, agriculture extension agent with EBCI Cooperative Extension.  “The Cherokee public wants fresh-from-the-farm foods and is willing to pay for it.  ‘Locally grown’ has ranked more desirable to our community members than ‘organic’ in two difference Community Needs Assessment surveys conducted by EBCI Cooperative Extension in 2004 and Cherokee Choices in 2010.” 

                “This year, already, there are requests from three different sites for farmer’s markets,” she said.  “The Cherokee Indian Hospital staff, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel staff and our Handmade, Homemade, Home-Grown Market all want Cherokee-grown produce vendors.” 

                According to CDC data from 2008, Swain County reported the highest percentage of adult obesity at 32 percent.  Jackson County reported 29.7 percent.   For the same year, Swain County reported 10.8 percent of adults had been diagnosed with diabetes, and Jackson County reported 10.2 percent.

From left: Dr. Alma Hobbs, Associate Assistant Secretary for Administration USDA, M.E. Smith and Holly Krake, USDA Forest Service, Oconaluftee JCCCC, North Carolina and Tom Tidwell, Chief, USDA Forest Service. Smith and Krake received the 2012 MLK Drum Major for Service Award at the USDA National Service Day in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Holly Krake)

     “Oconaluftee places great emphasis on service as each and every volunteer hour spent is an integral part of Job Corp’s Work Based Learning program” said Liaison Specialist, Holly Krake. Each student has a goal of 360 hours in the course of their studies- hours directly related to their training, the community, and special projects. Krake continued by adding “In the sprit of the Forest Service mission to care for the land and serve the people, Oconaluftee works hard to instill the mindset of community engagement, personal activism, and social transformation”.

     To these ends, Oconaluftee made a great impact in numerous lives, communities, and counties throughout the past year. In the 2011 calendar year, Oconaluftee students and staff logged over 14,000 hours of volunteer service work across 9 counties, 3 federal agencies, and 30 community partners. Furthermore, in a time of budget constraints and economic woes, these hours equal over $200,000 dollars in donated labor cost to western North Carolina. Projects like riparian buffer trails and campground rehabilitation to fighting food insecurity at food banks, special olympics, national public lands day, and tribal childcare education all highlight Oconaluftee’s dedication to furthering the work of cultural transformation through service. Many of these individual service stories are highlighted with in Oconaluftee’s blog at www.jobcorpsnews.org/oconaluftee

     However, the work of a volunteer is never finished. “While the project may end, the vision never dies- much as Martin Luther King Jr’s vision of cultural transformation continues today” said Center Director, M.E. Smith. “We are so honored to receive this award and will only strive to do more”. At Oconaluftee, thousands of work plan hours have already been developed for 2012 in volunteer service.

     The Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center is associated with the National Forests of North Carolina. It is accredited by the Council On Occupational Education and currently serves 104 students.  The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.  The Agency manages over 200 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. For more information about the Oconaluftee JCCCC, visit oconaluftee.jobcorps.gov or jobcorpsnews.org/Oconaluftee

- Oconaluftee JCCC

Robbinsville 45 Cherokee 30

106lb. – Zack Orr (Robb) won by forfeit

113lb. – Matthew Lee (Ch) pinned Irvin Portugal (Robb) at 2:42

120lb. – Kade Guffey (Robb) pinned Austin Padilla (Ch) at 3:35

126lb. – Nick Morefield (Robb) won a decision (6-5) over Levi Swearengin (Ch)

132lb. – Cain Oocumma (Ch) pinned Jess Haney (Robb) at 3:15

138lb. – Josh Davis (Robb) won by technical fall (17-1) over Jaron Bradley (Ch)

145lb. – Logan Carver (Robb) won by forfeit

152lb. – Joey Cable (Robb) won by decision (12-7) over Wade Wolfe (Ch)

160lb. – Bobby Pruitt (Robb) pinned Wesley Long (Ch) at 1:26

170lb. – Tavi Rivera (Ch) pinned Corey Locklear (Robb) at 3:16

182lb. – Taylor Davis (Ch) pinned Nathan Craig (Robb) at 3:37

195lb. – Creed Lovin (Robb) won by forfeit

220lb. – Spencer McCoy (Robb) won by major decision (13-1) over Raymond Taylor (Ch)

285lb. – Sam Wahnetah (Ch) pinned Michael Garrison (Robb) at 1:12

     These classes are sponsored in part by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation and The Evergreen State College’s Longhouse Education and Cultural Center’s National Master Artist Initiative.

February 2012

     An advanced Cherokee stamped pottery class with Lucy Dean Reed and Dorine George will be offered February 23-24. This Thursday and Friday evening class will be held at the Wolftown Community building from 5:30-8:30pm both nights. The class is free and all materials are provided. You must attend both days, have experience making Cherokee Stamped pottery, and be at least 13 years old to sign up for this class.

     On the weekend of February 25-26, from 9:30am-4:30pm a beaded rope necklace or bracelet class will be taught by Kim and Richie Bottchenbaugh.  It will be held at the Birdtown Community building. The class is free of charge and all materials will be provided. You must attend both days and be at least 16 years old to sign up for this class.

March 2012

     A beginner river cane mat class, taught by Jim Long and Kissie Hornbuckle, will be offered T March 6-9 from 5:30-8:30pm at the Yellowhill Community building. The class is free and all materials are provided. You must be at least 16 years old to sign up for this class.

     A beginner white oak basket class, taught by Eva Reed, will be held at Qualla Arts and Crafts March 26-30. This week-long class will be held Monday through Friday from 5-7pm each evening. The class is free and you must bring a sturdy knife. All other materials will be provided. You must be at least 16 years old to sign up for this class.

May 2012

     A beginner white oak basket class, taught by Eva Reed, will be held at Qualla Arts and Crafts May 7-11. This week-long class will be held Monday through Friday from 5-7pm each evening. The class is free and you must bring a sturdy knife. All other materials will be provided. You must be at least 16 years old to sign up for this class.

June 2012

     There will be an Advanced Shell Carving class, taught by Dan Townsend, offered at the Yellowhill Community building on June 25-29 from 6-9pm each night. The class is free but each participant must bring their own Dremel tool. You must have taken a previous class under Dan Townsend prior to this class.

- Qualla Arts and Crafts

ONE FEATHER STAFF

                All across the country, thousands of high school football players signed letters of intent to colleges and universities on Wednesday, Feb. 1 – otherwise known as National Signing Day.  In Cherokee, three Cherokee High School players signed to play at the next level at Carson-Newman. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 1 - aka National Signing Day, three CHS players sign to play football at Carson-Newman including (left-right) Forrest Stamper, Jeremy Wolfe and Poncho Ramirez. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)

              Jeremy Wolfe, Forrest Stamper and Poncho Ramirez all signed to play with the Eagles. 

                “It’s a great reflection on our program,” said Braves head football coach Craig Barker.  “I’m extremely proud of these young men.  They’re worked hard here and have done what they’re supposed to inside the weight room and on the football field.” 

                Barker continued, “They’re not only great football players, they are great men and I look forward to seeing them play at Carson-Newman and I expect great things in the future.  It’s a great program for them to be a part of, and I’m just blessed and thankful to see them go on to the next level.”

                Stamper, the Braves second leading tackler during the 2011 season, commented, “It is truly a blessing.  I’ve dreamed about this day since I could pick up a football.  I have everyone to thank.  I have my parents.  I have my coach, my friends.  I just can’t wait to move on to the next step in my life and become a responsible young man.” 

                He went on to say, “Through God, all things are possible and without him this would not be possible for me.”

                Wolfe summed up his thoughts on a goal of his, “Hard work succeeds.  I set my goal during my senior year to be the best I could be, and by signing I feel that I have achieved it.” 

                On playing college ball, he related, “It’s a great opportunity.  I’m glad I have the chance to do it.  I want to thank Coach Barker, Coach Daniels, and Coach Maney for all the work that they have put into me to help me get to where I am today.  I just appreciate all the help they gave me.” 

                Ramirez said, “It feels pretty good to go play college football, and I’m looking forward to playing for Carson-Newman.” 

                Carson-Newman, located in Jefferson City, Tenn., is a NCAA Division II school playing in the South Atlantic Conference with other schools such as Catawba, Lenoir-Rhyne, Mars Hill, Newberry and others.  During the 2011 season, the Eagles went 3-4 in the conference with a 5-6 overall record. 

 For more photos from this event, visit the One Feather photo galleries at:

https://theonefeather.com/photo-galleries-2/

Youth Sports Registration Form

Youth Sports Registration Form

     Wachacha will discuss the modern history of the Cherokee Indians, their lifestyles, culture, casino, and their health care and the relationship between western medical ethics and Native American/Cherokee ethics.

     Wachacha has served in various capacities during her 40-year career with the Cherokees and other Native Americans, including teacher and Indian Health Service consultant, traveling to Indian hospitals and clinics to provide onsite in-service training on various health topics.

- Appalachian State University

*  Direct Deposit Request Form

MONDAY, APRIL 16 at 4:30pm

* Federal Tax Withholding Form

* Per Capita Waiver Form

* Letters of Guardianship

* Letters of Administration

     To obtain forms, please visit:

* The Enrollment Office, Monday-Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm at the Ginger Lynn Welch Complex or,

*  www.cherokee-nc.com/enrollment click on Enrolled Members to download forms or,

* Call 828-497-8112 or 828-497-8109

     Please return your completed forms or court documents to the Enrollment Office by the specified date and time listed above.  Address changes will be accepted until Friday, April 20 at 4:30pm.  There will be no exceptions. 

- EBCI Enrollment Office

     An application will only be considered complete with a county certified birth certificate, certified DNA results, and certification of any other Indian blood.  To schedule an appointment for DNA collection, please call Melanie Lambert (828) 497-8109 or Kathie McCoy 497-8111.  Out-of-town applicants may contact Christina Bowlin at (918) 431-1232 to schedule an appointment in your area. 

     Because of the extended amount of time in receiving a social security number for a newborn, an application will be considered for enrollment without the social security number.  However, an Enrollment Card will only be issued upon receipt of the social security card of the new enrollee. 

     Applications may be obtained from the Enrollment Office located in the Ginger Lynn Welch Complex.  Please call the Enrollment Office at (828) 497-8109, 8112 or 8111 if you have any questions. 

- EBCI Enrollment Office