In a noteworthy gesture of generosity, the Town of Hayesville has presented several local organizations with sizeable checks to support their efforts and encourage them to continue their work.
Recipients include the Clay County Historical and Arts Council, the Peacock Performing Arts Center, the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association, Moss Memorial Library and Friends of the Historic Courthouse.
Each organization received a check for $1,500 with the exception of the Friends of the Historic Courthouse, which got $5,000.
The checks and encouragement were presented at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting and the recipients expressed not only their effusive thanks but also outlined plans for how they will use the additional funds.
The Historical and Arts Council, now in its membership drive, is primary sponsor of the town’s annual Festival on the Square, a popular event that draws vendors, musicians and craftspeople.
“We tend to use the money you give us for advertising for the festival,” said Sara Smith. The council also sponsors cultural programs for the local schools, field trips and other enterprises.
“The turnout is so large that sponsors have never been able to find a reliable method of getting a good estimate on the number of people who attend,” Smith said of the Festival on the Square, planned this year for July 8-10.
“We take your money and put it into a nest egg,” said Mary Fonda, Moss Memorial Library’s manager. “I can pull it out and put it into that line item that falls short.”
In the past the town’s funds have gone to help support library staff health care costs or to hire substitutes when someone is ailing or on leave, she said.
“To have that has made a difference in us being able to perform our services to the community,” Fonda added.
Jim Kumas, newly-elected president of the Peacock Performing Arts Center, said part of the funds will go toward new signage. “We so appreciate the monies. I just took over as president about 20 minutes ago.” He gave a summary of upcoming events the Peacock is planning, including a festival in June that will include musical roots and a custom knife show and a swing-music orchestra scheduled in August.
Bob Hanson and Rob Tiger received the check for CCCRA.
“We’re grateful for your support,” Hanson said. “We have many projects but none more important than the courthouse. We will not rest until the courthouse is the center and hub for this county.”