After all the tragic and horrific events unfolded before my very eyes on Tuesday, September 11, there was first stunned disbelief. This was followed by fear for loved ones and friends, and then, once the facts became known, anger that our nation had been attacked and thousands of innocent people killed. How could this happen in America?

We will and should mourn the deaths of our countrymen and recognize the courageous acts of those who sought to save the lives of others. Tuesday’s events will bring change to our nation. Once again in our history, we have been reminded that freedom comes at a high price. Our resolve as a people and a country is being tested. History tells us that each time our nation has faced and overcome such challenges, we have grown stronger as a people and a country. It will be no different this time.

The evil that took place on Tuesday was designed to disrupt our great nation – to throw it off stride and frighten the American people. The wicked minds that organized and carried out these attacks desperately wanted to strike a blow at the very freedoms that have made this country great. They have failed! Freedom and our great American spirit prevails.

Inside, you will find compiled by the College a list of opportunities to help and resources available to you and your family.

A number of people are experiencing feelings of depression and loss at this time. If you or someone you know needs to visit with a professional about what has taken place, here are a few options.

• For parents of children under the age of six, two area counseling groups are available to help you communicate with your children about this tragedy. Call Gene Perrotta of “Child’s Garden” – a network of six specialists - at 586-5501. Or you can call Emma Miller of Community Early Learning Groups at 586-0661.
  
  
• You are welcome to visit: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/badthings.html - a special site that the Red Cross has set up on the Internet.
  
  
• For students, faculty and staff who would like to discuss their feelings about what has happened, two locations on SCC’s Jackson Campus have been designated for open discussions on the tragedies that have taken place. One of these is in the student lounge, which is on the bottom floor of Bradford Hall next to the big gazebo. The other is in Student Support Services, which is located on the second floor of Oaks Hall, Room 114.
  
  
• The Smoky Mountain Center has a hotline available 24 hours a day that is available for all students, faculty and staff. Call (800) 849-6127, and a licensed therapist will answer the phone.
  
  
• In addition, a number of individuals on campus are available to visit one-on-one with any students or faculty and staff members. Following is a list of these counselors along with their extensions:
  

• Sarah Altman (ext. 216)
  
• Tracy Chapple (ext. 310)
  
• Steve Conlin (ext. 226)
  
• Jan Smith (ext. 332)
  
• Mary Smith (ext. 279)
  
  
• As a faculty member, Tracy is only available during the following hours: from 8-11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For information on when the others are available, give them a call.
  

• For College employees and their families, the Employees Assistance Program is available to provide professional counseling. For details about this program and contact information, call one of the names listed above.
  
  
  

· SCC’s Student Government Association has been designated as an official collection agency for “Hearts with Hands” – an Asheville-based disaster response program. If you want to donate any of the items listed below, bring them by the Student Lounge on the bottom floor of Bradford Hall.

Cash
Blankets
Bottled Water
Cigars
Flashlights
First Aid Supplies
Over-The-Counter Medications (aspirin, eyedrops, etc.)
Picks
Shovels
Tarps
Work Gloves

· Any professional among SCC’s faculty and staff who is willing to provide a service at this time, please contact the Public Information Office. Call or e-mail Tyler Norris Goode (ext. 265) or Melissa Pendergast (ext. 364).

Reaching out from western North Carolina

If you are searching for ways to reach out and assist victims and families of victims of this horrific tragedy, here are a couple of suggestions on how you might get involved:

Donate blood. The American Red Cross will be sending their mobile unit to the following locations. Please remember that although there is an outpouring of response due to this tragedy, the supplies in western North Carolina will also need to be replenished.

• Wednesday: Haywood Community College 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
  
• Thursday: Mitchell County High School 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  
• Friday: Mission/St Joseph's Hospital: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
  
• Sylva Community Services Building: 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
  
• Transylvania Red Cross: 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
  

In addition to the blood mobile units, the Red Cross is accepting donations at the Blood Center at 100 Edgewood Rd. in Asheville. Because of the overwhelming response, the Red Cross has asked that you make an appointment if you plan to visit their Asheville location by calling (828) 258-3888 or (800) GIVE-LIFE.

Monetary donations are also being accepted for the victims and families of victims of this tragedy. Donations can be made by calling (800) HELP-NOW.

Jean Coggins, the sister of Kathy Cross, passed away last month. Kathy is the Senior Administrative Assistant for Extension Education and Services. Following is a note from Kathy and her husband, Chuck:

“To our SCC family:

Thank you so much for your kindness and expressions of sympathy during the time of the loss of my sister. Some sent a card, some called, some visited, some sent flowers. I can't express to you what I feel having this loss, but your saying that you share in my loss is a comfort.

To those who sent the fruit basket, meat tray, chips, and drinks a special thank you.

The china doll plant is still beautiful; Jean always loved plants and the plant is a great tribute to her life.

--Chuck and Kathy Cross”

The father-in-law of Rita Norris recently passed away. Rita serves as the Grants Accountant in the Business Office. Following is a note from Rita and her husband, Chuck:

“Dear friends of SCC,

The peace lily you sent for my father-in-law was beautiful. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. It’s so nice to have friends like you.

--Chuck & Rita Norris”

This focus group will meet at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 15 at the Business Assistance Center in the Burrell Building in Franklin. Russ Seagle, Director of the Small Business Center, said the group plans to meet for about two hours. A moderator will lead group discussion about the products, and you will have an opportunity to use the products and play an integral part of developing this company's brand positioning as they prepare to go to market.

If you would like to participate in this focus group, or if you know of someone who would like to, here are some details:

Participants must have some experience with the purchase and use of "milled" soaps. These are sometimes referred to as "French Milled" or "Triple Milled" soaps.

The group will gather at the Business Assistance Center at 9 a.m., at which time you will have the opportunity to enjoy pastries and coffee while taking an informal look at the products. The group will begin discussing the products in a formal way at 9:30.

A reply is necessary in order to participate in this focus group. Anyone who does not contact Russ beforehand will not be allowed to participate.

This client is looking for serious qualitative feedback so they can make some crucial decisions regarding their product development. As compensation for your valuable time and input, the company will provide each participant with a gift basket arrangement filled with bath products.

Please reply to Russ using e-mail or call him at the Business Assistance Center at (828) 349-1278 as soon as possible if you are interested in participating or if you have any questions.