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| Southwestern Community College representatives (standing from left): Jennie Ashlock, administrative assistant; Jeff Marley, Heritage Arts department chair; and Don Tomas, president; stand beside members of the Fontana Lake Estates Property Owners Association who recently donated six benches to Southwestern Community College’s Swain Center. Fontana Lake members pictured here include, seated from left: Betsy Froyd, Laurie Bezilla, Terry Bevino and Clare Wade. Standing beside Dr. Tomas are, from left: Sarah McDonald, Pam Holton and David Holton. |
Members of the Fontana Lake Estates Property Owners Association had long been grateful for being able to hold their meetings at Southwestern Community College’s Swain Center.
They also appreciate what SCC does for the community.
That’s why they decided to dress things up a bit.
Led by Clare Wade, the group donated funds used to purchase six new outdoor benches: three lace the sidewalk leading to the SCC Swain Center’s side door while three are grouped under a strand of trees at the building’s front, providing an outdoor-learning environment for students.
“We previously held our annual meeting on site at Fontana Lake Estates,” Wade said. “The rental fees for the tent, tables, chairs, and linens were quite costly, not to mention the threat of inclement weather and sometimes unbearable summer heat. A suggestion was made to approach SCC to rent an appropriate space to hold our meeting. We required a large room since we also hold a silent auction to raise funds for the Cancer Society - Relay for Life. The West Swain Fire Department caters our meal, consequently, funds are generated toward their needs.
“Our meetings have been very comfortable as a result of being in a climate-controlled environment,” Wade added. “Jennie Ashlock and Jeff Marley have helped tremendously by making sure all our needs are addressed. We are so pleased to be able to give back to the school and community.”
Terry Bevino, a year-round resident, said she’s seen the value of SCC first-hand.
“It’s critical to so many people who live around here,” she said. “It may not seem like the Jackson Campus in Sylva is that far away. But with gas prices what they are and with children at home, it’s not easy for a single parent to drive that distance every day.”
Another member of the Fontana Lake Estates Property Owners Association, Pam Holton, agreed.
“I know some people at my church who are trying so hard to better themselves. Without SCC, they would have no hope,” Holton said. “SCC is a saving grace for them. It’s economical, and it puts hope in their lives.”
The SCC Swain Center hosts the Nantahala School for the Arts and three outdoors-related programs (Outdoor Leadership, Wilderness Emergency Medicine and Wilderness Therapy) as well as a number of Educational Opportunities classes including GED® preparation, Basic Skills and more.
Personal enrichment and other workforce innovations classes are held there as well.
“What a nice gesture this is from the Fontana Lake Estates Property Owners Association,” said Dr. Don Tomas, president of SCC. “It’s always rewarding when people recognize the value of SCC; that makes their gift even more special.”
For more information about SCC and its programs, visit www.southwesterncc.edu, call 828.366.2000 or stop by the SCC Swain Center located at 60 Almond School Road in Bryson City.
