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Jun 24, 2023

See Off News

Rain, glorious rain! The past few weeks of sunshine have been perfect for squeezing in all the last minute summer activities before heading back to school, but now that classes are back in session,

Rain, glorious rain! The past few weeks of sunshine have been perfect for squeezing in all the last minute summer activities before heading back to school, but now that classes are back in session, bring on the downpours. The gardens give thanks, the rivers roar on and the farmers are forced to take some much needed rest. The forecast for the long weekend looks to be back on the sunny side – good news for more of those last of summer hurrahs.

Speaking of summer hurrahs, a big “hurrah” goes out to all who participated in the See Off Community Center yard sale last weekend. Both shoppers and sellers benefited from this goods exchange, not to mention the more than $800 that was raised for the See Off Community Center. Big thanks to Doug Poad for keeping volunteers organized and on track for the event.

After the yard sale leftover items were donated to various local resale organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, SAFE’s Attic and Upcycle Tech. Do you know about Upcycle Resale? It is a fairly new tech-related resale store whose sales benefit Through the Trees, a nonprofit dedicated to “connecting the rural community of Transylvania County through technology.” This organization helps rural areas get better internet services, something that benefits everyone from online learners to work-from-home professionals. I’ve been to Upcycle Resale twice in the past few weeks, once in search of a replacement phone when one of ours would no longer hold a battery charge and then again for a replacement power cord for our laptop. Both times I was greeted warmly and asked lots of questions to make sure I got exactly what I needed to keep my tech going. Prices were more than fair for both the used phone and the replacement power cord, and both times I got what I needed the day I needed it without having to resort to an Amazon order. On one visit I was helped by a very eager young person who assured me that I could bring the power cord back if it wasn’t the right fit for my device (he was not convinced by my “that looks like the right shape” approach to tech shopping as opposed to his careful search for model numbers and such). To have such supportive staff while also reducing waste and saving consumers money makes for an excellent shopping experience all around.

Another great new retail spot in Brevard came onto my radar this week as well. While picking up my bulk laundry detergent order from GreenGo Cleaning Company, I happened upon Evergreen Eco Shoppe on King Street. This little boutique is a bulk-buyer’s dream come true. I was back the next day with my own bottle to refill our household castile soap supply. There were also options for refilling shampoo and conditioner, all-purpose cleaners, liquid laundry detergent, and more, not to mention a clipboard with a running list of bulk refilling suggestions. Prices were very fair, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Waste-reduction in a cozy little store full of plants and local art? A dream come true!

Last Friday night our family attended the first Brevard High School home football game of the season. If you haven’t been to a small town high school football game lately, I highly recommend the experience. There is so much to cheer for – the students athletes who work so hard to prepare as a team, the band and colorguard kids who provide halftime and in-the-stands entertainment, the student section decked out in pink for the Barbie theme that night, proud parents, little kids who dream of their own high school days, teachers and coaches and school resource officers, volunteers running the concessions stands with cheerful banter, and a town that shows up on a Friday night for the past, present and future to converge right there in the stadium. We waved to See Off Mountain neighbors in the stands and rooted for the home team all night. Totally worth that $8 ticket.

The next See Off Mountain Community Potluck will be Monday, Sept. 11. We will gather at 5: 30 p.m. and supper will start at 6 p.m. Please join us with a potluck dish and a story or two to share. We will be glad to see you.

Send any news to [email protected] so we can keep up with each other and cheer each other on, like a small town crowd at a Friday night football game.

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