Thursday, November 1, 2007, Mitchell County...From Madison we headed to Mitchell County via Route 19E and we were comforted by the familiar territory. It was BBQ 3 last August when I was first introduced to Yancey. Ingles, Western Sizzler, Sheriff Kermit Banks and the old courthouse -fond memories and today we would create new memories in Mitchell. First stop, Spruce Pines - The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree. We were greeted by the town's Mayor Wes Foy, Representative Philip Frye, Bakersfield Mayor Chuck Vines and Shirley Hise, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. They told us about their efforts to create new economic development opportunities after the closure of a local plant. The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree is a shop that sells the creations of artists and craftsmen from Mitchell County. The shop is based on Gloria Houston's book, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, and the town was given the rights to create a DVD to accompany the book. Spruce Pine was also one of those WNC towns struck by two hurricanes in 2005 - a very unusual occurrence. The mudslides that followed are only evidenced by mountainsides of rip rock and murals on retaining walls. I was struck by the resilience of people in North Carolina. Our hosts took Fred to a couple of business ribbon cuttings - one a restaurant, the other a Sears appliance store - where the media flashed Fred cutting the ribbons. Then they whisked him off to the courthouse where our friend Janet Cook introduced him throughout the complex before coming to the Mitchell Senior Centerfor our evening BBQ. Fred was once again impressed by his conversation with people who share their questions, disappointments with government, hopes, dreams, and desire for change in North Carolina. They want a governor who will listen and who will take action. Fred Smith is the leader they are looking for!