SCOUTING AROUND: Ministry prepares for winter services with walk; Halloween events set in county

    Andrews – Steve and Paula Cochran were very involved at Briartown Baptist Church in Nantahala, where Steve even did some preaching. “We were doing what we thought we should be doing, but we felt empty,” Paula said.
    So they prayed, read the book Follow Me by David Platt and were led to bring a ministry to Andrews. They shared their vision with others, and by the next Saturday were serving food and rucksacks full of supplies in the Andrews Community Center.
    That was in January. Since then, Highways N Hedges has moved into a building, outgrew it and recently moved into a new space on Main Street. It has religious services Saturday evening and midday Sunday, recovery meetings on Tuesday nights and craft classes on Thursday nights. Their goal is to reach those battling substance abuse, helping them become productive citizens and accepting that they are loved by God.
    “Our lives have changed drastically,” Paula said.
    She has seen the lives of those they’ve helped change drastically as well.
    “They are learning how to walk in the power of God, the love of God,” she said. “They feel loved here. They feel accepted.”
    They are gearing up for winter, planning to provide hot meals starting Oct. 31 and even provide shelter on nights when the temperature drops below freezing. Their services are not just for those overcoming substance abuse; they are for anyone who needs help.
    On Saturday, the group held a walkathon to raise funds to provide those services. About 32 people walked through town from First Baptist Church to the Andrews Community Center in the rain to bring awareness to their cause. Both Steve and Paula were proud of those who walked, especially considering the weather conditions.
    “They were willing,” Paula said. “And I think that’s what it takes – a willingness to make a difference.”
    Steve saw the walk as an analogy to what they as Christians should be doing for their community.
    “It’s time we starting walking,” he told the crowd gathered at the center. “We’re losing our children. We’re losing our nephews. We’re losing our moms and dads. … It’s not an epidemic, it’s a war.”
    For details, visit Highways N Hedges at 1410 Main St., call 516-0024 or 347-1721, email highwayhedges28901@gmail.com or visit the ministry’s Facebook page.

Communities ready for Halloween
    Halloween in Andrews is expected to be bigger and better this year. Last year, at least 500 kids visited downtown for sweets, and Andrews Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jan Olson estimates twice as many children will fill the streets and sidewalks this year, thanks to added publicity of their Trunk or Treat event.
    Andrews Trunk or Treat will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, with children able to stop in downtown businesses or at open trunks to ask for and receive candy.
    This year, Main Street will be closed to traffic from 4:30-7:30 p.m. so the children have a safe environment to trick or treat. Last year, some kids darted across the street instead of using the crosswalks.
    “This is just going to be fun day, and we want it to be safe,” Olson said.
    While many children enjoy dressing up for the holiday, Olson said a costume is not required. However, there will be a costume contest at the Andrews Public Library.
    Librarians will take photos of everyone who participates, then post the photos on the wall of the meeting room. Through Monday, the public will be able to vote for which child and adult costumes are their favorites. Friends of the Andrews Public Library will provide a prize for the child and adult voted to have the best costume.
    Branch Manager Kelly Bryant said the library plans to be better prepared for the crowds of children visiting during Trunk or Treat this year. Last year, the line went from the counter to out the door, so they ran out of candy and were forced to improvise on treats.
    Anyone wishing to bring their vehicle to hand out candy is asked to set up at 4:30 p.m. Those participating are asked to decorate their vehicle and wear appropriate costumes for children of all ages. Olson would like to see vehicles parked to help block traffic between Cherry and Walnut streets to keep all of the children as safe as possible.
    The chamber of commerce is accepting donations of candy for Trunk or Treat, plus donations of leftover Halloween candy for use in the Magic on Main Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 14. Both donations may be dropped off at the chamber office, Ameriprise Financial Services or FernCrest Winery, all on Main Street downtown.
    In Murphy, Police Chief Justin Jacobs said there may be 1,500-2,000 people visiting the town for Halloween festivities this year.
    “If the weather is nice this year, we could potentially see more,” Jacobs said. “Many of these people live in Murphy and the surrounding communities. However, some do come to Murphy from Georgia and Tennessee just for this event.”
    The police department will start closing roads at 5:30 p.m. for the safety of children and parents walking neighborhoods. Police will be closing the intersections of Valley River Avenue and Hill Street, Valley River Avenue and Maple Street, Valley River Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road, Duke Street and Sunrise Street, and Carrington Street and Sunrise Street. There may still be residential traffic on these roads, Jacobs added.
    Officers will be stationed at Valley River Avenue and Hill Street to assist families with crossing the street. Jacobs asks that everyone use crosswalks throughout town, adding that there have been safety issues in the past as the result of people not using crosswalks.
    He recommended that parents arrange a meeting space for their families in case they get separated. He also recommended that parents check the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation Sex Offender Registry at sexoffender.ncsbi.gov to determine which homes to avoid.
    Two schools will also host Halloween events for local families and visitors:
    * Martins Creek School will hold Halloween Happenings with several activities, including a trunk or treat, on Saturday night. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., and admission is $1 per person or $3 per family.
    * On Halloween night, the Hiwassee Dam High School Student Council is hosting a Trunk or Treat at the school from 6-7:30 p.m. The event will include hot dogs, snacks and games.
    Samantha Sinclair is the Scouting Around columnist for the Cherokee Scout. You can reach her by email, scoutingaround@cherokeescout.com; fax, 837-5832; or by leaving a message in the office at 837-5122.