Abigail Blythe Batton/Staff Correspondent Mason Bar chef Andre Brookins serves food to Cecilia Crawford, executive director of Reach of Cherokee County and president of the Rotary Club of Murphy, and Rotarian Jim Gerke at the AfterHours event sponsored by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce in Fain Alley on June 29.

Abigail Blythe Batton/Staff Correspondent Karen Borchers, executive director of the United Way, greets a guest during her retirement dinner at Legend’s Steakhouse in Murphy on Thursday night.

Billy Payne loves flying and teaching others how to build and pilot their own aircraft.

Abigail Blythe Batton/Staff Correspondent Stan Sargent, founder of Clear Winds Technology, prepares to teach a class on Cybersecurity as part of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn Series at Tri-County Community College on June 28.

Plantain is a common “weed” that is used in many healing salves, and it grows all over this area. You can easily find it growing on the side of the road or the edge of gravel driveways.

J&Js Getaway Campground and RV Park hosted their Thankful Tin Rally event, and honored local veterans during a community open house on June 17. The campers created crafts, including decorated canvas bags to give to veterans.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan D. White, Avionics Chief, Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 (center), during his retirement ceremony.

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Sarah Thomas/Contributing Photographer Toys for Tots volunteers Gwen Hathaway, Don and Pattie Reynolds enjoy the fundraiser at the Nottely River Valley Vineyards on June 24