Sunshine Strawberry Farm     by Arlene Childers

   Coy Evans, more commonly known as “Buddy”, is a local Rutherford County farmer who has taken advantage of entrepreneurship education opportunities by attending the Sustainable Agriculture Class at Foothills Connect Business & Technology Center, and entrepreneurship classes at Isothermal Community College.  Buddy lost his job as a Facility Manager after the company he worked for outsourced his position.  Buddy now owns and operates Sunshine Strawberry Farm in Bostic, North Carolina, where he raises plasti-culture strawberries using drip irrigation on a raised-bed covered with plastic.  Buddy understands the importance of networking with peers.  He attends conferences and is a member of the NC Strawberry Association. While completing an apprenticeship with a neighboring farmer, Buddy learned how to use drip irrigation, and how to use row cover to protect the strawberries from deer, frost, and insect damage.  Attending classes at Isothermal Community College gave Buddy a sense of direction and helped him develop business skills and confidence.  The advice Buddy would like to share with others is, “You can do anything you want to if you are willing to work for it.”  Buddy’s future plans include growing strawberries in the off season, and expanding his farm to include other agriculture products for year-around crops.

Sherri’s School of Dance                   by Arlene Childers

Sherri McGimsey owns a Dance Studio in downtown Morganton.  Sherri has helped thousands of kids learn ballet, tap, and jazz skills, while building their self-confidence.  Sherri has always loved to dance and has a passion for working with kids.  She was working three part-time jobs when she opened her dance studio.   She was teaching Jazzercise to adults at a local health club when she thought, “If I can teach adults, then I can teach kids.”  Thirty-one years later, Sherri’s School of Dance continues to make a difference in the lives of kids. 

Sherri’s School of Dance hosts a two hour production show once a year.  All dance students participate in an opening and finale production number.  Each student also performs an individual ballet, tap, and jazz number.  Everyone in the community looks forward to the Sherri’s School of Dance production each year.

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