This month’s meeting was packed with information and updates that hit close to home. We were fortunate to have Sheriff Ricky Buchanan as our guest speaker, and since September is Safety Month, it was the perfect opportunity to focus on staying safe in our community.
Sheriff Buchanan’s Safety Tips
Sheriff Buchanan shared some eye-opening crime statistics for McDowell County and highlighted ways we can protect ourselves.
Here’s a quick rundown of his top safety tips:
Lights, motion detectors, and cameras: Don’t underestimate how effective these can be in deterring crime. Make sure your lights work and consider installing motion detectors around your home.
Security system signs: Even if you don’t have a full security system, just putting up a sign that indicates one can make a difference.
Lock your doors and windows: Simple, but often overlooked.
Look for easy access points: Evaluate your property for places that might give a criminal easy access, and address them.
Sheriff Buchanan also mentioned that McDowell County is seeing an increase in homelessness, though the rumor of busses bringing homeless individuals from Buncombe County remains unproven. Unfortunately, drugs remain the biggest issue contributing to homelessness, theft, and larceny.
Fentanyl Awareness
When asked what the biggest problem faced, Sheriff Buchanan talked about drugs, specifically the rise of fentanyl in our community. This dangerous drug is often disguised as something else, like oxycodone or Valium, so many people don’t even know they’re taking it. Even more concerning, fentanyl is likely to start showing up in vapes and edibles, and if you notice the candy like flavors and brands - this marketing is directed at youth, further endangering them.
For anyone looking to educate themselves further on this topic, here’s a 20-minute video on YouTube, Dead on Arrival. It’s a heartbreaking but important watch for parents, as it features families who have lost children to fentanyl overdoses. [Watch the Video Here]
Shoutout to Our Agent of the Month
Big congratulations to Jennifer Thomas from Realty 1 Group, who was named our Agent of the Month! Keep up the amazing work, Jennifer!
Door Prizes and Raffle Winners
We had some lucky winners at this month’s meeting:
Door Prize Winners:
Kathy Rabb won the prize provided by Blue Ridge Realty and Associates
Emily Burton won the prize brought by Foxfire Realty
Cindy Ledbetter and Whitney Wiley won prizes provided by Jan Allison
50/50 Raffle Winner: Jannell Peterson
RPAC Updates and Goals
We’re still $1075 short on our lockbox goal and $409 short of our RPAC goal, so let’s rally to close that gap!
A special shoutout to Whitney Willey, who became an RPAC Sterling R Investor this month! Whitney will be recognized on the RPAC website and social media, and will also receive a lapel pin for her generous donation!
Upcoming Changes with Canopy MLS and Fair Housing Requirements
Heads up—big changes are coming!
Starting January 1st, 2025, Canopy MLS will become an open MLS. Canopy will offer classes as we get closer to the date, so stay tuned for more info.
Also, beginning in January 2025, Fair Housing training will be required every three years, just like Code of Ethics training. Make sure to mark your calendars and prepare for this important update.
McDOWELL BOARD OF REALTORS - OFFICERS FOR 2025
President – Cecilia Reel
Vice-President – Mike Cinquanto
Secretary – Charlotte Bright
Treasurer (AE) –Megan Mace
DIRECTORS FOR 2024
Carmela Hensley (2025)
Shannon Pyatt (2025)
Valerie Stepp (2026)
Kaitlyn Kelly (2026)
Janelle Peterson (2027)
Tammy Boyd (2027)
Rebecca Condrey (Alternate)
PAST PRESIDENT FOR 2024
Cecilia Reel
Looking forward to seeing everyone at next month’s meeting!
Stay safe and take care of each other.
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