Good Neighbors annual student scholarship awards

The Good Neighbors Auto Club awards a $500 scholarship to deserving young students each year. This year the club decided to award three (3) $500 scholarships. In addition to scholarships, the club also donates to various charities in the outlaying areas such as Reach, Inc., Heart Fund, Cancer Fund, Area Humane Societies, Meals on Wheels, Towns County Disaster Relief Fund, Good Shepherd Hospice, Christian Love Ministries, Churches and various area benefits. The charities are drawn at random monthly from names submitted by club members.

Three students were picked after deliberations by the Scholarship Committee, which was comprised of: Dave Deck, President; Joe McGinnis, Vice- President; Frankie Hughes, Treasurer; Ginger Rettstadt and Alice Chastain.

Gavin Mundy, son of Phillip & Ivy Mundy and Alice Chastain's nephew (club member), resides in Cherokee County in Murphy, N.C. Gavin accepts his check from President Dave Deck at the meeting of the Good Neighbors Auto Club. He will be attending Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. majoring in Health Sciences specializing in the field of Physical Therapy.

Jentry Moss, daughter of Larry & Joyce Moss, was awarded her check from President Dave Deck at the meeting of the Good Neighbors Auto Club. Jentry gave a speech beforehand stating her interest in Special Eduction which she will be studying, upon graduation, at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, Ga. Upon graduation from college she plans on being a teacher. Jentry will graduate from high school with a 4.0 average. She loves children and has done volunteer work in the field most of her life. Jentry resides in Towns County where President Dave Deck will be presenting her award again in a ceremony at her school.

Rebecca Davis, daughter of Tony & Becky Davis (club members), won the $500.00 scholarship award in the County of Union. President Dave Deck awarded her check at the meeting of the Good Neighbors Auto Club. Rebecca addressed members of the club at their monthly meeting in Meeks Park. She thanked club members for her scholarship award. Rebecca plans on majoring in Education and wants to be a teacher. She will be attending North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, Ga.

The Good Neighbors Auto Club was pleased that they were able to give away three (3) scholarships this year instead of one. All winners were photographed in front of a 1949 Ford Convertible owned by Richard & Ginger Rettstadt (club members).

The Good Neighbors Auto Club was organized in 1981 by a group of car enthusiasts from North Carolina and Georgia, hence the name, Good Neighbors. Good Neighbors Auto Club sponsors the Sorghum Run Car Show, third Saturday in October in Blairsville, Georgia and the Spring Fun Run, first Saturday in May in downtown Murphy, North Carolina. The purpose of the club exists to:

* Promote interest in various forms of special interest cars and trucks and related activities.

* To create good fellowship and sportsmanship among members of the club.

* To uphold the principles of good government and citizenship.

* To conduct club functions and activities in a manner befitting members of the special interest car sport and to encourage a better understanding of these cars as a constructive sport among members of the public, press and law enforcement agencies.

* To promote safety in driving, vehicle maintenance and overall operation.

Any person of good character with a genuine interest in special interest cars and the activities of the club are eligible for membership. Club meetings are always held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Summer meetings starting in May are held at Meeks Park alternating at Konehete Park in Murphy, N.C., with members bringing pot luck. Winter meetings starting in September are held at The Cookie Jar Restaurant in Blairsville, Ga. The meetings start at 7:00 p.m. with members arriving early to eat and socialize; a business meeting follows.