Vision Cashiers, Inc. is a non-profit volunteer group focused on making the Cashiers area even better than it already is through the establishment of task forces that tackle specific issues.
Whisper Lake Board has been asked to participate and share our community's point of view. President Kathy Piontek and Communications/Social Chair Sheila Costigan represent Whisper Lake at the combined POA organization meetings. Others interested in geting involved can do so by joining any of the task forces that interest them.
Here are just some of the highlights of the group's efforts:
- Education: Brought together middle school children for a convention on careers, and they loved it!
- Health and Wellness: Addressed the “doctor desert” on the plateau by helping to faciliate an operating primary care clinic across from the hospital & a staffed Mission primary care clinic on Highway 107S.
- Internet Access: Instrumental in building a free Wi-Fi district from Ingles to the Chamber on Highway 64 and from Slabtown to Frank Allen Road on Highway 107.
- Housing: Currently working with multiple partners to address the dearth of affordable housing on the Plateau.
- Pathways and Preservation: Working with area businesses and concerned citizens, we have been working to rebuild and maintain walkable paths around town. Check out behind Zollers, Whiteside Brewery and the path from Slabtown Plaza to the Chamber of Commerce on 64. Several volunteers pitch in to walk the main roads monthly and pick up the trash.
- Pedestrian Safety > Sidewalks: Helped lobby Jackson County to cover liability & maintenance sidewalks built in the central Cashiers area along Highways 64 and 107.
- Dog Park: Secured the use of the site and assumed liability and maintenance to build a dog park located behind the Cashiers-Glenville Rec Center on Frank Allen Road.
- POA Gatherings: Organized gatherings of the various POAs around Cashiers. Any interested officer of one can attend the monthly sessions where we share best practices.
- Cultural Enrichment: This task force works to create new enriching experiences and is now working on a play with Western Carolina University.
Visit the Vision Cashiers Website to learn more about the group and how to get involved as well as sign up for their newsletter.