B Y: N IC O L E BA S K IN
J AN U AR Y 2 1 , 2 01 2
MESSAGE 1: Martin Luther King Jr. Day = Service Day!
Click each
photo to
read the
full story!
Don’t be a fat cat! Martin Luther King Day isn’t exactly a day off! MLK Day is a day of service! Volunteers
and service organizations across the U.S find ways to give back to the community!
To the right of Martin Luther King Jr.’s photo, is Aaron D. Marshal, a fellow Catamount who is sitting on
what is left of a motorcycle pulled from debris. He spent six days this winter break volunteering at the
hurricane relief in New York after Hurricane Sandy!
Catamounts pride themselves on how they impact the community! On January 21 and 26 volunteer
opportunities are being offered at the following locations!

Appalachian Homestead Farm

CatMan2
 The Friends of the Library Bookstore,
 Habitat for Humanity
 Mountain Trace Nursing Center

REACH
 The WCU trail projec, and more.
Projects are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up early! Most projects last between
2 and 4 hours, and transportation can be arranged.
Sign up for Monday's projects here: https://orgsync.com/54768/forms/64853
and Saturday's projects here: https://orgsync.com/54768/forms/64855.
For more information, contact Jennifer Cooper atjacooper@wcu.edu.
MESSAGE 2: ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Want to be in an issue of the Message Board?
A new section called “CUB’s Corner” will open next week!
This section is all about YOU!
Show off your creativity! We need new cubs to submit their own works such as an
original poem, video, drawing/ comic strip, short story, almost anything!
There will also be a lucky cub featured in one week’s issue for getting involved on campus.
Whether it’s through volunteer work, club/organization, or an event on campus! Simply
send in a picture or short video and a short description of yourself and what you’re doing
to stay involved on campus!
Need advice? Cub’s Corner will also feature an Ask Mitten’s column!
All submission types are to be sent to cubsaskmittens@yahoo.com!
As you journey through the year,
Reflect on these FYE goals;
Celebrate the Student Community Creed;
Share your success stories in
EYE on FYE
Check out the above link to see what your predecessors had to say!
And- It is time for you to consider what your entry will be! Leave your mark at EYE on
FYE!!!
MESSAGE 3 Weekly Review!
Weekly reviews by your first-year peers of local restaurants, shops, places to go and
more! So check it out each week to see new reviews to help you choose!
ENJOY!
Review: Fun and Recreation!
Tallulah Gorge State Park
BY: Tayler Hasbrouck
Nestled into the scenic, north Georgia mountains is one of
the most breathtaking canyons east of the Mississippi.
Tallulah Gorge State Park spans 2,739 acres and includes
amenities such as a 63 acre lake with a beach, a suspension
bridge, gorge overlooks, and many others. With over 20
miles of hiking trails, the park has an option for everyone in
the group. The main attraction of the park is the six
waterfalls, which make up Tallulah Falls. Visitors have the
option of hiking rim trails to a handful of overlooks or
obtaining a free permit to gain access to the gorge floor.
Experienced hikers are encouraged to acquire a permit in
order to have access to more challenging trails. By having a permit, you have the option to hike three beautiful
trails which are off-limits to the less experienced. The most strenuous hike that you will come in contact with is
the Gorge Floor Trail. Considered to be one of Georgia’s most rugged trails, it loses nearly 560 feet in merely 0.3
miles. It is made of only rocks and boulders and some areas can reach angles of 45 degrees. However, not all
options are as extreme. If you are looking for a longer path to travel, the Stoneplace Trail is a moderate 10 mile
hike; it is vital that you channel your energy for the second half of the hike, though, since the last 5 miles are
purely uphill. Lastly, there is the High Bluff Trail coming in at only 4 miles long with an intermediate ranking.
There are a plethora of trails and options for those not interested in obtaining a permit, as well. The North Rim
and South Rim Trail are the most bang for your buck. Each of the trails is only 1.5 miles round trip and packed
with 5 scenic overlooks. Some areas are faced with moderate inclines or stairs; however, the views make the
effort completely worthwhile. The North Rim Trail provides access to the Interpretive Center, which is a mustsee. The Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center provides an overview of the resort town, but the true attention
grabber is the display detailing the local ecosystem. Inside, you can take a peek at the animals inhabiting the
local area, as well as watch a short clip explaining the local, fragile ecosystem. The staff here are very
knowledgeable and will be eager to answer any questions pertaining to the local area.
A favorite of the many trails at the Gorge is the Hurricane Falls Loop
Trail. Coming in at only 2 miles long, the hike is considered strenuous
since it includes 1,099 stairs to the gorge floor and back up.
Throughout the hike, you will be surrounded by extravagant views of
the falls, so have your camera ready. The hike coming back up the
stairs is extremely difficult, however it is shaded a majority of the way
and is equipped with benches alongside the stairs. Finally, there is the
Shortline Trail, which is a paved, 3 mile hike. This is ideal for any biker,
skater, or walker, as it provides a shady area with a bunch of pleasant
sights along the way. The day must be finished off by having a picnic
down by the lake. Be sure to pack your lunch and grab a table, rocking
chair, or swing and absorb the great views surrounding you.
The history of the park is what really makes it special. Since 1905,
Helen Dortch Longstreet, wife of General Longstreet, pushed to make
the area a state park. Though many women wouldn’t have had the
courage to take action, Helen worked fervently in order to get the lands protected. Though it didn’t happen in
her lifetime as she had hoped, the area became a state park in 1993 and has been a promising recreational area
ever since. In order to keep the crowds coming, the park has begun offering activities such as full moon hikes,
bird watching, and exploring the park and picking it clean. No matter what your motivation, make sure that you
go down and visit the outstanding Tallulah Gorge.
If you are curious to read more reviews, visit the wiki: http://roma.wcu.edu/groups/getlocal/
Discover College
Adapt to new environments and responsibilities - discover and use the resources available to you!
Be Involved
Identify and act upon your role and responsibility as an engaged citizen - be an active participant in your learning
experiences!
Connect the Dots
Connect your personal interests and abilities, academics, and co-curricular activities as you make sense of the
world.
Think First
Identify complex issues or problems – evaluate your options to make an informed decision - reflect on the
implications of your choice.
Exchange Ideas
Communicate appropriately and respectfully in a variety of formats and contexts.
Calibrate Your Compass
Examine your values and goals - take responsibility for your own learning and development - act with integrity.