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As we enter the Christmas season, North Carolinians across the state begin to decorate their homes with an assortment of beautiful arrangements – from wreaths hung upon front doors to garlands that wrap around fireplaces. However, there’s another prominent fixture within households during this time of year, and one that North Carolina is known for producing: Christmas trees. This year, Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in Newland, that has grown Fraser firs since 1959, was selected to provide the White House Christmas tree. David, Jim, and Sam – the three sons of Margaret and Sam Cartner, and the current operators of Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm – are very deserving of this honor and being recognized for producing the magnificent 20-foot Fraser fir that will be featured in the White House’s Blue Room.
Sadly, Christmas tree farms in western North Carolina were severely affected by Hurricane Helene’s devastation – from property damage caused by the storm to severe disruptions in harvesting Christmas trees. For example, in the aftermath of the storm, one Christmas tree farm in Avery County lost an estimated 60,000 trees. Cartner Christmas Tree Farm lost roughly 5,000 to 6,000 of its own trees. In Avery County alone, it is estimated that over 250,000 Fraser firs have been lost. There are many more who have been affected as well, and it will take many, many years to fully recover.
No matter where I travel to across the 5th District, and no matter who I speak to, I have made it a point to call attention to how Christmas tree farmers in western North Carolina deserve our support – especially as we enter the Christmas season. I consider myself immensely fortunate to know many families who operate these farms, and I can tell you that they are incredibly dedicated and resilient. Because of them, our part of the state has been recognized time and again on the national level for producing the best Christmas trees around.
The North Carolina Christmas Tree Association is the best place to learn about the work of local Christmas tree farms in our area. You can also find information on local farms near you that are currently operating.
One Final Notice
60th Presidential Inauguration Information
On Friday, January 20, 2025, the 60th Presidential Inauguration will be held in Washington, D.C. For those who will reside in the new 5th District – that will come into effect in January of next year – you are now able to request tickets to the swearing-in ceremony. Please note that the deadline for submitting a request for tickets is Friday, December 6, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Another Failure
The U.S. Department of Education recently failed its third audit in a row. After two consecutive failed audits, it could only go up for Education Secretary Cardona, and yet he’s found a way to dig the hole even deeper, failing to live up to his promise to ‘revamp’ and address the audit failures. Instead of focusing energy and time on improving operations and student outcomes at every level, the Education Department in the Biden-Harris era has poured its resources into student loan schemes and fulfilling every whim of the teachers unions. Thankfully, the Trump administration will arrive soon and be able to clean up the messes created by the Biden-Harris administration. January 20th can’t come soon enough.
A Helpful Reminder
My district offices in Boone and Clemmons are continuing to assist those who need help with FEMA and other federal agencies following Hurricane Helene. If you have any issues with the federal government, please contact my offices in Boone or Clemmons – my staff stand at the ready to assist you. Below, you’ll find the telephone numbers for both offices:
Boone: 828-265-0240 | Clemmons: 336-778-0211
Quote of The Week
“Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues.”
-John Locke
Have a blessed weekend,
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