By: Glenn Harbison, glenn@fanninbasincitizen.com

There are treasurers all around us, many of which we see every day.

They are things such as the sprawling national forests, miles of trails, the lake, river and streams – all the natural beauty that attracts visitors by the thousands.

When they come, and we take time to listen to them, we realize the things we might take for granted.

Talking to Deirdre, one of the actresses in The Breed movie, she told about having time to get out and enjoy the area. She was amazed by what she experienced. She was one of those visitors who reminded me how grateful we should be to live here.

Then there was Hope Fitch, the lady who visited the Baugh House and used the description “awesome.” The museum, too, is often one of our overlooked treasures.

Not only does the Baugh House hold countless items to remind us of our past, it contains a wealth of historical information for those wanting to follow family roots or simply learn more about the place their ancestors called home.

Then I was reminded of our real treasures Saturday night in McCaysville.

I was talking to the Williams family, a mother and two daughters who were visiting the United States from Wales.

The oldest daughter, Jade, ran in the 5K. The trio had come here from Chattanooga after Jade found the race on a website.

During the conversation, I was asked the usual question, “Are you from here?,” to which I am always proud to say “yes.”

Their response was what reminded me of the most important treasure we have. That response was, “Everyone here is so nice.”

Many years ago, as part of a contest, the phrase was coined for the Copper Basin, “Our copper made us famous, Our people make us great.” I agreed that phrase was a winner. I still do, but I think the first line could easily be dropped and “Our people make us great” used to describe folks in Fannin County and the Copper Basin. 

So as governments and people wrestle with the changes that come every day and are waiting for the future, it is important that decision makers remember who we are.

With each change they can control, they must ask themselves, “Will this change also change who we are?” It’s not an easy question.

But it reminds me of a question Keith Nicholson asked hotel developers in the Planning Commission meeting last week. It was simply, “Are you going to be part of this community?”

A scenario was described, one that had occurred at another hotel. The developers were visibly taken back at what had happened. They gave the appearance – at least – they would never do such a thing. They would be part of the community. They would help where they could.

Admittedly, being part of a community is something that can’t be regulated with rules and laws.

But of all the changes that are coming, if being part of the community could be regulated, it should be at the top of the list.

We are who we are and that is a treasure worth protecting.

Glenn Harbison is owner/publisher of The Citizen.

He can be reached at glenn@fanninbasincitizen.com or 706-946-7003.