Tri-County Women's Connection Luncheon & Program

Tri-county women's connection presents "A CHANGE OF HEART" Visiting Blue Ridge on a work assignment in 2005, architectural photographer Tom Harper and his wife, Donna, fell in love..with the area and the home that Tom came to photograph which they purchased on that trip.  Back in Naples, Tom and Donna, a cytotechnologist with 35 years in the medical field, began to brainstorm about opening a retail store in Blue Ridge.  One day, Tom walked into an olive oil store in Naples and he knew this was their answer.  In October 2012, The Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company opened on Main Street and is our Special Feature guest at the Tri-County Women's Connection Luncheon at Monet's Café, 130 Blue Ridge Street, Blairsville on Wednesday, May 7.   See reservation and luncheon details below.  Tom and Donna left Naples and moved to Atlanta, visiting Blue Ridge on the weekends.  Prior to opening their store, Donna and Tom began an intensive study of olive oil and its properties.  They learned that quality and integrity does matter in Olive Oil and they only carry the purest available on the market.  Their store has been recommended by many doctors, especially cardiologists, who know the health benefits associated with a daily diet of pure olive oil to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and help prevent Alzheimer's. Offering 65 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegars from Italy, Spain, Greece, Tunisian, Chile, Australia and other exotic destinations around the world, you can taste and explore the endless possibilities and pairing combinations of gourmet oils and vinegars before you buy.  Tom and Donna have expanded their olive oil business with stores in Ellijay and their newest location, Murphy, NC which opened in May this year.   At our luncheon, Donna will bring select oils and vinegars for our sampling pleasure.    For more information, check out their website for hours and directions:  blueridgeoliveoil.com or visit them on Facebook.   Susan Ledford, a nurse at the Hayesville Hospital, is our May Music Guest.  She began singing as a teenager and loves to perform.   Susan and husband live in Hiawassee and they have three grown sons and one grandchild. When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on! That's exactly what our Guest Speaker Lavanda Moore did. In Spruce Pines, NC, Lavanda is a small business owner and entrepreneur who also loves gardening, shopping, reading and cooking----but not the clean-up!!  Don't miss her amazing story. Check-in at 11:30, program starts promptly at noon and includes door prizes, buffet, coffee or tea, dessert, tax & tip for only $11, cash or check.  Make your reservation by calling Jocelyn Bowers, 706.781.1537 or email: jowabow@aol.com or Betty Taylor, 706.745.2248 or email: bgtaylor@windstream.net by Monday, May 5. There's food, fun and friendship don't miss it!  Follow us on Facebook..Tri-County Women's Connection of North GA.