April 4, 2025 • 18 mins
When devastating wildfires swept through English Heifer Cove last week, Matt Rogers lost his beloved "Cabin of Hope" just days after the community had regained access following Hurricane Helene. Despite this double disaster, Matt's unwavering spirit and vision shine through in this heartfelt conversation that reveals the true meaning of community resilience.
Matt shares the poignant story of how his property, which sits on the edge of Longridge with the Creek flowing below, was completely overrun by flames. The timing couldn't have been more cruel—the area had only recently become accessible after Hurricane Helene's destruction. Yet instead of bitterness, Matt expresses profound gratitude for the firefighters who battled the dangerous blaze, the neighbors who ensured everyone evacuated safely, and the community that has surrounded him with support.
What makes this story especially powerful is learning about Matt's vision for the property. The "Cabin of Hope" wasn't just a personal retreat—it was being developed into "Camp Hopewood," a place where children could experience the transformative power of nature that Matt himself found at Camp Windywood as a child. "Camp changed my life," he reflects, explaining how the mountains "made him a man." Even now, facing total loss, Matt's plans haven't changed. With support from Camp Blue Star and the community, he intends to build a pavilion where the house once stood and fulfill his dream of creating a space where children can connect with nature.
This conversation isn't just about disaster—it's about how we rise from it. As Matt eloquently puts it: "The greatest control that you'll ever have to learn is to let it go... when you are fighting against change, it is exhausting because change is the only constant thing in life." His invitation stands to anyone needing support: stop by Three Chopt restaurant for a hug, a listening ear, and perhaps the reminder we all sometimes need—that with faith and community, we can do hard things. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that even after devastating loss, hope and purpose can still flourish.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
The George Real Estate Group radio broadcast is
celebrating 10 years on WHKP.
The George Real Estate Group iscelebrating 10 years on the
radio, live every Thursdaymorning at 10.05 on WHKP 107.7
FM and AM 1450 and streamingonline at WHkpcom Each Friday
(00:25):
morning at 845,.
The George Real Estate Grouppresents the Hometown Hero Award
to someone in our community whogoes above and beyond to make
our hometown a better place tolive.
Here's this week's HometownHero Show.
It's 844, and it's time now forour George Real Estate Group
(00:47):
Hometown Hero Salute.
And we are just so excited thismorning to welcome our friend
Matt Rogers into the house.
But first we talk with Noahabout the real estate world.
How is spring Spring's here?
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Spring is here, but the market you know, I've been
watching this, I mean I watchedthis for 20 years the market is
the market, the interest ratesare the interest rates, but we
continue to see strong demand.
I will give you some good news.
January, february and Marchthis year we've seen a 7%
increase in the number of homessold in Henderson County than we
(01:21):
did last January, february andMarch sold in Henderson County
than we did last January,february and March.
So this is interesting, inspite of the economic
environment, the interest rates.
But I mean the thing that weknow here in Western North
Carolina and specificallyHenderson County, is just the
incredible community that welive in, the quality of life,
the amazing people.
And then we know real estatehappens around life.
(01:42):
It could be a really positivereason why someone's buying or
selling.
It could be a challengingreason and we know life happens.
Therefore real estate happens.
But I mean the market is strong.
I mean we're averaging about125 single-family homes a month
selling in Henderson County.
The average price is stillhovering around that $550 mark.
I mean it is still lowinventory and still consistent,
(02:04):
literally the last two years,this consistent demand.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
And that low inventory you talk about.
That makes every listingexciting, and you've got some
exciting open house this weekend.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Well, actually today from 11 to 1 in the very
desirable Blue Ridge Villas.
It's a 55-plus community.
These homes, they go quick andliterally hit the market
yesterday.
We have an open house todayfrom 11 to 1, 29 Wintory Drive,
hosted by the amazing WendyMorris on our team.
And so just I mean you couldliterally this morning go check
(02:37):
out this home, 29 Wintory Drive,and we're in the market for
$339,500.
It's a great property, onelevel living.
You know there's it's9,500.
It's a great property,one-level living.
It's two bedrooms but there's athird room that really could be
used as a bedroom, so it couldbe functionally as a
three-bedroom and a one-levelliving garage.
I mean it's a great community.
(02:58):
And so again, I want to sharethat with our listeners from 11
to 1.
Today it's Orr's Camp.
That's right, right around thecorner.
If you do stop in at the openhouse, tell.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Wendy, you heard it on the radio.
Yeah, do that.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
But we're so grateful to be here every Friday morning
sponsoring the Hometown Heroseries.
You can give us a call at828-393-0134.
Find us online atrealestatebygregcom.
And I got to say we get callseach week from the radio and so
I want to thank our listenersand thank our listeners that
tell their friends to call us,and I mean we know radio works
fantastic.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Thank you, noah.
So much welcome matt rogers.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Good morning, matt good morning, randy, and uh,
good morning my friend noah.
Um, you know, just uh, I thinkyou know, I and I are looking
for a home in Hendersonville,regrettably.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
Yes, you are, yes, you are.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
But I mean, you know we have the property and I'm
sure anyhow, it's good to behere.
Well, it's good to have youhere.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Let's update everybody right off the bat and
make sure everybody's singingfrom the same songbook, as they
say Exactly.
And you and Rosie lost your,your home, the cabin of hope in
saluda it's upright.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
It's about 100 yards over the uh henderson county
line in polk county.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
Yes, the the wildfires, uh yeah, last week
yeah, sunday afternoon it's noteven been a week not.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
Oh, wow, wow I'm not the only one.
Um right off the bat that losta home.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
There were 11, I believe 11 homes lost and the
English Heifer Cove was prettyhard yeah.
There's prayers for lots of myneighbors.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Everybody Well gosh oh by the way you guys just got
access from the hurricane.
Speaker 3 (04:44):
Literally two weeks and uh, unfortunately I never
got to sleep there because Ikept, uh, you know, living in
town and uh, but I we had agreat potluck dinner to welcome
back everyone to uh, the cove inthe bridge and I I gave him a
little song because I wrote itreal quickly, but I don't know
if you want to hear it boy.
Of course, man I said uh, youknow, I got to give credit
(05:07):
already to denver john.
I said uh to all my hundredneighbors, said almost heaven,
english heifer cove, blue ridge,mountains, big hungry river.
Life is easier.
It's easier today because nowwe have the bridge and now we
(05:28):
get to play.
Oh man, that's beautiful Matt.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Credit to John Denver on that one yeah, you do, yeah,
you do.
You do a great job.
You sing sometimes in the bigstadium too.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Well, you know, I always wanted to be a singer and
my brothers would tell mymother to please stop
encouraging me because I'll onlycontinue.
But I get to sing this year onPete Rose Day, may the 15th,
which is a big honor for mebecause it's again.
I'm bringing a gentleman thatloves the Reds he's like 85, and
(06:02):
he's just the biggest fan.
And I called the Reds yesterdayand I said can a friend of mine
come and throw out the firstpitch?
And he said yes, for you, yes.
And then when I went upstairsand he looked at me and I said
get your arm ready, jim, getthat glove.
And you know, to make somebodyhappy is one of the greatest
(06:23):
things that any of us can do atany time, small or big.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Yeah, it's a lot to process, Matthew, and again, you
and Rosie have been part ofthis community for so many years
and you guys do make peoplehappy every single day with your
shop and your connecting withthe community, and I know the
community is here to surroundyou and I hope you feel
supported and cared for throughthis.
I mean, it's a lot to process.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
You know, when you put your roots down here 40
years ago, and to me it actuallystarted in 1968 at Camp
Windywood when I was seven yearsold.
Two great summers down there inTuxedo.
Anyhow, every day you know theoutpouring, tuxedo, any of the
yeah, every day you know theoutpouring.
That's what you know.
The family comes and calls youand then the friends and that
(07:10):
community support is strong.
I mean the prayers, I feel it,I mean I'm very grateful and
that's what I would love for mylisteners, or your listeners, to
hear.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Yeah, I'd love, yeah, I'd give them all a hug.
Yeah, that's kind of why, Iwanted to have you come by today
and well, let's talk about the,the cabin of hope, and that's
what you named, uh, yourbeautiful place there, and and
you took so many pictures of allof the things that you've done
around the cabin of hope theflowers you've planted, the
(07:42):
azaleas and the deck you builtdown.
You took so many pictures andposted them on social media that
there's a lot of us who felt aconnection to the Cabin of Hope.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Well, you know this, last week I heard from people
that said 25 years ago youbrought us up there for dinner
and you had, you know, we had.
Another guy said you let mecamp out on the land and go
swimming.
And you know, and it was, youknow, a lovely place for lots of
people.
We had a lot of family reunions.
And I'm glad for all of thatbecause that's a memory, great
(08:19):
memories.
But you know, it's just nice tohelp people.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
It is, I mean again your vision for that property
was not about you.
It was about giving back.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Camp Hopewood.
You know, when I got in afterthe COVID I said, listen, let's
go forward with this.
And we built a beautifulamphitheater and we had a very
updated dock and we were allgeared.
And thank goodness for socialmedia in the respect that Judy
Stroud, who's my insurance agent, she called me and she said,
(08:54):
matthew, great idea, love it,nonprofit camp, but please don't
bring the Boys and Girls Clubup there yet, because you're
covered for a homeowner'sinsurance, not a camp, and my
enthusiasm was checked that day,so we didn't get insurance but
we did have kids come up for thelast two years.
That I knew, and certainly myfamily and my grandchildren.
(09:17):
But that's restarted becauseCamp Blue Star called me on
Friday, a week after the fire,and said listen, you've got to
do this and we'll help you andwe'll make a donation.
And then I called a friendbecause I really don't know
anything about GoFundMe and itdidn't interest Rosie and I
because I think everything'sgoing to be fine.
(09:38):
But if people would like todonate for the insurance and
we're going to build where thehouse was.
We're going to build a pavilionand we're going to have
obviously we need water abathroom.
We've got the well.
We we're going to build CampHopewood and it'll be better and
we'll bring kids there because,uh, camp changed my life, oh
(09:59):
yeah, yeah and.
I was a crying, snivelly, whinylittle seven-year-old and the
mountains made me a man Now.
Now I'm still a bit of a a crybaby, but but you can never get
over that.
I mean, it's good to cry folks,it's healthy, okay.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Yes, it is.
Let the stress go.
Yeah, yeah, I know.
When I saw you on Saturday atthe shop, we wanted to make sure
we talked about ourfirefighters.
Oh boy.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Oh, yeah, yeah, because I mean your show when
you invited me.
The firefighters, they are theheroes.
I mean it was great to hearthat they did not get injured.
And a very good friend whoworked for me years ago is a
firefighter, phil Carlin, and hebrought me a flag from outside
(10:43):
the cabin.
The Cincinnati Reds flag gotwrapped around a pole and
survived.
So you know, I immediately Imean the firefighters were safe
and it was a dangerous fire.
I mean they explained to meabout their effort and I told a
crowd at the Biltmore BaptistChurch the concerns.
(11:04):
But I said I praise you becauseit's truly, I mean it's a
dangerous job.
And I also know my neighbors,you know, were evacuated and
Mike Marsteller was a retiredsheriff deputy and he made sure
every home was clear, all theanimals were out and he was the
last one out, just like acaptain leaves the ship and had
(11:25):
to pull somebody Andrew Reed tosafety because he wanted to save
a fire, and I'm glad I wasn'tthere because I might have had a
garden hose, thinking that Icould be the almighty and stop
these flames.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
Your property, the place where the Cabin of Hope
was, was just overrun by fire.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
It's on the tip of Longridge Edge and the Popolian
Creek is down below.
You can hear it right there andyou know surrounded by the game
lands and I can see when I wentout that the fire took from all
the trees down from Helene thatwas like the biggest fuel.
(12:04):
Exactly and it just got.
It was a beast.
And the commander said let'sget on out.
You know before Because, yeah,it went quickly and
unfortunately the fire didn'tstop there.
It went over to the other sideof Lake Ann and took some homes.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Carol, you know.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Carol Russell lost her home and she's in our
prayers.
She's a lady that I mean AfterHelene.
And we're getting out of ourhomes and we're realizing we've
got to cut trees and all of usare out there with our chainsaws
and doing work and she's rakingleaves behind us and giving us
lemonade and helping.
And I want to tell you that whenyou have something bad happen
(12:48):
and somebody lifts you up with,whatever they do, the smallest
act of kindness, I will neverforget that, and that's what you
do.
You go of kindness.
I will never forget that, andthat's what you do.
You go.
Oh, I'm not doing much.
I mean, I certainly wasn'tdoing much with my little
chainsaw, but I kept saying tomyself please, let's not cut off
your arm with any danger.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
We have some wonderful people up there that
are really they are mountain menand you have a lot of wonderful
people who patronize yourrestaurant well, three chop tell
us about the restaurant and howthat family has responded to
you um first of all, let's youknow there might be a listener
out there.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
There should be.
I'd love them to know about jimyoung.
I did not start it.
Jim and sue and and joe 1981,put 3 Chop on the map with a
great idea and when he wanted tobecome a cameraman at WLOS I
saw it was for sale.
We agreed I kept everything onthe menu, and then I of course
(13:48):
the free popcorn, and then Isaid I'll add my family names to
it.
It's a big menu now, but pleaseremember Jim, I heard he passed
away last year at a tender age.
So you know what a terrific guy,a guy that came by during COVID
and says you know, do you needanything?
(14:09):
Do you need some money?
Matt, are you okay?
Is this restaurant going tosurvive?
I mean, if you live in acommunity like ours, you know
that you are loved and itdoesn't matter what day it is
when you can get to a place andopen it up and say I'm here and
let's see what I can do to helpthe community, because they help
(14:31):
me, they help make my dreamcome true, because, as best as I
can see, I'm not going to makeany money making a song or
singing You're going to have alot of fun.
Well, indeed, three Chopped islocated at 103 3rd Avenue East.
Do I have just a second?
Speaker 1 (14:50):
Absolutely.
We've got about two minutesleft, okay.
Speaker 3 (14:52):
Exactly, have just a second.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
Absolutely, we've got about two minutes left.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
Okay, Exactly, I want people to know that you know
the greatest control that you'llever have to learn is to let it
go.
I mean, I know that that soundsbackwards and, believe me, I
didn't write this.
I'm looking at this because Ijust saw this this morning and
you know it's so.
True is that when you arefighting against change, it is
(15:18):
exhausting because change is theonly constant thing in life and
it really hurts to look back,and I cried a lot.
This again this morning.
But then you know you dustyourself off and I want to be an
inspiration to people to saythat you know, from perspective,
when you have a loved one die,it's tough.
(15:40):
So it's to me hang in there andif you need a hug and you need
some inspiration, come by ThreeChop and we'll sit down and I'll
listen to you, because we canall get through anything
together.
And, believe me, is with us.
My faith in god is number one.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
Rock solid love you, matt, rogers and uh, we just
thank you so much for coming byto visit with us today,
obviously a little bit of anemotional time, but, uh, we
wanted to make sure thateverybody heard from matt and
rosie and make sure you're okayand to go by 3 Chop and get a
(16:17):
hug and a Reuben.
Thank you, noah.
Thank you so much for bringingus the Hometown Hero Show.
You're here every Friday.
We've got lots of folks linedup to talk with and talk to and
keep those nominations coming in.
Yeah, we've had a resurgencehere lately of recognition of
(16:40):
those hometown heroes and theydo need to be recognized, matt.
Thank you so much, noah.
Thank you too.
Join us next Friday for ourGeorge Real Estate Group
Hometown Hero Series Life has away of throwing us into deep
waters when we least expect it.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Dr robin hanley defoe knows this firsthand.
One winter day, her car skiddedon ice and plunged into a
freezing river.
Trapped in sinking darkness,she had seconds to act.
But instead of panicking, shereminded herself I can do hard
things.
She stayed calm, found a wayout and survived.
(17:19):
At the George Real Estate Group, we know that buying or selling
a home can feel like thatmoment Overwhelming, uncertain,
maybe even a little scary.
But here's the thing you can dohard things and you don't have
to do them alone.
With decades of experience,we're here to guide you every
step of the way, turningchallenges into opportunities.
(17:41):
So if you're thinking aboutmaking a move, let's do it
together.
Call the George Real EstateGroup today, because when it
comes to your future, you'restronger than you think.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
The George Real Estate Group is located in Flat
Rock, north Carolina, nearHendersonville in Henderson
County.
You can find them online atrealestatebygregcom.
The George Real Estate Groupcan be reached at 828-393-0134
or stop by their office at 2720Greenville Highway, flat Rock,
(18:11):
north Carolina.
Greenville Highway, flat Rock,north Carolina.
Tune in live each week onThursdays at 10.05 am on WHKP
107.7 FM and 14.50 am, or streamonline at whkpcom or download
these podcasts wherever you getyour podcasts.
(18:32):
The George Real Estate Groupbrings you the WHKP Hometown
Hero Series every Friday morningat 8.45.
The George Real Estate Group radio broadcast is
celebrating 10 years on WHKP.
The George Real Estate Group iscelebrating 10 years on the
radio, live every Thursdaymorning at 10.05 on WHKP 107.7
FM and AM 1450 and streamingonline at WHkpcom Each Friday
(00:25):
morning at 845,.
The George Real Estate Grouppresents the Hometown Hero Award
to someone in our community whogoes above and beyond to make
our hometown a better place tolive.
Here's this week's HometownHero Show.
It's 844, and it's time now forour George Real Estate Group
(00:47):
Hometown Hero Salute.
And we are just so excited thismorning to welcome our friend
Matt Rogers into the house.
But first we talk with Noahabout the real estate world.
How is spring Spring's here?
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Spring is here, but the market you know, I've been
watching this, I mean I watchedthis for 20 years the market is
the market, the interest ratesare the interest rates, but we
continue to see strong demand.
I will give you some good news.
January, february and Marchthis year we've seen a 7%
increase in the number of homessold in Henderson County than we
(01:21):
did last January, february andMarch sold in Henderson County
than we did last January,february and March.
So this is interesting, inspite of the economic
environment, the interest rates.
But I mean the thing that weknow here in Western North
Carolina and specificallyHenderson County, is just the
incredible community that welive in, the quality of life,
the amazing people.
And then we know real estatehappens around life.
(01:42):
It could be a really positivereason why someone's buying or
selling.
It could be a challengingreason and we know life happens.
Therefore real estate happens.
But I mean the market is strong.
I mean we're averaging about125 single-family homes a month
selling in Henderson County.
The average price is stillhovering around that $550 mark.
I mean it is still lowinventory and still consistent,
(02:04):
literally the last two years,this consistent demand.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
And that low inventory you talk about.
That makes every listingexciting, and you've got some
exciting open house this weekend.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Well, actually today from 11 to 1 in the very
desirable Blue Ridge Villas.
It's a 55-plus community.
These homes, they go quick andliterally hit the market
yesterday.
We have an open house todayfrom 11 to 1, 29 Wintory Drive,
hosted by the amazing WendyMorris on our team.
And so just I mean you couldliterally this morning go check
(02:37):
out this home, 29 Wintory Drive,and we're in the market for
$339,500.
It's a great property, onelevel living.
You know there's it's9,500.
It's a great property,one-level living.
It's two bedrooms but there's athird room that really could be
used as a bedroom, so it couldbe functionally as a
three-bedroom and a one-levelliving garage.
I mean it's a great community.
(02:58):
And so again, I want to sharethat with our listeners from 11
to 1.
Today it's Orr's Camp.
That's right, right around thecorner.
If you do stop in at the openhouse, tell.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Wendy, you heard it on the radio.
Yeah, do that.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
But we're so grateful to be here every Friday morning
sponsoring the Hometown Heroseries.
You can give us a call at828-393-0134.
Find us online atrealestatebygregcom.
And I got to say we get callseach week from the radio and so
I want to thank our listenersand thank our listeners that
tell their friends to call us,and I mean we know radio works
fantastic.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Thank you, noah.
So much welcome matt rogers.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Good morning, matt good morning, randy, and uh,
good morning my friend noah.
Um, you know, just uh, I thinkyou know, I and I are looking
for a home in Hendersonville,regrettably.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
Yes, you are, yes, you are.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
But I mean, you know we have the property and I'm
sure anyhow, it's good to behere.
Well, it's good to have youhere.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Let's update everybody right off the bat and
make sure everybody's singingfrom the same songbook, as they
say Exactly.
And you and Rosie lost your,your home, the cabin of hope in
saluda it's upright.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
It's about 100 yards over the uh henderson county
line in polk county.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
Yes, the the wildfires, uh yeah, last week
yeah, sunday afternoon it's noteven been a week not.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
Oh, wow, wow I'm not the only one.
Um right off the bat that losta home.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
There were 11, I believe 11 homes lost and the
English Heifer Cove was prettyhard yeah.
There's prayers for lots of myneighbors.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Everybody Well gosh oh by the way you guys just got
access from the hurricane.
Speaker 3 (04:44):
Literally two weeks and uh, unfortunately I never
got to sleep there because Ikept, uh, you know, living in
town and uh, but I we had agreat potluck dinner to welcome
back everyone to uh, the cove inthe bridge and I I gave him a
little song because I wrote itreal quickly, but I don't know
if you want to hear it boy.
Of course, man I said uh, youknow, I got to give credit
(05:07):
already to denver john.
I said uh to all my hundredneighbors, said almost heaven,
english heifer cove, blue ridge,mountains, big hungry river.
Life is easier.
It's easier today because nowwe have the bridge and now we
(05:28):
get to play.
Oh man, that's beautiful Matt.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Credit to John Denver on that one yeah, you do, yeah,
you do.
You do a great job.
You sing sometimes in the bigstadium too.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Well, you know, I always wanted to be a singer and
my brothers would tell mymother to please stop
encouraging me because I'll onlycontinue.
But I get to sing this year onPete Rose Day, may the 15th,
which is a big honor for mebecause it's again.
I'm bringing a gentleman thatloves the Reds he's like 85, and
(06:02):
he's just the biggest fan.
And I called the Reds yesterdayand I said can a friend of mine
come and throw out the firstpitch?
And he said yes, for you, yes.
And then when I went upstairsand he looked at me and I said
get your arm ready, jim, getthat glove.
And you know, to make somebodyhappy is one of the greatest
(06:23):
things that any of us can do atany time, small or big.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Yeah, it's a lot to process, Matthew, and again, you
and Rosie have been part ofthis community for so many years
and you guys do make peoplehappy every single day with your
shop and your connecting withthe community, and I know the
community is here to surroundyou and I hope you feel
supported and cared for throughthis.
I mean, it's a lot to process.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
You know, when you put your roots down here 40
years ago, and to me it actuallystarted in 1968 at Camp
Windywood when I was seven yearsold.
Two great summers down there inTuxedo.
Anyhow, every day you know theoutpouring, tuxedo, any of the
yeah, every day you know theoutpouring.
That's what you know.
The family comes and calls youand then the friends and that
(07:10):
community support is strong.
I mean the prayers, I feel it,I mean I'm very grateful and
that's what I would love for mylisteners, or your listeners, to
hear.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Yeah, I'd love, yeah, I'd give them all a hug.
Yeah, that's kind of why, Iwanted to have you come by today
and well, let's talk about the,the cabin of hope, and that's
what you named, uh, yourbeautiful place there, and and
you took so many pictures of allof the things that you've done
around the cabin of hope theflowers you've planted, the
(07:42):
azaleas and the deck you builtdown.
You took so many pictures andposted them on social media that
there's a lot of us who felt aconnection to the Cabin of Hope.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Well, you know this, last week I heard from people
that said 25 years ago youbrought us up there for dinner
and you had, you know, we had.
Another guy said you let mecamp out on the land and go
swimming.
And you know, and it was, youknow, a lovely place for lots of
people.
We had a lot of family reunions.
And I'm glad for all of thatbecause that's a memory, great
(08:19):
memories.
But you know, it's just nice tohelp people.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
It is, I mean again your vision for that property
was not about you.
It was about giving back.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Camp Hopewood.
You know, when I got in afterthe COVID I said, listen, let's
go forward with this.
And we built a beautifulamphitheater and we had a very
updated dock and we were allgeared.
And thank goodness for socialmedia in the respect that Judy
Stroud, who's my insurance agent, she called me and she said,
(08:54):
matthew, great idea, love it,nonprofit camp, but please don't
bring the Boys and Girls Clubup there yet, because you're
covered for a homeowner'sinsurance, not a camp, and my
enthusiasm was checked that day,so we didn't get insurance but
we did have kids come up for thelast two years.
That I knew, and certainly myfamily and my grandchildren.
(09:17):
But that's restarted becauseCamp Blue Star called me on
Friday, a week after the fire,and said listen, you've got to
do this and we'll help you andwe'll make a donation.
And then I called a friendbecause I really don't know
anything about GoFundMe and itdidn't interest Rosie and I
because I think everything'sgoing to be fine.
(09:38):
But if people would like todonate for the insurance and
we're going to build where thehouse was.
We're going to build a pavilionand we're going to have
obviously we need water abathroom.
We've got the well.
We we're going to build CampHopewood and it'll be better and
we'll bring kids there because,uh, camp changed my life, oh
(09:59):
yeah, yeah and.
I was a crying, snivelly, whinylittle seven-year-old and the
mountains made me a man Now.
Now I'm still a bit of a a crybaby, but but you can never get
over that.
I mean, it's good to cry folks,it's healthy, okay.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Yes, it is.
Let the stress go.
Yeah, yeah, I know.
When I saw you on Saturday atthe shop, we wanted to make sure
we talked about ourfirefighters.
Oh boy.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Oh, yeah, yeah, because I mean your show when
you invited me.
The firefighters, they are theheroes.
I mean it was great to hearthat they did not get injured.
And a very good friend whoworked for me years ago is a
firefighter, phil Carlin, and hebrought me a flag from outside
(10:43):
the cabin.
The Cincinnati Reds flag gotwrapped around a pole and
survived.
So you know, I immediately Imean the firefighters were safe
and it was a dangerous fire.
I mean they explained to meabout their effort and I told a
crowd at the Biltmore BaptistChurch the concerns.
(11:04):
But I said I praise you becauseit's truly, I mean it's a
dangerous job.
And I also know my neighbors,you know, were evacuated and
Mike Marsteller was a retiredsheriff deputy and he made sure
every home was clear, all theanimals were out and he was the
last one out, just like acaptain leaves the ship and had
(11:25):
to pull somebody Andrew Reed tosafety because he wanted to save
a fire, and I'm glad I wasn'tthere because I might have had a
garden hose, thinking that Icould be the almighty and stop
these flames.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
Your property, the place where the Cabin of Hope
was, was just overrun by fire.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
It's on the tip of Longridge Edge and the Popolian
Creek is down below.
You can hear it right there andyou know surrounded by the game
lands and I can see when I wentout that the fire took from all
the trees down from Helene thatwas like the biggest fuel.
(12:04):
Exactly and it just got.
It was a beast.
And the commander said let'sget on out.
You know before Because, yeah,it went quickly and
unfortunately the fire didn'tstop there.
It went over to the other sideof Lake Ann and took some homes.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Carol, you know.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Carol Russell lost her home and she's in our
prayers.
She's a lady that I mean AfterHelene.
And we're getting out of ourhomes and we're realizing we've
got to cut trees and all of usare out there with our chainsaws
and doing work and she's rakingleaves behind us and giving us
lemonade and helping.
And I want to tell you that whenyou have something bad happen
(12:48):
and somebody lifts you up with,whatever they do, the smallest
act of kindness, I will neverforget that, and that's what you
do.
You go of kindness.
I will never forget that, andthat's what you do.
You go.
Oh, I'm not doing much.
I mean, I certainly wasn'tdoing much with my little
chainsaw, but I kept saying tomyself please, let's not cut off
your arm with any danger.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
We have some wonderful people up there that
are really they are mountain menand you have a lot of wonderful
people who patronize yourrestaurant well, three chop tell
us about the restaurant and howthat family has responded to
you um first of all, let's youknow there might be a listener
out there.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
There should be.
I'd love them to know about jimyoung.
I did not start it.
Jim and sue and and joe 1981,put 3 Chop on the map with a
great idea and when he wanted tobecome a cameraman at WLOS I
saw it was for sale.
We agreed I kept everything onthe menu, and then I of course
(13:48):
the free popcorn, and then Isaid I'll add my family names to
it.
It's a big menu now, but pleaseremember Jim, I heard he passed
away last year at a tender age.
So you know what a terrific guy,a guy that came by during COVID
and says you know, do you needanything?
(14:09):
Do you need some money?
Matt, are you okay?
Is this restaurant going tosurvive?
I mean, if you live in acommunity like ours, you know
that you are loved and itdoesn't matter what day it is
when you can get to a place andopen it up and say I'm here and
let's see what I can do to helpthe community, because they help
(14:31):
me, they help make my dreamcome true, because, as best as I
can see, I'm not going to makeany money making a song or
singing You're going to have alot of fun.
Well, indeed, three Chopped islocated at 103 3rd Avenue East.
Do I have just a second?
Speaker 1 (14:50):
Absolutely.
We've got about two minutesleft, okay.
Speaker 3 (14:52):
Exactly, have just a second.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
Absolutely, we've got about two minutes left.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
Okay, Exactly, I want people to know that you know
the greatest control that you'llever have to learn is to let it
go.
I mean, I know that that soundsbackwards and, believe me, I
didn't write this.
I'm looking at this because Ijust saw this this morning and
you know it's so.
True is that when you arefighting against change, it is
(15:18):
exhausting because change is theonly constant thing in life and
it really hurts to look back,and I cried a lot.
This again this morning.
But then you know you dustyourself off and I want to be an
inspiration to people to saythat you know, from perspective,
when you have a loved one die,it's tough.
(15:40):
So it's to me hang in there andif you need a hug and you need
some inspiration, come by ThreeChop and we'll sit down and I'll
listen to you, because we canall get through anything
together.
And, believe me, is with us.
My faith in god is number one.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
Rock solid love you, matt, rogers and uh, we just
thank you so much for coming byto visit with us today,
obviously a little bit of anemotional time, but, uh, we
wanted to make sure thateverybody heard from matt and
rosie and make sure you're okayand to go by 3 Chop and get a
(16:17):
hug and a Reuben.
Thank you, noah.
Thank you so much for bringingus the Hometown Hero Show.
You're here every Friday.
We've got lots of folks linedup to talk with and talk to and
keep those nominations coming in.
Yeah, we've had a resurgencehere lately of recognition of
(16:40):
those hometown heroes and theydo need to be recognized, matt.
Thank you so much, noah.
Thank you too.
Join us next Friday for ourGeorge Real Estate Group
Hometown Hero Series Life has away of throwing us into deep
waters when we least expect it.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Dr robin hanley defoe knows this firsthand.
One winter day, her car skiddedon ice and plunged into a
freezing river.
Trapped in sinking darkness,she had seconds to act.
But instead of panicking, shereminded herself I can do hard
things.
She stayed calm, found a wayout and survived.
(17:19):
At the George Real Estate Group, we know that buying or selling
a home can feel like thatmoment Overwhelming, uncertain,
maybe even a little scary.
But here's the thing you can dohard things and you don't have
to do them alone.
With decades of experience,we're here to guide you every
step of the way, turningchallenges into opportunities.
(17:41):
So if you're thinking aboutmaking a move, let's do it
together.
Call the George Real EstateGroup today, because when it
comes to your future, you'restronger than you think.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
The George Real Estate Group is located in Flat
Rock, north Carolina, nearHendersonville in Henderson
County.
You can find them online atrealestatebygregcom.
The George Real Estate Groupcan be reached at 828-393-0134
or stop by their office at 2720Greenville Highway, flat Rock,
(18:11):
north Carolina.
Greenville Highway, flat Rock,north Carolina.
Tune in live each week onThursdays at 10.05 am on WHKP
107.7 FM and 14.50 am, or streamonline at whkpcom or download
these podcasts wherever you getyour podcasts.
(18:32):
The George Real Estate Groupbrings you the WHKP Hometown
Hero Series every Friday morningat 8.45.
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