Dixie Deerman Protects Magnolia * Photo: LisaRing.com
WHAT DOES THE MAGNOLIA LADY NEED NOW?

Protection, especially during the night.

There have been threats and worrisome actions made against her in the past few days, Dixie Deerman, the Magnolia Lady, told DowntownAsheville.com on Sat., July 13, 2008, as she sat under the magnolia tree in front of Asheville City Hall along with a small group of supporters and the occasional passerby who stopped to talk with her. For the past week, Deerman and a small group of supporters have more or less camped out under the magnolia 24 hours a day. At times they have sought temporary shelter from the elements under the grand overhang of the front entrance of City Hall.

Why are Lady Passion and others conducting this 24/7 vigil under the magnolia? Dixie, Steve, Clare, Lena, and others have said that their goal is simple and direct: to bring public attention to the plight of the magnolia tree and to encourage citizens and visitors to sign the "Stop Parkside with Eminent Domain" petition to reclaim parkland that the Buncombe County Commissioners wrongfully sold. To date, only commissioner David Gannt and, later, chairman Nathan Ramsey, said that the sale was wrong.

While the Asheville City police have been dutifully making their regular rounds, more protection might be prudent, such as volunteers who could participate in an enhanced night watch, said Clare. 

If your are interested in helping in some way to make this peaceful magnolia watch and 24/7 vigil more safe and less uncomfortable for them, go to the magnolia tree to speak with Lady Passion, Steve or Clare. Your concern will unquestionably be most appreciated.

-Report filed by Byron Belzak, DowntownAsheville.com
Copyright 2008 MEDIABEAR