Carol Newton (left), executive director of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, accepts a holiday contribution from Carole Bartol, PAC board president. Supporters of the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) contributed to a special holiday gift for Thermal Belt Outreach at the annual PAC holiday party on Dec. 4. This year the holiday party was held at Serenity Farm, the home of Babs and Bob Strickland, in Walnut Creek Preserve. The Stricklands have placed 1,400 acres under easement with PAC and have built the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center and Herbarium in memory of their daughter. PAC is currently working with the Stricklands on a series of classes to be held at the nature center that will be open to the public. (photo submitted by Pam Torlina)