Murphy Medical Center is hosting its 21st annual “Two Hours from Anywhere” 5K Challenge, 2-mile Heart Walk and Kids’ Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the hospital.

“About 350 participants came out last year to stretch their legs in the races, get their hearts pumping, and compete for awards or ‘personal best’ times,” said Kathi Osborne, Foundation Director at the hospital. “Our race is always for a good cause which benefits our area, and we appreciate the community’s support of this fun, energized event.”

This year’s road race will benefit scholarships which the non-profit hospital’s Foundation provides to area students who are pursuing college degrees in healthcare-related fields. In 2011, Murphy Medical Center provided $35,000 in scholarships to 20 area students.

Three faculty members at Western Carolina University are among presenters at the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival, a free event to be held Friday, Sept. 9, and Saturday, Sept. 10, in Burnsville.

Ron Rash, WCU’s Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Culture, will be the keynote speaker at 7 p.m. Saturday in Burnsville’s Town Center Legacy Room.

Shirley Wilson, a native of Highlands, is holding her handmade quilt, in the making for more than 12 years.

Wilson started making it when her mother was ill and she needed something to occupy her time while she sat in the hospital and doctor’s offices.

Assisted by her daughter, Angie Houston, progress on the quilt was intermittent.

Finally in March of ’09 the work was done.

Angel Medical Center in Franklin has received a donation of $30,000 which will allow the hospital to enhance patient care. The AMC Auxiliary Board of Directors recently voted to make the donation to Angel Medical Center.

“Angel Medical Center has already put these funds to good use,” said Bonnie Peggs, director of Marketing and Public Relations. “The funds have been used to purchase two Vital Signs Monitors for the Medical and Surgical Unit; a Billi blanket for the nursery which is essential in helping to prevent jaundice in the newborn; and a surgical tray for Ear/Nose/Throat surgery.”