At the November Morganton City Council Meeting, four different businesses received Merit Awards from the Community Appearance Advisory Commission. CAAC Merit Awards are given out annually to those who contribute to enhancing the appearance of the City of Morganton.

This year’s awards were given to the following:

• Alpine Mill in appreciation for its contribution to the enhanced appearance of the City of Morganton for previous upgrades to the mill buildings through cutting window openings and overall curb appeal. Those present to accept the award were Ginny Erwin, Owner/Developer; Wes Ward, Maintenance Director; James Hester, Grounds Director.

• Burke Arts Council in appreciation for its contribution to the enhanced appearance of the City of Morganton for the renovations to the building and grounds. Those present to accept the award were Deborah Jones, Executive Director and Kelly Brannigan, BAC board member.

• Grace Ridge Retirement Community in appreciation for its contribution to the enhanced appearance of the City of Morganton for previous upgrades to the curb appeal and accompanying entrance landscaping, as well as, ongoing higher standard of grounds maintenance. Those present to accept the award were McKayla Vance, Executive Director and Administrator; John Lanier, Plant Operations Director; Jon Mercer, Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health Blueridge.

• Murphy’s Farm Apartments in appreciation for its contribution to the enhanced appearance of the City of Morganton for the renovations to historic buildings and incorporation of these important structures into the project. Those present to accept the award were Logan Smithers, Community Manager; Christina Kyes, Assistant Community Manager; Ed Ward, Service Supervisor; Mark McCaskill, Service Technician; Troy Davis, Grounds Keeper.