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Western North Carolina’s Source for Weekly News, Entertainment, Arts, and Outdoor Information

February 24-March 1, 2016 Vol. 17 Iss. 39

Oscar winners to film movie in Sylva Page 5 Budget cuts to shutter Central Elementary Page 10

CONTENTS On the Cover: World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient Paul Willis of Canton has lived a lot in his 95 years. He recently shared some of his war stories with The Smoky Mountain News and will be sharing some of his poetry with the public on Feb. 27 at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. (Page 28)

News WCU preps for visit from new UNC president ..........................................................4 Oscar winners to film movie in Sylva ............................................................................5 Republican candidates deliberate Macon’s future.................................................... 6 Party mix-up among Haywood candidates ..................................................................8 Budget cuts to shutter Central Elementary ..............................................................10 Artificial turf likely for Smoky Mountain High ............................................................14 Swain holds off on tobacco-free ordinance ..............................................................15 Homeless shelter planned for Cherokee ..................................................................16 Schools work through calendar challenges ..............................................................17 Development could be in Cullowhee’s future ..........................................................20

Opinion Apple or Uncle Sam? I don’t like my choices.......................................................... 24

Outdoors Bryson City angler shares fly collection ....................................................................40

Back Then

Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

Early blooming violets inspire their own poetry ........................................................55

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February 24-March 1, 2016

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Question:

February 24-March 1, 2016

I have heard that grapefruit and grapefruit juice may not be good to eat/drink with some medications.

Answer: Yes, grapefruit and grapefruit juice does interact with some prescription and over the counter medications in these categories: • Statins – to lower cholesterol • Blood pressure medications • Drugs for those who have had organ transplants • Anti-anxiety medications • Anti-arrhythmia medications • Anti-histamines

Smoky Mountain News

If you are taking any of these medications, make sure you ask your

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Ingles pharmacist whether they interact with grapefruit/grapefruit juice. The interaction can cause more (or in some cases less) of the drug to enter your system.

Source: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/UCM292839.pdf

from new UNC president

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER estern Carolina University leaders are getting ready to roll out the red carpet for the impending arrival of Margaret Spellings, the incoming president of the state’s public university system, who will be touring WCU campus on March 10.

Spellings has pledged to visit the campuses of all 16 public universities during her first couple months on the job. WCU will be her first visit after officially taking office on March 1.

“I want to underscore how important her visit is going to be,” WCU Chancellor David Belcher said at a faculty senate meeting earlier this month. “It does give us an opportunity to tell her how great we are and the role we play in this part of the state.”

The timing of Spellings’ visit — just her second week on the job — will coincide with WCU’s quarterly board of trustees meeting.

That’s the main reason WCU landed the first spot on Spellings’ statewide campus tour: to put her here when the trustees are also in town.

Belcher told the faculty that this was its chance to have a rare one-on-one with the University of North Carolina president and invited them to be candid.

“It also gives us an opportunity to share our concerns with her. I know I plan to do that in my meeting with her,” Belcher said. “Tell her what you love about Western and tell her what concerns you. That’s why she is here.”

WCU faculty have formed a working group to develop a cohesive message they want to convey and impart to Spellings during their audience with her, from the priorities on their own campus to larger concerns about the mission of higher education in the state.

Belcher said it’s an honor to be first in Spellings’ 16-campus tour. But WCU likewise won’t have the benefit of seeing how the visits played out at other campuses.

“We are going to be guinea pigs here,” Belcher said. “I have great confidence it will go quite well.”

Spellings’ appointment as the UNC president has been met with opposition from some quarters in the university system, including protests from students and faculty.

Critics fear Spellings won’t defend the university system from attempted interference by conservative lawmakers in Raleigh — as her fired predecessor did — and that her view of higher education is too utilitarian.

Spellings was the U.S. education secretary under President George Bush from 2005 to 2009, his education advisor when he was the governor of Texas and head of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas.

Spellings’ selection led to division on the UNC Board of Governors last fall and the forced resignation of the Board of Governors’ chairman.

Spellings will make more than $800,000 a year.

Bishop back out on bond after failing drug test

than $70,000 of misappropriated funds in Bishop’s office from June 2013 to January 2014.

Bishop allegedly filed payment requests with the county for various outside contractors who were supposedly doing work for the board of elections. However, court records show the contractors never received the checks and Bishop took them and deposited them for herself.

An internal evaluation had Macon County rethinking its checks and balances to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again. For one thing, the signatures of election board members appeared to be forged on the payment requests. The contractors also didn’t submit a W9 tax form prior to the payment being dispersed, and 12 of the 37 checks in question didn’t have a stamp from accounts payable.

Instead of sending checks directly to the contractors, the finance office gave them back to Bishop to distribute. Lastly, the timing of the expenses should have raised some red flags because it’s unusual to need so much contract work during a quiet election year.

After a lengthy investigation, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations turned over a detailed report to District Attorney Ashley Welch at the end of January 2015. Welch then charged Bishop with five counts of felony embezzlement by an agent of local government. Bishop still faces state charges for embezzlement.

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ormer Macon County Elections Director Kim Bishop recently had to appear before a federal judge for the second time to plead guilty to federal embezzlement charges after her first plea was rejected and her bond revoked for failing a drug test.

According to the U.S. Clerk’s Office in Asheville, Bishop pled guilty in federal court on Feb. 1 and was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond while awaiting sentencing.

Bishop had to attend a status conference on Feb. 5 as part of her plea conditions, but failed a drug test. At that time, United States Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell rejected her previous guilty plea and revoked her bond.

Bishop was then taken into custody in Buncombe County until she appeared in court again Feb. 12 so she could once again plead guilty. She was again released on bond until her sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

Kim Bishop resigned from her post as the county’s election director in May 2014 after the county administration was alerted to more

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Missouri-based character drama to star Francis McDormand

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sets. And the days of filming will certainly involve some inconvenience.

“There will be inconveniences,” said Guy Gaster, director of the North Carolina Film Office. “The goal is that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term inconveniences.”

Gaster ticked off a list of examples, including the 100,000 extra visitors that have made their way to Crowders Mountain State Park since the movie Max was filmed there, the 131 percent uptick in people searching the film office’s site for Wilmington locations after Nicholas Sparks’ The Choice was filmed there and, most notably, the record attendance DuPont State Forest experienced after The Hunger Games was filmed there.

“The state did maybe too good of a job promoting DuPont State Forest,” Gaster said.

The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority has not yet taken an official yay or nay position on the movie, said TDA Director Nick Breedlove, but it’s a fact that filming a major movie in Sylva has the potential to increase its occupancy tax collections, capital investment and customers to shops and restaurants.

“I’ve offered my office’s resources (to the crew),” Breedlove said.

“The hope is the film is good enough that is going to last, not just the next two years when it comes out but 10, 20, 30 years,” McDonagh said.

Breedlove did give the caveat that the film crew should be cognizant of Western Carolina University’s graduation the weekend of May 6, while Joni Newell of Cullowhee River Club asked that the film crew avoid parking a big truck in front of her building and Rev. Jeff Mathis, pastor at First Baptist Church, told Foulkes of the church’s hefty daytime ministry schedule and asked that they take care not to disrupt that.

However, the people filling the room mostly seemed to be excited that the movie is coming to Sylva and eager to help.

“We’re delighted about this project and additionally we would be happy to share our building with you guys,” Mathis said.

Tracy Fitzmaurice, the county librarian, told the crew that the library’s got the best view in town, encouraging them to stop by and ask for the keys if they’d like to see.

The road to Sylva as the main filming location for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, was a long one.

Location manager Robert Foulkes first began scouting for the film in December 2014, traveling to Louisiana, Georgia, Ohio and New Mexico in search of the perfect town. But the movie ended up not happening at that time, and he went to work on a different project.

Then, in late 2015, Foulkes got a call that the movie was back on.

“North Carolina had recently brought back their tax incentives, but that gave the incentive to the production company to want to come here,” Foulkes said. “We weren’t necessarily sold on anything we had seen in any other states, and we jumped on the chance.”

Foulkes began working with the N.C. Film Office, and based on writer Martin McDonagh’s vision for the kind of look and street set-up the town should have, he narrowed North Carolina’s short list down to 19 towns. Five days of driving brought him through all 19, and Sylva came out a clear winner.

“I love Sylva,” McDonagh said.

“Everybody’s been so friendly to us so far, it’s hard to picture the film in my head anywhere else now because it’s such a beautiful place and because of that sense of life on the streets.”

Interestingly, even though the story takes place in Missouri, the film crew didn’t scout there at all.

“Missouri doesn’t have a tax incentive program for filming,” Foulkes said, “so we didn’t even look in Missouri.”

“I’m excited about it, because I think it’s a great opportunity for Sylva and for Jackson County,” said Mayor Lynda Sossamon.

That’s a sentiment shared by Tammy Fuller, owner of Sassy Frass, where much of the Sylva filming will take place.

“I truly have fallen in love with the cast and the crew and the producer,” Fuller said. “I really believe that it is an honor for them to be coming to Sylva, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store and what the movie is. I am just so blessed to be able to have them.”

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February 24-March 1, 2016

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ylva is going to hit the big screen next year, made over as the fictional town of Ebbing, Missouri, and home to a character portrayed by Oscar-winning actress Francis McDormand.

The town board’s meeting room was more crowded than it’s been in a long time as about 40 residents, reporters and business owners crowded in to hear a panel of Los Angeles crew members give the rundown of what filming would entail and what they hope the finished product will accomplish.

“I’d like to promise that we’ll make a great film that everybody can be proud of, that will show Sylva in a great light Martin McDonagh to show how great it looks, and that you’ll be not too inconvenienced but once it’s all over be really proud of what we make together,” said the movie’s writer, producer and director Martin McDonagh.

McDonagh has been working on movies since the early 2000s, earning an Oscar for the 2004 short film Six Shooter and an Oscar nomination for the 2008 movie In Bruges. He described the upcoming Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri — set for release in 2017 — as a character drama, with the Internet Movie Database classifying it as a crime movie.

Robert Foulkes, the location manager for Three Billboards, has worked with McDonagh on other movies in the past, as well as a long list of other projects stretching back to 1991, when he served as assistant location manager for Terminator 2: Judgment Day. He oozed enthusiasm for this most current project, even throwing out the prediction that McDormand will get an Oscar nomination for the film.

“It’s going to be a good movie, a quality movie,” Foulkes said. “I’ve worked on some

unquality movies.”

While town board members and Sylva residents reflected the crew’s enthusiasm, they asked plenty of questions as to what the filming might mean for daily life in town.

While Foulkes promised that the forthcoming schedule would proceed with the order of a military operation, filming is still a bit distant for all the details to be pinned down.

However, a few things are certain. Filming will begin on April 25, with 34 days required to shoot in 15 to 20 locations — in Sylva as well as various places around Asheville. About 12 days of shooting would take place in Sylva, and about half of those would be indoor scenes. The other half, outdoor scenes, would require some disruption to traffic. Parts of three or four days would require detouring traffic away from Main Street, while the rest of the time would likely use a stopand-go approach, with traffic monitors holding up traffic for a few minutes at a time while Robert Foulkes scenes are shot and letting cars drive by between takes. Three of the 12 days would involve shooting a nighttime scene in which the “police station” — aka Sassy Frass Consignment — would catch fire.

“It doesn’t burn down,” Foulkes assured the town. “Sassy Frass will return. Back to normal by Memorial Day.” Foulkes told the crowd that he’ll be willing to work with business owners and residents to make sure that the movie fits in around town life as easily as it can. Specific camera angles and shot locations are not all nailed down yet, but he told the town board that, in the event a shot requires a business to close its doors for a few hours, “I would work out something that feels like it’s a reasonable compensation.”

“For the most part it’s an enjoyable process,” Foulkes said. “It’s like a circus coming to town.”

And like the circus’ big showy tent, the movie and its crew won’t be invisible. Though filming is still nine weeks away, crewmembers will have a presence in Sylva beginning very soon as they scout locations and work on

Finding Sylva news

Oscar winners to film movie in Sylva

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news

Republican candidates deliberate Macon’s future

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ven though all five of the candidates running for two open seats in the Macon County commissioner primary are Republicans, they all have a fairly different stance on the county’s role when it comes to spending and setting policies.

Commissioner Paul Higdon, who is seeking a second term in the District 2 seat, and former commissioner Ron Haven, who is seeking to fill the open District 3 commissioner seat, both have a fiscally conservative philosophy and the voting record to back it up.

The other three candidates for districts 2 and 3 — Manny Carrion, Greg Boyer and Karl Gillespie — consider themselves fiscally-responsible conservatives who understand the need for spending when it’s an investment in the future.

The current Macon County Board of Commissioners is comprised of one fiscal conservative (Higdon), one Democrat (Ronnie Beale), and three moderate Republicans (Kevin Corbin, Gary Shields and Jimmy Tate).

The three moderates and Beale typically find themselves on the same side of an issue while Higdon is often the lone opposition, especially when it comes to spending. With Corbin running for the North Carolina House of Representatives, the board will at least have one new commissioner.

The question is whether Paul Higdon voters replace him with a like-minded Republican or a challenger with more conservative views. Also, will voters reelect Higdon or replace him with a challenger who is more progressive?

Here are the candidates’ positions on the issues facing Macon County.

February 24-March 1, 2016

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Smoky Mountain News

ROLE OF COMMISSIONERS

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Incumbent Commissioner Paul Higdon said the role of the board of commissioners was simple: collect taxes and provide services. He described his voting record as “conservative and consistent.”

“Every decision we make is based on spending money for services. We definitely need to have a set budget and take enough money from taxpayers to fund that budget,” he said.

“I want you to know that my goal is to serve each and every one of you,” Boyer said.

For Manny Carrion, the commissioners are responsible for preparing for the future and leading the county forward.

“I think they (commissioners) have done a great job leading our county and being progressive,” he said.

Local attorney Greg Boyer said he understands that one commissioner doesn’t hold any power — it takes the board working together to accomplish goals. He also knows

that some issues are outside of the commissioners’ control.

“There’s many things we can’t do — we can’t change state or federal laws, but the local government can stay out of the way,” he said. “We don’t want to add rules and regulations that aren’t beneficial to the community.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Haven introduced himself at a recent commissioner forum by saying Macon County is one of the worst places to do business. Even though he said he’s been able to make a good living in Macon County, he thinks more could be done to train students, attract new industry and create jobs. Having traveled all over the country putting on gun shows, Haven said many other smaller towns are seeRon Haven ing significant economic growth while Macon County is still lagging behind.

“If we had an economic director that could get information out across the country we’d be OK,” he said at a recent candidate forum. “We’re struggling here. If we want to survive, we’re going to have to make it boom.”

Higdon said the county does allocate about $100,000 a year toward economic development, which is used to pay the salary of the Economic Development Commission’s director Tommy Jenkins and to offer incentives for businesses. While Macon County did lose the Caterpillar plant and 150 jobs last year, Higdon pointed to many success stories — including the expansion of Brasstown Beef.

“I think Tommy (Jenkins) does a good job,” he said.

Constructing the new Parker Meadows recreation complex was another large economic development/recreation project the commissioners worked on for many years.

While the project cost more than $3 million to complete, commissioners felt it was a good investment. Commissioner Kevin Corbin said the county estimated the ballpark would have a $6 million economic impact from bringing in traveling tournaments, but it’s actually had a $10 million impact.

Concerned about the price tag, Haven and Higdon both voted against the Parker Meadows project in 2013. Both commissioners thought it was a good project but didn’t think it was the right time to spend the money.

Carrion and Boyer both said building the complex was the right move at the right time.

“Sometimes you have to spend money to continue improving qualify of life for the unity and benefit for everybody,” Boyer said.

“And Parker Meadows is also bringing in outside revenue to the county.”

Higdon said the backbone of the county’s

Meet the candidates ive Republican candidates will appear on the March 15 primary ballot for the Macon County commissioners’ race. The top two Republican vote-getters will move on to the November election to run against the two Democrat candidates, Charlie Leatherwood and Bobby Kuppers.

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Manny Carrion (Running for District 2) • Age: 36 • Hometown: Lived in Macon County since he was 2 years old.

• Education: Graduated in 1997 from Franklin High School.

• Profession: Owner of Carrion Tree Service, silent investor in The Bowery restaurant in downtown Franklin.

• Experience: Ran for Franklin alderman three years ago, volunteers with Cold for a Cause, CareNet’s backpack program, sponsors Relay for Life, attends Discover Church and coaches youth sports.

• Describe yourself in three words: Entrepreneur, leader, family man.

• Why are you running? My four kids — Chase and Morgan, 8, Taylor 6, and Price, 4. When I graduated I did what everybody else did — I left Macon County to get a job — but I moved back after 10 years. I want to give the youth of Macon County the opportunity to stay in Macon County to find employment or start their own business.

Karl Gillespie (Running for District 3) • Age: N/A • Hometown: Macon County • Education: N/A • Profession: President of National Communications Inc. • Experience: Serves on the Macon County Planning Board and the Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees.

• Describe yourself in three words: N/A • Why are you running? N/A Ron Haven (Running for District 3) • Age: 59 • Hometown: Macon County • Education: Franklin High School • Profession: Former pro wrestler, operates

economy — tourism, real estate and construction — was hit hard during the recession, but said those areas are slowly making a comeback. He added that he was also examining the county fees that could be restricting businesses from starting or growing.

“I’d like to do away with environmental health fees, construction fees and real estate fees and monitor that for one year and see if there is a positive impact,” he said.

Boyer said he would be in favor of doing away with any unreasonable fees that inhibit business growth. However, he said some fees were in place to pay for an important service like septic tank and pri-

several businesses, including the Sapphire Inn, Budget Inn, Gem Capital Shows and Appalachian Trail Services.

• Experience: County commissioner from 2010-14 • Describe yourself in three words: N/A • Why are you running? N/A Paul Higdon (Running for District 2) • Age: 66 • Hometown: Macon County • Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental health science and biology.

• Profession: Wastewater development and construction contractor – Sewer Solutions, Inc. • Experience: Commissioner from 2013present • Describe yourself in three words: Consistent, honest and conservative.

• Why are you running? The same reason I ran last time, and that’s to interject the consistent conservative vote on how we spend taxpayer dollars.

Greg Boyer (Running for District 2) • Age: 66 • Hometown: Born in Massachusetts, moved to Florida as a child, moved to Macon County fulltime in 1999 • Education: Bachelor’s degree from Florida State, associate’s degree from Montreat College and a law degree.

• Profession: Lawyer since 1985, previously worked as a minister and social worker.

• Experience: Ran for District Court Judge in 2010, board chairman of the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center in Cullowhee, past president of the Macon County Humane Society, member of the Cullowhee Mountain Arts.

• Describe yourself in 3 words: Conservative, common sense and envisioned.

• Why are you running? A week before the filing was up I was sitting at the house thinking about issues not being addressed — I decided sitting around and complaining was not the thing to do. Either you’re part of the problem or you’re part of the solution. I think I have the skills as an attorney to listen and weigh out the answers.

vate well inspections.

Karl Gillespie, one of Haven’s primary challengers, said the county needed to create a climate to attract new businesses without forgetting the importance of retaining and expanding existing businesses.

Carrion, whose company employs more than 40 people in Macon County, said he thinks the county is heading in the right direction when it comes to economic development. With a bustling downtown and more entrepreneurs opening restaurants, breweries and other tourism-related businesses, Carrion said the main concern he has is whether the

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CREATING JOBS

With continued cuts coming down the pike from the North Carolina General Assembly, education expenses have been a major talking point in this election.

Gillespie said the state has lost some ground in education in certain areas while some areas have been improved under a Republican-led legislature.

While the student population in Macon County has been on an upward swing, the

Editor’s note: Candidates Ron Haven and Karl Gillespie answered questions at a forum hosted by the Macon League of Women Voters but did not return phone calls for a follow-up interview.

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EDUCATION

Did you know that 3 out of every 4 people will need Long Term Care at some point in their life?

February 24-March 1, 2016

Higdon said commissioners recently directed the planning board to find out where the cell service and Internet “dead zones” are in the county so they can start looking at where those services need to be improved. Providing better Internet and cell service throughout the county will lead to more businesses locating to Macon, he said.

Carrion agreed that improving broadband Internet and cellular service would encourage more part-time residents and entrepreManny Carrion neurs to relocate permanently to Macon County. Many people could run their businesses from home in the mountains if they only had the Internet service to telecommute.

“It would open a lot of doors. I meet new people every day who come here for the weekend, but they would be here fulltime if they had better service,” he said. “We live in such a beautiful part of the country and we have the qualify of life people want.”

Gillespie said the county needed to create a climate to attract new businesses while also working to retain the businesses it has and help them grow. Having an educated and trained workforce is critical to attracting and retaining industries.

“We have to let students know finishing high school is a good first step but they need to further their education,” he said. “And we need to fill these slots to cover our potential employment. If everyKarl Gillespie one gets the same degree we’re not meeting everyone’s needs.

We have to have a broad employment base.”

In order to create jobs, Boyer said, the county first needs to decide what kind of community it wants to be and go after industry that fits into that identity.

“We need to have a vision for our future.

We need to figure out who we are — a retirement community, a tourist town, agricultural or all three,” he said.

school system has had to cut back on personnel to save money. Since North Carolina is ranked 42nd in the country for teacher pay, Gillespie said he supports the county’s 2 percent salary supplement for teachers. He added that more needs to be done to retain good teachers so they don’t leave for neighboring states that offer higher salaries.

“Charter schools will continue to be a challenge because when we lose students we’ll lose dollars,” Gillespie said. “We need to keep our eyes open — education choice is fine, but we need to understand the impact of that.”

Having served for four years as a commissioner, Haven said he never once voted against anything that would improve education. If elected, he said, he would continue to support giving teachers a 2 percent salary supplement.

Higdon said the county and state each have a role in funding public education — the county is responsible for school facilities and the state pays for everything else, including salaries, supplies and instruction.

Higdon said the county has been doing its part by investing money annually into upgrading its schools.

“Our buildings are in great shape — we allocated $3 million this past year (for renovations),” he said. “We also locally fund 40 to 50 teachers to fill the state’s void.”

Higdon said he was Greg Boyer disappointed that the proposed Connect N.C. Bond, which promises more than $1 billion in funding for universities and community colleges, doesn’t include funding for K-12 education.

“I think the state missed a golden opportunity to take a little of it to tag into K-12 to alleviate some of these problems we’ve been talking about for years,” he said. “I don’t support the bond simply because of that.”

Education is Carrion’s major platform in his campaign for commissioner. While he understands it’s the state’s responsibility to pay for education costs, he said he would be in favor of the county contributing more money toward the schools if it meant retaining teachers and better preparing students.

“Students are our greatest assets,” he said. “There comes a point when we have to put our foot down and do what’s right and take care of it locally if we have to.”

Boyer said economics and education go hand in hand because without a proper education, the younger generation can’t be competitive in the job market, and without a trained workforce, the county can’t attract new jobs. He added that he didn’t support the Common Core State Standards now being taught in the classrooms.

“We need to educate with common sense values,” he said.

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county and town are promoting what they have to offer.

“We’ve gotten some great publicity but we need to take it and run with it,” he said. “I predict we’ll get more tourism because of that.”

7

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Blurred lines for Haywood commissioner race

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER n the right track or wrong track? That question was posed to candidates running for Haywood County commissioner and could offer insight for voters on which ones most closely align with their own views.

Half the candidates think the current commissioners are doing a good job. The other half think county government needs improvement at best, and is a disaster at worst.

The “right track or wrong track” question attempted to ferret out what camps the candidates might fall in, in hopes of bringing some structure and order to the maze of candidates on the ballot. Voters could have a confusing time of it, nonetheless.

Party lines in the Haywood County commissioners’ race are muddier than ever this year. With conservative Democrats and progressive Republicans on the ticket — often crossing somewhere in the middle of the political spectrum — voters can’t rely on party labels alone to help them sort out the candidates.

Democrat Robin Black, for example, says she is extremely fiscally conservative and for limited government. Meanwhile, Republican Kevin Ensley has voted in lock step with the Democratic majority on the board of commissioners during his 12 years in office, from capital building projects to a property tax increase to correct stagnating employee pay.

Democrat Terry Ramey isn’t a fan of the Robin Black current Democratic commissioners, but Republican candidate Brandon Rogers has no major criticisms of the job they’ve done.

The chair of the Haywood County Democratic Party caught flack for a post on Facebook saying there were only three Democrats running for commissioner, and excluded Ramey as not truly being a Democrat.

That riled Ramey up.

“We got one little clique in the Democrat party and if it ain’t their way, it’s no way. I can’t help it that it don’t make the Democrats happy that I’m a Democrat.

This is bullshit. We’ve got to get over this,” Ramey said.

Ramey admits he shares views with Republicans, but that doesn’t make him one.

“If you notice the old, old Democrats and the old, old Republicans are trying to switch places over the years,” Ramey said.

“I’m a Democrat, don’t get me wrong. I just look at it as people. I got friends on both sides on the fence.”

Black agreed the lines have gotten blurry.

8

Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

O

Who’s on the Haywood commissioner ballot?

Two of the five seats on the Haywood County Board of Commissioners are up for election this year. The primary will narrow down the field of candidates to two Democrats and two Republicans.

Republican candidates • Greg Burrell, general contractor.

• Kevin Ensley, owner of Ensley Land Surveying and long-time county commissioner.

• Brandon Rogers, owner of Rogers Express Lube and Tire and former production manager at Day International in Arden.

Democratic candidates • Robin Black, certified public accountant who owns her own accounting firm.

• Charles Boyd, owns WNC Landscaping and serves on the Haywood Community College board.

• Steve Brown, director of the nonprofit Arc of Haywood County, past director of Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation and Haywood County Schools Foundation.

• Terry Ramey, retired from the towing and mechanic business.

“There is a not a lot of difference between a conservative Democrat and a liberal Republican,” Black said.

Black said she is pro-choice, but believes welfare recipients should be drug tested, for example.

“So where do I fit?” Black said. Black is adamant she’s a Democrat though, because her grandfather would roll over in his grave otherwise.

Black was a surprise candidate on the Democratic ballot. She hadn’t let on to Democratic party operatives that she planned to run before filing, nor does she move in party circles, but she hasn’t been rejected by party insiders like Ramey.

Greg Burrell, a conservative liberty-brand Republican, said the country is ready for a third party because the labels of yore aren’t working anymore.

“People vote the way they vote because their daddy did. It makes me so mad,” Burrell said.

Adding to the party mash-up, a Tea Party faction of the Haywood GOP is not-so-quietly campaigning against Commissioner Kevin Ensley, a Republican.

Ensley has been rejected by factions of the party for not being conservative enough — even labeling him as a RINO, i.e.

Republican in Name Only. But Ensley dis-

agrees with that characterization.

“I am very socially conservative. I am prolife and pro-family and pro-Second Amendment,” said Ensley, a devout evangelical Christian. “I plainly said at the forum these are the reasons I am a Republican.”

Ensley said one of his grandfathers was a Republican and the other a conservative Blue Dog Democrat. He sees himself as a Reagan Republican.

As for those who claim he isn’t a Republican, Ensley says you have to look at where those naysayers fall on the spectrum themselves.

Kevin Ensley “They are over here on the extreme,” Ensley said. “I don’t think they have any traction.”

There’s yet another way to bring some order to the race in the absence of party labels: where do they stand on a local government conspiracy theory?

A group of local government watchdogs — the same libertarian-leaning faction that controls the Haywood GOP — routinely take county government to task.

While it’s a noble undertaking to hold elected officials accountable and a fundamental tenant of democracy, the watchdogs try to sleuth out perceived corruption at every turn.

They have accused the county finance director of “cooking the books,” the county election director of rigging the last commissioner election, the commissioner chairman of taking bribes, the tax administrator of falsifying property tax values — and the list goes on.

The unsubstantiated Steve Brown claims are largely based on hunches with skewed information at best, and invented information at worst, but are circulated on email, social media and blogs.

“People hear these things that are unbelievable, because they are unbelievable,” Ensley said.

Burrell is active in the faction and believes in the conspiracy theories.

“I believe it is rigged as the day is long,” Burrell said of the last election. It’s the most logical explanation Burrell can think of to Greg Burrell explain the election outcome.

“How can you put people in there who keeps raising taxes and digging us deeper in debt and then still get elected?” Burrell said.

County debt is actually lower today than it was a decade ago. But Burrell doesn’t believe that either.

“Anybody can push a crooked pencil,” Burrell said.

Ramey has also been affiliated in recent years with the faction. Ramey has appeared at commissioner meetings wearing a T-shirt

with the words “Tyranny Response Unit,” signaling a philosophical alignment with the limited government activists.

But he said he is not in their clique, despite the fact they are supporting him. He’s more of an adopted son.

He said he would be coming to county commissioner meetings anyway to hear what’s going on, and they just happen to be there, too, he said.

Monroe Miller, a local GOP party leader and mastermind behind many of the local government conspiracy theories, recently switched his party affiliation from Republican to unaffiliated.

Miller publicly supports Ramey, but he couldn’t have voted for Ramey in the primary as a registered Republican.

Ramey said he isn’t a foot soldier for Miller, however.

Half the candidates think the current commissioners are doing a good job. The other half think county government needs improvement at best, and is a disaster at worst.

“I don’t follow him, I don’t lead him, he don’t lead me,” Ramey said. “Me and him disagree on a lot of things but I respect him because he is man enough to stand up if he feels like people are being done wrong.”

Voters sorting out the mixed-up party affiliations won’t be able to mix-and-match candidates from different parties in the primary. That won’t be possible until November, after candidates have been narrowed down to two from each party.

In the primary, voters registered as Democrat or Republican are locked in to voting on their own party’s ticket.

Those registered as unaffiliated, however, can pick which primary they want to vote in, but not both. Nearly one-third of county voters fall in the unaffiliated category.

“If there is a good Democrat and good Republican it would be a close race,” Ensley said. “I don’t think there are any partisan issues at the local level.”

That’s one thing almost all of them agree on.

“This should be nondenominational race.

You should just put the best people forward, most qualified to protect and continue the great things that Haywood County has done for the past century,” said Steve Brown, a Democratic candidate. Brown added, however, he is more of a true Democrat than some of the other Democrats on the ballot.

“I think two of the four candidates on the Democratic ballot are more progressive than the other two,” Brown said.

As for where candidates stand on the performance of the current board of commissioners, here’s what they had to say:

F

Republican County Commissioner Candidate Greg Burrell announced this week that he is moving out West after his wife got a job in Wyoming, but it is too late for Burrell to take his name off the ballot.

Burrell said he wouldn’t have run had he known at the time of candidate sign-up in December. While Burrell is not actively campaigning, he is still encouraging voters to support him. Burrell said a vote for him would at least send a message that people in the county support his conservative stance and libertarian views.

Meanwhile, Charles Boyd, a Democratic candidate, is not represented in this week’s coverage because he did not participate in an interview. Boyd was initially hesitant to commit to an interview at all, but after finally agreeing to one he failed to show up or call.

Boyd also missed a commissioner candidate forum two weeks ago hosted by The Mountaineer newspaper. Boyd said he has been battling an illness that has prevented him from participating in media campaign coverage.

KEVIN ENSLEY, REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE AND SITTING COMMISSIONER

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE Burrell is a conservative Christian candidate with anti-government leanings who believes the county is being run into the ground by liberal bureaucrats.

“The county is heading the wrong direction. The people in charge of the county commissioners now, they act like the people work for them. They go buy whatever they want to and put the cost back on the people,” Burrell said.

Burrell said he thinks Ensley isn’t really a Republican.

“The only thing we got in common is we both live in Haywood County,” Burrell said.

That will change soon, however, as Burrell is moving out West. He won’t be around to take office even if elected. Burrell said he feels free out West.

“I feel like I can be myself and be how I am. Here it is an oppressed feeling I have,” Burrell said. “The government believes we are the cows and the sheep and they can herd us whatever direction they want to go.”

Burrell said the county budget should be cut and property taxes lowered, period.

BRANDON ROGERS, REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE Rogers could best be described as a moderate Republican. He’s socially conservative and devoutly Christian.

When asked whether he is running because he thinks the current commissioners are doing a bad job, he said no.

“No, nothing like that. I don’t have an agenda,” Rogers said.

Brandon Rogers That puts Rogers more in line with Ensley than with Burrell.

“I don’t feel like there’s been a lot of wasteful spending, but there are things I have looked at that I feel like is maybe not a priority,” Rogers said.

Rogers said his biggest goal would be to make county government more streamlined and efficient, to in turn free up more money that could be spent on economic development and education without rais-

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE Brown believes the current board of commissioners has been doing a good job.

Brown said he wants to “protect and continue the great things that Haywood County has done for the past century.”

“I want to keep Haywood County progressive and protect the same great life experiences we had when we were growing up,” Brown said.

ROBIN BLACK, DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE Black said she believes the current board of commissioners has done a “mediocre job.”

“I am not sure there is a whole lot more we can cut. I think they have cut and cut and cut,” Black said.

But she hopes to dive into the budget line by line and find out.

Black questions whether the county’s capital building campaign has been too extravagant.

“I don’t understand why we keep buying land and building buildings,” Black said, citing the empty buildings and land the county isn’t using. “We keep giving and buying, giving and buying.”

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GREG BURRELL,

The Smoky Mountain News sat down with candidates running for Haywood County commissioner over the past week.

See next week’s paper for in-depth bios on the candidates and why they are running.

Primary Election Day is March 15, but early voting starts March 3.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE Ramey didn’t have a “yes” or “no” answer when asked whether the commissioners have done a good job or if the county’s on the right track. It’s both, he said.

“A lot of people aren’t happy with the way things are going on. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of good things going on,” Ramey said. “My pet peeve is I don’t think they research stuff enough before they make decisions.”

As for the capital building campaign over the past decade, Ramey Terry Ramey isn’t patently against the projects, but thinks they may have been too luxurious.

“It’s not necessarily they have built too much stuff but I think they could have streamlined it,” Ramey said.

On property taxes, Ramey is also on the fence. He isn’t sure it would be possible to cut the county’s budget in order to lower taxes.

“That’s one of the hardest things in the

STEVE BROWN,

February 24-March 1, 2016

Ensley said he wants to continue the momentum he’s been a part of for the past 12 years on the board of commissioners and keep moving the county “in a positive direction.”

Ensley is a socially conservative Christian.

But fiscally, Ensley doesn’t believe in stifling progress or forgoing initiatives that would better the community simply in order to cut the budget and lower taxes.

Ensley doesn’t apologize for a capital building plan that’s been carried out over the past several years, a campaign that in some ways smacks of progressive-ism.

“I think we have been proactive in taking care of the needs of the county. Past boards kept kicking the can down the road and we didn’t do that. We took care of it. It will pay off in the future, because the next generation won’t have to deal with it,” Ensley said.

Nor does Ensley apologize for voting in lock step with the Democratic majority on the board. Despite the other commissioners being Democrats, the board has been fairly conservative in their budgets and policies, Ensley said.

Rather than being a lone “no” vote in the minority, Ensley said his cooperation with the Democratic commissioners has allowed him to craft compromises and move the needle in a more conservative direction by working with the board rather than against it.

The budget is lower, debt is lower and there are fewer county employees today than in 2008.

Coming next week

TERRY RAMEY,

world to do once taxes has been raised, to lower it back again. My biggest thing is that we don’t need to raise taxes,” Ramey said.

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A note to voters: one candidate is moving away, another is MIA

ing taxes to do so.

“I feel like you can run it efficiently and get just as much accomplished,” Rogers said.

As for taxes, “I definitely don’t want to raise them. I’d like to lower them.” But he didn’t promise that it was possible.

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Budget cuts to shutter Central Elementary Community reels from the loss; officials say their hands were tied

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER arents, students and teachers of Central Elementary School in Waynesville made a desperate and impassioned final stand to save their beloved school last week, but to no avail.

The Haywood County School Board pressed ahead with a vote to close the school, ultimately sacrificing Central to spare the rest of the school system from more painful budget cuts.

“Central means so much to so many of us.

Please think hard before you destroy something so wonderful,” Tiffany Kyle, a Central parent, begged the school board before it voted.

Nearly 100 people flooded the school board meeting to witness the vote, hoping against all odds that somehow the show of solidarity would undo the epithet they knew deep down had already been written for Central.

The board’s regular meeting room was undersized to handle such a crowd.

Children took to the floor, while parents lined the walls and spilled down the hallway, straining to hear the words that floated out the door.

The crowd oscillated between anger and sadness, frustration and defeat, rage and hopelessness. Many sobbed. Children buried their faces in their moms’ arms. Teachers battled to keep their own tears silent.

“If Central didn’t inspire this love from its community, we wouldn’t be here fighting for it,” said Josh Pratt, the father of two children at Central.

Cries of “No! Please! Don’t do it!” were shouted from the audience as the school board solemnly marched ahead with the vote to shutter Central.

“There have been lots of sleepless nights by all these board members up here,” school board member Jim Francis said. “I don’t want any school in this county to close. I understand the connection you have to your school.

But we are elected to make difficult and heartwrenching decisions even though we don’t want to make them.”

School board chairman Chuck Francis got choked up as he told the crowd his own grandson goes to Central.

“I have a personal interest in Central Elementary School, too,” Francis said. “As a board we care deeply for the school, our teachers, students, parents and the community, and it saddens me to have this recommendation on the floor.”

Two of the nine school board members voted not to close Central — Jimmy Rogers and Rhonda Schandevel. Schandevel is running for the state legislature on a Democratic 10 platform of strengthening education.

Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

P

LAST-DITCH PLEA Only a few Central parents spoke during the comment period at the school board meeting, Most had made their points during a dedicated public hearing three weeks prior.

Those who spoke up again last week asked the board to hold off a little longer.

“I realize money is tight. But we need more time. Let’s come together and try to figure out a solution to this,” said Chris Williamson, the president of Central’s PTA. “Give us a year.

Give us a chance to find the money.”

But school board members said it would be a dangerous gamble.

“I want everybody in the room to understand the place we are in. If we were to wait a year, if something doesn’t change, we are a year down the road and the budget cuts have fallen even deeper,” said school board member Bobby Rogers. “We can’t keep kicking the can down the road.”

The school system is facing a $2.4 million budget shortfall next year. Closing Central would save $500,000 a year — lessening the severity of the sweeping cuts that must be made to close the gap.

“We have been elected to make the best decisions we can for the whole school system,” Bobby Rogers said.

Shortfall aside, the county simply has more school buildings than it really needs.

There are nine elementary schools, and none are close to capacity, especially given a 10 percent drop in the student population across the school system over the past several years.

Keeping Central open — by plowing money into building overhead when it could go toward classroom education — would be irresponsible, school board members have alluded.

“Even if additional funding were possible, we would have to close a school due simply to decreased enrollment,” Chuck Francis said.

That’s a moot point, however, because “the money’s not there,” he said.

But to parents, Central is more than an overhead line item. It is a community.

“Students from the whole socio-economic spectrum learn from the dedicated teachers and from and with one another. Public schools can prepare all these students for the future while enriching their lives today,” said Anna Catherine Super, a Central mom.

Students used to Central’s small, close-knit environment will be lost at larger schools — both socially and academically — parents said.

“We know our children and we want to keep our children at our school,” Williamson said.

“Transferring our kids to other schools would cause them to have many disadvantages.”

EMOTIONALLY CHARGED REACTIONS Raw emotions got the best of some in the audience at the school board meeting.

One parent who’s a lawyer in town was physically removed from the meeting by deputies for refusing to quit talking when his

The decision last week to close Central Elementary School in Waynesville due to budget woes dealt a heartbreaking blow to children whose entire lives and identity center around their school. Becky Johnson photo

Parents feel railroaded in Central Elementary closure

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER study conducted by Haywood County Schools justifying the closure of Central Elementary School was a sham and failed to meet state requirements for a school closure, two speakers argued before the Haywood County School Board last week.

“This study is a crock. If you really look at what the law requires you have failed on many counts,” said Joe Moore, a parent whose two children — now in high school — both attended Central Elementary.

Moore also believes the school board made up its mind to close Central long before it voted to conduct a study in January.

A

three-minute public comment window was up. He continued to deliver his prepared speech over the loud rapping of a gavel, growing louder still to compete with calls from the school board attorney that he stand down, and still not letting up even as deputies pulled him backward out the door of room.

Another dad who stormed out amid the board’s discussion audibly called the school board “a bunch of dumb mother-f——s.” A mom fled the meeting in a rage as the vote was being held, pulling a teary child with her by the hand.

One parent repeatedly told the school board in a raised voice “Y’all need to move! Y’all need to move!” Given the local family lineage of school board members — and the importance of kinship, heritage and sense of place in moun-

“It is a report that was made up after the fact,” Moore said.

Mark Melrose, a Central parent, agreed.

“You really didn’t care what the study said. You just wanted to say you played by the rules,” Melrose said.

School boards have broad latitude to close and consolidate schools, but state law outlines steps to be followed, including the criteria for a “thorough study.” But the five-page study conducted by Haywood school officials glossed over many of the criteria and lacked substance, Moore and Melrose said.

“If you had turned this in as a paper,

S EE PARENTS, PAGE 12

tain culture — the suggestion they should be banished and cast out from the county was perhaps the highest insult all night.

One of the more unusual audience interruptions came just as the school board was about to vote, when an older bearded man in a knitted Rastafarian beret elbowed his way to the front of the crowd in the hall and began hollering from the doorway.

“I’ll tell you how to get the funds you need,” the man shouted. “All you got to do is ask for it.”

“We have a motion on the floor,” Chuck Francis said, banging the gavel, trying to redirect attention from the man at the back of the room to the board table. But the man carried

S EE CENTRAL, PAGE 11

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S EE GOP, PAGE 12

LUNCH NETWORKING MEETING

For Young Professionals of Haywood

Feb. 25 • 12-1 p.m.

Smoky Mountain News

statement to media deflecting the criticism and turning the tables.

Presnell said the budget woes and closure of Central by the school board were “an unfortunate consequence of its members’ own failures.”

Presnell has repeatedly issued media statements and opinion pieces to local papers in recent weeks, calling out school officials for passing the buck rather than taking responsibility.

“My constituents have been fed a narrative of education cuts spread by people who have a lot to lose — and stand to look quite foolish — when the truth is realized,” Presnell said.

School board member Rhonda Schandevel, a Haywood Democrat, hopes to unseat Presnell in the fall.

Schandevel has a primary election to win in March before she advances to the ballot against Presnell. The public relations battle Presnell is waging to deflect state blame for Central’s closure could be critical in whether she wins or looses against Schandevel, who has positioned herself as the pro-education candidate.

Presnell has asserted the school system has technically gotten more money per student, not less. On paper, that’s true.

“Those who report and continue to repeat the same tired lie that education funding has been cut are doing a disservice to the community by simply not reporting the facts. It’s an insult to state taxpayers who fund our state’s schools at the greatest level in history,” Presnell said in a statement. However, the additional education funding doled out didn’t go to the nuts-and-bolts of education but instead went to teacher salary increases. Technically, the school system is getting more, but in reality, it has less to spend on the classroom.

Here’s the math, according to Presnell’s own numbers in her various statements: • Haywood got an increase of $1.6 million in teacher salaries over four years despite the number of teachers dropping.

• However, Haywood’s total education budget from the state — including the increase for teacher salaries — is only $600,000 more.

• That amounts to a budget shortage of $1 million, since the school system is forking over an additional $1.6 million to cover state pay raises for teachers but has seen a total increase of only $600,000.

On top of that, the school system has seen a $500,000 cut in education lottery money it gets from the state.

Presnell called school officials “shameful” for blaming Central’s closure on state budget cuts.

School board member Jimmy Rogers took

February 24-March 1, 2016

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER tate Republican lawmakers were strongly chastised for penning Central Elementary School’s death warrant during a rally prior to the Haywood County School board meeting last week.

Gathering on the steps outside the school board meeting, parents listened to speeches condemning state policies that have undermined traditional public education — from systematic classroom cuts to diverting money to charter schools.

“Central Elementary is the epitome of what is right in North Carolina schools and we are not willing to let it be sacrificed because of Raleigh’s agenda to weaken our public school systems dollar by dollar,” said Beth Pratt, the mother of two children at Central. “We won’t bend to the closefisted tactics from the Michelle Presnell state. Let’s be the spark that ignites the changes we so desperately need in Raleigh.”

School board member Jimmy Rogers stepped outside to join the rally and address the parents and students huddled under umbrellas.

Rogers said state legislators have chosen to give “tax breaks for those at the top” instead of adequately funding public schools.

Given the great schools in Haywood County — ranked 15th in the state in academic performance — if it can happen here, it could happen anywhere, Rogers said.

“We are just a canary in a coal mine,” Rogers said.

That sentiment was echoed by John deVille, a teacher in Macon County who’s active with the N.C. Association of Educators.

“You are at the leading edge of a perfect storm,” deVille told the crowd.

DeVille said the plight of Central is a selffulfilling prophecy brought on by a systematic dismantling of public education that has generational implications, he said.

“Upward mobility is being betrayed,” deVille said. “The American dream is founded on equality of opportunity.”

DeVille urged the crowd gathered outside the school board meeting last week to turn their anger into action.

“Go home tonight and write down why you are mad and why you are hurt and how you feel and put it on your refrigerator. Come November 8, take it down and read it and put it in your pocket when you go to the polls,” deVille said. “Reverse this course.”

A few days later, N.C. Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, whose district includes part of Haywood County, issued a public

on insistently about a scheme to unlock federal money.

“Did Ford Motor not go to Washington and hold out a tin cup? Are you too ashamed to stand up for the children with a tin cup?” he shouted.

“Please sir,” Francis said, rapping the gavel again. “Will you hold it down please?”

The man eventually melted back into the crowded hallway, partly due to deputies stationed at the entrance of the room exerting their presence.

Most cries of protest emanating from the ranks of the audience as the board drew closer to a vote weren’t inherently meanspirited, however, but rather born out of anguish and desperation.

“Give us more time, please! We need more time,” several parents cried.

School board member Jimmy Rogers said he personally agreed that the community hadn’t had ample warning or time to process the school closure.

“My personal preference is we delay this. I would really love to see us postpone this for a month,” Jimmy Rogers said.

School board member Peewee Kirkpatrick agreed, too.

“Everything I have heard is give us more time. I have even heard a month. I personally would like to see another month,” Kirkpatrick said.

That prompted another round of outcry from the audience, however. They wanted a whole year delay, not just a month.

“Give us a year,” they cried.

School board members attempted to talk about the idea of delaying the vote another month but kept getting interrupted by comments from the audience.

School board member Bobby Rogers asked what would be gained by waiting a month.

“Is there anything that could make a difference? Or are we going to be right back in this same place and the emotions have gotten even higher and we are that much closer to the next school year?” Bobby Rogers said.

Chairman Chuck Francis said plans to reassign students to other elementary schools had to get underway as soon as possible, and the schools absorbing Central students also need to begin making plans to open up more classrooms.

“If things do change, we could always open it back up,” Chuck Francis said.

Before the board voted, School board member Jim Francis swiveled his chair to address parents and teachers.

“This is the toughest decision any of us have had to make,” Jim Francis said, in a heart-to-heart with the audience. “But there is no other way we can do this. We can’t postpone it down the road because the impact to our schools could be even greater if we don’t do something now.”

After the meeting, School board member Larry Henson said the decision was a last resort and not taken lightly.

“We just hope enrollment doesn’t keep going down to where we have to do another one,” Henson said.

news

Republican legislature castigated for its role in Haywood school budget woes

CENTRAL, CONTINUED FROM 10

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RSVP to kwyatt@haywoodchamber.com or 456.3021 333-71

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Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

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PARENTS, CONTINUED FROM 10 every teacher in Haywood County would have failed you and told you the first part of taking a test is to read the directions,” Melrose said.

One of the most glaring omissions in Melrose’s opinion was the welfare of students. State statute says the study must “have in mind primarily the welfare of the students.” But the study doesn’t address the welfare of students at all.

Melrose also took the school board to task for not leveling with the public sooner that a massive budget shortfall loomed and a plan to close Central were in the works. The first the public learned of the $2.4 million shortfall and the plan to close Central was in January — just five weeks before the final vote.

Telling people sooner would have had its drawbacks, too, given the disruption and distraction it’s invariably causing for students, parents and teachers.

Melrose delivered a fiery speech comparing the school board to the Titanic. The school board ignored warning signs, failed to take corrective action when trouble signs were ahead and kept the passengers in the dark, Melrose said.

“One captain asks the others ‘Shouldn’t we call to shore and ask the people there for help?’ ‘No,’ they answered. ‘We’ll decide how to steer this ship. If we hit something, we’ll just tell them when we start sinking,’” Melrose said. “’We’ll make it look like we tried to slow down. We will defend ourselves by

GOP, CONTINUED FROM 11 issue with that.

“If they are going to call a public school administrator shameful, yes, I am going to stand up,” said Rogers, who penned his own guest column to local papers in response.

Presnell claims blame lies with the school board for mismanagement.

“Fault lies with Haywood County School Board members for their gross mismanagement of resources,” Presnell said in a statement last week. deVille called that asinine.

“They chastised the Haywood County School Board for mismanaging their funds.

That’s like flying over and dropping a bomb on a house and it has a leaky roof and you blame the homeowner,” deVille said.

Josh Pratt, the father of two students at Central, also called out Presnell by name.

“You’ve accepted no blame for this and repeatedly laid all of the blame on the local school board,” Josh Pratt said. “You haven’t worked with our school board at all to find solutions, you’ve only continued to blame them.”

CHARTER SCHOOL FACTOR

Some drew a correlation between the closing of Central with the opening of Shining Rock Classical Academy charter school, which drew more money away from the already struggling public school system.

“Central Elementary shouldn’t have to close so that Shining Rock can exist. We must 12 demand our representatives support public

Mark Melrose, a Waynesville attorney and Central Elementary parent, was removed from the Haywood County school board meeting last week after going over his allotted threeminute speaking time. Becky Johnson photo pretending we really studied this problem.’”

Speakers during the public comment period were supposed to limit remarks to three minutes. Melrose wasn’t done when three minutes were up, however. He asked for more time to finish but was told “no.”

“Then I will just continue,” Melrose said.

School board chairman Chuck Francis tried to get him to stop, even rapping the gavel repeatedly. But Melrose forged on.

School board attorney Pat Smathers also tried to intervene. Melrose, who is a skilled trial attorney, ignored Smathers and kept right on reading his speech.

“Mr. Chairman, I would advise you to rule Mr. Melrose out of order,” Smathers said to no avail. Smathers finally nodded to

education and not the double-talk of ‘school choice,’” Josh Pratt said. “We need our school board to make a stand and not set a precedent of closing public schools when charter schools come to town.”

Between 155 and 170 students who would otherwise be attending Haywood County Schools went to Shining Rock when it opened this year, according to enrollment records.

The loss of those students amounted to around $1 million in lost state and local funding that the school system would otherwise be getting but is now going to Shining Rock.

“By diverting money to private and charter schools in our state we are taking from the many to give to the few. I’m not willing to trade my child’s school for another parent’s choice,” Beth Pratt said.

But Presnell said that’s how it should be.

“When a parent decides to take his or her child out of Haywood County Schools, school funding follows that child wherever he goes,” Presnell said in a written statement. “Money also follows children when they transfer to charter schools.”

Presnell said Shining Rock should not get blamed since there has been a steady decline in Haywood’s student body even before Shining Rock opened.

Haywood has seen a drop of 800 students over the past 10 years, due in part to demographic changes from outmigration and a lower birth rate during the recession.

This year was the most sizeable hit, with a loss of 220 students. Presnell said it was disingenuous, however, to call the decrease “sudden” or “unexpected.”

two deputies who were stationed by the door to take Melrose out.

“If you are going to make me leave, I have a little bit more to say,” Melrose said, continuing to deliver his speech even as deputies gently hooked his elbows and walked him backwards out the door.

Melrose’s high school daughter was up next on the public speaker’s list, and began reading where her father left off — he’d left his speech behind on the podium.

School board members didn’t address Melrose’s comments directly, but they did respond to general criticism from parents that Central is being closed in haste without vetting other solutions.

“I believe our board has done a tremendous job of looking at all solutions other than closing Central Elementary School, and they simply do not exist,” Chuck Francis said.

“I assure you that we have not taken this lightly. We’ve looked at alternatives to cut, we’ve looked at other sources of funding,” School board member Jim Francis, chair of the finance committee, added.

Jim Francis explained the school system has been cutting its budget for seven years now. It gets harder each passing year to find yet more cuts, but still the cuts keep coming.

The school system has cut 127 positions since 2008.

“That’s a huge number of jobs that have been lost in Haywood County,” Jim Francis said.

Until now, the school system milked a reserve of savings to cushion the severity of cuts.

“We used it very conservatively over a long period of time to keep jobs in Haywood County. We wanted our students to have lower class size and no combination classes and multiple course offerings,” Chuck Francis said.

But that’s now all used up, and the final reckoning has arrived. School board members are now being upfront that Central may not be the only school that has to close in coming years.

Melrose questioned why the school board isn’t making an ask to the Haywood County commissioners for more funding.

“With the stroke of a pen, if this school board would only have the courage to ask, the county can delay the new animal shelter to take care of our children,” said Ally Melrose, reading from her father’s speech.

Ally said while she loves her animals, she loves her sister who goes to Central more.

Melrose is weighing whether to file a lawsuit alleging the school system didn’t follow the state statute in conducting the study. For example, the school system was supposed to consider “inconvenience or hardship” on students, but all the report said about that was “there should be no great inconvenience or hardship” due to the proximity of two other elementary schools nearby.

The study was also supposed to consider impacts of school closure on diversity, but only one line addressed this with an unexplained statement that closing Central “would not significantly impact” diversity. Melrose pointed out that Central has the most diverse student body of any elementary school in the county.

Beth Pratt, a parent with Central Elementary School, spoke out during a rally prior to last week’s school board meeting calling for state leaders to stop dismantling public education.

Becky Johnson photo

“But we may leave semantics and other such trivial matters to the uninformed media who continue to incorrectly report on this issue,” Presnell said.

Beth Pratt questioned why charter schools should get public money when they don’t have door-to-door buses, free lunch or subsidized after-school care — and thus aren’t truly accessible to all.

“They are nothing more than publicly funded private schools,” Beth Pratt said.

Her husband, Josh Pratt, said he doesn’t

blame the parents attending Shining Rock, as most likely did not realize the impact their choice would have on others’ schools.

But, “You can rest assured that the core founders and money behind Shining Rock knew full well, and didn’t care,” Josh Pratt said, citing the national foundation funded by conservative donors that helped launch Shining Rock. “Shining Rock Classical Academy is not a worthy substitute for Central Elementary.

Central Elementary shouldn’t have to close so that Shining Rock can exist.”

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Artificial turf likely for Smoky Mountain High Jackson school board to vote on project next month

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER plan to replace the football field at Smoky Mountain High School with artificial turf is likely to move ahead following an engineer’s finding that the work could be done well within Jackson County Public School’s $715,000 cap for the project.

“We’ve done a lot of research, and I’m more convinced than ever this is a wonderful thing for our community and for our students,” said Superintendent Mike Murray.

According to a study completed by Asheville-based Civil Design Concepts, the turf could be purchased and installed for somewhere between $625,000 and $650,000, with the cost to the school system coming in $200,000 less than that due to a grant they landed from the NFL. The school system has already sent the project out to bid, planning to present the results to the school board for a vote at its March 15 meeting.

The hope, Murray said, is that by acting fast the school system could land a bid even lower than the engineer’s estimate. Summer is the busiest season for these types of projects, so doing the project in the springtime could result in savings.

But there’s also potential for a higher final price tag. One factor is how much the turf installation would impact the track that circles the field. Some portion of the track would likely be damaged during installation, so the school system would need to pay for its repair. It’s looking like the damage won’t be too extensive, said Murray.

“I think it will be well within the scope of that $715,000,” Murray said of the repairs.

At some point, the school system would like to completely replace the track, which is not a legal size for competition. What might happen for the moment is that the track would lose one of its lanes to the incoming artificial turf field, a possibility that, according to Murray, has been OK’d by the track coach.

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NAVIGATING HEALTH CONCERNS A second factor is how much the school board opts to spend in order to quell concerns over the artificial turf ’s safety. While the plan has garnered widespread support — the school system attached letters of support from 14 different entities to its grant application, including a variety of school athletic programs, Carolina West Sports Medicine, Stanberry Insurance, Special Olympics of Jackson County and the Carolina Panthers — it has encountered some opposition. The objections mainly cen-

In deciding which way to go with the artificial turf question, Murray said, he and other school district administrators have made the rounds to artificial fields throughout the region, hearing resounding praise from the coaches and administrators at those schools. He believes that many of the issues with artificial turf, especially complaints of increased injuries resulting from the hard stop created by the artificial field compared to the natural grass ones, are true

if they want to spend money, but I don’t think the football field is where to go,” Wood said.

If the engineer’s estimate of $650,000 holds true, the school system would end up paying $450,000 outside the grant funding to install the field, likely incurring extra cost to repair the track. Artificial fields are usually guaranteed to last eight to 10 years — though Murray believes the school system could eke several more years of life out of the field, easy — after which time the aboveground portion must be replaced. In 2016 dollars, replacement costs about $375,000, according to Murray.

By contrast, a grass field can last for decades — the surface of the field at SMHS was last replaced in 1994.

However, grass fields cost a good bit to maintain. Over the past two years, Jackson Schools have shelled out $37,000 for service and repairs to the field, a figure that doesn’t include labor to mow the fields, machinery costs or line painting. Artificial fields aren’t without maintenance needs — a sweeper, included with the cost of the field, must be Mark Haskett photo used to groom it after use — but they’re generally lower maintenance.

“We’ve done a lot of research, and I’m more convinced than ever this The school system is a wonderful thing for our community and for our students.” has not come up with a detailed cost comparison — Mike Murray, Superintendent between purchasing an artificial field and building a second field to add to the playing mainly of the older fields, not the new ones base for the faux grass. opportunities of the first. There are a couple being sold now.

Objections like those are why Murray of reasons for that, Murray said. First of all, “Everyone that we talked to agreed on said the school board is “very interested” in the school system has no good place to that the compression on this is amazing, so using organic material — such as cork, to me it will limit injuries rather than magni- locate a second full-size playing field. And coconut shell or walnut shell — for the secondly, cost savings is not the main incenfying injuries,” Murray said. field’s infill. Those materials typically cost tive for the project. more but have not been criticized like crumb “The multi-use issue is the biggest issue rubber has — especially the kind that’s recyOST VS USE for me personally,” Murray said. cled from used car tires.

Currently, Jackson Schools has only one “There’s been no link to the organic The other side of the artificial turf quesfull-size football field, and in order to keep it fields with any type of health issues, so at tion is the cost. Putting in an artificial field playable for Friday night football, other uses this point we’re strongly looking at this,” will be expensive, even with the $200,000 throughout the week are limited, especially Murray said.

NFL grant that spurred the school system to in wet weather. Artificial fields, meanwhile, That’s not to say Jackson Schools won’t nudge the project to the front of the line. can be used constantly in nearly any weathuse rubber fill if the bid for organic fill comes Murray has pledged that the school district er, though hot weather does require caution in astronomically high. But it’s not just a one- will cap its contribution at $515,000, bringdue to the potential for rubber infill to capor-the-other choice, Murray said, because dif- ing the total budget for the project to ture heat. If SMHS had an artificial field, it ferent grades of crumb rubber are available. $715,000. But critics such as Wood have would be used by seven football teams, six He called the link between cancer and rubquestioned whether, with an inventory of cheerleading squads, four soccer teams, two ber-infill fields “questionable” and said that roofs in desperate need of repair and a marching bands, physical education classes the correlation is even less when it comes to dearth of current textbooks in the classand Special Olympics competitions. rubber infill that originates from new rubber, rooms, an artificial field is the best way for “I really think this is a wonderful opporrather than recycled car tires. the school system to spend money. tunity for us,” Murray said.

“There are all kinds of options,” he said.

“There’s plenty of ways to spend money ter on health concerns associated with artificial turf.

“It’s a higher injury (rate) because you’re playing on grass, it’s going to give and let out,” said Denny Wood, a longtime youth football coach who’s been a vocal opponent of the plan. “When you’re playing on turf it’s an immediate stop.”

Wood also points out artificial turf ’s purported link to cancer, allegedly stemming from the crumb rubber that’s often used as a

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR wain County Commissioners postponed a vote on whether to make the county recreation center a tobaccofree area after hearing feedback from a few residents.

Commissioners held a public hearing Feb. 11 regarding a proposed ordinance to make the recreation center a smoke-free zone, but decided to do some more research into the issue before making a final decision.

In addition to hearing concerns before the meeting from county employees who use tobacco products, several residents questioned the fairness of the ordinance.

Kenneth Parton asked commissioners to consider how the ordinance would affect county employees who use smokeless tobacco. Would they be issued a citation for dipping while working outside at the rec center?

“I know it’s a good thing to get people off tobacco, but I don’t feel like making the park tobacco-free will change anything — if people want to quit it’s their own business,” he said.

Parton suggested having a designated smoking area at the rec center if people smoking were creating a real problem, but not punishing people for using tobacco as long as they were being considerate of others.

Lance Grant said it was the first he had heard of the proposed ordinance and asked for more details about how it would be enforced.

“I don’t like people smoking around me, but if I’m outside I don’t see why you shouldn’t have the right do to what you want to do — this is America,” Grant said.

Commissione Chairman Phil Carson said the ordinance was fairly thorough and prohibited all tobacco products plus the use of e-cigarettes. If passed, the use of tobacco at the rec center could result in a $50 citation.

“The $50 fine only comes into play if the person refuses to put out the cigarette or tobacco product,” Carson said. “There’s no consequence other than the cost of the penalty — no court cost shall be assessed.”

Grant also wanted to know how the county would use the citation revenue.

After closing the public hearing for comments, Carson said the board would like to table the vote on the ordinance and consider the pubic comments made.

“This will allow us time for our attorney to look over the ordinance again and refresh us on designating areas for tobacco use,” he said. “I don’t know when it will be back on the agenda — maybe in March.”

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February 24-March 1, 2016 Smoky Mountain News

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Homeless shelter planned for Cherokee Project is a ‘priority’ for Chief Lambert

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ork will begin on establishing a shelter for Cherokee’s homeless following passage of a resolution Principal Chief Patrick Lambert introduced this month.

“This need, I think, has been apparent for a while,” Lambert told Tribal Council, asking for its support.

“The birth of this homeless shelter really started out in the first month of Chief Lambert taking office.

We had folks every day who through no fault of their own find themselves in a situation where they’re out of luck,” said Sage Dunston, Lambert’s executive assistant.

Each month, Chief Patrick Dunston said, Lambert Lambert’s office would field calls from 10 to 15 people who were dealing with a housing crisis. The tribe has an emergency housing program, but it’s often full with a waiting list — getting someone immediate assistance can be a challenge.

“It really pulls at your heartstrings to see mothers and children and fathers who come in and want what we all take for granted so often,” Dunston said.

The resolution, which Council adopted unanimously, doesn’t get into the specifics of the shelter’s budget and operations, simply authorizing Lambert to begin the process of establishing one. The facility would include an overnight shelter, a soup kitchen and life skills programming “to aid those in need of an opportunity to become more self-sufficient and capable of getting back on their feet,” the resolution reads.

Councilmembers were vocal in their support of the concept.

“I like this resolution. It’s a great idea,” said Vice Chair Brandon Jones, of Snowbird.

“It’s a wonderful piece of legislation,”

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February 24-March 1, 2016

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agreed Councilmember Tommye Saunooke, of Painttown, adding “Me and B (Councilmember Alan “B” Ensley, of Yellowhill) have been trying for years to get one, so now it’s there.”

Councilmember Teresa McCoy, of Big Cove, said she’s personally witnessed the need in her community, telling council about a call she received from a girl she’d once mentored. The girl asked for money, said she was hungry. McCoy said she met the girl with some food, but “before I could get out of the parking lot, people were shouting at me,” she said, wanting food as well.

“We are one of the richest tribes in the east, and there’s no sense in that,” she said.

But opening a homeless shelter isn’t going to fix all the problems overnight, cautioned tribal member Amy Walker.

“Where does that come from that causes them to opt out of life and just use drugs and to do those other things that causes a lot of our homelessness, the children not having food to eat, money being spent in a different way than it should be?” Walker asked. “I think if we address that issue, we could change this community that we wouldn’t have to keep spending money for a BandAid, giving them a place to stay overnight.”

Another portion of the discussion surrounded the question of who, exactly, the shelter would serve. Would it be open only to enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians? Or to anyone who needed the services?

“My vision is that it’s for enrolled members,” Lambert said. “We have some of our own enrolled members that we found living under bridges.”

Councilmembers held differing opinions, but the vote they took this month didn’t include a decision on the matter.

“I hate to push those people away because the Bible also says ‘love thy neighbor,’” said Councilmember Adam Wachacha, of Snowbird.

“Eliminating non-enrolled members, that’s not the Cherokee way,” agreed Myrtle Driver, Cherokee translator for the Tribal Council. “The Cherokee way is you share, especially food.”

Cherokee councilhouse.

Holly Kays photo

The tribe has an emergency housing program, but it’s often full with a waiting list — getting someone immediate assistance can be a challenge.

“Hungry people are hungry, regardless of whether they’re a tribal member, an alcoholic, a drug addict,” said McCoy. “I envision a place for people to come with no judgment.”

Those are valid points, said Chairman Bill Taylor, but Cherokee does have a responsibility to put its own people first.

“Sometimes we don’t know who comes onto our reservation, and we have this drug problem,” he said. “It sometimes can be a catch 22.”

But the important thing, Ensley said, it to get the ball rolling and continue having conversations about the specific ins and outs of how the still-hypothetical shelter should work.

“I think the regulations and everything that’s going to make this soup kitchen work, we’re all on the right page on this issue,” he said.

Going forward, Dunston said, Lambert and his staff will be working to plot the road toward opening day for the shelter,

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with a goal to have it done sometime this year.

“The chief has made it his priority,” Dunston said.

Specifics such as staffing, budget, revenue sources and location are yet to be determined. The tribe could renovate an existing building, or it could build something new. It could pay for the whole thing itself, or it could seek to supplement the cost with grants and partnerships from other sources. The shelter would be government-run, housed under the tribe’s Public Health and Human Services Division, but local churches have already expressed interest in playing a role.

“A number of churchgoers in the community have come up to me, and I’m sure others, and said they would like to volunteer and they would be interested in their church participating every now and then,” Dunson said. “I think that goes to show our tribe is still centered on family and still centered on helping our own.”

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“We would love to have the local authority to start whenever we want to instead of when the state tells us,” he said.

While other schools are opting to go by the instruction hour requirement instead of the day requirement, Nolte said there are advantages to students being in the classroom for more days. On a national level, schools performing better on assessments go to school more days than schools in WNC. “We don’t want to give up days to the point it negatively impacts performances,” he said.

Assistant Principal Evan Clapsaddle, who serves on the calendar committee for Swain County Schools, said Swain County has been on a schedule for several years that allows them to get testing done before the holidays.

A state law prohibits local school districts from beginning classes before Aug. 25 and ending school after June 9. Districts are also required to have 180 days of instruction per school year.

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“Three, four years ago we added 10 to 12 minutes to the day and decided to make a point to finish our fall semester exams at Christmas so students can came back in January and start over just like at college, and I’m glad we did,” he said. “It just doesn’t make sense for student to take a break and then test when they come back.”

Swain County classes run from 7:55 a.m. to about 2:57 p.m. each day. The school calendar plans on five to eight snow days a year and Saturday school is always the last resort.

“Saturday school is always a last alternative because it’s only a half day and attendance isn’t great — not a lot of hearts and minds are in it so I’m not sure how much quality we get out of it,” Clapsaddle said.

Kim Elliott, associate superintendent at Jackson County Schools, said Smoky Mountain High School hasn’t finished the fall semester before the Christmas break for many years. She said the calendar committee was still looking into options for the 2016-17 school year, including adding minutes to the afternoon block schedule to make sure the fall and spring semesters aren’t too unbalanced.

“Typically we miss snow days in the second semester, which ends up balancing things out,” she said.

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR acon County teachers recently voted overwhelmingly in favor of adding 20 minutes to their school days in an effort to get testing done before the Christmas holiday and fit in additional teacher workdays.

That decision will lead to a substantial change to the annual school calendar, a document constantly in flux for mountain school districts as they try to anticipate unpredictable weather and meet state requirements.

A state law prohibits local school districts from beginning classes before Aug. 25 and ending school after June 9. Districts are also required to have 180 days — or 1,025 hours — of instruction per school year. Lastly, 11 holidays and 12 teacher workdays have to fit in somewhere.

These regulations make it difficult for school systems — especially in western counties that average more than eight snow days a year — to have enough instruction time in the fall semester and complete required testing before students are out for the holidays.

By simply adding 20 minutes to each day, Franklin schools can free up four calendar days and get testing completed before the Christmas break.

Haywood Schools Associate Superintendent Bill Nolte said that is not a likely option for Haywood County Schools because of the unpredictable weather.

Haywood County students complete their testing in January after returning from a break, and after that they begin the spring semester. Nolte said the school system has tried in the past to do testing before the Christmas break, but it’s too risky because Haywood receives more snow than neighboring counties to the west.

“It will only work if we don’t have any snow — and that is rare,” he said. “We live right on the ridge, so we’re going to get more weather than most.”

Haywood County averages more than eight snow days per calendar year, which means it qualifies for a waiver from the state allowing school to start Aug. 19 or the closest Monday to that date. Even with that waiver, Nolte said it would still be more beneficial if classes could start a week before that.

If Haywood tries to schedule 90 days in the fall semester, snow typically interrupts the testing period at the end, which means students would have to complete testing as soon as they returned to school in January.

The way it works now, students return in January and have eight to 10 days of review before the test is administered. Nolte said the school system would love to be able to start the school year earlier in order to have adequate time for testing in December.

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February is

Make sure that yours is happy and healthy!

77 Painttown Road (Hwy. 19) • Cherokee, North Carolina

Smoky Mountain News

Call 828-554-5565 to make an appointment.

American Heart Month

February 24-March 1, 2016

THE FAMILY CARE CENTER

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news

Development could be in Cullowhee’s future Commissioners to appoint planning council members

BY HOLLY KAYS kind of mixed housing. No specific plan has STAFF WRITER been identified for the Speedwell Road prophones in Jackson County’s planning erty, Poston said. However, four of the five department have been buzzing lately parcels are zoned for single family-manufacwith people interested in developing tured housing — the fifth is commercial — property in Cullowhee, and that news has are zoned for single family housing, so buildspurred county commissioners to work ing denser housing would require getting toward getting a planning council in place to special permission from the Cullowhee handle requests that might come their way.

Community Planning Council.

“We’re getting some phone calls, we’re As of now, the planning council and the getting some questions about developments board of commissioners are one and the in the area that would require board same. approval,” said Planning Director Michael The first-ever zoning standards for the Poston.

Cullowhee area went into effect last May, One potential development would be on after about three years of drafts, debate and Old Cullowhee Road, just past Western public meetings. The ordinance divides Carolina University when traveling from Cullowhee into different zones — such as Sylva, while the other would be off of Speedwell Road near the intersection with N.C. 107. The locations are spread over five parcels.

But nothing is on paper — yet. No applications or other paperwork have been filed for either location, though Poston has been fielding some rather specific questions about what is Old Cullowhee Road. SMN photo or isn’t allowed on the properties and how to go about asking for an exemption. multi-family residential, single-family resi“I think we’ll see some applications,” dential, commercial and institutional Poston said.

— with different development rules in play It’s looking like the property on Old for each. If somebody wants to build someCullowhee Road is being eyed for some type thing that the zoning rules don’t allow for, of family housing development, perhaps they can present their case to the Cullowhee involving townhomes, duplexes or some Planning Council, who will hear both sides

Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

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of the argument in a court-like quasi-judicial hearing before making a decision.

When the standards passed last year, commissioners opted to put themselves in as a placeholder planning council. At that point, the planning director’s position was vacant, and commissioners reasoned that planning-related issues would likely move rather slowly until it was filled. Putting themselves on the council temporarily would ensure that, in the event an application were filed, the county would be able to react, commissioners decided.

With Poston now one month into his position as the new planning director, that stop-gap is no longer necessary, and commissioners are planning to appoint most of the seven-member council at its upcoming March 3 meeting.

Because council members have the job of saying yay or nay to proposals that could have a significant impact on the community, it’s best to have people with a vested interest in Cullowhee making those decisions anyway, said County Manger Chuck Wooten. To sit on the council, a person must live in Cullowhee or own a business or property there.

Representatives on the seven-member board are appointed to three-year staggered terms, which means the first batch of appointees will likely be a mix of two-year and three-year members.

Commissioners are beginning their search for members with those who sat on the eight-member Cullowhee Community Planning Advisory Committee, a commissioner-appointed group that drafted the original zoning ordinance before sending it along to the planning board and then the board of commissioners for adoption. Of the eight, one has passed away and one resigned

Want to sit on the council?

What: The Cullowhee Community Planning Council has a number of responsibilities, including reviewing proposed amendments to the planning ordinance, making decisions on requests for variances and special-use permits and hearing appeals on enforcement of the planning ordinance. Commissioners are in the process of nominating people to serve on the seven-member council.

When: According to the ordinance, the council should meet monthly. However, meetings could take place less frequently if there is no business to conduct.

Who: Anybody who owns a business, owns property or lives within the boundaries of the Cullowhee planning district is eligible.

Members serve three-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive, though some initial appointees may sit for two-year terms to get the council on a staggered term schedule.

How: To be considered for appointment, contact a Jackson County commissioner or fill out the Jackson County Boards and Communities Volunteer form. Forms and commissioner contact information are available at www.jacksonnc.org.

before the job was done, leaving a list of six names for commissioners to start with.

However, commissioners may also look at alternate names, especially considering that two current commissioners — Chairman Brian McMahan and Commissioner Boyce Dietz — were not on the board when the council was appointed.

Or, all six of the former advisory committee members may not want to serve on the council.

“Between now and then (March 3) we’ll try to work to come up with the seven names, as many of the seven as we can,” McMahan said.

Historical program to be held in Waynesville

Wellness Day at Haywood fitness center

Caregiver class rescheduled for Feb. 26

Hospitals to host ‘Happy Hearts’ events Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva and Swain Community Hospital in Bryson City are hosting awareness events at each hospital to promote strategies for heart health.

The ‘Happy Hearts’ event at Harris Regional Hospital will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 24, in the main lobby. The

Feb. 27 • 6:30 p.m.

Katy Simpson Smith

WCU chancellor to host forum on NC bond issue Western Carolina University Chancellor David Belcher will host an educational forum at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, in the theater of WCU’s A.K. Hinds University Center to address the regional importance of the Connect NC bond proposal.

On Tuesday, March 15, North Carolina voters will decide on the $2 billion referendum, which would fund state and local infrastructure needs, highway projects and state parks improvements, and provide $110 million for a new WCU Natural Sciences Building.

Belcher will address how bond approval would help communities in Western North Carolina in addition to educational needs, such as funding local water and sewer projects, health care initiatives and the Department of Agriculture and National Guard. mcwhitfield@wcu.edu or 828.227.3553.

Making feet happy for 16 years

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iPhone/iPad assistance The Jackson County Public Library is holding iPhone/iPad Assistance from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at the Jackson County Department on Aging in Sylva.

The class is free, but space is limited, so sign-up is required. Participants in this class must be 50 or older. Participants can sign up either at the library or at the Department on Aging.

828.586.2016 or 828.586.5494.

welcomes w elc

Animal hospitals donate pet oxygen masks Country Lane Animal Hospital in Clyde and The Animal Hospital in Waynesville teamed together to address the issue of pet safety in the event of an emergency.

Dr. McCracken and Dr. Hammett launched a program in Haywood County to ensure that every fire department had the equipment needed to respond to animal victims of smoke inhalation and fire. The two hospitals started this project by purchasing oxygen mask kits for three of the local fire departments. Soon after purchasing these kits, clients from these hospitals donated additional funds to purchase an additional three kits for other fire departments. A total of 27 pet oxygen mask kits will be distributed to fire departments as a result of the commitment to safety made by the Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association and their partners.

Waynesville W ay | 828.454.9816 Asheville | 828.274.4555 Ashe Arden Ar de | 828.209.0925 Hendersonville | 828.692.4356 Hend

Smoky Mountain News

A caregiver education series will continue with “Depression in the Elderly” at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville.

This class identifies symptoms of depression, different types, common treatments and risk factors for suicide. Leslie Lawson, LRT/CTRS, QMHP is a Licensed Recreational Therapist, and Qualified Mental Health Professional. She has been part of the Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty Team of Smoky Mountain LME/MCO for almost eight years. No cost.

Stop by or call to register.

828.356.2800.

Gel Nails & Spa Pedicures

February 24-March 1, 2016

A Community Wellness Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center at 75 Leroy George Drive in Clyde.

The professional exercise staff will perform free Starting Point Fitness Assessments, which evaluate an individual’s vitals, BMI (Body Mass Index) targeted heart rate and fitness needs. An opportunity to speak directly with the staff dietician regarding nutrition and wellness information will also be available.

For more information regarding community wellness, upcoming events and membership options, contact Community Outreach Coordinator Kellie Walsh at 828.452.8082. www.myhaywoodregional.com/wellness.

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news

A program called “If Rails Could Talk: Logging in Western North Carolina” will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at Waynesville’s new town hall as part of a historic speaker series hosted by the town’s Historic Preservation Commission.

The presenter, Ron Sullivan, is a hiker and historian who has researched and written six books on the logging companies and sawmill towns in Western North Carolina.

Sullivan spent years studying old records and conducting boots-on-the-ground reconnaissance to map old rail lines, spurs and logging camps in the region.

event at Swain Community Hospital will be noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, in the main lobby. A free heart-healthy lunch will be served.

Information on how to recognize the warning signs of heart attack will be provided in addition to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstrations and information on how to quit smoking.

828.631.8889.

pardeehospital.org 21

opinion

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INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

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FEB 29TH • MARCH 2ND, 8TH, & 15TH

THESE EVENTS ARE DESIGNED FOR PARENTS TO LEARN ALL ABOUT OUR UPCOMING PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN.

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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP CAMP:

SPRING BREAK CAMP APRIL 4 - 8

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BASE CAMP EXPLORE DAY CAMPS: SESSION ONE: JUNE 20 - JULY 15 SESSION TWO: JULY 18 - AUGUST 12

JUNE 13 - 17

Cold & Flu Season is Here. We Can Help.

Let our pharmacist show you natural ways to strengthen your immune system.

PLEASE NOTE PARENTS WILL NEED TO COME TO ONE OF THESE OPEN HOUSES AND FILL OUT THE PROPER PAPER WORK BEFORE THEIR CHILD IS ALLOWED TO REGISTER AT OUR FRONT DESK!

For more information, call the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department at 456-2030 or email tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov

WAYNESVILLE

828.452.0911 kimsrx.com kimswellnessinfo.org 366 RUSS AVE. • WAYNESVILLE

February 24-March 1, 2016

(BiLo Shopping Center)

Smoky Mountain News

333-64

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Our Sylva Office Has Moved!

SYLVA OFFICE 1196 Skyland Drive

FRANKLIN OFFICE

We’re excited to announce we have moved to our beautiful new Sylva office located at 1196 Skyland Drive. Trust your eyes to the experts at Asheville Eye Associates. For more than half a century, Asheville Eye Associates been known throughout Western North Carolina for leading edge eye care, for all types of eye diseases and conditions including routine and pediatric eye exams to cataract surgery, macular degeneration, retinal tears and detachments, or eye plastic surgery and glaucoma management.

Please call today to schedule your appointment at our new Sylva office at (828)258-1586 or our Franklin office.

At Asheville Eye Associates, Our Mission is Your Vision.

144 Holly Springs Park Dr.

828.258.1586 800.531.EYES (3937) Ashevilleeye.com

Frank A. Killian, M.D. SYLVA & FRANKLIN OFFICES

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PARKS AND RECREATION 828.456.2030 or email tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov

828.258.1586

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W. Copley McLean, Jr., M.D.

R. Benjamin Meade, O.D.

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Business

Smoky Mountain News

gram in human resources serve as consultants in a 10-week timeframe as part of their coursework.

The nearly $23,000 in funding will be used to create additional partnerships and expand opportunities on a broader scale. A total of 15 new consulting projects are planned to start this year in North Carolina and Tennessee alone.

828.227.3959 or mgermain@wcu.edu.

Spa owner celebrates 10th anniversary

SCC’s Small Business Center holds free seminars Tiffany Henry (standing, center) is director of SCC’s Small Business Center, which will be offering two free seminars to help existing and aspiring entrepreneurs at the Jackson Campus.

The first of these, which is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 29, is entitled “Business Taxes” and will show small business owners what is required when filing taxes, what dates are important and what records should be kept.

On Wednesday, March 2, a session on “Starting a Better Business” will be offered from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. This seminar covers how to assess your business ownership skills, the feasibility of your business idea and the parts of a business plan.

828.339.4211.

Champion Credit gives $100,000 to schools Champion Credit Union is making a $100,000 donation to benefit the public school systems in the nine counties that it serves in Western North Carolina.

Champion Credit raised the money from the Schooled on Savings campaign, which was designed to show their members how borrowing with their local credit union can help their community. Champion Credit Union set a goal to save their members at least $100,000 in loan interest by refinancing with them. As members refinanced their loans with Champion throughout the year, the credit union tracked the amount of money

• The Small Business Center at Haywood Community College will offer a free seminar entitled, “How to Start a Business,” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, in Room 204 on the HCC campus. Visit sbc.haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512.

• “Jump Start your Career,” a free interview skills workshop, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday March 8 at Waynesville Library, 678 S. Haywood St. Sign up is required: 828.356.2507. The workshop is sponsored by Goodwill Industries Northwest North Carolina.

• Blue Ridge Natural Health, a family practice natural medicine clinic, recently opened at

that was saved in loan interest for each loan.

To take things a step further, Champion decided to take the $100,000 in savings and roll that directly into the communities that they serve in an impactful way.

WCU expands free consulting program Western Carolina University will broaden a service-learning initiative that provides free human resources consultation to nonprofits, local governments and small businesses, thanks to a recent University of North Carolina General Administration grant.

Students in the WCU master’s degree pro-

Cristy Patten and her sister Brooke Roberts, co-owners of The Spa at Biltmore Village and Balsam Spa at Waynesville Inn Golf Resort, are celebrating 10 years of business success.

“We are both excited and honored to celebrate 10 years of doing business in Biltmore Village. Ten years of helping our clients prepare for their special events and days of relaxation and pampering,” Patten said.

In 2008, in a challenging economic climate, Patten and Roberts opened a second location, Balsam Spa, in order to serve clients in the Haywood County area.

828.277.2639 or www.spaatbiltmorevillage.com.

Franklin Health & Fitness expands

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therapists, nutritionists and a Crossfit box.

Aerobic classes are available and include step, circuit training and water aerobics.

828.369.5608 or www.franklinfitnesscenter.com.

Oaks Unlimited named Exporter of the Year

Oaks Unlimited Inc., a Waynesville lumber company, has been named 2016 Exporter of the Year by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The award honors agribusinesses that have excelled in exporting their products around the world. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recognized Oaks Unlimited for its exporting success at the Ag Development Forum on Feb. 4 at the State Fairgrounds.

Company President Joe Pryor accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Oaks Unlimited specializes in the production of high-quality, kiln-dried ash, cherry, hickory, poplar, red oak and white oak.

Worksite Wellness Coalition to meet in Haywood

After nearly three decades serving people in Macon County, Franklin Health & Fitness spent the last several months undergoing huge renovations and expansions.

The renovation includes a larger foyer that includes a smoothie bar.

“A great deal of attention was paid to the details of our facility,” said owner Rodney Morris. “We upgraded many pieces of equipment, added additional space for our KidsZone and generally opened up the facility to have a more spacious feel. We wanted to do more to ensure that we are having a positive impact on our community so we added solar power with 62 solar panels added to the roof of the building to conserve on energy.”

In addition to the added space and equipment, FHF offers personal trainers, massage

MountainWise will be hosting the first ever Worksite Wellness Coalition of Haywood County at 2 p.m. March 1 at the Waynesville Rec Center for the kick off meeting.

This coalition came about out of local business responses to starting wellness programs and the need to share ideas, resources, and collaborate on wellness programs. All businesses serving Haywood County are invited to attend no matter where they’re at in terms of worksite wellness. The coalition will serve as a place to make connections, gather resources, foster ideas, and support worksite wellness programs.

Refreshments will be provided. Email Melissa Rockett, mrockett@mountainwise.org to RSVP and provide the number of representatives attending from business or call at 828.356.2202.

1384 Sulphur Springs Rd, in Waynesville. Dr. Linda Sparks offers comprehensive natural health options to help patients achieve their optimal state of health by using scientific evaluation combined with natural therapies. Schedule a free 15-minute consult. 828.539.0440 or www.blueridgenaturalhealth.com.

es and subs and will roll out new offerings soon. 828.342.2060.

spa and laser therapies. 828.627.2711 or www.mountainradiance.com.

• Harris Regional Hospital will begin the final phases of construction on the hospital’s labor and delivery and mother/baby unit in midMarch. The facility is known as the New Generations Family Birthing Center and is located on the hospital’s third floor.

• The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce recently published its 11th annual “Our Town” magazine on Jan. 22. The 44-page relocation and community information guide shines a spotlight on the many wonderful businesses, events and communities of Jackson County.

• BCNC Investments in Bryson City sold The Philly shop, located in the Quin Theatre shopping Center in Sylva. Tony Straut and Dana Smith, formerly owners of Jack the Dipper Ice Cream in Sylva and Waynesville, are the new owners. They will continue to offer sandwich-

• Natalie Trevino, a licensed esthetician, has joined Mountain Radiance Medical Spa, located at 44 Haywood Park Drive in Clyde.

Trevino previously worked at Grove Park Inn for more than two years. She joins Donnia Branks in providing facials and a variety of

• Studio 15 Commercial Interiors, Inc. in Cherokee recently retained Scott Harmon, AIA NCARB as their full-time Architect of Record for design services. Harmon comes to the organization with 16 years of experience in the commercial design arena.

ALSO:

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Apple or Uncle Sam? I don’t like my choices

W

remember Eric Snowden)?

So this is the future that I believe we will all live with: all texts, all calls, all emails, all web searches, all the photos we send to children, to friends and family members, are not protected, our purchases all known by all online retailers, our passwords into bank accounts and credit cards readily “hackable.”

We all know the feeling already, and even though I know it’s going to happen, it’s still a little creepy. I spend a few minutes searching for backpacks for my wife; for the last few weeks Editor backpacks pop up every time I go online. I search online for camera lenses, and for months I am subjected to ads for all kinds of camera and electronic equipment.

One of the ironies that this case shines a light on is how much information the private companies already collect about each of us. Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Google and others know a whole lot about who we are, what we’ve bought and where we’ve traveled, what we’ve read and what we’ve watched.

And so one can only wonder: is Apple taking a stand because it’s really concerned about privacy, or is it really all about profits? Is the real motive as honorable as Apple CEO

Scott McLeod

ho you going to trust, Apple or Uncle Sam? By deciding not to obey a court order to unlock the iPhone phone of San Bernardino terrorist Syed Rizwan Farook, Apple says it’s taking a stand for privacy against government intrusion. The company insists breaching Farook’s iPhone security system would be tantamount to opening the floodgates and endangering the security of the data on millions of phones.

The government says it wants help in this particular case only and wants Apple to get the data so it can complete a thorough investigation and perhaps save lives. It says it will give Apple the phone and just ask that it provide the data.

From a broader perspective, though, the truth this points to is perhaps even more disturbing, something out of one of those dystopian sci-fi books I read as a kid: the existence we’ve created with our use of ever-present mobile devices is not private, the data not secure. I always imagined this reality would emerge at some time in the not-so-distant future, a time where privacy was but a memory, where eyes were on us all the time.

It seems that future is now, albeit not with literal eyes, but with access to our entire digital past and present.

Apple executives admit they could write a program to breach the security protocols on the phone — if they wanted.

So what happens when they do want to, or when the government decides to silently “convince” the company to do just that, or when some rogue programmer figures it out (anyone

Tim Cook would have us believe, or is it more about the bottom line?

Although I initially supported Apple’s reasoning, as the days have passed I’ve become less enamored of the company’s reasoning. I’m not in favor of tossing civil liberties to try and chase the terrorist bogeyman, but the FBI has taken the right approach — open discussion, in court, all information on the table.

In this case Apple professes to wanting to play a role in an effort that it says should be led by Congress to determine where privacy and security intersect, to determine when agencies should get cooperation from corporations and when that information should remain private.

Representatives from those other companies mentioned above and the government should all come together, Apple says, and work through these issues.

This case is likely to kickstart that effort, but in the end the overriding issue may come down to this: do we want private companies or the government exercising ultimate and final control on that digital self-portrait each of us is painting every time we pick up our phone?

Apple Inc. or the U.S. government? I’m not sure I like my choices.

(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

Time for a little torture, a la Trump?

STEPHANIE WAMPLER G UEST C OLUMNIST ood news, fellow citizens. It’s only a matter of time before we can all sleep easily, comfortable in the knowledge that we will never be bombed in our homes or at Little League games. Candidate Trump’s chances of winning the presidency increase everyday, and it seems only a matter of time before he is making rational decisions for all of us, before our lives are in his hands.

Trump has many ideas to make America great again — a top contender being the wall on our border with Mexico. This is, of course, an excellent idea since it is impossible for people to scale, tunnel under, break through, or just go around a wall.

Even Jon Snow, formerly of the Night’s Watch, would attest to the fact that a 700foot high wall of solid ice is off-putting to all but the most intrepid climbers. And though our Southern deserts would hardly support a wall of ice, a wall of concrete 700 feet high and 2,000 miles long would probably get the job done. What could be easier?

But even more comforting is Trump’s resolution to bring back torture to keep our America safe. This is potentially his best idea yet. Some of you naysayers might argue that torture doesn’t work, but you would indeed be wrong. Trump said, “Believe me, it works,” and that’s all we need to know.

G

But for those still included to doubt, historical precedent also provides examples of the effectiveness of torture. For instance, from the Original Sources of European History in Six Volumes, we have the 1628 confession of Johannes Junius, Burgomeister of Bamberg, Germany. His interrogators had learned that the mayor was a danger to the community and that he knew the names of others who were bent on destruction.

As one might expect with hardened criminals such as Junius, questioning alone produced only protests of innocence and ignorance. Eventually, though, with the use of torture, even the Burgomeister came clean.

Junius held out when his interrogator crushed his fingers in a specially designed vice called a thumbscrew. But, as Trump would have so wisely advised, when the thumbscrew produced nothing but blood running out from under his fingernails, the interrogation team upped the ante a bit and opted for the strappado.

It almost didn’t work. The interrogation team tied Junius’ hands behind him, throwing the rope over a beam in the ceiling and then hoisting him up to hang around for a while (possibly with weights on his feet) before dropping him. They tried this eight times but Junius was incorrigible.

However, even in the 1600s, the Germans knew something about torture, and during a break, one of the men begged

Junius to confess because the torture would only escalate until he did.

Thankfully for us all, it worked. Junius confessed. And when his interrogators demanded that he name the conspirators living on each street in town, he eventually complied (with a little extra persuasion from the strappado), coming up with the names of at least 15 other people.

Burgomeister Junius and his accomplices burned at the stake for witchcraft, and over a couple centuries’ time, thanks to enhanced interrogation techniques, western Europeans were able to cleanse their states not only of Johannes Junius but also of 80,000-100,000 other witches. The European community was undoubtedly safer as a result. As Trump said, torture works.

And who knows to what heights we might be able to hoist our American torture repertoire once Trump is in office. Trump said that “waterboarding is fine, but it’s not nearly tough enough,” and we definitely want to be able to increase pressure on non-white people.

As real Americans, we can draw on the many effective means of torture in our western European heritage, from thumbscrews and strappadoes to leg vices. Our ultra-white ancestors also put oil or other flammable substances on the feet of terrorists and then lit them on fire, or put the guilty on the rack to be stretched out, sometimes while being burned. But we

Who changed words on Statue of Liberty?

To the Editor: I have recently learned from a D.C. resident that the wording on the base of the Statue of Liberty has been changed. It now reads: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses—any who will undergo a two-year wait, a background check, a blood test, a cavity search, and pay a substantial fee, and provided they are white, Christian, speak fluent English, can climb a wall, and avoid the Border Patrol.” The additional phrases are too long to appear on the statue’s face, so to view them one must go behind it and lift the hem of Lady Liberty’s skirts.

Doug Wingeier Waynesville

don’t want to be limited by our collective past, and as we work to integrate torture back into standard operating procedure, we can assume that the other nations of the world will follow our enlightened example.

Perhaps our returning POW’s can share some of their torture experiences from other countries and we can gradually expand our repertoire.

It’s going to be great. No doubt, once Trump is president, we will lead the world in enhanced interrogation techniques, and thanks to his leadership, we’ll be able to sleep well at night — safe and guilt-free.

(Wampler can be reached at stephaniewampler@aol.com.)

An oddly familiar photo brings back memories I

Chris Cox

APPLE ANDY'S RESTAURANT 3483 Soco Road, Maggie Valley located in Market Square. 828.944.0626. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Wednesday and Thursday. Serving the freshest homemade sandwiches, wraps, and entrees such as country fried steak and grilled flounder. Full salad bar and made from scratch sides like potato salad, pinto beans and macaroni and cheese. www.appleandys.com APPLE CREEK CAFE 111 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.456.9888. Tuesday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to midnight. Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Home to an extensive build your own sandwich menu as well as specialty salads, soups burgers and more. With local ingredients and made-from-scratch recipes using a variety of good-for-you ingredients Apple Creek Cafe is sure to become your favorite spot.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside

Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997.

Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slowsimmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts.

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.

BOGART’S 303 S. Main St., Waynesville.

828.452.1313. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carry out available. Located in downtown Waynesville, Bogart’s has been long-time noted for great steaks, soups, and salads. Casual family atmosphere in a rustic old-time setting with a menu noted for its practical value. Live Bluegrass/String Band music every Thursday. Walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and seasonal festival activities and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m.

Closed on Sunday. We specialize in handcut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an

Enjoy our full bar & new expanded menu in our new location

Made to Order Specialty Sandwiches

Steaks & Chops Chicken & Fish Housemade Desserts

Domestic & Craft Beers

Tacos Fresh Made Salads Housemade Soups Pastas

Wine & Liquor

Smoky Mountain News

Winston-Salem to see the baby and meet his wife’s family, who had come down from New York to help for a while. We didn’t get to see Adam, who had to work the late shift that evening, but we spent a few hours with the baby, and it was easy to see him in his son’s features.

We took turns holding him, making silly faces at him, saying inane things in ridiculous voices. When it was my turn, I held him for a moment in the same pose that I held his father in that picture I like — can it really be more than 30 years ago?

That R.E.M shirt is long gone, but the memories suddenly came rushing back, flooding around me there in their spotless living room. Adam as a small boy, moonwalking to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” while his mother struggled to get the damned camcorder on. Adam, shouting at the preening bad guys as they strutted past us on their way to the “squared circle” for a championship match against the prissy good guys. Adam, lifting weights with me as a high school senior, beginning to fill out, telling me about the kind of music he liked. Adam, coming home with stories of jumping out of airplanes. It was as if the years were pooling around my waist, the memories floating just barely out of reach.

The dogs had been exiled to the backyard for the duration of our visit — one of them got a little jealous of the baby and growled at my son, Jack, just enough to earn a trip outside. Now, one of them barked, breaking my reverie, jerking me back into the present. For the past several minutes, I had been a time traveler revisiting all of those places and all of those times.

And now here I was in his brand new living room with his newborn son, everything new, everything just starting out for them, every countertop polished, every appliance gleaming, all of the walls still blank in anticipation of the family photos that will soon materialize in tasteful frames and creative designs. Everything is going to materialize for them. Everything. There will be thousands of pictures, every one of them signifying a memory.

Sure enough, a few days later Adam posted a picture of himself holding the baby, Renee by his side. His expression is hard to describe — some mixture of love, excitement, and pride. Hard to describe, and yet it seems so familiar.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. He can be reached at jchriscox@live.com.)

Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251

February 24-March 1, 2016

hate having my picture taken. The simple truth is that I have found clever ways to avoid it for most of my life. But there is one picture of me I have always liked. In it, I am standing near the road between my old apartment and the park across the street in my hometown of Sparta, North Carolina. In the crook of my right arm, I am holding my nephew, Adam, who is 3-years-old. I am wearing my favorite shirt, a gray Columnist R.E.M. T shirt, and it is a beautiful day.

Adam is squinting, and I am smiling broadly, as if to say, “This is MY nephew!”

My sister, Lisa, was the first of us to have children, and Adam was her firstborn.

I could not wait to do stuff with him. As soon as he was old enough, I took him to see professional wrestling matches, the Harlem Globetrotters, even the Charlotte Hornets when they used to hold their preseason training camp in Boone, back in the days when I was a sportswriter for the Watauga Democrat. Adam was pretty dazzled to be able to get that close to the players, even if it was just practice. I was a bit dazzled myself, but that didn’t last long.

One day after practice, I tried to get Rex Chapman, the Hornets hotshot shooting guard, to give him an autograph, but Chapman snubbed us, leaving Adam standing there at the door to the locker room holding his unsigned Hornets basketball. I was so peeved that I wrote a nasty column the very next day about pampered athletes. I also placed a private hex on Chapman, which in turn caused him to have a terrible season. A few years later, he was arrested for shoplifting. Draw your own conclusions.

Since I took Adam to watch them practice, the Hornets moved to New Orleans, changed their name to the Pelicans, and now the Charlotte Hornets are back again.

I moved to Waynesville, and Adam grew up, joined the service, spent some time in Iraq, and then came back and met the love of his life. They got married, moved to Winston-Salem, and just a few weeks ago gave birth to a son, whose bedroom is all decked out in Carolina Panther colors and memorabilia. I feel like one of those witnesses that gets interviewed on television: “It all happened so fast.”

A couple of weeks ago, we drove to

tasteTHEmountains

111 N Main Street, Waynesville, North Carolina

@SmokyMtnNews

828.456.9888

Tues. – Thur. 10:30 A.M – 10 P.M. |

Fri. – Sat. 10:30 A.M. – Midnight | Sun. 11 A.M. – 10 P.M.

applecreekcafe.com

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BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in house using local seasonal vegetables. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and roast beef used in our hoagies. We hand make our own eggplant and chicken parmesan, pork meatballs and hamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not preprepared products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items.

Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are.

February 24-March 1, 2016

BRYSON CITY CORK & BEAN A MOUNTAIN SOCIAL HOUSE 16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934.

Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 3p.m., Full Menu 3 to 9 p.m. Serving fresh and delicious weekday morning lite fare, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Freshly prepared menu offerings range from house-made soups & salads, lite fare & tapas, crepes, specialty sandwiches and burgers. Be sure not to miss the bold flavors and creative combinations that make up the daily Chef Supper Specials starting at 5pm every day. Followed by a tempting selection of desserts prepared daily by our chefs and other local bakers. Enjoy

craft beers on tap, as well as our full bar and eclectic wine list.

CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210.

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored.

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more.

Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly.

Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.452.6000.

Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue.

Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials.

Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked trout bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait. We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, panini sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT 3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley.

828.926.1820 Open Wednesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

Waynesville BREAKFAST HOUSE

4 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays (in October) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locals always know best, and this is one place they know well. From the high-quality hot pressed sandwiches and the huge portions of hand-cut fries to the specialty frozen sandwiches and homemade Southern desserts, you will not leave this top-rated deli hungry.

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA 1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley.

828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817.

Winter hours: Thursday through Dunday 12 to 4 p.m. for lunch and 4 p.m. to closing for dinner. Daily luncheon special at $6.99. World-

FILLING STATION DELI 145 Everett St., Bryson City, 828.488.1919.

Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to

Monday - Saturday 11am - 2pm Lunch Buffet – $8.95 4pm - 6pm Dinner Buffet - $9.95

Friday & Saturday

Breakfast Buffet - $7.95 Sunday 10am -4pm Brunch $10.25 includes drinks

Smoky Mountain News

Not Just For Breakfast!

Open for Breakfast MON.-SAT. 8 A.M.

333-33

extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com Retail Retail

Restaurant Restaurant

LIVE LIVE Music Music

This This W Weekend’s eekend’s M Music usic Friday, Friday, F February ebruary 2 26 6 @ 7pm 7 D Daniel aniel Sh Shearin earin g guitar, uitar, v vocals ocals Folk, Folk, rock, rock, world world mu music, sic, o originals riginals

Saturday, Saturday, F February ebruary 2 27 7 @ 7pm

J Joe oe C Cruz ruz p piano, iano, v vocals ocals Beatles, Beatles, Elton Elton John, John, James James Taylor Taylor & more more

Paid in part by Haywood County

67 BRANNER AVE. WAYNESVILLE • 828-246-9881 26

T ourism o www .visitncsmokies.com Tourism www.visitncsmokies.com 828-452-6000 828-452-6000 classicwineseller.com classicwineseller.com 20 20 Church Church Street, Street, Waynesville, Waynesville, NC NC

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours: FridayMonday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966.

Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey's is sure to please all appetites.

Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

THE LUNCHBOX CAFE 100 Spicewood Dr., Clyde, 828.246.6296 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Serving up scrumptious breakfast, lunch and dinner all made with care in a welcoming environment. Subs, salads, sandwiches and more.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB 1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

Open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

PAPERTOWN GRILL 153 Main St., Canton. 828.648.1455 Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Serving the local community with great, scratch-made country cooking. Breakfast is served all day. Daily specials including Monday meatloaf, chicken and dumplings on Thursdays and Friday fish.

100 SPICEWOOD DR. CLYDE

Behind Mountain Medical 828.246.6296 Winter Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m and Sunday 7:30 a.m to 9 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials.

ROB’S HOT DOG SHACK 42 Montgomery St., Waynesville 828.707.7033. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rob’s serves gourmet hot dogs and has homemade side items. Outdoor and indoor dining, café style restaurant. Locally owned and operated.

Family oriented business.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400.

Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A Waynesville tradition, the Smoky Mountain Sub Shop has been serving great food for over 20 years. Come in and enjoy the relaxed, casual atmosphere. Sub breads are baked fresh every morning in Waynesville.

Using only the freshest ingredients in homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Come in and see for yourself why Smoky Mountain Sub Shop was voted # 1 in Haywood County.

Locally owned and operated.

TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com

42 Montgomery St. Waynesville 11-3 Monday-Saturday

CALL IN YOUR ORDER:

LIVE MUSIC TUESDAY NIGHTS!

Visit Us and Discover

7-9 P.M. Upcoming Bands: MARCH 1: Ginny McAfee MARCH 8: Kevin Fuller

MEDITERRANEAN & ITALIAN CUISINE 1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98 LUNCH & DINNER TUES. - SUN.

www.pasqualesnc.com

SAGEBRUSH OF CANTON 1941 Champion Dr. Canton

828-646-3750 Sun-Thur 11 AM - 10 PM Fri-Sat 11 AM - 11 PM

333-60

333-08

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

TWIN MAPLES FARMHOUSE 63 North Hill Street, Waynesville.

828.452.7837. Open for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located just two blocks from downtown Waynesville, Twin Maples is available for weddings, receptions, family reunions, birthday parties, showers, luncheons, corporate meetings and retreats.

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito. The recipes have been in the family for 50 years (don't ask for the recipes cuz’ you won't get it!)

MON.-SAT. 11 A.M.-8 P.M.

34 CHURCH ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6505 twitter.com/ChurchStDepot M C facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot

828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com

— Real Local People, Real Local Food — 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, North Carolina Monday-Friday Open at 11am

Smoky Mountain News

ORGANIC BEANS COFFEE COMPANY 1110 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.668.2326. Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Happily committed to brewing and serving innovative, uniquely delicious coffees — and making the world a better place. 100% of our coffee is Fair Trade, Shade Grown, and Organic, all slow-roasted to bring out every note of indigenous flavor.

Bakery offerings include cakes, muffins, cookies and more. Each one is made from scratch in Asheville using only the freshest, all natural ingredients available. We are proud to offer gluten-free and vegan options.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.454.0070. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Breakfast bagels and sandwiches, gourmet coffee, deli sandwiches for lunch with homemade soups, quiches, and desserts. Wide selection of wine and beer. Outdoor and indoor dining.

Breakfast Sandwiches Served All Day Daily Specials!

February 24-March 1, 2016

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM 617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva.

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch.

Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed at your table. Fine wine and beer selection. Casual atmosphere, dine indoors, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

333-25

famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

333-10

nchbox Café The Lu

333-70

tasteTHEmountains

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Smoky Mountain News

From the battlefield to the blank page Veteran reflects on World War II, life and poetry

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER He got to me before I could get to him.

Turning into the large parking lot of the Canton Ingles last week, Paul Willis was already stepping out of his car to greet me. At 95, he’s as spry and vibrant as someone a third of his age. And before I could exit my vehicle and properly introduce myself, Willis had his hand extended into my open window.

For someone who is 64 years my senior, I was amazed as to how mobile and jubilant Willis is. He’s witty, sharp as a tack, with a sense of humor that transforms him from a stranger a moment ago to a friend the next.

I first caught wind of Willis when I came across a notice for an upcoming poetry reading he was to host. A longtime Canton resident (since 1936), he grew up during the Great Depression, fought in World War II, worked in the Champion paper mill (now Evergreen Packaging) for 41 years, and was married for 72 years to his late wife, Evelyn.

And since the 1950s, Willis has written poetry.

In his latest release, Reflections of a World War II Veteran: Poems About War and Life, he recounts his time on the battlefields of the European Theatre. Willis faced combat in the hedgerows of Normandy and was involved in skirmishes in Brittany, Luxembourg, the Hurtgen Forest, the Battle of the Bulge and the Rhine River. And it was during the Battle of the Bulge where he received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained (he also was awarded the Bronze Star).

To say Paul Willis has lived a bountiful life would be an understatement. In the winter of his years, he is, in many respects, the last man standing. Most, if not all, of his friends and immediate family members have long since passed, leaving Willis by himself, a man sitting and listening to the silence of old age after a lifetime of war, love and hard work.

Garret K. Woodward: What do you remember from your childhood?

Paul Willis: It was pretty hard. And I think that helped us soldiers out later in the war, being in the Great Depression. We came back after the war ended and went to work. You hear so much now about suicide and troubled soldiers after the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

And it wasn’t like that back then.

GKW: Your family is originally from Canton. How did they end up in Arkansas?

PW: My dad was from here originally, but we lived in Arkansas. I was 15 when we came to Canton. His brother went before he did, down to Arkansas. Then my dad did, and quite a few went down there from here.

Looking for work. They were farming.

They came back to Canton in 1918, two years before I was born, lived here a couple years, and then went back down there, until 1936.

GKW: And your family came back to Canton in 1936. You were a teenager. What was Canton like?

PW: I liked it. I’d never really seen a mountain before. The first time I saw a mountain was traveling through Tennessee to Haywood County. I’d never really seen a river either until a year earlier, which was the Red River in Arkansas. Some of us would go down into the Red River Valley and pick cotton. Load up a truck. Make a little bit of money.

PW: There were people talking about it. Most people figured we’d be in it sooner or later. Although, President Roosevelt would say, again and again that, “your boys will never fight.” Again and again. [Laughs]. Of course, we could have probably stayed out of Europe if we hadn’t started sending aid to Great Britain. The Germans warned us. They said they’d sink the American ships if they kept sending aid to England. But, we didn’t stop, so the German U-Boats kept sinking our ships.

GKW: Where were you on Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor?

PW: I was at the farm in Canton. I wasn’t doing anything that day. My brother was home. My dad had just died and my brother was home on furlough from Fort Riley in Kansas where he was a member of the Army Cavalry. The horse cavalry. He told me that the United States had been attacked and he’d have to go back early to Kansas. I figured sooner or later I’d be drafted.

GKW: What sticks out the most about the Great Depression?

PW: Well, I don’t know. All I can say is that it was very hard to get along. If GKW: So, the U.S. gets pulled into you worked, say for a day, you got a dolWorld War II. You get drafted in lar. And that was pretty good money. I At 95, Paul Willis is a longtime Canton resident and World War 1943. Do you remember the day you worked a lot for 10 cents an hour. We II combat veteran. He recently released his latest book of got drafted? farmed. Cotton. Melons. There’s a great poetry, Reflections of a World War II Veteran: Poems About PW: Oh yeah. And I still have the melon center there in Hope, Arkansas.

In fact, I think the largest melon ever War and Life. Garret K. Woodward photo induction slip. It was very fancy and made it sound like it was a privilege to grown was there. [Laughs]. Back here in get drafted or something like that. [Laughs].

Canton, my grandfather owned a big farm up in there. In fact, one summer I caddied at the Waynesville Country Club. I’d walk from So, they put us on a bus right in downtown Willis Cove. It’s still called Willis Cove, though Canton, in the old annex next to the Colonial there’s not a Willis up there now. All moved out. Hominy to Waynesville. I’d never even seen a golf course before. I just walked up there from Theatre. It was a called The Soda Shop back So, the farm got sold and we headed down to Canton to look for work. Sometimes you’d get then. I went there and loaded on the bus and farm in Arkansas. We lived right outside of a ride from someone driving by. But, I did headed to camp in South Carolina, on to Fort Hope. Went to a small schoolhouse, a brick walk the entire distance. It’s 15 miles, I guess.

Jackson in Columbia and then to Camp Van building with a high school.

Waynesville looked pretty much like it does Dorn in Centreville, Mississippi. Around now. Though, I remember a livery stable right Christmas 1943, they loaded us up on a troop GKW: How big was your family? train for Camp Breckenridge in Kentucky. Did PW: There were six children. Two girls and there in downtown, with horses in it. Then, when they decided to build the Dayco plant, our training. By March of 1944, we went to four boys. I was third in line. The two older up where Walmart is now in Waynesville, I New York City. It was Camp Shanks. We got ones were born before 1920, of course. I have was working there to help construct it. to see the city. Rode the subways. Went all a younger brother, and he and I are the only over New York. Stayed there a couple weeks. two left today.

GKW: It was the Depression. You went Man, was it snowing, must’ve been thigh-high, where the work was. and cold, too.

GKW: So, you first came to Canton in the PW: Of course, you had to. And then I startmid-1930s? ed working at the mill, at Champion Paper. I GKW: And now we’re at March 1944.

PW: It was going pretty good at that time. remember one day, there was a large fire up PW: Yes. And we were on an old British The New Deal had come in and things were getship heading for England. I think it was the ting better. Of course, it didn’t help us too much, towards where Camp Hope is in Bethel. They brought a crew of us up there to put it out. one the Pilgrims used to come over to us farmers, you know? President Roosevelt had There was talk that it was the Nazis and they’d America. [Laughs]. It took us 12 days to cross quite a few things for farmers, though. I rememset the woods on fire. [Laughs]. My first year at the Atlantic. ber one time we were paid to plow under the the mill, I worked in the finishing department. cotton. The farm up here we grew tobacco. We And I’d work in the construction crews, too.

GKW: Were you worried about being sunk had a cow and horses. Raised hogs. by the German U-Boats?

GKW: Do you remember the war before PW: Oh yeah. We were part of a great conGKW: And then you graduated high school? the U.S. got involved? voy of ships, all marching across the sea. And PW: Well, I worked odd jobs here and

GKW: June 6, 1944. D-Day. France.

Storm the beaches of Normandy and push back the Nazis.

PW: Yep. We were part of the invasion.

The first wave stormed the beaches and then we followed soon after. We fought more in the hedgerows than anywhere. We knew sooner of later we were going to cross over the English Channel. The British Royal Air Force at that time had pretty much defeated the German Luftwaffe, so it was pretty well quiet when we were in England. I remember that there were barrage balloons hanging high in the sky above these English towns. Steel cables, hundreds of feet high, floating above us. Can you imagine? Hundreds of balloons to keep the planes from flying down low.

GKW: Did you see any Germans face-toface?

PW: We did. This one day we were out locating a sniper. There was about four or five of us. And we were losing so many men that we’d get replacements all the time. And this lieutenant had just come into our unit.

GKW: It must’ve felt like a long, long way from Canton.

PW: Yes, it was. I thought some, but you didn’t have much time because you were just trying to survive. I hoped that I’d see home again. I never did lose hope. We lost so many out of my platoon. Company G. About 200 men, with around 40 in my platoon. There were six or seven of us left at the end of two weeks from the original group.

GKW: So, it must’ve been hard to make friends?

PW: Well, you didn’t even have time to learn their names usually. We did what we could. I was in the 329th regiment. There were three regiments — 329, 330 and 331. And each regiment had three battalions — 1st, 2nd and 3rd. And I was in the 2nd battalion.

Solitude men moved among the trees.

The infantry of the snows. There Amid the sounds of war borne on the Winter wind, in the dim morning Light they crossed the no man’s land Into the baptism of the fire. When at last The battle ended, for those who lived The forest released its hold upon them.

For the sun in its course returned and In pity erased the fearful record. But To those living there remained always the Memory of the white wasteland, and the Infantry of the snows.

Want to go?

GKW: And leading up to the Battle of the Bulge, the coldest winter, in what, a hundred years decided to show up?

PW: Yep. We left Luxembourg and were relieved by an outfit from the United States and we went to the Hurtgen Forest and battled there. This was the first of December. We took the towns, one of which was Duren. The Germans came in on us with their tanks. Those Panzer tanks were incredible. And we were in different buildings in the town. My platoon took over a great big house and we were upstairs in that thing and this German tank came up the street. He hadn’t located us yet. And then one of our tanks came down the same street and opened fire on the German tank, which didn’t have any effect on it. The German tank fired that 88 shell at our tank and it caught on fire. Those German tanks were the best, with all that armor. Well, all we had at that point was a bazooka. We had an 18-year-old kid, Marion Powell, who was the bazooka man.

GKW: Where did you go after the World War II veteran Paul Willis will present his lathedgerows? est book of poetry, Reflections of a World War II PW: July 1944. OK, well, after the Veteran: Poems About War and Life, at 3 p.m. breakout, they sent a great bombing Saturday, Feb. 27, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. raid ahead of us. That bombing raid All are welcome to attend this reading and recollecGKW: 18 years old with a bazooka? helped a lot. We could see planes contion by the 95-year-old Canton resident. To learn more PW: Yeah. And we were up above tinually overhead. I remember seeing about the event, or to reserve a copy of Willis’ book, call that German tank. It finally located us. the old British Lancaster planes. And 828.456.6000 or visit www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

It started to swing towards us. We every once in awhile you’d see one get loaded up the bazooka for that kid and hit by the Germans and explode. The he held it out the window and shot it air was just electric. The air was quiverright into the turret of the tank. It was an accicould get up because the firing wouldn’t let ing. A lot of the bombings fell short so we dent, a one-in-a-million shot. And that tank up. They started us walking, and I expected had to pull back a little bit, though some every step that I’d step on a land mine. That’s caught on fire. You never heard such a noise, Americans soldiers did get killed accidentalthe cracking and the popping from all the oil the one time I just knew this was it. But, you ly because they’d lie banners down for the and gas being on fire. But that bazooka kid know, we all crossed that field and no one planes to hit and the wind would blow them saved us because that tank would’ve knocked stepped on a mine, I guess the Germans figback towards the American soldiers. After ured nobody was crazy enough to walk across the top off that building in another minute or the breakout, the Germans pulled back two. From there, we dropped grenades out that field and approach from that way. We mostly to their German border. got up pretty close to the fort and they had to the window to fight the Germans back. We eventually got relived from that town and lift the barrage or it would fall on us. You GKW: And you soon left Normandy? jumped on some trucks for the next town. could see the shells as they flew over our PW: Then, we headed for Brittany, which Blackout all night to be safe and not be spotheads. When they let up, we darted in. We is another province, and Saint Malo was ted. All of us heading for the Ardennes. That’s had a flamethrower, the only time I ever saw there on a peninsula that sticks out into the where the Battle of the Bulge began. one used in action. We went in and took 197 English Channel. Now, there was this fort German soldiers as prisoners of war. there that I suppose the French built. Steel GKW: And that’s where the trees would reinforced. And there was a German colonel explode above the soldiers from the artillery GKW: And onward into the French intewho was holed up in there with a couple hunshells smashing into them. rior. dred men and he wasn’t going to surrender.

PW: After we took that fort, we began Well, our colonel decided he was, so he moving across France. We loaded some ordered the 2nd battalion of the 329th regiS EE WWII, PAGE 30

Smoky Mountain News

GKW: And then you crossed the English Channel.

PW: It was a great convoy. When we got close enough to France, we went over the side of the ships on nets, where we climbed down and got into the duck boats and went ashore. The beaches were already secured.

They held us a back a little while. Then when we relieved the 101st we went in. And it was hell in those hedgerows. We just lost so many men. Day and night. Snipers everywhere. For me, it was really the worst part of the war, worse than the Battle of the Bulge, well, except for the cold. So much combat in the hedgerows, so close. Just bodies lying everywhere, many screaming for medics.

Shells coming in from every direction. One day, we were advancing from one hedgerow to another, and you’d run and hit the ground, and when you fell you put your rifle down beside you. And this one time, I did that when I dropped to the ground and a mortar hit right beside me and the shrapnel hit the rifle. The force of the explosion lifted me right off the ground, but the shrapnel hit the rifle, deflecting it from hitting me. Day in and day out. All those shells, 88 millimeter.

Infantry of the Snows

trucks and ran across France to Luxembourg, along the Siegfried Line that the Germans built. We were there, patrolling a lot, over into Germany, right over the German border. We were there for about three months in Luxembourg City. We tried to take out a German patrol on Thanksgiving night. I remember Lt. Koch, from California. He got wounded and had to carry him back. We’d do that, have little battles with the German patrols. One night, about 400 yards away, I remember seeing a German officer standing and talking to a group of his men sitting on the ground. We began firing on them. Man, they scattered like fleas on a dog. [Laughs]. I just figured out later than he was telling them what was going to happen pretty soon, which would have been the Battle of the Bulge.

February 24-March 1, 2016

GKW: At that point, did you think the Germans would invade Britain?

PW: Well, why the Germans didn’t, I don’t know. And Adolf Hitler would have, but he did the craziest thing and attacked Russia. Why didn’t he just take England?

Then we wouldn’t have had a place to land.

We couldn’t have invaded France without England.

ment to go in and take the fort. It stuck out Lt. Stewart. I only knew him one day. And high above the channel. French built it there we dug a foxhole that night. Well, the next against the British, I guess. But the planes morning, Stewart was with us, four or five and their bombs had no effect on it. There of us, and we came to this opening in this was an open field across from that fort, about hedgerow, about shoulder-high with growth on them. We came to opening and suddenly the size of a football field, and the colonel lined us up. Then they called in artillery and this German soldier popped out in front of us and shot one blast. It hit Lt. Stewart right they started that barrage of firing right over our heads, landing on that fort to keep the in the chest. The German soldier knew who Germans down, and nobody from that fort the leader was, and they targeted the leaders. Lt. Stewart was holding his rifle in his hands. And we were caught off guard. He shot and killed the lieutenant, and was gone before any of us A poem by Paul Willis knew what had happened. It was like that all the time. And, you know, you The bleak Ardennen wood shrouded can go without sleep for a long time in In mist and snow. Snow, a winding situations like that. You learn how to control sleep, in a way, but you don’t Sheet for many. Yet life was there, know what’s going to happen. Shells Merging with the shadows. In this landed all over.

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you could hear depth charges all around you late at night, which were used to check for UBoats. But, we all got to England safely. If a lone ship went it didn’t stand much of a chance, but we were surrounded by other ships and made it. We landed in Liverpool.

Then, they put us on a train and we went to Wrexham, Wales. And we trained in the mountains there. Beautiful country. It got cold up in there. We were in there until June, when the invasion took place.

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Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

arts & entertainment

WWII, CONTINUED FROM 29 PW: Yeah, but more so in the Hurtgen Forest. Tree bursts as we called them. Shells would hit the trees and explode, shrapnel and branches falling all over, hitting and injuring men, killing some of them. It was December and it was snowing very badly.

We were moving into the Ardennes Forest.

December into January. Snow. Cold.

GKW: And you were injured at the Battle of the Bulge, which led to you receiving the Purple Heart.

PW: Yes. A shell hit a tree above me. It exploded. I got hit by a few pieces of shrapnel in the chest. I walked back to the medic.

The shrapnel didn’t go that deep, so they were able to remove it, then I walked back to the front lines. That snow was deep for a month, and we’d be losing people with frozen toes, more so really than combat, although we did lose a lot in the battle.

“I think at the beginning of the war, the discipline of the Great Depression toughened us. We could stand it better. I don’t know. You hear so many today committing suicide.

You never really heard about that back then.”

— Paul Willis

GKW: Then you pushed further into Germany.

PW: The Black Forest. We took a little village called Petite Langelier around the latter part of January. We were pushing through, but there were still scattered pockets of organized resistance by the Germans. I remember standing at an outpost one night. I held a blanket around me trying to keep warm. It was a squad of us, standing on this hillside keeping warm together. During the night we heard a German patrol coming. Of course it’s dark and you couldn’t see anything. They were talking and walking right in front of us, so we had a little battle with them. They left one of their men wounded. We could hear him screaming through the night. Once daylight hit, I went over to him. A bullet had hit his leg, in the left shin. He was a young kid, and out of his mind from being shot. I felt sorry for him. I wish we hadn’t fired on them, really.

GKW: What happened to him?

PW: I was there with him. I left him my blanket. He was in misery, all frozen there.

And our company was coming in, so we had to leave. We had to leave him there. I don’t know what happened to him. I guess he died. I wish the captain had sent a couple men to bring him back to a medic. I would 30 have. That next night, we began leading this

group to a village where there might have been a holdout. We came to the village and went in. We thought there might be some Germans. We found this building for shelter. It’d been the first building we’d been able to stay in, in over a month. We had a stove and a fire. It’d been awhile since we’d been able to keep warm. We tried to sleep. I sat there, about 20 of us in that room, I don’t know why, but then I just stood up and took two steps, and just as I did that an artillery shell came through the ceiling and hit exactly where I was just sitting.

GKW: You were like a cat with nine lives in the war.

PW: [Laughs]. I must’ve been. I had a lot of things happen like that. But, that artillery shell was a dud. And I just stood there, looking back at that dud shell, and nobody else said anything, and we kept trying to keep warm around the stove like nothing had happened. It’s strange, you know? I suppose ordinary people might have gone crazy with something like that happening, but there was no reaction at all by us.

of small ones. I wasn’t aware of what was going on in those camps during the war. I didn’t know Hitler and the Germans were persecuting the Jews. We liberated that camp.

The people were just pitiful. They were starving, especially the large and tall ones. I didn’t get home until December 1945. We got on a train in New Jersey to Fort Bragg, then took a bus to Canton. I stayed about two weeks out then went back to work in the Champion mill around Christmas. I worked in that mill 41 years.

GKW: And you came back home to your wife.

PW: Married just three months before I went overseas in 1943.

GKW: Married 72 years. And she just passed away, right?

PW: Yeah, a year ago next month. The last day of March. She was 94. That’s the last picture of us together on the wall there. [Points to photo on nearby wall]. Look how blonde her hair stayed. She was a Canton girl. She worked in the mill.

That’s where I met her.

Paul Willis fighting in the European Theatre during World GKW: You started writing poetWar II. As a sign of respect, a German officer handed his ry in the mid-1950s, correct?

GKW: Just another day in the PW: I guess it was around then. office.

Nazi Luger pistol (below) to Willis when he surrendered to Sometimes there would be someone PW: Yeah, it’s strange how you Willis’ unit. Courtesy of Paul Willis • Garret K. Woodward photo at the mill who would retire. And get out there. Well, daylight came, they’d ask me to try and write and it wasn’t long after that and something humorous for their they pulled us out. Then, we went retirement. I just dreamed up the to the Netherlands and Holland. words. I kept doing it and then I got February 1945. We lost a lot of men. to liking it.

I was one of the men who didn’t get lost, and I don’t know why. I withGKW: Did writing help you deal stood that whole thing. Very few of with things? With the war perhaps? us did. They took us into the PW: Yeah, I think so. The war Netherlands and we got replacedidn’t bother me as bad as you ments again. And that’s when Eddie might think. Sometimes you hear Hart joined us. [Editor’s Note: about people and having a spell.

Willis wrote a poem about Hart, Especially now. I think at the beginwhich was used in a recent docuning of the war, the discipline of the mentary about the late North Great Depression toughened us. We could killed. I remember him. He was about 22 Carolina soldier, “Thank You, Eddie Hart.”] stand it better. I don’t know. You hear so years old. He hadn’t been drafted until later, In March, we began to march towards the many today committing suicide. You never 1944 I think, because he was family, his dad Rhine River. We didn’t cross it first, but we had died and he stayed home. April 12, 1945 really heard about that back then. were the first American troops to get there. he died, President Roosevelt died that same We held up there. The Germans had blown GKW: What’s it like to write about the day, and the war was over a few weeks after. up all the bridges. But, you’d be surprised war? how fast a group of Army engineers could PW: It brings back a lot of memories.

GKW: Victory in Europe Day. V-E Day. build a bridge. They’d build one overnight, Some of the poems are a little sad for me.

May 8, 1945. strong enough to hold a tank up. Finally we One is about my grandson. He was in the PW: I just sat down. I was tired. It was crossed the Rhine River and made a dash Army. He was a lieutenant colonel when he strange, you know? We didn’t shout or anyacross Germany. We moved so fast, they died three years ago in Germany, in a train thing. We were just relived. We couldn’t called us the “Ragtag Circus.” Now, we were accident. And before he died, he asked me to heading towards Berlin. We would come to a believe it. War ended. Russians moved into write a poem about his friend who was killed Berlin. And I remember crossing paths with town and maybe we’d get a little opposition in Iraq. I was out mowing the yard one day them. Russians took Berlin. Hitler killed and then we’d keep moving. In the Battle of and the words just came to me. I like to do himself. After the war, they set up checkthe Bulge we were in Gen. Patton’s Third that, you know? It gives me a reason for not Army, but we were moving so fast we caught points all over just in case there was an being bored. It preserves a lot of memories up to his First Army. And he said, “No damn uprising. I would go in a jeep and check all for me, too. the posts. June 1945. infantry outfit is going to outrun me.” But, we did. We got to the Elbe River and raced GKW: What about when folks say you’re GKW: Were you part of any of the groups ahead of the tanks because we had trucks, part of the “Greatest Generation”? that liberated the concentration camps? cars and motorcycles. We moved fast.

PW: I’d hate to say another PW: Yeah, we liberated a small one. I Stopped at the Elbe River. Then, the Battle of generation wasn’t “great,” but I don’t remember the name. There were a lot Barby, and that’s where Eddie Hart was

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sometimes think we withstood things better. Sometimes I think it must be a miracle I’m still here. There are a lot of men who were better than I was and they got killed.

GKW: How do you see the world these days?

PW: I have hope. These terrorists today are just something I don’t get. You can’t beat them when they just go and kill themselves. They claim acts of terror, where you didn’t ever used to claim things like that. They want to. I think the mass of people in the world, in a way, are better today. Back in the Depression, nobody had anything, and maybe weren’t able to help others. But, nowadays, people try and do help each other, a lot.

Editor’s Note: Since their initial meeting, Garret K. Woodward and Paul Willis have become friends. There are already plans in the works for breakfast and hearty conversation over coffee at the local Waffle House.

Michael Nau.

“I used to feel like I should try to lock into something. I’m glad I never really did.”

— Michael Nau

doing this, that’s great, but there are other pieces to my life, worth way more.

It is for all special occasions.

Michael Nau. A singer-songwriter based out of Cumberland, Maryland. I first laid eyes on Nau at a random house party in Jackson, Wyoming in September 2009. A hard Rocky Mountain rain fell from above as my friends and I huddled under a sagging tarp in the front yard of the humble abode with the ancient Grand Tetons looming in the distance.

Nau and his band, Cotton Jones, were headlong into their set, a swirling mix of rock and folk. Alongside his wife, Whitney, the songbird couple resembled some psychedelic version of Johnny and June Carter Cash. Their voices intertwined with such sincerity, you knew, immediately, that they had seen things, for good or ill (but mostly good) together, and were figuring their way along the journey of life as all of us were, too.

The more one listened, the more you found yourself completely captivated by the group. Who were these guys? Where have they have been all of my life?

And that’s the thing with the words and tones echoing out of Nau. He soaks in the world around him, the noises and emotions and happenstances, only to radiate back out his interpretation of it all, of nothing and everything, through melodies that instantly stop you in your tracks. It’s a kaleidoscope of sound, one where your ears are picked up by the circus and carried out toward the unknown horizon, where the future doesn’t seem so bad, just as long as you know the sun will rise tomorrow, as it always does.

Nau’s latest solo release, “Mowing,” is an ode to the good life that surrounds him these days. He’s a father and husband. He’s also a beloved troubadour whose music grows step-by-step with his listeners. We throw his music on during special occasions, which is anything in life, really, depending on how you see the world. Do

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

A modern remix of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the stage production of “The Fall of a Sparrow” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26-27 and March 4-5 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 6 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House will host a dinner consisting of a custom-created five-course menu paired with wines and spirits at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 25, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

GKW: “Mowing.” What’s the significance of the title? For me personally, when I saw the title, for some reason, I pictured you doing yard work, humming along to a new tune you had in mind.

MN: The instrumental song “Mow” was originally called “Mowing.” I thought it’d work as a title. We did go through a lot of songs. Sometimes when you mow a lawn, you come upon a little patch of something that you’re fine with keeping around.

GKW: People who gravitate towards your music always try to pin it down, to describe it and figure out just what that “Michael Nau” or “Cotton Jones” Katy Simpson Smith will present her new novel sound is. What do you see your Free Men at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at sound as?

City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

MN: I suppose there are natural threads that tie the songs The Freight Hoppers will be performing at 7 together, years apart. But, as far p.m. Thursday, March 3, in the Mountain as a sound, I like to feel like it Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. keeps changing — that it can you see doom and gloom, or do you see really be any way you want it. It depends beauty and chance? Nau gives you the what instruments are being used, who’s playpower to pursue the latter. ing them, and so on. In a live setting it’s different. I used to feel like I should try to lock Garret K. Woodward: How has being a into something. I’m glad I never really did. I father shifted, or perhaps justified, your feel like I can explore whatever it is without career as a musician? thinking about it, and continue to grow. It’s Michael Nau: First, it confused me. I not something I need to control. spent some time trying to figure out how to continue to do it. I had a lot of songs recordGKW: It’s 2016. Is there where you saw ed, and thought I had a plan. I woke up one yourself, as a person and as a musician? day, and must’ve forgotten what the plan MN: I’m sorry, I have no idea. Today was was. Four years passed, and it was kind of a nice day. I don’t know how to assess it all the same thing over and over, musically.

— I can’t. I’m less concerned about where I Having a kid helped me to see I was being am as a musician. Sure, I’d like to get better silly to take it so seriously. So, I stopped at guitar, or learn to play the saxophone. But over-thinking it, and things moved along. those are things I could work at. It doesn’t Friends helped me around the wall. I realize change anything. I think I’m more willing to it’s not a big deal. If I can make an OK living admit I’m just riding the waves.

31 Americana/folk singer-songwriter Scott Low will be performing at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Tipping Point Brewing in Waynesville.

Smoky Mountain News

GKW: You’re 95. What’s next?

PW: Not much, for me. [Laughs]. I write so maybe after I’m gone someone will pick it up and see what things were like back then. I’ve lost my wife, our two sons have passed in the last few years, and my grandson, too. I try to keep busy.

I teach a Sunday school class. This helps having you here, to express and tell things. I’d rather be your age, 31.

[Laughs]. I’d like to see all those people again sometime. I wasn’t necessarily the youngest, and I’m still here. Why me?

Why am I still here and others aren’t? It’s the great question of life.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Michael Nau (of Cotton Jones) will be performing at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, at The Grey Eagle in Asheville. He will be opening for Laura Gibson. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show. www.thegreyeagle.com.

Nau’s latest solo record, “Mowing,” is now available for purchase through Suicide Squeeze Records. suicidesqueezerecords.tumblr.com or www.facebook.com/michaelnaucottonjones.

February 24-March 1, 2016

GKW: I always think the good of humanity will prevail.

PW: I think so, too. I think the good will win. In fact, I think there’s more good than evil in the world today.

Especially in civilized countries. So many people now are against Islam, but actually it’s a religion that isn’t like the way the terrorists portray it. I’ve read a lot about Islam. I’ve read the Koran.

They are a very peaceful religion. For hundreds of years, Christians and Muslims got along. America is better today, in a lot of ways. Just like the Muslims have these extremists, we as Americans have these schools shootings and violence. But, it doesn’t define us as a people. The violence is a minority.

This must be the place

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GKW: What do you think about being 95?

PW: It snuck up on me. [Laughs]. To be able to think is great. I see so many just hobbling along, not saying much, and they ain’t even as old as I am. I’ve had a pretty good life. My wife and I both lived a long time together. So, it was pretty good in that way. She was in a nursing home the last year, but other than that we were together over 70 years. Try to take things as they are and always have something to do. Just writing helps me.

Want to go?

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On the beat

Balsam Range ‘Winter Concert Series’ continues Renowned bluegrass/gospel group Balsam Range will continue their sixth annual “Winter Concert Series” with Bryan Sutton at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Colonial Theatre in Canton.

Balsam Range, winner of the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Association award for “Entertainer of the Year,” will also welcome The Studio Dream Team on April 2.

“We try to get our own musical heroes and influences to the shows,” said Balsam Range mandolinist Darren Nicholson. “We want our hometown folks to enjoy the artists that we admire and who inspire us. Plus, these are

guest artists who don’t get to play in this area very often.”

In addition to the 2015 IBMA “Vocal Group of the Year” award, Balsam Range was also honored with the “Song of the Year” for “Moon Over Memphis.” The milestone year for the band also included honors by the House and Senate of the state of North Carolina, as well as the band being inducted into the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” the highest civilian honor presented by the Governor of the State of North Carolina.

Tickets available at the box office or by calling 828.235.2760. www.balsamrange.com.

The ‘Winter Concert Series’ hosted by Balsam Range will be March 5 at the Colonial Theatre in Canton. Balsam Range photo

Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

Eagles tribute to play Franklin

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Known as “A Salute to the Eagles,” Hotel California will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Hotel California is a tribute band that blends extraordinary vocals and musical talents to pay homage to the Eagles, an awardwinning American rock band that had much fame in the late 1970s and beyond.

Five respected, multi-talented music professionals recreate the classic sounds of the Eagles in their action packed showcase which includes hits such as, “Take it Easy,” “Love Will Keep Us Alive,” “Heartache

DWIGHT YOAKAM TO PERFORM AT HARRAH’S

Tonight” and “Hotel California.” The group also performs select titles from the solo works of Don Henley, Glen Frey and Joe Walsh.

Tickets start at $20. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

Jam series welcomes The Freight Hoppers

Country legend Dwight Yoakam will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Harrah’s Cherokee. A Grammy Award-winning, country music and film icon, Yoakam has been one of the pioneers of modern country music. Since the 1980s, he’s garnered five No. 1 Billboard albums, 15 Grammy nominations. Yoakam is a true classic country staple. His hits include “Guitars, Cadillacs,” “Honky Tonk Man,” “I Sang Dixie” and “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere.” Tickets are available at www.harrahscherokee.com or by calling 800.745.3000.

LOW BRINGS AMERICANA TO TIPPING POINT Americana/folk singer-songwriter Scott Low will be performing at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Tipping Point Brewing in Waynesville. Though his newest release “The New Vintage” (10 Foot Woody Records) is slated for release this spring, you can stream several of his latest melodies at scottlow.bandcamp.com. Free.

The 2015-16 First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Jam Series will continue with The Freight Hoppers at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

The performance of bluegrass and mountain music will be followed by an 8 p.m. jam session in which local musicians are invited to participate. The concerts and

jam sessions will continue at the center through next spring, with programs from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. Pickers and singers of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part in the jam sessions, which also are open to those who just want to listen.

Free.

828.227.7129.

On the beat • No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Natty Love Joys (roots/rock) Feb. 26, Tail Light Rebellion Feb. 27 and Drunken Cuddle Feb. 29. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. www.nonamesportspub.com.

• The Canton Armory will host “Winter Pickin’ in the Armory” at 7 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. The event includes mountain music, vintage country, clogging and dancing. www.cantonnc.com.

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. March 5. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have Daniel Shearin (singer-songwriter) Feb. 26, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Feb. 2 and March 5, and ‘Round the Fire (Grateful Dead tribute) March 4.

All shows begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Sagebrush Steakhouse (Canton) will host Ginny McAfee (singer-songwriter) March 1 and Kevin Fuller (Americana/folk) March 8.

All shows begin at 7 p.m. 828.646.3750.

ALSO:

• The Cut Cocktail Lounge (Sylva) will host the “Sylva & Gold Dance Party” on Feb. 27 (if you wear gold, you get a prize).

828.631.4795.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will have Karaoke at Feb. 24 and March 2, Bradley Carter Feb. 26 and Bobby G Feb. 27. All shows are free and at 7 p.m. unless otherwise listed. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Feb. 24 and March 2, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Feb. 25 and March 3. There will also be performances by Colby Dietz (Americana/folk) Feb. 27 and Oliver Padgett March 5. All events begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host The Buchanan Boys (rock/country) Feb. 27. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic with Jimandi at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, “Funky Friday” with Bud Davis at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Isaish Breedlove (Americana) at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) will host Scott Low (Americana/folk) on Feb. 26. All shows are free and at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.tippingpointtavern.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will have Nitrograss (bluegrass) at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday and High 5 Feb. 27. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Andrew Rickman & Friends (rock/country) Feb. 27. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a Faculty Recital with clarinetist Shannon Thompson at 7:30 p.m. March 1 and a Trombone & Euphonium Studio Recital at 7:30 p.m. March 4 in the Coulter Building.

The Artist in Residence concert with the Asheville Symphony and WCU students will be at 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Bardo Arts Center. www.wcu.edu.

@Smoky MtnNews

C O N TA G I O U S FEBRUARY 26 8PM - 11PM Essence Lounge features live music every Friday night.

Stay for live DJs following each show, until 2am.

Caesars.com

Smoky Mountain News

• The Madison County Arts Council (Marshall) will be hosting New Orleans act Tuba Skinny (jazz/funk) at 4 p.m. Feb. 28. $11 per person. 828.649.1301 or www.madisoncountyarts.com.

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Mile High (rock) on Wednesdays. Andrew Rickman will also perform on Saturdays. All events begin at 8 p.m.

February 24-March 1, 2016

• Heinzelmannchen Brewery (Sylva) will have Henry Wong (singer-songwriter) at 6 p.m.

Feb. 25. www.yourgnometownbrewery.com.

EXPERIENCE THE HOMEGROWN MUSIC SERIES

arts & entertainment

• Andrews Brewing Company will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) March 6 and Troy Underwood (singer-songwriter) March 12.

Both shows are free and begin at 5 p.m. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

Show(s) subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 or older to enter casino floor and to gamble, and must present a valid state or federal photo ID upon request. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. An Enterprise of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. ©2016, Caesars License Company, LLC.

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arts & entertainment

On the wall

Penland School open house

Natural lotion, mini garden workshops

Floor loom class at SCC

There will be two upcoming craft workshops to be held at the Wild Fern Studio in Bryson City.

• The all-natural lotion making workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 27. Learn to extract oils from plants and herbs to create your own salves and lotions. $20 with all materials included.

• Create your own mini garden from scratch from 10 a.m. to noon March 5. $20 with all materials included.

To register, call 828.736.1605.

There will be an introduction to the floor loom class starting on Feb. 25 at Southwestern Community College in Sylva.

Students will gain a sound foundation in the processes of setting up the loom and developing good weaving habits to produce a quality fabric. Students will practice their skills by weaving a warm winter scarf.

Class meets from 5:15 to 8:15 p.m. on Thursdays (except March 24) through March 31. Cost is $120. Students who take the class and wish to advance their skills can register for the continuation class by April 12.

For more information, contact Jenny Williams, director of personal enrichment and professional licensure, at j_williams@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4497.

New Haywood art exhibit The Penland School will be open to the public on March 5. Penland School photo he Penland School of Crafts “Community Open House” will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 5.

This is an afternoon of fun and education for all ages with hands-on activities in most of Penland’s teaching studios: • In the clay studio you can make a clay pot on the potter’s wheel or create a little clay sculpture and decorate it.

• In the iron studio you can use shape hot steel with a hammer and an anvil to make a wall hook.

• In the metals studio, cast a small keepsake in pewter.

• In the photo studio, you can have a portrait made with a projected mask.

• In the print studio you can watch printmaking demonstrations and make your own print on the Vandercook letterpress. Visit the textiles studio where you can make a rag-rug coaster on a floor loom and watch demonstrations.

• In the wood studio, make and decorate a wooden whistle.

• In the school store, you can make decorative postcard and browse the great selection of art materials.

Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

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The business of creativity at SCC There will be a series of craft activity classes held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays from March 3 to April 21 in the Small Business Center at Southwestern Community College in Bryson City.

Over a series of eight sessions, you will experience hands-on activities that have been specifically designed to address needs and challenges faced by craft artists who already have or wish

• At the Ridgeway building, make decorative paper using the paste-paper painting process.

• In hot glass, make either a paperweight or a juice glass. In flameworking, you can make an ornamental glass bead. Please note that glass activities are very popular.

Signups for glass start at 1 p.m., but people start lining up at least an hour earlier, so come early if you are hoping to make something in the glass studio. Glass activities are limited to visitors 12 years of age and above.

Items made in the hot glass studio will be available for pickup on Sunday afternoon (because hot class has to cool slowly).

If you need a bite to eat while you are at the open house, the Mitchell High School Marching Band Boosters will be selling hot dog lunches from 12:30 to 5 p.m. as a fundraiser for their trip to represent North Carolina in the Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., this summer.

No admission is charged. Many activities are messy, so don’t wear your fancy clothes. Penland School is located near Spruce Pine in Mitchell County. www.penland.org or 828.765.2359. to start a business. Craft businesses have very specific differences in their business models, and this series gives you the tools to address those in an effective way. You will analyze marketing, financial, production and distribution issues, as well as other issues included in your business model. At the completion of the series, you will have the tools you need to move forward, including a presentation of your business idea and a written “Creative Business Plan.”

To register, visit www.ncsbc.net.

828.339.4211.

The Haywood County Arts Council will partner with LIFESPAN for their March exhibit that will open Thursday, March 3 at the arts council’s Gallery & Gifts in downtown Waynesville.

LIFESPAN empowers children and adults with disabilities by providing education, employment, and enrichment opportunities to live, work, and play in their communities.

The art for the March show will be provided

by LIFESPAN Arts, an inclusive art studio where artists can experience working with different artistic mediums including painting, pottery, mosaic art, and jewelry.

An artist reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 11, at the gallery. www.haywoodarts.org.

• A community art group meets at 10 a.m. every Wednesday at the Hudson Library in Highlands. 828.526.3031.

• In partnership with WinterFest Smoky Style, the film “The Great Alone” will be screened at 7 p.m. Feb. 26, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 27 and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Feb. 28 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. There will also be a free screening of “The Good Dinosaur” at noon and 2 p.m. Feb. 27 and March 5. www.38main.com.

ALSO:

Want to learn blacksmithing?

A blacksmithing fundamentals class with Brock Martin will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

March 5-6 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

The course is designed to introduce students to the art of blacksmithing. Fundamental techniques will be covered and students will make simple decorative pieces while incorporating these techniques. Cost is $175 (materials included) due at registration.

To register for the class or for more information please call 828.631.0271 or visit www.jcgep.org.

On the street

W

The Macon County Public Library in Franklin is looking for teens to help create a short promotional video.

No experience with acting or prior participation in Teen Programs is required. Like to act? You can have the spotlight with a speaking role. Prefer to remain in the background? Take a role with no lines. No matter what you choose, it will be easy and it will be fun. There is nothing to memorize, no special skills required and no way to mess up, because of the magic of film. Plus, you have a chance to win awards and prizes, as we will be competing against other libraries. Everyone who participates will receive something, as well as pizza and drinks.

Need volunteer hours for school? You can get them by participating in the project. Enjoy acting?

This is a great element to add to your list of productions — a commercial — which will be used by the library to promote our summer events.

The theme for this year's video is "Get in the Game!" so it will have a sports theme. Note that this theme also includes video gaming! If you would like to participate, try to make it to Teen Advisory Group meeting from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the library. Props are also needed for the video.

If you have any questions about this event, or anything related to library Teen Services, please email maconteens@fontanalib.org.

• The Happy Wanderers, a local senior social group, will be meeting for a free movie at 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 2, at the Waynesville Public Library. Popcorn and soda will be served. There will also be cornhole and table tennis at 10 a.m.

Monday, March 7, at the Old Hazelwood Gym next to the Folkmoot Center. There will be a “Lunch

Brunch” at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, at The Southern Boot in Waynesville. The group is coordinated by the Haywood County Recreation & Parks Department. 828.452.6789 or recreation@haywoodnc.net.

• The Waynesville Public Library is partnering with Haywood County 4-H and will be having yoga classes for kids. The class will meet from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 10 in the auditorium. This class is based on curriculum created by the Arkansas 4-H and designed for ages 5 and up, although younger children are welcome. Children are invited to bring a favorite beach towel and water bottle. Free.

ALSO:

• Ruth’s Chris Steak House will host a dinner consisting of a custom-created five-course menu paired with wines and spirits at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 25, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. $95 per person. Reservations are required. www.harrahscherokee.com or www.ruthchris.com.

• A wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 27 and March 5 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.586.6300.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m.

Feb. 27 and March 5 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 2 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free with dinner ($15 minimum).

828.452.6000.

• There will be a “Tasty Tuesday: Winter Seasonals” at 7 p.m. March 1 and 8 at Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden.

February 24-March 1, 2016

estern Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center is among 10 museums selected to participate in the American Alliance of Museums’ new accreditation academy for small institutions.

An initiative funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Small Museums Accreditation Academy is a yearlong readiness program to make the accreditation process more accessible to smaller museums. It is designed for institutions with five or fewer staff members that are striving to meet best practices and achieve accreditation.

Participating museums will emerge with a stronger culture of excellence and be poised to apply for accreditation, said Laura L. Lott, president and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums.

“We are thrilled that the Mountain Heritage Center will be included in the first class of this national program,” said Pamela Meister, curator and center interim director. “The Mountain Mountain Heritage Day. Donated photo Heritage Center has a 40-year record of distinguished service as a cultural and educational resource for WCU and the wider community, and the Small Museums Accreditation Academy is a great opportunity to ensure that we meet best practices and ultimately achieve accreditation, the museum field’s mark of distinction since 1971.”

WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center is an award-winning museum of southern Appalachian culture and history, and a regional resource for education and research. Opened in 1979, the center collects artifacts, creates and hosts exhibits, and showcases traditional skills, crafts and music. It develops content for WCU’s annual Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday of September, presenting traditional culture, music and crafts to thousands of visitors.

828.227.7129 or mhc.wcu.edu.

Open call for teens for promo video

arts & entertainment

Mountain Heritage Center selected for accreditation academy

Smoky Mountain News 35

arts & entertainment

A GUAR ANTEED G R E AT N I G H T O U T MAN IN THE MIRROR

A TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF POP

APRIL 30

HALESTORM

WITH L ACUNA COIL A N D C I LV E R

On the stage

‘Parents Night Out’ at WCU

CHRIS YOUNG MAY 7 TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10AM

CH I PPEN DAL ES JUNE 11 TWO SHOWS

MAY 14

February 24-March 1, 2016

Visit ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000 to purchase tickets.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Smoky Mountain News

Jim Colliton and Karen Morgan bring their comedic views on marriage, parenting and family in “Parents Night Out,” which will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

The performance is part of the Galaxy of Stars Series. Through the use of stand-up comedy and audience participation, the two national headlining comedians invite audience members to a wild ride through the crazy world of family.

Colliton has appeared on Comedy Central, Sirius XM radio and “Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star.” His first comedy album, “Stories from the Suburbs,” was named Best Comedy Album of the Year at the JPF Music Awards. Colliton also has appeared on stage with Patti LaBelle, the Beach Boys, Kenny Rogers and others.

Morgan was a trial attorney before becoming a comedian. She was a finalist on Nick at Nite’s “Search for the Funniest Mom in America.” In addition to working in comedy clubs and theaters across the country, Morgan recently won the Improv Comedy Club’s comedy search in Las Vegas.

Tickets are $21 for adults, $16 for WCU faculty and staff, and $7 for students. They can be purchased at the Bardo Arts Center box office, or by calling 828.227.2479. www.wcu.edu.

Tales of WNC history, folklore

Breakfast with the Mushers Join us during WinterFest Smoky Style! Meet real sled dog teams and their mushers, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and hear musher tales. After breakfast, the mushers will be outside with their dogs so you can see Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and other sled dogs up close.

Sunday, February 28, 8 am - 9:30 am. $10.95 for admission and breakfast.

Reservations required.

Call (828) 926-1401 to reserve your spot.

Cataloochee Ranch 36

Comedic stage act Jim Colliton and Karen Morgan will be at WCU on March 5. Donated photo

119 Ranch Drive, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 • www.CataloocheeRanch.com

The Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society will host local author Curtis Blanton at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at the SCGHS Library on 200 Main Street in Bryson City.

Blanton presentation will be “Authentic and Original Tales of Western North Carolina.”

Such stories provide us with a cultural and historical understanding that helps us clarify and piece together puzzling information we uncover about our ancestors. For many years now, Blanton has been recreating tall tales that bring laughter and tears to the eyes and also sends chill bumps up and down the spine. His stories cover a myriad of subjects, including humor, superstition, philosophy, religion, nature, outdoor sports, mystery, and more.

Blanton, a native of Jackson County, has had family in Western North Carolina since the 1700s. He spent his work career in East Tennessee and retired to Jackson County where he is currently writing his fourth book.

Curtis lives with his wife, Janice Monteith

Blanton in Webster. Curtis’ grandmother and Janice’s parents and great grandparents were natives of Swain County.

Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. The presentation is open to the public and there is no admission charge.

• The National Theatre of London’s stage production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” will be screened “Live in HD” at 12:55 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. With her father the Duke banished and in exile, Rosalind and her cousin Celia leave their lives in the court behind them and journey into the Forest of Arden.

There, released from convention, Rosalind experiences the liberating rush of transformation. Disguising herself as a boy, she embraces a different way of living and falls spectacularly in love. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for PAC members, and free for students. www.highlandspac.org or 828.526.9047.

ALSO:

On the stage

A modern remix of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the stage production of “The Fall of a Sparrow” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26-27 and March 4-5 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 6 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

The classic story was remixed by UNC School of the Arts Graduate Henry Williamson, which began life as a thesis project for Williamson, who last season brought audiences an exciting production of Anton Chekov’s “The Sea Gull.”

The Paul Taylor 2 dancers will be onstage on March 5 in Highlands.

Donated photo

arts & entertainment

A new take on ‘Hamlet’

As Williamson describes it, audiences will be treated to “Hamlet” cut, spliced, reordered, cross-faded, sped up, slowed down, rewound and repeated. The goal, to reintroduce audiences to a familiar work in an unexpected way and bring back a “What happens next?” suspense to the evening.

In addition, HART’s Center Stage Café serves a full menu on the theater’s main stage beginning 90 minutes before show time. To reserve a seat for the studio or for café simply call the HART Box Office at any time at 828.456.6322 and leave your name, phone number, the number of guests and the date of performance you would like to attend. Seating is general admission so the box office will not return your call unless no seats are available.

Tickets can also be purchased online at www.harttheatre.org.

IRISH-INFUSED DANCING IN CULLOWHEE The Darrah Carr Dance troupe will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. The stage show is mixed-style modern, basic ballet and a touch of tap — all with an Irish step dance brogue. The evening is part of the Arts and Cultural Events Series. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for the general public. ace.wcu.edu or 828.227.2612.

NYC dance company in Highlands The acclaimed Paul Taylor 2 dancers will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Taylor is an icon in the dance world. He was a soloist for George Balanchine with The New York City Ballet, and also with Martha Graham. At age 83, he still choreographs two new works a year.

The Paul Taylor 2 dancers will perform for the school in Highlands and Cashiers on Friday morning, then give a Master class for our area dance students on Saturday morning, and perform for the public on Saturday night.

Sponsored by the Cullasaja Women’s Outreach, Mountain Findings and Gail & Tim Hughes.

Tickets are $15 for adults. All students are admitted free. www.highlandspac.org or 828.526.9047.

The Town of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission will begin hosting a series of speakers to inform the public on the rich and fascinating stories behind some of the historic places within the community.

The goal of “Haywood Ramblings” is to entertain and inform all ages on some of the interesting aspects of Waynesville’s long history. Talks will be held at 4 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Town of Waynesville Board Room at 9

Concert: The Clarinet Reimagined Concert MAR. 3 |THUR. 7:30PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER | $

Concert: Artist in Residence w/ Asheville Symphony MAR. 4 | FRI. 7:30PM | COULTER | FREE

Concert: Trombone & Euphonium Studio Recital MAR. 5 | SAT. 7:30PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER | $

Comedy: Parents Night Out SAVE THE DATE: MAR. 17 | THUR. 7:30PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER | $

RADIO SHOW: BLACKBEARDS GHOST

Smoky Mountain News

Waynesville historical speakers series

South Main Street. There will be time for questions and light refreshments will be provided.

The programs are as follows: • “If Rails Could Talk: Logging in Western North Carolina” by Ronald Sullivan, March 3.

• “Growing up in Hazelwood” by Mary Ann Enloe, April 7.

• “The Old Ways: Dowsing, Healing, and Knowing the Signs” by Ann Melton, May 5.

For more information contact Elizabeth Teague or Byron Hickox at the Town’s Development Services Department at 828.456.8647.

MAR. 1 | TUES. 7:30PM | COULTER | FREE

February 24-March 1, 2016

JOIN US FOR ARTS EVENTS AT WCU

VISIT THE FINE ART MUSEUM FOR ONGOING EXHIBITS | FINEARTMUSEUM.WCU.EDU

EVENTS ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE COLLEGE OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS AT WCU. JOIN FRIENDS OF THE ARTS TODAY!

828.227.7028 | ARTSCALENDAR.WCU.EDU 37

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

Katrina-spawned novel finally getting its due urricane Katrina spawned an awesome number of literary works, and it may be that, given sufficient time to determine the full merits of Jesmyn Ward’s novel, Salvage the Bones, her work may be the most worthy. Perhaps the theory that great disasters (wars, natural disasters) invariably produce great works of art (operas, novels, paintings, etc.). This theory was often discussed by Flannery O’Conner, who commented on the irony of the “creative renaisWriter sance” in Southern literature that owes its origin to the extensive suffering and injustice associated with slavery and the Civil War. The narrator of Salvage the Bones is Esch, a 15-year-old girl living in Bois Sauvage, a predominately black bayou town which happens to be in the direct path of Katrina. Set in the twelve days leading up to, and just after the arrival of the hurricane, the novel presents each day as a distinct vignette.

Esch and her brothers spend each day preparing for the terrifying arrival. They have no intention of leaving and attempt to help their drunken father reinforce their shack with sheets of plywood. They collect and store bottles of drinking water. Food supplies tend to consist of Top Ramen moon pies, vienna sausage, potted meat and eggs gathered in the woods.

However, despite Katrina’s approach, Esch and her brothers seem to be primarily concerned about their white pit bull, China who has just given birth to five pups. China has developed a reputation in the dog fights that take place in “The Pit” in Bois Sauvage. She is a killing machine, a fact that makes Esch and her brothers the envy of their neighbors. The family’s meager economic security depends on China and each day is spent grooming, washing and feeding her. Indeed they fawn

Gary Carden

H

struggles to love her handicapped father and is haunted by the memory of her mother’s death. Now, she discovers that she is pregnant

by Bois Sauvage’s “golden boy.” Manny, the father of the baby, is totally indifferent to the consequences of a rough and tumble frolic in the dark. As each day brings more distress, the homely, pug-faced teenager turns to her imagination, searching for a means to deal with the world around her, and as luck would have it, that is Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, which was a required reading at school.

Esch begins to see the people around her as characters in her favorite book. She observes that all the girls in Bois Sauvage seem to be acting like their mythical counterparts: Psyche, Eurydice, Daphne — all of them running away from something or running after someone. However, the mythical character that Esch selects for her own role model is an ominous one. It is Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward. Bloomsberry, 2012. 361 pages.

Medea, the fierce and vindictive wife of “the golden-haired Jason, who kills her own brothand therefore, they are invaluable. Much of the intrigue in Esch’s daily life revolves around er when he stands in the way of her love for Jason; and when that love turns to hate, she protecting China and her pups. Skeetah is then murders Jason’s new wife, Creusa, her Esch’s oldest brother and the dog’s selffather, Creon, and even kills her own children. appointed trainer.

Of course, Esch is not going to harm anyEsch has a multitude of problems. She over the big dog, telling everyone that her puppies will grow up to have a killer instinct

Preservation award presented to Hunter Library Western Carolina University’s digital collections at Hunter Library have been honored with the North Carolina Preservation Consortium’s 2015 Award for Preservation Excellence.

The award recognizes institutions that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the preservation of heritage. Hunter Library digital collections was selected for preserving the history and culture of the state’s western region.

The consortium is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of collections in libraries, museums, archives and historic sites. The organization is committed to preserving tangible and intangible heritage for present and future generations. Anna Fariello, WCU associate professor for digital ini-

tiatives, said Hunter Library now has 15 collections archived online.

These range from small, library-held collections to large partnered collections. The university has made a commitment to maintaining and fostering accessibility, she said.

To access Hunter Library’s digital collections, go to digitalcollections.wcu.edu. For more information, contact Liz Skene at 828.227.2674 or Fariello at 828.227.2499 or fariello@wcu.edu.

18th century murder mystery Katy Simpson Smith will present her new novel Free Men at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Set in the late 18th century American South, this book follows a singular group of companions — an escaped slave, a white orphan, and a Creek Indian — who are being tracked down for murder.

one. Although she is filled with rage at the world around her, she is actually one of the forces that is holding everything together; China, the white pitbull is another. When Katrina reaches landfall, it comes like some apocalyptic act of God, sweeping everything away, including Esch’s home and all of their feeble efforts to battle the rising water.

In the end, Salvage the Bones acquires a kind of epic grander. Like Noah or Gilgamesh, the waters finally withdraw, leaving a confused and humbled Bois Sauvage. How much has been lost? The puppies are gone and so is China — but given the dog’s character, she may have survived. Perhaps Skeetah and his brothers will find her.

The reader is left with a singular image. Skeetah, the oldest brother, sits in the wreckage of their home, and while everyone else is searching for missing children, furniture and cars, Skeetah looks at his brothers and announces, “She will come back to me.” Esch tells us: “He will watch the dark, the ruined houses, the muddy appliances, the tops of the trees that surround us whose leaves are dying for lack of roots. He will feed the fire, so it will blaze bright as a lighthouse. He will listen for the beat of her tail, the padding of her feet in the mud. He will look into the future and see her emerge into the circle of his fire, beaten dirty by the hurricane so she doesn’t gleam anymore. So, she is the color of his teeth, his eyes, of the bone bounded by his blood, dull but alive, alive, alive, and when he sees her, his face will break and run water.”

And what of Esch, who loves the white dog? She says that China will look at me and know “I am a mother.”

Hopefully, it is apparent that this is a remarkable book. However, it was almost lost in the loud braying and confusion that dominates much of publishing business now. Even so, it won the National Book Award in 2011.

Now, after a strange silence, it is beginning to get the attention that it deserves.

Publishers Weekly said, “Evokes the complexity of a fledgling America in precise, poetic language…Rich with insights about history and the human heart.” Smith is also the author of the critically acclaimed The Story of Land and Sea, which is set on the coast of North Carolina during the Revolutionary War. 828.586.9499.

Let’s go on an adventure Author Joy Resor will present her book Go in Joy! An Alphabetical Adventure at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Her book offers an authentic ride beyond inspiring, lyrical words.

This engaging relatable book of essays, poems and questions offers touchstones that deliver ah-ha moments of self-realization.

828.586.9499.

MountainEats.com Let your smartphone be your guide!

• Find restaurants nearby • Read descriptions and explore menus • View photos and interactive maps It’s that simple!

An online dining directory for Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 866.452.2251

February 24-March 1, 2016 Smoky Mountain News

a website to take you to places where there are no websites.

Log on. Plan a getaway. Let yourself unplug.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

The fly collector Collection of 9,000 flies holds memories, knowledge for Bryson City angler

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER “This is the ugliest fly I have,” says Mike Kesselring, pulling a battered-looking brownbodied, black-feathered fly from a box marked “18. Antiques.”

The box is just one of the many filling the back of Kesselring’s red SUV, the fly just one the roughly 9,000 in his expansive collection.

The flies run the gamut from the long, flowing streamers designed to resemble flashy-colored minnows to tiny but intricate creations mimicking the river’s smallest insect nymphs.

Nearly all are prettier, more pristine than the 20-year-old thing Kesselring, 64, now holds up to the sunlight.

But this ugly little fly carries the weight of angling glories past in its torn-up body.

“I caught one of my biggest brown trout with this when the creek overflowed,” Kesselring says, recalling the story.

It was back in 1995, and Deep Creek was in flood stage. Kesselring was out with his rod and reel. The brown he pulled in was huge, somewhere between 20 and 22 inches.

BOXES OF MEMORIES “I go looking through my collection and think about this fly I used in a certain place, caught a certain fish or think about where I got this fly, who gave it to me,” he said. “There’s a lot of memories connected to them.”

Memories of travel connected to flies he snagged while on vacation to this place or that. Memories of people he’s met, fly tyers from all over the world who have given him a memento to add to his collection. And, of course, the memories of fish and the stories behind their capture.

Like the time he was fishing a black-andsilver streamer in the Oconaluftee and got hooked into a trout that, judging from the way it pulled the line, had to be huge. He lost his footing and got swept downriver in the swift water, eventually stopping against a pair of rocks. The pressure of the oncoming water pinned him there — he couldn’t move.

“I still had my rod in my hand with the fish — I wasn’t going to lose it after all this,” Kesselring recalled. “The only way I could get unplugged from those rocks was to roll my whole body around the facing of the one rock.”

Eventually, he escaped the current and reached calm water, where he reeled in the line to discover a 20-inch rainbow trout on the other end.

“Nearly drowning,” he declared, “was worth it.”

Then there was the parachute Adams — a gray dry fly imitating a mayfly — that he had on the line when walking slab-like rocks in Walker Camp Prong in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“They would clank and clack like flat rocks will do, and I heard that same sound behind me and I thought, ‘OK, something got knocked loose, moved by the stream,’” Kesselring recalled, “and I turned to look behind me and there was a bear coming down the rhododendrons.”

Thankfully, Kesselring didn’t have any fish on him at the time. He made his way up the bank as quickly as he could, not even stopping to wind his line in.

“It saw me, but it never seemed to be interested in me,” Kesselring said, “It could have been worse, but it scared me pretty good for a while.”

THE COLLECTOR

Over the course of decades, Bryson City resident Mike Kesselring has amassed a collection of 9,000 diverse flies. Mike Kesselring photo Kesselring (below) holds up a 28-inch steelhead trout caught near Erie, Pennsylvania. Donated photo

OF COLLECTIONS Some of the flies are attached to compelling memories involving gigantic trout and close calls, but of the 9,000, Kesselring estimates he’s fished only about 900. Most of the flies have never even been dipped in the water. A lot of them wouldn’t even be any good to an angler in Western North Carolina, as they’re designed to catch fish that don’t exist in the waters around here.

That doesn’t bother Kesselring. The variety of his collection — the myriad of styles, variations within styles, materials used, tyers and regions represented, colors and textures — established over the course of decades, mean something special to him. Having spent his career as a professional photographer and writer, Kesselring has an eye for beauty, and he sees the collection as an investment, a catalogue of memories, a learning tool, a record of changes in fly styles and materials over the decades.

“There’s very few people I’ve met who have a collection as big as mine,” Kesselring said.

“I caught one of my biggest brown trout with this when the creek overflowed.”

— Mike Kesselring

The endeavor began innocently enough, back when Kesselring first started getting back into fly fishing upon moving to Bryson City in the 1970s. He made it a habit to buy multiples every time he went to get some flies.

“I would save the ones I didn’t lose in the trees or didn’t lose in the bottom of the creek, and that’s how my collection started, the extra ones I purchased,” he said. “But after a while I made it an intentional thing.”

When traveling, he’d find a fly shop and

purchase something representative of the area.

He’d strike up conversations with tyers, who would learn of his collection and — after failing to convince him to start tying himself — give Kesselring something to add. Slowly but surely, the collection expanded to the 9,000 carefully organized — but uncatalogued — flies he owns today. Each has its own compartment in the multitude of plastic cases Kesselring keeps for the purpose, packed away in zip-up carriers that hold eight trays of flies apiece.

He’s also got a few other mini-collections to go along with his massive inventory of flies.

Kesselring owns 15 different varieties of fly boxes, 30 different reels and 28 different rods.

“I don’t know if it’s a mental disease,” he said, “but I collect stuff.”

The “stuff ” isn’t limited to fly fishing paraphernalia. Since beginning his very first collection — stamps, a fitting object for a military kid moving around all over the world — Kesselring’s also developed collections of Star Trek items and chess sets. He has about 1,200 movie posters, and more than 1,000 vinyl albums.

“A couple of friends have called me a collector of collections,” he said.

For Kesselring, though, collecting is an avenue to learning. The stamps

has created a great many works — from Malcom the Swan at Lake Junaluska to the fox near United Community Bank on Waynesville’s Main Street — to beautify the community.

■ Andrew Bowen. Bowen, Maggie Valley’s town planner, has attacked with zest the goal of improving the town, including getting a massive litter pickup underway to

that ignited his love of collecting, for instance, had a wealth of information contained in the mottos and emblems of their designs, often particular to the place he was living at the time. His fly collection is similarly informative. The flies represent all the stages of insects and fish and aquatic creatures a trout might like to munch, and picking the right one for any given hour demands a knowledge of what’s going on in the stream ecologically. The more traditional flies in the collection also point to the region where they originated, using materials and techniques based on the place they were created.

“I’ve learned a lot about Appalachia by learning about the flies that are called Appalachian flies,” Kesselring said.

His collection is a working collection, so each season demands a different arsenal of Appalachian flies to catch Appalachian fish.

While most people are changing over their wardrobes, Kesselring is changing out his fly box. He roots through his collection with each shift of the seasons, picking a couple

hundred flies to supply him over the coming months — of those, he might use only about 20 on any given day, but it pays to be prepared.

Going through the collection also has an organizational purpose. About twice a year, he’ll integrate any new flies he’s acquired with the existing collection, placing the new stuff in its proper place based on style, color and size. The process can take a week or more.

“It can be a little anal, but think how much more difficult it would be if you didn’t do it,” he said.

Kesselring, who readily admits he has a fascination with organization, is fully capable of spending hours updating and maintaining his collection. But his favorite place is still in the creek, with waders on and a line in the water.

“A river or a creek is a nature trail of sorts,” he said, and the views from any given stretch of it are gifts that 99 percent of the population never get the chance to see.

“There’s a lot of memories there,” he said.

Auto ~ Home Life ~ Retirement

David Mesimer (828) 452-2815 283 North Haywood St. Waynesville david.mesimer@allstate.com

Insurance subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co.. Life insurance and annuities issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Lincoln, NE, Allstate Life Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL, and American Heritage Life Insurance Company, Jacksonville, FL. In New York, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, NY. Northbrook, IL. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Co.

This year’s batch of Community Pride Award winners pose with their trophies. Holly Kays photo

76023

Before a roomful of dedicated citizens, Haywood’s Commission for a Clean County doled out its annual awards last week to the people who have made the biggest difference in keeping Haywood clean and making it beautiful over the past year.

This year’s Community Pride Award winners were: ■ Tracey Magdeburg and the Board of Realtors. Acting as the needed point-person to rally the troops and keep people involved, Magdeburg has gotten area Realtors to band together in a twice yearly litter pickup.

■ The Young Professionals of the Haywood Chamber of Commerce. The group has worked to tie the county’s various greenways and outdoor recreation areas together into a more easily navigable system with signage.

■ Dale Burris and Patsy Dowling. Though many people played important roles in the project, Burris and Dowling were instrumental in turning the old Hazelwood prison into Haywood Pathways Center, a place that works with people down on their luck to get back on a successful path. Burris, the county’s facilities and maintenance director, acted as general contractor for the project while Dowling, director of Mountain Projects, helped keep track of the accounting.

■ Mike and Linda Caldwell. The Caldwells lead by example in Canton, picking up litter all over town while also volunteering their time to help feed those in need through the Community Kitchen.

■ Grace Cathey. Cathey, a metal sculptor,

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outdoors

Community leaders recognized in Haywood

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remove trash from the town.

■ Stephanie Kea and Eric Sollie. Teachers at Tuscola High School, Kea and Sollie enlisted their art and masonry students, respectively, to design and build the new plaza by the Waynesville Armory.

■ Canton Central United Methodist Church. Once a year, church members take to the community, giving their time to pick up litter, do yard work and clean up public spaces in Canton.

■ Master Gardeners at Hazelwood Elementary. In a project that’s been going on for about eight years, the volunteers work with elementary students at the school to provide hands-on learning in the garden.

SUPPORTED BY: Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, Haywood Economic Development Council, Haywood Community College Small Business Center, Haywood Advancement Foundation.

41

outdoors

Glacier Breaker welcomes paddlers A family-friendly slalom and downriver race will shake the ice off of winter on Feb. 27 and 28 at Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Designed to help first-time racers get comfortable with competing on the water, Nantahala Racing Club’s Glacier Breaker will kick off with the downriver sprint at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, followed by the slalom at noon and the downriver classic at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 28. Racing boats and plastic boats are both allowed. $30, with early bird fees ending March 5.

On-site registration is available from 9-10 a.m. at River’s End Restaurant both days.

NOC is located in Swain County about 14 miles from Bryson City along U.S. 74.

828.785.4854. www.nantahalaracingclub.com.

Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

Easter 5K coming to Lake Junaluska A 5K route through the springtime grounds of Lake Junaluska will kick off the Lake’s Easter activities at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 26, leaving from the Nanci Weldon Gym. The Lake 5K Road Race & Walk will showcase the beauty of the lake’s grounds — and raise money for maintenance and improvement of the walking trail and other recreational opportunities at Lake J. The annual cost of upkeep tops $250,000.

Early bird price of $25 ends March 11; $15 for participants aged 5 to 18. Register at www.imathlete.com, the Bethea Welcome Center or by calling 828.454.6680. www.lakejunaluska.com/friends-of-thelake.

Classic Hikes of the Smokies kicks off Exploration of the remote Little Cataloochee area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will kick off this year’s Classic Hikes of the Smokies series on Tuesday, March 8.

The 6.6-mile hike on the Little Cataloochee Trail will take in the historic Hannah and Cook cabins, as well as Little Cataloochee Baptist Church, with an elevation gain of 1,450 feet. As Cataloochee is also the site of the 2001 elk reintroduction, the hike will include discussion of elk management and the elk-related projects that Friends of the Smokies funds.

Outdoor enthusiast and hiker Danny Bernstein will lead the hike, which is organized by Friends of the Smokies. $20 for Friends members and $35 for non-members, with one-year membership included.

The Classic Hikes of the Smokies schedule includes 10 monthly hikes in 2016, with a package price of $160 available for all 10.

Proceeds benefit the Trails Forever Program, which restores high-use trails within the national park.

Sign up by 5 p.m. March 3 at

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Little Cataloochee Baptist Church. Sam Hobbs photo www.friendsofthesmokies.org/product/hike -the-smokies. To get the 10 for $160 deal,

Lake Glenville.

Donated photo

mail a check to 160 S. Main Street, Waynesville, N.C. 28786. 828.452.0720.

Boats banned from new Lake Glenville swimming area Starting in August, no boating vessels will be allowed at the new swimming area at the Pines Recreation Area on Lake Glenville in Jackson County following a vote by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission this month.

The new recreation area was completed last year by Duke Energy as part of its agreement for its federal permits to harness hydropower from Western North Carolina rivers. The agreement included stipulation that Duke provide various recreational accesses along the waterways.

Duke requested the no-boats rule to ensure safety of swimmers using the new beach.

The regulation will go into effect Aug. 1.

Poster contest winners announced in Jackson

Delve into Gorges State Park history

the whole foot!

Are you at risk for diabetes?

There’s a Diabetes Prevention Program near you starting:

•Over the age of 45 •Overweight •Physically inactive •Relatives with diabetes •African American •American Indian •Latino

February 2016.

Registration is required.

For more information contact Sara Peterson at Swain County Health Department: 828.488.3198

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Learn to grow shitakes If you’ve ever wondered how edible mushrooms are grown, a workshop on cultivating shitake mushrooms will unveil the mystery, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at the Macon County Environmental Resource Center.

Geared toward hobby growers, the program — to be held mostly outdoors — will teach participants how to inoculate logs with mushroom spores and send them off with two logs ready to go. $10, with pre-registration required by Feb. 26 at the Macon County Cooperative Extension Center, 828.349.2046.

mountainwise.org February 24-March 1, 2016

A program highlighting the history of Gorges State Park and the surrounding Jocassee Valley will be held at 10 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 28.

Gorges State Park is located near Sapphire on the Jackson-Transylvania county line.

Free. 828.966.9099 or gorges@ncparks.gov.

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outdoors

Students in Jackson County got a chance to show the artistic side of what it means to live in a watershed with a poster, essay and slideshow contest sponsored by the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District.

The purpose of the annual contest is to educate students about issues affecting land and water, with this year’s theme “we all live in a watershed.” Winners receive a trophy and prize money, with first place winners advancing to the area-wide contest and subsequent winners advancing to the state level.

Fifth grade poster winners: Brianna Bryson (first); Alyssa Crisp (second); Sayumi De Silvia (third); Macy Wike (honorable mention).

Sixth grade essay winners: Olivia McFadden (first); Taleigh Verrault (second).

Sixth grade slide show winners: Nicholas Boone (first); Jabari Woods (second); Landon Smith (third); Emma Phillips (honorable mention).

828.586.5465.

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outdoors

Stock the Pigeon Trout fans are invited to help the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Trout Unlimited Cataloochee chapter stock the West Fork of the Pigeon River, 10:30 a.m.

Monday, March 7.

Volunteers are invited to bring a clean 5-gallon bucket, trash bags and friends to help stock at least 1,200 pounds of fish.

Waders are also recommended. The job will take about three hours to complete.

It’s the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s responsibility to stock the river, but having a volunteer force to help

A young volunteer learns how stocking is done. Donated photo

February 24-March 1, 2016

allows the fish to be dispersed more evenly along the river, resulting in a more enjoyable fishing experience.

The group will meet at a parking lot that’s past Lake Logan and before Sunburst Campground off of N.C. 215, across from the shooting range.

Ron Gaddy, tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

Fishing closure to begin on hatcherysupported waters Fishing will come to a halt on North Carolina’s Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters for the next month as the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission stocks them full of trout.

The closure will begin a half-hour after sunset on Tuesday, Feb. 29, and end at 7 a.m. Saturday, April 2.

During that time, about 916,000 trout — 96 percent averaging 10 inches in length and the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches — will be stocked in North Carolina’s 1,000 miles of HatcherySupported Trout Waters.

Waters included in the restriction are marked by green-and-white signs. www.ncwildlife.org/fishing/trout.

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Agreement signed to protect rare fish Cherokee counties, as well as in Towns The sicklefin redhorse is a rare fish County, Georgia. found nowhere else in the world other than Though Cherokee people have long six Southern Appalachian counties, but a relied on the sicklefin redhorse for food — a coalition of government agencies and power large-bodied bottomfeeder that can reach 5 companies have agreed to team up in hopes pounds and 24 inches — it wasn’t identiof keeping the fish off the federal endangered species Sicklefin redhorse. Donated photo list.

In an agreement signed this week, the groups signed off to support an array of strategies over the next 10 years to strengthen and expand sicklefin redhorse populations using strategies such as captive rearing, stocking and a host of supporting efforts.

Parties to the fied as a species until 1992. It’s been a canagreement include the U.S. Fish and didate for listing as threatened or endanWildlife Service, the N.C. Wildlife gered since the early 2000s. If listed, regulaResources Commission, Duke Energy tions would kick in to protect the fish, but Carolinas, the Tennessee Valley Authority, those regulations can also complicate things the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and when it comes to making decisions surthe Georgia Department of Natural rounding development and recreation Resources. As of now, the fish is found only affecting the fish’s habitat. in Swain, Jackson, Macon, Clay and

Tie a fly for a veteran Fly tyers, along with their tools and materials, are wanted to participate in a fly tying event to benefit military veterans from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley.

Tie One On promises to be a “ginormous” event that will attract some of the “best fly tyers in the region.” Tyers are invited to make a creation to add to a Veterans’ Fly Box. “These veterans have put their life on the line for us,” said Bob Nanney, a volunteer helping coordinate the event. “The least we could do is tie them a few flys and put a smile on their face.”

The event supports Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit that uses fly fishing as therapy for military veterans. Tie One On is supported by the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians and the Tuckasegee, Cataloochee and Land O’ Sky chapters of Trout Unlimited.

Bob Nanney, fearnofishbob@att.net or 828.246.8015.

Clean-up day scheduled for Lake J

be given out.

Severe weather date is March 12.

828.452.2881.

Volunteers are invited to help with a community cleanup at Lake Junaluska beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 5.

This year’s annual litter pick-up coincides with lowered water levels exposing trash that’s washed up along the shore.

Every few years, the water level has to be drawn down in order to dredge built-up silt from the lake. This year’s drawdown began earlier this month, with the lake scheduled to be refilled by the time Easter rolls around.

The cleanup day, organized by the Junaluskans, will begin with an energizing snack before the group is turned loose armed with provided gloves, bags and pickup sticks. A limited number of T-shirts will

A year’s worth of watershed protection to be celebrated A banquet celebrating a year’s worth of accomplishments for the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River will be held 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Comfort Inn in Sylva.

The evening will include dinner, a silent auction, a year in review presentation and bestowing of the volunteer of the year award.

Free, with RSVPs required by Feb. 26.

828.550.8487 or rick_s_queen@yahoo.com.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • REACH of Macon County will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony and drop-in Open House from noon-4 p.m. on March 3 in Franklin.

• Local author Curtis Blanton will present “Authentic and Original Tales of Western North Carolina” at a meeting of the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society at 6:30 p.m. on March 3 at the SCGHS Library in Bryson City. Conversation and refreshments follow the presentation, which is free and open to the public.

• Help with income tax preparation for seniors over age 60 will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center through March by Bruce Johnson, registered tax return preparer, in exchange for donation to the Senior Resource Center. By appointment only 828.356.2800.

• Free tax preparation will be available through April 15 at the Jackson County Public Library and Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva. Library hours are 3-6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays or by appointment (586.2016). Senior Center hours are from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays on a first-come, first-serve basis. No charge.

• Heating assistance is available for those who qualify through the Jackson County Department of Social Services, which has almost $90,000 in LIEAP funding.

Applications will be taken daily between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. through March 31 at Jackson County Department of Social Services in Sylva. 586.5546.

• Qualla Boundary Historical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Haywood Community College’s Small Busdiness Center will offer a free seminar entitled “How to Start a Business” from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, in room 204 on the HCC Campus. Russ Seagle of Seagle Management Consulting will be the presenter..

627.4512 or sbc.haywood.edu.

• WCU will offer two small business workshops, one entitled “Small Business Marketing in the Age of Social Media” is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at Western Carolina’s location at Biltmore Park in Asheville. $89 per person or register for this one plus a March 18 session on “Building a Memorable Brand” for $79 each. learn@wcu.edu.

• Western Carolina University Chancellor Dr. David Belcher will host an educational forum at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 29, at the A.K. Hinds University Center in Cullowhee to address the regional importance of the Connect NC bond. mcwhitfield@wcu.edu or 227.3553.

• A free seminar entitled “Business Taxes” will be offered for existing and aspiring small business owners from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 29, at Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus.

Offered through SCC’s Small Business Center.

Registration required: www.southwesterncc.edu/sbc.

Info: t_henry@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4211.

• A free seminar entitled “Starting a Better Business” will be offered from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, at Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus. Offered through SCC’s Small Business Center.

Registration required: www.southwesterncc.edu/sbc.

Info: t_henry@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4211.

• A series of free professional craft business classes will be offered starting March 3 through Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center. The classes will help craft artists who already have or wish to start a business. Classes meet from 2-5 p.m. on

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Thursdays from March 3-April 21. Registration required: www.southwesterncc.edu/sbc. Info: t_henry@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4211.

• Registration deadline is March 4 for the 2016 Waynesville Civilian Police Academy. Applicants will have a background check completed on them. Learn more of the inner workings of the local law enforcement agency. The academy starts on March 15 at the Waynesville Police offices, and it meets from 6:30-9 p.m. on eight consecutive Tuesdays. Must be 21 years of age and a Haywood County resident. Free. Applications are accepted in the main lobby of the police department on South Main Street. Info: 456.5363 or wpdcpa@outlook.com.

• An interview skills workshop will be offered from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, March 8, at the Waynesville Library. Free. Sign-up required: 356.2507. Presented by Goodwill Industries Northwest North Carolina.

• Registration deadline for an Event Security Planning course is 5 p.m. on March 9. The course is presented by the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 23-24, at Harrah’s Casino Conference Center in Cherokee. Register at http://terms.ncem.org/TRS. Info: 919.825.2261 or bill.chamberlain@ncdps.gov.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • The 10th annual Wildgame Dinner Fundraiser will be held by The Wildlife Club at Haywood Community College at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. Part of the WinterFest Smoky Style weekend celebration. Door prizes, silent auction, live auction. Bring your favorite wildgame dish, vegetablesand or dessert. Bread and drinks provided. Admission is $10 ($5 if you bring a dish); children under 12 eat free. For info on WinterFest Smoky Style, visit winterfestsmokystyle.com. For info on the dinner, call 627.4560.

• United Christian Ministries will hold a leap year celebration/fundraiser from 4-9 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 29, at Bogart’s. Up to 10 percent of sales will be donated to UCM, which provides food and other assistance to those in need in Jackson County.

• Smoky Mountain Roller Girls will host an 80s and 90s themed trivia event at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. Registration fee is $10 for a team of four people. Proceeds will help the Roller Girls with derby season travel-related expenses.

VOLUNTEERS • A Volunteer Fair will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, March 2, at Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. Local non-profits and agencies and a few nationally known non-profits will attend the fair and present info. Event is open to the public. 339.4305 or a_allen@southwesterncc.edu.

VENDORS

Smoky Mountain News

Lifestyle Celebration that will take place Saturday, June 11, on Main Street. 456.3517 to request an application or visit the event calendar at www.downtownwaynesville.com. Applications accepted until April 18.

• The town of Dillsboro will be hosting three arts and craft shows open to vendors from the surrounding region. The 2nd annual “Front Street Arts & Crafts Show.” is Saturday, June 18. Application due April.

Vendors may apply for these shows by downloading an application from the town’s website, www.visitdillsboro.org or directly from www.visitdillsboro.org/specialevents.html. For more information, call Connie Hogan at 586.3511.

HEALTH MATTERS • A Happy Hearts educational event will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. Prevent heart attacks by understanding the risk factors and learning the signs and symptoms. CPR demonstrations. 631.8889.

• A Happy Hearts educational event will be held from noon-2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at Swain Community Hospital in Bryson City. Prevent heart attacks by understanding the risk factors and learning the signs and symptoms. CPR demonstrations. 631.8889.

• A training session entitled “Tobacco Interventions that Work: Improving birth outcomes, reducing infant mortality and improving the health of children 0-5” will be offered from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 5, at the Haywood County Department of Public Health Environmental Service’s Conference Room in Clyde.

Lunch costs $10. RSVP by March 1 to tobin@mountainwise.org.

• Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes are available at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. The series “Understanding Birth” will be offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 12. “Understanding Breastfeeding” is offered from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1. It’s the first-round of classes; future classes will be offered bimonthly on an ongoing basis. Register or get more info: 586.7907.

• A free weekly grief support group is open to the public from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at SECU Hospice House in Franklin. Hosted by Four Seasons Compassion for Life Bereavement Team. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• A monthly grief processing support group will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care in Clyde.

452.5039.

• A Men’s Night Out will take place at 6:30 p.m. on the topic of “Blood Pressure” on the third floor of the hospital. on the first Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 E. Main St. in Sylva. www.meditate-wnc.org or 356.1105.

• A free, weekly grief support group will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at the SECU Hospice House in Franklin. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• “ECA on the Move!” – a walking program organized

by Jackson County Extension and Community Association – meets from 9-10 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. It’s an effort to meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 10,000 steps per day. 586.4009.

• Greening Up the Mountains Festival is seeking artists, mountain crafters, environmental and food vendors to apply for booths in the upcoming 19th annual event, which is April 23 in Sylva. www.greeningupthemountains.com, 586.2719 or at Sylva’s Town Hall. Info: 631.4587.

• A Tuesday Meditation Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin.

• The Downtown Waynesville Association is seeking heritage themed vendors for the 6th annual Appalachian

• Line Dancing Classes are offered at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the Waynesville

RECREATION AND FITNESS

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Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings Recreation Center. Each class is one hour. No partners needed. Arrive 15 minutes early on your first night to register. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Cardio Lunch class will meet from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Flexible Fitness class will meet from 4:30-5:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members.

456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Pump It Up class will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• The Canton Armory is open to the public for walking from 8-10 a.m. on Monday through Friday unless the facility is booked. 648.2363.

• Pickle ball is offered from 8 a.m.-noon on Mondays through Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

456.2030 or www.waynesvillnc.gov.

POLITICAL • A debate featuring Mike Clampitt and Aaron Littlefield, candidates for the N.C. House Seat for the 119th District, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Health and Human Services Building on Western Carolina University’s campus in Cullowhee.

• A free and public Newsmakers forum focused on WNC’s public lands will be held by Carolina Public Press from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at the Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville.

Region’s top administrators and policy makers will focus on state and federally owned lands across the mountains – and the challenges and opportunities facing them. Light breakfast included. RSVP: www.carolinapublicpress.org. Info: 774.5290 or info@carolinapublicpress.org.

• Haywood County’s Democratic precincts will hold their annual organizational meetings on Saturday, Feb. 27.

The following precincts will meet at 10 a.m.: Beaverdam 1,5/6 & 7 (Canton Armory); Beaverdam 2,3,4 (North Canton Fire Dept.); Allen’s Creek, Saunook, Hazelwood (Saunook Fire Department); Ivy Hill, Jonathan Creek (Jonathan Creek Fire Dept.); Clyde North & South (Education Center); Lake Junaluska, Waynesville West (Lake Junaluska Fire Dept.); Crabtree, Iron Duff (Crabtree-Iron Duff Fire Dept.); Pigeon, Pigeon Center, East Fork, Cecil (Center Pigeon Fire Dept.); Fines Creek 1 & 2, White Oak, Big Creek (Fines Creek Fire Dept.); Waynesville Center & East (Waynesville Armory).

Waynesville South 1 & 2 meet at 1 p.m. at the Waynesville Public Library. Free and open to any registered Democrat residing in the precinct.

• Maggie Valley is sponsoring a meet and greet for Haywood County candidates for commissioners at 11:45

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bi-monthly magazine that covers the southern Appalachian mountains and celebrates the area’s environmental riches, its people, culture, music, art, crafts and special places. Each issue relies on regional writers and photographers to bring the Appalachians to life.

In this issue: RedeďŹ ning the Flavor of Southern Appalachia Have a Taste of the Big Easy in Brevard Fires Foster Community Connections Love in the Digital Age and Praise for Moss PLUS ADVENTURE, CUISINE, READING, MUSIC, ARTS & MORE

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Smoky Mountain News

February 24-March 1, 2016

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866.452.2251

a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the pavilion. Free.

• The Happy Wanderers, a senior social group coordinated by the Haywood County Recreation and Parks Department, will meet for food and fellowship at 11:30 a.m. on March 8 at the Southern Boot in Waynesville. 452.6789 or recreation@haywoodnc.net.

• A Silver Sneakers Cardio Fit class will meet from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 60 and above.

Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A program called “Imagine”, an art program for children 8-12 meets at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Jackson County Public Library. Program contains art, writing, and drama. 586.2016.

• Storytimes are held at 10 and 10:40 a.m. every Thursday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• The Appalachian Toymaker & Storyteller will be making wooden toys and telling tales on select dates and times at The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachian. www.psalmsofthesouth.com or 488.5705.

KIDS MOVIES

• The Jackson County Republican Convention, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4, will feature Honorable Chief Justice Mark Martin of the N.C. Supreme Court as guest speaker. Event is open to all Jackson County voters who registered as Republicans

by Jan. 31. The event is at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva. Registration is at 5 p.m. Buffet dinner will be served. 743.6491 or jacksonctygop@yahoo.com.

• Brain Gym Tutorial will be offered at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23rd 1:00 p.m. at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. No cost.

Learn to use our unique exercise bikes that work your body and mind. 356.2800.

• “The Good Dionosaur will be shown for free on Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and the Feb. 27 at 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. 586.3555

• Book Club is held at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800

• The annual convention of the Macon County Republican Party is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at the Bloemsma Farm in Franklin.

• Senior croquet for ages 55 and older is offered from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park in front of Waynesville Recreation Center.

Free. For info, contact Donald Hummel at 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• “The Good Dinosaur” will be shown for free at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27 and through the month of March at The Strand in Waynesville.

38main.com or 283.0079.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Canton resident Paul Willis, age 95, will present his new book of poetry entitled “Reflections of a World War II Veteran” at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. 456.6000.

• Author Joy Resor will present her book Go in Joy! An Alphabetical Adventure at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499.

• The 2016 journal poetry and art contests open March 1 and close May 15. A separate contest is held for best cover art. Additional information at Main Street Rag Publishing Company’s website: www.mainstreetrag.com.

• Waynesville Book Club on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at Waynesville Library Meet to discuss books, which are chosen by each member (taking turns) and provided by the library.

New members are welcome. For more information, 356.2507.

• Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville now has a used book section and is accepting books in exchange for credit on other used books, and a free book is available from the giveaway cart for anyone who buys three or more.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Iphone outreach will be held at the Jackson County Senior Center. 586.2016 • A class entitled “Depression in the Elderly,” part of the Caregiver Education Series at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville, is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at the SRC. Free. 356.2800.

• The Happy Wanderers, a senior social group coordinated by the Haywood County Recreation and Parks Department, will watch a free movie at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, at the Waynesville Library.

452.6789 or recreation@haywoodnc.net.

• The Happy Wanderers, a senior social group coordinated by the Haywood County Recreation and Parks Department, will play cornhole and table tennis at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 7, at the Old Hazelwood Gym

• Pinochle game is played at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• “The Peanuts Movie” will be shown for free on March 10 and March 11 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. 586.3555

• Hearts is played at 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Yoga classes for kids will be offered through a partnership between Haywood County 4-H and the library on Feb. 25 and March 10 in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. 356.2512 or lhartzell@haywoodnc.net.

• Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department’s Base Camp will host several required open house meetings for upcoming day camp programs on Feb. 25, 29 and March 2, 8 and 15. Two sessions each day: 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Pre-screening process for each potential camp participant. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A LEGO club meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Legos and Duplos provided for ages three and up. 488.3030.

• The 2016 Teen Video Challenge is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Create a short promotional video for upcoming teen summer events. Theme is “Get in the Game!” Info: maconteens@fontanalib.org.

• A Dr. Seuss birthday bash is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, at the Waynesville Library.

Games, food, crafts. 356.2512 or lhartzell@haywoodnc.net.

• Mountain Youth Talent Contest at the Sun Trust Lot on Main Street on April 23 starting at 9:30. Music will be held throughout the day at both the Main Street stage and at the Bridge Park gazebo on Railroad Avenue. For more information about this 19-year-old talent contest now lead by the Jackson County 4-H, contact: heather_gordon@ncsu.edu

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • WinterFest Smoky Style, which is Feb. 26-28 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Gates open at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. The 4th Annual Polar Plunge, sponsored by Haywood Waterways, will take place at the Lake Junaluska Assembly Beach. Registration is at 10:30 a.m., event is at 11:30 a.m. For a a complete listing of the weekend activities go to www.winterfestsmokystyle.com.

FOOD & DRINK • Ruth’s Chris Steak House will host a dinner consisting of a custom-created five-course menu paired with wines and spirits at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. $95 per person.

Reservations are required. www.harrahscherokee.com or www.ruthchris.com.

• “Brown Bag at the Depot” – an opportunity to gather with neighbors – is at noon every Friday at Sylva’s newest park at the corner of Spring and Mill Street along Railroad Ave. For info, contact Paige Dowling at townmanager@townofsylva.org.

• Graceann’s Amazing Breakfast is 8-10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Sapphire Room at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. $8.50 for adults; $5 for children.

Includes coffee and orange juice. 743.7663.

• There will be a free tasting and cooking demonstration from 5-7 p.m. every Saturday at Country Traditions in Dillsboro. Try a wide variety of wines while a gourmet chef prepares delicious treats that are available for purchase. Free. www.dillsborowineandgourmet.net.

• A game day will occur from 2 to 9 p.m. every

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m.

Feb. 27 and March 5 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 2 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

Free with dinner ($15 minimum). 452.6000.

• There will be a “Tasty Tuesday: Winter Seasonals” at 7 p.m. on March 1 and 8 at Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Acclaimed rock act Breaking Benjamin will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Harrah’s Cherokee.

For ticket information, click on www.harrahscherokee.com.

• Acclaimed Sylva-based bluegrass/gospel group Mountain Faith will perform with Redhead Express at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $25. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 524.1598.

• “The Fall of a Sparrow” – a “remix” of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” – will run Feb. 26-28 and March 4-6 at HART Theater in Waynesville. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 26-27 and March 4-5 and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 28 and March 6. Reservations: 456.6322.

Tickets: www.harttheatre.org. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $6 for students.

• The National Theatre of London’s production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” will be presented live via satellite at 12:55 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $22 adults, $19 PAC members, free for students. Tickets available at the door, highlandspac.org or 526.9047.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a Faculty Recital with clarinetist Shannon Thompson at 7:30 p.m. March 1 and a Trombone & Euphonium Studio Recital at 7:30 p.m. March 4 in the Coulter Building. The Artist in Residence concert with the Asheville Symphony and WCU students will be at 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Bardo Arts Center. www.wcu.edu.

• “If Rails Could Talk: Logging in Western North Carolina,” part of the Haywood Ramblings speaker series, will be presented by Ronald Sullivan from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at the Town of Waynesville Board Room. Sullivan is a hiker and historian; Snow date is the following Thursday. Light refreshments.

Additional series dates are April 7, and May 5.

456.8647.

• The 2015-16 First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Jam Series will continue with The Freight Hoppers at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. The performance of bluegrass and mountain music will be followed by an 8 p.m. jam session in which local musicians are invited to participate. The concerts and jam sessions will continue at the center through next spring, with programs from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. 227.7129.

• Renowned bluegrass/gospel group Balsam Range will continue their 6th annual “Winter Concert Series” with guests Bryan Sutton at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Colonial Theatre in Canton. The Studio Dream Team on April 2. 235.2760.

Smoky Mountain News

• Ipad 101 class will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Senior Sale Day is on the third Friday of every month at the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore. Patrons 60 and older get 20 percent off all purchases.

Proceeds benefit the Sylva Library.

• “Hotel Transylvania 2” will be shown for free on March 5 at 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. 586.3555

• A wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 27 and March 5 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 586.6300.

February 24-March 1, 2016

• Banned Book Club meets from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. For those who enjoy literature and intellectual conversation. 456.6000, blueridgebooks@ymail.com or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 1 p.m. on Mondays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• A family movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. A computer-animated classic about Soren, a young awl enthralled by his father’s epic stories of the Guardians of Ga’ Hoole. For info, including movie title, call 488.3030.

third Saturday of the month at Papou’s Wine Shop & Bar in Sylva. Bring dice, cards or board games.

586.6300.

wnc calendar

• Jackson County’s Democratic precincts will hold their annual organizational meetings on Saturday, Feb. 27. The following precincts will meet at 1 p.m. at the Family Resource Center in Webster (the Old Webster School): Barkers Creek, Caney Fork, Cullowhee, Greens Creek, Qualla, Savannah, Scotts Creek, Sylva North/Dillsboro, Sylva South, Webster.

River Precinct will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the VFW. Canada Precinct will meet at 5 p.m. at the Canada Fire Department. Glenville and Cashiers precincts meeting time is TBD. 586.8782 or fcburrell@frontier.com.

in Waynesville. 452.6789 or recreation@haywoodnc.net.

• Country legend Dwight Yoakam will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Harrah’s Cherokee. Tickets are available at www.harrahscherokee.com or by calling 800.745.3000.

• Jim Colliton and Karen Morgan bring their comedic views on marriage, parenting and family in “Parents Night Out,” which comes to Western Carolina

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University’s John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 in Cullowhee, as part of the Galaxy of Stars Series.

Tickets are $21 for adults; $16 for WCU faculty and staff and $7 for students. Tickets available at the Bardo Arts Center box office or by calling 227.2479.

• Hotel California, a tribute band, will present “A Salute to the Eagles” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets: 866.273.4615 or GreatMountainMusic.com.

• Paul Taylor 2 Dancers, a professional dance company, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. The group is also giving master classes at Western Carolina University and will perform for students at schools in Highlands and Cashiers. Tickets for the March 5 performance are $15 for adults; free for students.

Sponsored by Cullasaja Women’s Outreach, Mountain Findings and Gail & Tim Hughes. Highlandspac.org or 526.9047.

• The Darrah Carr Dance troupe will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. The stage show is mixedstyle modern, basic ballet and a touch of tap — all with an Irish step dance brogue. The evening is part of the Arts and Cultural Events Series. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for the general public. ace.wcu.edu or 227.2612.

February 24-March 1, 2016

• Tickets are available now for “India: World School Program and Community Dinner,” which will be presented by Folkmoot on Friday, March 11. The Schools programs are at 10 and 11 a.m.; the community dinner and Indian dance are from 6-8 p.m. $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-18 or $30 for a family of four or more. Sponsored by Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn. Reservations: 452.2997 or www.FolkmootUSA.org.

• Tickets are on sale now for WCU radio re-creation group’s presentation of “Blackbeard’s Ghost and the Queen Ann’s Revenge.” Tickets: $10 each. Eighth in a series of academic-based entertainment productions mounted in collaboration with three departments and two colleges at WCU. Show will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. All proceeds from the event go to student scholarship funds in the participating departments. 227.3851.

• The Canton Armory will host “Winter Pickin’ in the Armory” at 7 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. The event includes mountain music, vintage country, clogging and dancing. www.cantonnc.com.

• Bogart’s Live Bluegrass/String Band is at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday at 303 S. Main Street in Waynesville.

452.1313.

Smoky Mountain News

• Papertown Country Music & Dance Parlor is from 710 p.m. on Saturdays at 61-1/2 Main Street in Canton. $8. 736.8925.

• Music and Clogging is held from 8-10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at the Stomping Ground at 3116 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 926.1288.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • A free, 90-minute class on Google Photo and file storage will be offered at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Register or get more info by calling 586.2016. Cosponsored by Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

• An introduction to floor loom weaving class will be offered through Southwestern Community College starting Feb. 25 at the Jackson Campus. Class meets from 5:15-8:15 p.m. on Thursdays (except March 24) through March 31. Cost: $120. J_williams@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4497.

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• The all-natural lotion making workshop will be held

from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 27 at the Wild Fern Studio in Bryson City. Learn to extract oils from plants and herbs to create your own salves and lotions. $20 with all materials included. To register, call 736.1605.

• The Western North Carolina Woodturners Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, at the Alternative School in Sylva. Visitors welcome.

• Gem City Forum Toastmasters will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, at the Drake Education Center in Franklin. Develop leadership and speaking abilities and increase communication skills. http://gemcityforum.org/wpblog.

• Create your own mini garden from scratch from 10 a.m. to noon March 5 at the Wild Fern Studio in Bryson City. $20 with all materials included. To register, call 736.1605.

• A free basic and intermediate photography skills course will be offered by Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 2-16, at the college’s Jackson Campus. Instructor is Matthew Turlington of Penumbra Gallery. Registration required: www.southwesterncc.edu/sbc.

• A kickoff event for the Words on Works celebration of the Jackson County Arts Councils’ 40th anniversary will feature a writing workshop with poet Brent Martin from 1-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library.

Free; open to the public. Celebration culminates at 6:30 p.m. on April 26 with the council’s membership meeting. 507.9820 or info@jacksoncountyarts.org.

• A blacksmithing fundamentals class with Brock Martin will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 5-6 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

The course is designed to introduce students to the art of blacksmithing. Fundamental techniques will be covered and students will make simple decorative pieces while incorporating these techniques. Cost is $175 (materials included) due at registration. To register for the class or for more information please call 828.631.0271 or visit www.JCGEP.org.

• Registration is underway for a bladesmith symposium that’s scheduled for March 18-20 at the Haywood Community College campus in Clyde. Knifemaking demonstrations, hands-on blade forging, knife show, auction and more. Fee is $75 for the weekend.

400.7815.

• Penland School of Crafts will hold its community open house from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, in Mitchell County. Education, hands-on activities. Free.

765.2359 or penland.org.

• Penland School of Crafts has open spaces in a number workshops in its second summer session available at half tuition to residents of the following Western North Carolina counties: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey. Regular room and board charges apply, but students are not required to stay on campus. The session runs from March 13 through May 6 with spaces in books and paper, clay, glass, iron, metals, textiles, and wood. Complete information is available in the classes section of the Penland website: www.penland.org. To enroll, call the Penland registrar at 765.2359, ext 1106.

• The Sew Easy Girls meet from noon-3 p.m. on the first Monday of every month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office’s conference room. Learn how to sew. 586.4009.

• A community art group meets at 10 a.m. every Wednesday at the Hudson Library in Highlands.

828.526.3031.

• A Community Art Group meets at 10 a.m. every Wednesday at Hudson Library in Highlands. 526.3031.

• A writer’s group meets at 1 p.m. every Thursday at Hudson Library in Highlands. 526.3031.

• Free one-on-one technology help is offered every Tuesday and Thursday morning at Hudson Library in Highlands. Call 526.3031 to make an appointment.

GALLERIES • Western Carolina University’s Fine Art Museum will host an exhibition exploring the use and meaning of color in art till May 6 in Cullowhee. Museum is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays with extended hours to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission and parking are free. Reception is from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 7.

Fineartmuseum.wcu.edu or 227.3591.

• Photography of Kevin Adams, a naturalist, writer and teacher, is on display through the month of February at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. New artist and medium will be featured every 30 days. 926.7478.

• Contemporary painter R. Bruce Brennan will be on display through Feb. 28 at the Haywood County Arts Council in downtown Waynesville.

• The Haywood County Arts Council will partner with LIFESPAN for their March exhibit that will open Thursday, March 3 at the arts council’s Gallery & Gifts in downtown Waynesville. The art for the March show will be provided by LIFESPAN Arts, an inclusive art studio where artists can experience working with different artistic mediums including painting, pottery, mosaic art, and jewelry. An artist reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 11 at the gallery. www.haywoodarts.org.

• An exhibition of photography and a sculpture installation are on display simultaneously with a clothing drive through March 18 at the Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. All three are part of a collaboration between the museum and WCU’s Office of Service Learning with local community

• The artwork of Cherokee sculptor John Julius Wilnoty is on display through March 25 at Western Carolina University’s Fine Art Museum in Cullowhee. Display is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission and parking are free; museum is closed on university holidays and breaks. Digitalcollections.wcu.edu or 227.7211. fineartmuseum.wcu.edu.

• Artists Maureen Simon (photographer) and Bruce Brennan (painter) are exhibiting their work through March 31 at the Haywood County Public Library in Canton. Simon’s photography shows life on the streets of New Orleans (www.ofifoto.photography). Brennan’s work features expressionist land and seascapes (www.rbrucebrennanfineart.com). HaywoodArts.org.

• The Great Alone movie will be showing Feb. 26 – 28 at the Strand at 38 Main at 7 p.m. on Friday, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday.

• “Spotlight” movie will be showing March 1- March 13 at the Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. See website for times at 38main.com or call 283.0079.

• A new movie starring Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks will be shown at 2 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room. Movie’s about a salesman who discovers a sister he never knew while settling his recently deceased father’s estate. PG-13; 1:54. 524.3600.

• “Creed” will be shown on March 3-4 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

586.3555 • A classic musical will be shown at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 4, in the Macon County Public Library’s Meeting Room in Franklin. On an island during WWII, love blooms between a nurse and a Frenchman who’s being courted for a dangerous mission. 2:37.

524.3600.

• Adult movie time, 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Jackson County Public Library. Call for title of movie.

586.2016.

• Haywood County Arts Council will host artists from the Haywood Art Studio Tour at the Gallery & Gifts Space in Waynesville. www.HaywoodArts.org.

FILM & SCREEN • “Bridge of Spies will be shown on Feb. 24-25 at 7 p.m. at the Strand on Main in Waynesville.

38main.com or 283.0079.

• “Spectre-007” will be shown on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. 586.3555.

Outdoors • A workshop on non-native invasive plants will be offered from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Feb. 26, at the Community Building in Highlands. Presented by Land Stewards, Highlands Biological Station, Highlands-

Cashiers Land Trust, Highlands Plateau Audubon, Highlands Plateau Greenway and the Town of Highlands. Landscape professionals are welcome.

Taught by Dr. Randy and Becky Westbrook, invasive plant specialists from Southeastern Community College, and Dr. Dan Pitillo, professor emeritus from Western Carolina University. No charge for morning session; $50 for morning and afternoon. For info or to register, visit highlandsbiological.org or call 526.2602.

wnc calendar

ART SHOWINGS AND

groups Mountain Projects and Sylva Linings Thrift Store. Sculptures by Jarod Charzewski; photography by Pedro Lobo. Museum is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays with extended hours to 7 p.m. on Thursdays.

Admission and parking are free.

Fineartmuseum.wcu.edu or 227.3591. The exhibit runs through May 20 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. The display is in the Mountain Heritage Center’s second-floor gallery in Hunter Library. The gallery is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 227.7129.

• A banquet celebrating the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River’s accomplishments in the past year will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Comfort Inn of Sylva. Dinner, silent auction, year-inreview presentation and bestowing of volunteer of the year award. Free; RSVP required by Feb. 26. 550.8487 or rick_s_queen@yahoo.com.

• A presentation on the history of Gorges State Park and the surrounding areas of the Jocassee Valley will be given by a park ranger at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, at the visitor center.

• A program entitled Creating S.M.A.R.T.E.R Trails will be presented by Woody Keen from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 29 at REI Asheville. Keen’s presentation is about making sustainable, manageable, artistic, recreational trails that are ecologically sound and have good risk management. Register online: www.rei.com/events/introto-sustainable-trails-with-woodykeen/asheville/136792.

• The Lake Junaluska Clean-Up Day is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 5. Severe weather date is March 12. Meet at Kern Center. Limited number of tshirts will be given out. 452.2881.

• “Tie a Fly for a Veteran” - A fly-tying event that will benefit military veterans - is scheduled for 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, at Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley. Flye-tyers are invited. Event supports Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit that uses fly fish-

February 24-March 1, 2016 Smoky Mountain News

A million miles away is just down the road. visitnc.com

49

exam prep, college applications, financial aid and more. 366.2000 or stop by the Swain Center.

wnc calendar

ing as therapy for military veterans.

Fearnofishbob@att.net or 246.8015.

• An “Introduction to Fly Fishing” class will be offered for ages 12 and up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 8 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Transylvania County. Free. Offered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3 – equipment, knots and casting will be covered.

• “On the Water: Little River” - a fly fishing course will be offered from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 9 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Transylvania County. Free. Offered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3 • “Wild Survival” exhibit featuring the return of North America’s wolves and peregrine falcons will be on display through May 8 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville.

Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center. Free; non-member guests are required to pay $12 parking fee. www.ncarboretum.org.

FARM AND GARDEN • Seminars on establishing and maintaining strawberry, raspberry and blackberry patches are scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, at the Jackson County Extension Center in Sylva and from 10-11:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at the Swain Extension Center near Bryson City. Free. Register or get more info: 586.4009, 488.3848 or christine_bredenkamp@ncsu.edu.

February 24-March 1, 2016

• Registration is underway for a workshop on “Growing Shiitake Mushrooms,” which is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at the Macon County Environmental Resource Center. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 26 at the resource center. $10 materials fee. 349.2046.

• The Macon County Poultry Club of Franklin meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cooperative Extension Office on Thomas Heights Rd,.

Open to the public. 369.3916.

daisytk@yahoo.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate 6mile hike, with an elevation change of 520 feet on Saturday, Feb. 27, near Clayton, Ga. Call leader Mary Stone, 369.7352, for reservations. Visitors welcome, no dogs please.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 13.4-mile hike with a 2,300-foot elevation gain on Feb. 28. For more info, contact leader Jay Bretz at 658.1220 or williambretz1220@gmail.com.

• A five-mile hike of John Rock Loop will be offered through the Waynesville Recreation Department on March 4. Departure is at 9 a.m.; return is at 5:30 p.m. $5 members; $7 for non-members. Elevation gain of 1,000 feet. RSVP: 456.2030 or in person at the Waynesville Recreation Center. www.waynesvillenc.gov/hiking-opportunities.

• Friends of the Smokies’ first Classic Hike of the year is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9, in the Little Cataloochee area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 6.6 miles; moderate in difficulty; elevation gain of 1,400 feet. Led by outdoor enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein. $20 for existing members; $35 for new members. All 10 hikes in the series are $160, which can be mailed to Friends of the Smokies, 160 S. Main Street in Waynesville, NC 28786. Hike.friendsofthesmokies.org.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Friends of the Lake 5K Road Race & Walk will be held Saturday, March 26. www.lakejunaluska.com.

• 5K Run and Walk will be held starting at 9 a.m. on April 23, at Mark Watson Park through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation as part of the Greening up the Mountains. $15 pre-registration fee through April 16. Register online at www.imathlete.com or stop by the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Race day registration begins at 8 a.m., and the cost will be $20.

HIKING CLUBS • Carolina Mountain club will have a 10.8-mile hike with a 1,400-foot ascent on Feb. 24. For info, contact leader Daisy Karasek at 505.2036, 408.887.3666 or

Smoky Mountain News

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings

Ongoing BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Free GED test-preparation classes offered by Southwestern Community College, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays and 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Wednesdays and Fridays, SCC Swain Center, Room 101.

Instruction in other college and career readiness activities including computer skills, resume writing, filling out job applications, job searches, college entrance

• Tech-savvy questions will be answered from 10 a.m.8 p.m. every Tuesday in the month of January at the Jackson County Library. 586.2016.

• The Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley is now open for its 2015 season. The museum showcases one of the rarest collections of vintage motorcycles and antique automobiles. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday through Monday. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors age 65 and up, and $6 for children. www.wheelsthroughtime.com.

• Entrepreneurship training available online through HCC Small Business Center through a partnership with Hewlett Packard and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship. Access courses at www.ncsbc.net, call 627.4512 or kgould@haywood.edu. Information about upcoming workshops is available on the HCC Small Business Center website at SBC.Haywood.edu.

• Southwestern Community College cosmetology students are offering haircuts, manicures and nail tech services from 8 to 11 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, on Tuesdays through Thursdays at SCC’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. 339.4238, southwesterncc.edu or rmccall@southwesterncc.edu.

• Human Resource Development class, SCC Swain Center. Get help with resume writing, job searches, online job applications completions, and much more.

SCC Swain Center, Jennifer Ashlock, 366.2000 or Yvonne Price, 366.2002.

• Southwestern Community College offers "Employability" labs 8 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesday, room 104, Oaks Hall, Southwestern Community College, Jackson Campus; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Room 104, SCC Macon Annex; 8 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays, SCC Swain Center; and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Cherokee Vocational Center, Cherokee.

• One-on-One Computer Support Program available at the Jackson County Public Library. Individual appointments are set up by the Adult Services Department, 586.2016 for more information.

• Spanish Club Round Table Discussions, noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, gazebo at the Macon Campus of Southwestern Community College.

• Entrepreneur Skills Network business skills meetings, 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday in the Jackson County Justice and Administration Building, Sylva. Experienced and startup entrepreneurs are welcome. 586.5466 or esn4meetings@gmail.com.

• Ready to Read, adult literacy program to help those who are illiterate or need to improve/strengthen their reading skills, 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Genealogy Study Room on the second floor of Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

HEALTH MATTERS • Al-Anon, a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who believe their lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking, meets at 10 a.m. on Saturdays at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 356.2800.

• “Health on Wheels” road ride, a relaxing social ride supporting physical and mental recovery from illness or injury – as well as anyone who hasn’t ridden in awhile – starts at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday at Canton Rec Park. For info, contact Michelle Trantham at mttrantham@hotmail.com or Melissa Rockett at mrockett@mountainwise.com/ • A Tuesday Meditation Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin.

• A health-centered lunch and learn will be held on the third Thursday of every other month starting with the noon event on Aug. 20 at Swain Medical Park. Free light lunch will be served. Presented by Swain County Hospital and Swain County Health Department.

586.7734 or info@westcare.org.

• Kidney Smart Classes are held from 4:30-6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the third-floor video conference room at Angel Medical Center in Franklin. 369.9474.

• Kidney Smart Classes are held from 3-4:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at EBCI Health and Medical in Cherokee. For info, call Sue at 361.0430.

• Kidney Smart Classes are held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at DaVita Waynesville Dialysis Center. For info, call Clark at 627.2907.

• A pro bono clinic will provide physical therapy services to underserved and underinsured populations of Western North Carolina from 6-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of every month on the first floor of the Health and Human Sciences Building in Cullowhee. For information, contact the clinic at 227.3527 or MAPPTClinic@wcu.edu.

333-15

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’ $

92

20’x20’ $

160

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828

50

• Guidance on looking for a job or gaining basic job skills will be available from 1-4 p.m. each Wednesday at the Macon County Public Library. One-on-one help from a Southwestern Community College employability instructor. 524.3600.

• Haywood Community College offers Get a Job workshops, which include: Basic Computer Skills from 10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday; Create a Great Resume workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. every Tuesday; Job Search Basics from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday; Interview Tips from 10 a.m. to noon every Thursday; Customer Service Excellence from 2 to 4 p.m. every Thursday; Time Management from 10 a.m. to noon every Monday; Your Electronic Portfolio from 10 a.m. to noon every Friday; Spanish Translation Career Coaching and Self-paced English Study from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday; Career Coaches are available for individual help from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 564.5093 or 246.9233.

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

Puzzles can be found on page 54.

These are only the answers.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ARTS & CRAFTS

MarketPlace information:

ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

AUCTION

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

597+/-ACRES LAND AUCTION Duplin County, NC, Excellent Cropland & Prime Merchantable Timber, 40 minutes from Wilmington, 6 miles off I-40, Tuesday MARCH 8 at 2 p.m. @ Country Squire Restaurant. www.HouseAuctionCompany.com 252.729.1162.

NCAL#7889 AUCTION Online Bidding. Manufacturing/Industrial Equipment Dust Collectors, Nash Vacuum Pumps, Separators, Blowers, Air Valves, Pumps, Conveyor Belt Sections & More! Bid 2/23-3/1, Chester/Richmond, VA. www.motleys.com.

804.232.3300x4. VAAL#16.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

GUN & MILITARY AUCTION Saturday, Mar. 5, 9am. 201 S. Central Ave., Locust, NC. Selling 140+ Guns & Hundreds of Military Memorabilia to Settle Divorce Case.

Lugers, Broomhandle, Colts, NIB Browning, Uniforms, Swords, 1941 Johnson Rifle, Helmets, more.

704.791.8825. NCAF5479. www.ClassicAuctions.com.

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

INC.

R

DI

SC OV E R E

ATR

PE

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS

MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

828-456-5387

333-29

YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 for more.

BUILDING MATERIALS

HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

CARS -

ACORN STAIRLIFTS. The Affordable Solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & Save. Please call 1.800.291.2712 for Free DVD and Brochure.

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R

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT NEED MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experience Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122

EMPLOYMENT NOW HIRING Class A CDL Drivers! - Free Healthcare! Regional & OTR positions open. Pay starting at 40cpm. 1yr. experience required. Call 864.649.2063 or visit Drive4JGR.com. EOE.

ROSCOE - A SUPER CUTE BEAGLE AND JACK RUSSELL MIX BOY, ABOUT ONE YEAR OLD. HE IS FRIENDLY AND EASY GOING, AND LOVES TO PLAY WITH HIS BROTHER. TO SCHEDULE A MEET AND GREET, PLEASE SUBMIT THE APPLICATION AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: HTTP://WWW.SARGEANIMALS.ORG,/

www.smokymountainnews.com

February 24-March 1, 2016

LINK - A HANDSOME FLAME-POINT SIAMESE MIX KITTY, WITH BEAUTIFUL BLUE EYES. HE IS A FRIENDLY, CONFIDENT BOY, SO WILL ADAPT WELL TO MOST ANY NEW FAMILY WHO ADOPTS HIM. SUBMIT THE APPLICATION TO ADOPT AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: HTTP://WWW.SARGEANIMALS.ORG./

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD IN BRYSON CITY Has an Immediate Need for Two Temporary Car Shop Maintenance Workers. These Positions are Scheduled to Last 60 Days, Possibly Longer. Someone with a General Labor Background is Preferred. Must be able to Pass a Criminal Background Check and a Physical Capability Test. The Pay is $10/Hr. For Additional Info Please Call Melissa at 828.488.7019 or E-mail at: mdusold@gsmr.com

NURSE PRACTITIONER Part-Time - Employee Health and Primary Care Provider at Macon Co. Public Health. Must be Licensed in North Carolina.

Supervision Provided On-Site by Medical Director. See Full Posting at: www.ncapha.org

ATTN: CDL DRIVERS Avg. $60k+/yr. $2K Sign-On Bonus. Family Company w/Great Miles. Love Your Job and Your Truck. CDL-A Req. 877.258.8782. www.drive4melton.com AVIATION GRADS Work With Jetblue, Boeing, Delta And Others - Start Here With Hands On Training For FAA Certification.

Financial Aid If Qualified. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.866.724.5403 SAPA DRIVER TRAINEES Paid CDL Training! Stevens Transport will cover all costs! No Experience Needed! Earn $800 per week!

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NOW HIRING Class A CDL Drivers! - Free Healthcare! Regional & OTR positions open. Pay starting at 40cpm. 1yr. experience required. Call 864.649.2063 or visit Drive4JGR.com. EOE. NUTRITIONIST II/WIC DIRECTOR At Macon County Public Health.

See Full Posting at: http://maconnc.org/job-listings. html NEED MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES! Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experience Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122 THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Is recruiting for a Social Worker in Child Protective Services. This position investigates reports of child abuse and neglect and provides services to families where needs have been identified. Requires limited availability after hours and on weekends on a rotating basis. Salary will be commensurate with candidate qualifications; the minimum starting salary is $41,276.54.

Minimum qualifications include a four year degree in a Human Service field. Preference will be given to applicants with a Master's or Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and/or experience providing Social Work services.

Applicants should complete a NC State application form (PD-107) and submit it to the Sylva branch of the NC Division of Workforce Solutions (formerly ESC).

EMPLOYMENT

MOUNTAIN CREDIT UNION Career Opportunities in WNC for Experienced Financial Services Professionals! See Current Openings at: mountaincu.org Branch Manager, Loan Officer, or Member Service Representative.

Seven Locations to Serve Our Members.

THE NAVY IS HIRING Top-notch training, medical/dental, 30 days vacation/yr, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34.

Call Mon.-Fri. 800.662.7419 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The North Carolina Press Association has a great opportunity for a new executive director to lead our 143-year-old organization into the next phase of its history. Our ideal candidate will be able to manage the day-to day, plan and develop strategy, sell the organization's benefits and services, work with the state legislature, and work closely with a talented staff. This is a hands-on job with giant rewards for the right person. For a list of job duties, or to send a resume for consideration, please email Pat Taylor, NCPA president, at pat@thepilot.com.

FINANCIAL BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA SELL YOUR STRUCTURED Settlement or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don't have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1.800.316.0271.

SERIOUSLY INJURED By a Truck or Commercial Vehicle?

Get Justice! We’ve Recovered Millions. No money out of pocket! Call Our Attorneys for a Free Consultation! 1.866.803.2781. SAPA

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.725.2962 52

Equal Housing Opportunity

FINANCIAL SERIOUSLY INJURED In an Auto Accident? Let us fight for you! If our attorneys don’t win, you don’t pay!! Call today for a Free Consultation!

1.866.708.0811. SAPA SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1.800.670.4805 to start your application today! SAPA

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on an equal opportunity basis.

REAL ESTATE WANTED TO BUY WANTED: OLD BARN, HOUSE, OR Other Building to Salvage, or Tear Down, for Lumber/Building Materials; Terms Negotiable.

Licensed & Insured. Call or Text John 828.380.1232 or email: john@ashevillepropertyservices. com

HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

maggievalleyselfstorage.com GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

LAWN & GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

FURNITURE COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

FOR SALE

WANTED TO BUY CASH PAID For Unexpired, Sealed Diabetic Test Strips - Highest Prices! Shipping Prepaid. 1 Day Payment.

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Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

828.506.7137

aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

www.sunburstrealty.com/amy-spivey

Ann Eavenson R B A ESIDENTIAL

ROKER

SSOCIATE

ann@beverly-hanks.com

Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

MEDICAL A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation.

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STOP OVERPAYING For your prescriptions! Save up to 93%! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy service to compare prices and get $15.00 off your first prescription and Free Shipping. 1.800.265.0768 SAPA STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS Or Alcohol? Addicted to Pills? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free Assessment. 800.511.6075 SAPA VIAGRA & CIALIS USERS! Cut your drug costs! Save $$! 50 Pills for $99.00. Free Shipping!

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PERSONAL A CARING YOUNG Married couple (she-35/he-42) seek to adopt. Will be FT Mom and devoted dad. Financial security.

Expenses PAID. Call or Text.

Veronica & Adam 1.800.790.5260 SAPA

• Margie MacDonald - margie@4smokys.com

Beverly Hanks & Associates • • • • • • • •

www.beverly-hanks.com

828.506.0542

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EMERSON ——————————————

GROUP

George Escaravage BROKER/REALTOR PO BOX 54

|

46 SOUTH MAIN STREET

WAYNESVILLE, NC 28786 | WWW.EMERSONGROUPUS.COM

828.400.0901 • 828.456.7705 george@emersongroupus.com

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766 • Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

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smokymountainnews.com

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

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February 24-March 1, 2016

WNC MarketPlace

Super

54

CROSSWORD

REMAKING “THE LONGEST DAY” ACROSS 1 Escape key’s position 8 Schoolroom with easels, maybe 14 Not very new 20 Spur on 21 Big name in luxury watches 22 Darius’ land 23 Biceps with more sweat?

25 Rang, as bells 26 Hosp. triage sites 27 El Cid, e.g.

28 Puerto 30 Troll’s home 31 Zest 32 Running specialists’ outfits?

38 Actress Kerr 42 Whoopi’s “The Color Purple” role 43 Fruit coverer 44 Shut down skiing peaks again?

47 Flinches or blinks, say 51 Check beneficiary 52 In order (to) 54 “I figured it out!”

55 With 78-Down, Coke Zero, e.g.

56 Lipstick flaw 60 Breaks loose 64 Vanquish 67 Put cicadas under water?

70 Sleep like 72 Assume as fact 73 “... to market, to buy pig” 74 Most inferior shoe bottoms?

79 Fasteners threaded at two ends 83 Zippy chip dip 84 Railroad station 86 Afghanistan’s Tora 87 Application 88 - Minor (Little Dipper locale) 91 Altercations 94 Hound type 98 Never-forgotten fourletter words?

102 Like sharp cheese 104 After, in Amiens 105 Filamentous 106 What a store manager likes to see on faces?

111 FedEx or DHL rival 112 “No” voter 113 Roo’s friend 114 Norwegian hub 116 Bee product 119 Sea robber 121 June event “remade” six times in this puzzle 127 GPS suggestions 128 Hard money 129 Less trustful 130 Aim 131 Atoll part 132 Sam-I-am’s creator DOWN 1 Proctor’s cry 2 - about (around) 3 Omegas’ preceders 4 33 1/3 rpm discs 5 “Doesn’t matter which of the two” 6 Ticket given gratis 7 The “T” of NWT: Abbr.

8 - Dhabi (emirate) 9 Toys - (kids’ haven) 10 “Creep” trio

11 IM snicker 12 Not at all fond of 13 Fundamental 14 Enemy 15 “Life of Pi” director Ang 16 Biting Count 17 Hajji’s faith 18 Food strainer 19 Pluto’s realm 24 Pop idol?

29 Perp catcher 31 Groups of athletes on horseback 33 Hosp. area with IVs 34 Sci-fi writer Stanislaw 35 Tree for a bark beetle 36 “How the Other Half Lives” author Jacob 37 With 41-Down, tittering laughs 38 “Judge -” (1995 Stallone film) 39 “- Meenie” (2010 hit) 40 A-G linkup 41 See 37-Down 45 Long hauler 46 Stuffing stuff 48 Raven cries 49 “I heard -!”

50 Expresses 53 Ward of “CSI: NY” 57 Pre- - (replace) 58 “- ‘n’ Andy” 59 Put new turf on 61 Miso soup ingredient 62 Labor pain?

63 Motor coaches 65 - mater 66 Labor 68 Really peeve 69 Scale interval 71 Central figure of

Christianity, in Florence 74 Bait fish 75 Santa -, California 76 Some Pac-12 athletes 77 Indian wrap 78 See 55-Across 80 Plenty o’ 81 Cornered, as a raccoon 82 Smart-alecky 85 Pinball no-no 89 Bad wrecks 90 Clock radio toggle 92 Pulitzer-winning composer Gunther 93 Reasons 95 Surfeit 96 Psyche part 97 Big storm 99 “... - quit!”

100 Clergyman’s field: Abbr.

101 Mao - -tung 103 “In excelsis -” 106 Old Ford 107 Grant’s side 108 Swagger 109 TV actress Portia de 110 Salt’s “Help!”

115 Sotheby’s cry 116 2012 Nintendo console 117 Deck quartet 118 Children of boomers 120 “Taps” hour 122 Blanc of many voices 123 Onetime big record label 124 One, in Berlin 125 M&M color 126 Three, in Bari

answers on page 50

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WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 50

Early blooming violets inspire their own poetry

O

Fair as a star when only one is shining in the sky.”

“A violet by a mossy stone half hidden from the eye!

Napoleon gathered violets on Corsica in the Mediterranean when he was a boy.

Banished to the island of Elba not far from Corsica in the spring of 1814, he smiled and said: “I shall return … with violets.”

When he suddenly reappeared the following spring with his Grand Army, he did indeed come bearing violets … and canons.

His soldiers called him “Caporal Violette” or “Le Pere Violet.”

But the general’s Elba violets did not bring him luck at Waterloo. Wellington and the Prussian allies were not interested in flowers. In final exile on St. Elena with nothing better to do Napoleon grew violets as a pastime.

I don’t really think about Ophelia, Napoleon or Wordsworth when I see violets.

As a card-carrying naturalist, I think about the strategies violets and other plants have contrived to accomplish pollination.

In a week or two in open areas the common blue violet (Viola papilionacea) will blanket the ground where there is sufficient moisture. Examine these stands and you will invariably find individual flowers that are tinged with pale gray rather than blue.

George Ellison

ne of the earliest violets to bloom each year is round-leaved yellow violet (Viola rotundifolia). I just now spotted one down the creek below the house, which gives me something to write about.

Worldwide there are about 500 violet species — some growing as herbs, others as low shrubs — with the greatest variety occurring in the Andes Mountains of South America.

There are about 50 species in eastern North America.

Twenty-five or so of those are found in Columnist Western North Carolina.

Fragrant, colorful, and delicate, violets have through the years accumulated numerous connotations and associations. What do you think of when you see violets in the wild?

After Ophelia died, Shakespeare had Laertes say: “Lay her in the earth, and from her fair and unpolluted flesh may violets grow.”

Wordsworth was more cheerful. He wrote a little poem titled “Fair as a Star:”

BACK THEN

sively.

In addition to emitting sweet fragrances and displaying color variants, violets also provide a lower petal that serves as a landing platform for the visiting insect. And they even have lines (nectar guides) that lead it — like lights on a runway — to the nectar source. During this catering process, the unwitting critter is doused with pollen, which it unknowingly carries to another violet of the same species that is in turn cross-fertilized.

Try as you might, I’ll bet the first thing you think about when you spot your first violet of the spring won’t be pollination strategies. Chances are it will be what Shakespeare had Violets. Laertes say about Ophelia: Elizabeth Ellison illustration “Lay her in the earth, and from her fair and unpolluted flesh may violets grow.” tion tactics. Everything about a flower Or, if not, it might be of “Caporal (color, shape, blooming season, fragrance, Violette” saying: “I shall return … with vioetc.) has to do with attracting pollinators lets” and setting fruit. In our part of the world Or, if you’re fortunate, it’ll be of most of the pollination of wildflowers is Wordsworth’s “one star … shining in the done by insects. A notable exception, of sky.” course, is the relationship between certain (George Ellison is a naturalist and writer. red-flowering plants (like cardinal flower) He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.) that cater to hummingbirds almost excluSurprisingly, these are not a separate species but a color variant (or morph) of the common blue violet. It’s usually known as the Confederate violet (Viola papilionacea var. priceana).

Why would a given plant species display variant color forms? The answer is pollina-

February 24-March 1, 2016 Smoky Mountain News 55

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Smoky Mountain News February 24-March 1, 2016