Outdoors

While it can make for dangerous driving conditions, snow intensifies the beauty of the Smokies’ dramatic landscape. Donated photo

The locked gate

Road closure decisions complex in the Smokies

BY HOLLY KAYS S TAFF WRITER L isa Hendy is an early riser, and when it comes to dealing with snow days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that’s a good thing.

As chief ranger, Hendy’s responsibilities are many — but one of them is deciding when, if and for how long to close the roads when the weather gets bad.

“Really what it boils down to is a combination of the forecast and observations on the ground,” she said during a phone call just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20.

At that time, snow was falling steadily across the region and had been since the day began, though with varying results. In some parts of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains, the temperature hung stubbornly above freezing, causing the flakes to melt on impact. But at the higher elevations, the air was colder and the snow was already accumulating. A few degrees can make the difference between wet tires and an icy slide.

TO CLOSE A ROAD Hendy had already been awake for more than eight hours, which is typical for her. She rises each morning at 4 a.m., and when severe weather’s in the forecast — as it was that morning — the early wakeup allows her to get a jump on the day’s planning. The park bases its closure decisions on forecasts from the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tennessee, as well as on-the-ground observations from employees. By 5:30 a.m., she was on a call with Facility Management Division Chief Alan Sumeriski and Deputy Superintendent Clay Jordan to discuss the situation.

In those early morning hours, rangers who live in the park, road crew staff and anyone else who has a firsthand look will text Sumeriski to let him know what they see. The more observations, the better — with its dramatic variation in topography and elevation, conditions can vary wildly within the park’s 816 square miles.

This particular morning, the decision was clear. Snow was falling, and it would continue to do so for the rest of the day. It may have been warm enough at park headquarters for the flakes to melt into harmless water, but that certainly wasn’t the case 3,600 feet higher at Newfound Gap. The first webcam image of the day, taken at 7 a.m., shows patches of snow already accumulating on rocks and curbs along U.S. 441.

The team comes down on the side of caution when considering a closure. The decision affects the safety not only of visitors, but of staff as well.

“A lot of folks think, ‘Well, I’m an experienced driver. I have a four wheel-drive vehicle. I should be allowed to take that risk for myself,’” said Hendy. “But a secondary concern to that is the safety of our responders if something should happen.”

There’s also a heavy emphasis on anticipating how quickly conditions might deteriorate. Closing a road involves a lot more than locking a gate and walking away. Before blocking any entrances or exits, crews must patrol the entire road to make sure that any visitors already in the area have a chance to get out. In the case of Newfound Gap Road, that can take two or three hours, enough time for weather conditions to change significantly.

“We’re erring on the side of the safety of the public and our safety as we clear those roads,” said Hendy. “And there’s times maybe

we get it wrong, but the goal is always to prioritize those roads, keep the ones open that we can that are the lifeblood of these communities, and we do the best we can to do that for as long as we can, safely.”

The Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is always the first priority, as it’s the main route of travel between those two communities. The U.S. 441 corridor, also called Newfound Gap Road, is the second priority.

Since winter 2010-2011, U.S. 441 has been closed for an average of 23 days from October to March each year. The winter of 2012-13 had the smallest length of closure, at 7.2 days — though that tally excludes a prolonged three-month closure due to flooding — followed by 8.9 days in 2011-12. Winter 2017-18 had the most with 32 days, closely tailed by 2015-16 with 31. The figures, compiled just before the Feb. 20 closure, listed 26.2 days for the current year.

Sometimes, accidents happen anyway. Earlier this year a ranger was injured by a falling tree that hit his patrol car as he was sweeping the road for a planned closure. Since Dec. 29, 2018, two people have been killed by falling trees.

From that standpoint, wind can be just as dangerous as snow. In 2019, the park experienced 12 high wind warnings, in which winds were expected to blow more than 40 miles per hour or gust faster than 58 miles per hour. That’s nearly twice the seven such warnings issued in 2018; three high wind warnings have been issued so far in 2020.

The aftermath of the 2016 wildfires, coupled with the excessive moisture of the last couple years, ratchets up the risk those weather events pose.

“You’ve got less soil stability or at least impacted soil stability, and a whole lot of rain coming all at once, and then you get a high wind event — that’s a horrible domino effect,” said Hendy. F

After the decision is made to close U.S. 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rangers must patrol the entire corridor to ensure that any visitors in the area are able to get out before the gates close. NPS photo

Get schooled in preparedness

Registration is now open for the ninth annual Heritage Life Skills event offering classes in a variety of survival-related skills.

This year’s event will be held May 8 to 10 at the Folkmoot Center in Waynesville, with classes running the gamut from bread-making and harvesting medicinal plants to surviving martial law and avoiding end-of-theworld cults.

Register by Feb. 29 for $125 or $50 for students 18 and under, with prices rising by $10 for registration prior to March 2.1 Singleday admission rates are also available. Organized by Carolina Readiness Supply. Learn more at carolinareadiness.com.

By 1 p.m. on Feb. 20, conditions were quite a bit different at Newfound Gap, elevation 5,046, than they were at Interstate 40 near Clyde, elevation 2,543 feet. GSMNP/NCDOT webcam photos

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AFTER THE STORM Getting the road opened up again is just as big a task as closing it down, if not bigger. First, of course, you’ve got to wait for the bulk of the storm to pass. Often, that happens overnight and means another 5:30 a.m. phone call the next day. Based once again on weather forecasts and reported ground conditions, Hendy, Sumeriski and Jordan will decide if the road should open back up that day, and then it will be up to road crews to take a ride and decide what cleanup is needed — plowing, removing downed trees — before inviting the public back in.

All this requires a lot of communication and coordination in an environment where employees are far-flung and cell service basically nonexistent. Before opening the gates, it’s essential that park managers ensure that all road crews are aware that there will soon be cars on the way — often, workers are still finishing the cleanup when the gate opens.

“We have to make sure they all know that we’re swinging the gates, and of course

we have to coordinate with the North Carolina side so we’re not just opening half of it,” Hendy said.

But the timeline of all this depends on just how bad the weather was. If the road is miraculously clear of snow, ice and debris when crews drive it in the morning, the gates could come up before the sun does. Otherwise, the reopening takes longer — in the case of last week’s storm, U.S. 441 didn’t reopen until 2 p.m. Feb. 21, more than 30 hours after it closed.

“I get stopped all the time by people wanting to know, ‘How do you make these decisions?’” said Hendy. “That’s how it is. It’s not arbitrary at all.”

But if people are to continue enjoying these wild places and rangers are to continue protecting their ability to do so, safety must be a priority.

“I spent my entire life protecting these spaces so people can come here and enjoy them — nobody wants to shut them down,” said Hendy. “But we have to look at the safety of our visitors and the safety of our own people.”

written by Ingles Dietitian Leah McGrath Ingles Nutrition Notes

QUESTION: If someone has diabetes should they be buying sugar-free products?

ANSWER: It is a common misunderstanding that individuals that have diabetes must eat sugar-free items; when in fact they should be checking portion sizes, carbohydrates and calories. Many sugarfree items still contain carbohydrates that will affect blood sugar. Additionally, food brands like to call out “sugar-free” attributes on products like candy, cookies, and cakes that contain sugar alcohols that can cause GI (bowel) distress (gas and bloating) so often those items are not the best choice for someone with diabetes. Individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can eat a wide variety of items (not just sugar-free) as long as they are monitoring their carbohydrate intake, paying attention to portion size and keeping blood sugar under control and in the desirable range with diet, exercise and in many cases medication. For more information on managing your blood sugar and food choices see www.diabetes.org and https://www.joslin.org/

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN Ingles Market Corporate Dietitian @InglesDietitian Leah McGrath - Dietitian 800.334.4936 Ingles Markets… caring about your health February 26-March 3, 2020

Run the Assault on BlackRock

Registration is open for the 10th annual Assault on BlackRock, with the Humane Society of Jackson County to receive all proceeds from the race planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at Pinnacle Park in Sylva. The grueling course traverses 7 miles of trail with 2,770 feet of elevation gain. Participants will climb rocky roadbeds and a single-track trail to the 5,810-foot BlackRock summit in the spruce-fir forest topping the Plott Balsam Mountains. The point offers a nearly 360-degree view.

The first 100 people to register will receive a T-shirt, with prizes awarded to top finishers. All runners completing the course in 101 minutes or less will receive a special belt buckle. One aid station will be set up to offer water to runners, but to reduce waste runners are asked to bring a handheld water bottle or collapsible cup.

$25, or $30 on race day. Register online at www.ultrasignup.com. Brian Barwatt, 828.506.2802 or barwatt@hotmail.com.

Softball league forming in Waynesville

A spring adult softball league is organizing in Waynesville, with an organizational meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

Games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Vance Street softball field beginning April 14. The entry fee will be based on the number of teams at the organizational meeting.

Donald Hummel, 828.456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

February 26-March 3, 2020 Volunteers patrol the lakeshore for litter. Donated photo

Give back to Lake Junaluska Lake Junaluska will hold its annual Lake Cleanup Day 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 7, with all invited to help clear debris that’s collected along shorelines and entrance roadways.

“With the drawn-down lake, we can gain access on foot to pockets of trash that are normally accessible only by boat,” said Lake Cleanup Day Project Coordinator Jim Pearson. “This equates to more than 3 miles of shoreline that need to be cleaned.”

Event organizers the Junaluskans will provide coffee and light snacks for participants, as well as garbage bags, litter pickup sticks, gloves and canoes for waterborne cleanup efforts. Haywood Waterways Association is partnering on the cleanup. Helpers of all ages are welcome, but adult chaperones should accompany youth. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own equipment such as gloves and litter grabbers when possible.

Volunteers will gather at the Kern Center near the pool at 8:15 a.m. to sign in and get organized, with a group photo at 8:50 a.m. and work starting at 9 a.m. Groups of six or more can pre-register and thereby choose in advance where they want to work on cleanup day. Pre-registration is available from March 2 to March 5 by contacting Pearson at 502.419.3035. The event will be held rain or shine.

Green documentary screening offered

A new program series called the Naturally Green Initiative will kick off at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at FROG Quarters in Franklin.

The evening will feature screening of the award-winning documentary “The Need to Grow — Save the Soil…Save the World,” with a discussion facilitated by Frank Smith. The program is hosted by Friends of the Greenway, with FROG Quarters located at 573 E. Main Street.

Become A Member Today! Contact the Membership Department for More Info — 828-926-4831

Be prepared while fishing

Learn how to prepare for the hazards sometimes encountered while fishing in the wild during the next meeting of the Tuckaseigee River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in Sylva.

Ed Saleem, a retired water and energy conservation manager who lives in Maggie Valley, will speak about potential hazards, as well as methods of preparation, prevention and survival.

The meeting will be held at the United Community Bank on 1640 E. Main Street, with dinner available for $5 and raffle tick

Davidson River Campground partially open

After a month-long closure for tree removal operations, a portion of the Davidson River Campground in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard reopened on Feb. 22. The Sycamore Loop, which includes 10 campsites with electric hookups, is now available for camping. However, portions of Exercise Trail No. 344 and North Slope Trail No. 359 are still closed.

During the closure, which began Jan. 15, select pine trees were removed for public safety. The trees were diagnosed with a root disease that made them susceptible to blowing over. Most of them were planted in the 1960s on what was formerly farmland — over the past several years many hazard trees have been removed from the campground.

Visitors should be aware that large amounts of woody debris remain on the ground. The remainder of the campground is still closed for cleanup, and visitors should stay out of closed areas.

The campground is expected to fully reopen on March 27, but it will look very different with less shade and visible stumps. After cleanup operations are complete, crews will begin replanting trees. Reserve campsites at www.recreation.gov.

Volunteers are wanted to lead informational tours of historic Mingus Mill in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a training planned for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 9, at the Oconaluftee Administration Building near Cherokee.

The mill, built in 1886, is located half a mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. It gives visitors a look into the inner workings of a mill that custom-ground everything from corn to wheat to rye. The intricacy of the turbine-driven mill provided local patrons with cornmeal and flour in a fraction of the time possible at other types of mills.

Volunteers work alongside Great Smoky Mountains Association employees to educate visitors about Mingus Mill as well as the general role of milling in the Smokies. They are asked to fill at least one shift per week, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., during the peak season from April through November.

Register for the training with Park Resource Education Ranger Florie Takaki, 828.497.1906 or florie_takaki@nps.gov.

Volunteer at Clingmans Dome

Learn more about the Clingmans Dome area in order to share that knowledge with Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors during a volunteer training 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, March 9, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee.

Volunteers will help staff the information center at Clingmans Dome, which sits at 6,300 feet in elevation and offers guests information about high-elevation spruce-fir forests, as well as about recreation opportunities, trip planning and wayfinding. They will work along Great Smoky Mountains Association employees, filling one 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift per week, April 1 through Nov. 30. Volunteers are needed for each day of the week except for Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Sign up for the volunteer training with Florie Takaki, 828.497.1906 or florie_takaki@nps.gov.

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Puzzles can be found on page 46

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Tour the garden in Highlands

Guided tours of the Highlands Botanical Garden will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month this season, with the first one occurring on Monday, March 2.

Participants will have the chance to check out what’s new in the demonstration gardens and among the hundreds of species that call the Highlands Biological Station Campus home.

Tours are free, but weather-dependent, with the group meeting at the Highlands Nature Center at 930 Horse Cove Road in Highlands. The campus is a center of Western Carolina University. For more information, call 828.526.2623.

Learn the basics of orchids

Get schooled on orchids during a presentation from Highlands Biological Station Director James Costa on Tuesday, March 3, at the Sylva Presbyterian Church in Sylva.

Costa, who holds a doctorate, is a professor of evolutionary biology at Western Carolina University. He will speak in conjunction with the Sylva Garden Club meeting slated to begin at 9:30 a.m. in the church’s fellowship hall. Costa’s presentation, “Orchids 101,” is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.

Glamp in the Great Smokies

The first annual Great Smokies EcoAdventure will be held April 19-21 near Gatlinburg, a multifaceted fundraising event for Discover Life in America.

DLIA is partnering with the award-winning hiking company A Walk in the Woods to present the event, which will include glamping at A Walk in the Woods’ luxurious off-grid camp near Cosby, gourmet food and drink, guided nature hikes and live music. “I think people are going to love this truly ‘edu-taining’ event! Guests will learn about the wildflowers, insects and other life that makes the Smokies such an amazing place, but in a fun and luxurious atmosphere,” said Todd Witcher, executive director for DLiA.

The event will be timed to coincide with the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, which will come to Gatlinburg April 22-25. Tickets are $1,500 per person and all-inclusive. Proceeds support DLiA, which coordinates the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory in the park. The ATBI works to inventory all the species living in the park and so far has identified more than 20,000 of them in its 21 years of existence

Buy a ticket at www.dlia.org.

Seed library open

The Seed Library of Waynesville is now open, with donated seeds available for free of charge to members of the Haywood County Public Library.

Cardholders can check out up to 10 packets of seeds, with current offerings including unique and rare beans as well as many tomato and pepper varieties. Inventory is listed online under the “Seed Library” tab at www.haywoodlibrary.org. The Seed Library relies on donations to stay open, so donations are always welcome. It is located on the upper floor of the library branch in Waynesville.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • The largest recreational ski race program in the world, NASTAR Public Racing, will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Saturdays through the end of February in Cataloochee. Fun, competitive and easily accessible racing program that allows racers of all ages and abilities to compare themselves with each other, regardless of when and where they race, using a racer handicap system. Cost: $10 for two runs or $20 for unlimited runs. Register at the resort or nastar.com. • WNC Bridge Foundation will hold nine listening sessions in February across Western NC, including Haywood and Jackson Counties. The foundation awarded $3 million to local nonprofits last year. Complete list of sessions: https://tinyurl.com/tngtsyg. RSVP: grants@wncbridge.org. More info: WNCBridge.org. • The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority will hold a mandatory partnership funding workshop at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. on Feb. 27 at 1110 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. Must attend to apply for funding; applications are due by March 31. RSVP or get more info: 944.0761. Guidelines and applications available on Feb. 27: www.haywoodtda.com. • Tax-Aide volunteers will be available to assist with federal and state income tax preparation and filing through April 14 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Service is provided by appointment from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. Appointments: 524.3600 or visit the library at 149 Siler Road. • Volunteers are available to assist with federal and state income tax preparation and filing through April 14 at two locations in Jackson County. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays at the Department on Aging in Sylva. The same service is also provided by appointment from 2:30-6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Appointments: 586.2016. • Down Home Haywood holds its monthly community meetings at 1 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month at 301 N. Haywood St. Tackling issues like healthcare, wages, housing and more. chelsea@downhomenc.org. • Southwestern Community College is seeking nominations for the SCC Foundation’s second-annual Distinguished Alumni Award. Deadline is March 1. Nomination form: www.southwesterncc.edu/award. Info: 339.4227 or k_posey@southwesterncc.edu. • Southwestern Community College will host a pair of job fairs from 1-4 p.m. on March 4-5 on the college’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. Healthcare Career Fair is March 4; General Job and Career Fair is March 5. Info for job seekers and employers: m_despeaux@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4212. • Western Carolina University will host “National History Day” competition for middle and high school students from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, in Cullowhee. Students will display projects based on the theme “Breaking Barriers in History.” jswigger@wcu.edu. • Bingo Night is at 6 p.m. on the second Saturday at the Fines Creek Community Center. 25 cents per game. Info: www.fb.me/finescreekorg or 593.7042. • Jackson County Planning Board: 6 p.m. second Thursday of the month. Heritage room at the Department of Aging, 100 County Services Park in Sylva. 631.2261. • The Jackson County Department of Public Health is seeking input from residents who’ve used the department’s services and residents who have thoughts on the health needs of Jackson County. http://health.jacksonnc.org/surveys. Info: 587.8288.

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BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Registration is underway for a “Website Construction 101: Learn the Basics of Coding” workshop that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment department from 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on Friday, Friday, April 3, for those who want a next-level course. Registration fee: $139. For info and to register: pdp.wcu.edu and click on “Forprofit and Nonprofit Professional Development Workshops” or 227.7397. • Registration is underway for an employment law workshop entitled “What Every Outdoor Business Must Know about Employment Law” that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Networking lunch from 1-2 p.m. Registration fee: $89. For info and to register: learn.wcu.edu/outdoor-employment-law or 227.7397. • Registration is underway for a “Business Plan Bootcamp” offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, in the college’s Public Services Training Facility, Room 9105, in Clyde. SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512. • Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center is accepting registrations for a nonprofit summit from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3-4, in the college’s Public Services Training Facility, Room 9105, in Clyde. To register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512. • Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment will offer a three-part seminar entitled: “Strategies for Fixing Big Leaks in Your Business: People, Processes and Pipeline” from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 4, 11 and 18 at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Registration fee: $279 (lunch included). For info and to register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397. • Registration is underway for a two-part workshop entitled “The Tenets of Project Management” that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-noon on consecutive Tuesdays, March 17-24, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Early bird registration fee (through Feb. 14): $249; fee after Feb. 15: $279. For info or to register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397. • Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment is accepting registrations for a workshop entitled “Understanding the Unique Culture of Military Applicants” that will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Cost $89; includes a networking lunch. For info or to register: pdp.wcu.edu and click on: “For-profit and Nonprofit Professional Development Workshops” or call 227.7397. • Registration is underway for “The School Leadership for Equity Summit” that will be offered from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, at the Crest Center in Asheville. Theme is “What is Equity?” Registration fee: $85; includes light breakfast and lunch. Info: jrweiler@email.wcu.edu. Info about registration: https://tinyurl.com/ugdbm6c OR 227.7397. • Registration is underway for a seminar entitled “How to Write a Business Plan,” which will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, in Clyde. Info and Registration: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512. • Registration is underway for “Marketing Your Business,” a seminar that will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30- 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, in Clyde. Info and Registration: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512. • Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment is accepting registration for a two-part, Six Sigma Whitebelt training that will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays, April 7 and 14, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Registration fee: $249 before March 7 or $279 after. For info or to register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397. • Registration is underway for “How to Find Your Customers,” a seminar that will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30- 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, in Clyde. Info and Registration: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512. • Submissions are being accepted for Southwestern Community College’s Cultural Fusion art/literature contest, which will be featured during the Cultural Fusion Festival on Wednesday, April 15, on the college’s Jackson Campus. Submissions accepted through April 1 in “Artwork or Photography” or “Literature (poetry, short stories, prose).” Info: 339.4325, tknott@southwesterncc.edu or SouthwesternCC.edu. • Registration is underway for several session of a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician program through Landmark Learning. Upcoming sessions include May 23-June 19, July 11-Aug. 7 and Oct. 3-30. www.landmarklearning.org.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Raffle tickets on sale now for a chance to win a $250 Ingles gift card, $100 Walmart card or a $50 Butts on the Creek gift card. All proceeds raised will go to Camp Ability, who provides activities and summer camp for children in Western North Carolina who have disabilities. www.campabilitywnc.org. Raffle tickets are $1 for 1 ticket, $5 for 6 tickets, or $10 for 15 tickets. Drawing will be held at the fundraising concert on March 7. Winners do not have to be in attendance to win. Buy tickets by contacting Wende Goode at 246.2256. • Tickets are on sale now for the second annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser, held by Haywood Pathways Center, at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at HART Theater in Waynesville. Cost ranges from $25-40 for adults and $10-15 for children. Purchase tickets: haywoodpathwayscenter.org, at Pathways Center, 179 Hemlock St. in Waynesville or 246.0332. • Helping Hands of Haywood will have a benefit concert with music from The Remainders band at 9 p.m. on Feb. 29, at Upcountry Brewing, 1042 Haywood Road in Asheville. Goal is to raise money for a family in transitional housing. 508.3420. • Bowl for Kids’ Sake is set for Feb. 29 and March 14 for Swain and Haywood County, respectively. Fundraiser for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Western North Carolina. Times, places, registrations and more: bbbswnc.org. • Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Waynesville, the 2nd annual “Cabaret Variety Show” will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Enjoy a fun evening of family entertainment with singing and dancing by several performers from Haywood County and greater Western North Carolina. Silent action and 50/50 raffle. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children/students. Reserve your tickets by emailing boxoffice@harttheatre.org or 456.6322. All proceeds will go to support Kiwanis Club grants to schools and organizations serving Haywood County’s children and youth.

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: n Complete listings of local music scene n Regional festivals n Art gallery events and openings n Complete listings of recreational

offerings at health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings

• A three-band concert will benefit Camp Ability at 6 p.m. on March 7. Purchase tickets online to hear The Resonant Rouges, the Greenliners and Red Clay Revival as they perform a benefit concert at the Colonial Theater in Canton. Tickets are $10 with all proceeds going to Camp Ability, which provides activities and camps for children who have disabilities. www.campabilitywnc.org. Purchase tickets here: www.eventbrite.com. • Haywood Waterways and Elevated Mountain Distilling will hold their second annual Fundraising Chili Cookoff from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at Elevated Mountain Distilling, 3732 Soco Rd., in Maggie Valley. Entry fee for cookers: $35. Pre-sale tickets for Chili Eaters: $15; $20 day of. Tickets available at: https://tinyurl.com/s8v6y8s. Info: caitlinw.hwa@gmail.com or 476.4667, ext. 12. •There will be a special concert in memory of late banjo great Steve Sutton from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in the Queen Auditorium at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville. Performers include the Darren Nicholson Band, Crowe Brothers, Mark Bumgarner, Marc Pruett, Hazel Creek, Bill Kaman, Mike Hunter, Malcolm Holcombe, and the Whitewater Bluegrass Co. $35 in advance. Money raised will go toward the International Bluegrass Music Association trust fund and for a scholarship in his name for music students at Waynesville’s Tuscola High School. Dinner is ticketed separately for $12 and begins at 6 p.m. 452.2997. www.showclix.com/event/second-annualsteve-sutton-memorial-concert. • Matt Stillwell will perform at a benefit concert for Shop with a Cop at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Other performers include Limited Distance, The Hackers, Michaella Hedden, Brent Ledford, Chelsi Reynolds and more. Tickets: $15 at the door (cash or check). • Tickets are on sale for the inaugural Great Smokies Eco Adventure, a multifaceted fundraising event for Discover Life in America set for April 19-21 near Gatlinburg, Tenn. Includes glamping at A Walk in the Woods’ luxurious off-grid camp near Cosby, gourmet food and drink, guided nature hikes and live music. Cost: $1,500. Proceeds support DLiA, which coordinates the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory in the park. Tickets: www.dlia.org. • Stonehouse Pottery (Waynesville) will be doing an Open Studio Tour and Sale the first Sunday of each month to help support our local nonprofits. Each month highlights a different artist and that artists chooses his or her nonprofit. Stonehouse Pottery and the artist then give a portion of the proceeds as a donation to that nonprofit.

• REACH of Haywood County is seeking new volunteers and will hold a Volunteer Training Day from 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, at the REACH office, 627 N. Main St., in Waynesville. REACH is a domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse prevention and intervention nonprofit. RSVP: 456.7898 or BQreach@aol.com. • Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers are recruiting volunteers to adopt a monitoring plot in areas throughout the park, with a three-hour training workshop scheduled for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, at Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. Effort to track nature’s calendar, or phenology. Collect info as part of a research project. To register: Israel_golden@partner.nps.gov. Info: www.usanpn.org. • Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to provide orientation and historic information to visitors at Mingus Mill, which is one-half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. Required training is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, March 6. Info: 497.1906 or florie_takaki@nps.gov. • Volunteers are being sought to help with “Lake Cleanup Day,” from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 7, at Lake Junaluska. Preregister and info: 502.419.3035. • There is an open call currently underway for artisans, vendors and environmentally-themed booths at the 23rd annual Greening Up the Mountains, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in downtown Sylva. Applications can be downloaded at www.greeningupthemountains.com and will be accepted through March 15. greeningupthemountains@gmail.com. • The historic Shelton House in Waynesville is currently in need of volunteers for an array of upcoming events. Alongside help for events and gatherings, the organization is also seeking a docent, gift shop attendee, data entry person, landscaper, handyperson, and other positions. Upcoming main events include the Blue Ridge Heritage Festival June 19-21, Shelton House Halloween “Haunting on the Hill” Oct. 27-31 and Shelton House “Tinsel Trail & Appalachian Christmas.” www.sheltonhouse.org or 452.1551. • Haywood Vocational Opportunities is seeking donations of goods, services, time and support for the second annual “HVO Stans Up to PTSD Veteran Community Resource, Education and Job Fair,” which will be held on June 27. 454.6857.

HEALTH MATTERS • “Going viral. How serious of a threat is the coronavirus?” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 2, at Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub, 58 Stewart Street in Franklin. Open exchange off ideas; dialog, not debate. 371.1020. • Suicide Prevention Awareness Training will be presented from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, at the Waynesville Library. Covers risk factors and the “S.A.V.E.” model: Signs of suicide, Asking about suicide, Validating feelings, Encouraging help and Expediting treatment. Registration required: Kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov or 356.2507. • Registration is underway for the Diabetes Prevention Program that will be offered starting March 17 at Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency. Lifestyle change program dedicated to preventing type 2 diabetes through a series of 24 one-hour group classes. Classes are held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Info: 356.2272 or 356.2292. • A “Grieving Pet Loss” group meets from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays in Waynesville. Cost: $10 per session. Register: 476.7728.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • ZUMBA is offered at First United Methodist in Waynesville in the Youth Room on Thursdays at 6 p.m. with Patti Burke. Check Facebook page Patti Burke Zumba Students for additional information such as holiday or weather related cancelations. $5 per class. https://pattiburke.zumba.com • Sylva Yoga is offering Breathwork & Crystal Bowl Sound Meditation from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, in Sylva. • Sylva Yoga is offering Mushroom Forage & Forest Yoga from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 in Sylva. • Sylva Yoga is offering Intro to Belly Dancing at 6:15 p.m. and Belly Dance Skills & Choreography at 7:15 p.m. on Fridays in Sylva. • Sylva Yoga is offering Yin Yoga and Live Music from 6-7:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, in Sylva. • Waynesville Yoga Center will offer Yoga for Back Care from noon-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, in Waynesville. Cost: $15. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com. • Waynesville Yoga Center will offer Sky Styx Yoga: Finding Joy in Motion from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, in Waynesville. Cost: $30 in advance or $35 day of. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com. • Sylva Yoga is offering a 5 Elements Gentle Yoga Series from 10:30-11:45 a.m. on Sundays, March 8-28 in Sylva. • Waynesville Yoga Center will offer Breathwork from 5:45-6:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, in Waynesville. Cost: $15. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com. • The Waynesville Parks & Recreation Department will hold an organizational meeting for the Spring Adult Softball League at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Info: 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov. • Waynesville Yoga Center will offer the 30 Days of Mindfulness Challenge from Wednesday, March 11, to Thursday, April 9, in Waynesville. Details and to register: WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com. • Registration is underway through the end of February for a women’s volleyball league that will be offered Tuesday nights beginning March 17 at the Cullowhee Recreation Center. Fee is $200 per team or join a free-agent team for $25. Coaches meeting is at 6 p.m. on March 5. Info and registration: 293.3053, ext. 6, or andrewsherling@jacksonnc.org. • Reduced-price skiing and snowboarding will be offered through the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department from 5:30-10:30 p.m. on Fridays through March 6 at Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley. Register: www.rec.jacksonnc.org, 293.3053, ext. 9 or mollyneary@jacksonnc.org.

POLITICAL • The Democratic Women of Macon County and the Macon County Democratic Men’s Club will hold a combined meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 486 West Palmer St. in Franklin. Guest speaker is Dawn Todd, director of the Pretrial Justice Project of Macon County. discuss books, which are chosen by each member (taking turns) and provided by the library. New members are welcome. For more information, 356.2507.

KIDS & FAMILIES • SafeKids USA Blue Dragon Tae Kwon Do School in Clyde is offering a free week of introductory classes March 2-6 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Attend one day or all week. Call to RSVP 627.3949. www.bluedragontkd.net. • Kid Create: An art and music experience for kindergarten-fourth grade students is offered from 3:30- 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at First Baptist Church in Waynesville. Fbcwaynesville.org/after-school/kidcreate. • The STEAM Club meets at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. STEAM is Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math. Info: 488.3030, ext. 130. • Homeschoolers get special rates at Cataloochee Ski Area by presenting their homeschool credentials on Tuesdays at the ticket center. Rates are $25 for lift tickets and $50 for lift, lesson and rental. Lift and rental ticket is $35. Rates apply only to skiing from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Wednesdays are family days at Cataloochee Ski Area with children 17-under receiving a free lift ticket when accompanied by a parent purchasing a full-price adult lift ticket. Regular rental and lesson rates apply. Only on non-holiday Wednesdays. • The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department’s Base Camp Summer Camp will hold an open house for parents at 6 p.m. on Feb. 27 – and at 9 a.m. on Feb. 29 – at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Info: 456.2030 or cmiller@waynesvillenc.gov. • The Sylva Art + Design Committee is pleased to announce a unique pop-up gallery event that will feature the artistic creations of children ages 5-18 in the Western North Carolina region. “Nature Through A Child’s Eye” will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Viva Arts Studio in downtown Sylva. If you have a child that you think may want to be a participant ages of 5-18 apply by emailing sylvaartdesign@gmail.com or vivaartsstudio@gmail.com. Facebook at www.facebook.com/sylvapublicart or on Instagram @sylvaarts. All submissions will be available for purchase and can be picked up after the completion of the exhibition. All money raised will be equally distributed between SADC and the Sylva Community Garden in order to further the betterment of the community through arts, education, and environmental awareness. • Mountain Discovery Charter School, a K-8 charter school in Bryson City, is holding open enrollment through March 6 at www.mountaindiscovery.org. • Registration is underway for the Challenger International Soccer Camp, which will be offered to ages 3-14 from July 20-24 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Costs vary based on age group from $90-197. Separate goalkeeper and scorer program is $25 for ages 6-14 from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday. Register: challengersports.com. Info: 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • City Lights Bookstore will host an event Saturday, March 28 for Brannen Basham, Sylva Herald weekly nature writer and contributor to Smoky Mountain Living magazine, release of her book “A Guide to the Wonderful World Around Us: Notes on Nature”. The event will feature a reading, native bee talk and Q&A at 3 p.m. www.sprigglys.com • A poetry reading is held at 2 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month at Panacea in Waynesville. Bring poetry, essays and writings. poevampyre@gmail.com. • Waynesville Book Club at 5:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Waynesville Library Meet to

ONGOING KIDS ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS • Crafternoons are at 2:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at Hudson Library in Highlands. • Teen Coffeehouse is at 4:30 p.m. on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday at Jackson County Public Library. Spend time with other teens talking and sharing. 12 and up. 586.2016. •A community breastfeeding information and support group meets from 10:30 am.-noon on the first Saturday of each month in the main lobby of the Smoky Mountain OB/GYN Office in Sylva. Free; refreshments provided. For information, contact Brandi Nations (770.519.2903), Stephanie Faulkner (506.1185 or www.birthnaturalwnc), or Teresa Bryant (587-8223). • Macon County 4-H Needlers club, a group of youth learning the art and expression of knitting and crochet crafts, meets on the second Tuesday of each month. For information, call 349.2046. • A Lego Club meet the second Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215. • Culture Club on the second Wednesday of the month, 1 to 2 p.m. for K-6 graders. Guest speakers, books, photos, crafts and food from different countries and cultures. Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

KIDS FILMS • “Sonic the Hedgehog” will be showing through Feb. 27 at Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville Plaza. Visit www.fandango.com or smokymountaincinema.com for showtimes, pricing & tickets. Info on Facebook or 246.0588. • “Bee Movie” will be showing Feb. 29 at 11 a.m. as part of the free Saturday morning promotion at The Strand on Main in downtown Waynesville. 38main.com or 283.0079 • “I Still Believe” will start showing March 13 through March 17 at Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville Plaza. Visit www.fandango.com or smokymountaincinema.com for showtimes, pricing & tickets. Info on Facebook or 246.0588. • The Highlands Biological Foundation will offer a series of nature-themed films and documentaries shown at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of March in Highlands. For info on each show, call 526.2221. • A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

A&E • Women Enlightened will celebrate International Womens Day from 5-6:30 p.m. on March 5 at Elevated Mountain Distillery, 3732 Soco Rd., in Maggie Valley. Live music, food truck; light munchies provided. • The Veterans of Foreign Wars Riders Group Post 5202 will hold its ninth annual “Bikers in Boxers, As Bare as You Dare” event from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 7 in Waynesville. Entertainment, food, prizes and comradery. Donations: $10, $25 and $30. Includes meal, door prizes and entertainment. Info: daigre1@yahoo.com or 593.1647. • The Cold Mountain Music Festival is proud to announce the lineup for its 4th annual event happening June 5-6 at the picturesque Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton. Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code “DioWNC” at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. www.coldmountainmusic.org.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • The “Western Carolina Comedy Showcase” will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in The Gem downstairs taproom at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville. Beth Fronczak will host live performances by Clinton Ricks, Rowan Young and Brad Sativa. Admission is $5 at the door. Ages 21 and up. www.boojumbrewing.com. • The Highlands Performing Arts Center will present the Highlands PAC Youth Theater production of “A Ghostly Slumber Party”at 10 a.m. Feb. 27-28 for the schools performances and again at 3 p.m. Feb. 29 and March 1 for the general public. The cost is free for both students and adults to attend any and all the shows — school shows and public shows. Tickets are available online at www.highlandsperformingarts.com. • Americana/folk musician Meghan Hayes will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Tickets are $10 per person. www.38main.com. • The Winter Studio Season continues with the two one-act comedies “Lone Star” and “Laundry & Bourbon” at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-29 and 2 p.m. March 1. 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org. • Newsboys and special guests Mandisa will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $28 per person. There will also be a special pre-show Q&A and VIP packages available www.greatmountainmusic.com. • Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center will host The Berea Bluegrass Ensemble at 7 p.m. Monday, March 2. 227.7129 or mhc.wcu.edu. • The 19-piece John Brown Big Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Bardo Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University. Tickets for the John Brown Big Band are $15 for adults, $10 for faculty/staff/seniors 65+, and $5 for students. Find tickets and further information at arts.wcu.edu/johnbrownjazz. Tickets may also be reserved over the phone at 227.2479 • Captain Midnight Band will perform at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, in The Gem downstairs taproom at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville. • Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center will host fiddler Andrew Finn Magill at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5. 227.7129 or mhc.wcu.edu. • Sister Hazel will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $22 per person. www.greatmountainmusic.com. • A production of “Hamlet” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, in the Studio Theater at the Bardo Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu. • Tickets are on sale now for the “Americana Concert” featuring Balsam Range and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. Event is set for 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Early bird tickets on sale for $75 (VIP), $30 (general admission, ages 21-over) and $20 (general admission, ages 12- 20). After May 1, prices are $85, $40 and $25. Info: www.haywoodarts.org.

42 CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • The Jackson County Public Library offers e-services support from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays in Sylva. For those with new devices or need help accessing library resources. Appointments: 586.2016. • The Gem & Mineral Society of Franklin will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, at First Christian Church, 156 Belleview Park Rd., in Franklin. Speaker is Larry Ellert, museum curator. • Marianna Black Library will hold a customer appreciation day on Friday, Feb. 28, in Bryson City. • The Macon County Art Association’s Uptown Gallery will host a class on making sheep out of gourds from 1-3 p.m. on Feb. 29 at 30 E. Main St. in Franklin. Use fiber dyes to make scarves. Info: 349.4607 or www.franklinuptowngallery.com. • Saturday morning cooking classes will be offered from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. throughout March at McKinley Edwards Inn, 208 Arlington Ave., in Bryson City. Expertise, food and wine provided. Cost: $45 per person. Reservations required by 5 p.m. on Thursday prior to class: 488.9626. • A discussion about “Pushing the Limits of Motion – Endurance: My Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery” by Scott Kelley is set for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room. • TJ Holland will present “Cherokee Cultural Sites in Swain County” at 6:30 p.m. on March 5 at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center, 45 East Ridge Drive in Bryson City. • “The Mountaineer: History in the Moment” will be presented by Kathy Ross from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, in the Waynesville Town Hall Board room, 9 South Main Street, as part of the Haywood Ramblings Series. • Jackson County Green Energy Park is holding classes on March 7 to show you how to make your own pint glass in Dillsboro. Time slots cost $65 each and are available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Register: 631.0271. Info: jcgep.org. • First Saturday Blacksmithing Classes will be offered from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Forging experience class. Cost: $80 for one-hour time slots (make a high-carbon boot knife or a railroad spike blade); $40 for 30 minutes (make either a Mjolnir Rune Pendant or a magic wand). Register: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org. • James Lyle will be offering a “Sequential Art Class Series” beginning on March 7 and running through May 23 at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. In this session, the class will participate in a group exercise dealing with the process of creating a “superhero” (or any other type of character in any media, really). Make your reservation and pre-payment today. Class fee is $20 for HCAC members or $25 for non-members. Cash and Checks made payable to James Lyle. Please call 828.452.0593 for more information. www.haywoodarts.org. • The Western NC Civil War Roundtable will feature a presentation on “Abraham Lincoln’s Spies” by Douglas Waller at 7 p.m. on March 9 at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa. Meet-and-greet dinner at 5 p.m.; social at 6:30 p.m. • The American Chinese Friendship Society of WNC is sponsoring a lecture and live demonstration of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, March 13, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Registration required: Kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov or 356.2507. • Registration is underway for the ninth annual Heritage Life Skills event offering classes in a variety of survival-related skills from May 8-10 at the Folkmoot Center in Waynesville. Bread-making, harvesting medicine plants and more. Cost: $125 or $50 for 18-under before Feb. 29 or $10 more after. Carolinareadiness.com. • Jackson County Public Library in Sylva is hosting craft therapy. This get-together will be the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It will take place in the Atrium at the library. Craft therapy is an evening of up-cycle crafting at the library. Drop in for the whole session or as long as you would like. Each month will have a different theme the library will supply tools and materials that you may need to create something within that theme. If you have anything craft/art related to donate, please bring it by the library or call them at 586.2016, dduffy@fontanalib.org and www.fontanalib.org. • Second Saturday Markets take place from 6-8 p.m. at Folkmoot in Waynesville. A gathering place for friends of all ages, markets feature vendors, live music, ballroom dance lessons for $5, and a homemade meal for $10. Beer and wine are available for purchase and tables will be set up for participants to play board and card games that they bring from home. Info: 452.2997 or info@folkmoot.org. • Western North Carolina Woodturners Club will meet at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday every month at the Bascom in Highlands.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • The “Affrilachian Artist Travelling Studio” exhibit will run through Feb. 29 at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Gallery are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closing reception will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at HCAC. www.haywoodarts.org. • “HCC Clay in Retrospect” runs now through April 22 and is located on the second floor of the Creative Arts Building on the HCC campus. The public is invited to a closing reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, with a gallery talk beginning at 4:30 p.m. “HCC Clay in Restrospect” is an exhibition featuring the work of 20 artists from the college’s 46 years of clay programming. Mandatory coursework includes photography of finished pieces for gaining entrance into craft shows, creating a business plan, and designing and building a studio tailored to fit production needs. 627.4671 or eareason@haywood.edu. • Jenean Hornbuckle, a landscape painter, is currently showing her works, at the Rotunda Gallery in the Sylva library. info@jacksoncountyarts.org or 507.9820. • Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center will host an exhibit by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist José Galvez on Latino life in North Carolina in the museum’s second-floor gallery at Hunter Library. The center’s first bilingual exhibit, “Al Norte al Norte” will be on display through Friday, April 10. Admission is free. The 51 black-and-white photos are from a 10-year project to capture images of daily life of Latinos living in North Carolina, from business owners to farmers at work, multi-generations of families at home and at church, and other candid moments. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. 227.7129. • Art exhibit, “Time and Again” – a glass works exhibit by Kit Paulson and SaraBeth Post – will take place through May 1 at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee. arts.wcu.edu/museum or 227-ARTS. • A display featuring more than 50 pieces of art focused on generating public attention surrounding the unintended consequences of human interaction with nature will be on display through May 10 at the Baker Exhibit Center within the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. www.ncarboretum.org. • Cherokee Indian Hospital is issuing a “Call to Artists” for the new Analenisgi Inpatient Unit. The mission is to create community pride and ownership using a variety of culturally significant, healing art mediums. Enrolled EBCI members will be given preference. Mediums can include, but are not limited to, paintings (oil, acrylic, pastels, watercolor) photography, fiber arts, metal, mixed media and sculpture. Please email legendweaverstudios@gmail.com if you want the formal “Call to Artists” application and information. • The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has recently opened a major new exhibit, “People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters.” It features more than 60 potters from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation, and more than one hundred works from 1900 to the present. The exhibit will run through April.

FILM & SCREEN • “The Gentlemen” will be showing through Feb. 27 at Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville Plaza. Visit www.fandango.com or smokymountaincinema.com for showtimes, pricing & tickets. Info on Facebook or 246.0588. • “Call of the Wild” will be start showing through Feb. 27 at Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville Plaza. Visit www.fandango.com or smokymountaincinema.com for showtimes, pricing & tickets. Info on Facebook or 246.0588. • “The Invisible Man” will be start showing Feb. 27 through March 5 at Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville Plaza. Visit www.fandango.com or smokymountaincinema.com for showtimes, pricing & tickets. Info on Facebook or 246.0588. • The Second Tuesday Movie Group meets at 2 p.m. in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. For info, including movie title: 452.5169.

Outdoors • Friends of the Greenway will show the documentary “The Need to Grow-Save the Soil … Save the World” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at FROG Quarters, 573 E. Main St. in Franklin. • Registration is underway for the 10th annual Three River Fly Fishing Festival, which will be held April 30- May 2 in Highlands. Entry: $450 per team before Feb. 28 or $500 after. For info, to register or sponsor: hilary@highlandhiker.com or 526.0441. • Landmark Learning is offering several options to take a Wilderness First Responder Recertification class, Feb. 28 in Cullowhee and March 1 in Brevard. Registration is also underway for courses on www.landmarklearning.org. • The Tuckaseigee River Chapter No. 373 of Trout Unlimited will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, at the United Community Bank, 1640 E. Main St. in Sylva. Speaker is Ed Saleem, a retired water and energy conservation manager, who’ll discuss hazards that may be encountered while fishing in the wild along with methods preparation and survival. • Landmark Learning will offer courses in Wilderness First Responder, dates: March 7-15 and March 14-22 in Cullowhee. Info: www.landmarklearning.org. • Learn how to get the most out of a trip to America’s most-visited national park during a program offered from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 at REI in Asheville. Offered by Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. • Intro to Fly-Fishing will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 13, 23 and 31 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq. • Jason Love will speak on “The Critters of Coweeta” at 6:30 p.m. on March 16 at Cowee School, 51 Cowee School Drive in Franklin. Part of the “Where We Live: History, Nature and Culture” series. • Registration is underway for the Landmark Outdoor Educator Semester, which is offered May 14-June 30, through Landmark Learning. www.landmarklearning.org.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • The Cataloochee Thursday Night Race League is open to skiers and snowboarders 18 years or older from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Feb. 27. Individuals race against the clock on a modified GS or slalom course for the better of two runs. The top three challengers in men’s and women’s age divisions win prizes. Helmets and goggles required. $15 to race or $35 for race entry and night lift ticket. https://tinyurl.com/y9ys99hu. • Registration is underway for the 10th annual Assault on Blackrock, which will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, starting from the parking lot of Pinnacle Park in Sylva. Preregistration fee: $25; $30 on race day. Register: ultrasignup.com. Info: 506.2802 or barwatt@hotmail.com. • Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s Annual Friends of the Lake 5K, which is Saturday, April 11. Provides financial support for maintaining the walking trail and other recreation opportunities. Registration before March $26: $30 adults, $15 students and kids fun run is free for ages 10-under. www.lakejunaluska.com/run.

FARM AND GARDEN • The annual Haywood County Extension Master Gardener plant sale is underway and accepting pre-paid orders through Feb. 27. Forms are available at www.haywood.ces.ncsu.edu, 456.3575 or mgarticles@charter.net. • The Sylva Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, in the Fellowship Hall of the Sylva Presbyterian Church. Guest speaker is Dr. James T. Costa, Executive Director of the Highlands Biological Station and Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Western Carolina University. Presentation entitled: “Orchids 101.” • The Higholands Biological Station will offer a guided tour to show what’s new in the demonstration gardens from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at 930 Horse Cove Road in Highlands. 526.2623. • Orders are being accepted through Friday, March 13, for the Macon County 4-H Club’s annual plant sale. Fundraiser. Info and order form: https://tinyurl.com/rw39w7x.

74 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.5809

Michelle McElroy BROKER ASSOCIATE

(828) 400-9463 michelle@beverly-hanks.com

Haywood County Real Estate Expert & Top Producing REALTOR®

Jerry Powell Cell: 828.508.2002 jpowell@beverly-hanks.com

HIKING CLUBS • The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate, six-mile hike with an elevation change of 800 feet on Saturday, Feb. 29, from Sawmill Gap to Rocky Bald Ridge and Wine Springs. Info and reservations: 524.5298. • Carolina Mountain Club will hold a 10-mile hike with a 500-foot ascent on Saturday, Feb. 29, at Asheville Camino del Norte Walk. Info and reservations: 450.0747 or danny@hikertohiker.com. • Nantahala Hiking Club holds monthly trail maintenance days from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on every fourth Saturday at 173 Carl Slagle Road in Franklin. Info and to register: 369.1983. • Hike of the Week is at 10 a.m. every Friday at varying locations along the parkway. Led by National Park Service rangers. www.nps.gov/blri or 298.5330, ext. 304. • Friends of the Smokies hikes are offered on the second Tuesday of each month. www.friendsofthesmokies.org/hikes.html. • Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org • High Country Hikers, based out of Hendersonville but hiking throughout Western North Carolina, plans hikes every Monday and Thursday. Schedules, meeting places and more information are available on their website, www.highcountryhikers.org. • Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays. Non-members contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org • Benton MacKaye Trail Association incorporates outings for hikes, trail maintenance and other work trips. No experience is necessary to participate. www.bmta.org. • Diamond Brand’s Women’s Hiking Group meets on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, e-mail awilliams@diamondbrand.com or call 684.6262.

74 N. Main St., Waynesville 828.452.5809

Ellen Sither

esither@beverly-hanks.com (828) 734-8305

Laura Thomas BROKER ASSOCIATE ————————————— (828) 734-8478 lthomas@beverly-hanks.com

The Strength of Teamwork The Reputation for Results

71 N. Main St., Waynesville (828) 564-9393

Real Experience. Real Service. Real Results. 828.452.3727 www.TheRealTeamNC.com

RE/MAX EXECUTIVE

71 N. Main Street Waynesville

Phyllis Robinson OWNER/BROKER (828) 712-5578 lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

The Only Name in Junaluska Real Estate

91 N. Lakeshore Dr. Lake Junaluska 828.456.4070 www.LakeshoreRealtyNC.com Conveniently located in the Bethea Welcome Center

Jay Spiro, JD REALTOR, COMMERCIAL DIVISION 828-226-1078 Jay@4Smokys.com Your Agent. Your Neighbor.

Market PLACEWNC

MarketPlace information:

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad! Rates: • $15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after. • Free — Lost or found pet ads. • $6 — Residential yard sale ads.* • $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE • Legal N otices — 25¢ per word • $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less) • Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4 • Boost in Print • Add Photo $6 • Bold ad $2 • Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4 • Border $4

Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen. Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com p: 828.452.4251 · f:828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com www.wncmarketplace.com

Announcements

CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, highend, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 1-866-508-8362.

Auction

AUCTION ALERT! Southern States Cooperative Multistate Fleet Realignment Auction. Farming Equipment Including Spray & Fertilizer Trucks, Rogators & more! Bid online 2/28 - 3/5 at 11 a.m. at www. motleys.com. Motleys Industrial. 877-MOTLEYS. NC#5914

ONLINE ONLY AUCTION, Charlotte City Club Renovation & Surplus, Begins Closing 3/5/2020 at 6pm, Property at 121 Trade St. #3100, Charlotte, NC, 28202 ironhor seauc tion.c o m, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936

Automobiles

2000 ACURA INTEGRA Reduced! $600 She was my daily driver for 5 years. Needs some work to run. Great for mechanically inclined person or use for spare parts. Clean title. 270,000 miles. Must pick up. West Waynesville. More pics on wncmarketplace.com. Call or text. 828.246.8092. Leave message if no answer.

Auto Accessories

TIRES Good year Wrangler Duratrac, 265/65 R17. Like new, less than 6000 miles on them. $475.00, good offer. 828-226- 0281 (828) 226-0281

Business Opportunities

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit. 1-877-484- 4025

TRAVEL THE USA FOR PAY! Do you own a pickup truck? Deliver “NEW” factory RV trailers to dealers nationwide. Earn over $125,000 www.WaveExpress.com

Employment

MEDICAL BILLING & CODING TRAINING. New Students Only. Call & Press 1. 100% online courses. Financial Aid Available for those who qualify. Call 833-990-0354

BROWN TRUCKING Is looking for Company Drivers & Owner Operators. Brown requires: CDL-A, 2yrs of tractor trailer exp. OTR or Regional in last 3yrs, good MVR & PSP. Apply: driverforbrown.com

PAINTERS & ROOFERS NEEDED! Coating manufacture looking for companies or individuals to apply coating systems on commercial roofs in North or South Carolina. CALL 740-656- 0177

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial DLG IRU TXDOL¿HG VWXdents - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-441- 6890.

PART-TIME CUSTODIAL WORK 20-30 hrs/wk. Averages 4 hrs/night, 5-9 pm. $10.25/hr. Email responses only: Jerry.Southard@ LongsChapel.com Jerry.Southard@ LongsChapel.com

CANTON RESTAURANT HIRING! South Philly Italian Pasta & Subs in Canton, N.C. is hiring for assistant manager and other positions! No experience necessary; we offer full training. Room for growth. Dependable applicants only. Excellent working atmosphere. (828) 593-3580. (828) 593-3580

CENTER SUPERVISOR Kneedler Child Development - WCU - Jackson County. Must have a BS Degree in Early Childhood RUDUHODWHG¿HOGDQG Administrative Level III Credentials, basic computer knowledge, 2 yrs. experience in NC Day Care Regulations, 1-2 yrs. supervisory experience and good judgement skills. Full 7LPHZLWK%HQH¿WV $16.00 per hour. Applications will be taken at: www.mountainprojects. org. EOE/AA

PART TIME HOUSEKEEPER Jonathan Creek Inn is now hiring a part time housekeeper. Candidates must have a valid drivers license, and pass a pre-employment drug screening. Weekend availability is a must! Please apply in person.

AUTO SALES CONSULTANT Do you want to be a part of a family-owned and locally operated business that has served the area for over 65 years? Earning the trust of our customers, employees and community is what drives us to be better. Taylor Ford is proud to be a fast-paced, high-energy, forward-thinking company that is looking for experienced professionals with all of the same attributes! What We’re Looking For: Our growing Sales department is looking for ambitious and self-motivated people to join our team. Automotive experience is preferred. If you are looking for an opportunity to grow and develop your career, apply here! Contact Dean Howell. (828) 452-5111 rdhowell1@yahoo.com

SPACE AVAILABLE 828 | 452 | 4251 CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Carolina Mountain Cablevision, Inc., a locally owned and operated Cable TV/Internet/ Telephone Service Provider, is seeking applications/resumes for a Customer Service Representative. The successful applicant will need the following skills: Customer Service experience with the ability to handle customers and other members of the public in a courteous and professional manner; computer experience is a must – experience with Microsoft Programs a must; good communications skills in person, on the phone, and written (by hand or computer); the ability to be self-motivated and work independently but also the ability to function as part of a team as needed; the ability to handle stressful, hectic situations in a professional manner; the ability to multi-task; and the ability to work overtime as needed. Individuals with IT/ Networking experience and/or knowledge of cable television products and services along with the other skills listed will be given preferential consideration. High school diploma or the equivalent required. Salary is dependent on H[SHULHQFH%HQH¿WV are available. Interested applicants should e-mail their resume to sanders@ccvn.com or fax them to 828-536- 4510. Resumes will be accepted until February 28, 2020. Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans encouraged to apply sanders@ccvn. com

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON Do you have a car, a license and Wednesdays free? The Smoky Mountain News is hiring a dependable newspaper delivery person for our Macon County route. This position is considered contract and is year round. Pay is $125 per week. This is a perfect opportunity for local retirees or for those seeking additional work on Wednesdays. Applicants must have reliable transportation, including a vehicle which can haul or carry approximately 3,000 bundled newspapers. Newspapers are bundled for bulk delivery to businesses and storefronts along 50 locations. To apply, pick up an application at our Waynesville RI¿FHDW0RQWJRPery Street. The deadline to apply is March 1st. No phone calls please.

Medical

DENTAL INSURANCE From Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. Call 1-844-496-8601 for details. www.dental50plus.com/ncpress 6118-0219

ADOPTION. California family promises warm, loving home for baby. Devoted grandparents, educational opportunities. Generous living expenses paid. Contact Sanya 1-951-489-6626 or attorney Karen Lane 1(310)663-3467.

Pets

REDBONE COONHOUND MIX A 2 year old handsome guy with ÀRSS\HDUVDQGJUHDW howl! A bit timid but making progress. (828) 761-2001 publicrelations@ashevillehumane.org

DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR – ORANGE/ BUFF TABBY 10 yr-old FRQ¿GHQWODG\ZLWK big personality! Very sweet; enjoy attention but don’t need it all the time. (828) 761-2001 publicrelations@ashevillehumane.org

USE SEAL N HEAL® To seal wounds on dogs & cats with a bitter taste to prevent gnawing, allow healing. N.C. Clampitt Hardware 828-488-2782, www. kennelvax.com

Real Estate Announcements

GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866- 309-1507 BaseCampLeasing.com

PART TIME DIRECTOR For Restoration House- WNC. A Local 1RQ3UR¿W2UJDQL]Dtion in Bryson City. Primary Responsibilities Include: Day-to-Day Operation of Volunteers and Programs, as well as Implementation of Fundraising Plan. Interested Candidates Send Resume to

Where Quality Comes First

Call Us Today for All of Your Residential Painting Needs!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Great Smokys Realty - www.4Smokys.com Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate- Heritage • Carolyn Lauter - carolyn@bhgheritage.com Beverly Hanks & Associates- beverly-hanks.com • Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com • Billie Green - bgreen@beverly-hanks.com • Michelle McElroy- michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com • Steve Mauldin - smauldin@beverly-hanks.com • Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com • Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com • Brooke Parrott - bparrott@beverly-hanks.com • Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com • Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com • Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com • Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com • Karen Hollingsed- khollingsed@beverly-hanks.com • Billy Case- billycase@beverly-hanks.com • Laura Thomas - lthomas@beverly-hanks.com • John Keith - jkeith@beverly-hanks.com • Randall Rogers - rrogers@beverly-hanks.com • Susan Hooper - shooper@beverly-hanks.com • Hunter Wyman - hwyman@beverly-hanks.com Christie’s Ivester Jackson Blackstream • George Escaravage - george@IJBProperties.com ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Border - sunburstrealty.com Jerry Lee Mountain Realty Jerry Lee Hatley- jerryhatley@bellsouth.net Keller Williams Realty - kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com • Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff@kw.com Lakeshore Realty • Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com Mountain Dreams Realty- maggievalleyhomesales.com Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com • Cindy Dubose - cdubose@mountaindream.com McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com Nest Realty • Madelyn Niemeyer - Madelyn.niemeyer@nestrealty.com RE/MAX Executive - remax-waynesvillenc.com remax-maggievalleync.com • Holly Fletcher - holly@hollyfletchernc.com • The Real Team - TheRealTeamNC.com • Ron Breese - ronbreese.com • Landen Stevenson- landen@landenkstevenson.com • Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com • Mary & Roger Hansen - mwhansen@charter.net • David Rogers - davidr@remax-waynesvillenc.com • Juli Rogers - julimeaserogers@gmail.com Rob Roland Realty - robrolandrealty.com • Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com The Smoky Mountain Retreat at Eagles Nest • Tom Johnson - tomsj7@gmail.com • Sherell Johnson - sherellwj@aol.com WNC Real Estate Store • Jeff Baldwin - jeff@WNCforMe.com • Melanie Hoffman - mhoffmanrealestate@gmail.com • Thomas Hoffman - thoffman1@me.com

SHALL I COMPARE THEE? ACROSS 1 Scared 7 Side of a cut gem 12 Fighting junk e-mail 20 GMC truck 21 Sunni's god 22 "Mona Lisa" painter 23 Danes wearing more frills? 25 Easily caught baseball hits 26 TV reception enhancers 27 Tend the soil 29 Court mallets 30 SSgt., e.g. 31 Steel city in the Ruhr 33 Feldman acting more bashfully? 36 Time spent in office 38 Rubbish 41 Angry with 42 "Modern Family" airer 45 Certain quadrilateral 47 One who's worshiped 51 Griffin suffering more pain? 56 Vacuum tube variety 58 Pastoral tract 59 Spanish for "houses" 60 Prefix with mobile 63 Charles of chair design 64 Founding father Franklin 66 Hemingway feeling more uptight? 69 Noblewoman 70 Flowers from Mexico 72 Med. scans 73 Fisher using more offcolor language? 76 Believing in one God 80 "Remember the -!" 81 "Splendor in the Grass" director Kazan 82 John of lawn tractors 83 I, to Klaus 84 Import taxes 86 Allen being more sly? 90 Venue 91 Big company,

investment-wise 94 Swirly letter 95 Around, as a year 96 Warble 99 "I - film today ..." (Beatles lyric) 103 Buck looking more sickly? 108 Nobelist Bohr 111 Fleur-de- - (iris) 112 Andean pack animals 113 Light collision 116 Minnow, e.g. 118 Weird things 121 Duchamp showing more serenity? 123 Chastised loudly 124 Kowtow, say 125 Brown slowly 126 Grinning villains, often 127 Nobelist Irish poet 128 Rococo

DOWN 1 Leaning 2 Engaged man 3 Parish leader 4 Singer India.- 5 Papas of "Z" 6 Mends, as holey socks 7 Less true 8 - carte menu 9 Film teaser 10 British noble 11 2003-07 Fox drama series 12 High mount 13 Revived: Prefix 14 First-rate 15 "Actually ..." 16 Gunfire burst 17 Nosy sort 18 "Someone Like You" singer 19 Lichen-filled 24 Film's actors 28 Uterus 32 Drug busters 34 Hoopster Ming 35 Newspaper employee 37 - tai 39 "Button it!" 40 - polloi 43 Happened to 44 "Mad Money" host Jim 46 Bad guy 47 Pakistanis' neighbors 48 Not foreign, as policy 49 Lyric works 50 "Judge not, - ye be judged" 51 Tirana's land: Abbr. 52 Dee lead-in 53 Vendor's pushable vehicle 54 "Do - say, not ..." 55 "Grease" director Kleiser 57 Hunting dogs 61 Old Glory's country 62 One being examined 65 "Thor" actress Alexander 66 Old Balkan region 67 Lilly of drugs 68 Come to light 71 Jackie's #2 73 "Curses!" 74 Jai - 75 Basso Siepi 77 That girl's 78 Here, to Fifi 79 Fidel's friend 82 Immerse 85 Opposite 87 Pretend 88 Long-jawed fish 89 Biblical beast 92 Philips rival 93 Attire 95 Lunar feature 97 Defames in writing 98 - jet 100 Keys of R&B 101 Least naive 102 Singer Simpson 103 Ruses 104 John on the Mayflower 105 Chili server 106 Boxer Griffith 107 Fortuitous 109 Pole dance? 110 "Oh My My" singer Ringo 114 Lion's locks 115 "SOS!," e.g. 117 Drescher or Tarkenton 119 Gift for music 120 Many GPS lines: Abbr. 122 Gathered

ANSWERS ON PAGE 38 LOT FOR SALE 1/2 acre lot out of the John Denver Biodome area just minutes to Waynesville & Maggie Valley off Hwy. 276. Beautiful rolling pasture and mountain views, septic approved. Paved private road surrounds 3 sides of lot, 3200 feet elevation among the Christmas Tree growers. $27,500 Robin Jones 803-622- 0187 (803) 622-0187 robinjonesrealtysc@ gmail.com

Rentals

SPRING TRAVEL SPECIAL! 7 Day / 6 Night Orlando + Daytona Beach Vacation with Hertz Rental Car Included. Only $398.00. Call 1-866-494-3020 (24/7) to Reserve. 12 Months to use.

3 BEDROOM/2 BATH HOME for rent conveniently located close to Sylva, clean newly remodeled, large kitchen, living room and dining room. One car garage, laundry room with hook ups, central heat and air. Garbage pickup included. $1300 per month, $1300 damage deposit. Credit report required. 72 Connor Road, Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 399-9694 2hbdavis@msn.com

Home Improvement Legal, Financial and Tax TAX PROBLEMS- Behind 10k or More on Your Taxes? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & DXGLWV XQ¿OHG WD[ UHturns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 855-828-0617

This and That

OVER $10K IN DEBT? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay a fraction of what you owe. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 844-314- 8819.

Wanted to Buy

ENERGY SAVING NEW WINDOWS! Beautify your home! Save on monthly energy bills with NEW WINDOWS from 1800Remodel! Up to 18 months no interest. Restrictions apply. Call Now 1-877-287-8229

U.S. & FOREIGN COINS Wanted to Buy! Free Appraisals, Call Dan 828-421-1616

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! Answers on 38