On the Cover:
Following Western Carolina University’s Pride of the Mountains Marching Band’s trip to Ireland to perform for St. Patrick’s Day, get an inside look at the massive amount of work and planning that made the whole thing possible, as well as the exciting perspectives of some who made the journey across the pond. (Page 8) Western Carolina University photo
News
Haywood Tourism Development Authority eyes countywide approach..............4
New sculpture unveiled on Franklin’s Women’s History Trail..................................6
Sylva denies Pride parade, festival still a go................................................................7
New museum exhibition highlights EBCI sovereignty............................................10
EBCI Police Commission on the chopping block..................................................12
Canton mill notches another violation..........................................................................13
Defense contractor to create 95 jobs in Macon County......................................13
Opinion
Massive money has spoiled politics............................................................................14
A&E
Built to last: A conversation with Randall Bramblett..............................................16
HART to present ‘Constellations’..................................................................................20
Outdoors
‘Gradient of spring’ offers opportunity for exploration............................................22
New fishing tournament comes to Haywood............................................................25
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It’s been a little under a year since Corrina Ruffieux took over for longtime Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Executive Director Lynn Collins, but Ruffieux’s wasted little time bolstering the TDA’s destination marketing strategy with robust and insightful data meant to show the county’s relative strengths and weaknesses while also hedging against uncertainty with new initiatives designed to keep the money flowing into Western North Carolina’s tourism-based economy — especially in post-mill Canton.
Prior to Ruffieux taking the helm, the TDA’s media was fragmented — sometimes even competing against itself — but since mid-2023 has started to become more focused on driving visitors to tourism infrastructure on a countywide basis.
Last July, the TDA launched a new landing page, getoutdoorsncsmokies.com, featuring the Wander app — an interactive map that integrates trailhead locations with dining, lodging and retail establishments. Ruffieux said the app has nearly 18,000 users through December 2023.
Analytics for the visitncsmokies.com website also show growth after strategic tweaks to the site’s SEO, with increases in pageviews (118%), user engagement (37%), total users (35%) and visitors from organic search (46%).
In August, a new email newsletter strategy began to customize content based on self-selected areas of intertest from potential visitors. Since then, according to the TDA’s 2023 annual report, they’ve sent almost 218,000 emails, have nearly 44,000 subscribers and an open rate of 29%.
discussion among the destination management community, but now a hi-tech partnership with market research firm Zartico is finally producing some useful data. Zartico defines a visitor as someone who came more than 50 miles away from their home or place of work, stayed for more than two hours and visited at least one “place of impact,” like a hotel or restaurant. It does so by anonymously analyzing geolocation data on smartphones.
From March 1 through May of 2023, roughly 79% of Haywood County visitors came from another state. More than half stayed at least one night, as opposed to a day trip.
The greatest number of visitors came
the average visitor spends only $48 in the Canton area, lowest in the county. Lake Junaluska boasts an average spend of $158, with Waynesville and Maggie Valley both around $115 and Clyde at $79.
“They’re playing in Canton, they’re staying in Maggie and they’re shopping and dining in Waynesville,” Ruffieux said.
Starting in fiscal year 2016-17, TDA collections showed slow growth but lingered around $1.5 million through the Pandemic-influenced 2019-20 fiscal year. The next fiscal year, from July 2020 through June 2021, collections grew to more than $2.5 million.
The TDA’s partnership with MMGY-NJF, a globally-recognized firm specializing in travel and tourism, also seems to be paying dividends.
Within the first few months of the openended $7,000 monthly contract with MMGY, the TDA earned nine media place-
from the Charlotte metro area, followed by upstate South Carolina and Atlanta. On average, those visitors spent relatively small amounts of money compared to the smaller number of visitors who came from the Florida towns of Jacksonville, Miami, Port St. Lucie and Tampa and spent more.
“It’s our job to promote the entire county, but we’ve had to do it in very segmented buckets. We’ve been working really hard to consolidate. Social media is one of those ways we’ve done it,” she told Canton’s governing board during a presentation March 14. “And you can see it works.”
By reducing its Instagram channels from four to one, and its Facebook channels from four to three, the TDA was able to increase post frequency by 43% and overall audience by 18%. Critically, engagement on Instagram and Facebook surged by around 100% each.
ments garnering an estimated 89 million impressions that would have cost about $1.36 million to buy.
Probably the biggest of these was an October 2023 story on Fox News that listed all five TDA jurisdictions in Haywood County — Canton, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley and Waynesville. That story alone is thought to have attracted more than 50 million sets of eyeballs across the country.
Who comes, from where and what they do while they’re here have all been topics of
The location data shows that the greatest number of visitors were headed to the Soco Road corridor in Maggie Valley, specifically the Comfort Inn and the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds — the county’s top two “places of impact,” according to Zartico.
Seven of the county’s top 10 places of impact are hotels. In Canton, it’s the opposite. Only two of Canton’s top ten are hotels, the rest being outdoorsy spots like Pisgah National Forest, Graveyard Fields and Chestnut Mountain.
As most of those destinations are free,
Currently, the TDA has topped $3 million in collections for the second straight fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, capping a steady escalation that began as the Coronavirus Pandemic ebbed. Overall, total revenue funded by a 4% room occupancy tax has nearly doubled since 2019, but the TDA will need every bit of that sophisticated marketing strategy and analytics if it intends to continue to demonstrate its value not only to businesses and visitors but also to locals increasingly affected by the negative impacts that come with tourists.
The TDA’s annual report shows that for 2023, the county’s 1,975 short-term rentals had a 53% occupancy rate at an average daily rate of $235, compared to hotel/motel occupancy of 47% at an average $111 daily rate. The current number of available STRs is more than double that of February 2021’s 899.
The most recent credible report on the region’s affordable housing crisis, released by Dogwood Health Trust in 2021, estimated a 1,459-unit deficit of long-term rentals needed by local families and workers.
In 2022, for the first time, the TDA announced plans for a one-time special projects fund for capital improvements that would generate overnight stays as well as local utilization.
Subsequently, the TDA has invested in 25 capital projects totaling more than $436,000, including the Dahlia Ridge Trail at Haywood Community College, the mural on the Waynesville Soda Jerks building, the Treehouse overlook at Chestnut Mountain, the Lake Junaluska connector trail and enhancements to both the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds and the Richland Creek Greenway.
The TDA also put more than $330,000 into marketing initiatives that support local events like the Canton Labor Day festival, Plott-Tober Fest and the WNC Jeep Fest.
All told, in 2022 visitors spent more than $336 million in Haywood County, supporting 2,063 jobs representing $86 million in payroll and contributing $11.4 million in taxes to local governments.
But economic uncertainty and record corporate profits — a major contributor to inflation — may foreshadow flat occupancy collections on the horizon.
During the first six months of 2023, the county, as a whole, F
posted decreases in year-over-year monthly collections in half of them — March, April and May. Clyde proved most resilient.
During the last six months of 2023, the county as a whole rebounded somewhat, posting year-over-year increases in occupancy tax collections every single month, ranging from a modest 1.3% that July to a whopping 12.3% that August.
Canton, however, posted substantial declines in occupancy taxes collected in its zip code for four of those six months, including a 27.5% decline in July, a 14.7% decline in September, a 3.5% decline in October and a 21.5% decline in November.
Overall, Canton is down 5.8% during those six months.
“I’m imagining some of that probably does have to do with the mill closure, because I believe the mill would bring in subcontractors and they would stay in some of your local properties, and those aren’t getting filled up by visitors,” Ruffieux said.
In response to a question by Canton Alderwoman Kristina Proctor, Ruffieux noted that lodging inventory has been increasing, not decreasing.
Tourism juggernaut Maggie Valley posted minor decreases over that same period, less than 4%, in three of those six months. Lake Junaluska reported declines of 1.2% and 13.8% in September and December, respectively, with Clyde noting a decrease only once, 13.2% in September.
Waynesville was the only area to increase year-over-year collections for each of the last six months of 2023.
Monthly sales tax collections, often associated with visitor spending, remained mostly flat year-over-year in Buncombe, Jackson and Haywood counties from January of 2024 back through August 2023, although a decline in visitor spending may be masked by increased spending from locals due to inflation on taxable everyday items.
Whatever the reason, the red-hot
growth of tourism in Haywood County may be cooling off, leading the TDA to push for new ways to maintain growth by bringing people in and bringing people back.
The Pigeon River has been historically underutilized as a recreational resource and of late is known more for its destructive power than its placid beauty, but in collaboration with the county and Canton the TDA is now looking at ways to increase access, which could be a boon to Canton’s nascent outdoor recreational economy.
For the slower parts of the year, the TDA was encouraged by a new event meant to make a dent in the winter doldrums.
Last year’s first-ever Maggie Valley Ice Festival saw a long line of cars on Soco Road waiting to get in, a sight not regularly seen since the glory days of Ghost Town.
Almost 2,500 tickets were sold, including 555 day-of; many visitors sought out other attractions in other parts of Haywood County, from Canton’s ice rink to Clyde’s drive-through winter lights display. More than 70% of visitors spent one or two nights, more than 60% were from outside the immediate area and the same number said it was likely or very likely they’d be back.
According to numbers just released by the TDA, Canton did see a massive spike in room occupancy tax collections for January 2024 — on the order of 35% compared to January 2023 — however, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers lauded the TDA’s new countywide approach as a rising tide that will lift all ships.
“It took a lot to get this cooperation in effect and I think for a long time … it was understood that we’re just different towers out there,” Smathers said. “But I think that we’re slowly taking next steps and I think as we look at the mill, our job is to provide an experience where people can come to Haywood County not as a side trip, or just passing through, or got lost, but this is where they’re going.”
Town of Waynesville has Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects currently in progress. The CDBG program requires that a Fair Housing plan and complaint procedure be adopted by the Town.
Housing discrimination is prohibited by Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and by the North Carolina State Fair Housing Act. In an effort to promote fair housing and to ensure that the rights of housing discrimination victims are protected, Town of Waynesville has adopted the following procedures for receiving and resolving housing discrimination complaints:
discrimination in Town of Waynesville may do so by informing, Rob Hites, Town Manager, of the facts and circumstances of the alleged discriminatory act or practice.
2. Upon receiving a housing discrimination complaint, the Waynesville Town Manager shall inform the North Carolina Human Relations Commission (Commission) about the complaint. The Waynesville Town Manager shall then assist the Commission and the Commission, pursuant to the State Fair Housing Act and Title VIII.
3. The Town of Waynesville Town Manager shall offer assistance to the Commission in the investigation and conciliation of all housing discrimination complaints, which are based upon events occurring in Town of Waynesville.
4. The Town of Waynesville shall publicize that the Town of discrimination complaints based upon events occurring in Town of Waynesville by posting this complaint procedure in the Town of Waynesville Town Hall and publishing it in the local newspaper.
5. All complaints shall be acknowledged within ten (10) days of receipt.
If you have any questions about the complaint procedure or would like to register a complaint, please contact Rob Hites, Town Manager, by mail at the Town of Waynesville 16 South Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 or by phone at 828-452-2491 or for TDD assistance call 7-1-1.
This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Rob Hites, Town Manage at 828-452-2491 or at 16 South Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 for accommodations for this request.
Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Rob Hites, Town Manager al 828-452-2491 o en 16 South Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF W RITER
Overcast skies didn’t deter a large crowd from coming out to witness the unveiling of the sculpture “Sowing Seeds of the Future,” on Saturday, March 23, in downtown Franklin.
“This is a historic occasion that we celebrate today, one that will go down in history as we come together and celebrate this monument and this place here in Franklin,” said Franklin Mayor Jack Horton. “It’ll welcome visitors and give them a sense of our history and our culture while emphasizing the critical role that women have played in the development and sustaining the character of this place that we all call home.”
A crowd of hundreds gathered Saturday morning to celebrate Women’s History Month with the reveal of the latest addition to Franklin’s Women’s History Trail and the opening of the Women’s History Park, located at 592 East Main St.
In addition to members of the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County who worked to secure the statue, sculptor Wesley Wofford and his wife, Odyssey, dignitaries in attendance included Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon), Rep. Karl Gillespie (R-Macon), Commission Chairman Gary Shields, past Commissioner Ronnie Beal, Mayor Horton and other staff and council members from the town.
“Our staff are very dedicated to this project,” said Horton in his remarks. “It’s great to see this come together at this time.”
The director of Gov. Roy Cooper’s Western Office, Drew Christy, was also in attendance to offer a message from First Lady Kristen Cooper.
“The 2024 National theme for Women’s History Month is women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, which recognizes women in every community who have devoted their lives to embracing everyone in the community under the common quest for freedom and opportunity,” said Christy.
The “Sowing the Seeds of the Future” sculpture is part of the Women’s History Trail, both of which were conceptualized by Macon County resident Barbara McRae. McRae was a journalist, historian, naturalist, visionary and trailblazer. She had a particular interest in researching the lives of significant Macon County women whose accomplishments and influences had been unknown or forgotten.
“She was quite a visionary leader,” Horton said of McRae. “And she would be very, very proud of this occasion that we’re celebrating today.”
In 2017, McRae met Wofford, and the encounter sparked the creation of “Sowing the Seeds of the Future.” McRae had been thinking about the interconnected lives of Na-Ka Rebecca Morris, a Cherokee woman, Harriet Timoxena Siler Sloan, a pioneer woman, and Salley, an enslaved woman, all linked by a specific piece of property on the Little Tennessee River.
McRae tried to imagine what their everyday lives might have been like in early-19th-century Franklin, and Wofford embraced the challenge of bringing them to life in a work of art.
In May 2018, Wofford presented a miniature prototype of what would become “Sowing the Seeds of the Future” to the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County, and he was com-
missioned to go ahead with the sculpture.
The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County sponsored the creation of the Women’s History Trail and raised funds for the new sculpture. It officially transferred the sculpture to the Town of Franklin on Saturday in honor of Women’s History Month. The sculpture not only represents three historical women, but also symbolizes each group of women and their cultural contributions that helped forge Franklin.
“I’m the collaborative contributor that had a message funneled through my skill set into that statue,” said Wofford. “It’s the honor of my life to work with the black community, this group of women, the Cherokee Nation and Barbara McRae.”
The three women represented in the sculpture are all touching hands, a position that, according to the artist statement, is supposed to illustrate the sisterhood of women that transcends cultural divides.
“It celebrates women’s contributions, inspires current and future generations of girls and women to pursue their dreams, and challenges us all to learn from the past and aspire for a more equitable future,” the artist statement reads.
Na-Ka Rebecca Morris (1793-1885), a Cherokee woman and niece of a prominent chief of the Oconaluftee Cherokees, married Baptist minister and farmer Gideon Morris of South Carolina in the early 1800s. In the Treaty of 1819, the pair obtained a preserve of 640 acres along the Little Tennessee River in what is now East Franklin. The land bordered the Nikwasi Village and Mound.
“This is a historic occasion that we celebrate today, one that will go down in history as we come together and celebrate this monument and this place here in Franklin.”
— Franklin Mayor Jack HortonAfter the family was burned off their land by white settlers, they received compensation from the state and moved across the river into the new town of Franklin.
Salley, born into slavery in 1799, is the bridge between Na-Ka Rebecca Morris and Harriet Timoxena Siler Sloan (1835-1900), as she learned from the Cherokee and was a presence in Na-Ka Rebecca’s life before being sold to Harriet’s father. Harriet and her husband had seven children and lived in an area by the Little Tennessee River near the property originally owned by Na-Ka Rebecca and her husband.
Harriet appears in the statue twice, once as a child on Sally’s hip, receiving corn from Na-Ka Rebecca, and again as a grown woman striding into the future.
All three women are thought to have played a vital role in the early history of Franklin.
“There is nothing like seeing those ladies in person,” said Marty Greeble, a member of the Women’s History Trail leadership. “When you look at them, you are going to be mesmerized and it will change your life. I absolutely believe that.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with Nantahala Weddings to remedy alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at its facilities in western North Carolina.
According to a civil rights complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, Nantahala Weddings was violating the ADA by, among other things, charging a fee to
transport individuals with mobility impairments up a non-accessible hill to the main wedding ceremony area and failing to offer accessible restrooms to guests. The property offers lodgings for rent and includes several buildings, outdoor pavilions, and open-air gathering areas separated by wooded areas and steep hills.
Upon learning of the complaint, the
Nantahala Weddings took prompt action to remedy certain architectural barriers on its own initiative. Thereafter, it fully cooperated with the investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and subsequently agreed to remedy its accessibility issues. The business has already begun implementing the terms of the settlement agreement.
As part of the settlement, Nantahala
Weddings will construct accessible lodging for guests to rent, which will include an accessible entryway, bathroom, and bedroom; build accessible exterior walkways connecting its facilities or, where specified, offer accessible transportation to guests with no surcharge; renovate single use bathrooms and other facilities for ADA compliance; and remedy various other architectural barriers to access.
The Sylva Pride celebration will look a little different this year after the Sylva Town Board denied the group’s road closure application for its fourth annual Pride Parade, despite support for the event from much of the downtown business community.
“For me, our local economy comes first,” said Sylva Pride President Burgin Mackey in an address to the board. “Empowering our local businesses is why I am here today, to implore you to work with Sylva Pride.”
The town board is responsible for approving temporary road closure permits and submitting road closure resolutions to the Department of Transportation to stop, block or detour traffic on state-maintained roads. Both Main Street and Mill Street in Sylva, the primary route for parades, are state-maintained roads.
“In 2022, staff updated our park application procedure for outdoor special events,” Town Manager Paige Dowling told the board during its March 21 meeting. “We started working on these changes because of increasingly large events being held at Bridge Park and requests for street closures for events like 5Ks.”
Town administration has two big concerns when it comes to large events that require street closures — safety and town resources.
According to Dowling, during the first pride event back in 2021, a car did not realize that a parade was going down Main Street and followed the group too closely. During a Walk for Hope event, a car wasn’t aware that the walk was happening and started to back out of its parking space on Main Street into the parade. No one was harmed in either instance.
“Town staff realized that we needed to work to make these events safer,” said Dowling. “So we revised the special event application to encourage bigger events taking place at Bridge Park due to safety and constraints on manpower. Larger events just need more resources.”
So while town staff can approve park rentals, the authority to request closing the street lies with the board.
Sylva Pride came before the board at its March 21 meeting to request the same temporary, two-block road closure for the march on Main Street that it has done for the last three years. The park rental for the festival has been approved by town staff. Temporary road closures for a march of this kind take up staff time for planning, coordination and overtime the day of the event. But they do not involve all resources that are required for full road closures like those for the Christmas Parade, Treat Street, Greening Up the Mountains or Western Carolina University’s Homecoming Parade.
“Just so you know, the board, when we submit that resolution to the DOT, we’re saying the town is responsible for managing the road closure and accepting the liability,”
said Dowling. “So if the march is approved, the board needs to decide whether to charge Pride for the town resources involved with the road closure.”
Commissioners considered the impact on local businesses and churches, especially those on Main Street and how they might be affected by the road closure.
However, during the public comment section of the meeting, Leigh Anne Young, a downtown business owner, presented a letter in support of the Pride Parade signed by other local businesses.
“As representatives of Sylva’s downtown businesses, we encourage you to consider allowing this event to take up space within our community, rather than sidelining and minimizing it,” the letter read. “And if, after careful consideration, you still decide to make this event smaller than it deserves, please recognize that you are not doing so at the behest of many of your local businesses.”
The letter also said that while “we might see less foot traffic immediately during an event, events draw people into our downtown, many of whom choose to return to shop or dine. The indirect economic impact of events might be hard to calculate, but it is certainly felt in the oftheard refrains from visitors about how charming, quirky, and welcoming Sylva is.”
Commissioner Mary Gelbaugh asked Jones if he would reconsider his position if Sylva Pride agreed to pay for the town resources involved in the road closure.
“I think we need to eliminate as many parades (as possible), because it will escalate,” Jones said.
While the march was planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, Sylva Pride has organized events to take place both Saturday and Sunday of that weekend in a concerted effort
that this event gives back to the Town of Sylva, that it relieves that burden on the taxpayers of Sylva because I care about them, I am one.”
The festival itself will take place on Sunday, Sept. 15, in Bridge Park.
Gelbaugh said that in fairness, she did not think it was appropriate to use tax dollars to pay for the town resources required for the march. When she asked Mackey if Sylva Pride would be willing to budget for and pay for the town resources required for the road closure, Mackey said “absolutely. Sylva Pride is prepared to make this happen in any way we can.”
Hannah McLeod photo“As representatives of Sylva’s downtown businesses, we encourage you to consider allowing this event to take up space within our community, rather than sidelining and minimizing it.”
Over 25 restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, retail establishments, studios and other businesses signed the letter in support of the Pride Parade.
At the March 21 meeting, directly following staff’s report, Commissioner Mark Jones made a motion to deny the road closure application.
“I just think it’s not the taxpayer’s burden,” Jones said when Commissioner Natalie Newman asked for his reasoning to deny the application.
— Leigh Anne Young
to improve the economic impact on local businesses.
“We do have plans to do a Saturday evening event where we ask our local organizations that partner with Sylva Pride … to be stationed around downtown at several of our local businesses,” said Mackey. “It’s kind of a way to ask people to come to support our local businesses … I really want to make sure
Commissioner Newman was the lone voice of support for the road closure application at the March 21 meeting, with Commissioner Brad Waldrop out for family reasons. Newman said that if the board set the precedent of making Sylva Pride pay to have a road closure, the board would need to keep that consistent across other road closure requests from other groups.
“I do believe in events like this that are cultural and are community focused and involve a lot of different people in our community,” Newman said. “I think that they’re important, so I also don’t want to set the precedent of denying these kinds of things to happen because I do think they’re good for our town to have.”
Gelbaugh asked town staff about bringing this application back before the board and their direction was clear. If the board voted on Jones’ motion to deny the application, Sylva Pride could not reapply for a road closure on the same day. However, if the board voted against Jones’ motion, or tabled the issue for a later date, it could come back before the board for reconsideration.
Gelbaugh seemed to be in favor of this vote at a later date, asking whether the board could determine an amount of money that it felt was appropriate to cover the town’s costs, and let Mackey go back to the Sylva Pride board to discuss whether it wanted to move forward knowing the town may or may not approve the event at that cost.
However, when Jones refused to rescind his motion at Commissioner Newman’s request in order for both parties to have more time, and the mayor called for a vote, Gelbaugh joined Commissioner Blitz Estridge and Jones in voting for the denial of Sylva Pride’s application.
Commissioner Waldrop later said that as a Sylva Town Commissioner, he was disappointed in the board’s decision.
“The Pride Parade in Sylva has fostered a spirit of inclusivity and energy in our mountain town,” Waldrop said in a post on Facebook. “It has also provided an opportunity for LGBTQ people and their allies from less-accepting neighboring towns to feel part of a larger, open minded and embracing WNC community. I was proud of us, as a town, for representing that opportunity. I’m disappointed we didn’t continue and expand up this spirit, but there is obviously more work to be done.”
Western Carolina University’s Pride of the Mountains marching band recently returned from its first trip across the pond, where it was invited to perform in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.
Unlike any other trip the band has taken before in both scale and location, it’s a first for the program and many of its students.
Ireland is similar to Cullowhee in many ways, with lush mountains dotting the countryside and rainy skies hanging over it, but there is at least one thing different.
“Even driving in the countryside,” said band director Jack Eaddy, “it’s almost like it’s a different color green.”
“It took a lot of heads together,” Eaddy said of the planning process. “We want to be able to provide the best experiences for our students. That’s why they come to Western, to be a part of the Pride of the Mountains. We work hard to be innovative in the things that we do. I think this trip is a big part of that innovation.”
In its infant stages, taking a trip to Ireland involved many conversations with the band directors, upper administration and even Chancellor Kelli R. Brown.
“It really was asking, not just asking permission from upper administration, but also having more of a conversation,” said Matt Henley, assistant band director. “We got this invitation, we would like to do it, and these are the reasons why.”
Traveling with such a large group is no small feat, especially when some students have never been far from home — students like junior clarinetist Alexandria Lankert. Lankert has been with the band for two years and was determined to raise the $4,000 to be able to go to Ireland.
“To raise the money for this trip, I can’t say it was easy,” she said. “I took up a whole summer’s worth of work in order to gain as much money as I could.”
Determined to make ends meet, she also applied for a scholarship through the university which granted her an additional $1,000.
“I had to show a newfound determination to go on this trip. If I really wanted to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I would have to change in order to get it done,” Lankert said.
Henley also had unique insight into the funding and planning process.
“When we agreed to do it, obviously we knew we would be eating a large financial burden,” said Henley. “So, letting the students know first so they can plan plenty of time to raise money was important.”
Henley added that although they had already received the invitation to perform in Ireland three times, what was important was choosing the best time for the program and for the students.
flag bag for protection. The carriers for the drums had to be broken down all the way, and then packed into other cases to be reassembled when they arrive in Ireland.
Though Henley was concerned with the physical logistics of how instruments and people will get to Ireland, Eaddy was most concerned with making sure that everyone and everything makes it onto the plane.
“Just making sure all the instruments get on the planes and everyone has packed accordingly is the biggest thing,” Eaddy said.
“It’s just nutty stuff that you never really have to think about usually when you’re driving by bus,” said Henley. “It’s like seven different flights in all. Most of them go into different places, like flying from Atlanta to Germany and then to Ireland and then ones flying from there to Heathrow Airport in London and then to Ireland.”
With fundraising completed, flying drums packed and students impatiently waiting at the terminal, all that is left is the performance. According to Lankert, it will have all been worth it.
“This trip is important to me because it gives me the knowledge and experience of culture in other countries,” she said. “I take it as time to grow as a person. Not a lot of people get this opportunity, and I want to make the most of it while I am there. This trip means the absolute world to me.”
“It’s a very expensive trip, probably running around $1.2 million,” he said. “When you really look at the $4,300 a student is paying, they couldn’t really go there and do all we’re going to do for that amount of money by themselves.”
A trip like this is not without other challenges.
“Just physically getting our students around over there and being able to get in and out of places with that many kids is going to be a challenge,” Henley opined prior to the trip.
Eaddy believed that many of the students would be nervous, especially those who are first-time travelers.
“I think after we get through the takeoff people calm down,” Eaddy said. “But I think that’s a part of the college experience and a big part of why we’re doing a trip like this.”
One of the main hurdles, in Henley’s opinion, was getting the large instruments and large groups of students into Ireland. Flying drums, tubas and other large instruments is like checking a large piece of expensive luggage.
“Working with these airlines that aren’t necessarily used to working with groups like us, it’s difficult for them to even understand,” said Henley.
Transporting the parade banner and the various drum cases was yet another struggle. Because the parade banner pole is so long, the band had to manufacture one that would fold up and could be put inside a
Henley also recognizes what an impact this could make on the students. Henley, a previous member of the band and a key mind in planning the previous Pride of the Mountains trip to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, has seen firsthand how a trip like Ireland can have a positive effect on a student.
“I firmly believe that this can change a person and in positive ways,” he said. “Going and seeing other cultures, other people that think differently than you, experience life differently than you. It can really change a person for the better when they return home and just realize there’s a lot more out there.”
Neither of the band directors could have seen a trip of this magnitude on the horizon after the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2020. Though Ireland caught Henley by surprise upon the arrival of the invitation, Eaddy recognizes it as just another expected advance for the Pride of the Mountains.
“We try to be innovative with everything we do in POTM. We’ve done Macy’s and we’ve done the Rose Bowl, we’ve done all these big things,” said Eaddy. “I thought the next logical thing would be for us to go international. This parade is one of the largest in the world and they love American bands and the pageantry and artistry that goes along with it. It’s just going to be magical.”
Henley recognizes that past achievements of the band have paved the way for their current reputation.
“We would not be doing this today if it were not for the work and the sweat and the blood of literally F
hundreds and thousands of students that have come through the program over the past many years,” he said. “Without their work elevating the program every year we wouldn’t be here. We definitely stand on the shoulders of giants.”
Despite the difficult logistical hurdles leading up to the trip, once the plane landed, it was smooth sailing under misty morning skies.
Though Eaddy says that Irish and American cultures are very similar, there is just a different feeling about being there. While in Ireland, students were able to do sightseeing trips and experience the local flavor. One of the many excursions the students took was to perform at Kilkenny Castle for an audience of both locals and tourists.
For one student, Caileigh Coval, the performance was life-changing.
Kilkenny and they cheered the color guard on and begged their teacher to be able to join them. It didn’t take long for Eaddy to get the message and ask if the kids wanted to participate.
“The group of girls got very excited about that and started copying all my movements,” Coval said. “They kept calling me over and over going ‘Miss Caileigh! Miss Caileigh!’ My heart was so full and completely blown away at what was happening.”
In Coval’s opinion, part of the enjoyment came from seeing the young girls broaden their horizons.
“I absolutely love watching the joy on their faces when they achieve something new. The kids definitely seemed to have a blast getting to come and perform with us,” said Coval. “All of them came up and gave me a huge hug at the end, telling me they didn’t want to leave.”
To her, that meant she had done her job well and inspired the young girls.
“I feel we really made an impact on those kids.
I left Kilkenny Castle with much more than just a good performance, but a reminder of why I do what I do and gratitude for the little moments in life.”
— Caileigh Coval
Coval, a freshman, has been with the Pride of the Mountains for a year. Before the performance even began, she could feel a difference in the attention from the crowd, most of whom were school-aged children.
“While warming up, there was a group of older school kids just staring at everyone in awe, at what we were doing. It was amazing to have that impact on people,” said Coval. It only took moments after the band began playing for the audience to catch on and sing along to popular football classics like Bruce Channel’s 1959 hit “Hey Baby” and “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus.
While performing, a large group of young girls caught Coval’s eye. They were part of a class from a local school in
“This experience made me feel so full of love and gratitude for my activity and the fact I got to spread the love of what I do with the next generation,” Coval said.
Not only did she have an impact on the kids, but Coval also felt an emotional connection to their willingness to try something new — just as members of the band did in traveling across the ocean to share their talents internationally.
“I feel we really made an impact on those kids,” said Coval. “I left Kilkenny Castle with much more than just a good performance, but a reminder of why I do what I do and gratitude for the little moments in life.”
Abigail Quinn is a senior at WCU majoring in communication and a member of the Pride of the Mountains color guard.
The Museum of the Cherokee People has opened a new attraction focused on the sovereignty of the Eastern Band.
“sov·er·eign·ty: Expressions in Sovereignty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians” is an exhibition that illuminates the complexities of tribal sovereignty and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ continuing legacy of resilience. Featuring objects sourced from the Museum of the Cherokee People’s own collections, “sov·er·eign·ty” is designed to educate visitors about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ autonomy, its relationship with the federal government, and how the tribe has defined its own relationship with its land, people and culture.
The exhibition first defines sovereignty and explains how EBCI is a self-government autonomous nation that has its own laws and government. In 1830, following the Removal Act, which led to the forced displacement of several tribes across the nation, EBCI bought back its land and placed it in a federal trust. That land is called the Qualla Boundary. While other tribes live on federal reservations, that is not the case with EBCI, a sovereign nation that owns its own lands.
The explanation states that EBCI’s inherent sovereignty predates the United States.
“The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has defined over and again the relationship we have with our land, our people, and culture and how we have used our inherent sovereignty to advance our nation for the betterment of our tribe,” it reads. “It has been through adaptability and innovation that the EBCI has combated attempts to eradicate, remove, and assimilate our people and defined expressions of sovereignty throughout our history.”
Visitors come from all over to Cherokee and often come into the museum with preconceived notions based on American pop culture representations of different tribes — a representation that tends to paint all native peoples with the same brush. Visitors may expect tipis and head dresses, and when that expectation is turned upside-down, it provides the perfect opportunity to highlight the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ sovereignty, which makes the culture, people and politics unique.
In addition to learning about the establishment and evolution of the EBCI’s tribal government, its enrollment criteria and ongoing relationship with the federal government, visitors can learn how Cherokee has cultivated its own tourist economy, something that has led some members to feel as though their culture may become compromised or even lost altogether.
The tourist-based economy grew substantially after the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in the 1930s. Dakota Brown, the museum’s director of education, said the key driver was the opening of one of the park’s entrances — where Oconaluftee visitor Center now sits — right on the edge of the Qualla Boundary.
was used in marketing EBCI’s burgeoning tourist economy.
“Prior to the development of the tourism economy, we were one of the poorest communities in the nation,” Brown said.
As part of a nationwide crackdown in an attempt to force assimilation, the federal government did all it could to dilute Cherokee culture, even going as far as outlawing ceremonial animal dances. However, as tourists became more enthralled with what seemed like an exotic culture, the ceremonies were allowed to be performed in front of visitors, which ironically helped keep those traditions alive. To illustrate this, the exhibition includes a ceremonial bear mask that was worn during such a dance, as well as an old photograph of an unidentified man wearing it while performing the ceremony.
“That brought people right through here all the time,” Brown said.
The influx of curious outsiders led to the development of Cherokee’s “kitsch economy,” through which some imagery that seems obviously — or even offensively — stereotypical
“One of the positive things is that we kept that practice alive … at one point, this was mostly just seen as this very performative thing they did for tourists, but because they did that, we still know them,” Brown said.
“If your culture diminishes, it goes away, and eventually, your government and your sovereignty does, too,” she added.
Now, in the wake of the 1978 Indian Religious F
Freedom Act, as new generations can freely perform ceremonies in ceremonial spaces instead of just in front of tourists, there has been a shift in Cherokee toward rediscovering how the ceremonies used to look and what they meant.
One section of the exhibition features items that visitors would likely consider exploitative at first glance, the very worst caricatures of Native Americans. However, they were created right there in the boundary by The Cherokee Manufacturing Company. At a time when so many trinkets were produced elsewhere and shipped to Cherokee’s gift shops, the tribe decided to take control of that economy. Several of the items produced are now on display, including a pendant with a stereotypical image of a Native American man in a feathered headdress.
But there were still little things the manufacturers were doing to insert bits of real Cherokee culture.
“Some of the Cherokee Manufacturing employees would write their names Cherokee syllabary in the catalog, and then there were even sections that talked about how we’re actually not a reservation and how we are on what’s called a boundary,” Brown said. “But this was about taking control of that market.”
While negative stereotypes of Native Americans still permeated society throughout the mid-20th century, Cherokee decided to use its annual fair as a means to show visitors its unique culture.
“The tribal fair became an important way to show our civility as a nation,” Brown said.
Ultimately, the prevailing theme of the exhibition is that for about the last 100 years, there has been a push and pull, a desire for EBCI to maintain its sovereignty, culture and sense of community while also wanting to build a thriving economy that
could ensure members are taken care of. While Brown said she understands the criticism of the tourism economy from some community members that she’s heard over the years, she thinks it was a means to an end for her people. She relayed her own story to illustrate the nuance of her point. When she was younger, her mom and dad started a company and would buy some of the items from the Cherokee Manufacturing Company. Brown said she asked her father why they would buy items that would perpetuate a negative stereotype.
“My dad’s response to that is, ‘when we buy from the Cherokees, it supports our tribe and the families in our community that work there,’” Brown recalled. “So you could
take it at face value and be like, ‘Oh, this is maybe wrong’ or that it’s perpetuating the wrong image, but it was valuable to this community in a time of great need.”
“Is it needed anymore? Probably not,” she added. “And is it something that we can move away from now? Yes. I think we’ve reached that place. As far as our economy goes, we’re stable enough that maybe we
don’t have to do those things.”
Brown said that while the museum frequently gets visitors from all over who are interested in Cherokee history and culture, the museum’s mission has somewhat shifted back toward also serving the community.
“That’s something our leadership feels pretty strong about,” she said. “We want to be of service to our community, so with any decision we make, we are always asking ‘how does this create pride in our community while also educating visitors?’ I think we can always find a balance between the two.”
Brown called attention to the fact that while the exhibition was purposefully curated and features some unique items, it is relatively small. That’s because the museum’s main exhibition is closed to the public in preparation for a long renovation project.
“The sovereignty exhibit is not meant to be a replacement for our permanent exhibit,” Brown said. “We are going to be updating that at some point, and we are hoping to update the entire museum. We’re actively working toward that goal, so this is just a small, temporary exhibit that we can still invite people to and allow them to participate with our museum.”
“sov·er·eign·ty” is on view through Feb. 28, 2025, at the Museum of the Cherokee People’s public facility in the heart of Cherokee’s Cultural District. The Museum Store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets can be purchased at motcp.org.
Former Cherokee Indian Police Department Chief Josh Taylor has now made it clear that he stands behind a push from at least one tribal council member to dissolve the Cherokee Police Commission.
The ordinance to dissolve the commission was submitted to council earlier this month by Dike Sneed, who previously served as police chief before sitting on council.
“Since its creation, the Cherokee Police Commission has strayed away from its original purpose of transparency and oversight of the Cherokee Indian Police Department,” the ordinance reads, “and in certain cases it has gone so far as inhibiting transparency and abusing its oversight.”
“The existence of the Cherokee Police Commission is diminishing the authority of the Executive Office to directly oversee its programs, all while creating a chain of command conflict for the Chief of Police and the Principal Chief,” it later reads.
But despite the strong language in the ordinance, Taylor refrained from lobbing any specific allegations. In fact, he said several times that he has nothing against the commission or its members, but rather he thinks it’s obsolete and often repeats work that is already done by other EBCI boards. Essentially, he said the existence of the board, whose members are paid, is a waste of money.
Nominations to serve on the Cherokee Police Commission are made by the chief with council approval. The commission consists of eight members, six of whom represent the six tribal townships, one is an atlarge male and one an at-large female.
The proposed change strikes all language in the current ordinance related to the police commission. That language states that the commission is to provide “performance and regulatory oversight” of tribal law enforcement agencies while also acting as a liaison between those agencies and the community. This includes CPD, ALE, natural resources environment office, animal control, marshall service/prohibition and the detention center. The commission, as it stands now, is also tasked with analyzing data to come up with policy recommendations, and it has the authority to hear appeals from law enforce-
ment personnel who are fired or likewise, community members concerned with officer misconduct.
“Community service is doing that same thing,” Sneed said during a March 20 work session.
CIPD Chief Carla Neadeau had requested the work session but was unable to attend because she’s on medical leave. Although Taylor now heads up tribal Alcohol Law Enforcement, he is still a sworn officer and
Former CIPD chief Josh Taylor spoke in favor of the ordinance to dissolve the police commission. From Facebook
Council. Taylor noted that other places have similar advisory boards that have done good work, including in Mecklenburg County.
Although the proposal to dissolve the police commission was discussed at the commission’s most recent meeting on March 18, that meeting was closed to the public so it isn’t known how most members felt. However, two commission members spoke before council at the work session.
Commission member Kym Parker said the
was there on Neadeau’s behalf. Taylor noted that the idea of dissolving the police commission has been brought up “numerous times” in the past. While he said he understood why the commission was created over a decade ago, it’s become obsolete and has even come to the point where there is an “us versus them” mentality.
“They don’t understand what it’s like to be a police officer,” he said.
Ultimately, Taylor seemed to agree with Sneed.
“We cannot have boards that are duplicating services,” he said, adding that an advisory board could be created that would be more effective. Members of that board, he suggested, could be Neadeau, EBCI Attorney General Mike McConnell, CIPD attorney Cody White and four members of Tribal
commission will be vital when it comes time to draft a policy manual, noting that they’ve worked well with Neadeau on moving toward that goal. Commission Chairman Gene Tunney Crowe said the commission has done a lot to help the community and wants to continue that work.
“If we had the opportunity to sit down and work with the police department, there’s no telling the things we could accomplish,” he said.
Likewise, Teresa McCoy, a former councilmember who also ran for chief, spoke to council in support of the commission.
“I think if you quiz the majority of people here, they’d tell you to elect the chief of police and keep the police commission,” she said. The ordinance may come before council for a vote at the April meeting.
On Saturday, March 30, hop on over to 566 South Haywood St. in Waynesville at 9 a.m. for a free, eggs-travagant Easter egg hunt. Sponsored by McClung Roofing, the Easter egg hunt is hosted by Friendship House, a community outreach and service ministry of the First United Church of Waynesville. While you’re there, take something from or leave something for the food pantry or clothing closets. For more infor-
mation, visit fumc-waynesville.com.
On Wednesday, April 10, at 7 p.m., the Western Carolina University chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will host a panel discussion on the spread of misinformation and the dangers of fake news. Panelists include longtime Asheville
Citizen-Times reporter and columnist for Asheville Watchdog John Boyle, WCU Madison Distinguished Professor and Director of the Haire Institute for Public Policy Chris Cooper and Cory Vaillancourt, politics editor at The Smoky Mountain News.
The panel will take moderated questions, with an open forum to follow. The event is free and open to the public and will take place in the Apodaca Science Building Room 207. For more information, contact Cora Haste, SPJ at WCU secretary, at cphaste1@catamount.wcu.edu.
Pactiv Evergreen’s paper mill in Canton has been hit with its fifth-straight notice of an environmental violation following the failure of a quarterly discharge toxicity test.
The latest NOV, published March 14, indicated that the mill had failed its December 2023 test — a test it conducts itself and had failed four quarters in a row prior to the latest violation. The NOV also marks the mill’s eighth since it closed last June and its 23rd since May 2021.
In a February Smoky Mountain News story about the last discharge toxicity violation, Laura Oleniacz, public information officer for the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources, said that to determine whether Pactiv Evergreen would be issued a civil penalty, Department of Water Resources would perform two follow-up tests and average those numbers to determine whether they’re still in violation.
“Canton Mill failed their quarterly tests in March, June and September, but the averages of follow-up tests met the permit limits,
Gov. Roy Cooper’s office has announced that Duotech Services, an engineering company that specializes in the repair and maintenance of legacy defense equipment, will expand its operations in Macon County, creating 95 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $6.5 million in Franklin.
“Duotech’s growth is another reason why North Carolina is the most military-friendly state in the country,” Cooper said in a press release. “We welcome the expansion of this nimble and innovative company that’s supporting the defense of our country and its allies while creating great jobs in western North Carolina.”
Duotech was established in 1982 and has continuously operated in Franklin since 1986. Products purchased by the Department of Defense require maintenance and repair over time, yet the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) tend to drop support of older products in favor of selling new equipment.
Duotech is now a major supplier of maintenance and repair support services to components of the U.S. Government, and the company offers major OEMs repair and sustainment services for large scale electronics equipment. Duotech also designs, develops, and manufactures products such as advanced
so no civil penalties will be issued,” Oleniacz said in that story.
The mill’s wastewater discharge permit mandates that it performs the quarterly testing using water fleas as indicators of effluent toxicity. If there is a significant drop in the number of water fleas, it indicates a higher toxicity, and the plant fails the test.
radars and radar warning receivers for commercial and military applications.
Duotech’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $416.8 million.
The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 234%, meaning for every dollar of potential cost to the state, the state receives $3.34 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.
Because Duotech chose a site in Macon County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 2, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving $93,900 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 2 county such as Macon, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state.
“Duotech is a valued and important employer in our region and it’s great to see this expansion in Macon County,” said N.C. Senator Kevin Corbin. “North Carolina’s reputation as a military-friendly state grows stronger thanks to today’s decision and we welcome these new jobs and investment.”
We folks over 70 often make mistakes — forgetting and confusing names, places, dates. So when Joe Biden mistook President Sisi of Egypt as the president of Mexico I didn’t worry too much about it. Woops!
And recently, when Donald Trump praised Victor Orban as the president of Turkey, I figured maybe Mr. Trump was hungry at that moment (Orban is the president of Hungary, not Turkey, haha). Mr. Trump criticized Nikki Haley for her poor management of security during the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. He was confusing her with Nancy Pelosi, who was speaker of the House. Nikki Haley had nothing to do with security on Jan. 6
I don’t get too worked up about these memory slip-ups. But what I do get worked up about are the reactions to Donald Trump’s personal values and his competency as revealed by the words of many of the highest-ranking members of his own administration. These people were chosen by him to be in positions of great responsibility in government and military. Mr. Trump always boasts about having “the best people,” and “knowing more than anyone” how to run a company or a government. Let’s see what a few of these leading Trump appointees had to say about him after he fired them or after they resigned.
To the Editor:
A while ago I read a quote attributed to one of the Founding Fathers that had to do with the presumption that the electorate possessed the knowledge and goodwill to successfully sustain a democracy. I haven’t been able to find who said that or the exact wording. But I did find lots of other political quotes from the Founders that seemed particularly relevant in this election year. Here is a very small sampling of the ones that resonated with me:
“… we ought to live as brothers, doing to each other all the good we can, and not listening to wicked men, who may endeavor to make us enemies. By living in peace, we can help and prosper one another …” (Thomas Jefferson)
“Man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without a rudder, is the sport of every wind. With such persons, gullibility, faith, takes the helm from the hand of reason, and the mind becomes a wreck.” (Thomas Jefferson)
“A government of laws and not of men.” (John Adams)
“He that cannot obey, cannot command.” (Benjamin Franklin)
Although the political wisdom of the Founding Fathers has remained remarkably sound over these many years, I did find a few examples which, at least in part, have not. Buried in the Federalist Papers (68) is the below passage. It refers to and advocates for the idea of an Electoral College. But this pas-
Bill Barr, former Attorney General: “The fact of the matter is he is a consummate narcissist and he constantly engages in reckless conduct … He will always put his own interest and gratifying his own ego ahead of everything else, including the country’s interest …”
John Kelly, former Chief of White House Staff and four-star Marine Corps general: “A person who admires autocrats and murderous dictators. A person who has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution and the rule of law.”
By the way, Donald Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery with Gen. Kelly on Memorial Day 2017 to visit the grave of Kelly’s son Robert, killed in Afghanistan. Trump’s comment: “I don’t get it. What’s in it for them?”
James Mathis, former Secretary of Defense and Marine Corps four star general: “Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people — does not even pretend to try. Instead, he tries to divide us.”
Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
sage caught my attention not because of its argument but by its assumptions regarding moral certainties and requisite qualifications. Here it is:
“This process of election affords a moral certainty that the office of President will seldom fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.”
(Alexander Hamilton)
Those wise men of their time could not have anticipated this century’s divisive relativism regarding moral certainty and requisite qualifications.
These reminders from the past are as relevant in 2024 as they were when they were first spoken — more so even. But citizens of good will and common sense can still prevail. Let’s make that happen.
“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country and the world.” (Sharon Salzberg)
“Every election is determined by the people who show up.” (Larry J. Sabato)
Mase Lucas Scaly MountainTo the Editor:
“Welcome to the end of democracy. We are here to overthrow it completely,” Jack Posobiec said as the event began. “We didn’t get all the way there on January 6, but we will endeavor to get rid of it and replace it with this, right here,” he said gesturing to the
Staff: “We don’t take an oath to a king or a queen. Or to a tyrant or a dictator. And we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator.”
Donald Trump suggested that Milley should be executed! Trump also told Milley not to allow wounded soldiers and veterans at public events: “No one wants to see that.”
And let us remember his disrespect for then-Sen. John McCain, tortured in the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. McCain could have been released before others but felt it was not honorable to jump the line just because his father was the 7th Fleet commander, and the Communists wanted a publicity stunt. Trump mocked him for being called a hero ‘just because he was caught. I like people who didn’t get caught.”
Trump himself once declared “My own personal Vietnam” was not getting venereal disease in New York night clubs. “I feel like a great and very brave soldier.” Incredible.
Perhaps all those former Trump appointees are secretly plotting together in some dark basement. All part of a “deep state” conspiracy. Or maybe these are dedicated public servants who are desperately trying to warn us.
(Steve Wall was a pediatrician for decades in Haywood County. He’s now retired. swall127@gmail.com.)
crowd and holding up his fist.
Posobiec’s comments, even delivered in a lighthearted tone, are a chilling reminder that Trump and his supporters are not speaking rhetorically. They mean everything they say.
The words written above are the exact words published by NBC News on February 22. The speaker, Posobiec, is addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference at National Harbor, Maryland. If you think Posobiec is merely joking, consider this fact that supports the idea of destroying democracy: Citizens United legislation was passed to allow wealthy donors and corporations to contribute massive amounts of money to can-
didates who promise to promote their interests. This injection of money into elections minimizes the effect that average citizens can exert on their own interests. Believe it or not, democracy has already been badly bent by Citizens United while many Americans were attentive to other activities in their lives.
Legendary country singer/songwriter Merle Haggard sang,” When you’re runnin’ down my country, hoss, you’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me.” By enacting Citizens United, did Congress walk on your “fightin’ side”? Let’s face the truth, America!
Dave Waldrop Webster
live performance and improvisation.
“People were smoking weed and taking acid, things that opened people’s minds to the possibilities of trying to be free with music — seeing how far they could go with their consciousness,” Bramblett said.
From Athens, Bramblett wandered down to Macon where he would cross paths with Talton and his storied country-rock group Cowboy, who was under Capricorn Records. Those sessions would open up more doors for Bramblett to work with other artists on the Capricorn roster — Gregg Allman, Elvin Bishop, Bonnie Bramlett.
“There’s just such a mystery and a magic to [musical collaboration],” Bramblett said. “Sometimes magic happens between people and sometimes it doesn’t. When you’re making a record and playing around in the studio, you’re putting together this weird puzzle. When it all comes together, it just feels magical and rewarding — it has to be the right
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR
At 76, singer-songwriter/keyboardist
Randall Bramblett has been a musical artist most of his life. In recent years, a new outlook on not only what he does for a living, but also what it means to be human amid a life immersed in creativity and connectivity, has emerged.
“Back in the old days, it was looking for whatever we could to get high and party — it’s not just a party anymore,” Bramblett said. “It’s more about respect, love for each other and awareness that we’re all not going to be here forever — it adds a depth to the music and the personal relationships that wasn’t necessarily there before.”
That sentiment is something brewing in Bramblett’s mind as of late. More so when reflecting on the recent memorial in Atlanta, Georgia, for his longtime friend and collaborator Tommy Talton, a country-rock legend in his own right, who passed away last December.
“I’m a better person than I used to be, with people and with treating the music with respect to my own creativity, my own soul,” Bramblett said.
In his younger years, Bramblett will admit to having somewhat of a reckless nature, where he would “blow through life” and it was more “about being free, so don’t even worry about anybody else.” Nowadays, he counts his lucky stars to be able to see through all of that as time continues to march on.
“I’m not abusing my spirit and my body anymore,” Bramblett said. “I just want to be true to myself and true to the music, to exploring — respect people and just be more aware of their feelings.”
Bramblett came up in the bountiful, vibrant southern rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s. It was a setting centered around Capricorn Records in Macon, Georgia, in an era where acts like the Allman Brothers Band and Marshall Tucker Band reigned supreme.
Randall Bramblett will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $36.50 for adults; $31.50 for students, military and ages 65 and older; and $12.50 for children ages eight and under.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to thepeacocknc.org, call 828.389.ARTS or email boxoffice@thepeacocknc.org.
“It was a really fun and exciting time,” Bramblett said. “There was so much energy and experimentation — places to play and people to play with.”
Raised in the small town of Jesup, Georgia, Bramblett started playing music at an early age. He eventually attended the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1970 with degrees in religion and psychology. Pushing further into his love of music, Bramblett found inspiration and solace through the words and tones of Carole King, Bob Dylan and James Taylor.
“James Taylor woke me up to songwriting,” Bramblett said.
Following college, Bramblett entertained the idea of entering seminary school, only to then be accepted into the prestigious Harvard Divinity School, But, Bramblett soon found himself at a personal and professional crossroads — choose the church or pursue his love of creating and performing music.
“They were both paths to expanding and learning — growing, really — which was something I was committed to,” Bramblett noted. “Even though I did love my religion courses, as far as devoting my life to more study, I decided I’d rather just play music.”
Ultimately landing in Athens, Georgia, in the early 1970s (a place he still calls home today), Bramblett began making connections with other musicians and bands in the vast college town.
“There was a lot of experimental music going on the in late sixties and early seventies — groups like Traffic [in England] and Colonel Bruce Hampton in Atlanta doing freeform jazz,” Bramblett reflected.
All of which would parlay itself into incredibly intricate jam sessions in Athens and beyond — profound moments of focus, clarity and connectivity in the sacred realm of
“It’s more about respect, love for each other and awareness that we’re all not going to be here forever.”
— Randall Bramblett
people, the right intention.”
Of all the people Bramblett has jammed, recorded and toured with, including the likes of Traffic, Bonnie Raitt, Gov’t Mule, Widespead Panic, Robbie Robertson and Steve Winwood, one name still sticks out — Chuck Leavell.
“[Chuck’s] just one of the great side men of all-time — he’s so focused,” Bramblett said.
A longtime member of the Allman Brothers Band and keyboardist/musical director of the Rolling Stones since 1982, Leavell found creative solidarity with Bramblett. This led numerous collaboration with Leavell’s famed, yet short-lived jazz/rock ensemble Sea Level throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s.
“We had some good years [with Sea Level],” Bramblett reminisced. “But, Capricorn folded and we got lost like a lot of people [on the label] did. And the thing that came out of all that, for me, was the relationship with Chuck — we’re [still] good friends and played some gigs together recently.”
With a new album of material due out later this year, Randall Bramblett is simply enjoying the mere fact that, even after all these decades, he still genuinely looks forward to getting up each day and exploring another corner of the mysterious musical universe — onstage or in the studio, on his own terms and in his own way.
“I get to play my music and I don’t have to worry about pleasing too many people or selling records,” Bramblett said. “I just do what I want to do pretty much, which is amazing.”
‘The idea is not to live forever, it is to create something that will’
Hello from the Antler Village at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. It’s 11:34 a.m. The wine bar around the corner will open in roughly 16 minutes. I’ve been at this vast property since 8:30 a.m. when I was pulling up to attend the grand opening of the Chihuly art exhibit.
Dale Chihuly is an 82-year-old art icon in mixed media, but mainly in the world of hand-blown glass. It’s absolutely stunning to behold his work, these intricate, elaborate pieces of fragile glass held high, weighing hundreds of pounds, offering up innumerable mysteries and questions posed from the infinite universe of the creative act.
Though Chihuly studios are based in Seattle, Washington, he’s become fond of the Biltmore, with this latest exhibit being the second one at the estate. The first was back in 2018, which overtook parts of the garden next to the main house. The new one is located in the Amherst at Deerpark center.
Regardless, as part of the media group getting first access to the exhibit, it meant I had to get up at 7 a.m. and motor over to Asheville. Though I’m a workaholic by nature, I’m not really a person who gets up at that hour unless I’m camping, at a music festival or trying to catch a flight to destinations unknown.
The Monday morning sunshine had barely broken across the peaks and valleys of Haywood County when my smart phone alarm jolted me out of a sound sleep. I slowly emerged from bed and looked out the window. It appeared cold outside, a sentiment further confirmed when I opened the front door and the 32-degree air hit me in the face like a frying pan.
of the Biltmore Estate and leave the world behind, if but for a few hours. Drive under the massive arch of the gate house. Residential sprawl and the unrelenting metropolitan cacophony of Asheville transitioning into rolling farmland.
Livestock dotting the tree lines and ridges. Sheep. Goats. Horses. Wild turkeys. Herding dogs. Countless Canadian geese in the midst of spring migration. Bales of hay and old barns. Winding roads and big ole beautiful trees hanging overhead. A stiff early spring breeze to greet you and yours.
Park at Amherst at Deerpark. Rush to the front door and be welcomed by the kind Biltmore staff. A short presentation by the Biltmore events coordinator and a representative from the Chihuly studios. Onward with the show. Open the doors into this glass wonderland of artistic inspiration and an introspective vibration of what it means to walk this earth, lost in joyous thought.
The essence of Chihuly is this sense of childlike wonder that he — and all great artists — tend to never lose, which speaks to the depth and awe factor of the pieces. Each one is colorful and thoughtful, intriguing and incredibly moving to witness in-person. No pun intended, but it blows the mind to try and capture and explain to others just what you will see, feel and walk away with.
1 Indie/soul singer-songwriter Shane Meade will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Mountain Layers Brewing Company in Bryson City.
2 The Natti Love Joys will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, March 29, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin.
3 A beloved Western North Carolina tradition, the “Easter Hat Parade” will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30, in downtown Dillsboro.
4 Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host its “Easter Eve Makers Market” from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 30.
5 A community jam will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.
And do so with gusto and gratitude for merely being able to do so — in real time on this planet, with air in your lungs and a song in your heart.
Welp, better dress warmly. Toss on a few layers of winter running clothes. My girlfriend, Sarah, did the same. Grab some coffee and hit the road. Hop in the truck. Merge into the organized chaos conjured by the 9-to-5 morning commuters. Headlights and taillights to jobs either beloved or despised. Red lights and brake lights. Anxious faces trying to get somewhere, anywhere on time. Hurry, hurry the vehicles zoom by like something out of a Richard Scarry children’s book.
Soon, the hustle and bustle of Biltmore Village. More traffic. More busy faces from this real life Busytown. Turn into the entrance
For many of us who, perhaps, lost touch with that sense of childlike wonder, it is art — whether music, writing, painting, sculpture, glass, etc. — we tap into, to once again hold, cherish, immerse and reconnect with our best selves from maybe long ago — too long ago, actually — who sought exploration and welcomed discovery with ease and enthusiasm.
When was the last time you walked into an art gallery or museum, cracked a book open, took a pottery class, attended a theatre production or simply gazed up and admired that tree in your front yard? Do it. Do it now.
Leaving the Chihuly exhibit, there was already a long, winding line out the door of eager faces awaiting their chance to see what I just saw. The general public could now enter and bear witness to these magnificent creations. In passing, I turned to an older lady in line and said, “It was incredible — totally worth it.” She smiled like a kid excited for Christmas morning and replied, “Oh, good.”
Heading to Antler Village, I had some time to kill before the wine bar was open for business. With visions of a nice glass of chardonnay and a charcuterie board in mind, I laced up my running shoes and decided to go for a jog down the dirt and gravel farm trail along the ancient French Broad River.
I was alone and left in glorious silence only found in the depths of a solo run. I focused on my breathing and eventually found the ideal rhythm of motion. Not as fast as I used to be in college, but I’m still truckin’ and that’s all that matters in the grand scheme of things.
There were wild turkeys in the field in the distance. More Canadian geese. A lone rabbit with its cotton ball tail. Too many squirrels to count. The soothing sounds of the waters of the nearby French Broad. There I was now, in the art exhibit that is Mother Nature and its bountiful grandeur of animals, plants and oldschool joggers.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
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Popular Florida-based indie/soul singer-songwriter Shane Meade will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Mountain Layers Brewing Company in Bryson City.
Hailing from Elkins, West Virginia, Meade is a self-taught late bloomer who borrowed an old guitar from his father. He began playing and writing songs in the summer of 2000 before relocating to Florida, eventually leaving the corporate world and pursuing music full-time in 2005.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.538.0115 or go to mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Angry Elk Brewing (Whittier) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are free and open to the public. 828.497.1015 or facebook.com/angryelkbrewingco.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8-10 p.m. every Thursday. Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 or balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host a semi-regular acoustic jam with the Main Street NoTones from 7-9 p.m. every first and third Thursday of the month. Free and open to the public. For more information, go to blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host music bingo 7 p.m. Mondays, karaoke 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, trivia 7 p.m. Thursdays, open mic night 10 p.m., Dan Clare Duo March 30 and Imij Of Soul (rock/soul) April 6. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.
The Natti Love Joys will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, March 29, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva. The band will also hit the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin.
A roots-rock-reggae band that has been playing live since 2003, the group consists of husband and wife duo Anthony “Jatti” Allen and Sonia “Marla” Allen (formerly
Sonia Abel).
Jatti was previously the bassist for the reggae group The Congos, while Marla originates from the cult all female reggae group Love Joys, where she recorded two albums under the legendary Wackies label run by Lloyd Barnes (Bullwackie).
Both shows are free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.
A community jam will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.
Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer or anything unplugged is invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of the Sawmill Creek Porch Band.
The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — spring, summer, fall.
This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.
For more information, call 828.488.3030.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host “Sinatra & Friends” w/Ron Lee (swing/jazz) 7 p.m. April 13. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host an Open Mic Night 6-8 p.m. April 12 and semi-regular live music on the weekends. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to coweeschool.org/music.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Thursdays and Breeze Cable March 30. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 or curraheebrew.com.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Fireside at the Farm” sessions on select weekends. For more information, go to oldedwardshospitality.com.
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host The Well Drinkers (Americana/bluegrass) 7 p.m. April 18. For a full schedule of
Asheville-based singer-songwriter Christina Chandler will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at The Scotsman in Waynesville.
Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Chandler is a rising melodic force in the Americana and indie-folk realms of Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia. Chandler was also a featured artist during the recent “Jam by Day” festivities at the Jack of the Wood in Asheville, an annual gathering leading up to the annual “Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam” celebration at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.246.6292 or go to scotsmanpublic.com.
events and/or to purchase tickets, go to folkmoot.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host its weekly “Tuesday Jazz Series” with We Three Swing at 5:30 p.m., Syrrup March 29 and Color Machine March 30. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or froglevelbrewing.com.
• Frog Quarters (Franklin) will host live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays w/Sonia Brooks & Chuck Dorling (Americana) March 30. Free and open to the public. Located at 573 East Main Street. littletennessee.org or 828.369.8488.
• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host Blue Jazz (blues/jazz) and Doug Ramsey (singer-songwriter) March 30. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. happsplace.com or 828.742.5700.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Rodney Carrington (country) 9 p.m.
March 29. For a full schedule of events and/or to buy tickets, caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• High Dive (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. highlandsdive.com or 828.526.2200.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” on Thursday evenings, “Sunday Bluegrass Residency” from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the “Salon Series” w/Lillie Mae (Americana/indie) 8:30 p.m. April 18. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host “Monday Night Trivia” every week, “Open Mic w/Phil” Wednesdays, David Cheatham (singer-songwriter) March 30 and Shane Meade (indie/soul) April 6. All shows and events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovationbrewing.com.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host “Music Bingo” on Wednesdays and semi-regular live
music on the weekends. All events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Karaoke on the second/fourth Friday of the month, Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) March 30 and Ray Ferrara (singer-songwriter) April 6. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Music Bingo” 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) March 29 and Cody Marlowe (rock/country) April 5. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a “Community Music Jam” at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month. Free and open to the public. All musicians and music lovers are welcome. 828.488.3030.
• Meadowlark Motel (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to meadowlarkmotel.com or call 828.926.1717.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host an “Open Mic w/Frank Lee” Wednesdays, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) March 29 and Shane Meade (indie/soul) March 30. All shows begin at 6 p.m unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Orchard Coffee (Waynesville) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.246.9264 or orchardcoffeeroasters.com.
• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson (country/folk) 6 p.m. April 5. Bring a beverage and snack of your choice. Free and open to the public. go2ottonc.com or 770.335.0967
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host Randall Bramblett (rock/soul) March 30, John Brown (jazz) April 5 and Kanstyx (Kansas/Styx tribute) April 6. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to thepeacocknc.org or call 828.389.ARTS.
• Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro) will host Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.586.1717 or facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse.
• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796.
• Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke w/Russell” every Monday
and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105.
• Santé Wine Bar (Sylva) will host semi-regular live music on Sundays. Free and open to the public. 828.631.3075 or facebook.com/thewinebarandcellar.
• Sauced (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9585 or saucedwnc.com.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host Christina Chandler (singer-songwriter) March 28, Celtic Road Jam 4 p.m. March 30, Avalons Of Fate March 30, Keil Nathan Smith (singer-songwriter) April 4, Andrew Scotchie & McKinney (indie/rock) April 5 and Celtic Road Jam 4 p.m. April 6. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 or scotsmanpublic.com.
• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host David Potter (singer-songwriter) March 29 and Blue Jazz (blues/jazz) March 30. All shows begin at 5 p.m. 828.276.9463 or slantedwindow.com.
• SlopeSide Tavern (Sapphire) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.743.8655 or slopesidetavern.com.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Tim Hawkins (singersongwriter/comedy) 7 p.m. April 6. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to smokymountainarts.com or 866.273.4615.
• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) will host a Community Jam 5:30-7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.479.3364 or go to stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.3000 or theuglydogpub.com.
• Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host “Bluegrass Wednesday” at 6:30 p.m. each week. 828.526.8364 or theuglydogpub.com.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Carolina Freightshakers (classic rock/country) March 29, Rock Holler (classic rock) March 30, Karaoke w/Lori (no cover) April 4, Topper April 5 and Ricky Gunter April 6. All shows are $5 at the door and begin at 8 p.m. 828.538.2488.
• Valley Cigar & Wine Co. (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 or valleycigarandwineco.com.
• Find more at smokymountainnews.com/arts
A beloved Western North Carolina tradition, the “Easter Hat Parade” will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30, in downtown Dillsboro.
Bring your finest Easter bonnet and dress up the smiles on everyone’s face by joining in and walking in the parade. And if you do not participate in the parade, you can simply do as hundreds of others do — come to Dillsboro and watch the array of folks strolling “down the avenue” in their finery.
There will be a contra dance class offered from 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
Contra dance is considered the most accessible and sociable of all dances, with participants moving in two long facing lines or in groups, and with frequent partner changes. With its roots in the British Isles and France, contra dance has become a traditional American dance form.
No experience is needed to contra dance. All dances are taught. Beginners’
Bring your own hat or arrive early (10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) at Dogwood Crafters to make your own. A full day of fun will include kid’s activities, face painting and visits with the Easter Bunny.
Ribbons and prizes will also be awarded for unusual hat categories. The parade travels on streets around downtown. This is a pet-friendly event.
For more information, go to visitdillsboro.org/specialevents.
lessons start at 6:30 p.m., with dancing from 7-9 p.m. No need to bring a partner, but you’re welcome to do so.
You may also bring a closed water container and snack. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Please don’t wear perfumes or strong scents.
Admission is by donation, which helps pay for the musicians and callers for the evening. First-time attendees and children are admitted free.
The event is produced by the Arts Council, Friends of Contra Dance in Macon County and the Macon County Public Library.
For more information, call 828.524.ARTS or email arts4all@dnet.net.
Artwork by Ralph Verano will be on display through the month of April at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
Verano was born in a small town in Southern Central New York State. He became fascinated with art at a very early age when his grandfather would draw comic characters for him.
He graduated from Buffalo State College with a degree in graphic design. After living and working in Florida for 30 years, Verano’s love of the mountains eventually brought him to settle in Franklin.
Verano’s character-driven art represents his love of abstract art and surrealism with a desire to create something unique and original. His work has evolved over time because of his willingness to experiment with different techniques, ideas and styles.
Verano has always felt that discovery is the most important element in his work and the need to challenge himself is what maintains his interest in the thing that has been his passion since he was a child.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, go to rverano.blogspot.com.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host its “Easter Eve Makers Market” from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Local arts/crafts vendors and more. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or froglevelbrewing.com.
• “Challenge Me, Art by Differently Abled Artists” exhibition will run through April 7 in the Handmade Gallery at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. This exhibition serves as a celebration of the remarkable abilities possessed by individuals with different abilities. It is a testament to the power of art to transcend barriers and foster understanding and appreciation. For more information, please go to haywoodarts.org.
• “Youth Art Month” will be held through March at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. Artwork from local Macon County students K-12 will be on display. For more information, call 828.349.4607 or go to franklinuptowngallery.com.
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, go to galleryzella.com or call 517.881.0959.
• Waynesville Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday each month on the second floor of the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. The club is a nonprofit organization that exists for the enjoyment of photography and the improvement of one’s skills. They welcome photographers of all skill levels to share ideas and images at the monthly meetings. For more information, email waynesvillephotoclub@charter.net or follow them on Facebook: Waynesville Photography Club.
• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide-range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. The HCAC gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information and a full schedule, go to haywoodarts.org.
In an effort to raise funds for Misfit Mountain, there will be a special art showcase and sale through March at Panacea Coffee Company in Waynesville.
Featuring artwork from Haywood County painter Robin Arramae, patrons can make a donation onsite at the coffee house and then choose a painting of their liking from the wall exhibit to take home with them.
• “Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson” will run through June 28 in the Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. This exhibition brings together a selection of baskets, pottery, carving, painting, photography and more. To learn more about the exhibition and reception, please go to arts.wcu.edu/spark. The Fine Art Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. For more information and a full schedule, go to jcgep.org.
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. For more information on the upcoming classes and/or to sign-up, go to southwesterncc.edu/scclocations/swain-center.
All proceeds will go to Misfit Mountain, a 501(c)3 nonprofit animal rescue serving the WNC area. In the next two weeks, 15 dogs will be getting sterilized, vaccinated, chipped and heartworm tested before being adopted. There will be about $3,000 in expenses for just these pups.
For more information, contact Arramae, email wncpaintevents@gmail.com.
A special stage production of “Constellations” will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 5-6, 12-13 and 2 p.m. April 7 and 14 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Join Roland, a beekeeper, and Marianne, a quantum physicist, as their relationship unfolds in a kaleidoscope of scenes, revealing diverse outcomes shaped by tiny choices and chance events.
This captivating romantic drama delves into the mesmerizing world of multiverse theory, exploring the boundless possibilities of love. Brace yourself for an emotionally charged experience that goes beyond the ordinary as “Constellations” invites you to ponder the intricate threads of destiny and love.
Suitable for all audiences. To reserve your seats, call the box office at 828.456.6322 or visit harttheatre.org.
• CRE828 (Waynesville) will offer a selection of art classes and workshops at its studio located at 1283 Asheville Road. Workshops will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more. For a full list of classes, go to cre828.com. For more information on CRE828, email dawn@cre828.com or call 828.283.0523.
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, go to waynesvillewine.com.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. For more information, call 828.538.0420.
• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre will host an array of spring intensive workshops and classes at its campus in Waynesville. Classes include “Musical Theatre Dance” and Adult Acting,” as well as costume, sound, lighting and makeup workshops. For more information and/or to sign up, go to harttheatre.org/kids-athart-classes-and-camps. ALSO: ALSO:
• Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. For more information and a full schedule of activities, go to dogwoodcrafters.com/classes or call 828.586.2248.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. There will also be a special “Beer Train” on select dates. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or go to gsmr.com.
It was another ordinary day when I swung by the public library on my way to town.
I picked out a couple of DVDs I needed — “Groundhog Day” and “Ghosts” — and then drifted along the “New Arrivals” bookshelves, browsing the authors and titles. Just as I was about to head bookless for the check-out desk, I spotted Mark Helprin’s name among the crowd of fiction authors. I snatched up that treasure as if battling for it with a Black Friday shopping mob and carried it home, feeling all the while as if some tumblers of the universe had clicked into place and made the bright day magical.
And here’s what made that enchantment even better.
“The Oceans and the Stars: A Sea Story, a War Story, a Love Story” (Harry N. Abrams, 2023, 512 pages) now ranks right up there with my other two Helprin favorites, “A Soldier of the Great War” and “Freddy and Fredericka.” In fact, it’s been years since any work of fiction has brewed up such a storm of emotions in me. Here’s a book that brings smiles and tears, a sense of serenity countered at times by a deep rage, wonderment at the author’s release of a book so in tune with our embattled times, particularly in regard to the catastrophes in the Middle East, and amazement Helprin’s descriptive skills and knowledge of a dozen disparate subjects.
his revenge by assigning Rensselaer to the only such craft built like it so far, the “Athena,” Patrol Costal 15. For Rensselaer, assignment to this post amounts to a formal rebuke and an effective demotion in rank, barring him from the admiralty.
Rather than resign from the service, however, Rensselaer accepts command of the “Athena” and oversees its outfitting in New Orleans. There he meets Katy Farrar, a tax attorney, brilliant and beautiful, and like Rensselaer, divorced.
Farrar shares two others trait in common with Rensselaer. She too is a maverick of sorts, working now as an outlier for a firm several notches below her level of talent. Moreover, like Rensselaer, and though sever-
sea, where they join in a conflict sparked by Iranian attacks on shipping.
Here the story shifts from romance to the sea and war. The “Athena” with its captain and crew, put together at the last minute in Norfolk and including a reduced contingent of six SEALs led by Lieutenant Commander Holworthy, set off on a solitary mission to pursue and engage a much more powerful vessel, the Iranian frigate “Sahand.” As Rensselaer and the men fight in several battles, including one against the “Sahand,” the “Athena” takes a beating. It remains seaworthy and capable of combat, but loses much of its communication with the outside world, leaving Rensselaer to make decisions on his own. The choices he makes will determine not only the survival of the ship and its crew, and the fate of some hostages they attempt to free, but will also affect Rensselaer’s reputation and career.
“The Oceans and the Stars” opens when Stephen Rensselaer, a highly decorated Navy captain on his way to becoming an admiral, dares to contradict the president of the United States over the nation’s need for a certain style of small warship. Rensselaer’s strong advocacy for such a class of ship sparks the president’s wrath, and he takes
al of the men at the firm where she works pursue her, Farrar has given up on finding real and lasting love.
Helprin’s description of these two meeting, dating, and tumbling into love is both believable and utterly charming. Their affectionate loyalty to each other runs like a song through the rest of the story, even after Rensselaer and his small crew are ordered to
“The Oceans and the Stars” should appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. Those who enjoy reading about military tactics and weaponry, subjects present in the novels of Tom Clancy and Stephen Hunter, or stories of war and heroism will find these in abundance. Those who love the sea will discover poetic passages singing of its beauties and mysteries. Others wanting a strong female character will meet Katy Farrar.
Readers will likely note as well that Helprin’s novel is prescient in its depiction of terrorism. A group of Islamic jihadists seize control of a cruise ship, “L’Etoile Oceanique,” and begin murdering passengers one at a time while raping women, including schoolgirls, and beating and maiming others. These sickening attacks are vivid reminders of Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas operatives entered Israel and indiscriminately killed scores of civilians — men, women, children, and babies — while raping others and taking them hostage.
My one quarrel with the book is Helprin’s somewhat idealistic view of the American military, particularly the Navy. The sailors perform their combat duties flawlessly most of the time, and all seem in peak physical condition, when in reality the Navy today is facing problems with obesity and weight among many of its personnel.
That detail aside, “The Oceans and the Stars” is by far one of the top novels I’ve read in over a decade.
(Jeff Minick reviews books and has written four of his own: two novels, “Amanda Bell” and “Dust On Their Wings,” and two works of nonfiction, “Learning As I Go” and “Movies Make the Man.” minick0301@gmail.com.)
Fire pink (pictured), blue phlox, purple wakerobin and yellow trillium are among the many colorful flowers in bloom throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park in midto-late April. Eco-Adventurers can expect to see these and many more wildflowers along the trail on the April 21-23 excursions.
Emma Oxford photo
BY HAYLEY B ENTON
S PECIAL TO SMN
By the third week of April, spring is in full bloom throughout the picturesque valleys of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In these lower elevations, trails burst with color — blue phlox, yellow trillium, fire pink, purple wakerobin — vibrant and vivid, like a palette of paints beneath a canopy canvas of white dogwood. Overhead, birds chirp and sing from bright-green budding branches. Insects hum through the underbrush. Down here in the hollow, the mountains are alive.
But up on the Appalachian Trail, in the higher elevations populated with spruce–fir forests or deciduous trees that have yet to stretch their leaves, early spring has just arrived. It may only be a 1,000-or-so-foot difference, but for a wildflower, it’s an entirely different world.
“As you move up the mountains, spring is happening at all different rates,” said Jaimie Matzko, biodiversity program specialist for Discover Life in America, a nonprofit partner of the national park. “Flowers are blooming in different places at different times. Birds are migrating to and from the region. Depending on your elevation, or even what side of the mountain you’re on — whether you’re facing north or south — you could really see anything. And that’s what makes this such an amazing time of year in the Smokies.”
It’s a change of the seasons — a gradient of spring — from the bare-branched, winter-weathered peaks to the bounty of blossoms below. And, for a nonprofit that focuses on the park’s biodiversity, it’s the perfect time to invite the public on an educational adventure, to learn more about what Discover Life in America does for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Organized by DLiA, the three-day, two-night Great Smokies Eco-Adventure leads participants on guided, biodiversity-focused excursions in and around the national park, fostering deeper connections with nature through scientific exploration and examination. Adventurers spend their days alongside park scientists, cataloguing species on trails in the Smokies, and their nights glamorously camping, or “glamping,” at Camp Atagahi, a premier off-grid luxury camping facil-
ity owned and operated by partner organization A Walk in the Woods. In past years, groups have even discovered species previously undocumented within the park.
“Spring is an awakening,” Matzko said. “Things are new and fresh, and we tend to see much more activity, much more diversity of life — whether that’s flowers or insects or birds. And, with the way that we’ve set up the Eco-Adventure itinerary this year, people are going to experience the different stages of spring across each of the three days.”
Now in its fourth year, the Great Smokies Eco-Adventure experience doubles as a fundraiser for DLiA, funding vital research in the national park. This year’s Eco-Adventure April 21-23 will focus on different phases of the spring season, as shown by wildflowers. This includes a deep dive into spring ephemerals — the first flowers to emerge and bloom after winter — which will still be visible during higher-elevation hikes, like those along the Appalachian Trail.
“The thing about spring ephemerals is they’re so fleeting,” Matzko explained. “There’s only a short window of time when it’s warm enough for these flowers to start blooming, before the trees have exploded with foliage, when enough sunlight is
reaching the forest floor.”
Matzko said she’s excited to take participants hiking on the Appalachian Trail, which offers respite to migratory birds that aren’t seen in the lower elevations. The trail’s fame also makes it a special destination.
“There’s just something so iconic about the A.T.,” she explained. “People have written so many books on it, they’ve made movies, and I think it’s just kind of a neat thing for people to experience while they’re here. If we’re planning to go up to the higher elevations to look for spring ephemerals anyway, why not take them to the A.T.?”
Fields full of flowers are beautiful in their own right, “reflecting a little bit of God’s creation,” said Wildflower Reporter Tom Harrington, a volunteer who compiles wildflower sightings for the park.
“But after you waited all winter, with everything looking drab, it’s a fun thing to see these small bits of color popping up,” he said. “It’s something cheerful to look forward to. You can be walking on a trail where the whole ground is covered with brown leaves, but then you notice bloodroot coming up, with a bloom that’s just as white as snow. It’s just so vivid against the brown background.”
And every now and then, he continued, “you have surprises that you don’t expect to see. It’s just amazing to be out on a trail and suddenly find a rare little wildflower blooming” — like the rosebud orchid, for example. “It’s usually not more than 8 to 10 inches tall, growing right in the middle of a bunch of weeds, but it’s so delicate and beautiful. It’s just exciting to be out in the wild, trying to locate beautiful and rare wildflowers, and then actually find them.”
According to Harrington, there are more than 1,500 species of blooming plants in the F
park — only about 100 of which he can confidently identify from memory alone. For the rest, he relies on a plethora of books and guides, such as “Wildflowers of the Smokies” and “Great Smoky Mountains Wildflowers.”
He recommends Eco-Adventurers bring those books along for the trip, though DLiA’s expert guides, including Matzko, will be there to assist adventurers with identification of both flora and fauna. In addition to wildflowers and birds, with the help of entomologist and Eco-Adventure guide Will Kuhn, the group will observe insects, too. Kuhn’s “special talent” is an ability to “get pretty much anyone interested in learning more about bugs,” Matzko said — even people who start the journey fearing them.
After the day’s adventure, participants will return to accommodations that, while wild and off-grid, offer spacious platform tents equipped with cushy mattresses, bathrooms with running water and hot showers and meals prepared on-site with local produce. It’s a rare chance to go camping without leaving “creature comforts” behind,
Matzko said.
“It’s amazing how many people really enjoy wildflowers, even if they weren’t so sure about it going in,” Harrington said. “But they shouldn’t be surprised — wildflowers are universal. We’re just blessed to have places like the Smoky Mountains to be able to see them.”
Learn more about the 2024 Great Smokies Eco-Adventure, slated for April 2123, at dlia.org/event/spring-adventure2024. Registration is open through April 1. Proceeds support DLiA’s efforts to identify, catalog and observe the park’s estimated 60,000-plus species through its flagship project, the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory. Only 21,669 have been identified so far, meaning that every outing is an opportunity for discovery.
Hayley Benton is the content manager for Asheville-based Elly Wells Marketing and Project Management, which works with the Discover Life in America and Smokies Life, both nonprofit partners of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Reach her at hayley@ellywells.com.
With spring arriving and wildlife encounters set to increase as the weather gets warmer, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has helpful guidance for what to do when encountering various wildlife.
The commission’s website offers advice on how to deal with bears, snakes, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, fawns and rare salamanders like hellbenders and mudpuppies. The one overarching theme across each of those areas is simple: avoid a close interaction if at all possible and let the animal go on its way and never feed or handle a wild animal.
Visit the commission’s website at ncwildlife.org to see its recommendations. Anyone with any questions or anyone
Waynesville Parks & Recreation is currently hiring for summer camp counselors for Base Camp 2024.
The organization is looking for counselors who would be willing and able to work all eight
wanting to report a wildlife issue, such as an orphaned cub or fawn, can call the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866.318.2401 or email hwi@ncwildlife.org.
weeks of camp, with one break week given July 1-7. The department needs counselors excited to work with kids and being outdoors all summer long. Experience with children is preferred, but not required; however, a genuine interest in working with children is required.
Counselors will enjoy their time creating a fun, safe, and inviting atmosphere for all children of all ages
For more information call 828.456.2030 or email hjones@waynesvillenc.gov.
Haywood Waterways Association will lead two hikes to Mouse Falls in the Big Creek Watershed of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, April 9, and Saturday, April 13.
The event is free for members and a $5 donation is requested for nonmembers. Haywood Waterways’ memberships start at $25.
Hikers will meet at the end parking lot just before the campground at 9:30 a.m., and the hike will conclude by 3 p.m. Local wildflower enthusiast Donna Machen will help identify the great diversity of flowers on display this time of year.
Registration is about to close for Jackson County youth volleyball league.
The league will have teams in Cashiers and
Carlos Campbell Overlook on Newfound Gap Road is closed temporarily while maintenance crews assess cracks in the pavement and sidewalk.
The overlook will reopen as soon as the National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration crews make assessments and any needed repairs.
Carlos Campbell Overlook is located about two miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center near the Chimneys Picnic Area.
The outing will start with a short walk up Baxter Falls Trail, and for those that want to extend the outing, an easy to moderate 4mile hike (round trip) to Mouse Creek Falls will follow.
Hikers are reminded to wear comfortable trail shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as well as to bring water and lunch. Please leave pets at home. Carpooling is highly encouraged.
Space is limited to 13 participants. Members can sign up now; non-members will need to wait until March 26. Reserve a spot for the April 9 hike by contacting Mackenzie Tenan (mackenzie@haywoodwaterways.org) and reserve a spot for the April 13 hike by contacting Christine O’Brien (christine@haywoodwaterways.org) or 828.476.4667.
The Western North Carolina Orchid Society (WNCOS) and The North Carolina Arboretum will host the 23rd Asheville Orchid Festival entitled “House of Orchids.”
This will be an American Orchid Society sanctioned judging event.
World-class orchid growers and breeders, along with regional orchid societies, will exhibit at the annual show with hundreds of orchids presented in carefully crafted displays.
Orchids will be for sale by vendors from Ecuador and across the United States. Attendees should expect rare species and cutting-edge hybrids.
Admission to the Asheville Orchid Festival is $5 for everyone over the age of 12 years old, and free for Western North Carolina Orchid Society Members.
The event will be held from April 12-14 at the North Carolina Arboretum. For more information visit wncos.org or ncarboretum.org.
Cullowhee for boys and girls from grades 3-8. League play will begin in May with practices one day per week and games on Saturdays. Registration will close on March 31. For more information, contact Andrew Sherling at 828.293.3053, ext. 6, or via email at andrewsherling@jackson.org.
Haywood Waterways will host the county’s first fishing tournament.
The tournament is designed to establish a youth fishing program in Haywood. The tournament is set up for all ages to compete along Richland Creek, a trout designated and stocked stream running through Waynesville.
The tournament will be held May 11 at Richland Creek at Vance Street Park in Waynesville. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with heats going throughout the morning. Awards and prizes will be given out at 1 p.m.
Sponsorships and donations are welcomed, as well as volunteering during the event. Registration deadlines are March 29 for non-licensed anglers and April 11 for those with a license. For more information visit haywoodwaterways.org/tourney.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced group size limits for the popular wildflower season at Whiteoak Sink.
Individuals and small groups of eight or fewer people may access the Whiteoak Sink area throughout the wildflower season Monday, April 1, through Sunday, May 5.
Whiteoak Sink is a unique, sensitive area that hosts many rare plants. Park managers limit group size to protect sensitive wild-
flower species from trampling. Overuse of the area causes impacts like damage to plants and soil compaction when large groups crowd around plants off-trail to take photos or closely view flowers. Parking is limited, so visitors should plan ahead and come prepared with alternative destinations in case they do not find parking available at Whiteoak Sink. Parking is not allowed on road shoulders.
A team of volunteers on site will provide wildflower viewing information and collect monitoring data. Park managers have monitored sensitive wildflower species in the Whiteoak Sink area since 2016.
Puzzles can be found on page 30
These are only the answers.
The open burning of trash, metal, plastic and all other man-made materials not only harms the environment and poses a public health risk, it’s against state law.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality is reminding North Carolinians that “If it doesn’t grow, don’t burn it.”
Open burning is only allowed in limited circumstances and only for vegetative materials like leaves, limbs and yard debris.
In addition, DEQ is reminding people that careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina. The N.C. Forest Service may require an open burning permit before certain fires are lit, including fires in protected areas.
Friends of Panthertown was recently awarded an Environmental Enhancement Grant by the North Carolina Department of Justice for a remediation and restoration project.
The Panthertown group will work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River on the project, whose purpose is to remediate erosion in Panthertown Valley, protect the watershed and trail system, and restore Panthertown’s natural resources.
The public is invited to comment on the project. Anyone interested can visit cara.fs2c.usda.gov.
• The Jackson County Farmers Market meets every Saturday November through March 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and April through October 9 a.m. to noon at Bridge Park in Sylva, 110 Railroad St. Special events listed on Facebook and Instagram.
• The Jackson Arts Market takes place from 1-5 p.m. every Saturday at 533 West Main St. in Sylva with live music and an array of local artists.
• Cowee School Farmer's Market is held Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m., at 51 Cowee School Drive in Franklin. The market has produce, plant starts, eggs, baked goods, flowers, food trucks and music. For more information or for an application, visit coweeschool.org or call 828.369.4080.
• The Pollinators Foundation offers weekly Mindful Movement Qigong classes for all ages to reduce stress and improve health and well-being. Classes take place 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Folkmoot Center in Waynesville. For more information visit thepollinatorsfoundation.org or contact Marga Fripp at margacfripp@gmail.com 828.424.1398.
• The Pollinators Foundation and The Share Project host weekly Happy Hour Nature Walks 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Lake Junaluska. The group meets at the Labyrinth. For more information visit thepollinatorsfoundation.org or contact Marga Fripp at margacfripp@gmail.com 828.4224.1398.
• Mountain Area pregnancy Services and the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor work together to provide a casual support group for prenatal and breastfeeding individuals from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesdays at Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, 177 N Main St. Waynesville, NC. All are welcome, registration is recommended. For more information, please call 828.558.4550.
• The Western Carolina Cribbage Club meets every Monday at 6 p.m. An eclectic group of young and old, male and female. The group supplies boards, cards, pegs and are always willing to help those still learning the finer points of the game. For more information contact kei3ph@bellsouth.net.
• Chess 101 takes place 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Friday at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Library. For more information, email Ashlyn Godleski at
ashlyn.godleski@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828.356.2567.
• The Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library Creative Writing Group meets 10:30 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information, email Jennifer at jennifer.stuart@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828.356.2561.
• Knit Night takes place at 5:30-7:30 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month at The Stecoah Valley Center. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is recommended: 828.479.3364 or amber@stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Sylva Writers Group meets Wednesday mornings at City Lights Books. If interested contact sylvawriters@gmail.com.
• A Novel Escape Book Club takes place at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the Novel Escape Bookstore (60 E. Main St., Franklin). Every other month one book is selected for discussion. On alternate months the meeting is round-table discussion in which participants share what they’ve read lately. For more information call the bookstore at 828.369.9059 or visit anovelescapefranklin.wordpress.com.
• Silent Book Club takes place at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Novel Escape Bookstore (60 E. Main St., Franklin). Bring your own book and whatever makes you feel cozy and enjoy a quiet, uninterrupted hour of reading amongst friends.
• Lucky LEGO STEAM, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed STEAM edition of LEGO Club will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Jackson County Library. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.586.2016.
• A special "Rain and Rainbows” themed family night will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Jackson County Library. There will be light refreshments along with science experiments and activities. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.586.2016.
• On Mondays, the Macon County Library will host Lady Violet, a King Charles Spaniel service dog, for children to practice their reading skills. Children who feel nervous reading aloud to an adult tend to feel more comfortable with a pet or a service animal. Sign up for a time to read with Lady Violet or to one of the library’s reading friends at the children’s desk or call 828.524.3600.
• On Tuesdays, Kelly Curtis will offer reading services to
families from 3:30 -5:30 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. Families may sign up for a 30-minute time spot at the children’s desk or by calling 828.524.3600.
• Creative Writing Club will take place at 3:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month at the Macon County Public Library. The writing club is intended for ages 8-12. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.
• Move and Groove Storytime takes place 10:30-11 a.m. every Thursday, at the Canton branch of the Haywood County Public Library. Exciting, interactive music and movement story time ideal for children 2-6 years old. For more information contact Ashlyn at ashlyn.godleski@haywoodcountync.gov or at 828.356.2567.
• Mother Goose Storytime takes place 10:30-11 a.m. every Wednesday, at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Public Library. Ideal for children from birth to 2 years old. For more information, contact Lisa at lisa.hartzell@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828.356.2511.
• Wiggle Worms Storytime takes place 10:30-11 a.m. every Tuesday, at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Public Library. Ideal for children 2-6 years old. For more information contact Lisa at lisa.hartzell@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828.356.2511.
• Next Chapter Book Club Haywood is a fun, energetic and highly interactive book club, ideal for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The group meets every second and fourth Monday of the month. For more information, email Jennifer at jennifer.stuart@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828.356.2561.
• Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Macon County Library. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.
• Toddler’s Rock takes place at 10 a.m. every Monday at the Macon County Library. Get ready to rock with songs, books, rhymes and playing with instruments. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.
• Culture Talk takes place at 2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the Macon County Public Library. Travel the world from inside your library. This event features guest speakers and food sampling from the location being discussed. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.
• Art afternoon takes place at 3:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Macon County Public Library. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.
Legals
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• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)
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141 Green Valley Rd. Waynesville, NC 28786
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Case No.24-E-3, HAYWOOD COUNTYTANYA LOUISE GAVIN LYTLEJun 13 2024, or JANET MARIE “SUSIE” GAVIN, Executrix
Employment
HEAD START FLOATER (HAYWOOD/JACKSON COUNTIES)
PHONY-BALONEY
ACROSS
1 Wearing nightclothes, for short
6 Meanie's look
11 In addition
15 Eyelid hair
19 Steel, e.g.
20 Ancient Greek region
21 Empty spaces
22 World's fair
23 Illegal detention
25 Columbus is its capital
26 British actor Guinness
27 "Mind your -- business!"
28 High, round collar not folding over on itself
31 Without any variety
35 Ingest
36 Boston NBAer, for short
37 Paint job made to look like marble, wood, etc.
41 New Nintendo console of 2012
43 Big antlered beast
47 Opposite of dep., in an airport
48 Thin porridge
50 Saw against the main grain, as wood
52 Bit of money seized by a Secret Service agent
58 Ecol. monitor
59 Middays
60 Tiny arachnid
61 J. -- Hoover
64 Like overdue birthday wishes
67 Bill & Ted went on one in a 1991 film
70 Wombs
71 Bible book after Prov.
74 Q-V linkup
75 "Spider-Man" director
Sam
76 Wedlock not based on love
79 Cheer up
81 Burros, e.g.
82 -- occasion (never)
83 Paris' river
84 Toronto-to-Montreal dir.
85 Prada or Fendi replica, maybe
91 "Beloved" novelist Toni
94 Buc, Bronco or Niner
95 Beatty of film
97 Cindy Brady player
Susan
98 Former jets to the U.K.
101 Bit of non-needled body art
105 Sour plum
107 Stage star Hagen
109 Title for Kate Middleton
110 Component of a coated glass-bead bracelet, perhaps
117 Even score
118 Forum attire
119 In the past
120 Apt cry of disbelief for this puzzle
125 Coagulate
126 Rebuke from Caesar
127 Like a dweeb
128 About, before a date
129 At this place
130 Lather (up)
131 Gather up
132 Hoodwinked
DOWN
1 Global finance org.
2 Teacher's union, in brief
3 Old TV ministry inits.
4 2002 "Friday the 13th" sequel
5 Whole lotta
6 Knightly title
7 Bulblike base of a stem
8 -- cat (two-base game)
9 Neighbor of Minn. and Ill.
10 Jewish potato pancake
11 Relative of a guinea pig
12 Lion portrayer Bert
13 Feature of Betty Boop's hair
14 "-- Mio"
15 Crude sheds
16 Car shaft
17 Project detail, for short
18 Sell at a pawnshop
24 Opponent
29 "I taut I -- a puddy tat!"
30 Shade trees
31 Flip -- coin
32 DEA worker
33 Irish money
34 Bring about
38 Some flawed garments: Abbr.
39 Add-on to the end of a wd.
40 Bit of a bray
42 Most polar
44 Sea nymph
45 Sovereign
46 Letter two before iota
49 VIP vehicle
51 Margarine
53 Deprives of weapons
54 "Sorry, too busy"
55 Bodily digit
56 Big striped cat, in French
57 A/C output qtys.
62 Landscape painter Asher Brown --
63 Like low-quality eggs
64 City transport
65 Alcohol in liquor
66 Landlords or landladies
67 Empty
68 Having protruding hearing organs
69 Yang go-with
72 Sings gently
73 U.S. pres., militarily
77 Inquires
78 "Continue"
80 Architect Maya
83 Chiang Kai- --
84 Broody rock genre
86 Investigate pryingly
87 Very loudly, in music
88 Miami loc.
89 Stud money
90 Old Storms and Trackers
92 Paraphrase
93 On Sunset Blvd., e.g.
96 Two, in Chile
99 Maintenance job on a car
100 Indy sponsor
102 Ballet outfit
103 Something very easy
104 Vegas casino
106 Some Siouan speakers
108 MetLife rival
110 Concern for a dermatologist
111 Concern for a dermatologist
112 Horror film lab assistant
113 Twice tetra-
114 "Psst" cousin
115 -- avis
116 Some old Fords
121 The "S" of GPS: Abbr.
122 Hosp. zones
123 Ideal serve
124 Young fella
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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 26
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