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March 6-12, 2019 Vol. 20 Iss. 41

Nikwasi Initiative wants deed to Cherokee mound Page 10 Waynesville’s Pigeon Center vandalized by intruders Page 13

CONTENTS On the Cover: Despite her recognition as a Beloved Woman of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the highest honor bestowed by the tribe, Ella Bird remains humble about her life as she reflects on growing up in Snowbird. For Ella, raising her 10 children has been her greatest accomplishment. (Page 6) Ella Bird is one of two living Beloved — or ‘Ghigau,’ in Cherokee — Women in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Holly Kays photo

News Waynesville weighs progress at budget retreat ........................................................3 Judge Letts reverses retirement decision ....................................................................5 Melrose files libel suit against fellow attorney ............................................................9 Nikwasi Initiative wants deed to Cherokee mound ................................................10 ‘Maggie on Ice’ falls flat ..................................................................................................11 Candidates sign up for Cherokee election ..............................................................12 Pigeon Center vandalized by intruders ......................................................................13 ‘Opportunity zone’ could bring business to poor areas ........................................14 Swain asks for change in law for North Shore funds ............................................16 Business News ..................................................................................................................19

Opinion My church embraces LGBTQ members ....................................................................20

A&E Music, heritage comes alive at Stecoah Valley Center ........................................24

Outdoors

March 6-12, 2019

Dam removal possible for Cullowhee ........................................................................34

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Ten years gone: Waynesville board weighs progress, prospects

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The Town of Waynesville operates six separate funds that can all be thought of as their own separate businesses, with their own separate sets of books. That way, the operations of the water, sewer and electric funds can be evaluated on their own revenues and expenditures, like the general fund.

National and local economic indicators Jan. 2009 March 2019 % increase Federal minimum wage ............................$6.55..........................$7.25 ...........................10.7 Inflation-adjusted dollars ........................$1,000........................$1,197 ..........................19.7 Waynesville property tax, cents per $100....40 ............................49.57 ...........................23.9 Gallon of regular gasoline.........................$1.89..........................$2.43 ...........................28.6 Dow Jones industrial average ...................7,550.........................26,026 .........................244.7

Multiple sources incl. AAA, Town of Waynesville, U.S. Census Bureau town’s monthly cash balances in the water, sewer, electric and general funds are all up — 62, 23, 40 and 5.7 percent, respectively.

At least some of that has to do with the town shedding almost a third of its installment loan debt in the last three years.

On June 30, 2016, the Town of Waynesville owed more than $10.7 million from across each of its funds. As of June 30, 2019, that number is expected to be $6.9 million. During those three years, general fund debt obligations decreased by $3.5 million to a total of $4.1 million, electric fund obligations decreased from $1.7 million to $668,000 and water fund obligations decreased from $1.2 million to just over $1 million.

A SICKENING PROSPECT Every year around budget time, local governments begin dreading the inevitable and relentless rate hikes associated with health care and since Waynesville is no longer a cash cow for its insurer, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina, rate increases of up to 25 percent are coming.

“We are going to have a significant increase in our health insurance rates this year, and the reason is we’ve had some pretty sick people,” said Amie Owens, Waynesville’s assistant town manager and the retreat’s bearer of bad news.

BCBS measures the value of a customer by how much money it can make off those sick people; it’s called the loss ratio, and it measures how much BCBS collects in premiums versus how much it pays out in treatment costs.

Everything was hunky dory for BCBS in December 2017, when Waynesville’s 395 plan

members paid in $1.64 million and were given $1.38 million in care — that was a loss ratio of 82.5 percent for BCBS. That ratio went up to 86.2 percent the next month, and 91.4 percent the next, until it finally broke 100 percent in May 2018 — meaning that BCBS took in $1.675 million but paid out $1.681 million. As of December 2018, that ratio had hit 124.5 percent.

Owens said if the rate increase hits as planned, it’ll cost the town $439,000. As a result, employee deductibles may have to change.

And that’s not even the only benefitsrelated issue the town will have to address this year.

A recent change in state law mandates increases in employer retirement contributions within the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System, effective July 1.

The town’s budgeted retirement expense will climb from $693,000 during this current budget year to at least $783,000, a 13 percent increase to the tune of about $90,000.

Between the BCBS rate hike and the increased retirement spending, Owens said the town should prepare for a budget increase of at least $530,000 for those two items alone.

Right now, for every cent the town adds to the property tax rate of 49.57 cents per $100, it gains a little over $115,000 in revenue.

Smoky Mountain News

A SUSTAINABLE PROSPECT

The asset services management fund and the garage fund are mostly internal funds, serving other town departments at a cost savings over retail providers. They run pretty flat, profit-wise, and are relatively small compared to the other four main funds.

Halfway through the fiscal year 2018-19, the town’s general fund continues to show increasing revenue growth as well as increasing expenditures, both good signs the town has turned the corner on the Great Recession that Brown and the board have dealt with over the past decade.

Two years ago, general fund revenues at this same point in time were $7.30 million. A year ago, they increased slightly to $7.35 million. This year, they’re already above $7.61 million, but still below the budgeted $7.65 million.

General fund expenditures have followed the same course. Two years ago, $6.87 million was spent from the general fund in the first six months of the fiscal year. Last year, it was $6.92 million. This year, it’s at $7.31 million.

The town’s water fund is currently experiencing less demand, due to the one of the wettest years on record; people aren’t watering plants or washing their cars as much as usual and large industrial customers are also using less.

“It’s only rained twice,” said Eddie Caldwell, the town’s longtime finance director until his recent retirement, “but one of them lasted 21 days and the other lasted 36 days.”

Caldwell is currently a contract employee.

If the excessive rainfall keeps up, the town could end up getting soaked — revenues to this point were budgeted at $1.98 million, but have come in thus far at $1.37 million.

Intuitively, customer demand for the town’s sewer services is to a great extent linked to customer demand for water. That’s left the sewer fund high and dry; this year’s budget planned on $1.68 million in revenue by now, but the sewer fund had collected only $1.14 million.

Over the past two years, the sewer fund had run relatively flat, suffering deficits of between $16,000 and $42,000. If current trends continue, that could lead to a deficit of more than $200,000 this year — bad news, as maintenance spending on the town’s aging infrastructure over the past two years has ballooned from $2.55 million to $3.37 million.

The town’s electric fund, however, appears to be stabilizing, largely on the back of a rate hike phased in gradually over the past year — 5 percent last January, and 4 percent last July. That’s powered revenue growth just over $4 million, whereas last year at this time it was $3.66 million, down from $3.8 million the year before that.

The good news is, since Jan. 1, 2017, the

Cory Vaillancourt photo

March 6-12, 2019

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER n Friday, Jan. 29 at the Lake Logan Conference Center, Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown convened a board retreat where he and aldermen Caldwell, Feichter and Roberson talked about infrastructure, cemeteries, and the general financial status of the town.

But that was in 2009; Barack Obama had just been sworn in to preside over the Great Recession as the Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped to 7,550 points, down from a high of almost 14,000 just 16 months earlier. A gallon of gas was $1.89, minimum wage was $6.55, Waynesville’s population was about 10,000 and the property tax rate was 40 cents for every $100 in assessed property value.

On Friday, March 1, 2019, in the Town of Waynesville Public Services Department conference room, Mayor Brown read from that 2009 meeting agenda to aldermen Caldwell, Feichter and Roberson.

It was the same Gary Caldwell and LeRoy Roberson, but instead of Alderman Libba Feichter, it was her son, Alderman Jon Feichter. Alderman Kenneth Moore, also present in 2009, had long since been succeeded by Alderman Julia Boyd Freeman.

As Caldwell, Roberson, Feichter and Freeman listened to Brown read from the decade-old agenda, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was perched above 26,000, a gallon of gas was $2.43, minimum wage was $7.25, Waynesville’s population was still about 10,000 and the property tax rate was 49.57 cents for every $100 in assessed property value.

“Those who do not remember the past,” Brown said, paraphrasing Spanish philosopher George Satayana, “are condemned to repeat it.”

The topics on Brown’s 2019 agenda weren’t all that different from those in 2009, including infrastructure, cemeteries, and the general financial status of the town, but over the five-hour meeting, the board reviewed the town’s future prospects, framed by progress.

“We look at the present through a rearview mirror,” said Brown, quoting Canadian Philosopher Marshall McLuhan. “We march, backward, into the future.”

Quashing the uproar over Waynesville’s Green Hill Cemetery is a top priority for the town this year.

A STORMY PROSPECT As a fairly urbanized settlement, Waynesville has for years watched more and

S EE WAYNESVILLE, PAGE 4 3

March 6-12, 2019

news

WAYNESVILLE, CONTINUED FROM 3 more of its surface area become impermeable. Paved roads, driveways and parking lots stop rain and snow from permeating into the ground, especially during storms. The roofs on buildings contribute as well.

Stormwater runoff from these events can contain all sorts of contaminants, like gas and oil from the road, fertilizers, even trash and natural debris. What doesn’t find its way into Waynesville’s trout waters ends up in the streets, where — as anyone who’s traveled down Sulphur Springs Road during a downpour knows — it can pool rapidly, reaching several feet in depth.

That’s what’s behind a proposed utility bill service charge that would help the town manage stormwater.

“I don’t think we would be doing our citizens a favor if we neglected that,” said Waynesville Tax Collector James Robertson.

The fee would be calculated on the amount of impermeable surface area on each taxpayer’s property.

Calculations by Robertson say the town could expect to raise about $90,000 a year from residential taxpayers, based on an average of $2.00 per month. Commercial taxpayers would contribute around $170,000 at about $7 per month. Together they’d amount to $260,000, which would be used for education and public outreach, leaf and vacuum cleaning, and street sweeping all designed to keep storm drains clear.

Revenue could also be used for construction, stream restoration and stream relocation if necessary. It’s all fairly straightforward, but Robertson and some aldermen are already looking forward to the thunder and lighting that’s sure to come along with a new fee.

“You’re going to have that crowd that says this is just a revenue generator,” said Robertson.

Alderman Gary Caldwell worried the public would see it as a tax, and that he’d already heard complaints from Waynesville’s commercial community.

A SUITABLE PROSPECT

Smoky Mountain News

Brown’s 2009 retreat included discussion on another issue that was on the 2019 agenda — Green Hill Cemetery.

At that time, then-Town Manager Lee

A STAGGERING PROSPECT Waynesville is a bit of an electoral anomaly in Haywood County; while every other local government holds elections for two or three of its five-member board every two years, Waynesville elects all four aldermen and a mayor every four years.

Although that gives ultimate power to voters to totally clean house — or, conversely, to return each and every incumbent to office

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Galloway discussed maintenance of the historic cemetery, which spurred the board to pass what’s known as “ordinance 18” three months later.

That ordinance prohibits decoration of graves and columbariums with anything other than cut flowers or flags, but it wasn’t regularly enforced until recently.

Once it was, visitors to the cemetery were incensed, despite ample signage warning of periodic cleanups; they packed a public hearing at the town’s Dec. 13, 2018 board meeting to express their displeasure, and all clean up was halted while aldermen pondered the situation.

Now, Brown is proposing a solution that could result in better, more responsive maintenance of Green Hill — a committee of people in the community who have “a strong interest” in the cemetery.

“Honestly, it is a good first step,” said Scott Ybanez, who had been extremely critical of how the town handled the cleanup process.

The way it should work, according to Brown, is that each alderman would select someone to serve on the committee, which would be a permanent body with members cycling in and out, presenting reports and recommendations to the board of aldermen.

The town will also solicit applications through April 2, and appoint two more members to the committee, probably on April 9.

Funeral home operator Wells Greely would also serve as a technical advisor to the board.

Feichter, Freeman and Roberson endorsed the idea, and Caldwell requested that the commission also oversee the oft-overlooked Dix Hill Cemetery, which used to be one of the area’s segregated burying grounds. Little is known about its owners and occupants.

Ybanez said he’d lobbied a few aldermen to gain a spot on the committee, and if he’s not appointed, he said he’d apply.

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— public bodies without staggered terms do face one troubling possibility.

“One of my biggest concerns is, you could have a completely new board, new leadership, and you lose years of experience and know-how in running the town,” said Alderman LeRoy Roberson, who floated a proposal to give Waynesville staggered terms like Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley and Haywood County boards have. “It’s time to consider it. It’s been done in other towns.”

The Town of Canton is a perfect example.

In November 2017, Kristina Smith and James Markey were elected to the board, and Alderman Zeb Smathers was elected mayor; they joined Gail Mull and Dr. Ralph Hamlett on that board.

In November 2019, Mull and Hamlett are up for election. In November 2021, it’ll be Smith, Markey and Smathers again, should they choose to run.

That means that whatever happens at the polls, newly elected members will always join a board that has at least two or three preexisting members who can show them the ropes. In Waynesville, however, it’s always a possibility that doesn’t occur.

“We could have an all new board next fall.

That scares me. That scares me a lot,” said Alderman Julia Boyd Freeman.

In addressing Roberson’s proposal, Brown said that if there were board consensus, he’d push for the implementation of staggered terms after this November’s election in which he and all four aldermen must either run for re-election, or call it quits.

That would be in 2023, and the way it would probably work is that the top two finishers at the polls would earn four-year terms, and the next two finishers would each earn two-year terms. That would set up an election schedule with staggered four-year terms going forward, with two seats up in 2025, and then two seats plus the mayor in 2027, and then two in 2029, and onward ad infinitum.

But there isn’t board consensus; Caldwell laughed and said the mayor would never change his mind on this issue, of which they’d spoken in the past.

“How you gonna try to fix something that ain’t broke?” he asked. “I see where it breaks the board up. You don’t have the continuity we have.”

Caldwell also noted that it would basically double the frequency of municipal elections,

which aren’t exactly free.

“It’s a major expense to the town,” he said.

“Right now, it costs $10,000 for an election.

The town has to use citizen tax money to have an election, and then [with elections every two years] it’s $20,000.”

“To have a complete turnover of the board,” Roberson replied, “would be detrimental to the town and might cost us more. It takes several months or years to get to the level where you can be a benefit to the town.”

Caldwell and Brown have both been on the board for about two decades, followed by Roberson with 16 years and Freeman with eight; the board’s newest member, first-termer Jon Feichter, was blunt and honest in his assessment of the proposal.

“Speaking as the least experienced member of the board,” Feichter said, “I concur with Dr. Roberson that it takes a long time. I didn’t think I knew everything when I got elected, and after serving for a few months, I realized I knew less than I thought I did.”

Still, that cohesion is valuable, according to Feichter, who said he didn’t support the idea of staggered terms but might be swayed.

Any change in how a public body elects its members must come from the General Assembly in the form of what’s called a local bill. An unwritten rule dictates that any request for a local bill must have not only the unanimous support of the local legislative delegation, but the request itself should also have unanimous support from the body that requests it.

Brown said he’d talk to Sen. Jim Davis, RFranklin, and Rep. Joe Sam Queen, DWaynesville, about a local bill, but was wary that if Waynesville’s aldermen weren’t unanimous in supporting it, Davis probably wouldn’t act on it.

An email sent to Davis during the debate and returned minutes later said that a 3-2 split, or even a 4-1 split, wouldn’t be enough to spur him to file a bill.

“I would be glad to file a bill for staggered terms but it would need to be a unanimous vote,” Davis said.

A Smoky Mountain News story that first appeared in early January 2019 revealed that Brown was unsure about whether or not he’d run for re-election this year, but Caldwell was the only other alderman who said they’d run for mayor this year. Freeman and Feichter said they’d seek another term as alderman, and Roberson said he wasn’t sure.

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Letts reverses retirement decision

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Haywood County bond rating inches up

added to each letter grade for further delineation, although they aren’t usually utilized for AAA, meaning Haywood County is only one small step away from the highest rating possible.

“An upgrade like this usually means about a quarter percent interest [off a loan],” said Morehead. “That’s not a whole lot, but if you’re going to [borrow] $20 million dollars over 20 years, a quarter percent is a lot of interest, and it saves taxpayer dollars.”

A 20-year, $20 million loan at 4 percent interest would end up costing $29.09 million with interest, but that same loan at 3.75 percent interest would end up at $28.46 million, a savings of more than $628,000 in interest payments over the life of the loan.

Commission Chairman Kevin Ensley complimented former chairman Mark Swanger, and former longtime commissioners Mike Sorrells and Bill Upton, for their work on stabilizing Haywood County’s finances.

“A rating doesn’t come around like this just overnight,” he said.

Last July, State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced that all three major bond rating agencies, including S&P, had re-affirmed the state’s AAA rating.

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Smoky Mountain News

Thanks to the hard work and prudent fiscal decision making of both elected officials and administration, Haywood County’s been rewarded with a slightly higher bond rating by 160-year-old financial services agency and credit bellwether Standard & Poor’s.

“It shows we are on the right track,” said County Manager Bryant Morehead, of the decision by S&P to adjust Haywood’s bond rating from AA to AA+.

Morehead said the decision cited a strong economy, Haywood’s inclusion in the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area, robust management, good financial policies, stout budgetary performance, a “very strong” debt and contingency liability profile, and durable institutional framework.

“Our debt is falling off,” he said. “We don’t have more debt than we can afford, and we’re doing a good job of that.”

S & P’s rating system gives governments letter grades from a low of D on up thorough C, CC, CCC, B, BB, BBB, A, AA and AAA. Plusses and minuses may also be

planned to “enjoy family and friends, and continue my involvement in civic and community boards.”

Letts, 51 as of the November midterms, is currently just a few months into an eightyear term that he won last year in a heavily contested election against Waynesville attorney Mark Melrose. Melrose was highly critical of Letts’ retirement announcement, alleging that Letts had “made a mockery of the political process” by “depriving voters of a choice,” as the governor would have the sole decision-making power in picking Letts’ replacement.

Others Bradley Letts expressed sincere disappointment that Letts would be leaving, praising the way he treated defendants, streamlined certain legal processes and advocated for better courthouse security.

“He’s done a lot and he will be missed, but I do believe his legacy will carry on,” Danya Vanhook, president of the Haywood County Bar Association, following Letts’ initial announcement.

Following the reversal announcement, Letts will carry on his own legacy through the end of his term in 2026.

March 6-12, 2019

e t e BY HOLLY KAYS ” STAFF WRITER wo days after announcing a midterm n retirement from the bench, Superior y Court Judge Bradley Letts reversed his h - decision in a statement sent two minutes s before the close of business on what was to be his last day in office.

- “After recently announcing my retirer ment, and after much reflection and I thought, my initial decision to retire has t changed,” Letts wrote. “After the announceI ment I was overwhelmed with responses from supporters, court personnel and memg bers of the legal community expressing to e me that I should return to my position on . the Superior Court bench. This outpouring s of positive and encouraging communical tions asking me not to retire has been overl whelming.” y Therefore, he continued, he withdrew the e letter of retirement he’d sent to Gov. Roy e Cooper and plans to continue serving his o judicial term. t Letts’ Feb. 26 retirement announcement came amid widespread speculation that he - was planning to run for principal chief of the - Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, of which y he is a member. Filing for the election began - March 1, the day after Letts’ original - announcement stated he would retire.

However, when asked by The Smoky e Mountain News whether he would seek trib2 al office, Letts replied that he had ruled out h such an option. His statement said that he

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The right path Beloved Woman Ella Bird reflects on life marked by family, tradition

Ella Wachacha Bird (center) stands outside her home in Snowbird with two of her 10 children, Judy Bird (left) and Lillie Bird. Holly Kays photo

Smoky Mountain News

March 6-12, 2019

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER or the past 79 years, Ella Wachacha Bird has lived a life defined by seasons and relationships rather than months and days.

Bird, the daughter of Rily Wachacha and Ancy Walkingstick, was born in a log cabin in the remote West Buffalo area of Graham County’s Snowbird community in 1939. She was delivered by her grandmother Maggie Wachacha, a midwife at the time who would later become a clerk to Tribal Council and, like Ella, a Beloved Woman in the tribe.

Beyond that, Ella doesn’t know a lot about the day she was born. She doesn’t even know for certain which day it was, or what her name was determined to be — her birthday is either May 18 or July 29, and she was christened either Ella or Ellen. As an infant she was registered “Ellen,” but the Social Security card she received upon entering school used the name “Ella.” She’ll answer to either.

“We never found a birth certificate for her, but she remembers growing up with her birthday being in July,” said Ella’s daughter, Judy Bird, 47. “As she got older they used to celebrate her birthday in May, so she really don’t know which one is her real birthday.”

“They had to walk or had to go so far to register, I think that’s when her dad and them registered her, in July,” said Lilly Bird, 57, another one of Ella’s 10 children. “But I always think she was born in May at home and they didn’t register her until July.”

Today, West Buffalo Road is a 20-minute 6

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drive away from Robbinsville, which with a population of right around 600 people is the largest community within 30 miles.

Registering her as a tribal member in Cherokee would have required a 50-mile trek, an arduous journey in a time when few owned cars and the Snowbird community was infinitely more remote than it is today.

The log cabin wasn’t even on a road, really.

“There was only like four houses, four different families that were there on Buffalo where she was born back then,” said Judy.

“Now there’s all kinds of houses.”

GROWING UP ON BUFFALO Ella now lives just a handful of miles from the creek where she grew up, in a modest four-bedroom house in the Snowbird community. She hasn’t gone far in terms of miles, but over the years she’s amassed a wealth of respect and adoration from her tribe. In 2013, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians named her a Beloved Woman, the highest honor the tribe has to give, and in 2017 the University of North Carolina Asheville awarded her an honorary doctorate degree.

All that despite the fact that Ella is a distinctly quiet soul who tends to stay away from the spotlight. Nevertheless, she was more than willing to sit down for an interview about her life, the hour-plus of sitting and talking something of a sacrifice for someone who prefers to be on her feet, getting things done. But her words had to come filtered through her daughters, Judy and Lilly.

“It’s all Cherokee to her,” said Judy.

Ella can speak English, but not quickly or comfortably. So Lilly would translate the questions into Cherokee, Ella would answer them, also in Cherokee, and Judy would phrase the answers in English.

“I really don’t know how to say this, but it’s like she understands what she’s really saying in the Cherokee language,” Judy translated. “If they have to talk to each other, she knows exactly what she’s saying instead of her talking the English language.”

Other Cherokee speakers, even those who speak English fluently, will say the same thing — there’s something elemental about the language, something that conjures meaning more specifically, that paints pictures more intimately, that elicits laughter more genuinely. To those who don’t speak it, the meaning washes overhead through sounds that nod to the forested mountains where the language grew up. In the words are the sounds of creaking branches, whispering winds and rustling leaves.

“She said she could care less for the English language if she had a choice, because she’d rather speak the Cherokee language,” said Judy, translating for her mother. “But most of her English was taught from her kids learning from where they went to school.”

Ella went to school, too, but only through the seventh grade. She was a student at Snowbird Day School, a Bureau of Indian Affairs school established in the 1930s as part of the Indian New Deal, intending to bring a modern education to the Snowbird community, said Trey Adcock, director of American Indian and Indigenous Studies at UNC Asheville and a member of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. He’s done extensive interviews with former students of the Snowbird Day School.

“Part of the reason why the community looked really favorably upon the history of that school is because many of them were able to retain their Cherokee language,” said Adcock.

That wasn’t the case with many other federal attempts at educating Indian children, with a variety of infamous institutions set up as boarding schools that forced students to speak only in English and to act, dress and conduct themselves like members of white society.

“From listening to the interviews and the work on the project, I think they take great pride in the fact that so many of them were able to retain their language,” said Adcock.

Ella did more than simply retain her language — she maintained it as her only language.

“There was English there and they probably still speak English, the ones that learned the English language back then, but she said back then all the Indian kids hung out together and that what they spoke is the Cherokee language,” Judy translated.

Ella’s life was more focused at home, where she was given plenty of space to be a kid. Her mother died early on, when Ella was still too young to remember her, and her father married Lucinda Axe Wachacha, with whom he had three sons and two daughters.

Ella wasn’t required to do many chores, she said — she spent a lot of time playing in the

woods with the neighbors.

Even when pressed, Ella maintained that she’d had a happy childhood with very little work required of her. But she wasn’t without responsibility, or tragedy.

“She’s told me a lot of stories about my side of the family, because she’s a half sibling to my dad and my uncle,” said Adam Wachacha, who is chairman of Tribal Council and Ella’s nephew. “I had another uncle who passed as a child. She remembers taking care of him with my grandmother and about how sick he was and how they had to hold him.”

In the summers, she’d go to school about two days a week and help staff member Zena Rattler cook and can produce from the garden. What they canned in the summer is what they ate at school.

“She said it wasn’t that hard going to school back then like it is now,” Judy translated. “She didn’t have to go to school every day.

Nowadays you have to go to school every day or you get in trouble, but back then she didn’t have to go to school every day. I guess just whenever she felt like going.”

As Ella tells it, after seventh grade she decided she no longer felt like going. She quit school and stayed home.

“To me that’s why she is a beloved woman, the spirit of service to the community and caring and being a mother and a role model and doing all that without needing the congratulations and the publicity of that. I think that’s pretty special and unique.”

— Trey Adcock, director of American Indian and Indigenous Studies at UNC Asheville

‘THEY HAD LOVE’ Ella was only 17 when she married William Bird, a logger who worked for her father. The two would eventually have 10 children together — five girls and five boys — a family that became, and remained, Ella’s greatest joy in life.

“She loves to see all her kids together,” said Judy. “In the summertime, some Sundays when it’s pretty, most of the kids will come here on Sundays to eat dinner and they’re out in the yard throwing cornhole or playing games or something, and she’ll be out there sitting, watching her kids. They’re all grown up and whatever, but that’s her thing.”

Holidays are Ella’s favorite, said Judy.

“At Christmas and the holidays this house is too full,” said Judy. “It’s not big enough for just her kids and their kids. Some come in and eat and leave because there’s no room for the others that’s coming in from Cherokee or com-

T

Ella Bird (left, top photo) is 15 in this photo taken in October 1954 at the Snowbird Day School. She’s pictured with her half-sister Catherine Wachacha. The Snowbird Day School (bottom) was operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and taught an estimated 550 Cherokee children before closing in 1963. Donated photos kids,” said Judy. “They about took them away from her when she was younger, but she said, ‘You’re not taking my kids.’”

“They didn’t have a lot, they really didn’t have a lot growing up, the children didn’t, but they had love, and the love for their mother was just surpassing,” Wachacha said.

HALLMARK OF HUMILITY Wachacha, together with former Tribal Councilmember Brandon Jones, co-sponsored the 2013 resolution that named Ella Bird a Beloved Woman, the highest title the tribe has to bestow. They did so at the request of Snowbird resident Shirley Jackson Oswalt, who would herself be named a Beloved Woman in February 2017. Oswalt passed away six months later after a battle with lung cancer.

“As long as I can remember, ever since I’ve known Ms. Bird, everybody loves her,” Oswalt told Tribal Council in 2013. “When I came up this morning I was thinking, because I told Adam (Wachacha) I wanted to say something about Ms. Bird, and I thought of the Proverbs 31:10 verses (in the Bible) about the virtuous woman. It says her price is far above rubies. This describes Ms. Bird.

She’s rare, she’s decent, she’s nice, she’s pure,

S EE B IRD, PAGE 8

In her research interviewing various community members, said Smith, “I found there was a lot of community members upset that people were being nominated and it wasn’t something a lot of people knew about until it was already done.”

After working through the nomination process, the committee will start developing an exhibit to be displayed at the fall festival in October and will also present its proposed process to the community. Smith expects the committee will be able to start accepting new nominations by the end of the year.

While deciding on the qualifications and nomination process for the title is important, Smith has her eye on a variety of other Beloved-related projects as well. In addition to the fair exhibit, she’s been talking to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian about developing an exhibit there to honor the tribe’s past and current Beloved Men and Women. She’d like to devise an especially unique gift to be given to all future people receiving that title — currently honorees are given a Pendleton blanket — and a separate resolution in the April 2018 Tribal Council directed the Principal Chief to designate a wall in the council house lobby dedicated to the Beloved Men and Women.

“We’ve got some pretty incredible people within our community,” said Smith. “That’s what I’m most excited about, is to get that story out there.”

Smoky Mountain News

ing late or whatever. There’s a Christmas tree right there and presents out to here” — here she gestured across the length of the small living area — “but that’s what she likes, so that’s why we come every year.”

In asking Ella about her life and her memories, no complaints come through — only good stuff. She had a carefree childhood, full of playtime in the woods and adventures with friends. She was blessed with 10 children, and when asked for stories of times when that bunch of kids drove her crazy, she had no answer — none of them drove her crazy, she said, because she loved them all.

But in digging deeper, it’s clear that Bird’s life has included its share of hardship as well. She lost her mother as a child, a half-brother too, and the man she married at 17 turned out not to be the best provider.

“He wasn’t a steady worker,” said Lilly.

“He worked every now and then. More or less Mom and my grandma raised us, probably by themselves. He was there, but he wasn’t a steady income.”

Government assistance made up much of their income, and Christmases were sparse back then. They’d all pack a lunch and eat Christmas dinner at the church, which provided any gifts the kids received.

Social services kept an eye on things, too.

“That’s one thing she fought for, was her

According to the draft, a Beloved Man or Beloved Woman should demonstrate the Cherokee Core Values, which are spirituality, group harmony, strong individual character, stewardship, tribal identity, education and sense of humor.

March 6-12, 2019

raditionally, the title of Beloved Man or Beloved Woman was reserved for Cherokee people who had proven themselves valiant warriors in battle but had grown too old to fight anymore. They would come home to an honored place in their tribe, serving their community in new ways, off the battlefield.

“We recognize our society has changed, and we need to have mechanisms in place to continue this part of our culture that still suits the needs of who we are,” said Kim Smith, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Beloved Woman Committee.

Smith petitioned Tribal Council to form the committee in April 2018, on the heels of a three-month period during which three Beloved titles were given — including a posthumous title to Smith’s aunt, Kina Swayney, a distinguished military veteran and energetic community organizer. As society changes and the Beloved title gets more visibility, she said, the tribe needs to define what that title means and lay out a nomination process to bestow it. Currently, it’s given through a simple resolution from Tribal Council.

“We essentially didn’t want to saturate the community with multiple beloved people because then it does take away from the honor of having that title,” Smith said.

“Which is the intent of the committee, to ensure that the nominations are all from the same voice, that they’re vetted by the community at large and not just individuals in the community.”

Tribal Council unanimously passed Smith’s resolution, establishing a Beloved Woman committee made up of one Tribal Council representative, one appointee from the principal chief, one appointee from the North American Indian Women’s Association Cherokee N.C. Chapter and two community members, one male and one female, selected by the other committee members. Smith serves as the chief ’s appointee.

Three meetings in, the group has completed a draft description of what it means to be “beloved,” with that document now being presented to the tribe’s communities for feedback. According to the draft, a Beloved Man or Beloved Woman should demonstrate the Cherokee Core Values, which are spirituality, group harmony, strong individual character, stewardship, tribal identity, education and sense of humor. Beloved people should also exemplify cherished characteristics such as leadership, trustworthiness, integrity, tradition, high achievement, good judgment, motivation, generosity, gadugi — which means “working together” — and advocacy. Such

people should also act as advisors and mentors, inspire others, and be recognized in a positive light by the community at large.

“I think going forward it will have more success because there will be a framework in place to help guide our community towards selecting who we feel is best suited for the title and then knowing what that title holds,” said Smith.

Over the next two months, the committee will define the nomination process.

Preliminarily, said Smith, they’ve talked about having community members submit their nominations, together with any supporting documents, to the committee. The committee would then decide whether to take that nomination to Tribal Council for approval, with a cap of four Beloved people living at any one time discussed. Smith hopes such a process will allow for better community input into such decisions, allowing Beloved titles to come from a place of greater community consensus than the current process.

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Committee works to establish guidelines for Beloved titles

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March 6-12, 2019

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B IRD, CONTINUED FROM 7 she’s slow to anger … We all love her dearly and everybody calls her sister or mom or grandma, because that is what she is to all of us.”

It is extremely rare for somebody to be honored as a Beloved Man or Beloved Woman — according to the tribe’s tourism website, only 10 people have received such a title since 1943, with eight of those instances occurring after 2000. Currently, Ella is one of only two living people named “Beloved,” the other being Myrtle Driver Johnson. Several others have passed away in recent years, with the tribe losing Oswalt in 2017 and in 2018 saying goodbye to Amanda Swimmer, Jerry Wolfe and Robert Youngdeer. Kina Swayney was given the title posthumously in 2018 following her death in 2017.

But Ella is surprisingly nonchalant about the recognition.

“She said she still wonders why they picked her for Beloved Woman,” Judy translated.

“She’s like, ‘Why did they pick me?’” Judy added. “Why is it me? Why am I special?

Why are they doing this for me? I’m just being myself.”

Humility is a hallmark of Ella’s manner.

She simply doesn’t brag on herself, leaving that task for others, should they choose to do so. When asked what she hopes her legacy might be, what others might remember her for over the generations to come, Ella replied only with a self-deprecating joke.

“She said she really don’t know. Each one has their own opinions,” Judy translated.

“But she said she was all hateful, that’s probably what they’ll remember her by.”

Of all the words people use to describe Ella Bird, “hateful” is certainly not one of them.

“It’s a real extension of family when you’re around Ella,” said Wachacha. “She doesn’t treat anybody different, and I think that’s what I love about her.”

“She’s so humble, and I think that spirit is a significant reason why I adore her,” Adcock added. “She’s just the kind of person that Cherokee people and young people should strive to be like. She doesn’t serve her community for riches or fame. She does it because that’s what she’s called to do as a Cherokee person. She doesn’t need to brag about it. She just does it.”

Adcock’s relationship with Bird began as an outgrowth of his professional life. UNCA had asked him to recommend names to potentially receive an honorary degree from the school. Adcock, knowing her status as a Beloved Woman, recommended Bird. She received her honorary doctorate in 2017, but Adcock’s relationship with Ella has continued — because of his Snowbird Day School project, but also just because Ella is someone he likes being around.

“Just to be in her presence and to be around her, it’s humbling and it’s an honor,” said Adcock.

Adcock has an easy answer to Ella’s question as to why she was chosen for the title.

“To me that’s why she is a beloved woman, the spirit of service to the community and caring and being a mother and a role model and

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“In the summertime, most of the kids will come here on Sundays to eat dinner and they’re out in the yard throwing cornhole or playing games or something, and she’ll be out there sitting, watching her kids. They’re all grown up and whatever, but that’s her thing.”

— Judy Bird

Ella Bird receives an honorary degree from the University of North Carolina Asheville.

UNCA photo

doing all that without needing the congratulations and the publicity of that,” he said. “I think that’s pretty special and unique.”

It’s also worth noting, said Wachacha, the apparent success of Ella’s parenting. Many of her children speak the Cherokee language, and they all know some type of traditional craft, whether that by hunting, quilting, gardening or something else. As others have pointed out, none of Ella’s children have fallen victim to alcoholism or drug addiction.

Oswalt added an historical perspective to the question of “why me?” Traditionally, she said in 2013, the Beloved Woman would have had a seat at the table when the tribe deliberated whether or not to go to war.

“She’s slow to anger. She would have made an excellent Beloved Woman in the past that we would have listened to before we would have said, ‘Let’s go to war,’” said Oswalt. “Because of that I don’t know of anybody that doesn’t have the highest respect for her in the community.”

HOOKED ON FAMILY Just like the Biblical “Proverbs 31 woman” to whom Oswalt compared Ella, according to those who know her well Ella certainly “watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” and she “brings good, not harm, all the days of her life.”

Even now, at 79 years old with children who are all grown up with children of their own — she said she has “too many grandkids to count” but estimates there’s about 30 of them — Ella can’t quite turn the mothering instinct off.

“She’s a lady that thinks she has to cook every day for supper so her family can eat with her at the table. That’s what keeps her going, because she loves to see her kids and her family,” said Judy. “We tell her all the time, ‘You don’t have to cook, Mom. You don’t have to cook. We’re old enough to do it on our own.’ But she still thinks she has to

cook every day.”

So, the children — now ages 41 through 61 — came together to work out a compromise. Two of Ella’s daughters take her out to eat on Friday and Saturday each week, but she insists on continuing to cook Monday through Thursday.

Like her language, Ella’s cooking is woven from the fabric of tradition — her accomplishments as a quilter, cook, gardener and keeper of the language were also part of the rationale for naming her a Beloved Woman.

Her favorite meals involve pinto beans and fried potatoes, the same foods she grew up eating, and a good spread also involves dishes harvested from the mountains surrounding her home. There are mustard greens and turnip greens and sochan, her favorite, and polk salad too. In springtime the ramps come up, and a couple more cycles of the moon later the garden yields an abundance of veggies just waiting to be canned.

Age has forced Ella to slow down some.

She no longer goes into the woods herself to gather ramps, either accepting them as gifts or purchasing them from those who do gather. The produce comes from a garden planted by her daughter and son-in-law, rather than from her own beds, and canning is more difficult than it used to be due to reduced strength in her hands.

“But she still tries,” said Judy. “She’ll still do what she needs to do.”

Which perhaps is a succinct summary of Ella’s life. Things aren’t always easy, but there is always a joy to be discovered and a virtue to be gained by simply pressing on, and doing what needs to be done.

“She carries the language, she carries the art, she just carries the traditional family that basically in my opinion has carried this tribe around generations,” said Wachacha. “I think even with some of the atrocities that have happened to this tribe, like the Trail of Tears and everything else, the mere fact of love and being Christian and taking care of each other is what gets us through hard times.”

Melrose files libel suit against fellow attorney W

Melrose’s suit claims Lay knew when he posted that comment on Facebook he knew there had been accusations online that Melrose allegedly volunteered to represent Wong.

“At the time the defendant made the false libelous statement he did so with actual malice and ill will towards the plaintiff intending the plaintiff personal and professional harm,” the claim reads.

Lay told The Smoky Mountain News that his comments were factual, and therefore not libelous. He said his comments came directFrank Lay ly from his conversations with Melrose, his law partner, office staff and others. Lay took to Facebook after the lawsuit was filed Feb. 27 to defend his comments, stating that Melrose is trying to “repress and chill political free speech.”

“Mr. Melrose takes the position that if you make a comment against him, then he may, or in my case, will sue you,” Lay wrote. “In what might be the worst example of being a poor loser we have seen lately, Mr. Melrose is now taking to using the courts as his battering ram to stop those who would comment in a manner he doesn’t like.”

Lay goes on to say that the judge that conducted the 96-hour hearing in Wong’s case reiterated to him that she specifically encouraged Melrose not to take the case even though he was permitted to do so and he told her he wanted the case.

“If you don’t like the opinions of others expressed by others, the solution is always more speech. The answer is not filing a lawsuit to ‘protect’ yourself from what you perceive as ‘bad words’ of others,” Lay wrote.

“Though your case will almost certainly be summarily dismissed, as truthfulness of the statement is a complete defense; it is sad you choose to go about things this way.”

North Carolina has a broad definition of libel per se, which is Melrose’s first claim against Lay. Libel per se refers to statements so egregious that they will always be considered defamatory and are assumed to harm the plaintiff's reputation, without further need to prove that harm. In North Carolina, a statement that “tends to impeach a person in that person's trade or profession; or otherwise tends to subject one to ridicule, con-

Defense Attorney Mark Melrose speaks during a rally to show support for Scott Knibbs’ family, who he represented after Scott was shot and killed by a Macon County Sheriff’s deputy in 2018. Donated photo tempt, or disgrace” is considered libel per se, which is what Melrose claims in the suit.

This last category of libel per se is quite broad and is not recognized by most other states.

In North Carolina, a private figure plaintiff accusing someone of defamation bears the burden of proof in showing that the defendant was at least negligent with respect to the truth or falsity of the allegedly defamatory statements.

Public officials, which Melrose could be considered since he was running for office, must prove that the defendant acted with actual malice, meaning Lay knew the statements were false or recklessly disregarding their falsity.

Typically the best defense in a libel/defamation case is proving that the statements in question were truth. However, Melrose can overcome that defense if he can prove actual malice.

Melrose’s second claim for relief is for defamation-libel per quod, which is applicable only when the plaintiff introduces additional facts to show defamation or claims special damages. Melrose claims the allegedly libelous statement was knowingly published by the defendant on someone’s public Facebook page and was also visible to Lay’s Facebook friends through his own Facebook page.

Melrose further claims the statement was false, that Lay knew it was false and that Lay acted with “reckless disregard to the fact this statement was false.”

“The defendant published this false libelous statement in order to harm the plaintiff in his legal profession and to dissuade voters from voting for the plaintiff by falsely publicizing the allegation that the plaintiff had ‘volunteered’ to represent a person who killed a North Carolina State Trooper,” the lawsuit states. “The defendant published this false libelous statement knowing that

enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and others who were registered voters in Jackson County would be dissuaded from voting for the plaintiff given the fact that the defendant falsely claimed the plaintiff had sought out this court-appointment and both Judge Letts and Trooper Blanton were enrolled members of EBCI.” As a result of the allegedly libelous statement, Melrose contends he suffered monetary and economic loss and is seeking to recover presumed and actual damages in excess of $25,000 in addition to recouping legal expenses.

Melrose is no stranger to taking on unpopular cases. He didn’t win the Wong case — Wong was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In 2016, Melrose filed a lawsuit against the Haywood County School system for closing Central Elementary School.

Melrose alleged secret “ulterior motives” were at play in the decision — namely, that school administration had been eyeing Central as a new office location due to the possibility that they will soon be evicted from their current offices at the old hospital on North Main Street.

The lawsuit was later settled. Melrose’s suit was dismissed with prejudice, preventing any future claims from him on the same issue, and neither Melrose nor the school board are allowed to talk about “the action between the parties, nor the facts and circumstances giving rise to said action” other than in a 57-word statement attached to the settlement agreement.

Melrose also vigorously defended the Knibbs’ family in Macon County last year when a Macon County deputy shot and killed Scott Knibbs inside his home. After a N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and review from an outside District Attorney, the deputy was cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to work.

Smoky Mountain News

“Krystal, let me answer your question, from first hand knowledge, the appointing judge anticipated having to go to Charlotte to get an attor-

ney to represent this worthless excuse for a man, OH NO, Mr. Melrose called and requested the case. Even after the appointing judge expressed grave concerns over having Mr. Melrose represent a man who assassinated the first ECBI trooper, he brushed it aside and side (sic) that he wanted the case. I represent criminal defendants every day of my career, but there is no way, and no excuse for EVER taking that case.”

March 6-12, 2019

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR aynesville defense lawyer Mark Melrose filed a civil lawsuit against fellow defense lawyer and Clyde Mayor Pro Tem Frank Lay in Haywood County last week claiming Lay posted false and libelous statements about him on Facebook during his campaign for Superior Court judge.

Back in October 2018, Melrose was in the midst of a hotly contested race for Superior Court judge against Democratic incumbent Bradley Letts. While it’s unusual for a popular sitting judge to be challenged by a fellow Democrat, Melrose took on the challenge.

However, Letts won the Nov. 6 election with 54 percent of the vote and had broad support within the legal community.

Lay was a vocal and active supporter of Letts during the election. According to Melrose’s complaint, Lay made in-kind and monetary donations to Letts’ campaign and also campaigned for Letts through advertising on social media, billboards, radio and television. It was comments Lay made on Facebook that Melrose claims were knowingly false and meant to harm Melrose’s reputation and campaign for office.

In the comment, Lay stated that Melrose and Randy Seago — his law partner at the time — eagerly volunteered to represent Edwardo Wong in June 2008. Wong was charged with the first-degree murder of North Carolina Highway Patrolman Shawn Blanton, who was an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It was a high-profile case that is still talked about today in the community.

Melrose said he was court-appointed to represent Wong because he was one of few “highly experienced” lawyers on the roster willing to take on first-degree murder cases.

“The defendant published this false libelous statement in order to harm the plaintiff in his legal profession and to dissuade voters from voting for the plaintiff by falsely publicizing the allegation that the plaintiff had ‘volunteered’ to represent a person who killed a North Carolina State Trooper,” the lawsuit stated.

Melrose’s complaint states that Blanton’s widow, Michaela Blanton-Lowe posted negative comments on Oct. 28, 2018, about his candidacy and his representation of Wong during her husband’s murder trial. As a Facebook friend of Blanton-Lowe’s before, during and after the trial, Melrose says that Lay allegedly commented on her post in response to someone’s question about whether Melrose was appointed or volunteered to defend Wong. The alleged libelous statement from Lay was as follows:

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news

Nikwasi Initiative wants deed to Cherokee mound

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR n a historic decision, the town of Franklin voted Monday to move forward with the process of deeding the Nikwasi Mound over to Nikwasi Initiative as the nonprofit continues its work to preserve and promote the region’s important cultural sites.

While the deed will still have to be drawn up and voted on by the Franklin Town Council before ownership trades hands, the town’s decision to move forward with the process is a major turning point given the history of ownership.

Nikwasi Mound, located in downtown Franklin near the Little Tennessee River, has been in the town’s ownership since the 1940s when the town scraped together enough money to save the property from being developed. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians last attempted to get the property back into EBCI ownership in 2012, but the town was unwilling to transfer sole ownership.

At the time, Franklin Alderman Bob Scott — now mayor — was not in favor of deeding the property back to EBCI but was open to the idea of finding a joint understanding that would benefit both parties.

Ultimately, the town passed a resolution in 2014 to keep the mound and rejected a formal request from EBCI to hand it over.

That was the impetus that started Nikwasi Initiative a couple of years ago, EBCI member Juanita Wilson told the Franklin Town Council during a Monday night meeting. She and Town Councilmember Barbara McRae are currently co-chairs of the community development organization with rep-

Smoky Mountain News

March 6-12, 2019

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resentatives of Macon County, Franklin, EBCI and Mainspring Conservation Trust.

“This touches me in a way y’all will probably never know,” Wilson told the board following McRae’s request to move forward with drawing up a deed.

She said it had been her vision for the last 10 to 15 years to create a cultural corridor in the area to include the Cherokee

“We all depended on each other for survival back then and bringing that back home — it unites us. No one loses anything — we all gain so very much by doing this.”

— Franklin Town Councilmember Barbara McRae

mounds as well as other culturally important sites that honored not only Cherokee heritage but also that of the Scots-Irish and Appalachian heritage.

“We all depended on each other for survival back then and bringing that back home — it unites us,” she said. “No one loses anything — we all gain so very much by doing this. The Mountain Partners came together over a controversy but what we’ve been able to do is heal that and move on and to get to this level of collaboration and partnership and really a love for one another is amazing.”

McRae said the Nikwasi Initiative is get-

Franklin Town Council is considering deeding the Nikwasi Mound over to the nonprofit Nikwasi Initiative. File photo ting ready to unveil phase one of the Nikwasi-Cowee Corridor, which will include three new kiosks — one at Nikwasi Mound, one across the river from Cowee Mound and one at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center. She emphasized how important the deed transfer would be for all the partners involved.

“This will allow the Cherokee after 200 years to have some representation in the management of the mound,” she said.

In 1819, there was the treaty in which the Cherokee lost its territory in the region.

Then there was an effort made to allow them to protect their sacred places, which included the mounds, but that treaty was violated as well.

“Here we are 200 years later and we have the opportunity to do something really his-

toric and reverse that wrong,” McRae said.

“It’s truly exciting.”

Councilmember Dinah Mashburn asked what would happen to the mound if the nonprofit ever dissolved — would it revert back to the town?

Town Attorney John Henning Jr. said as an established 501c3 nonprofit, the Nikwasi Initiative would already have the responsibility of figuring out the future ownership of the property if the organization ever dissolved. The deed can also spell out whether the property reverts back to the town.

Henning will bring forth a proposed deed to council in the next couple of months for the town’s approval.

A video recording of the Franklin Town Council meeting posted on www.maconmedia.com was used in the reporting of this article.

‘Maggie on Ice’ falls flat Skaters engage in some light horseplay at Maggie on Ice. Holly Kays photo

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WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com early closings on three other days as well, meaning it was only open to the public for around 40 hours total, at a final cost of more than $900 an hour.

Full financials provided via email by MVCC Executive Director Teresa Smith to Town Manager Nathan Clark dated Feb. 20 show that the chamber counted $4,338 in admissions and paid local volunteer groups a total of $1,500 to staff the event, as well as $920 in contract labor and $65 for printing and wristbands, to total $2,485.

The last tiny remnant of that $36,268, a total of $1,853, was kept by the MVCC. “There’s a lot of ‘glass half full’ people who could say, ‘If the weather was better,’ or ‘maybe if we had a tent,’ – there were lots of things that we could have done differently,” Clark said, “but at the end of the day, when you’re looking at the size of the rink that we had, we would need to skate around 4,000 people, and we didn’t come close to that.”

Instead, the rink could hold no more than 40 skaters at any one time and saw just 794 skaters total.

Date Skaters Feb. 8 44 Feb. 9 188 Feb. 10 7* Feb. 11 102 Feb. 12 0* Feb. 13 124 Feb. 14 101 Feb. 15 17* Feb. 16 195 Feb. 17 16* TOTAL: 754 * closed fully or partially due to weather Source: Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce

274 S. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6570

Smoky Mountain News

Attendance by day

Although Maggie on Ice saw visitors from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee — as well as the North Carolina towns of Arden, Asheville, Black Mountain, Candler, Murphy and Sylva — 652 of the 754 skaters were from Haywood County, and just 35 room-nights were purchased in connection with the rink, according to MVCC polling.

If the average room in Maggie Valley rents for $200 a night, the 35 room-nights would have generated $7,000 for local hoteliers and about $280 in room occupancy tax revenue for the TDA over those 10 days.

“It’s one of those things though, I’m glad we did do it,” Clark said. “People have been asking for it, have fun memories, and we have exposed a whole different generation of Haywood County folks to ice skating that they hadn’t necessarily had.”

Value of the experience aside, two other TDA-funded projects directly related to but funded separately from Maggie on Ice have, unlike Maggie on Ice itself, the potential to create lasting value for tourists and locals alike.

Last summer, a $12,800 asphalt pad was poured at the Festival Grounds to support the rink.

“The pad can be used for lots of different things even in the summer months,” said Clark. “When you have that much of an impervious surface, tents can be set up over it. You can lay an actual dance floor on that for music events, or a dining tent so you don’t have any kind of mud or dust.

There’s a lot of uses there.”

Around that same time, $14,000 of TDA funding paid for the winterization of Festival Grounds bathrooms, consistent with TDA goals of enhancing winter tourism in a county where spring, summer and fall occupancy rates have never been healthier.

March 6-12, 2019

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER hat was hoped to be a slick new attraction designed to bring more visitors to Maggie Valley during wintertime has instead been shown to be an attraction of a different sort — a magic trick that turned $36,268 of taxpayer money into just $4,338 of ticket sales.

“Just looking at it, I think trying it again isn’t justified by the results that we had,” said Nathan Clark, Maggie Valley’s town manager, of the 40-by-50-foot portable synthetic ice rink funded almost totally by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority after a board-approved request from the Town of Maggie Valley last spring.

“As far as using this as a platform to spur a ‘next year’ project, I don’t think the [Town] board has any desire to do that,” said Clark, who is charged with carrying out the board’s direction. “The opportunity cost for us is too great to try to do this again when we have other projects that we think we can get better returns on our investment.”

Ghost Town isn’t the only nostalgic touchstone for those who’ve haunted the tiny western Haywood County town of Maggie Valley over the years; there’s been an ice rink or two here or there before, and reviving the tradition to augment winter tourism stalwarts Tony’s Tube World and Cataloochee Ski Area had been talked about for years.

Maggie on Ice, as it was called, opened at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds on Friday, Feb. 8, for what was to have been a 10-day engagement.

Renting the rink from the out-of-state operator cost $26,270, and additional onsite kids activities like putt-putt golf added another $4,374 to the total. After $4,118 in advertising — including in The Smoky Mountain News, The Waynesville Mountaineer and Vicinitus Haywood — the town donated $440 for music, $7 for posters and $1,059 in public works overtime pay to total $36,268.

The town fronted all that, and will be reimbursed by the TDA up to the $35,000 figure requested in the TDA’s funding application.

Haywood’s TDA collects a 4 percent room occupancy tax in the county for each night a room is rented, and then its board directs the disbursement of funds on marketing the county as a destination — often by directing advertising or sponsorship efforts, but sometimes through the funding of an event or attraction like Maggie on Ice. Admission was $8 for adults and $5 for children and was collected by the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, which coordinated the volunteers required to staff the rink.

Even if it had been open all 56 hours as scheduled, the rink would have needed to host 99 paid skaters an hour at an average admission price of $6.50, but weather closed the rink all day on Feb. 12 and forced

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Pilgrimage to Montgomery

March 6-12, 2019

Haywood County NAACP is making a pilgrimage to Montgomery to see the new Legacy Museum: Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice honoring victims of lynching.

Both are presented by the Equal Justice Initiative. While in Montgomery, the group hopes to add some other important sites from the Civil Rights movement to the itinerary.

The group will leave on May 10, and return by 10 p.m. on May 11. Meet at Jones Temple AME Zion, 35 Thomas Park Drive (just off of Pigeon Street), in Waynesville, at 6:30 a.m. on May 10.

Bus seats are $50 each. To reserve a seat on the bus, call Chuck Dickson’s office at 828.456.8082. Rooms cost $106.89 for two people (children under 18 may be added at no charge). Ask for the Haywood County NAACP group so that you get the group rate. Call them to reserve a room at 334.409.9999. They will ask for a credit card number to hold the room for you.

If you cannot afford the cost of this trip but want to go, talk to Carolyn Wallace or Chuck Dickson about getting a scholarship to cover your costs.

Election season begins in Cherokee

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ith more than a week left to go in the filing period for this year’s tribal elections, four people have already put their names forward to run for principal chief.

As of press time Tuesday, the list also included three candidates for Snowbird/Cherokee Tribal Council and six candidates for Big Y/Wolfetown Tribal Council, with other offices drawing a number of candidates equal to or less than the number of seats available.

Current candidates for chief include: n Incumbent Richard Sneed. Sneed is seeking his first elected term as principal chief.

He was elected as vice chief in 2015 with 59.1 percent of the vote and sworn in as principal chief following the impeachment and removal of former Principal Chief Patrick Lambert. n Teresa McCoy. McCoy represented Big Cove on Tribal Council for 20 years but decided not to file for re-election to the seat in 2017. n Carroll “Peanut” Crowe. Crowe holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Carolina University and has been a tribal employee for more than 20 years. He is the grandson of a former Cherokee chief and son of a former vice chief. n Phillip Ellington. Ellington ran for a

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Tribal Council seat to represent Snowbird/Cherokee County in 2017 but did not make it past the Primary Election.

Candidates currently signed up to run for other offices are: n Snowbird/Cherokee County Tribal Council: Janell Rattler, Adam Wachacha (incumbent chair), Bucky Brown (incumbent) n Big Y/Wolfetown Tribal Council: Bill Taylor, Tony Cabe, Jess “Fonzie” Sneed, Paula “Cricket” Brown Wojkowski, Bo Crowe

(incumbent), Jeremy Wilson (incumbent) n Big Cove Tribal Council: Fred Penick, Richard French (incumbent) n Yellowhill Tribal Council: Tom Wahnetah (incumbent) n Birdtown Tribal Council: Albert Rose (incumbent) n Painttown Tribal Council: Dike Sneed, Tommye Saunooke (incumbent)

n Vice Chief: Alan “B” Ensley (incumbent) n Yellowhill School Board: Jennifer Thompson (incumbent) n Big Y School Board: Sharon E. Bradley The list is still unofficial at this point, with the EBCI Board of Elections needing to complete background checks and certify that candidates meet legal requirements to run.

All Tribal Council and executive office seats are up for election this year. Voters will select two people from each township to serve on Tribal Council, as well as one chief, one vice chief, and three school board representatives — one apiece from Yellowhill, Big Y and Painttown.

A proposed constitution would seek to change Tribal Council offices to staggered terms, with those elected serving a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms rather than the unlimited two-year terms now in place, and only six of the 12 seats up for election at any one time.

Council is expected to further discuss and possibly vote on the document during its March 14 meeting.

The Primary Election will be held Thursday, June 6, and the General Election will be Thursday, Sept. 5. Candidates can sign up to run through 4 p.m. Friday, March 15.

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BY J ESSI STONE ter. Our freezers had been opened and the N EWS E DITOR contents pitched on top of the ashes. What broken window, classrooms in shamhad not been tossed had been left ruined in bles, irreplaceable items destroyed, the open doors of the freezers.” kitchen coolers left open and perishAs the police department began its able food thrown all over the floors — investigation, Forney said there wasn’t that’s what Tausha and Lynn Forney much else she and her mother Lynn Forney, walked in to find last week at the Pigeon the director of the Pigeon Center, could do Community Multicultural Development but to shut the empty freezers, board up the Center in Waynesville. broken the window, step over the mess and The Pigeon Center was broken into and walk away shaking their heads. vandalized on Feb. 25, and about $2,500 Despite the second major setback of the worth of food was destroyed. That food is year, Tausha said they will move forward what the nonprofit relies on to feed 20-25 and continue their important work as they local children dinner at least twice a week. restore the historic building. Staff was This is the second big blow to the Vandals broke into the Pigeon Community Pigeon Center folMulticultural Development Center on Feb. 25 lowing a kitchen and destroyed at least $2,500 worth of food. fire that occurred Donated photo in January.

“As hard as we try to work for the community this latest news is devastating,” Tausha Forney wrote in a Facebook post on Monday. “After the fire last month we had finally began to make progress on the cleanup, then last week we found a broken window that Here is a list of cleaning items the Pigeon Center needs: lead to a grand disas- Magic Erasers, Clorox, cleaning gloves, 13-gallon trash bags, four 13-gallon trash cans, Clorox cleanup, Dawn dish detergent, white vinegar galter.” lons, Mr. Clean cleaner and disinfectant, empty spray bottles, paper towels Waynesville cleaning rags, two 5-gallon cleaning buckets, two 8x10 or 10x12 area rugs Police Department for classrooms (ask for further details) responded to the scene and is asking for the community’s help in trying to identialready in the process of cleaning up the fy suspects while they conduct an investigamess left from the fire to get ready for their tion. Detectives said the suspect(s) received summer enrichment program for students a cut on their hand or arm while breaking but now they have to start all over. in.

Volunteer groups are needed to adopt While the fire was deemed an accident, rooms that weren’t as impacted by the fire there are many in the community who for cleaning, painting and getting them set believe the vandalism was a targeted hate up for the summer. The final space that will crime against a community nonprofit that be welcome for volunteers is organizing the strives to strengthen harmony among all Christmas decorations, storing them and residents of Haywood County while proorganizing the storage space. This can only moting inclusiveness. The nonprofit runs be completed after work by the professionmany programs for children, seniors and als has come further along. The center is veterans out of its old school building that also in need of donations of cleaning supserved African-American elementary school plies and food. students before desegregation in 1967.

This week donation drop off will be “The damage was senseless, wasteful, from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday thoughtless and heartbreaking. at Francis Cove United Methodist, Crymes Irreplaceable items passed to us from comCove Road, Waynesville. Ingles Markets has munity members smashed, the kids’ sumalso set up donation bins at both mer fun suitcase destroyed, closed and Waynesville locations. packed boxes rifled through and thrown To sign up to volunteer for cleanup, call around the room,” Forney said. “As terrible 828.452.7232. as it sounds it looked worse and the best If you have any information regarding was yet to come. In the soot-covered this incident, contact Det. Holland at sholkitchen we found disaster on top of disasland@waynesvillenc.gov or 828.456.5363.

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March 6-12, 2019

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‘Opportunity zone’ could bring business to poor areas

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER hen President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law on Dec. 22, 2017, proponents hailed it as the most significant tax reform in three decades. Lost in the hullabaloo over the tiny, temporary tax bracket adjustments — financed by a burgeoning federal deficit — was a new program designed to spur investment in low-income census tracts across the country.

Halfway through the 186-page act is a section on the Opportunity Zones program, which allows a state to designate no more than 25 percent of its low-income census tracts as “opportunity zones.”

To qualify, tracts must have a poverty rate is greater than 20 percent, and/or a median family income less than 80 percent of median income in the area.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce reviewed data, gathered public input, talked to local officials and, according to the UNC School of Government, learned that 46 percent of all 2,195 census tracts in North Carolina would qualify.

With more than a thousand qualifying tracts, selecting the final 250 or so for certification by the U.S. Department of the Treasury was carried out with an eye on geographic distribution — 98 of 100 counties in North Carolina have at least one opportu-

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nity zone, and almost 40 percent of them are in census-designated rural areas, like Haywood County.

“I know the county submitted seven applications, and only one was selected,” said CeCe Hipps, Haywood Chamber president.

That tract is number 9203, which starts in the heart of Canton and sprawls to the southeast, south of U.S. 19-23 to the Buncombe County line. Transylvania County’s zone abuts southeast Haywood County, down towards Pisgah Forest and backing up to the outskirts of Mills River.

Macon County’s tract is west of U.S. 23 and encompasses much of Franklin. Swain County’s is north of U.S. 19 between Bryson City and Whittier, and Jackson County’s tract starts just south of Webster and runs south, mostly west of N.C. 107 down past Tuckasegee to Thorpe Lake.

“It has the potential to be a good tool.

We’ve had quite a bit of interest from developers touching base,” said Rich Price, Jackson County’s economic development director. “It includes a lot of the vicinity around WCU. We would imagine it could be beneficial for housing.”

Investors in any of these opportunity zones can realize a number of economic incentives designed not just to encourage development, but also to encourage long-term development by

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Every county in Western North Carolina has at least one opportunity zone.

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98 of 100 counties in North Carolina have at least one opportunity zone, and almost 40 percent of them are in censusdesignated rural areas, like Haywood County.

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March 6-12, 2019 Smoky Mountain News

The second benefit is what’s called “stepping up the basis.� If Acme Widget buys a piece of land in an opportunity zone for $1,000, then holds it for at least five years before selling it for $2,000, tax incentives allow Acme to add a 10 percent increase to the basis (the base price), meaning its taxable capital gain is only $900, instead of $1,000.

Using that same example, if Acme held the property for seven years instead of five, Acme could then add an additional 5 percent to that 10 percent basis increase, meaning it would only accrue $850 in taxable capital gains, rather than $1,000.

If Acme holds the property for 10 years, it will then be permanently excused from paying taxes on all capital gains accrued after investing in the zone, thus encouraging investors to take advantage of the maximum impact of the capital gains tax breaks by planning a long-term presence in the zone.

Going back to Acme Widget Company, if Acme realized a capital gain of $1,000 on the sale of some asset last year, taxable at 25 percent, it could simply pay the taxes on the gain and retain a cool $750.

If Acme instead invested that $1,000 in an opportunity zone this year, it wouldn’t have to pay any taxes at all on the $1,000 right now, and 10 years from now after an average appreciation of 7 percent, that $1,000 investment would be worth at least $1,967 but subject to a capital gains tax rate of exactly zero percent. “People that are researching and looking for an opportunity zone see that we have one, and it brings additional folks our way,� said Hipps.

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changing the way capital gains are taxed. “We have had some interest because of this opportunity zone,� said Hipps, who added that some companies are looking only to locate in such a zone because of the capital gains benefits.

A “capital gain� is the increase in value of a capital investment over the purchase price.

Capital gains can be either short term — less than a year — or long term but either way, once the asset is sold that gain is subject to federal taxation sometimes approaching 30 percent.

The first benefit is that if taxpayers use existing capital gains to invest in an opportunity zone, those capital gains can be temporarily removed from their taxable income.

So, if the Acme Widget Company bought an asset, say, a piece of land, for $1,000 and then sold it for $2,000 a few years later, that $1,000 gain could be used to invest in an opportunity zone, instead of being whittled away through taxation.

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Trying to get most out of North Shore funds County files resolution to move money to higher-grossing account

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ow that Swain County has finally received the entire $52 million from the federal government for the North Shore Road settlement agreement, county commissioners want to make sure they’re making the most of that money.

The $52 million, which was awarded to the county after the federal government didn’t keep its promise to rebuild the road that was flooded during the 1940s in order to build Fontana Dam, is sitting in an account in Raleigh through the North Carolina Treasurer’s Office.

“One of the things some people don’t understand is that the Swain County government doesn’t have $52 million sitting in the bank across the street — there’s complications in getting it,” said Swain Commission Chairman Ben Bushyhead.

The law established with Senate Bill 1646 only allows Swain County to draw on the interest accrued in the fund each year while the principal can be touched only if county voters overwhelmingly approved a countywide referendum specifying a certain purpose.

Before the county received the final payment of $38.2 million last summer, the account was earning only $200,000 to $300,000 in interest a year, but with the full amount now sitting in the fund, commissioners anticipate the interest to be in the millions. However, Bushyhead said a new interpretation of the law could keep the county from drawing on all the interest each year.

“The new state treasurer and his staff are interpreting the law differently than the previous treasurer,” he said.

That interpretation is twofold — that the county can only invest its fund in a Bond Index Fund or the Short Term Investment and that the county can draw down on the interest each fiscal year but the amount can’t exceed the amount drawn in the last fiscal year. Now that the fund has grown from

Smoky Mountain News

March 6-12, 2019

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Swain County finally received the final $32.8 million payment from the federal government for the North Shore settlement.

“One of the things some people don’t understand is that the Swain County government doesn’t have $52 million sitting in the bank across the street — there’s complications in getting it.”

— Swain Commission Chairman Ben Bushyhead

$13.8 million to $52 million, the interpretation of the law would keep the county stuck at only drawing around $300,000 a year.

“And then they’re taking any interest left over and putting it in the principal and we can’t touch that,” Bushyhead said.

That process is not going to help Swain County tackle its growing list of infrastructure needs, which is why commissioners recently passed a resolution requesting that the North Carolina General Assembly modify SB 1646 to clarify the interpretation and allow the Swain County to earn more interest and draw on all the interest each year.

“We think it’s going to help us for two reasons — if we get it changed the way we want it we can invest the principal in the state’s Equity Investment Fund and right now we can’t,” Bushyhead said.

Bushyhead said the funds the county can utilize — the BIF and STI — are not making the county much money. At best, it’s getting a 2 percent return when the EIF is making

about 6 percent.

“As the government of Swain County in order to do business we need to borrow money to make some things happen and we’re paying around 3.75 to 4 percent in interest on loans, so we’re basically losing money because we’re paying out more than we’re getting back in interest,” Bushyhead said.

According to the resolution, Senate Bill 1646 establishes the methodology and accountability of the State Treasurer to manage and distribute funds to Swain County on an ongoing basis and details the amount of interest funds that can be drawn down each year. Specifically, the law states, “disbursements to Swain County under this subsection in any fiscal year shall not exceed the total interest and investment income earned by the Fund in that fiscal year.”

Swain commissioners are asking the state to allow the county to use the EIF like other counties and entities with similar funds are allowed to do and also to draw all the interest

each year so as not to lose it to the principal that can’t be touched.

In discussions with Sen. Jim Davis, RFranklin, Bushyhead said it should have a good chance in passing since it’s only to clarify the language of the law that applies to only Swain County anyway.

The county’s North Shore fund was started in 2011 after commissioners received the first $12.8 million payment from the Department of Interior. To date, the interest drawn annually has been used for projects the commissioners have deemed beneficial for the entire county, including the heritage museum located in the historic courthouse, purchasing new ambulances and patrol cars for the sheriff ’s office as well as other large capital needs.

Commissioners are now working on budget planning for 2019-20. They will only be able to draw around $300,000 in interest this year but are hoping the law will change and allow a larger sum of money for the 202021 budget year.

When it comes to how the county plans to spend the additional income in the future, Bushyhead said the county is beginning a strategic planning process to see what the county’s needs are for the next five to 10 years. That process, which will include a lot of public input, will determine how the county should spend the interest money from the North Shore fund.

Swain County voters approved an additional quarter-cent sales tax in November that the commissioners have earmarked for Swain County Schools’ capital needs, but Bushyhead said the schools will still need more funds to be able to complete everything on its priority list.

The descendants of the Swain families that were forced off their homesteads when the North Shore was flooded would also like to see some of the funds put toward maintaining the many cemeteries in the area that can now only be reached by boat.

Because a majority of Swain County is occupied by national forest and national park and owned by the federal government, the county has a low tax base and a growing list of critical needs. The hope is that the North Shore funds will help the county prosper in perpetuity.

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Women’s defense class offered

Jackson conducts fair housing survey Jackson County is conducting a study of Fair Housing and is gathering input via survey.

Fair Housing is the right to choose housing free from unlawful discrimination. Fair housing law ensures access to housing for everyone. It guarantees that regardless of your age, race, religion, family situation, or level of ability, you have the right to choose the housing that best suits your needs, with no outside preferences or stereotypes being imposed. Fair housing laws protect all individuals seeking housing, including renters, home-buyers, persons obtaining a mortgage or homeowners insurance, and others.

The survey can be completed at www.surveymonkey.com/r/9VVZTKD.

Funding available for Macon nonprofits Macon County nonprofit organizations have until March 29 to apply for county funds allocated in the county’s current fiscal year budget, through the Macon County Community Funding Pool.

Application forms and instructions are available at www.maconnc.org, or may be picked up at the Macon County Public Library on Siler Farm Road in Franklin, the Hudson Library on Main Street in Highlands, and the Nantahala Public Library on Nantahala School Road.

Organizations applying for CFP funds must provide financial statements such as budgets and federal tax-exempt reports, organization goals and objectives, and program/service descriptions. First-time applicants must contact Karen Wallace, .828524.3600, or Bobbie Contino, 828.342.7872, to discuss their proposal.

Win a trip to Disney World Buy a raffle ticket to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina and try your luck at winning four tickets to Walt Disney World resorts and four round-trip tickets out of Greensboro on Spirit Airlines to Orlando.

Tickets cost $20 each or three for $50.

Only 500 tickets will be sold. The drawing will be held May 1. Buy them now online at bbbswnc.org/events through April 23.

Smoky Mountain News

The North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC) is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to implementing harm reduction interventions, public health strategies, drug policy transformation and justice reform.

NCHRC is partnering with Haywood County Health & Human Services Agency to combat the public health crisis surrounding fatal drug overdoses in the county.

From noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, NCHRC staff will be at Health and Human Services Agency, room 301, to conduct overdose recognition and opioid overdose reversal training. This is a drop-in program.

Participants will receive free naloxone, harm reduction resources and information on substance use services.

For more information, contact Jeremy Sharp, NCHRC Peer Support/Outreach

Lake Logan Conference Center invites members of the community, businesses and organizations in Haywood County and surrounding areas to a ribbon cutting and celebration of a newly renovated Walnut Cabin.

The event will be at 4 p.m. Friday, March 22. Bishop José McLoughlin of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina will be at the blessing. This event is to honor and thank the parish of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Brevard for their hard work and dedication to Lake Logan. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Lauri SoJourner at lauri@lakelogan.org by calling 828.646.0095.

March 6-12, 2019

Overdose prevention training offered

Bishop McLoughlin to bless Walnut Cabin

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A women’s safety class will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the Haywood Republican Headquarters, 297 N. Haywood St., in Waynesville.

The community service event is open to everyone. Pat Taylor who is retired from Macon County Sheriff ’s Department will be teaching participants how to defend themselves. The class will teach how to evaluate your surroundings and be cautious in different situations. She taught this training to the women in the sheriff ’s department.

Light refreshments will be served.

828.246.9696

Worker at Jsharp@nchrc.org or 706.482.8795 and Patrick Johnson, RN-C, MPA, HHSA Public Health Director 828.356.2292.

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71 MAIN STREET · CANTON · NC | 93 NORTH MAIN STREET · WAYNESVILLE · NC 18

Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Visit our other location: 100 Fairview Road, Asheville

Business

Smoky Mountain News

‘Lean Thinking’ workshop at WCU

store had its official opening Jan. 11 in space that was previously occupied by Blackrock Outdoor Co. Ben King, a 2011 WCU alumnus, founded Bryson City Outdoors in 2013 and is now one of three partners operating a home store on Main Street in Bryson City and the new outpost on the WCU campus.

The selection of merchandise includes gear for camping, backpacking, mountain biking and climbing, plus shirts, hats and stickers with original designs created by BCOutdoors staff.

The taproom provides craft beer, wine, cider and nonalcoholic beverages. BCOutdoors offers a series of special event nights, including “WHEEopardy” at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and a team trivia competition at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. The store also provides loyalty points to thank customers for shopping locally.

Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment will be offering a “Lean Thinking” workshop from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019 at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville.

Dr. Todd Creasy, MBA director and associate professor of management and project management at WCU, and Juran Institute Certified Master Black Belt in Six Sigma; Lean Sensei, will serve as workshop instructor.

At the completion of the workshop, participants will earn a Certificate of Completion in Lean and acquire fundamental knowledge of Lean Thinking principles, including “Plan-DoCheck-Act,” principles of flow, Value Stream Mapping and also learn what makes companies like Toyota, Nike Caterpillar and John Deere the best in their field.

Registration s $279. For more information and to register, visit pdp.wcu.edu or call 828.227.7397.

HCC to host free seminars

19

Hometrust names new HR officer

Cashiers starts leadership program The inaugural Leadership Cashiers class recently launched its seven-month program with an opening retreat at Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club. The Cashiers Area Chamber’s new community engagement initiative is based on a development model used by many cities across the country to prepare and motivate participants to offer quality community leadership.

The program’s mission is to inform, connect and engage individuals by intensively studying issues affecting the area and by building strong working relationships for enlightened, dynamic leadership. A volunteer task force comprised of Ben Harris, Don Jehle, Bob Starkey, Irv Welling, Stephanie Edwards and others worked to establish the program which the Cashiers Area Chamber underwrites and manages.

Fourteen participants will attend regular sessions, held January through September, with subject matter experts on economic development, government, planning & infrastructure, dducation, and health & human services. Personal leadership skills also will be developed through academic and team-building exercises. Angela Owen of Truventure Enterprises serves as Program Director. She is also executive director and course instructor of Vision Transylvania, a similar program in Brevard.

For more information, visit www.LeadershipCashiers.org, email info@LeadershipCashiers.org or call 828.743.5191.

The Small Business Center at Haywood Community College will offer a free seminar titled, “Basics of Bookkeeping,” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in room 3021 at the HCC Regional High Technology Center.

Participants will gain workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for their business. This seminar will introduce the three most important financial reports and how to use them to make the bestinformed business decisions.

Additional seminars in this series include: “Your Small Business Taxes” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 14; “Marketing Your Business” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2; “How to Find Your Customers” 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16; and “Financing Your Business” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 23.

Visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512 to register.

agents sold over $1.3 billion of commercial and residential real estate in 2018.

View the top agents in an office near you at marketleaders.beverly-hanks.com.

Beverly-Hanks announces top agents

United Community Bank receives award

Beverly-Hanks, Realtors recently announced their top performing agents of 2018 in a company-wide awards ceremony.

Agents were presented by sales level, including four agents and one agent team who closed sales over $20 million, the President’s Level. Those agents were Clary McCall (Biltmore Park), Heidi DuBose Fore (North Asheville), Ann Skoglund (Biltmore Park), Billy Taylor (Biltmore Park), and Brian Noland & Catherine Proben (Waynesville). An additional 268 agents received recognition for their accomplishments. All totaled, Beverly-Hanks

United Community Bank recently announced it received 10 Greenwich Excellence Awards for middle market and small business banking.

Frequently rewarded for exceptional customer service, UCB is proud to also earn recognitions that showcase the company’s commitment to quality banking solutions and financial guidance.

United was recognized for Overall Satisfaction in middle market banking in the South, which was based on interviews with over 14,000 U.S. businesses with sales of $10-

$500 million. In the small business banking categories, United earned five national awards, including Overall Satisfaction, Likelihood to Recommend, Branch Satisfaction, Cash Management Overall Satisfaction and Best Brand for Trust. The bank also received four regional awards for small business banking in the South in the categories of Cash Management Overall Satisfaction, Likelihood to Recommend, Overall Satisfaction and Proactively Provides Advice.

BCOutdoors open in WCU’s Noble Hall Bryson City Outdoors, a company that offers a variety of gear for outdoor recreation and a taproom for craft beer fans, now has a location in Western Carolina University’s Noble Hall.

Also known as BCOutdoors, the campus

HomeTrust Bank recently announced that Paula C. Labian assumed the position of Chief Human Resources Officer of both the company and the bank.

Labian will lead the HTB team responsible for employee relations, benefits and compensation, talent management, recruiting and training. She will serve as a member of the Strategic Operating Committee (SOC) and report directly to Dana Stonestreet, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

• Going Places Travel recently relocated to 244 Porter Street in Franklin. Owner Dana Bresnahan is an experienced travel agent who will work with you personally to help plan everything from a weekend getaway to that bucket list trip. Call 828.369.5999.

ALSO:

• A Customer Service Training Workshop led by Rob Hawk will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 26, at the Swain County Chamber of Commerce in Bryson City. Space is limited to 15. Call 828.488.3681 to register or email Karen at chamber@greatsmokies.com.

• Mountain Home Collection is having a going out of business sale at 110 Miller St., Waynesville Owner Mary Edwards is closing the business she’s had for 26 years to pay for needed cancer treatments and needs the community’s help. Everything is 50 percent off.

The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• Sanctuary7 Pilates Studio, located at 110 Depot St., in Waynesville, will hold its grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 16, with a free pilates class being offered. There will be a Pilates machine class at 9:30 a.m. and a Pilates mat class at 11 a.m. No experience is required. Reserve your space by calling or texting 828.788.6043.

20

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

My church embraces LGBTQ members

BY N INA DOVE G UEST COLUMNIST hen I walked into a Reconciling Ministries meeting at my church (First United Methodist Church of Waynesville) four years ago, I had very few expectations. The Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is an organization devoted to promoting the inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ persons in the church. Having been raised in a church with a large percentage of retired ministers, and retirees in general, I was cautious about our chapter of RMN; I assumed, walking in to the room, I would see primarily young and middle-aged adults, and perhaps one or two crotchety homophobic elders only there to voice their dissent.

Not that I thought that people over 65 were incapable of being open-minded, but to some extent I believed the stereotype that older people, especially religious ones, would refuse to accept gay people.

I was shocked to see 20 or so people, most my grandparents’ age. That night, I realized people I’d seen in church my whole life, or worked with on community mission projects, had been quietly living their lives as gay, lesbian, or transgendered or were fervent allies of the queer community. I was shocked at the amount of love and support in the room, especially when some retired clergy denounced on spiritual terms the passages in our Book of Discipline (bylaws) that prevent “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” to be married or become ordained. Being in that room, in conversation with those people, destroyed my stereotypes and revealed a diversity I hadn’t noticed before.

W

We must do better, for our children To the Editor: Like Andrew Morgan (see Mountaineer, Feb. 25, Guest Columnist), I too am alarmed by the rhetoric from the anti-jihadist who spoke at the local Republican Party Headquarters. Unlike Mr. Morgan, I am not a Muslim. I have, however, lived in Muslim countries for several years and lived in Muslim homes. You do not need to fear Muslims. True Muslims, like true Christians,

The clauses against homosexuality have been in the UM Book of Discipline since 1972 and debated ever since, culminating in last week’s vote by a specially-called Conference. In the lead-up to the conference, my church held a series on Wednesday nights called “Listening With Love.” I joined about 150 members, dividing up into roundtable discussions dealing solely with LGBTQIA+ inclusion. People with conservative, progressive, and moderate stances on this issue sat at tables together and were able to voice their personal experiences without fear of being harassed. Primarily we were there to listen deeply to each other, to set aside stereotypes and really see each other.

I was at a table with three other teenagers and four retirees, making disagreement seem inevitable. However, I was again shocked to discover that we all had very similar stances on this issue, despite the age gap. After one teen shared about the isolation they felt being gay in the church, an older participant shared her sorrow for her own adult child, who was experiencing that same isolation in their congregation. While not every table had as much agreement as ours, I still saw positive, civil conversations, and it gave me hope for the future of our denomination.

Then, this past Tuesday, February 26, instead of accepting the Council of Bishops’ more inclusive plan, the international delegates at the Special Conference voted by a slim majority to double down on the penalties against LGBTQIA+ in the church, and those who would minister to them. I had to face the fact that the broader United Methodist denomination voted to uphold oppression.

are striving to follow a high moral code and lead a spiritually guided life. The people you should fear are those who believe that they have cornered the market on truth.

One example of misinterpretation in Mr. Gaubatz’s article regards the Muslim call to prayer, which is heard five times a day. It is a reminder to the faithful to reaffirm their spirituality through prayer. It does not mean to drop everything they are doing at the moment and pray. The prayer can be five minutes later, an hour later, or if on the job, whenever the person has a break.

I wonder about such fear-mongering. Fear is a very powerful motivator and is often used to control people, especially those who react instead of thinking through “hot button” issues.

Could this talk possibly be politically motivated since we have a major election coming up next year?

The message that hardened criminals are pouring across

This decision has left many people angry and hurting in unimaginable ways, especially the members of the LGBTQIA+ who have been told by their denomination that God does not value them equally — something that women and minorities also once heard. Many fear that this was the final blow, and that people will leave the denomination.

However, despite the fury and fear, many are still hopeful for the future of the church. This Sunday I watched our gay members be loved from the pews and from the pulpit. I was privileged to hear from several gay and lesbian members of my church, who agreed that the decision made at general conference does not reflect their experience in our church. The congregation I choose to belong to is one that fiercely loves, protects and celebrates each of its members. Our church not only opens its doors to everyone, but also walks out those doors to serve the larger community of Waynesville and beyond. Our church accepts and supports them completely and will continue to do so.

I don’t know what the future holds for the United Methodist Church, but I’m still hopeful. This past conference was a wake-up call for many on how serious this issue is, and I am optimistic that there will be an increase in support for the LGBTQIA+ community in the church. In the meantime, the gay and lesbian members of our church are steadfast in their commitment, and if they are not leaving, neither will I. (Nina Dove is a Senior at Tuscola High School. She is an active member of organizations that promote the inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ persons both in her school and in her church. She also is a member of her church’s praise band, where she plays piano and sings.)

LETTERS our southern border has been repeatedly factchecked and proven false. Since that “fear” has been debunked, it is no longer as effective. Is it being replaced by stirring up a fear of Muslims?

Seems we always have to have an “us against them” bogeyman in an attempt to sow fear. There is more strength in unity than in division, and our nation desperately needs that strength. Like Mr. Morgan and Mr. Gaubatz, I am a patriot. I was deeply moved by the words of John Harris recently as he talked about thinking of his children at the time of making a major political decision.

“We have got to come up with a way to transcend our partisan politics, and the exploitation of processes like this for political gain.

That goes for both parties, Democrats and Republicans. And Libertarians,” he said. “I’m just left thinking that we can all do a lot better than this.”

We must do better.

Joanne Strop Waynesville

Meadows’ action Is unconscionable To the Editor: Unbelievable that Rep. Mark Meadows (RBrevard) chose to use a black female HUD employee as a token, cheap prop to demon-

strate that Trump cannot possibly be racist.

He should be ashamed and apologize for portraying our district as a bunch of backwards thinking hillbillies.

Trump has proven over and over that he is a racist, and if Rep. Meadows refuses to believe it then he needs to take one of the dozens of vacant jobs in the White House and let us be represented by someone else.

And shame of her for agreeing to participate with him, unless she had no choice.

Mylan Sessions Waynesville

Medicaid expansion needed in N.C. To the Editor: North Carolina is one of 14 states that has chosen not to expand Medicaid, which provides health care insurance to lower-income citizens. Ninety percent of its costs are covered by the federal government.

Gov. Roy Cooper, in his recent “State of the State” address, has asked for the expansion of Medicaid, whereby federal dollars could revive struggling rural communities by keeping local hospitals open. According to UNC’s Rural Health Research Program, there have been 83 rural hospital closures in the U.S. (2010-2018), mainly in states, not expanding Medicaid. North Carolina hospitals in Blowing Rock, Mocksville, Yadkinville, Scotland Neck, and

also saves lives, reduces family bankruptcy, and increases access to opioid treatment.

Nationally, 62 percent of all personal bankruptcy is due to medical expenses.

The Republican Party has become the Party of “No,” except when shutting down the federal government or depleting the federal treasury through tax “reforms” that benefit the upper 1 percent. Perhaps Mr. Berger has it wrong; perhaps he is wrong for North Carolina. Or he can always cancel his own publicly-funded health insurance coverage.

Roger Turner Asheville

Chris Cox

Bellhaven, no longer provide in-patient services.

State Sen. Phil Berger (R, Eden), President Pro Tem of the N.C. Senate, tells us “Obamacare Medicaid expansion is wrong for North Carolina.” Despite the fact he represents largely rural communities in Rockingham, Caswell, and Stokes counties, he argues expansion will cost too much, is unsustainable and thus overburdened; and will not improve health outcomes for those who gain coverage.

A growing body of research shows that Medicaid expansion’s benefits extend far beyond coverage and access to care — it

“We have to stop him,” Tammy said.

“Yes, I agree that the situation is untenable,” I said. “But how?”

For years, we tried fencing him in. We went through a staggering array of fences — chicken-wire, electric, underground, you name it. If Lowe’s had it, we tried it.

Unfortunately, Walter felt this was an elaborate game, an incredibly fun one, so much better than chasing a soggy tennis ball or a stupid Frisbee.

We put in chicken-wire, he dug under it.

We buried it, he escaped through a drain pipe. We ran an electric wire around the perimeter of the yard, he jumped over it.

We would get calls from the neighbors: “Walter’s out again.”

We’d get home after work, only to find him sitting high on the hill above our house in the shade of a Japanese maple, well outside the boundary of the fence, grinning at us, just beaming, utterly proud of himself.

Then, one day about seven years ago, he was mauled and nearly killed by a neighbor’s dog. It happened fast and broke our hearts.

We wrapped him up in a sheet and took him to the vet. He was in surgery for hours and was given about a 50/50 chance of surviving, but he made it through and began the long, torturous process of recovery.

He didn’t smile for a long time, but gradually he healed. He never could quite walk the same — his hunting days were

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Smoky Mountain News

We had thought that Walter’s energy might reanimate Mike — I thought of the elderly people in the fitness center swimming laps or pumping iron, giddy and youthful as songbirds, chirping with each other happily between sets. They had inspired me for years to drag myself off the couch and into action, and I thought Walter might likewise inspire Mike to do … something.

If anything, Mike seemed to enjoy his slumber even more. His inert, hulking form lay in stark contrast to the little tornado of teeth and fur that spun around him. Day after day, his utter lack of activity took the form of a dignified protest, and eventually Walter gave up, paying him no more mind than he paid the concrete birdbath in the middle of the yard.

Walter is, without question, the most amiable dog I have ever owned or known.

He’s the kind of dog other dogs would like to have a beer with. He has always loved people, too, except — inexplicably — for my longtime friend, Bill, who has almost the exact same nature. If some director wanted to make a buddy movie about Bill and Walter on a road trip to Gatlinburg or Myrtle Beach or someplace, I would watch it over and over.

Bill is the most laid back, friendliest person I’ve ever met. I just knew the two of them would bond instantly. Instead, when Bill approached him for the first time, Walter snarled at him as if his fondest wish were to rip out his larynx and shake it like a dish rag. Some past life drama, I guess. No other explanation.

I had thought Walter was a complete pacifist, an equal opportunity lover of all living creatures. This notion that was obliterated not long after we moved out of town and into the country, where we soon began finding horrifically disfigured carcasses of animals on and around our property.

We looked for explanations. We had added a miniature dachshund to our rolling stock by then, but the carcasses were larger than he, so that didn’t seem plausible, even with his killer’s disposition. We just couldn’t understand what or who could be responsible. Coyotes? Sociopathic children from the neighborhood? Extraterrestrial forces?

Eventually, we confronted the awful truth — Walter was a groundhog serial killer.

March 6-12, 2019

hen Walter comes trundling down the driveway, he always reminds me of what a camera tripod might look like if it had just been granted the wish to walk, but hadn’t exactly learned how yet.

He gets along in this sort of halting, stifflegged gait that looks awkward and uncomfortable, but he is also always wearing that same smile he has been wearing for the 14 years that we’ve had him in the family.

We rescued him from the local animal shelter after spending several days looking at doggie glamour shots on different websites, comparing notes and speculating on personalities.

Our children were very young, and we liked the idea of them having a dog they could grow up Columnist with, like I did with my family’s cock-apoo, a little dog named Misty that I insisted on calling Brutus to irritate my mother, which was perhaps my favorite childhood pastime.

Now here was Walter, a generation later.

We hadn’t really had a beagle-mix in mind, but a dog that could smile like that in those abysmal circumstances was irresistible. We knew he was the one immediately.

“His name is ‘Sundance,’” Tammy said.

“That’s absurd,” I said. “He will be known as ‘Walter.’”

“Family name?” she said.

“Nope.”

Walter was great with the kids right away, although our son was still so young that he just giggled at Walter’s antics from the balcony section of a double-stroller that we positioned in the backyard, where Walter literally ran circles — or figure eights — around my aging black lab, Mike, who was living out what little remained of his golden years in the shadiest corner of the yard, far from the madding crowd.

Walter would pause every few revolutions to confront Mike, drop down suddenly as if about to pounce on him, get absolutely no reaction except one barely perceptible twitch of an eyebrow, and then tear off for the other corner of the yard as if yanked there by an enormous, invisible leash.

opinion

An aging Walter still rules the roost W

over for good — but in a year or so he was able to climb hills again, and even stairs when we let him in during thunderstorms, as we had all his life.

We moved his house right next to the front door, so he could be closer to us. It is not exactly a page out of Better Homes and Gardens, but he loves being closer to us. He especially loves it when the miniature dachshund and chihuahua-mix (another rescue) come outside, and the three of them walk up and down the driveway like the Earps and Doc Holliday keeping the streets safe in Tombstone.

Nobody knows how old Walter really is.

They estimated his age at around three when we adopted him, so by that reckoning he must be about seventeen now, possibly even older. We’ve been thinking he may die any minute for about three years now. It has been seven years since he was attacked, and he was already getting on up in years even then.

He’s like an Old Testament character, enduring and abiding. He’s survived the flood. He’s survived the locusts. He’s still here.

The kids are just about grown now. Our daughter leaves for UNC-Charlotte in August. Our son will be in high school.

They’ve grown up with Walter after all. It may take him about ten minutes to crawl out of his house every morning to see them off to school, but when he does, old Walter is still smiling. All his days are gravy now.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. jchriscox@live.com.)

It’s cold outside, but the pancakes are hot!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ALL YEAR! 7 A.M. TO NOON

Any day is a great day when it starts with Joey’s Pancakes!

4309 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley (828) 926-0212

21

tasteTHE mountains

Sunday: 12pm-6pm Tue-Thurs 3pm-8pm Fri-Sat: 12pm-9pm Monday: Closed AT BEARWATERS BREWING

101 PARK ST. CANTON 828.492.1422

PIGEONRIVERGRILLE.COM

Wine • Port • Champagne Cigars • Gifts

828-452-6000

20 Church Street Downtown Waynesville

classicwineseller.com MONDAY - SATURDAY

March 6-12, 2019

10:00AM - 6:00PM

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts.

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

BOGART’S 303 S. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.1313.

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carry out available. Located in downtown Waynesville, Bogart’s has been long-time noted for great steaks, soups, and salads. Casual family atmosphere in a rustic old-time setting with a menu noted for its practical value. Live Bluegrass/String Band music every Thursday. Walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and seasonal festival activities and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner nightly at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Wine Down Wednesday’s: ½ off wine by the bottle. We specialize in handcut, all natural steaks from local farms, incredible burgers, and other classic american comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available.

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

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

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast,

RESTAURANT

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m.

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

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

828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet.

Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

DELLWOOD FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT 651 Dellwood Rd., Waynesville.

828.944.0010. Warm, inviting restaurant serving delicious, freshly-made Southern comfort foods. Cozy atmosphere; spacious to accommodate large parties. Big Farmhouse Breakfast and other morning menu items served 8 a.m. to noon. Lunch/dinner menu

& GIFT SHOP

Featuring a Full Menu with Daily Specials 828-246-6996 429 Hazelwood Ave Waynesville 7:30am-8 pm Closed 7:30am-8 pm 8 am-8 pm

PRIVATE DINING ROOM AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS

Whatever the Occasion, Let Us Do the Cooking!

Monday-Sunday 7:00-2:00pm Closed Tuesday

3589 SOCO RD. MAGGIE VALLEY

828.926.1820

WAYNESVILLE’S BEST BURGERS

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

Meetings, Events, Parties & More Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde MON.-SAT. 11 A.M.-8 P.M.

34 CHURCH ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6505 22

lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine.

Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events.

Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

Country Vittles

Monday, Tuesday Wednesday Thursday, Friday Saturday, Sunday

Smoky Mountain News

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

twitter.com/ChurchStDepot

facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot

828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com Monday-Friday Open at 11am

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food

1941 Champion Dr. • Canton 828−646−3750 895 Russ Ave. • Waynesville 828−452−5822

tasteTHE mountains offered 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Come see us.

You’ll be glad you did! Closed Wednesdays.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde.

828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery. Check out our daily lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95.

FIREFLY TAPS & GRILL 128 N. Main St., Waynesville 828.454.5400. Simple, delicious food. A must experience in WNC. Located in downtown Waynesville with an atmosphere that will warm your heart and your belly! Local and regional beers on tap. Full bar, vegetarian options, kids menu, and more.

Reservations accepted. Daily specials. Live music every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Open Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Handtossed pizza, house-ground burgers, steak sandwiches & fresh salmon all from scratch.

Casual family friendly atmosphere. Craft beer and interesting wine. Free movies Thursday through Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows & events.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT 2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.926.0425. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Daily specials including soups, sandwiches and southern dishes along with featured dishes such as fresh fried chicken, rainbow trout, country ham, pork chops and more.

Breakfast all day including omelets, pancakes, biscuits & gravy. facebook.com/carversmvr; instagram @carvers_mvr.

HAZELWOOD FARMACY & SODA FOUNTAIN 429 Hazelwood Avenue, Waynesville.

828.246.6996. Open six days a week, closed Wednesday. 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast until noon, old-fashioned luncheonette and diner comfort food. Historic full service soda fountain.

PIGEON RIVER GRILLE 101 Park St., Canton.

828.492.1422. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Southerninspired restaurant serving simply prepared, fresh food sourced from top purveyors.

Located riverside at Bearwaters Brewing, enjoy daily specials, sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more. Be sure to save room for a slice of the delicious house made cake. Relaxing inside/outside dining and spacious gathering areas for large groups.

JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Open seven days a week! 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Joey’s is a family-friendly

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We

deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska.

Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano.

Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95.

Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive, Canton 828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available.

Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We have fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and scrumptious deserts. Extensive selection of local craft beers and a full bar. Catering special events is one of our specialties.

SPEEDY’S PIZZA 285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800.

Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for 30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza made to order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, calzones and seafood.

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

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

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

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville.

828.246.0927. Open Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Opened in May 2016, The Waynesville Pizza Company has earned a reputation for having the best hand-tossed pizza in the area. Featuring a custom bar with more than 20 beers and a rustic, family friendly dining room. Menu includes salads, burgers, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade desserts, and a loaded salad bar. The Cuban sandwich is considered by most to be the best in town.

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Smoky Mountain News

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT

Mon/Wed/Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

March 6-12, 2019

HARMON’S DEN BISTRO 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville 828.456.6322. Harmon’s Den is located in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART. Open 5:309 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (Bistro closes at 7:30 p.m. on nights when there is a show in the Fangmeyer Theater) with Sunday brunch at 11 a.m. that includes breakfast and lunch items. Harmon’s Den offers a complete menu with cocktails, wine list, and area beers on tap. Enjoy casual dining with the guarantee of making it to the performance in time, then rub shoulders with the cast afterward with post-show food and beverage service. Reservations recommended. www.harmonsden.harttheatre.org

restaurant that has been serving breakfast to locals and visitors of Western North Carolina for decades. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey’s is sure to please all appetites. Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

* Percent Weekly values b ased on Hayw ood, Jackson, M acon, Sw ain and Buncom b e d iet s.

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Over the hills and far away

Music, heritage comes alive at Stecoah Valley Center

ay out in Graham County, high up in the rugged wilderness of the Nantahala National Forest, is a lonely stretch of N.C. 28.

To the north lies Robbinsville, to the south the Swain County line. But, where you’re standing, seemingly in the middle-of-nowhere, is actually the hottest ticket in Western North Carolina — the “An Appalachian Evening” series at the Stecoah Valley Center.

“What the series has meant to the center is keeping the Appalachian heritage alive — that’s been part of our mission,” said Beth Fields, executive director of the center. “I think that especially as remote as we are, to be able to offer that kind of artistic quality on a consistent basis, it’s really important to the series, the community and visitors.”

Celebrating 20 years this summer, the series brings in some of the biggest names in bluegrass, old-time, mountain and Americana music. It’s a “who’s who,” with the likes of Balsam Range, The Steeldrivers, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, amongst countless others, gracing the stage over the years.

“What sets us apart from other venues is the venue itself,” Fields said. “It’s a very intimate setting. The bands interact with the audience. It’s very low key, and the sound quality in the auditorium is just phenomenal.” “‘An Appalachian Evening’ has been an amazing platform to expose new people to mountain culture the right way,” added Darren Nicholson, mandolinist for 2018 IBMA “Entertainer of the Year” group Balsam Range.

“Where better to hear the finest musicians these mountains have to offer than in one of the prettiest places on earth? We appreciate all the hard work the people at the Stecoah Valley Center do to preserve our folk heritage in every facet — it’s one show I look forward to every year.”

“The organizers of the series have recognized the roots music of the Western North Carolina mountains as an important part of the cultural community,” added Ty Gilpin, mandolinist for Unspoken Tradition. “It’s always an honor to be invited to perform in this historic region and at this one-of-a-kind venue.”

At just around a capacity of 300 people, the history of the stage is as long and varied as the list of musicians that stepped in front of the microphone. Though the original schoolhouse building was constructed in the 1926, the auditorium stage played host to some of biggest names in bluegrass in the 1940s and 1950s.

Legendary acts like Bill Monroe & The Blue

W

Michael Cleveland & Flame Keeper will kick-off the ‘An Appalachian Evening’ concert series on June 29.

Want to go?

Buncombe Turnpike.

The “An Appalachian Evening” 2019 series lineup is as follows: Michael Cleveland & Flame Keeper (June 29), Buncombe Turnpike (July 6), Zoe & Cloyd (July 13), Carolina Blue (July 20), Fireside Collective (July 27), Jeff Little Trio (Aug. 3), Becky Buller (Aug. 10), Salt & Light (Aug. 17), The Kruger Brothers (Aug. 24) and Wayne Henderson & Helen White (Aug. 31).

As well, the Fall Harvest Festival will feature bluegrass legends The Gibson Brothers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Stecoah Valley Center.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.stecoahvalleycenter.com. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in the air-conditioned Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.

Grass Boys, The Carter Family, Flatt & Scruggs, Chet Atkins, and more, performed for locals and visitors alike.

Due to district consolidation, the school was closed in 1994. It sat empty and abandoned for several years before the county took it over and launched the nonprofit organization that became the center, now a 10-acre property focusing on art, nature, history and music.

“We have this asset in the county, and it’s taken a long time to get to where we are today, but it’s a testament to who we are and what we

do here,” Fields said. “I just love the people that come here, they’re so appreciative of us maintaining this place and keeping it going. The people that are donors and supporters, they want to support us so that we can make additional progress.”

Of all the countless performances to occur in the auditorium, Fields noted the sheer awe and beauty of the late Doc Watson who took the stage there in 2009.

“I remember not just his music, but there was a man outside the backstage area that was carving and painting gourds,” Fields remi-

“What sets us apart from other venues is the venue itself. It’s a very intimate setting. The bands interact with the audience. It’s very low key, and the sound quality in the auditorium is just phenomenal.”

— Beth Fields, executive director

nisced. “Doc spent about an hour talking with him and afterward I told him that Doc was blind and he didn’t believe me. The man said, ‘Well, for a blind man, he sure can see.’”

When asked about what it’s like to stand there and witness a sold-out bluegrass show in the auditorium, Fields took a moment to respond.

“It kind of leaves you speechless,” she said.

“That you know that the folks are truly enjoying themselves here. And the bands, they really love performing here, they really tap into that adrenaline of the audience.”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Miles Davis during the ‘Kind of Blue’ sessions.

Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant (Waynesville) will host Joey Fortner & The Universal Sound (Americana/folk) 8 p.m.

Friday, March 8.

It was 60 years ago this past weekend (March 2, 1959) when Miles Davis’ seminal “Kind of A production of “Red” by John Logan will hit the Blue” album was recorded. This stage at 7:30 p.m. March 8-9 at the Haywood is an immortal masterpiece, a Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. cornerstone of not only American music, but the music There will be a “Chili Cookoff” hosted by the of the world, too.

Haywood Waterways Association from 6 to 9 The lineup for this record p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Elevated Mountain was a “Murderers’ Row” of jazz Distilling in Maggie Valley. music: saxophonists John Coltrane and Julian The Jackson County Public Library (Sylva) will “Cannonball” Adderley, pianist host Darren Nicholson (Americana/bluegrass) 7 Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul p.m. Friday, March 8.

Chambers, and drummer Grammy award-winning Christian pop duo For Jimmy Cobb, with former band King & Country will perform at 7:30 p.m. pianist Bill Evans.

Saturday, March 9, at the Smoky Mountain Every single musician and Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. album that came thereafter, regardless of genre, was (con“Flamenco Sketches” captured on April 22, sciously or subconsciously) influenced by 1959. What resulted is pure gold. It’s this work. If you listened to “Kind of Blue” incredible. just once, that’s all it takes to become an In terms of my interaction with this eternal part of your DNA — five songs that album, I was 18 years old and a freshman at forever changed the course of music.

Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Davis, who was only 32 years old at the Connecticut. Fall 2003. The campus library time, did no rehearsals before the two had a wide-ranging selection of CDs, of recording sessions and only gave the other which you as a student could take out five or musicians a rough sketch of each melody so at a time. So, I’d grab whatever I didn’t before diving right into the deep end of the know or hadn’t listened to, to gain more studio. On March 2, 1959, the tracks “So musical knowledge, and brought them back What,” “Freddie Freeloader” and “Blue in to my dorm, to immerse myself.

Green” were recorded, with “All Blues” and

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LIVE MUSIC

March 6-12, 2019

Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there

CASUAL FINE DINING WITH

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

That first batch I took out included “Kind of Blue.” I knew who Miles Davis was (who doesn’t?), but I didn’t know much about his actual music beyond a surface level impression. I remember that day vividly. It was raining outside my third-floor dorm window. Alone in my dorm room, I cracked the window open and put the CD on my stereo. With that iconic Paul Chambers bass hook, “So What” kicked off the album. It was all a whirlwind of melodic beauty and sonic possibility from that point forward. I listened to “Kind of Blue” over and over (and over again).

It’s staggering how cosmic and soothing the album is, and will forever remain. I burned a copy of “Kind of Blue” for my handheld CD player (remember those?), carrying the tunes with me on numerous Metro North train trips down into New York City, where the album is literally the soundtrack of The Big Apple. One of the great pleasures in life is simply wandering around NYC with “Kind of Blue” in your headphones. The melodies just seem to roll along with the pace, vibrancy and curiosity of the city itself.

Try it sometime. Life changing.

Not long after I graduated college, in September 2007, I saw that Jimmy Cobb was performing at the Village Vanguard in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. With the Village Vanguard regarded as the epicenter of the jazz world, how could I pass up a chance to see Cobb there onstage?

The only surviving member of the “Kind of Blue” sessions, I was able to somehow score a sit-down interview with Cobb before that show at the Village Vanguard (a basement venue underneath the hustle and bustle of NYC). In all seriousness, this was probably only the second actual music interview I had ever done, and there I was, 22 years old, chatting with Jimmy Cobb face-to-face.

Now 90 years old and still actively touring, Cobb was a captivating presence back in 2007, onstage and off. Watching him behind his drum kit, you could sense this almost Zen-like approach to his craft, where he was fully immersed in the pocket of improvisation, someone completely open to those around him, a honed spiritual antenna receiving and transmitting sounds through pure emotion.

Even today, I can still hear the crashing of plates and silverware in the kitchen of the Village Vanguard as Cobb and I talked back there, still see his face and body in that chair, his arms and hands overtaking the armrests. He was, and is, a gracious human being. I’ll never forget that slow climb back up to the street and into the organized chaos of people, places and things in NYC ‘round midnight.

To this day, my Cobb interview remains unpublished. I still have the reel-to-reel tape sitting on my bookshelf right now. Plans are in the works to find an old recorder to play it on, so I can transcribe it and share it with the world. And I still play “Kind of Blue” about once a week, usually when I’m lying down and just trying to get my mind into a blissful, peaceful place — it works every single time.

Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

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Americana/indie act Joey Fortner & The Universal Sound will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, March 8, at Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant in Waynesville.

Formerly of Soldier’s Heart and Through the Hills, singer/guitarist Joey Fortner is striking it out on his own with this rollicking new formation, one of rock melodies and poignant ballads.

The show is free and open to the public. www.madanthonys.bar.

March 6-12, 2019

IBMA winner to play Waynesville Acclaimed Americana/country act The Darren Nicholson Band will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

Nicholson is a Grammy Award nominee and a recipient of numerous International Bluegrass Music Association’s Awards, including “Entertainer of the Year” (2014,

Smoky Mountain News

WCU welcomes Saxophone Alliance

facebook.com/smnews 26

The North American Saxophone Alliance will hold its mid-Atlantic regional conference March 8-9 at Western Carolina University.

Hosted by WCU’s School of Music and the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, the conference will bring musicians, educators and enthusiasts from throughout the Carolinas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware to Cullowhee. Attendees will be involved in performances, competitions, presentations, masterclasses and clinics, as well as vendor opportunities.

The conference will conclude with a free, open-to-the public concert on campus at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in the John W. Bardo Fine & Performing Arts

2018), “Song of the Year” (2011) and “Album of the Year” (2006, 2017).

He has appeared countless times on WSM’s Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium, CMT, GAC and many of the world’s most famous venues and networks.

Currently, he records and tours as a full-time, founding member of Balsam Range with all sorts of collaborative efforts each year.

Tickets are $10 per person. For information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.38main.com.

Center. Guest artists will join with the WCU Wind Ensemble, directed by Margaret Underwood, WCU director of bands and associate professor of music.

Guest artists include Clifford Leaman, professor of saxophone at the University of South Carolina; Susan Fancher, instructor of music at Duke University; Allison Adams, assistant professor of saxophone with the University of Tennessee Knoxville; and Dale Underwood, professor of saxophone at the University of Miami.

The North American Saxophone Alliance is a nonprofit organization for students, professional musicians, university professors, public school teachers and others with a shared interest in the saxophone.

For more information, contact Ian Jeffress, WCU assistant professor of saxophone, at jeffress@wcu.edu or 828.227.3974.

On the beat For King & Country.

Grammy winners swing into Franklin

Waynesville gets in the tub Popular Jackson County Americana/bluegrass group Ol’ Dirty Bathtub will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 16, in The Gem downstairs taproom at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville.

Admission is $5 at the door. The band’s new album “Pack Mule” is now available for purchase. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/oldirtybathtub.

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host Colby Deitz (Americana/indie) March 15. All shows are free and open to the public. www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. March 7 and 14. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.

ALSO:

• City Lights Cafe (Sylva) will host The Freestylers March 23. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.citylightscafe.com or 828.587.2233.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Alma Russ (Americana/old-time) March 9 and Heart Hunters March 16. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night March 6 and 13, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo March 7 and 14. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. There will also be a “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration” with Positive Mental Attitude (reggae/rock) 3 p.m. March 17. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host Fuzzy Peppers March 8, Frank & Allie (Americana/folk) March 9, Clinton Roberts March 15 and Old Sap (Americana/old-time) March 16. All events are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host Rebecca Loebe (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m.

March 6, David Jacobs-Strain & Bob Beach w/Kaia Kater (Americana/blues) 8:30 p.m.

March 6, Friction Farm (acoustic/folk) 7 p.m.

March 7, Italian Night w/Mike Guggino & Barrett Smith (of The Steep Canyon Rangers) 8:30 p.m. March 7, Pretty Little Goat (Americana) 7 p.m. March 8, Lovers Leap w/Hank, Pattie & The Current 8:30 p.m.

March 8, Cliff Eberhardt w/Louise Mosrie (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. March 9, The Cleverlys album release party (bluegrass) 9 p.m. March 9, Ronny Cox w/Jack Williams (Americana) 6 p.m. March 10, Connie Regan-Blake (storyteller) 7:30 p.m. March 10, Cane Mill Road w/Tuesday Bluegrass

Sessions 7:30 p.m. March 12 and ilyAIMY (indie/folk) 7 p.m. March 13. www.isisasheville.com.

• The Jackson County Public Library (Sylva) will host Darren Nicholson (Americana/bluegrass) 7 p.m. March 8. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments for a jam session. Free and open to the public.

828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host an open mic night at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday, Frogtown (bluegrass) March 9 and Gopher Broke March 16. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information and a complete schedule of events, click on www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an open mic night from 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday.

Free and open to the public. www.pub319socialhouse.com.

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mile High (classic rock) 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and a Trivia w/Kelsey Jo 8 p.m. Thursdays.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic at 6 p.m. on Thursdays and live music on Friday evenings. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• The Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host the “Sounds Like Fun: Cabin Fever Community Choir Series” from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. March 9, 16 and 23. Learn by ear. No music to read. RSVP at sandidonns@gmail.com.

• Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro (Sylva) will host a “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration” w/Nick Prestia (singer-songwriter) 5:45 p.m., Center of Motion 7 p.m. and The Fuzzy Peppers 8:15 p.m. March 16 (admission is $5), and Alma Russ (Americana/old-time) 7 p.m. March 23. 828.586.1717 or www.soulinfusion.com.

• Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant (Waynesville) will Joey Fortner & The Universal Sound (Americana/folk) March 8 and JC Tokes March 23. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and The Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/country) 8 p.m. March 9.

828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host the “Stone Soup” open mic night every Tuesday, Wyatt Espalin (singer-songwriter) March 8, Aly Jordan (singer-songwriter) March 9 and Heidi Holton (blues/folk) March 16. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic Night” on Mondays, karaoke on Thursdays, live music regularly on Fridays and Saturdays, and a “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration” w/The Talent 2 p.m. March 17. All events at 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.456.4750.

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Smoky Mountain News

• Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville) will host a bluegrass open mic every Wednesday, an all-genres open mic every Thursday, ‘Round the Fire (jam/folk) 9 p.m. March 9 and Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) 9 p.m.

March 16. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.boojumbrewing.com.

• The Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will host Bean Sidhe (Celtic) from noon to 6 p.m. March 16. For more information, visit www.haywoodarts.org.

March 6-12, 2019

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” at its Calaboose location with Sukoshi Rice March 8, Blue March 9, Heidi Holton (blues/folk) March 15 and Trevor Pattillo March 16. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

Two-time Grammy award-winning Christian pop duo For King & Country will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

The duo is composed of Australian brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone. During high school, the Smallbone brothers sang backup for their sister, Rebecca St. James, and various other bands across America.

They relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and began performing as their own band in 2007. They released their first EP under the name Joel & Luke in 2008.

They changed their name to For King & Country in 2009, after they signed with Warner Music Group. They released “For King & Country: The EP” in 2011. Their song, “Busted Heart (Hold On to Me),” peaked number three on Billboard’s Christian Songs chart and was the fastest-rising single of 2011 in their genre.

The duo released two albums in 2017 and last year, they released “Burn the Ships,” an album the duo says is the most mature record they’ve released because they have a better understanding of the men they are now. One song from that album, “Joy,” was nominated for the 2019 Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.”

Tickets start at $25 each and VIP tickets are available. For more information, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

arts & entertainment

Ol’ Dirty Bathtub.

arts & entertainment

On the street

Cherokee Heritage Day

WCU celebrates Women’s History Month The Women’s History Month celebration continues at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating March as Women’s History Month in recognition of women’s contributions to the nation.

A corresponding event is International Women’s Day, this year on Friday, March 8.

Waynesville historic speaker series

Smoky Mountain News

March 6-12, 2019

The monthly “Cherokee Heritage Day” will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

All day hands-on activities and fun for the whole family. Different activities each month that incorporate Cherokee culture. May include storytelling, painting, corn shuck doll making, making clay heart-shaped medallions, stamped card making, dance or music.

Free and open to the public. The “Cherokee Heritage Day” is the second Saturday of every month (except June). For more information, visit www.visitcherokeenc.com.

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Presented by The Town of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission, the 4th annual “Haywood Ramblings” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month in the courtroom of The Historic Courthouse in downtown Waynesville.

The speakers are as follows: • March 7: Lost Structures of Waynesville,” presented by Alex McKay. Take an in-depth look at the great commercial buildings, hotels and mansions of Waynesville that have been lost.

• April 4: “Haywood County’s Mason-

Discussion about Civil War medicine The Western North Carolina Civil War Roundtable will host Dr. Stephen Davis for a presentation on Monday, March 11, at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa. Davis will discuss the topic of medicine during the Civil War. The evening’s agenda begins at 5:30 p.m. with a meet and greet dinner with the speaker at the Tap Room within the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa. Dinner will be followed at 6:30 p.m. with a social and then at 7 p.m. with Davis’ presentation, “Civil War Medicine: A Few Vignettes from Georgia.”

While both sides were ill-prepared militarily at the beginning of the war, the situation was far worse regarding medicine and public health policy. This was evidenced with the fact that approximately 50 percent of the 660,000 deaths during the war were due privation, disease and sanitation.

Prevention and sanitation were improved during the war for the armies with the application of practical public health policy.

Changes in outcomes were necessary for the population of the young nation, many of whom had never previously travelled further than twenty miles from their homes.

A longtime resident of Atlanta, Davis

• March 19: Part two of the PBS documentary will be shown at 4:30 p.m. in Classroom 130 of the Bardo Center. “Women Writers: A Literary Celebration,” an “open mic night” featuring the writings of women authors and poets, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Star Atrium of the center.

• March 26: The conclusion of “Makers: Women Who Make America” will be shown at 4 p.m. in the recital hall of the Coulter Building, followed by a 5:30 p.m. panel discussion of women faculty on “Sharing Our Stories.”

A collaboration between WCU’s School of Music and English Department, all campus events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Allison Thorp, WCU’s director of choral activities, at athorp@wcu.edu or 828.227.3259.

Dixon Line,” presented by Patrick Womack. Hear stories of the early settlers of the Hyatt and Plott Creek valleys.

Womack will share accounts from his ancestors, including the Oxners, McClures and Winchesters.

• May 2: “The History of Lake Junaluska,” presented by Nancy Watkins.

Learn about the fascinating history of Lake Junaluska, including the early decision to locate the Assembly in Haywood County, and its considerable influence on the local economy, tourism and culture.

In case of snow, the event will be automatically rescheduled for the second Thursday of the month.

828.456.8647.

earned his bachelors at Emory University, an MA at UNC-Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. at Emory. He is the author of four books on American history, and editor of a fifth.

His forthcoming book on Civil War history is scheduled for publication later this year

by Mercer University Press. More information can be found at wnccwrt.blogspot.com.

• To honor and celebrate the region’s multicultural heritage, Southwestern Community College’s diversity committee will sponsor its inaugural Cultural Fusion Festival on Wednesday, March 27, on the college’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. The event’s theme is “How We all Got Here,” and it will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ALSO:

• Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center is currently hosting an exhibit to commemorate World War I and the centennial of the end of hostilities in the “war to end all wars.” “I Want You! How World War I Transformed Western North Carolina” is on display in the museum’s first floor gallery, located in Hunter Library. It features wartime images and artifacts, as well as examples of propaganda used to build support for the war effort. 828.227.7129.

On the table There will be a barbecue and craft beer tasting with UpCountry Brewing from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 16, on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, departing from Bryson City.

Board the GSMR and enjoy a steam train ride along with craft beer tastings, and your own basket of Southern-style barbecue goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans, house-made coleslaw, and apple cobbler.

Tickets start at $79 and include a souvenir tasting glass for three samples of finely crafted beer selections. Adults-only and family friendly seating.

800.872.4681 or visit www.gsmr.com.

German bratwurst, beer dinner at Folkmoot

• There will be a “Chili Cookoff” hosted by the Haywood Waterways Association from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Elevated Mountain Distilling in Maggie Valley. Entry fee is $35. Pre-sale chili eater tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. Live music by Bona Fide. caitlinw.hwa@gmail.com or call 828.476.4667.

ALSO:

• The “Pint & Pollinator Tour” is a partnership between Waynesville businesses Leap Frog Tours and Spriggly’s Beescaping. This new and educational experience will run every from 1 to 4 p.m. every Friday in

The second “Saturday Markets” will continue from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 9, inside the Folkmoot Friendship Center cafeteria in Waynesville.

A gathering place for friends of all ages, markets feature vendors, live music, ballroom dance lessons for $5, and a homemade meal for $10. Beer and wine are available for purchase and tables will be set up for participants to play board and card games that they bring from home.

There is no entry fee for second “Saturday Markets.” For more information or to become a vendor, call the Folkmoot office at 828.452.2997.

February and March. The journey includes stops at the Asheville Museum of Science, Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center and Whistle Hop Brewing Company. The tour is open to all ages and is family friendly, with tickets at $85 per adult and $75 per child.

For further details and to reserve your tickets, please visit www.leapfrogtours.com and click on “tours,” or call 828.246.6777.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. March 9 and 16 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075.

• Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays at Country Traditions in Dillsboro. Watch the demonstrations, eat samples and taste house wines for $3 a glass. All recipes posted online. www.countrytraditionsnc.com.

perfect for all walks of life, from families to golf groups to ladies who lunch. We pride ourselves on using fresh ingredients from our gardens and supporting local farmers. The details are priority.

Open to the Public, 7 Days A Week!

Daily hours: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Winter Menu Includes Hot Soups & Snacks

Call 828-926-4848 for reservations.

1819 Country Club Drive Maggie Valley, NC

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LUNCH DAILY 11:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M. DINNER NIGHTLY AT 5 P.M. TUESDAY-SATURDAY Classic local American comfort foods, craft beers, along with small batch bourbons & whiskey. Vegetarian options available

Smoky Mountain News

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host a “St. Patrick’s Day Beer Trail” with multiple local craft breweries at 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 16.

Folkmoot’s ‘Saturday Markets’ return

Experience a casual, relaxing atmosphere

March 6-12, 2019

Mouth-watering sausage, language lessons, polka music and German beer are on tap for Folkmoot’s “German Friendship Dinner,” which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 7, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

True to Folkmoot’s goal of celebrating multicultural arts and diversity in our community, this friendship dinner will include foods and beverage, educational activities and entertainment honoring German culture.

Local families with German heritage will be preparing a dinner featuring bratwurst, potato pancakes, red cabbage and Black Forest chocolate cake for dessert.

German-style beer will be made available

by BearWaters Brewing Company. Dinner will be served in the Folkmoot cafeteria, followed by music by Mountain Top Polka Band and a German language lesson in the Queen Auditorium.

Tickets for this event are $18 for adult $10

for students and can be purchased at www.folkmoot.org or by calling 828.452.2997. Limited seating is available.

Advance purchase is advised. Parking is available in the back of the Folkmoot building.

arts & entertainment

All aboard the BBQ, craft beer train

Closed Sunday & Monday 454 Hazelwood Avenue • Waynesville Call 828.452.9191 for reservations 29

arts & entertainment

On the wall HCC Professional Crafts ‘Adult Hand Built faculty exhibition, talk Clay’ series Haywood Community College is currently hosting a Professional Crafts Faculty Exhibition in the Mary Cornwell Gallery on campus in Clyde.

Through April, the public is invited to view the exhibition 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

There will be a talk with the artists at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. All of the faculty members are working craft artists and this exhibition offers a rare occasion to see their work on display together.

The HCC professional crafts program offers options in clay, fiber, jewelry and wood.

These programs provide both hands-on, intensive study and business training.

Mandatory coursework includes photography of finished pieces for gaining entrance into craft shows, creating a business plan, and designing and building a studio tailored to fit production needs.

For more information about the Professional Crafts programs of study, please visit creativearts.haywood.edu, email hccadvising@haywood.edu, or call 828.627.2821.

For more information about the Professional Crafts Faculty Exhibition, call 828.565.4240 or email clschulte@haywood.edu.

Smoky Mountain News

March 6-12, 2019

‘Young at Art’ student exhibition The Haywood County Arts Council is proud to present its 2019 student art exhibition, “Young at Art,” which will be displayed at HCAC’s Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville.

The display features works by art students at Bethel Middle School, Canton Middle School, Waynesville Middle School and Tuscola High School. The exhibit will run through March 30.

• The “Comic Book Illustration & Story Development” class with James Lyle will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. March 9, 16, 30 and April 6, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Cost is $20 for HCAC members, $25 for non-members per class. For more information and/or to register, visit www.haywoodarts.org.

• The exhibit “Outspoken: Paintings by America Meredith” will be on display through May 3 at the Fine Art Museum Gallery B in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. This showcase draws particular attention to the importance of language in Meredith’s work, bringing together paintings that incorporate Cherokee syllabary, reference Cherokee oral histories, and pair found-object text with visual imagery.

30 www.facebook.com/americameredithart.

The Haywood County Arts Council will host an “Adult Hand Built Clay” series with Amy Dapore of Our Summerhouse Pottery from 12:30 to 3 p.m. March 12, 18, 16 and April 2, 16 at HCAC’s Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville.

A perfect class for those adults wanting to see what clay is all about. Ideal for beginners and above.

Example projects: bowls, plates, mugs, succulent planters, and more. This is a handbuilding class (not potter’s wheel) where you will learn construction techniques to make your projects successful.

Class size is limited to six students; first come, first served. Those students currently enrolled have preference in enrolling in the next session of classes. One make-up class per session is included in the tuition, and expires after the next consecutive session.

All supplies and firing fees are included in the tuition. Deposits will be returned only if cancellation is made prior to two weeks before the beginning of the class, and after that date if seat is filled.

Reservations must be made through the Our Summerhouse Pottery website: www.oursummerhousepottery.com.

Over 50 two-dimensional and threedimensional art works are included in this exhibition. The public is invited to view the art work and then vote for their favorite art piece. A special “Student Artist’s Reception” will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the Gallery & Gifts showroom. The winner of the “The People’s Choice Award” will be announced at the reception.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. They’re closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

• The Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will host a jewelry demonstration with Ilene Kay from noon to 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 16. For more information, visit www.haywoodarts.org.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the School of Art and Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition 2019, which will be on display through May 3. All WCU Fine Art Museum exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public. For further information, visit arts.wcu.edu/biennial or call 828.227.3591.

ALSO:

• There will several local artisans on display at the Waynesville and Canton libraries through March. Artists at the Waynesville

Creative arts continuing education classes Haywood Community College’s Workforce Continuing Education Creative Arts Department is offering a series of clay courses with instructor Laurey Faye Dean.

• Beginning Wheel Throwing: designed for students who have never played with clay as well as those who want to improve beginner level wheel techniques. Students will learn to center clay, become familiar with basic throwing moves, glazing techniques and loading and unloading a kiln.

Participants can choose from classes beginning March 6 through April 10, May 1 through June 5 or July 10 through Aug. 14. All sessions are Wednesdays, 3 to 5 p.m. Cost is $180.

• Intermediate Wheel Throwing: designed for students who have gained a working level knowledge with the basic pottery forms and are ready to improve their skills. The course will begin with lids and lid fit, continue with handles and trimming and end with teapots.

Library will include Patty Johnson Coulter (painter), Linda Blount (painter), Jason Woodard (painter) and Mollie HarringtonWeaver (painter). Artists at the Canton Library will include Russell Wyatt (photographer) and Ashley Calhoun (painter). www.haywoodarts.org.

• A “Beginner Step-By-Step” painting class will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Cost is $25 with all supplies provided. For more information on paint dates and/or to RSVP, contact Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560 or paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

• The Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) Campus Theme, the “Defining America” exhibit brings together artists with different perspectives on the concept of “America” and asks visitors to reflect on the

Options include classes beginning March 6 through April 10 or May 1 through June 5 or July 10 through Aug. 14.

All sessions are Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.

Cost is $180.

• Pots for Plants: explore the primary techniques of pottery construction — pinching, slumping, coiling and slab work.

This short course is a fun introduction to working with clay. It will be held Saturdays, May 11 through 25, 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $86.

Dean is a graduate of HCC and continued her education at the University of Georgia. She is a past resident artist of the Visual Arts Center of Alaska. She is currently a studio potter in Balsam, the Road Scholar Program Coordinator for Lake Junaluska’s Intentional Growth Center and a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

For more information visit creativearts.haywood.edu, call 828.565.4240 or email clschulte@haywood.edu.

J l

e values, definitions, and assumptions attached to this concept. The exhibition will w be on view through May 3 at the Bardo Arts t Center. Regular museum hours at the BAC s b are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays until 7 p.m. For informa- c tion, call 828.227.ARTS or visit bardoarts- m a center.wcu.edu.

s • Haywood Community College (Clyde) Continuing Education Creative Arts will host w “Introduction to Bladesmithing” March 18- C 19, as well as the “Great Smoky Mountain v Hammer-In” March 21-24. For more informa- e tion about any of these classes, visit cre- p ativearts.haywood.edu or call 828.565.4240. a i • Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a E free movie night at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, A S Friday and Saturday.

N www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

On the stage

Emerging artists featured at WCU

Bolshoi Ballet on the big screen

Elliott Suess, Grace Woodard, Hallie Sholar, Heather Warriner, Joel Basnett, Katherine Coyne, Katy Milke, Matthew Harris, Lindsey Turner, Luke Webb, Mitch Foust, Sarah Kunkleman, Starkim Noble, Taylor Short, Thaddeus Prevette, Victoria Alexander, Tyler Martino, Zachary Alexander and Zoe Koval.

This year, the exhibition is juried by Lee Walton, associate professor of art at UNC Greensboro. Professor Walton holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the California College of Arts. He directs both the graduate program and the Interdisciplinary Arts and Social Practice program at UNC Greensboro. He has been commissioned by museums, institutions and cities, both nationally and internationally, to exhibit, lecture, and lead participatory public events.

The reception and awards ceremony for the 51st Annual Undergraduate Exhibition will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the Fine Art Museum.

For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit arts.wcu.edu/51st.

birthday she will prick her finger on a spindle and die.

This is the sixth screening in the new Bardo Arts Center “Sunday Cinema Series.” Be transported to world-famous venues and see critically acclaimed actors and productions in high-definition on the big screen in the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall.

To purchase tickets for “The Sleeping Beauty” and for more information, visit arts.wcu.edu/sleepingbeauty or call 828.227.ARTS.

Is it art if it’s commerical?

‘The Jungle Book’ onstage

A production of “Red” by John Logan will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. March 8-9 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Mark Rothko is in his New York studio in 1958-59, having been commissioned to paint a group of murals for the expensive and exclusive Four Seasons Restaurant. He gives orders to his assistant, Ken, as he mixes the paints, makes the frames, and paints the canvases. Ken, however, brashly questions Rothko’s theories of art and his consenting to work on such a commercial project.

Contains adult language. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.harttheatre.org.

Adapted from Disney’s beloved animated film and the works of Rudyard Kipling, “The Jungle Book Live” musical will hit the stage at 7 p.m. March 15-16 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

“The Jungle Book Live” features a host of colorful characters and songs from the movie, including “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be Like You.” Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, a human boy named Mowgli and his panther friend, Bagheera, are on the run in the deepest parts of the jungle.

On their journey, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle.

After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives.

Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company. Tickets are $12. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 828.524.1598.

Ready for ‘Godspell Jr.’?

Kids at HART will hold a special production of “Godspell Jr.” at 2 p.m. March 9-10 and 16-17 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

A group of disciples help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life. www.harttheatre.org.

Smoky Mountain News

Western Carolina University’s annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition is one of the longest-running Catamount art traditions.

For emerging artists, this exhibition is an extraordinary opportunity to share their artwork with a larger public and to enhance their skills in presenting artwork in a professional gallery setting. Their work is reviewed by an outside art professional who has the challenge of making selections from the many talented students who submit an application.

The WCU Fine Art Museum is pleased to showcase 29 works in this year’s exhibition, which will be on display through March 22.

Created by undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines, the works on view encompass a range of mediums, including photography, sculpture, ceramics, digital animation, graphic design, book arts, painting, drawing and printmaking.

Exhibiting students include Abigail Mosher, Alison Kabrich, Annabela Cockrell, Brandi Swisher, Casey Sweet, Christen Ray, Dustin Newton, Elijah Troutman, Elizabeth Stone,

The Western Carolina University “Sunday Cinema Series” will present “The Sleeping Beauty” at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at the Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee.

This is a pre-recorded, encore screening from the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, presented in HD on the big screen in the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall. Make an afternoon out of it and take a trip to the WCU Fine Art Museum beforehand, which is open one hour prior to the screening.

Concessions will available for purchase and can be taken in the BAC Performance Hall to enjoy during the screening.

A resplendent fairytale ballet, “The Sleeping Beauty” features scores of magical characters including fairies, the Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, and a beautiful young Princess Aurora performed by Olga Smirnova, a “truly extraordinary talent” (The Telegraph). The Sleeping Beauty is the second part to Tchaikovsky’s ballet trilogy, which also includes Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. The classic story follows a princess who has been cursed; on her 16

March 6-12, 2019

‘History Repeats Itself,’ a woodblock print by Zoe Koval.

A scene from ‘The Sleeping Beauty.’

arts & entertainment

On the wall

• There is free comedy improv class from 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. No experience necessary, just come to watch or join in the fun. Improv teacher Wayne Porter studied at Sak Comedy Lab in Orlando, Florida, and performed improvisation with several groups. Join Improv WNC on Facebook or just call 828.316.8761 to RSVP. 31

ALSO:

arts & entertainment

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Smoky Mountain News

March 6-12, 2019

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

33

A book for those who love books intelligent reviews that once characterized A Common Reader. Here are sketches of novels, books of poetry, histories, biographies, classic works for children, gardeners, and cooks. In

Jeff Minick

Yes! Yes! YES! YES! Lest you think I am wallowing in some bed of literoticism or celebrating Molly Bloom from James Joyce’s Ulysses, let me clarify.

I am celebrating the return of one of the great bibliophiles of our age to the public square, by which I mean the world of print. It’s an occasion that calls for little Writer black dresses and tuxedos, a platter of Brie and baguettes, fireworks, some lively chamber music, magnums of champagne, and hands raw with applause.

I am talking about James Mustich and his 1,000 Books To Read Before You Die: A LifeChanging List (Workman Publishing Co, Inc., 2018, 948 pages).

From 1986 to 2006, Mustich served as president, editor, and publisher of the mailorder catalog, A Common Reader: Books For Readers With Imagination. I forget how I discovered this treasure house of good books, but once I became a subscriber, the arrival of this catalogue in the mail, each issue stuffed with scores of reviews of both familiar and unfamiliar books, all available from A Common Reader, was a day of grand celebration. Erudite, quirky, amusing, enticing: these are just a few of the adjectives that might describe this festival of words and writers.

Mustich introduced me to so many grand books, the most significant of which, for my development as both reader and writer, was Alice Thomas Ellis and her Home Life series, which still sit on my shelf and to which I often go when I need to find a certain acerbic high tone in an essay I am writing.

Then, without explanation, A Common Reader vanished. Those of us who loved that publication mourned its passing with funeral rites and black bands on our sleeves. And that was the last I heard of James Mustich.

Until this week.

There it stood, bold as a bugler sounding the charge, on top of the “Hot Reads” shelf in the library: 1,000 Books To Read Before You Die. Here are the same sharp, amusing, and

each concise review, Mustich also gives us notes containing recommendations of other authors whose work is related to the writer under review either by theme or style. He pays homage, of course, to authors dead and living whose names remain household words— Dickens, Stephen King, Cervantes, Flannery O’Connor, Emily Dickinson, Anne Frank. But just as he once did in A Common Reader, Mustich introduces writers less familiar to many of us. We meet Soviet writer Vasily Grossman and his novel, Life and Fate, which the government refused to publish until after

Book on the Addie Community Patsy McClure will present her book, Addie: Memories of a Hobo’s Daughter, at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

In the book, McClure journeys into the past of the unincorporated Jackson County community of Addie. Located along U.S. 74 west of Willets-Ochre Hill, Addie was founded in the 1880s when a work camp for the construction of the Murphy Branch of the Western

his death. Laura Krauss Melmed’s The Rain Babies, a children’s book, is according to Mustich “the kind of book that stays in a family across the generations.” Mustich’s description of Eleanor Clark’s Rome and a Villa returned me to the city I visited for a month four years ago.

Workman Press deserves a medal for the layout of 1,000 Books To Read Before You Die. The organization, the comprehensive index, and the headers for each short article: all make for pleasurable browsing. Photographs of authors, the reproduc-

tions of book covers, and stills from movies made from various books appear on most of the pages, adding to the beauty of this enchanting compilation.

Mustich anticipates that readers will be critical of some of his choices and of books he has neglected. He writes that 1,000 Books To Read Before You Die is neither comprehensive nor authoritative … it is meant to be an invitation to a conversation — even a merry argument — about the books and authors that are missing ….”

To end this review, to underscore the passion this man brings to literature, I can do no better than to quote the final lines of Mustich’s Introduction:

North Carolina Railroad set up in the vicinity.

McClure tells her story of life in the community during the end of the Great Depression and the World War II era. To reserve copies, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Vietnam veteran to give talk Author and Vietnam veteran Tom Baker will give a reading and book signing of his latest work The Hawk and The Dove at 5 p.m.

To get lost in a story, or even a study, is inherently to acknowledge the voice of another, to broaden one’s perspective beyond the confines of one’s own understanding. A good book is the opposite of a selfie; the right book at the right time can expand our lives in the way love does, making us more thoughtful, more generous, more brave, more alert to the world’s wonders and more pained by its inequalities, more wise, more kind.

In the metaphorical bookshop you are about to enter, I hope you’ll discover a few to add to those you already cherish.

Happy reading.

••• Readers of these reviews know that several authors are favorites of mine, which is why I bring their books to the pages of The Smoky Mountain News. One of these is James Lee Burke, who has just released another in his series chronicling the life and times of Dave Robicheaux, the Louisiana detective and some-time police officer, a Vietnam veteran, a member of AA who often battles the bottle, a three-time widower, a man who sticks up for the innocent and the downtrodden.

In The New Iberia Blues (Simon & Schuster, 2019, 449 pages), Robicheaux confronts corruption among a visiting movie cast, ritualistic murders, money laundering, a drug outfit with ties to the Mob, and of course, the ghosts from his past. His old friend, former police officer and now private detective, the hard-drinking and hard-living Clete Purcell, joins him in these investigations. His boss, Helen Soileau, tries once again to rein in both men when they stray beyond the limits of the law. Alafair, Robicheaux’s daughter by adoption and a writer, becomes heavily involved with some in the movie crew, and so figures in this novel. Finally, we meet Bailey Ribbons, a former schoolteacher and now a police officer, to whom the aging Robicheaux is romantically drawn.

All the elements of the other Robicheaux tales appear here: the descriptions, fine as photographs, of the Southern Louisiana countryside; the sharp dialogue; the moral and philosophical dialogues within Robicheaux himself.

Snag the book and treat yourself to The New Iberia Blues.

(Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. minick0301@gmail.com.)

Thursday, March 7, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Baker is a U.S. Army combat veteran from the Vietnam War. He was a grunt with the 101st Airborne Division in Nam, a parachute rigger, and he spent most of 1968 and early 1969 as a door-gunner for the 1st of the 9th 1st Cav. Baker has also been a forester and logger in Western North Carolina for over 40 years.

Baker is co-founder and president of the Jackson County Veterans Support Organization.

The event is sponsored by Books Unlimited in Franklin.

34

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Dam removal possible for Cullowhee Draft report gives optimistic findings, but questions remain

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER recently released draft report bodes well for the possibility of removing the dilapidated Cullowhee Dam without compromising the water supply it was designed to protect — but Western Carolina University and the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority need additional questions answered before agreeing to pursue removal.

“We have got to make sure that whatever we do doesn’t compromise our water supply, first and foremost,” WCU Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Mike Byers told the WCU Board of Trustees’ Finance and Audit Committee Feb. 28. “We want to remove as much risk as we can from that decision, and that takes some studying. We believe there will be some additional study on their part and on our part.”

The “their” in that sentence is American Rivers, a nonprofit group that supports dam removal and paid Asheville-based McGill Associates to produce a report evaluating the feasibility of dam removal. WCU owns the dam, which was built in 1930 and requires an estimated $900,000 in repairs if it’s to remain structurally sound. WCU and TWSA both get their water from the pool the dam creates in the Tuckaseigee River.

Removing the dam would have significant environmental and recreational benefits.

Dams prevent fish and other aquatic species from moving throughout the river, inundate river habitat, impair water quality and generally alter the water’s natural flow. Getting rid of the dam would also improve the river’s attractiveness for recreation, increasing the length of river suitable for paddling and tubing and supporting a long-term effort from the Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor — known as CuRvE — to create a river park in the area.

The Cullowhee Dam, built in 1930, straddles the Tuckaseigee River.

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INITIAL FINDINGS ENCOURAGING Initial results show that vision is achievable without jeopardizing the water supply.

“Two main conclusions should be drawn from the discussions outlined in this report,” the document concludes. “The first is that the water flowing in the Tuckaseigee River is adequate to meet the needs of the public water systems without the need for a dam or auxiliary water storage. The second is that removal of the Cullowhee Dam and construction of an in-channel intake system will reduce the vulnerability of the water systems and restore the natural environment.”

A key graph in the report models TWSA’s and WCU’s actual and projected maximum combined water demand from 2007 to 2067 displayed together with observed flow rates on the Tuckaseigee River between October 2004 and August 2018 — those flow measurements come from a stream gauge located a roughly 5-mile drive upstream. The graph shows the highest observed daily water demand at 3.5 cubic feet per second and the projected maximum daily demand in 2067 at 7 cfs. By contrast, the lowest recorded flow was 16 cfs, measured in 2007.

The site contains an intake structure and generator for the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority.

“The figure shows that there has been adequate flow in the stream to meet raw water demand at all times for which we have data,” the report declared.

Erin McCombs, associate conservation director for American Rivers, said that she’s encouraged by the results but will need input from TWSA and WCU before its conclusions are final.

“It won’t be complete until we address their comments and concerns,” McCombs said. “In general, the process has taken a

while and in a lot of ways that’s OK, because it’s important to move at the speed of trust.

We’re optimistic that the report will be able to answer any questions or concerns so Western and TWSA can make a decision on what would be the best option for the people who depend on the water that they receive and also the communities they’re a part of.”

QUESTIONS YET TO ANSWER While Western and TWSA said they’re in favor of dam removal if it can be accomplished without hurting their water supply, neither entity feels that the draft report completely addresses the issues at play.

For instance, said Byers, while the report correctly states that stream flow has historically been sufficient to meet demand, that’s not entirely due to nature.

During drought conditions in 2016, Duke Energy helped prevent a water shortage by allowing additional water releases from Lake Glenville, which is upstream from Cullowhee.

“Those (water flow) measurements are I would say impacted greatly by that partnership,” Byers told trustees. “What if in the future Duke can’t do that?”

As it stands now, the pool above the dam provides some buffer for variations in water flows, outside of Duke’s management decisions at Glenville.

“Removal of the dam removes this benefit, and the limiting factor will be the current instantaneous low flows,” said Byers.

In order to understand the full impact that dam removal would have on the water supply, he said, pilot studies must be done on a section of the river with conditions similar to those that would exist at the intake site following dam removal.

TWSA Executive Director Dan Harbaugh agreed that there are still concerns that dam removal could adversely impact water supply.

Currently, the pool above the dam allows water to be drawn through side bank intakes behind the dam. If the dam were removed, the intakes would be relocated into the stream.

“Removal of the dam and conversion to the in-stream intake as discussed in the draft study is a highly complex proposal that is not comprehensively addressed in the study work done to date,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh referenced a 2013 report on such a conversion that occurred on the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee. At that time, the tribe switched from a side bank to an instream intake in order to deal with a petroleum product contamination issue, but the resulting screened in-stream intake structure had its own problems. According to the report, sediment entering the intake damaged pumps and collected in prefiltration units, leaves collected on the intake to reduce its efficiency and icing on the intake screens reduced intake while requiring potentially hazardous maintenance operations.

“It is further to be noted that based on stream gauge information for that area of the river, the low flows encountered by the EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) system run plus or minus five times higher (+/-100 cubic feet per second) than those encountered in the Tuckaseigee River above the Cullowhee Dam (20 cfs),” Harbaugh said. “Even with these higher flows in low-flow events, their old large in-stream screened intake was problematic for the EBCI water system.”

TWSA and WCU are in the process of getting their complete comments back to American Rivers, which will present McGill Associates with additional items for study. A final report is expected in late March.

“Free-flowing rivers are really important, because they are the lifeblood of communities,” said McCombs. “When you have freeflowing rivers you can improve public safety, you can have improved recreation, the health of the river is improved. And I think that this is an opportunity.”

LOOKING AHEAD The clock is ticking on exploiting that opportunity, however. A 2017 report on the dam, also done by McGill Associates, revealed “severe deterioration” on the structure and found that its failure would pose a “significant threat to life and safety” and represent a “significant economic and operational loss” to WCU. Repairs are estimated at $900,000, and WCU must soon decide whether the spend money to fix the dam or commit to having it removed.

“If a solution that might include dam removal is not in place in the next 12 months or so, we’ll have to perform at least some of the prescribed repairs,” said Byers.

Even if dam removal were to start tomorrow, it’s hard to say exactly how long that would take. McCombs

F

Prescribed burn proposed for the Nantahala rain event. The fire would be allowed to back downslope at low intensity to places where control lines already exist or the moisture content is too high to sustain ignition.

The main goals of prescribed fire are to reduce undesirable shade-tolerant species, allow for regeneration of desirable species, improve wildlife habitat, create a mosaic pattern that mimics natural wildfire and reduce fuel accumulation to protect against wildfire.

Submit comments by March 15 to comments-southern- north-carolina-nantahalatusquitee@fs.fed.us or mail to Steverson Moffat, NEPA Planning Team Leader, Nantahala National Forest, 123 Woodland Drive, Murphy, N.C. 28906. Call 828.837.5152 to give oral comment or to request a copy of the full proposal.

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March 6-12, 2019

said dam removal projects average about three years from start to finish but can go much quicker or much longer.

“Until we have a scope for the project, we won’t know exactly how long this project will take,” she said.

Making the final decision to move ahead will take time as well. After McGill Associates presents its final report, everyone will need a chance to read and analyze it. The various stakeholders in the dam, which include This graph contrasts historic and projected water demand the four municipalities that are TWSA’s forming entiwith observed flow since 2004, but Western Carolina ties, will need to grant their University said releases from Duke Energy must also be buy-in, and then there’s the considered. Donated graphic fundraising. public agency. It also requires public agenWhile repairs are estimated at $900,000, cies to furnish the records “as promptly as removal would be much more expensive, possible” upon request. with a loose estimate in the range of $5 to $7 WCU still did not produce the report, saymillion. American Rivers is confident it can ing its attorneys needed more time to considsecure the funding if the partners want to er the request. That prompted The Sylva move forward, but the money won’t fall into Herald to file suit Feb. 21 with a court hearing place overnight. planned for Feb. 25. However, WCU released “American Rivers has a strong track the report prior to the scheduled hearing. record of raising finances to support river “We would like our neighbors to know restoration projects,” said McCombs. that the reason for requesting additional time to review the draft report was not to BTAINING THE REPORT infringe upon the public’s right to access a The draft report was completed in public record,” said Shea Browning, general December 2018 but not released until Feb. counsel for WCU, in an email accompanying 24 following a series of requests and finally the release. “Rather, university officials a lawsuit from The Sylva Herald. assumed a responsibility, as a public agency, According to the lawsuit, the Herald to ensure ample time for experts (attorneys made an initial verbal request Jan. 30 and and engineers) to review a report, submitted followed up with an emailed request Feb. 12, to WCU by a third party in a draft prelimibut WCU replied that American Rivers — a nary form, for errors of omission or fact. nonprofit agency not subject to open records WCU strives to be a good neighbor and laws — had paid for and owned the report, partner, and we believed that the premature which was still in preliminary draft form. disclosure of information that had not been The university said that its legal department reviewed sufficiently could potentially would need time to analyze the request. undermine the efforts of many to create a State law is clear about ownership of free-flowing river and ensure a high-quality such documents, stating that public records supply of water to meet current and future include all document made or received by a needs in our community.”

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Comments are due by March 15 on a proposal to approve 12,616 acres in the Nantahala National Forest to receive multiday, backcountry prescribed burn treatments.

The acreage would be divided into five areas located in Cherokee, Clay and Macon counties, with the project reintroducing fire to portions of the forest where it has been absent for decades due to difficult terrain, limited access and the need for extensive mechanical fire lines using conventional single-day firing methods.

Fire managers would use a helicopter and/or boots on the ground to ignite ridgelines, mountaintops and other landforms in middle elevations of the units during their dormant period, when greenup conditions exist at lower elevations. Ignition would occur eight to 48 hours before a predicted

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outdoors

First female chief ranger hired in the Smokies

March 6-12, 2019

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will have its first female chief ranger following the hire of Lisa Hendy, who currently serves as chief ranger at Big Bend National Park in Texas.

Hendy will replace Steve Kloster, who retired in May 2018 following 35 years with the National Park Service, 30 of which he spent in the Smokies. She will start her new job in April.

“I am looking forward to returning to my home state in the park that provided my first real outdoor adventures,” said Hendy, who grew up in Chattanooga. “It will be a pleasure to be involved in the efforts to protect a place that was so instrumental in defining my passions and ultimately my career.”

Hendy’s experience includes positions at several parks featuring complex ranger operations, including Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arches and Rocky Mountains National Park. She has served in a variety of regional and national leadership roles and received various accolades for her performance, including the prestigious Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award in 2011, a peernominated honor and one of the highest recognitions a park ranger can receive. In 2007, she received the Intermountain Region Exemplary Service Award for life-saving efforts in Grand

Canyon National Park. She holds as master’s degree from Utah State University in biomechanics and exercise physiology and certifications as a paramedic, structural firefighter, wildland firefighter, aviation manager, technical and swiftwater rescuer and leader for incident management teams.

As chief ranger, Hendy will oversee employees in the resource and visitor protection divisions who perform law enforcement duties, wildland fire operations, emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, background operations and emergency communications center staffing.

Smokies Superintendent Lisa Hendy. Cassius Cash made the decision to hire Hendy, with approval from the NPS Southeast Regional Office.

“Lisa has demonstrated incredible leadership in managing law enforcement, fire and search and rescue operations at some of the nation’s busiest parks,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “She’s built strong programs by investing in local partnerships with neighboring agencies to help make areas safer for visitors and residents. She is going to be a great addition to the park’s management team.”

NEW PROGRAM! BASE CAMP KIDS ZONE Thursday Nights in March 5:30-7:00 p.m. $20 per child for

Smoky Mountain News

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Offering Cr afts, Physical Ac tivity and Enviro nmental Education for Grades K-6 .

A great way to get involved in our Base Camp program and stay active!

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828.456.2030

or email tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov

Closures in effect for the Smokies Maintenance work in the Great Smoky The foot bridge to Mingus Mill is Mountains National currently being replaced. NPS photo Park has prompted a pair of closures for early March. n The foot bridge at Mingus Mill near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center will be closed through Thursday, March 14, as crews work to replace it. The repairs will conclude in time for the mill’s seasonal opening in April, and both the parking area and Mingus Creek Trail will remain open throughout the work period. n Cherokee Orchard Road Loop located just past the Noah Bud Ogle Cabin will be closed for tree removal work through Friday, March 15. No vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists will be able to access the loop during the closure period to allow for safe removal of damaged trees along the narrow road corridor. The cabin and parking area will remain open for visitors.

Updates on closures are posted at www.nps.gov/grsm and at SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.

Hear stories from the trail Husband-and-wife hiking team John and Christine will share stories from their 2017 hike of the Benton MacKaye Trail during a presentation 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at REI in Asheville.

The two work as hiking guides for Blue Ridge Hiking Company and have hiked more than 8,000 miles together, including the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. The Benton MacKaye runs 300 miles, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains. It intersects the A.T. three times and makes for a great alternate route featuring more solitude than the Maine-to-Georgia route.

Free, with signup required at www.rei.com/events. Space limited.

Become a Leave No Trace educator Landmark Learning in Cullowhee will offer a new Leave No Trace Master Educator course this year, adding a class concentrating on frontcountry and basecamp principles.

The courses are designed to prepare participants to be the best possible teachers of Leave No Trace principles regardless of set-

ting, with successful graduates qualified to offer awareness workshops and the Leave No Trace Trainer Course — 85 percent of graduates go on to teach Leave No Trace to others.

This year’s Leave No Trace opportunities in Cullowhee include: n Frontcountry/Basecamp April 29 to May 3. n Backpacking June 24 to 28, Aug. 12 to 16 and Oct. 21 to 25.

Learn more at www.landmarklearning.org.

Go birding

A birding hike offered 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 12, at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard will offer a chance to meet the avians that call Pisgah National Forest home.

The hike is one of a full schedule of free workshops offered at the center and is open to ages 12 and older. Register online at www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Education-Centers.

Space limited.

828.877.4423.

Congress votes to reauthorize Conservation Fund sor of H.R.1225, a bill sponsored Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), which would restore our parks and protect public lands while also addressing the backlog issue.”

Introduced Feb. 14, the bill has 115 cosponsors representing both parties. If passed, it would cause 50 percent of all

energy development revenues “that would otherwise be credited, covered or deposited as miscellaneous receipts under Federal law” — up to $1.3 billion — to be deposited in a newly created National Park Service and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, with a sunset in fiscal year 2024. Funds would be used to address maintenance backlogs on existing federal lands.

The bill as written would not have any impact on the reauthorization or continued lapse of the LWCF. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was created in 1964 to protect natural areas using revenues from offshore oil and gas

extraction. The initial legislation was good for 25 years, and the program was renewed for a second 25-year period ending Sept. 30, 2015. It was then given a short-term extension for three years, but efforts to permanently reauthorize it failed before the program’s sunset on Sept. 30, 2018.

Jonathan Asher, government relations manager at The Wilderness Society and a spokesman for the LWCF Coalition, said that the Feb. 26 vote was an historic win, but that the fight is not yet over.

“For too long, LWCF funds have been raided for non-conservation government spending,” he said Feb. 26. “Today’s vote is a major win for conservation. LWCF’s funding continues to be low and erratic, creating uncertainty for landowners, stakeholders and community partners that rely on LWCF for multi-phase, highly leveraged projects. Our fight will not be over until LWCF gets permanent, full and dedicated funding.”

Text and voting history for the Natural Resources Management Act, S.47, is online at www.congress.gov/bill/116thcongress/senate-bill/47. The Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act, H.R. 1225, is online at www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1225. For more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s importance to Western North Carolina, visit www.smokymountainnews.com/archi ves/item/26258.

Volunteers are needed to rove the Whiteoak Sink area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this spring.

Volunteers, who will work during peak visitation hours April 1 to May 15, will provide resource damage interpretation to visitors on topics including soil compaction, plant trampling and social trail creation.

Four-hour shifts are needed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Contact Brooke Ely, grsm_whiteoak@nps.gov or 865.436.1200, ext 767.

Smokies research to be showcased An event highlighting research, conservation and education efforts in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at Park Vista in Gatlinburg.

The annual GSMNP Science Colloquium — organized through a partnership of the park and Discover Life in America — invites research partners to present their research on a variety of topics, with this year’s presentations including the effects of the 2016 Chimney Tops fire on life in the park, an exploration of the park’s vegetation communities, ongoing research investigating nuisance black bears and hogs, understanding how climate change is affecting the park’s fish and salamanders and dung beetle species in the park.

A special workshop from 3 to 4 p.m. will introduce “Species SnapIt & MapIt,” a program designed to engage citizen scientists to help map the species of the Smokies with a smartphone.

The Smokies is one of the most biodiverse areas in North America, with Discover Life in America working to inventory all that diversity through the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, which seeks to catalog the estimated 60,000 to 80,000 species living there.

Register for the workshop or find out more at www.dlia.org, or call 865.430.4757.

March 6-12, 2019

Rove Whiteoak Sink

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BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER Congress voted to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund following a 363-62 vote of the U.S. House of Representatives Feb. 26.

The vote followed a 92-8 passage in the Senate Feb. 12. The Natural Resources Management Act — a long piece of legislation that includes many other provisions aside from the reauthorization — will now be sent to the desk of President Donald Trump.

Congressman Mark Meadows, RAsheville, was one of the few representatives voting against the bill, which enjoyed broad bipartisan support, though in both houses all no votes came from Republicans.

North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis both voted in favor, with Burr in particular voicing continued support for reauthorization during the lapse.

Meadows said that he voted against the bill despite being “very supportive of public lands and stewardship” because he didn’t feel it did enough to address the astronomical deferred maintenance backlog on federal lands. As of 2017, the last year for which reports are posted, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park had $215 million in deferred maintenance and the Blue Ridge Parkway had $462 million.

“While no legislation is ever perfect, this was a missed opportunity to adequately steward lands for future generations,” said Meadows. “As an alternative, I’m a cospon-

Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney

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Meet local farmers outdoors

The Asheville Community Supported Agriculture Fair will return for its ninth year 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at New Belgium Brewing.

The event will give attendees the chance to meet area farmers, browse local CSA programs and products and sign up for their favorites. Because it takes place on Pi Day, the fair will include a popup pie stand from Sweetheart Bakery.

CSA members can purchase a “share” of a farm’s harvest before the season begins, receiving a box of fresh produce, meats, flowers and other farm goods on a regular basis throughout the growing season.

Many farms feature half and full shares to accommodate different size households and offer CSA memberships offer a steady supply add-on options such as fresh of fresh, local foods throughout the eggs or season extension. growing season. ASAP photo The fair is organized by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, with farms represented offering pickup locations in Buncombe County. Participating farms are listed at ww.asapconnections.org.

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Smoky Mountain News

Community stewardship awards given

MAGAZINE 38

Learn about aquaculture with a talk slated for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley.

Skip Thompson, an extension agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension of N.C. State who specializes in aquaculture, will give the talk. He has spent the past 29 years providing technical support to the trout and carp aquaculture industries in 42 counties and the Qualla Boundary.

The talk is part of Trout Unlimited Cataloochee’s regular monthly meeting, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a storytelling session, Fly Fishing Flee Market and 50-50 drawing preceding the talk. tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

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Everyone wants to live in a beautiful and litter-free place, and six winners were recognized for their efforts to that end in Haywood County with the 2018 Community Pride Award, bestowed Feb. 27 by the Commission for a Clean County.

The awards recognize outstanding environmental stewardship and can be given to businesses, individuals, schools, community organizations or civic groups that make an “outstanding commitment” to litter control, recycling, beautification or general environmental stewardship.

This year’s winners included: n Steve Adler, a Waynesville resident who has faithfully participated in every CCC litter pickup for the past year. n John Laursen of Hazelwood Soap Company, who has continuously cleaned the parking lot, curbs and business fronts in Hazelwood of litter. n The Town of Waynesville, which completed beautification of Chestnut Park and installed the new All-Abilities Playground at Waynesville Recreation Park. n Art O’Neil of BearWaters Brewing Company in Canton, which has completed

outstanding beautification and improvement of the Pigeon River waterfront. n John Sherman, Ph.D., and his staff at the Haywood Community College Arboretum for safe environmental upkeep of 110 acres of arboretum and 700 acres of forest. n Rod Harkleroad and Marty Stamey, CEO and director of operations, respectively, for Haywood Regional Medical Center, for their creativity and hard work planning for beautification, recycling and innovative grounds stewardship at the hospital.

CCC Chairman Bill Skelton urged those attending the awards presentation Feb. 27 to follow the example of this year’s recipients.

“One piece of litter seems to breed another one, seems to breed another one, seems to breed another one, so I guess my challenge to you today is if you see a piece of litter, just that one piece, pick it up and it will certainly help us to keep our county clean,” he said.

The CCC was established in 2000 as a countywide effort to keep Haywood County beautiful and healthy. The board is always seeking more volunteers to participate in its litter pickups conducted May to October in every town.

To volunteer, contact Skelton at 828.456.3575.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Volunteers will be available to assist with federal and state income tax preparation and filing through April 12: From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays at the Jackson County Department of Aging and from 2:306:45 p.m. by appointment on Tuesdays at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Outside of appointments, help is available on first-come, first-serve basis.

Library appointments: 586.2016. Info: 293.0074 or 586.4944.

• A Women’s Safety Class, community service event, is set for 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, at Haywood Republican Headquarters, 297 N. Haywood Street in Waynesville. Safety training by Pat Taylor, retiree from the Macon County Sheriff’s Department. chairmanHCGOP@gmail.com.

• The Evergreen Foundation will host information on March 8 for organizations interested in submitting a grant proposal at the following times and locations: 10 a.m. at Macon County Public Library in Franklin; noon at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City; 1:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva; and 3 p.m. at the Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville.

• Cashiers Area Chamber is seeking feedback to improve visitors’ experiences to the area. Take the survey at: tinyurl.com/y6w4uqyo.

• Registration is underway for Marriage Enrichment Retreats that will be offered three more times over the next year at Lake Junaluska. Led by Ned Martin, an expert in marriage counseling. Price is $699 per couple. Dates are March 10-12, Aug. 18-20 of 2019 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in 2019. Registration and info: www.lakejunaluska.com/marriage or 800.222.4930.

• The Lake Junaluska Easter Celebration, featuring Easter egg hunts and a sunrise service at the amphitheater below the cross, is set for April 20-21.

Full schedule of events: Lakejunaluska.com/easter. Info: 800.222.4930.

• Fontana Regional Library now offers anyone with a library card free access to eMagazines, for reading on any mobile device or computer. This new service joins our popular eBooks and digital audiobook`s selection — all available 24/7 from the library’s digital collection. To get started enjoying digital magazines as well as eBooks and audiobooks, visit e-inc.overdrive.com or download the Libby reading app. www.fontanalib.org.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Small Business Taxes” that will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, at HCC’s Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville. Part of the “Are You Ready to Start a Business series. Room 3021.

Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• A workshop for managers, board members and vendors of farmers markets will be offered on Tuesday, March 14, in Salisbury (Rowan County). $20 registration covers materials and lunch. Register by March 7: kevin.hardison@ncarg.gov or 919.707.3123.

• The UNC Asheville Visiting Writers Series will host a Southern Appalachian Studies Conference Keynote Discussion featuring Wiley Cash, Ron Rash and Lee Smith at 4 p.m. on March 16 at Lipinsky Auditorium in Asheville. English.unca.edu.

• Registration is underway for a “Social Listening” course that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Instructor is Scott Rader, Ph.D., associate professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Cost: $119. Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• A Beginning Bladesmithing class will be offered from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24, at Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge. Cost: $300. Learn and refine good technique in blacksmithing. Preregistration required: 631.0271 or www.JCGEP.org.

• Balsam Mountain Business Matters meets on Tuesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. Great opportunity to network with other business owners. Meeting is held in the clubhouse of Vantage Pointe Homes at Balsam Mountain located at 17 Wilkinson Pass Ln in Waynesville. lgaddy@balsammountainapartments.com.

• Registration is underway for a “Lean Thinking” workshop, which is offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 29, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Early bird registration is $249 before Feb. 28. After, it’s $279. For info or to register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Haywood Ramblings will feature a presentation entitled “Lost Structures of Waynesville” presented by Alex McKay from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse on 215 North Main Street in Waynesville. 456.8647.

• Registration is underway for the Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment’s “Creativity in the Digital Age” workshop, which is set for 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, at WCU’s Biltmore Park instructional site in Asheville. Registration: $39. For info or to register: conferences.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Registration is underway for a seminar entitled “How To Write a Business Plan” that will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, at HCC’s Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville. Part of the “Are You Ready to Start a Business series. Room 3021. Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Registration is underway for a seminar entitled “Marketing Your Business” that will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at HCC’s Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville. Part of the “Are You Ready to Start a Business series. Room 3021. Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Registration is underway for a seminar entitled “Basics of Bookkeeping” that will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at HCC’s Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville. Part of the “Are You Ready to Start a Business series. Room 3021. Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Registration is underway for a Retirement Planning course that will be offered from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on April 2, 4 and 9 at Western Carolina University Biltmore Park in Asheville. Registration fee: $79. Pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION

• Registration is underway for a seminar entitled “Your

• Registration is underway for a seminar entitled “How To Find Your Customers” that will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, at HCC’s

Smoky Mountain News

Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville. Part of the “Are You Ready to Start a Business series. Room 3021. Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Registration is underway for a seminar entitled “Financing Your Business” that will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at HCC’s Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville. Part of the “Are You Ready to Start a Business series. Room 3021. Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Registration is underway for an “Intro to Content Marketing” course that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and on Friday, May 3, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville.

Instructor is Scott Rader, Ph.D., associate professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Cost: $119. Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• The Jackson County Public Library in Sylva will be starting a monthly documentary series called “DocuWednesday” at 4 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month. The movies will be shown in the beautiful movie theater in the Community Room. At the end of each movie, the staff member who selected that documentary will lead a short discussion with the public. If you would like to know what movie will be showing each month, please email Benjamin Woody at bwoody@fontanalib.org to be placed on an email list.

The first showing will be “Disruption.” 586.2016. www.fontanalib.org.

• Haywood Community College’s Workforce Continuing Education Department is offering a wide variety of courses. For a complete listing: www.haywood.edu. Info: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• The African-American Business Association Workshop & Meetup is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center in Asheville.

• Evening classes for anyone wanting to obtain a high school equivalency diploma are offered from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays at Haywood Community College in Clyde. 627.4648.

• The Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the HF Robinson Auditorium at the Western Carolina University Campus in Cullowhee.

• Concealed carry handgun is offered every other Saturday 8:30am-5pm starting at Mountain Range indoor shooting range. Lunch provided. Class $60.

452.7870 or mountainrangenc@yahoo.com.

• Small business owners can find materials and services to support business growth at Fontana Regional Library’s locations in Macon, Jackson and Swain Counties. Computer classes and one-on-one assistance also available. 586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

• A meeting of current and former employees of the Waynesville plant of Champion/Blue Ridge/Evergreen is held at 8 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at Bojangles near Lake Junaluska’s entrance.

• One-on-one computer lessons are offered weekly at the Waynesville and Canton branches of the Haywood County Public Library. Lesson slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Canton and from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. Sign up at the front desk of either library or call 356.2507 for the Waynesville Library or 648.2924 for the Canton Library.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • A Chili Cookoff will be held from 6-9 p.m. on March 9

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Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings at Elevated Mountain Distilling Co. in Maggie Valley. $35 entry fee for chili cookers; $15 for pre-sale chili eaters; $20 for day of chili eating. Ages 12-under free.

Fundraiser for Haywood Waterways Association.

Crowdrise.com/hwachilicookoff.

• American Legion Riders will present the eighth-annual “As Bare as You Dare … Bikers in Boxers” event at noon on March 9, a 20-minute ride is through downtown Waynesville. Proceeds go to Mountain Projects to help elderly with heating costs. $20 per rider; $10 per passenger. Chili cook-off is the same day, $15 per entry.

Info: Search “As Bare as You Dare” on Facebook or call 246.3842.

• Registration is underway for “Bowl for Kids’ Sake,” which will have two sessions from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Sky Lanes in Asheville. $50 per person or $300 per team. Proceeds go to Haywood County Big Brothers Big Sisters. Pirate theme. Info: 273.3601.

• A Luck of the Irish Fundraiser is set for Saturday, March 16, at Bear Waters Brewery in Canton. 452.2997.

• Tickets are on sale now for the “Wet Your Whiskers” fundraiser for Feline Urgent Rescue of WNC. Scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at the Fangmeyer Theatre at HART in Waynesville. Wine/craft beer tasting. Tickets: $35. Sponsorships: $125. Cat photo contest. Info: www.furofwnc.org, www.facebook.com/furofwnc, 844.888.CATS (2287) or furofwnc1@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS • REACH of Haywood County will hold a volunteer training day from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, at the REACH office, 627 N. Main Street in Waynesville.

REACH provides services for survivors/victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.

456.7898.

• Haywood Hospice is seeking volunteers to help with reception duties, grief groups, working directly with patients, running errand and other support. A training session is set for at 9 a.m. on March 25. Info: 452.5039.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers are recruiting volunteers to adopt a monitoring plot in areas throughout the park. A training opportunity is set for 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, at Oconaluftee visitor Center near Cherokee.

• Vendor and artisan applications are being accepted for the 22nd Annual Greening Up the Mountains Festival, which is April 27 in Sylva. www.greeningupthemountains.com.

• Senior Companion volunteers are being sought to serve with the Land of the Sky Senior Companion Program in Henderson, Buncombe, Transylvania and Madison Counties. Serve older adults who want to remain living independently at home in those counties.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers to assist rangers with managing traffic and

wnc calendar

establishing safe wildlife viewing areas within the Cataloochee Valley area. To register for training or get more info: karl_danforth@nps.gov.

• Haywood Regional Medical Center is seeking volunteers of all ages for ongoing support at the hospital, outpatient care center and the Homestead. For info and to apply: 452.8301, stop by the information desk in the lobby or volunteer@haymed.org. Anyone interested in becoming a hospice volunteer can call 452.5039.

• STAR Rescue Ranch is seeking volunteers to help with horse care, fundraising events, barn maintenance and more at the only equine rescue in Haywood County. 828.400.4940.

• Volunteer Opportunities are available throughout the region, call John at the Haywood Jackson Volunteer Center today and get started sharing your talents.

356-2833 • Phone Assurance Volunteers are needed to make daily or weekly wellness check-in calls for the Haywood County Senior Resource Center. 356.2800.

HEALTH MATTERS • “Nourishing You” – an introductory “Yoga for Cancer” class, is offered from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Haywood Breast Center in Waynesville.

Taught by Kim Mulholland, Mindful Yoga for Cancer Duke Integrative Medicine Trainer. Info: 452.8691 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/YogaforCancer.

Smoky Mountain News

March 6-12, 2019

• Southwestern Community College’s Therapeutic Massage program is offering sessions through its student-run clinic to the public throughout the spring semester. Massages range from 30-75 minutes and cost between $10-30. Appointments: http://tinyurl.com/ycl4pmu9 or 339.4313.

• The N.C. Harm Reduction Coalition is partnering with the Haywood County Health & Human Services Agency to combat the public health crisis surrounding fatal drug overdoses in the county with drop-in training from noon-2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12. Overdose recognition and opioid reversal training. Participants receive naloxone, harm-reduction resources and info on substance use services. Jsharp@nchrc.org, 706.482.8795 or 356.2292.

• “Breastfeeding A-Z” class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on April 11, July 18, Sept. 12 and Nov. 14 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville.

Focusing on techniques for proper latching and comfortable positions for a baby and mom to get started.

Pre-registration required: MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

Training offered by Mountain Mediation Services from March 19-21 in Webster. Tuition: $250. Deadline: March 13. Info: 341.5717. Register: www.mountainmediation.org, info@mountainmediation.org or 631.5252.

• Learn breathing techniques that will help your health and stress levels from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at the Waynesville Library. For adults only.

356.2507.

• “Your Amazing Newborn” class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on April 4, July 11, Sept. 5 and Nov. 7 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville.

Focusing on abilities, behavior, appearance and reflexes of your new baby. Pre-registration required: MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • Registration is underway for a St. Patrick’s Day Golf Tournament that will be hosted by Lake Junaluska Golf Course at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 17. Three-person scramble format. $30 per person, includes green fee and cart fee. Register: 456.5777or ctcarswell@lakejunaluska.com.

• St. Andrews Episcopal Church will observe Ash Wednesday with a Quiet Day of Prayer in the nave from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Holy Eucharist with imposition of ashes at noon and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6. Evening Lenten programs are set for 6 p.m. on March 13, 20 and 27, April 3 and 10, with supper at 5:30 p.m.

• Registration is underway for Guided Personal Retreats, on March 18-20, July 22-24, Sept. 16-18 and Oct. 21-23 at Lake Junaluska.

Lakejunaluska.com/retreats or 800.222.4930.

POLITICAL • The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session at 1 p.m. on March 7 at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library in Cashiers.

Purpose: Discuss various county topics.

• The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 5 p.m. on March 7 at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library in Cashiers. Purpose: To receive public input regarding the Cashiers Small Area Plan final draft. Copies available at jacksonnc.org/planning.

• A “Preparation for Childbirth” class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays from June 6-27, Aug. 829 and Oct. 3-24 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville. Pre-registration required: MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

• The Haywood County Republican Party Convention and Annual Precinct Meetings are scheduled for Saturday, March 23, at Lake Junaluska. RSVP for lunch by March 12: https://tinyurl.com/y37nkqld.

Registration at 10 a.m.; precinct meetings at 11 a.m.; and convention is at 1 p.m. chairmanHCGOP@gmail.com or 246.9696.

• Registration is underway for a Community Mediation

• The Macon County Republican Party will have its

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• Registration is underway through March 9 for the Smoky Mountain Senior Games presented by the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Center and the Cherokee Bird Town Gym. Games are April 1-May 3.

Cost: $15 per person plus additional fees for some events. For ages 50-up. Info: 586.5494.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Registration is now open for a new PGA Junior League golf team forming at Lake Junaluska Golf Course for ages 17-under. Season runs from through July 31. Registration fee: $190. Includes team practice sessions, matches, merchandise. Register: pgajrleague.com/sign-up. Info: www.lakejunaluska.com/golf, 456.5777 or ctcarswell@lakejunaluska.com.

• Waynesville’s Base Camp Summer Camp will offer a variety of options for kids this year, and mandatory parent meetings are set for 6 p.m. on March 7. Camp options include Outdoor Play, Discover Camp, Explore Camp, Creative Boot Camp and STEM Camp.

• A “Nature Nuts: Racoons” program will be offered to ages 4-7 from 9-11 a.m. on March 11 and March 20 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• An “Eco Explorers: Owls” program will be offered to ages 8-13 on March 11 and March 20 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• A Birding Hike is open to all ages from 9 a.m.-noon

• The Haywood County Arts Council will hold a JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) for fourth through sixth graders from 3:30-5 p.m. on Tuesdays through May at Shining Rock Classical Academy. Cost: $85.

452.0593 or bmk.morgan@yahoo.com.

• A Lego club will meet at 4 p.m. every fourth Thursday of the month, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Library provides Legos and Duplos for ages 3 and up. Free. 488.3030.

Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s Winter Youth Retreats, which are held from December through February in Haywood County for middle school and high school youth groups. Two-night events start at $186 per person; three-night events start at $249 per person. To register or view schedule, including speakers, band and entertainers: www.lakejunaluska.com/winteryouth. Register: 800.222.4930.

• Registration is underway for Discovery Camp with weekly camps available June 10-Aug. 16 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. Open to pre-K through rising eighth graders. Register: www.ncarboretum.org/education-programs/discovery-camp.

KIDS FILMS • “Ralph Breaks the Internet”, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on March 8 and 7 p.m. March 9 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

“Captain Marvel”, will be shown at 7 p.m. on March 8,10,13,15-17,20,22-24 and 27 & 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on March 9-10, 16-17 & 23-24 at The Strain on Main in Waynesville. See website for times & tickets.

283.0079.

• The Highlands Biological Foundation will offer a series of nature-themed films and documentaries shown at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of March in Highlands. For info on each show, call 526.2221.

• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

A&E SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS • The monthly “Cherokee Heritage Day” will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the

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• Patsy McClure will present her book, Addie: Memories of a Hobo’s Daughter, at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. In the book, McClure journeys into the past of the unincorporated Jackson County community of Addie. Located along U.S. 74 west of Willets-Ochre Hill, Addie was founded in the 1880s when a work camp for the construction of the Murphy Branch of the Western North Carolina Railroad set up in the vicinity. McClure tells her story of life in the community during the end of the Great Depression and the World War II era. To reserve copies, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

on March 12 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

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AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Author and Vietnam veteran Tom Baker will give a reading and book signing of his latest work The Hawk and The Dove at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

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convention and precinct meetings starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Carpenter Community Building on Highway 441 in Franklin. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m. www.macongop.com or maconrepublicans@gmail.com.

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• The 17th annual Spring Literary Festival is set for March 21-28 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Featuring fiction writers, poets and nonfiction writers. For a complete schedule and list of featured writers and poets: www.litfestival.org, 227.7264 or info@litfestival.org.

• To honor and celebrate the region’s multicultural heritage, Southwestern Community College’s diversity committee will sponsor its inaugural Cultural Fusion Festival on Wednesday, March 27, on the college’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. The event’s theme is “How We all Got Here,” and it will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FOOD & DRINK • A German Friendship Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 7, at Folkmoot in Waynesville.

452.2997.

• Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville will host five for $5 Wine Tasting from 5-9 p.m. on March 7. Come taste five magnificent wines and dine on Chef Stacy’s gourmet cuisine. 452.0120 or www.waynesvillewine.com.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1-5 p.m. on March 9 at Bosu Wine Shop in Waynesville. 452.0120 or www.waynesvillewine.com.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2-5 p.m. on March 9 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 631.3075.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Mad Batter Food & Film host free live music on every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Located in beautiful downtown Sylva. 586.3555.

• A production of “Red” by John Logan will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. March 8-9 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on www.harttheatre.org.

• The Darren Nicholson Band will perform bluegrass from 8-11 a.m. on March 9 at The Strand in Waynesville. 38main.com.

• Kids at HART will present the Stephen Schwartz musical “Godspell Jr.” at 2 p.m. on March 9-10 and March 16-17 at HART in Waynesville. Structured on a series of parables primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew. Tickets: $13 adults, $7 kids. Reservations: 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• Adapted from Disney’s beloved animated film and the works of Rudyard Kipling, “The Jungle Book Live” musical will hit the stage at 7 p.m. March 15-16 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. A live, one-act stage production, it is presented by the Overlook Theatre Company. Tickets are $12. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 524.1598.

• The Western Carolina University “Sunday Cinema

• Darren Nicholson & Marc Pruett will perform on Thursday, March 21, at Folkmoot in Waynesville.

452.2997.

• Southern Storytellers Series will feature Bob Plott on Thursday, March 28, at Folkmoot in Waynesville.

452.2997.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • A variety of dance classes ranging from foxtrot and waltz to rumba and cha cha – as well as East Coast Swing and Salsa – are taught at multiple times and days weekly at Folkmoot Center and Waynesville Wellness. $10 per activity per person. No partner or experience necessary. For dates and times, and to RSVP, 316.1344 or dancetonightwaynesville@gmail.com.

• Watercolor classes are set for 1:30 p.m. every third Saturday at the Creative Thought Center on Pigeon Street in Waynesville. Cost: $25 or $20 if you bring your own equipment. theHouseArtist@gmail.com.

• The Jackson County Public Library is holding Craft Therapy from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. An evening of up-cycle crafting.

586.2016 or dduffy@fontanalib.org.

• The Dave Drake Studio Barn offers a variety of ceramic and raku classes by appointment as well as weekly drawing, writers and community knitters groups. Info: 787.2865.

We are pleased to announce the opening of our third location in Haywood County at 33 Bennett Street in Waynesville. We are located just off Brown Ave below Hazelwood Tire and beside Pioneer Supply. Thanks to our customers, we are the largest self storage provider in Haywood County.

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• Second Saturday Markets take place from 6-8 p.m. at Folkmoot in Waynesville. A gathering place for friends of all ages, markets feature vendors, live music, ballroom dance lessons for $5, and a homemade meal for $10. Beer and wine are available for purchase and tables will be set up for participants to play board and card games that they bring from home. Info: 452.2997 or info@folkmoot.org.

• “Needmore: A River Community in the 1920s” will be the topic for the March 7 meeting of the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society. Meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center, 45 East Ridge Drive in Bryson City. www.swaingenealogy.com.

• The Cherokee Community Chorus will start rehearsals for its next presentation from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, at the Cherokee Baptist Church.

Loosely titled: “Little Bit of This and Little Bit of That.”

Info: 788.1196, 497.5350 or 497.3671.

• The “Comic Book Illustration & Story Development” class with James Lyle will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.

March 9, 16, 30 and April 6, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Cost is $20 for HCAC members, $25 for non-members per class. For more information and/or to register, click on www.haywoodarts.org.

• The North American Saxophone Alliance will hold its mid-Atlantic regional conference on Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.. Conference-ending concert open to the public at 7:30 p.m. on March 9 at WCU’s John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. jeffress@wcu.edu or 227.3974.

• The Haywood County Arts Council will host an “Adult Hand Built Clay” series with Amy Dapore of Our Summerhouse Pottery from 12:30 to 3 p.m. March 12, 18, 16 and April 2, 16 at HCAC’s Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville. A perfect class for those adults wanting to see what clay is all about.

Ideal for beginners and above. Come and be as creative as you like — any project can be fine-tuned to

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Smoky Mountain News

• For King & Country will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 9, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $25 each and VIP tickets are available. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Highlands Performing Arts Center will have dinner theater performances scheduled on March 21-23 and 28-30; and the full-length play “Calendar Girls” by Tim Firth, set for May 23-26 and May 31-June 2.

Highlandscashiersplayers.org.

March 6-12, 2019

• Leap Frog Tours and Spriggly’s Beescaping will offer the “Pint & Pollinator Tour” from 1-4 p.m. every Friday in March. $75 Tour starts at Asheville Museum of Science and ends at Whistle Stop Brewing Company.

Cost: $85 for adults; $75 for children. Tickets include educational talks, seed bombs, museum admission, one drink and transportation. Leapfrogtours.com or 246.6777.

Series” will present “The Sleeping Beauty” at 3 p.m.

Sunday, March 10, at the Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee. arts.wcu.edu/sleepingbeauty or call 227.ARTS.

wnc calendar

Museum of the Cherokee Indian. All day hands-on activities and fun for the whole family. Different activities each month that incorporate Cherokee culture.

May include storytelling, painting, corn shuck doll making, making clay heart-shaped medallions, stamped card making, dance or music. Free and open to the public. Second Saturday of every month (except June). www.visitcherokeenc.com.

1819 Country Club Drive Maggie Valley, NC

M AG G I E VA LLEY C LU B . CO M 41

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meet your artistic taste. Reservations must be made through the Our Summerhouse Pottery website: www.oursummerhousepottery.com.

• The Western North Carolina Woodturners Club, Inc., will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, at the Bascom, 323 Franklin Road, in Highlands. Presenter is Tagliarini.

• Cabin Fever Community Choir Series is set for 1:152:45 p.m. on Saturdays, March 9-23, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Learn by ear, no music to read. Songs of Earth, Air, Water and Fire. https://youtu.be/EwhyXaOPX5I. RSVP: SandiDonnS@gmail.com.

• The Western NC Civil War Roundtable will host Dr. Stephen Davis at 7 p.m. on March 11 at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa. Topic is on the human cost in war and is entitled: “Civil War Medicine: A Few Vignettes from Georgia.” Meet-andgreet dinner at 5:30 p.m.; social at 6:30 p.m. http://wnccwrt.blogspot.com • An educational presentation entitled “Bonzi, Living Art” will be offered at the general meeting of the Uptown Gallery at 6 p.m. on March 11 in Franklin.

Info: 349.4607.

• DIY @ The Library will present a “Make Your Own Butter!” program from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Registration required; adults only: 356.2507 or Kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov.

• The Waynesville Gallery Association with DWA and Haywood TDA are sponsoring “The Luck of the Art” from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on March 16 at 101 N. Main Street in Waynesville. 452.2550. Downtown Waynesville guests will visit local businesses and enter a “Pot of Gold” contest. Music, art demonstrations and fun. 452.2550.

Smoky Mountain News

March 6-12, 2019

• A Gourd Birdhouse Workshop is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. on March 23 at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin.

Info: 349.4607.

• Master potter Katherine Maloney will hold a workshop on making clay animals to adorn pottery from 15 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the Cowee Pottery School in Franklin. Cost: $50 per person. Part of the Guest Potter Workshop Series. contact@coweepotteryschool.org.

• Jackson County Public Library in Sylva is hosting craft therapy. This get-together will be the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It will take place in the Atrium at the library. Craft therapy is an evening of up-cycle crafting at the library. Drop in for the whole session or as long as you would like.

Each month will have a different theme the library will supply tools and materials that you may need to create something within that theme. If you have anything craft/art related to donate, please bring it by the library or call them at 586.2016, dduffy@fontanalib.org and www.fontanalib.org.

• One Heart Singing’s winter term is through April 10 at 89 Sierra Lane in Franklin. No audition or need to read music. Try two sessions before committing. Meets from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Info: 524.3691 or 360.1920.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • The All-Macon K-12 Art Exhibit will be featured through March 30 at the Uptowwn Gallery in Franklin.

Students’ reception is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on March 15. Info: 349.4607.

• Haywood Community College is currently hosting a Professional Crafts Faculty Exhibition in the Mary Cornwell Gallery on campus in Clyde. Through April, the public is invited to view the exhibition 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. There will be a talk with the artists at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. 565.4240 or 42 clschulte@haywood.edu.

• The exhibit “Outspoken: Paintings by America Meredith” will be on display through May 3 at the Fine Art Museum Gallery B in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. The WCU Fine Art Museum is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. Free parking is available on site. www.facebook.com/americameredithart.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the School of Art and Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition 2019, on display through May 3. All WCU Fine Art Museum exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public.

For further information, visit arts.wcu.edu/biennial or 227.3591.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center will have a yearlong exhibition on “Defining America” through May 3 in Cullowhee. Info: 227.ARTS or bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• The Haywood County Arts Council and Haywood County Public Library are presenting works from the following artists at the following locations through March: Russell Wyatt and Ashley Calhoun at the Canton Library and Patty Coulter, Linda Blount, Jason Woodard and Molly Harrington-Weaver at the Waynesville Library.

• Through April 26, Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center is hosting an exhibit to commemorate World War I and the centennial of the end of hostilities. “I Want You! How World War I Transformed Western North Carolina” is on display in the museum’s first floor gallery in Cullowhee. 227.7129.

• Entries are being accepted for The Bascom’s 2019 Member Show: “Rhythm Systems: Nature and Geometry.” Exhibition will be on display from June 15July 21. www.thebascom.org or 787.2878.

• New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

FILM & SCREEN • “Bohemian Rhapsody”, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on 7:30 p.m. March 7 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• “Green Book”, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on March 14 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free.

586.3555.

• “The Crimes of Grindelwald”, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on March 15 and 7 p.m. March 16 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• Free movies are shown every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. See website for listings and times at madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

Outdoors

• A recreational racing program for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on non-holiday Saturdays through the end of the season. Cost: $10 for two runs or $20 for unlimited pass.

Lift ticket or season pass required. Register: www.nastar.com.

• The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will close approximately 1,000 miles of hatchery supported trout waters to fishing 30 minutes after sunset through 7 a.m. on April 6. www.ncwildlife.org/enews.

• “Welcome to the Anthropocene” will be the topic of Western Carolina University’s next Global Spotlight Series program, set for 4-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, in Room 101 of the Forsyth Building.

227.3336 or michelsen@wcu.edu.

• A husband-and-wife hiking team will share stories from their 2017 hike of the Benton MacKaye Trail from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, at REI in Asheville.

Signup required: www.rei.com/events.

• An “On the Water East Fork French Broad” program will be offered to ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 7 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• A paddle camping workshop is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, at The Wedge at Foundation in Asheville. Learn secrets behind the French Broad Paddle Trail. Info: 258.8737 or anna@mountaintrue.org.

• The Macon County Horse Association will have the annual coggins clinic from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 9 at the Macon County Fairgrounds. 369.3903.

• Botany Expert Adam Bigelow will lead a workshop searching for early spring wildflowers through Alarka Expeditions on Saturday, March 9. Cost: $55. Register: www.alarkaexpeditions.com.

• Friends of the Smokies will hold their first in the Classic Hikes of the Smokies Series on Tuesday, March 13, on Big Creek Trail. $20 for current members; $35 for new and renewing members.

FriendsOfTheSmokies.org.

• An “On the Water: Little River” program will be offered to ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 15 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard.

Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• A “Fly-Tying for the Beginner” program will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-noon on March 18 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• A “Tackle Rigging for Fly-Fishing” program is open to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-noon on March 19 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s annual meeting is set for 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at the Shelton House Barn. Guest speaker is Kristen Limbert, senior director of operations at the APSCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC). Refreshments at 5:30 p.m. 246.9050 or www.sargeanimals.org.

• Registration is underway for the “Spring Wildflowers of Southern Appalachia” classes, which will be offered

by Adam Bigelow from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays from March 22-April 26. Learn how to identify wildflowers while walking among them. Single day rates are $40, or $150 for the entire series. bigelownc@gmail.com.

• Registration is underway for a “Leave No Trace Master Educator course, which will be offered by Landmark Learning later this year in Cullowhee.

Frontcountry/basecamp training is set for April 29May 3 while Backpacking will be from June 24-28, Aug. 12-16 and Oct. 21-25. www.landmarklearning.org.

• A cycling ride exploring the Fire Mountain Trail System in Cherokee will be offered at 6 p.m. every other Thursday, rides started on April 12. Participants will divide into a beginner group and a non-beginner group, with 60 to 90 minutes on the trail each time.

Organized by the Nantahala Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, with an event page at www.facebook.com/NantahalaAreaSORBA/. nantahala.area.sorba@gmail.com.

• A cycling ride exploring the Western Carolina University mountain bike trails will be offered at 6 p.m. every other Thursday, begin on April 19 in Cullowhee. Participants will meet at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching and divide into a beginner group and a non-beginner group, with 60 to 90 minutes on the trail each time. Organized by the Nantahala Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, with an event page at www.facebook.com/NantahalaAreaSORBA/. nantahala.area.sorba@gmail.com

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Registration is underway for the ninth annual Valley of the Lilies Half-Marathon and 5K, which is set for Saturday, April 6, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Advance registration (by March 8): $40 for the half marathon, $20 for 5K. Starting March 9: $60 for half marathon and $25 for the 5K. Sign up: http://runsignup.com. Registration: http://halfmarathon.wcu.edu.

• Registration is underway for Friends of the Lake 5K Race, Walk & Kids Fun Run, which will be held at 9 a.m. on April 20 at Lake Junaluska.

Lakejunaluska.com/run or 800.454.6680.

FARM AND GARDEN • Orders are being accepted through March 8 for the Macon County 4-H club’s annual plant sale. Order forms: https://tinyurl.com/y4pjakzy. Info: 349.2046.

• The annual Haywood County Extension Master Gardener plant sale has been extended to March 11.

Order forms available at the Cooperative Extension Office on Raccoon Road in Waynesville, call 456.3575 or write: mgarticles@charter.net.

• The Asheville Community Supported Agriculture Fair is set for 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville. Meet area farmers, browse local CSA programs and products.

Asapconnections.org.

HIKING CLUBS • Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate, fourmile hike with an elevation change of 60 feet on Saturday, March 9, to High Falls on the west fork of the Tuckaseegee River in Jackson County. Info and reservations: 788.2985.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a six-mile hike with a 1,000-foot ascent on March 10 at Twin Falls.

Info and reservations: 847.756.3815 or billsnow123@gmail.com.

• Sons of the American Legion in Waynesville will have a Turkey Shoot at 9 a.m. every Saturday on Legion Drive.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 10.4-mile hike with a 3,400-foot ascent on Wednesday, March 13, to Cold Mountain from Camp Daniel Boone. Info and reservations: 684.8656, 606.7297 or bjdworley@gmail.com.

• Volunteers are being sought to help re-pot native azaleas from 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays through Thursdays at the Southern Highlands Reserve in Lake Toxaway. For info, and to schedule a shift: anorton@southernhighlandsreserve.org.

• Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate, fivemile hike with an elevation change of 400 feet on Saturday, March 16, on the N.C. Bartram Trail. Info and reservations: 524.5298.

• An easy cycling ride aiming to help people ease into a healthier lifestyle through cycling is offered in the Canton area, typically covering 8-10 miles. Road bikes are preferred, and helmets are required. Nobody will be left behind. A partnership of Bicycle Haywood N.C., the Blue Ridge Bike Club and MountainWise. For specific start times and locations: mttrantham@hotmail.com.

• Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy, two-mile birding hike with little elevation change on Sunday, March 17, in the Tessentee Farms area. Info and reservations: 369.7352.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a three-mile hike with a 956-foot ascent on Sunday, March 17, at Wildcat Rock Trail. Info and reservations: 777.5806 or bevmacdowellhappy@gmail.com.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

AUCTION

MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

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For more information call 845.774.6712

WNC MarketPlace

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Fast Free Pickup - 24 Hr Response Tax Deduction 888.641.9690 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

Top Dollar Offer! Free Towing From Home, Office or Body Shop. All Makes/Models 2000-2016. Same Day Pick-Up Available! Call Now: 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HAVE AN IDEA For an invention/new product?

We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelp®, FREE INFO! 866.783.0557 SAPA GET THE FUNDING FIRST! Build Your Business Next! Start Your Business First. Visit us at: www.startingmybusinesscredit.com We Can Help You! SAPA

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All conditions accepted. Free pick-up. Call Now for details.

855.972.0354 SAPA

ALEX SMITH GARDEN DESIGN Is seeking Full-Time Gardener/ Landscaper for Scaly Mountain, NC Location. Experience desirable, but not required. Must be a Team Player and have a Positive Attitude. Must be able to Work Outside in All Kinds of Weather and be able to Lift at least 40lbs. Competitive Pay & Benefits. Driver’s License and Clean Driving Record Desired.

Please Email Kristen Landfield: Kristin@AlexSmithGarden Design.com

GOT AN OLDER CAR, Van or SUV? Do the humane thing.

Donate it to the Humane Society.

Call 1.888.342.9355 SAPA

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 20 PEOPLE NEEDED!!

Ground Floor Opportunity! Experience History In The Making!! Free 3 Minute Recording Tells It All! 1.800.763.8168 or visit us at: www.healthyprosper.org

March 6-12, 2019

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No inventory required. For more info, Call: 844.613.2230 SAPA NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 844.660.6943 SAPA

FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Paralegal/Executive Secretary For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer GOT CANDIDATES? Find your next hire in over 100 newspapers across the state for only $375. Call Wendi Ray, NC Press Services for info 919.516.8009

EMPLOYMENT - FRONT DESK Full Time or Part Time: Maggie Valley Cabin Resort Seeks a Versatile, Energetic & Experienced Front Desk Employee. Customer Service & Computer Exp. Req. Weekends, Nights & Holidays a Must! Call 828.926.1388

EMPLOYMENT BROWN TRUCKING Is looking for COMPANY DRIVERS and OWNER OPERATORS. Brown requires: CDL-A, 2 years of tractor trailer experience OTR or Regional in the last 3 years, good MVR and PSP. Apply at: driveforbrown.com.

Or Call Brandon at 919.291.7416.

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.441.6890

BOATBUILDING CAREERS Bayliss Boatworks is Hiring!

Carpenters, painters, welders, electricians and CNC operators and programmers. Full-time work and great benefits. Visit: www.baylissboatworks.com/about/careers

DRIVE WITH UBER. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1.800.655.7452

LAND SURVEYING POSITION Morehead City, NC - Crew Chief or S.I.T. Pay $15-$21 per hour depending upon experience.

Email: Chase Cullipher: chase@tcgpa.com or Call 252.773.0090

- HOUSEKEEPING Full Time & Part Time Available: Maggie Valley Cabin Resort Seeks Energetic & Experienced Housekeeper. Weekends and Holidays a Must!

Valid Driver’s License Required.

For more info Call 828.926.1388 FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Barber Instructor - Engineering Instructor (10-month contract) Industry Training Instructor (CATV) Industry Training Instructor (Electrical Systems) Network Management: Microsoft & Cisco Instructor For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal online at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342, Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer

PET SUPPLIES & SERVICES PATENTED FleaBeacon® Controls Fleas in the Home without Toxic Chemicals or Costly Exterminators. Results Overnight! N.C. Clampitt Hardware www.fleabeacon.com USE SKIN BALM & TONEKOTE On Dogs and Cats to stop Scratching and Gnawing and Restore Luxurious Coat without Steroids.

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PET SUPPLIES & SERVICES

HAPPY JACK VITA-TABS: Formulated to Restore Nutrients Stripped by Worming. Junaluska Feed Center, www.kennelvax.com USE DD-33 To control Fleas & Ticks on dogs & cats topically. Quicker Kill. Longer Redidual. Biodegradeable! At Tractor Supply; www.kennelvax.com USE SEAL ‘N HEAL To close wounds with Bitter Taste to prevent Chewing & Promote Healing. At Tractor Supply, www.kennelvax.com

PET SUPPLIES & SERVICES HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329 MAX A SUPER CUTE LITTLE CHIHUAHUA GUY ABOUT TWO YEARS OLD. HE WEIGHS IN AT A WHOPPING 7 LBS. SO HE'S PERFECTLY PORTABLE. HE'D LOVE TO GO ON ADVENTURES WITH HIS NEW OWNER BUT IS ALSO PERFECTLY CONTENT TO SNUGGLE ON THE SOFA AND WATCH TV.

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

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Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

Climate Control

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48 SECURITY CAMERAS AND MANAGEMENT ON SITE

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Find Us One mile past State

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Mike Stamey

mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

828-508-9607

cproben@beverly-hanks.com

74 N. Main St., Waynesville, NC

44

Sizes from 5’x5’ to 10’x20’

Michelle McElroy BROKER ASSOCIATE (828) 400-9463 michelle@beverly-hanks.com Haywood County Real Estate Expert & Top Producing REALTOR®

74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

www.beverly-hanks.com

on the right side, across from Frankie’s Italian Restaurant

LIVESTOCK

LAWN & GARDEN BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment.

Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each.

828.593.8321 HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com MAKE & SAVE MONEY With your own Bandmill-SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock and ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1.800.578.1363 Ext. 300N

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

GATED, LEVEL, ALL WOODED, 5+acre building lots, utilities available in S.E. Tennessee, between Chattanooga and Nashville. www.timber-wood.com Call now to schedule tour 423.802.0296 SAPA GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote 1.866.309.1507 or visit us at our website at: www.BaseCampLeasing.com SAPA

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aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

HOMES FOR SALE BEHIND ON YOUR MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification?

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Chris Caldwell BROKER, REALTOR®

828-550-7247

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Great Smokys Realty

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36 S. Main St. Waynesville

Christie’s Ivester Jackson Blackstream • George Escaravage - george@IJBProperties.com ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Border - sunburstrealty.com • Pam James - pjames@sunburstrealty.com

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

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Jerry Lee Mountain Realty Jerry Lee Hatley- jerryhatley@bellsouth.net Keller Williams Realty - kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com • Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff@kw.com

Lakeshore Realty • Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

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TRAVEL/VACATION OFFER: Book Your Flight Today on United, Delta, American, Air France, Air Canada. We have the best rates.

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MOVE IN TODAY

We Are Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting From $535.00 Rental Assistance Available - Handicapped Accessible Units Available

OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.735.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com • Cindy Dubose - cdubose@mountaindream.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

Rob Roland

828-400-1923

Looking to sell or buy a home

RobRolandRealty.com Residential · Land · Commercial

RE/MAX

EXECUTIVE

Ron Breese Broker/Owner 71 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com Each office independently owned & operated.

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com RE/MAX Executive - remax-waynesvillenc.com remax-maggievalleync.com • Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com • The Real Team - TheRealTeamNC.com • Ron Breese - ronbreese.com • Landen Stevenson- Landen@landenstevenson.com • Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com • Mary & Roger Hansen - mwhansen@charter.net • Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net • David Rogers - davidr@remax-waynesvillenc.com • Marsha Block- marshablockestates@gmail.com Rob Roland Realty - robrolandrealty.com

• Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

The Smoky Mountain Retreat at Eagles Nest

• Tom Johnson - tomsj7@gmail.com • Sherell Johnson - sherellwj@aol.com

smokymountainnews.com

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

• Carolyn Lauter - carolyn@bhgheritage.com Beverly Hanks & Associates- beverly-hanks.com • Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com • Billie Green - bgreen@beverly-hanks.com • Michelle McElroy- michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com • Marilynn Obrig - mobrig@beverly-hanks.com • Steve Mauldin - smauldin@beverly-hanks.com • Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com • Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com • Brooke Parrott - bparrott@beverly-hanks.com • Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com • Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com • Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com • Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com • Karen Hollingsed- khollingsed@beverly-hanks.com • Steve Mauldin- smauldin@beverly-hanks.com • Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com • Mike Stamey - mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

March 6-12, 2019

AFFORDABLE Condos/homes/lots mid-$50s $700,000+! Gated, OF cabana, golf, amenities, low HOAs, the higher ground of luxurious, safe Tidewater Plantation, North Myrtle Beach. New Way Properties: 843.424.9013.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT WNC MarketPlace

STOCK YOUR POND! Grass Carp, Coppernose Bluegill, Shellcracker, Redbreast, Hybrid BG, Channel Catfish, Mosquitofish, Coming to a store near you in March. Must Pre-Order Now! Southland Fisheries 803.776.4923

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Birch stills were more common than moonshine stills

A

BACK THEN mountains to wherever he run on a good stand of sweet birches. Back then sweet birch was the source of wintergreen oil.

“He would strip the bark from the sweet birches and distill the oil. His still was made out of two-inch wood that would hold steam. There was a cap over it and a pipe or worm went into it.

It had a furnace like an old-time molasses furnace.

“As the oil was distilled, it came out Columnist of the worm and dropped off into a can of water. Instead of floatin’ like most oils, it sank to the bottom of the can of water.

“It would take a day and night to make a run, which would be from about a half gallon to three quarts. It fetched $1.25 a pint and folks back then thought that was pretty good money.”

Arrowwood is correct. In the 19th century, $1.25 for a full day’s (and night’s) work was very good money. For instance, as late as the 1930s construction workers along the Blue Ridge Parkway were paid just 30 cents an hour. But, of course, they thought that

was “pretty good money,” and it was.

The problem with birch distilling, however, was the devastating amounts of sweet birch required to produce a single quart of oil. After all of the choice bark from the

George Ellison

Editor’s note: This was first published in 2003. ll this spring, golden birch catkins were dangling throughout the woodlands of the Smokies region. These are the male, pollen-carrying part of the sweet birch (Betula lenta), also known as black, cherry, or mahogany birch.

They served as a reminder that moonshine stills weren’t the only kind of stills that once proliferated the region. Indeed, there was a time more than a century ago — way back in the 1800s — when birch stills were more common than moonshine stills. For one thing, they weren’t illegal and didn’t need to be hidden.

Birch stills were used to produce the extract known variously as birch oil or oil of wintergreen. This wintergreen extract was used to flavor candies, medicines and drugs.

Another source for the extract had been the dainty little woodlands plant named wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), also called checkerberry or teaberry. But sweet birch became the more popular source in the latter part of the 19th century.

The only description I’ve been able to find for a birch still is contained in John Parris’ These Storied Mountains (1972). In a chapter aptly titled “The Birch Distillery,” he quotes an old-timer named Bergin Arrowwood: “When I was a boy, my father had a still that he would move about through the

Birch catkins. Donated photo larger trees had been stripped and processed, the birch distillers turned to birch saplings — using both bark and wood chips — as their source. It required 100 or so of these saplings to render a single quart of the oil from the crude stills.

The sweet birch stands in our forests were spared total decimation by the fortu-

itous development of synthetic oil of wintergreen. This process combines wood alcohol and salicylic acid.

Old-time mountaineers also made beer, tea, and syrup from the sap of the sweet birch tree via processes that one can still utilize. The tea-making process is real simple. Gather a little bark and strip out the inner red side. Cut this inner bark into small pieces and pour boiling water over it.

Making birch syrup is probably a waste of time. After going to the trouble to tap the trees in early spring, you’ll only get about a pint of syrup per 10 gallons of boiled sap.

A recipe for birch beer that reads as follows appears in several sources: “Tap the trunk as the Sugar Maple is tapped, in spring when the sap is rising and the buds are just swelling; jug the sap and throw in a handful of shelled corn, and natural fermentation ... will finish the job for you.”

One of the sources appends the warning about birch beer: “It has a reputation for stimulating the appetite. But more than a glass or two at a time is liable to stimulate other things, for it has a kick like a mule.”

(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer.

March 6-12, 2019 Smoky Mountain News 47

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Smoky Mountain News March 6-12, 2019