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

March 15-21, 2017 Vol. 18 Iss. 42

Road project to address Waynesville growing pains Page 3 Local boards oppose partisan election legislation Page 14

CONTENTS On the Cover: In honor of Women’s History Month, The Smoky Mountain News will be publishing a series of articles to showcase a number of women in Western North Carolina who are currently making history. Featured this week is Shirley Oswalt, who was just named a Beloved Woman — the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians — and Janice Inabinett of Bryson City, who has worked diligently to address women’s needs. (Page 6) Holly Kays photo

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News Russ Ave: growing pains in Waynesville ......................................................................3 DOT to ditch ‘suicide lane’ on 441 in Franklin .......................................................... 5 Franklin to change outdated ‘alderman’ title ............................................................ 11 Haywood considers probe into leaked tax collector report ................................ 12 Haywood leaders decry Rep. Presnell’s obstructionism ...................................... 13 Local boards oppose partisan election legislation ................................................ 14 Clampitt files legislation to recoup money for Swain ............................................ 15 Grants could offset cost of river park project .......................................................... 16 Haywood schools budget reinstates cuts ................................................................ 17 Petition seeks term limits for Tribal Council ..............................................................19

Opinion David Monteith remembered as committed Swain leader .................................. 20

A&E David Grisman picks on WNC .................................................................................... 24

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

March 15-21, 2017

Blue Ridge Breakaway cancelled for 2017 ..............................................................34

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Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Micah McClure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com Emily Moss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . emily@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Belue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . amanda.b@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Hylah Birenbaum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hylah@smliv.com Scott Collier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jessi Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessi@smokymountainnews.com Becky Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . becky@smokymountainnews.com Cory Vaillancourt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cory@smokymountainnews.com Holly Kays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . holly@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Singletary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Gary Carden (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Susanna Barbee (writing).

CONTACT WAYNESVILLE | 144 Montgomery, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585 SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 P: 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789 INFO & BILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 Copyright 2017 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2017 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Smoky Mountain News is available for free in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and parts of Buncombe counties. Limit one copy per person.

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Russ Avenue: growing pains in Waynesville What’s next: • Select detailed study alternatives and hold second public meeting: Mid-2017 • Prepare state environmental document: Late 2017 • Right of way acquisition: 2020 • Construction: 2022 Brown, who called himself a “child of the ‘60s,” stressed the importance of grassroots activism and alluded to the fact that the battle wasn’t yet over.

FURTHER ON UP THE ROAD

Major changes are planned for a busy stretch of Russ Avenue in Waynesville. Cory Vaillancourt photo

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LOOKING IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR

ing at some ideas to minimize the impact” on Walnut Street.

Austin said that so far, they’d agreed to remove a bike lane extending along Walnut Street from North Main Street to Branner Avenue, shaving at least 5 feet from the proposed 17-foot widening.

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In late 2016, the North Carolina Department of Transportation unveiled plans to widen Russ Avenue, also known as U.S. 276, from the expressway interchange to North Main Street in Waynesville.

The plans for widening include better bicycle and pedestrian access and are also meant to improve safety in an area the DOT says has crash rates “relatively high in comparison to surrounding streets.”

The project is divided into three sections: the first runs from the expressway south to Walnut Street and includes the bulk of Waynesville’s dining establishments like Arby’s, Chick-fil-A and Waffle House as well as other major businesses like Joe Taylor Ford, HomeTrust Bank, Ingles and CVS.

Roadwork planned in that section would create four lanes with a posted speed limit of 35 mph separated by a 17.5-foot median.

The next section proceeding south along the route from Walnut to Boundary Street would expand the thoroughfare’s sidewalks and add a bike lane.

But the final section — along Walnut Street from Boundary Street to North Main Street — garnered the most negative attention right from the start.

While the project was still in the planning stages, the town had asked DOT specifically not to encroach on historic Walnut Street, which is home to some of Waynesville’s oldest homes and serves as somewhat of a gateway to town for the tourists that drive Waynesville’s economy.

Despite those requests, there was shock and anger among citizens and town officials when DOT’s original plans showed a substantial expansion to Walnut Street’s asphalt footprint that would decimate the historic character of the area. Several large trees were destined for the axe, and a century-old brick retaining wall would also become a casualty of the project even though the DOT’s own study suggested traffic growth on Walnut wouldn’t even come close to the growth experienced further up Russ Avenue.

Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown took action almost immediately after he and town aldermen received complaints about the project; he called for a period of public comment at a Dec. 13 regular town board meeting, and then took the unusual step of calling a special meeting for Jan. 5 that drew a capacity crowd unanimously opposed to the plans.

During the meeting, DOT Division 14 Construction Engineer Brian Burch said to the crowd, “We hear you.”

DOT Project Manager Wanda Austin confirmed as much March 3, saying a meeting between DOT and Charlotte-based engineering firm Calyx the day before had them “look-

March 15-21, 2017

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER hile most people agree that the $18 million Russ Avenue widening project in Waynesville is much-needed and long overdue, the long and winding road to groundbreaking has thus far been a rough one, even though construction won’t get a green light until at least 2022.

Russ Avenue’s growth has mirrored that of Waynesville, or vice-versa; the artery, which connects Waynesville’s historic downtown with the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway serves as the town’s major commercial thoroughfare and is accordingly clogged with a plethora of retail and fast-food establishments.

Over the short 1.1-mile stretch of asphalt, one can find waffles, fried chicken, curly fries, or even Ford trucks for sale. And traffic on Haywood County’s most heavily-traveled road isn’t getting any lighter and is projected to grow to unmanageable levels by 2040.

Back up on busy Russ Avenue, beneath the glow of traffic lights and illuminated plastic signs beckoning consumers, another fight may be brewing.

Although the expressway-to-Walnut segment of the project seemed to get lost in the furor over Walnut Street proper, some business owners are gearing up for a fight that could be just as contentious due to plans that may be just as disastrous.

John Burgin is the trustee of a parcel at 710 Russ Avenue upon which sits an Arby’s restaurant. The parcel was left to Burgin’s

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Circles mark the locations of Arbys (1) and Waffle House (2) on a DOT Project Map.

mother by his father to ensure her financial security during retirement and is assessed at more than $630,000 in value.

DOT plans call for a right-turn lane — in addition to an 18-foot median and bike lanes — from northbound Russ into the Ingles grocery store that would obliterate much of the Arby’s parking lot fronting Russ and severely curtail its drive-thru service.

“It would about render that property useless,” Burgin said.

Burgin said that although he hadn’t talked to Arby’s (which he neither owns nor operates), he was “confident” it would result in the closure of the curly-fries purveyor and said he couldn’t imagine any other fast-food tenant taking over the space in the future.

“There are four entrances to Ingles right now,” he said. “They [DOT] want to take a piece of my private property and make it easier to get in to the Ingles. What they’re basically doing is taking away my mom’s retirement income.”

That same turning lane would also remove about a third of the parking for the Waffle House just north of Burgin’s property, bringing the street much closer to the building.

Burgin and the Waffle House seem to be backed into a corner; there isn’t much room to expand behind the two businesses, owing to a steep incline that serves as roadbed to one of Ingles’ driveways.

Although Joe Taylor of Taylor Motor Company at 505 Russ Avenue has a bit less to lose than the Burgins do, he wasn’t necessarily pleased with the plans as presented, either.

Taylor, like Burgin, thinks the median is far too wide; Burgin said town engineers have always held that wider streets encourage speeding.

Maggie Valley officials are on board with that idea as well; plans to tighten up Soco Road are specifically tailored to send the subconscious message of “slow down.”

Taylor also wonders why bicycle lanes would be planned for such a busy road.

Despite having their concerns lost in the furor over Walnut Street, Burgin, Taylor, and other property owners up and down the busy commercial corridor who will be affected — including the KFC, CVS and McDonald’s on the other side of Russ Avenue — will have yet another chance to effect change in DOT’s plans.

An additional public meeting will be scheduled sometime this summer by DOT.

Hazelwood building to be burned

Haywood Habitat kicks off Women Build

The Waynesville Fire Department and other local firefighters will take part in a controlled burn beginning about 5 p.m. Monday, March 20, of a structure in Hazelwood.

The building is located at 459 Hazelwood Avenue. Multiple fire trucks will be involved in this exercise and will take up space in the general parking area. Individuals who are in the vicinity are cautioned that there will be visible smoke and flames.

Questions related to this upcoming event may be directed to the Waynesville Fire Department at 828.456.6151.

Haywood Habitat for Humanity will kick off “Women Build 2017” from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the worksite of its Walton Woods subdivision in Waynesville.

The mission of Women Build is to empower women to take action to end poverty housing conditions in our community. Women of all ages and from all walks of life are invited to get involved. No special skills are needed.

Training is provided, and so is lunch. Space is limited, call 828.452.7960 to sign up.

For more information, check the “Women Build” page at www.haywoodhabitat.org.

Smoky Mountain News

March 15-21, 2017

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Ingles Markets 630 Champion Dr., Canton Thursday, March 23rd · 3 to 6 pm Meet local food entrepreneurs and sample products!

Here are just a few that will be there:

Ally’s Bars

Mimi’s Mountain Mixes

Asheville Pretzel

Munki trail mixes

Brasstown Beef

New Sprout Organic Farm

City Bakery

Postre Caramels

Crooked Condiments

Unicoi Preserves

Elijah's Xtreme Hot Sauces

Roots Hummus

Firewalker Hot Sauce

Smiling Hara Tempeh

Flat Rock Cider

Sunburst Trout

Local Folks Foods

Unicoi Preserves

DOT to ditch ‘suicide lane’ on 441 in Franklin W

to avoid scraping the undercarriage. Burch said some improved grading should make for easier and safer egress and ingress for drivers.

The first phase of the project — from the intersection at Franklin Plaza continuing south to the intersection of Wide Horizon Drive and Belden Circle — is estimated to

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March 15-21, 2017

cost $6.3 million with construction getting underway in January 2020. Once underway, construction will take about two years to complete.

DOT will begin with building the bulb outs for the U-turns and close off the center turn lane with temporary barriers to begin getting drivers used to accessing the designated turn spots. Traffic will be shifted while construct is happening on one side of the road.

“As we further develop the project we’ll be looking at what type of contracting we can implement to excel the scheduled construction,” Burch said. For example, offering an incentive bonus to the contractor if the project is completed ahead of schedule.

“Based on this being a commercial area with few residential homes, we could look at doing night work as well since traffic signifi-

project is estimated to cost $31 million, but that could change since it’s still in the development stage of planning.

The entire improvement project will also include new sidewalks, a 5-foot bicycle lane on both sides of the highway and a new traffic signal at the entrance of the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building. The new signal will align with the future entrance of the new A portion of U.S. 441 through Franklin — Georgia Ingles being constructed Road — is scheduled for a redesign in the coming along U.S. 441 in Franklin. years to remove the middle turn lane and improve Any existing sidewalks safety along the congestion corridor. Jessi Stone photo affected by the project will be replaced by DOT with not cost to the town or county, but if there are any new sidewalks the town wants to be installed during the project, the town will be responsible for providing a portion of the cost.

“The town of Franklin indicated it will be providing sidewalks on both sides of the road so as we develop the project and get cost estimates they’ll make those decisions,” Burch said. “At the very least we will accommodate sidewalks on both sides with 10-foot berms on each side.” to be done just because of the amount of While the public comment period for traffic and uncomfortable nature of turning phase one of the project has already passed, left based on the accidents that have phase two of the project is still in developoccurred,” he said. “All of the business comment and public comment will be open early munity looks at access and impacts — they next year. want to know how far will someone have to Franklin Mayor Bob Scott said it’s too go to get back to my business.” early in the process for the town board to Burch said the new grassy median in the have an opinion on the redesign or know middle would be about 7 feet wide until it what the town may be able to afford when it begins to taper off into a concrete divider at comes to landscaping efforts. He said one the designated turn areas. In addition to the thing is for sure — it’s a dangerous area that traffic signals within that mile radius, drivneeds to be addressed. ers will have two other opportunities to “The folks with DOT are the experts so make a U-turn when driving southbound.

When driving northbound, there will be one I’ll let them tell me the pros and cons — but I’ve not heard any complaints yet,” he said. additional U-turn spot.

“It’s just one of those things that comes from Once completed, the DOT will begin growth. And right now (441) is one of the phase two of the project, which will run most horrible stretches of highway in from Wide Horizon Drive south to Prentiss Western North Carolina.”

Bridge Road. That two-mile portion of the cantly diminishes after 7 or 8 p.m.”

The DOT held a public hearing for the first phase of the project last September at the community building. Overall, Burch said the feedback was positive, though some business owners were concerned about access for motorists.

“Most people recognize something needs

news

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ith safety concerns at the forefront, a project to significantly alter U.S. 441 through Franklin has been ranked as the top priority by Macon County officials and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The entire project — which will be split into two phases of construction — will remove the so-called “suicide lane” from the five-lane highway and replace it with a raised median and new designated areas to make a U-turn.

“We’re proposing two lanes in each direction and a median in the center that will control the access and improve safety,” said Brian Burch, DOT division construction engineer. “You’ll only be able to turn left at designated locations.”

With an increase in traffic accidents and even more close calls along the corridor, Burch said the middle turn lane that allows motorists to turn right or left is no longer a safe option on Georgia Road. According to the latest traffic study done in 2015, more than 23,000 vehicles pass through the Franklin corridor a day.

“There’s lots of wrecks in that area — several near misses — and a tremendous amount of congestion during peak times in the morning and evening,” he said. “A lot of motorists who are very familiar with the corridor are already implementing their own access management by not turning left out of driveways.”

The $37 million project is still several years away from completion, but DOT will begin the right-of-way acquisition process this September for the first phase. Burch said he doesn’t expect any businesses to be displaced during that process.

“We don’t expect that — we have existing right of way on the five lane but we will have to widen it some,” he said. “We’ll have to get some right of way to tie in some driveways and secondary roads where the driveways dip down.”

Anyone who drives the corridor on a regular basis knows that some of the driveway dips require vehicles to almost come to a full stop on the highway before making the turn

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news

Women’s contributions to workforce celebrated

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

ometimes it can feel like one step forward, two steps back for women in the workforce, but this year’s theme for National Women’s History Month — Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business — provides an opportunity to showcase female pioneers who have made it possible for the next generation of women to succeed.

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March 15-21, 2017

This year’s theme honors women who have successfully challenged the role of women in both business and the paid labor force. Each year, the National Women’s History Project selects honorees from all over the nation from diverse backgrounds that have made their mark in their respective field.

According to the project’s website, “These women all successfully challenged the social and legal structures that have kept women’s labor underappreciated and underpaid.

Facing stark inequalities in the workplace (lower wages, poor working conditions, and limited opportunities), they fought to make the workplace a less hostile environment for women. They succeeded in expanding women’s participation in commerce and their power in the paid labor force.”

This year’s lineup of honorees features Western North Carolina’s own Rebecca Anderson — a community and economic development organizer and founder of

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research gave North Carolina an overall grade of C+ when it comes to the state of women when examining employment, health, reproductive rights, violence and safety, poverty and political participation.

• Political participation — C• Employment and earnings — C+ • Work and Family — D+ • Poverty and Opportunity — D+ • Reproductive Rights — C • Health and Wellbeing — D+ • North Carolina women who work full-time, year-round earn 83 cents on the dollar compared with similarly employed men.

• Approximately 30.5 percent of those working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in North

Rebecca Anderson

HandMade in America who is a Haywood County native. She and her WNC team created HandMade in America, an organization that established a craft-focused economy for 25 counties in the state. It became a cultural heritage model for National Heritage Areas, and a model for 16 state programs.

Before founding HandMade, Anderson

Businesswoman offers leadership advice

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR or all the women out there wondering if they can have it all in life — the career, family and flexibility — Katy Travitz is proof that it is possible.

“I think it really depends on how you define all, but I have it all — I have a great work-life balance, I love what I do and I’m impacting the world,” she said. She also has a husband and two children — one is a freshman in college and the other is a junior in high school.

The great thing about Travitz is that her profession allows her to teach others, including women, how to be leaders in their profession while also balancing all the things life throws at them.

As a partner with Moonshadow Leadership Solutions based in Whittier, Travitz uses her business administration background to train businesses and coach people on how to be better leaders. Moonshadow doesn’t specifically target women, but Travitz said the qualities that make a good leader are the same for males and females.

“All good leaders have to first be aware of themselves, and the impact they have on others — they have to be willing to be flexible,” she said. “We do a lot of work with behavior 6 styles and when you’re aware of that style

Smoky Mountain News

North Carolina Report Card summary

F

you can learn to be more flexible to be effective with the style of everyone you work with.”

But women are making great strides in the workplace on many levels. More women are in managerial or leadership roles than just 10 years ago. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the percentage of women in leadership roles in North Carolina increased from 31 percent in 2004 to 40 per-

“We as women don’t turn off at 5 or 7 o’clock at the end of our professional work day — we continue until we go to bed.”

— Katy Travitz, Moonshadow Leadership Solutions

cent in 2015. The pay gap is also closing overall for women — the average woman in North Carolina now makes 83 cents for every dollar a man earns compared to the 78 cents women made in 2004.

“Over the last couple of decades more women have been able to become CEOs and maybe that was not the case 20 years ago,”

Travitz said. “I’ve also seen women rise in leadership positions that are typically nontraditional for women, like manufacturing — the plant manager at ConMet (in Bryson City) is a woman.”

Women do, however, experience unique challenges in the workplace. Going back to the idea of “having it all,” women can find it difficult to find a balance of work and family obligations. Travitz said good leaders should-

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Carolina are women, compared with 28.8 percent nationwide.

Women in North Carolina who work in unionized labor earn $130 more per week, on average, than those who are not represented by a union.

Approximately 28.5 percent of women in North Carolina have a bachelor’s degree or higher, an increase of about 7 percentage points since 2000.

Women's median annual earnings for fulltime, year-round workers — $35,000.

Ratio of women’s to men’s earnings has increased from 78 percent to 83.3 percent from 2004 to 2015.

Women’s labor force participation decreased from 59 percent in 2004 to 58 percent in 2015.

The percentage of employed women in managerial roles increased from 31 percent in 2004 to 40 percent in 2015.

SOURCE: statusofwomendata.org was also director of community development with Land of Sky Regional Planning Council, director of economic development for the Ashville Chamber of Commerce, and director of economic development for the city of Ashville. In 2000, she was named among U.S. News and World Report’s list of the United States top 20 visionaries.

n’t put everything they have into their career at the detriment of other aspects of life because it causes burn out and a lack of motivation in the long run.

“Finding a work-life balance is not a gender issue — it’s for everybody — but for women it’s different because we also manage the household most of the time,” she said.

“We as women don’t turn off at 5 or 7 o’clock at the end of our professional work day — we continue until we go to bed.”

Another challenge she’s come across both professionally and personally is women feeling unequal at work, whether it’s women not feeling equal to their male counterparts or the feeling that they aren’t being given the same opportunity for advancement because of their gender.

Whether it’s a perceived reality or a genuine reality, women in the workplace feel pressure not to rock the boat — not asking for a raise even when one is warranted or being worried about job security if they take maternity leave. But Travitz’s advice for women who want to move up the corporate ladder is to be themselves.

“Be true to yourself and don’t try to become someone you’re not,” she said.

“We’re all gifted and talented people — finding those gifts and talents and offering it to the organization is the most impactful thing we can do.”

For more information about Moonshadow Leadership Solutions, visit www.moonshadow.net.

Cherokee laughter WOMEN IN WNC in a three-bedroom house that was home to a family of nine. Her father supported the family working as a logger, but the pay wasn’t always steady — when the weather was bad or when winter hit, he’d be out of work.

“It was hard, but we had a good childhood experience, because when you have that many siblings you have to learn how to share, and you have to learn to pitch into work,” she said. “It was a good experience compared to what children have today.”

Oswalt believes that the hard times and the love surrounding her during her early years at home and the BIA school helped get her where she is today. Though, even as she spoke, she backtracked on her estimation of just how far she’s come.

“I don’t claim to be anywhere,” she said.

Others in her tribe, however, would beg to differ. On Feb. 2, the Cherokee Tribal Council voted unanimously to give Oswalt — now 62 and battling stage-four lung cancer — the title of Beloved Woman. It’s the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is held by only two other living people, Ella Bird and Myrtle Driver Johnson.

The tribe also has one living Beloved Man, Jerry Wolfe. Even as Oswalt protested to Council that she didn’t deserve such an

honor, person after person spoke up to explain just how fitting the title was.

“Shirley saw a need. She saw that the language was dying, and she was going to do something about it,” said Bo Taylor, director of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, who submitted the Beloved Woman resolution with Vice Chief Richie Sneed. “She didn’t just sit back and complain. She got off her butt and she started teaching, and that’s the best thing you can do. You’ve got to give it back.”

FINDING HER VOICE As a young person, Oswalt never expected she’d end up teaching tribal members how to speak Cherokee. There was no need to teach Cherokee. Everybody spoke it.

It wasn’t until sixth grade that Oswalt even got to know any non-Native people.

That’s when she started going to public school in Robbinsville, and for much of that time she was more focused on basketball

Smoky Mountain News

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER Shirley Jackson Oswalt can still remember the first words she said in English.

Her older siblings had prepped her before she headed off to her first day of first grade at the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Snowbird Day School in Robbinsville, and when the teacher came over to greet her, Oswalt knew her line.

“I said, ‘Good morning, Mrs. Lee,’” Oswalt reminisced decades later from the armchair in her Robbinsville-area home.

“And then she said something else and that’s all I knew, so I said, ‘Good morning, Mrs. Lee.’ Then she said something else, and I said, ‘Good morning, Mrs. Lee.’ I just kept repeating myself, because that’s all I knew.”

Oswalt had grown up speaking only Cherokee, day in and day out. She lived in the community of Snowbird, which was only 7 miles from Robbinsville, but might as well have been 17 — the only time most Cherokee families ventured into town, Oswalt said, was for the Saturday grocery shopping trip. They stayed to themselves, worshipping at Cherokee-speaking churches, chatting the evenings away on the porches of their Cherokee neighbors, working hard to support their Cherokee families.

Life wasn’t easy. There weren’t too many jobs out in Robbinsville, and most people in Snowbird were poor. Oswalt herself grew up

National Women’s History Month has been celebrated since 1980 when a coalition of women — now the National Women’s History Project — lobbied Congress for the March designation. The Smoky Mountain News will be publishing a series of articles to showcase a number of women in Western North Carolina who are currently making history and also examining the overall state of women in our area when it comes to industry, government and educating future generations of women.

March 15-21, 2017

Tribe’s newest Beloved Woman reflects on life full of love for language and community

Status of Women in North Carolina

than on questions involving the long-term future. Each seventh- and eighth-grade homeroom had its own basketball team, and at the end of the school year they’d all have a tournament. Oswalt quickly discovered she had a talent for the sport.

“When I got in high school, I actually made the first team as a freshman and then for me at that time it was just basketball.

Just play basketball. It doesn’t matter if you learn anything or not — just learn basketball,” she said.

She was mostly earning Cs, but at the suggestion of the school counselor she applied for a scholarship and found herself being offered a full ride to University of California at Berkeley. But she didn’t go.

“I had no idea what that meant,” Oswalt said. “And so my brother says to me, ‘Are you really going to Berkeley to college?’ and I said, ‘I guess.’ And he goes, ‘How are you going to get there?’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know.’ And I didn’t tell my parents. They weren’t educated enough to know what that meant either. They knew what college was and they knew that we could probably go to college somewhere close, but they never thought about going to California.”

Instead, she enrolled in an engineering program at Southwestern Community College that was free for tribal members. But it didn’t last. As the only woman in the class, she said, she found herself the target of constant sexual harassment. After a year she quit, furthering her education with stints at Tri-County Community College and Western Carolina University.

Oswalt was a rather timid young woman at that time — “a quiet say yes person, just trying to get along with people” — and she didn’t really know how to stand up for herself. Leaving seemed the easiest solution.

But Oswalt would eventually find her voice.

She was doing social services work for the Cherokee Boys Club when the organization Save the Children contacted her, wanting to know what they could do for the Snowbird community. Oswalt replied that they needed more childcare opportunities but had no building to house such a thing.

The organization responded by setting up a home-based preschool program, part of an international effort called Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters.

Oswalt was hired as the director and flown to New York City to meet the woman in charge of the worldwide HIPPY program, Dr. Miriam Westheimer.

Westheimer would prove to be an important figure in Oswalt’s life. By this time Oswalt was in her 20s, married and the mother of three, but she still felt small a lot of times. Westheimer “made you feel like you could conquer the world,” Oswalt said.

“She taught me how to be a little more assertive and she said, ‘Shirley, you can do anything you want to do. You just have to decide that’s what you want to do,’” Oswalt said.

Westheimer pushed her, too. One time, Westheimer was asked to speak at a literacy conference at the University of North

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Shirley Oswalt pages through a Cherokee version of ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ translated by her friend and fellow Beloved Woman Myrtle Johnson Driver. Holly Kays photo

S EE OSWALT, PAGE 8 7

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OSWALT, CONTINUED FROM 7 Carolina Chapel Hill — but she suggested Oswalt go instead, as the conference was wanting to hear specifically about the program in Snowbird. There were a lot of famous people there, including Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary.

“I got so nervous before I went that I wouldn’t even go there and spend the night,” Oswalt said. “I left here (Robbinsville) that morning to go to Chapel Hill because I was so nervous. I couldn’t go up there and spend the night.”

But, much to her surprise, things went just as smoothly as Westheimer had promised they would. She stood up, popped in the videotape, and navigated the questions that came afterward. Before she knew it, it was over.

“Some things like that have happened in my life that’s really changed my life and how I see myself,” Oswalt said. “Now you could put me in front of all those people and I would never quit talking. But then, I couldn’t.”

THE WAKE-UP CALL

Smoky Mountain News

March 15-21, 2017

Oswalt eventually left her job with HIPPY. Her mother got cancer, and she’d decided to quit her job to be the caretaker.

But her mother passed away shortly before she’d planned to quit, so Oswalt went to work for a program called Healthy Cherokee.

The program had a cultural learning component, and that’s how she met Taylor, the museum director who helped nominate her for Beloved Woman.

“He was still in college, and he was trying to learn Cherokee language,” she said. “He was always at me with his little notebook — how do you say this, how do you say that? …

I thought man, this kid’s never going to learn. But just kept struggling. He struggled and struggled.”

About 10 years later, Oswalt ran into Taylor again. He was working at the museum, and he’d learned enough Cherokee to start teaching it to others. The meeting proved a wake-up call for Oswalt.

“He said, ‘You know, we’re losing speakers every day,’ and he said, ‘We’re not replacing them. Everybody’s speaking English.

Everybody’s having English as their first language,’” Oswalt recalled. “I had never thought about it.”

So, she thought about it.

“Here he was — a non-speaker, a learner — and he was trying to teach and save the language, trying so hard, struggling. But he didn’t care, he was teaching them what he knew,” said Oswalt. “I thought, I ought to be ashamed of myself.”

She turned that feeling into action, and started teaching nighttime Cherokee classes.

It was a shoestring operation, with her husband Mac buying the supplies — just paper and pencil — with money from his job as a truck driver. The Cherokee Preservation Foundation eventually noticed and encouraged her to apply for a grant to expand the program. Oswalt buckled down to figure out exactly how to go about writing a grant, and in 2007, she opened the Cherokee Language 8 Summer Camp in Robbinsville.

Oswalt becomes Cherokee’s third living Beloved Woman hirley Oswalt was named a Beloved Woman of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Tuesday, Feb. 2, the highest honor that can be given to a Cherokee woman and one that’s held by only two other living people.

“Shirley was a dear friend to me who helped me along,” said Vice Chief Richie Sneed, who submitted the resolution jointly with Museum of the Cherokee Indian Director Bo Taylor. “I’ve known her now for about 12 or 13 years and seen her strength and courage as a Cherokee woman.”

“That’s the most ultimate status I could think of, to be loved by our people, so I do love her, and I would hope this council would stand behind this and give this to her, because I think she deserves it,” agreed Taylor, who’s worked on language preservation efforts alongside Oswalt for the past couple decades.

Oswalt was floored when the resolution was read. She’d come to council that day only because her sister had asked her to, and she’d accepted only because she felt like she’d said no to too many proposed outings recently. Then she heard her name being read. Tribal Council voted unanimously in favor of the title.

“I don’t know what to say,” Oswalt told council. “I just don’t have the words.”

When she finally was able to wrap her tongue around some words, it was to tell

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Oswalt (left) smiles from a float in the Cherokee Fall Festival parade with her sister Geraldine Thompson. Donated photo The camp runs all summer long, accepting Cherokee kids as young as 7. Most of them keep going until their sophomore year of high school, when they’re old enough for a different summer program.

By the time the summer’s over, Oswalt said, their progress is impressive. Each year concludes with a play that’s performed exclusively in Cherokee.

The summer program is just the tip of the iceberg for Oswalt’s efforts to save the language, which has fewer than 260 remain-

council they might have made a mistake.

“I feel like the Beloved Woman is for the women who have been beloved all their lives, and I failed at so many things in my life, and I feel like I don’t deserve it,” Oswalt told council.

It didn’t take long for a parade of elected officials and to contradict her. Vice Chairman Brandon Jones, who is also Oswalt’s nephew, was the first to speak up.

“I have to disagree with you on this one. You are beloved,” he said. “It takes more than just a parent to raise a child — it take a whole village, and you were part of my village. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t have you looking after me when my momma wasn’t there.”

Beloved Woman Myrtle Driver Johnson, who serves as Cherokee interpreter for council, also spoke up in support, delivering a few comments in English after first speaking for minutes in Cherokee.

Then Councilmember Marie Junaluska, also a Cherokee speaker, affirmed that Oswalt was more than deserving.

And Principal Chief Patrick Lambert embraced Oswalt, telling the audience that her accomplishments will outlive her by a long shot.

“What she’s done in her life will carry on for a long, long time,” Lambert said.

“It’s not something that’s fleeting. I think that’s what we all strive for in our lives.”

ing native speakers. From 2006 to 2016, she taught adult language students at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee, and she taught the language at Robbinsville High School from 2007 to 2016.

She was on the inaugural board of the Cherokee immersion school New Kituwah Academy from 2004 to 2006.

“That’s kind of been my life, and if I was able to now, I’d be teaching Cherokee language still,” she said.

She had to say goodbye to teaching in 2016, when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Oswalt’s now in stage four, fighting the disease with robust support from her sizable network of friends and family. As she told Tribal Council in February, “I don’t know how much time I’ve got left. Only the good Lord knows, but if he chooses to heal me, I’ll be back at it.”

LANGUAGE AS A VECTOR Preserving the Cherokee language has obvious sentimental value to Oswalt, for whom every memory of childhood is nestled in the wrapping of her native tongue.

But the urgency goes beyond mere sentimentality. The language is a vector for information about the tribe’s culture, history and way of being.

“Because of the way the words are, once

you learn Cherokee you start learning the meanings of those words,” Oswalt said.

“That’s when you realize your community.

You are close to each other, you’ve got each other’s backs.”

Cherokee words tend to be formed from multiple other words, combinations intended to convey some truth about whatever object or idea the word signifies. The end result describes not just what the object is, but what it means. For example, the word for horse means “he carries something on his back,” and comes from the Cherokees’ first encounter with horses — and Europeans. The word says something about the history of the Cherokees’ historical experiences with horses.

“If you don’t learn the language, you’re losing all that,” Oswalt said.

The language influences the way Oswalt interacts with people, the way she approaches conversation. Words mean something, and that’s a reality that has both serious and light-hearted implications.

On the serious side, Oswalt’s often taken aback when she sees younger people tossing around meaning-laden words with abandon — like “love,” for instance.

“In Cherokee we don’t say that,” she said.

“We don’t go throwing that around. It means too much to just throw it around daily at everybody you talk to on a cell phone.”

There’s solemnity to the passing along of words drenched with ancient meanings.

On the flip side, words said in jest have layered meaning too, often making for some lively conversations. Oswalt often thinks about what former Tribal Council Chairman Dan McCoy once told her, that speaking Cherokee was good medicine. He’d based his comment on the way that the Cherokee speakers always seemed to be laughing when they got together.

“Cherokee is very visual,” Oswalt said.

“What you say, you visualize. So when you say, ‘It’s raining cats and dogs,’ you visualize cats and dogs. So I said, ‘That’s why we’re always laughing.”

Since getting sick, Oswalt has drawn on the medicine of the language.

“When she really feels bad, some of the speakers come over,” said her husband Mac. “They get to laughing. She gets to feeling a little better. A laugh or a smile is always helpful. It makes you feel better, even when you’re feeling bad.”

That’s how Oswalt remembers it being, in earlier years — neighbors and friends dropping by for no reason other than a desire to sit on the porch and talk about nothing in particular. She and Mac love to have bonfires in the warmer weather, inviting friends and family to come enjoy a meal and sit around the fire late into the night. In recent years, people have gotten busier, been less inclined to spend an evening shooting the breeze. Though she’d definitely rather be healthy, Oswalt said, “ever since I got cancer we don’t go as much, and it’s nice now to just sit around and talk.”

Just not around a campfire — with her cancer, she’s not allowed to be near smoke, “and that just kills me,” she said.

S EE OSWALT, PAGE 10

Bryson City woman explores state of women

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR hich female pioneers have paved the way for you to be where you are today?

“Sojourner Truth,” Janice Inabinett answered without hesitation. “She’s my shero.”

Truth was an African-American abolitionist and women’s rights activist famous for her extemporaneous and powerful speech “Ain’t I a Woman,” delivered in 1851 at the Women’s Convention in Ohio.

“She felt like she needed to shed light into a dark corner,” Inabinett said.

Inabinett is also trying to shed a little more light in her corner of the world by asking women in Swain County to reflect on the female trailblazers they look up to in their respective fields.

It’s a question Inabinett says every woman should take a moment to contemplate during March — National Women’s History Month. She’s made it her mission to spread the message by getting county commissioners to pass a resolution recognizing Women’s History Month, asking businesses to hang up signs to support women’s contri-

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know how many grandmothers are raising grandchildren and how many are dependent on free school meals,” she said. “Women are working constantly — we have our work cut out for us. I think some of us are doing not so good and some are doing excellent.”

‘HERSTORY’ Inabinett was born in Bryson City in 1941. Her father was from Charleston, S.C., and moved to Bryson City in 1927 to work as a server at the Calhoun House.

She worries about women trying too hard to fit into the man’s world in an effort to be equal and losing what she calls the “feminine flavor” — the qualities that make women different.

“We are taught maybe that the woman that deserves any attention is the one who comes into herself and does the same things men do,” she said. “I’m worried that we might adopt the masculine take on what strength is and not include the feminine part, but we need to have that.”

Inabinett said the “feminine flavor” includes the characteristics that society considers to be a weakness — sensitivity, empathy, creativity and compassion. Even in school, she says test scores are valued much more than a child’s ability to show compassion and under-

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Finding your ‘shero’

instead of coming back to North Carolina, so that’s what she did.

“She never pushed me one way or anotherm but she said ‘There’s world out there’ and she wanted me to explore and discover it,” Inabinett said. “She came from a place where you don’t raise children just to keep them.”

Inabinett would go on to become a social worker dealing with issues like state-provided daycare, welfare, foster care and adoption.

The system was much different when she started out than it is today.

“I remember my first job as a social worker — we were forbidden to mention the word birth control unless the women asked us about it,” she said. “My clients were lowincome women working in New York City.

There was compulsory child birthing going

WOMEN IN WNC

Janice Inabinett (left) and Ila Hatter look over the Women’s History Month display at the Swain County Heritage Museum. Jessi Stone photo

“Find a tool, self assess and grow. It’s about loving ourselves and doing it without fear.”

— Janice Inabinett

on but they didn’t want that — they wanted sexual freedom and this new thing (birth control) was coming about and they were reading about it.”

Inabinett was recruited back to North Carolina when the state was looking to expand its state-funded daycare system, but it would be another 50 years before she returned to Bryson City after she retired.

“But it’s always been home — ain’t no place like this,” she said.

FEMININE FLAVOR When Inabinett thinks about the state of women today, she finds reason for concern.

standing for one another’s differences.

“Men have those characteristics too, but many are taught to suppress it when they make decisions,” she said. “They only want to talk about the science and the facts.”

Even at 75, Inabinett said she still has more questions than answers when it comes to her own status as a woman because she said there’s no metric established for measuring how individual women are doing.

“We haven’t come up with a report card to give ourselves — a score in the areas we should be striving for,” she said. “Do I pass?

I’m probably a C, but if we seriously think about that and had a checklist, how would we do and what’s on the checklist?”

She said women should figure out their own priorities and create their own checklist based on the characteristics they value instead of basing their value on what society tells them they should be. Her checklist would include tolerance, openness and unconditional love.

“Find a tool, self assess and grow,” she said. “It’s about loving ourselves and doing it without fear.”

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Smoky Mountain News

“He married a part Indian girl in 1933 and they had me 1941,” she said.

Her earliest remembrance of thinking about the state of women was when she was going to the drive-in movie theater as she often did and her mother asked her, “Any women in it with starring roles?”

“I had never thought about that kind of thing before,” she said. “I always knew women worked — I didn’t know that women weren’t supposed to work because the women I was around were working women. They were the help but they were still working women.”

The state of women and African Americans was changing quickly during that time, especially in the South.

“I had the good fortune to turn 13 in 1954 when there was something called Brown v.

Board of Education and there was a discussion in the community of what do to with us,” Inabinett recalled.

Worried about how integration would be handled in Swain County schools, Inabinett’s parents decided to send her to Ohio to live with her aunt. After high school, Inabinett said her mother insisted she go to college

March 15-21, 2017

butions in the workplace, and asking the library, history museum, hospital and other high-traffic areas around Bryson City to put up displays.

“The big thing is just awareness and a lot of the young women I’m talking to are just excited — they think it’s so wonderful,” she said. “I’m also interviewing women finding out what do we need to be doing differently for them.”

Inabinett has heard varying answers — everything from wanting more indoor recreational opportunities, wanting more affordable access to preventative health screenings to wanting a one-stop shop resource center for women.

“One young woman — a 19-year-old just striking out on her own — said she wanted a resource center where we can go and feel safe.

A place to help women make that transition from child to an adult,” Inabinett said.

“Somewhere that helps us know how to do our taxes, how to register to vote, how to balance a budget, how to get a house or apartment.”

When asked what had motivated her to lead the effort to recognize Women’s History Month, Inabinett said it started with the Women’s March held across the world Jan. 21. At 75, she didn’t think she could manage the trip to Washington, D.C., but decided to find her own way to support the movement.

“I couldn’t go to Washington so I thought what can I do locally? Well, I can get the county to acknowledge women and make them aware we’re here and we’re contributing, but also I want eventually to have them discover how we’re doing in the community. I want to

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OSWALT, CONTINUED FROM 8

STORIES AND SPIRITUALITY

how Native and Christian spirituality fit together.

“I don’t know where they fit in now. I just don’t know,” she said. “But I do think it’s important to keep the stories, even for people that may or may not believe in them or show they believe in them. I think it’s important to keep these stories even if they’re just old legends. And some of them have a lot of lessons.”

Hand-in-hand with the Cherokee language walks Cherokee lore. Oswalt’s a devout Christian, having grown up going to church on Sundays and listening to her parents sing her hymns in Cherokee. She believes in Jesus, and in the Bible. But she also doesn’t discount the stories.

“I really don’t know how to explain it,” AST AND PRESENT she said. “It’s like if you were to see a UFO and you know you saw it, but getting other Looking ahead to the tribe’s future, people to believe it is what you saw. You Oswalt has her hopes, and her concerns. She know what you saw.” can remember what it was like when nobody Her most vivid experience took place one who was Cherokee had any money, whatsonight when she was loading up the trailer for ever. Things are certainly different now. the craft shows she and Mac used to do. She People used to make fun of their cars, for heard what she knew to be an owl calling up the ridge, but the sound was unlike any owl she’d ever heard before — it almost sounded like a screaming woman.

Kind of like a panther, but it wasn’t that either.

“It was an owl. I just knew it,” she said. “I could sense that bird sitting up there on that tree. Well, then I hear him start flying down here, and I could feel his feathers going oohm, oohm.”

It landed on a tree nearby, and she was thinking about running when she remembered what her old- Oswalt (wearing glasses, back row) stands with her classmates est brother used to tell her as a senior at Robbinsville High School. Donated photo — to stand up to things rather than letting them scare you. example, call them “Indian cars.” People “I said it in my language: ‘You’re not even entered “Indian cars” in parades, and going to scare me. You just need to go ahead the car was always “just a run-down vehicle and leave,’” Oswalt said. “And it was almost that was barely running and popping and like he just disappeared ... How do you smoking everywhere it went.” explain that? I know what I know. I know With the advent of the casino, she said, what I felt. I know he was on the ridge and it’s good to see people able to afford cars he flew down and landed on that tree. I that run, quality furniture for their homes don’t know. It’s hard to explain those and other essentials for a comfortable life. things.”

At the same time, it concerns her to see peoThat’s not the only encounter Oswalt has ple who are dependent on the tribe to pay had with Cherokee lore entering real life. their bills, and youngsters who aren’t learnTwice she’s seen what are known in ing the same lessons about the value of hard Cherokee stories as the little people, a group work that she had growing up. of spiritual beings that can be seen only “It really discourages me that people when they allow themselves to be seen. They get to the point where they’re just wanting can be mischievous, they can be helpful and more and more and more,” Oswalt said, they should always be respected. “and I think, ‘Don’t be like that. Just One of Oswalt’s sightings occurred appreciate what you’ve got and don’t rely when she was an adult, after the death of on the casino.” one of her brothers, and another hapFor her part, Oswalt does appreciate pened when she was a child, playing a what she has — a home just miles from the game similar to Ring Around the Rosy. place she was born, amply adorned with She looked across the circle and one had family photos; a porch and backyard for joined in the game. family and friends to gather; 42 years of “I never asked anybody, ‘Did you see that marriage to her husband; and loved ones all little people join in with us?’ I never talked around. about it. Back then, they used to say if you Sometimes she does think about that ever see a little people, don’t talk about it,” scholarship to Berkeley, and how things Oswalt said. might have been different had she’d taken it.

She doesn’t observe that rule anymore, She doesn’t regret her choices. no longer fearing that some ambiguous bad “I thought it must have been meant for thing will happen if she breaks it. She’s OK me not to go,” she said, “because I have with talking about it, and with pondering enjoyed my life.”

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Franklin considers changing ‘alderman’ title T

temporary.

“For me, it’s six in one, half a dozen in another but I understand the objection when we have women on the board and alderwomen is an awkward word,” said Alderman Brandon McMahan.

Alderman Joe Collins said it wasn’t one of the top concerns on his priority list.

Alderman Adam Kimsey said he wouldn’t have any objection to changing it to council.

Alderman Billy Mashburn said he would not be in favor of changing the board name.

“I don’t think it’s fair to the women on the board,” Scott said, asking for input from the two females on the town board.

Alderman Barbara McRae said she wouldn’t mind changing to council.

Alderman Patti Abel said she didn’t have a problem with it either way, but would be in favor of changing it if it helped people better understand the title.

“I had never heard the term alderman before I came to North Carolina. I always heard councilman,” she said.

Town Manager Summer Woodard said such a change would require an amendment to the town’s charter, which requires a public hearing.

At the town’s March 6 meeting, Scott presented a resolution to propose a change to the town’s charter and to hold a public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Monday, April 3, dur-

Mull were the only female aldermen.

“It just felt awkward to call them aldermen,” Hendler-Voss said.

“I don’t take any offense in it,” Mull said.

“It’s just a title. We’re just as much a voice in government as anyone else.”

Maggie Valley also still uses the term board of aldermen, even though the board has one female member — Janet Banks — and former aldermen It just seems unfair calling board members Saralyn Price now serves as aldermen, particularly when two are women.” the town’s — Bob Scott, Franklin Mayor mayor.

Banks said when changing the town’s form of manageshe understands and respects Franklin’s ment to include a town manager. move to be more inclusive, but for right now The resolution passed 5-1, with she says the town of Maggie Valley has more Mashburn opposed. pressing issues to worry about than going through the tedious process of changing its name.

HAT DO OTHER BOARDS OF “I think it’s always great to recognize ALDERMEN THINK women who serve in government and I When Seth Hendler-Voss was hired as the know the term is confusing because I get new town manager of Canton, he incorporeferred to many times as ‘serving on board rated “alderwomen” into official town lanof aldermen’ and I get funny looks,” Banks guage. said. “But I’m just not sure it’s worth the “That was one of my first recommendaeffort of our board right now. And also tions as manager,” said Hendler-Voss. “It was Maggie Valley is very proud of its history an easy way to improve our image and our and I bet a lot of people would probably be perception.” against that just because it’s part of our hisAt the time, Carole Edwards and Gail tory.”

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ing the town’s regular monthly meeting.

Mashburn said he hadn’t received a copy of the resolution prior to the meeting and asked Town Attorney John Henning Jr. if he had looked it over.

Henning said he had looked over the resolution. He said making the language change in the charter would require the same kind of public hearing the town held

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR he term alderman is defined as a member of a city legislative body, but it literally translates as “old man” in old English.

Even though several local municipalities in Western North Carolina still refer to themselves as boards of aldermen, it’s considered an outdated term that many younger people don’t recognize. And with more women serving on town governing boards, the word aldermen just isn’t representative of the modern times.

“In the 15 years I’ve been involved in town government — as an alderman and mayor — this has been something I adamantly wanted changed. It just seems unfair calling board members aldermen, particularly when two are women,” said Franklin Mayor Bob Scott. “And I’ve heard from several young women in Macon County and they support it.”

During a recent Franklin Board of Aldermen retreat, the subject was brought up when a town intern — a senior at Franklin High — mentioned that many of her classmates might not understand what an alderman is or what they do.

Scott asked if anyone on the board would be opposed to exploring the possibility of changing the board from aldermen to council in an effort to be more inclusive and con-

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Haywood County Board Chairman Kirk Kirkpatrick looks on during a recent commission meeting. Cory Vaillancourt photo.

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER ensions between Haywood County and a state legislator are on the rise as commissioners called her out at a recent meeting for yet again obstructing a request for legislation that has overwhelming local bipartisan support.

Back in early February, Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, effectively killed yet another proposed Tourism Development Authority occupancy tax increase by saying she would refuse to shepherd legislation requested by the towns of Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley and Waynesville as well as Haywood County Commissioners.

A few weeks later and after much ado, commissioners asked Presnell to help make the county’s tax collector position an appointed, rather than elected, one.

That request, too, appears to be going nowhere, and commissioners aren’t happy.

“The grumbling is the disappointment in our representatives,” said Commission Chairman and Democrat Kirk Kirkpatrick. “It feels like we have no representation.”

On Feb. 20, commissioners passed a resolution asking Haywood County’s legislative delegation to the North Carolina General Assembly to “introduce and seek passage” of legislation bringing Haywood County into line with the other 99 counties in the state by being able to hire its tax collector.

“It was a unanimous decision by the Board of County Commissioners, which is split between three Democrats and two Republicans who were elected by the whole county,” Kirkpatrick said.

Commissioners have repeatedly called Matthews’ performance and character into question. Matthews, a Republican, has alleged corruption and party politics as the reason. The resolution would not remove Matthews from the position immediately, but

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March 15-21, 2017

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instead make him and any other interested parties apply for it in 2018 when his term expires.

Regardless, the resolution needs the full support of Presnell as well as Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City.

Both represent a portion of Haywood County, and — according to a letter read by Kirkpatrick during the March 6 board meeting — seem to prefer the county hold a referendum to let voters decide on the issue.

“Mr. Clampitt wants us to have a referendum — that is, a vote at the 2018 election, and it’s my understanding that Ms. Presnell wants the same,” he said, later calling the $5,000 referendum “ridiculous.”

“With that being said, it does not appear that Rep. Presnell or Rep. Clampitt is going to honor our request for the resolution,” Kirkpatrick stated. “So, I don’t know how you feel about that, commissioners, or what we need to do.”

Expressing his frustration first was Democratic Commissioner Mike Sorrells, who wondered if Clampitt and Presnell understood that the county was trying to get someone more qualified into the position in the future.

Commissioner Bill Upton, also a Democrat, opined that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners might be able to help with Presnell’s repeated obstruction of proposed legislation bearing overwhelming bipartisan local support, like a proposed 2013 occupancy tax increase, a proposed 2015 Waynesville-Lake Junaluska merger, the proposed 2017 occupancy tax increase and the 2017 tax collector resolution.

When Kirkpatrick initially asked Republican Commissioner Kevin Ensley for comments, the affable Ensley said he probably oughtn’t say anything.

But after Upton, Sorrells and

Haywood considers investigation into leaked docs

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER he strange saga of Haywood County Tax Collector Mike Matthews isn’t over, but for the moment the spotlight is back on the Haywood County Board of County Commissioners.

Chairman Kirk Kirkpatrick said March 13 that the board was considering how, when and if they would be conducting an investigation into who leaked confidential information concerning Matthews and other employees.

“If I were them, I’d like to know,” Matthews said.

At some point prior to Feb. 10, The Mountaineer newspaper received a copy of the results of a county-commissioned independent investigation into a workplace complaint involving Matthews, who has clashed with commissioners since before he even took office.

Although the original complaint was not substantiated, a host of allegations regarding Matthews’ workplace conduct were included in the report, from which excerpts were published just as commissioners were considering a resolution to change Matthews’ position from elected to appointed.

The report has still not been made public, despite repeated requests by The Smoky Mountain News. The county maintains that it contains sensitive personnel information

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was given to the newspaper by someone other than a public official or county employee, it’s not exactly plausible.

Few in county administration would have access to such a document in the first place. That leaves what is likely a small pool of people within county government as potential culprits who may be in violation not only of county policy but also of state law.

“We are dealing with that in closed session,” said Chairman Kirkpatrick.

More specifically, Kirkpatrick pointed out Although it’s possible that the nuances in the law governing Matthews’ privacy report was given to the newspaper rights as an elected official, by someone other than a public which are generally less than those of private indiofficial or county employee, it’s not viduals, and said that he and commissioners were exactly plausible. waiting for more information before being able to move forward with a full-on inquiry.

The manual goes on to state that any Kirkpatrick couldn’t elaborate further public official or county employee “who knowingly and willfully permits any person on the closed session discussions, but said he hoped more information on any potento have access to any confidential informatial investigation would be forthcoming. tion contained in an employee personnel When asked in mid-February, County file, except as expressly authorized by the Manager Ira Dove and County Attorney designated custodian, may be judged guilty Chip Killian said that they work at the disof a misdemeanor and upon conviction be fined an amount not to exceed five hundred cretion of the board, and thus hadn’t yet taken unilateral action on the matter dollars ($500.00).” themselves.

Although it’s possible that the report that is exempt from disclosure under N.C. General Statutes, which state in part that some information in an employee’s personnel file is not public information.

Furthermore, Haywood County’s Personnel Policy Manual, adopted in December 2013, cautions against “releasing or using confidential information of others, including but not limited to: data, passwords, codes, Social Security numbers or any other information which was not intended for public knowledge.”

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Kirkpatrick kicked it around some more — accompanied by silence from newly elected Republican Commissioner Brandon Rogers — Ensley finally decided to weigh in with a philosophical exposition drawing upon the very roots of American government.

“I would like to make one comment,” Ensley said. “We live in a constitutional republic. We don’t live in a democracy. The democracy part of our republic is that we elect our officials to make decisions for us, and enact laws. We don’t put it out for the public to vote on every issue. If we did, the founders called that ‘mobocracy.’ That’s not the government they set up for us.”

Indeed, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson have all made explicitly clear their fears of such a government.

But those sentiments beg a salient point around which most of Haywood County politics seems to revolve nowadays — should state legislators put aside their own political views when asked by local officials to cooperate with something they may not support?

Ensley said that commissioners were closest to the residents — the taxpayers — of the county, and that their word should be given due deference.

“The best government is when you have home rule, and you abide by the constitutional process that our founders have put in place for us to operate our government, and that’s when our government works best. And it has for over 200 years,” he said. “It is very disappointing that this is happening.”

March 15-21, 2017 Smoky Mountain News 13

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER bill set to make school board elections partisan in Haywood County took current school board members — including the chairman — completely by surprise and has so far earned poor marks from a majority of the board.

Longtime Chairman of the Haywood County School Board Chuck Francis said he’d first learned about the bill, sponsored

by Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, in a March 9 email from the North Carolina School Board Association.

House Bill 265 was introduced March 7 and seeks to change the election method for boards of education in Beaufort, Dare, Haywood, Hyde, Madison and Yancey counties.

Presnell represents Madison, Yancey and part of Haywood County, but sought neither advice on nor opinion of the initiative from Francis, and likewise didn’t give Francis or board members a heads up that she would end up as a primary sponsor.

“No, she did not,” Francis said. “Nor did she contact any of our board members, and I’ve confirmed that.”

School board member Ann Barrett, who was mostly recently elected in November but has served on the school board before, said she wasn’t contacted either.

Smoky Mountain News

March 15-21, 2017

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“No I was not,” said Barrett, a registered Republican. “I think somebody should have contacted us and asked us what our feelings are on this, but I have not been contacted.”

Board members Scott Smith and Ronnie Clark — both Republicans — concurred with Barrett, as did Democrat and School Board Vice Chairman Jim Harley Francis.

“I think if she’s going to introduce something that will affect us, she should at least

Barrett said that one of the things she likes about the board is that it is nonpartisan, “so one party can’t have the say over what happens.”

The bill as written wouldn’t alter the districts from which members are elected — Bethel, Clyde, Crabtree/Iron Duff and Fines Creek will still get one member each, Beaverdam and Waynesville two and the chairman would still run countywide.

But begin“I feel we want to make decisions based on what’s ning in 2018, best for the kids, and not based on partisan polianyone tics, whether it be Democrat or Republican.” running — Chuck Francis, Haywood County School Board Chairman would have to have the courtesy to explain it to us, and do so either as a Democrat, a Libertarian or explain how this will benefit the kids of a Republican.

Haywood County,” he said. “I would love if Presnell’s bill already faces opposition she came to one of our board meetings and from a majority of the school board; in explained it.” addition to Democrat Chuck Francis, Chuck Francis said regardless of the Republicans Barrett, Smith and Clark say snub, he’s opposed to making the currently they don’t support it. non-partisan elections into a party affair.

“Not at all,” Clark said, adding that he “I feel we want to make decisions based did email Presnell his objections to it, but on what’s best for the kids,” said Francis, a didn’t identify himself as a school board registered Democrat, “and not based on member, only as a private citizen. partisan politics, whether it be Democrat or As of March 14, HB 265 passed a first Republican.” reading in the House and had been referred to

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Majority opposed to making school board partisan the Committee on State and Local Government. If that committee returns a favorable opinion, the bill will then move on to the Committee on Elections and Ethics Law. Presnell was unavailable for comment on the bill.

Although Rep. Michele Presnell did not return a call for comment on her bill to make school board elections partisan, her March 14 “House Update” newsletter says, among other things, that they’re already partisan in all but name.

“Pretending that school board elections are non-partisan does not change the fact that candidates are affiliated with and get broad support from political parties,” she wrote. “A local school board candidate does not just happen upon support from a political party — he or she oftentimes seeks party support and tows (sic) the party line to maintain that support.”

Presnell also maintains that having an associated party helps voters make an informed decision at the polls.

“Party designation tells a voter a great deal about a candidate — if he or she has one — whether in a school board race or any other. I’ve talked to many people in my district who want the political party of school board candidates on the ballot. The media and some school board members are vehemently opposed, but that’s not surprising.”

Lawmakers want to make town elections partisan Republican lawmakers in Raleigh have introduced several bills to make more local elections a partisan affair, and local leaders aren’t happy about it.

The Franklin Board of Aldermen joined local governing boards across the state by adopting a resolution last week opposing Senate Bill 94 — a piece of legislation introduced by Republican Sens.

Ronald Rabin and Norman Sanderson to require that candidates for school boards and municipalities run as a Democrat, Republican or Libertarian.

“The board felt very strongly that things are fine the way they are and from what I hear it’s a pretty universal feeling among local boards,” said Franklin Mayor Bob Scott.”

For Scott, this is just one more move by the General Assembly to take away power from local governments.

“Cities and towns are facing an erosion of their authority,” he said at a recent board retreat.

Other aldermen agreed that they like having a nonpartisan election for town elections.

“Would Republicans benefit from it going partisan?” asked Alderman Joe Collins.

“Absolutely,” Scott replied.

“Well then it will go partisan,” Collins said, insinuating the Republican majority in Raleigh would pass the bill whether local boards wanted it or not.

“If enough municipalities go to bat over it and call their legislators, it could die in committee,” Scott reassured.

SB 94 — dubbed “Elections Transparency” — is one of several bills being introduced to make more local elections partisan this year.

“I have read the bill and I find it ironic and humorous that part the legislation claims its intent to be for transparency,” said John Henning Jr., Franklin’s town attorney. “Because nothing says transparency more than partisan politics.”

Similar bills got shot down last year and the town board in Franklin hopes the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ stance against it will keep it from moving forward this year as well.

Scott hasn’t spoken directly with Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, about the bill, but said Rep. Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, said he was against the measure.

“Kevin Corbin has assured me he’s not going to support such legislation,” he said.

Scott said he also opposes House Bill 64 that proposes to change municipal elections from being held on odd years to even years, which would mean municipal candidates would be on the same ballot with federal and state candidates.

“I’m totally against that — it’s going to dilute the effectiveness of municipal elections because we’ll be overshadowed by state and federal elections,” Scott said. “I don’t know why (Republicans) are pushing it, but if you look at the demographics, it would work to their favor.”

If legislators are able to make municipal elections partisan and get the elections moved to even years, a majority of voters will just go down the ballot and select all Democrat or all Republican candidates instead of taking the time to get to know the candidates and the issues.

“If we compete with state and federal elections, we’ll just get lost,” Scott said.

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Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City, has introduced House Bill 260 in an effort to help Swain County recoup millions of dollars the federal government owes to the county for never rebuilding North Shore Road from Bryson City to Tennessee.

Given that Clampitt is a native of Swain County, it’s no surprise this is a top priority issue for him, even though it is ultimately a congressional decision. When the federal government established the Tennessee Valley Authority in the early 1940s, North Shore Road and surrounding communities in Swain County were flooded to create Fontana Dam. The federal government promised to rebuild the road but the project was never completed.

“The genesis of this bill was an agreement signed in 1943 between the Tennessee Valley Authority, the United States Department of Interior, the State of North Carolina, and Swain County to construct a road through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known commonly as the North Shore Road,” Clampitt wrote in his weekly newsletter from Raleigh. “The purpose of the road was to connect the state road outside the park in order to provide access to certain areas rendered inaccessible as a result of the 1942 flooding of State Highway 288.”

In the 1960s, the park service did begin reconstructing the road — about 7 miles of it — before abandoning the project, and no major work has been done on the road since 1972. The park service recommended that the 1943 Agreement be resolved through a monetary settlement with Swain County, but local leaders resisted a settlement for many years as they continued to fight for completion of the road.

Swain County commissioners finally agreed to a settlement in 2010. The Department of Interior agreed to pay the county $52 million in annual installments.

Swain did receive the first installment of $12.8 million, but hasn’t received a dime since then. Even though it’s a contractual agreement, the money is seen as an earmark and hasn’t been appropriated in the federal budget for the last five years.

Swain County filed a lawsuit against the Department of Interior last year in a last-ditch attempt to collect the remaining money before the agreement expires in 2020. The suit is still going through the court system.

Clampitt’s proposed legislation looks for other options for getting the federal government to release the money it owes to Swain County. The purpose of the bill is to direct Attorney General Josh Stein to investigate legal methods available to Swain County and the state to ensure the federal government holds up it’s end of the bargain.

“This really is a matter of accountability regarding agreements that were made affecting the citizens of Swain County,” said Clampitt. “Ultimately, this bill asks Attorney General Stein to explore options and advise us on steps to make sure the Federal government lives up to its agreements that the people of Swain County signed in good faith on multiple occasions. Furthermore, I call on our federal delegation to support the state’s efforts in seeing this agreement through.”

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Clampitt files legislation to recoup money for Swain

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WCU series to focus on global powers Western Carolina University will host a Global Spotlight Series event focusing on “The Great Powers” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 20, in Room 101 of the Forsyth Building.

The forum is free and open to the public. Topics will include “Restoring Superpower Status in the 21st Century”; “Holding the Line? Germany and Europe in a Disordered World”; “China, a Challenger to U.S. Primacy?” and “Worst Deal Ever.”

For more information, contact Jen Schiff, director of the International Studies Program, at 828.227.3860 or jsschiff@wcu.edu.

Grants could offset cost of river park project

Learn more

March 15-21, 2017

Sheriff offers church safety training Haywood County Sheriff ’s Office will be holding its “House of Worship Safety Training” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, in the Charles M. Beall Auditorium at Haywood Community College.

The training offers information to the public about the ways they can better safeguard their place of worship from those looking to do harm. This training was developed in 2015 with the goal of educating and training worshipers about personal and collective safety at a church.

Lt. Tony Cope and Deputy Kevin Brooks will be the speakers at the event, discussing active shooter situations that have happened on church grounds, as well as sex crimes happening within churches around the nation.

All three grant applications have received “very favorable response thus far,” he said.

However, for the results of the grant applications to matter, commissioners will have to approve the sale of a 7-acre tract along the Tuckasegee River in Dillsboro to Western North Carolina Outdoor Development, which is owned by Jackson County businessman Kelly Custer.

Custer’s plans call for a multi-purpose adventure center featuring rafting, fishing and camping, and other activities such as zip lines, ropes courses or climbing walls. The idea has been widely lauded among Jackson County leaders who envision it developing into a tourist draw that would boost the economy of Dillsboro and the county as a whole.

Under the proposed agreement, Custer would pay $50,000 for the property and agree to a set of stipulations ensuring that he does what

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ackson County is hoping that grants will offset the $847,000 cost of extending water and sewer connections to a piece of land being eyed for a new outdoor adventure park in Dillsboro, and last week commissioners gave the county the go-ahead to apply for just such a grant — $50,000 from the N.C. Department of Commerce.

The adventure park deal is not yet final — commissioners won’t vote on whether to sell the land in question until after a public hearing slated Monday, March 20. But grant application deadlines are creeping up, and Jackson’s economic development director Rich Price wants to be ready in case the project is approved.

“If there was a point in time going for-

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ward where the board decided not to move forward (with the park), then this application would either be rescinded or, if we had been granted an award, we would certainly deny an award of those funds,” Price told commissioners during their March 13 meeting.

The grant that commissioners agreed to endorse last week — from the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Rural Infrastructure Fund — is just one of three pending grant applications for the adventure park project. Price has also submitted an application for another $50,000 grant, this one from the Golden LEAF Foundation, as well as a $300,000 request to the Appalachian Regional Commission. The ARC grant should be decided in the next 30 days or so, Price said, with the smaller two grants decided in April or early May.

More information about the proposal is available through links on the right-hand sidebar at www.jacksonnc.org. The public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 20, in Room A201 of the Jackson County Justice Center.

he’s promised to do. And the county would provide water/sewer infrastructure, site preparation and flood mapping — more than $900,000 total.

Water and sewer would account for most of that investment, clocking in at $847,000. With the grants, it would go down to $400,000.

The land in question has been publicly owned since 2013, when Duke Energy turned it over to Dillsboro following removal of the Dillsboro Dam. Jackson County bought it from Dillsboro in 2014 for $350,000. Efforts to get a river park built on the site have been underway for years, with economic analysis indicating the use would return a high yield to the county’s tourism industry.

Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER fter scrambling to cut $2.4 million from last year’s budget, the Haywood County School Board has weathered the storm and presented a proposed 201718 budget that is significantly sunnier than in years past, but still sees storm clouds looming on the horizon.

“Last year was also a difficult financial year,” said Superintendent Dr. Anne Garrett in her annual budget message to the board on March 13. “Cuts included personnel, program supplies and materials, trav-

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Smoky Mountain News

el, remediation, and assistant coaches.

However, no program was cut in its entirety. This budget reflects reinstatements to program areas.”

While the proposed $16.2 million operating budget doesn’t fully restore all of the previous year’s cuts, it does come close.

“It’s not luck, it’s more like hard work,” School Board Chairman Chuck Francis said.

“It’s looking for every way we can cut funds and save money and re-disburse that into areas we unfortunately had to cut.”

The cuts don’t seem to have had much of an effect on students. Of 115 school districts in North Carolina, Haywood County’s schools ranked 11th in the state last year, up from 15th in both 2014 and 2015; last year 550 graduating seniors racked up more than $9 million in scholarships.

The local current expense portion of the budget — which covers operating costs like contracted services, repairs, supplies, support personnel and utilities in addition to instructional and instructional support personnel — proposes a modest 2 percent increase in salary for all staff.

The capital outlay budget, used for equipment, renovations, repairs and safety features has earmarked more than $125,000 for electrical, HVAC and plumbing upgrades, as well as another $50,000 for paving and more than $100,000 in funds for contingency roof repairs.

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The child nutrition portion of the budget is proposed right at $4 million, and includes a federally mandated meal price increase; that increase, originally slated at 5 cents, was recalculated to 7 cents but will end up being 10 cents.

Board members stressed that while not perfect and not complete, the proposed budget is off to a decent start.

“I think we’ve got a good working document that is a good plan at the current time, knowing what we know,” Francis said.

Newly elected school board member Ronnie Clark, however, has reservations.

“We’re still working on a few things,” Clark said.

“I’ve expressed a few concerns, and we may have to pass it and make some adjustments later.”

One of those concerns is about the board dipping in to the fund balance to help make ends meet.

“Long term, we’re looking at pulling $300,000 out of fund balance, so we’re going to have to find some more areas to slim down, or get some more money from county commissioners,” he said.

One of the reasons may just be HB 13, an unfunded mandate that if passed would reduce class sizes and necessitate the addition of 10 primary school teachers to the district’s payroll.

“That’s going to put a strain on our budget,” Francis said. “We’ve taken that into consideration [in the proposed budget], but if it doesn’t happen, we’ll have the ability to go back and adjust and bring that money back into our budget.”

Garrett’s budget message says that “if monies are available from the State for HB 13, local money will be used to upgrade and increase the local supplement for certified staff,” which would contribute greatly to the teacher retention issue the county currently faces.

As of March 14, the bill had passed three readings in the House and one in the Senate, so it appears it to have a good chance of becoming law. The school board’s next move is to present the budget to Haywood County Commissioners, most likely in April. A final vote would be held in June.

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Haywood County schools budget reinstates cuts

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Petition effort seeks Tribal Council term limits

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER petition drive is underway in Cherokee aiming to place term limits on Tribal Council members and give tribal members the right to recall elected officials.

Principal Chief Patrick Lambert is spearheading the effort, holding an organizing

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How to sign A pair of petitions seeking to place referendum questions on the ballot is circulating on the Qualla Boundary. If enacted, the proposals would limit Tribal Council members to two consecutive two-year terms and give tribal members the right to recall elected officials.

Any tribal member who is a registered voter can stop by the council house to sign the petition. Petitions can also be downloaded from the Facebook page “Patrick Lambert — Principal Chief” and mailed to Lambert’s office at P.O. Box 1927, Cherokee, N.C. 28719.

Names cannot be photocopied and must be printed as they appear on the person’s voter registration. Enrollment number and complete address must also be included.

Swain seeks input on recreation master plan Swain County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the Swain County Administrative Building.

The purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments from the public regarding the proposed master plan for the Swain County Recreation Park improvements.

Commissioners have also cancelled their March 23 regular work session and rescheduled it for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 21.

Smoky Mountain News

ballot but indicated they felt elections were sufficient as term limits.

“I believe the voters already institute term limits for our elected leaders through the ballot box,” Taylor wrote.

“Historically our tribal members have regulated term limits for tribal officials through the election process,” concurred Smith’s statement.

However, Smith continued, “I support tribal members’ participation in the Democratic process and welcome any changes to our election and governance process which are important to our voters.”

Taylor concurred that it is “the right of the voter to make their wishes known,” but added that “Any efforts to effect (sic) elections during an election year can be cause for suspicion.”

Getting the question on the ballot will require the signatures of 25 percent of registered voters, with Lambert saying that will mean gathering 1,800 signatures — along with each person’s roll number, address and township.

According to the Cherokee code, the referendum would pass if the majority of voters support it in an election when at least 30 percent of registered voters participate. If that takes place, the code says, “the ordinance or resolution shall be enacted or repealed. No action undertaken by this procedure shall be overturned by Tribal Council.”

This is an election year for Cherokee, with all 12 Tribal Council seats on the ballot.

The primary election will be held in June with the general election Sept. 7.

March 15-21, 2017

meeting March 7 to enlist tribal members to gather signatures. More than 50 people showed up, according to a post on Lambert’s Facebook page.

“This is a way for our People to begin taking back some power from the Government and to demand a higher level of accountability from your elected officials,” Lambert wrote in a March 7 Facebook post.

“Its (sic) up to you.”

The petition calls for a law limiting Tribal Council members to two consecutive two-year terms, though they would be eligible to run again after sitting out for at least one term. And a second petition calls for a law allowing any elected official to be

for at least one term in between.

“I didn’t want anybody to accuse me of trying to foreclose any of the former chiefs from trying to run,” Lambert told council in September. “If people want to re-elect them, they certainly should have that right to do so, I suppose.”

On Lambert’s Facebook page, some commenters suggested that the referendum question limit councilmembers to four consecutive terms, for a total of eight years in office — the same number of years as chiefs can hold office consecutively. Especially seeing that council’s terms are not staggered, allowing a larger number of consecutive terms could make sense by avoiding a large number of inexperienced councilmembers from coming on board all at once.

However, Lambert stood by his original proposal.

“The idea for term limits is to add more accountability to elected officials and terms have always been 2 years on Council and 4 years on Chief. This is a ‘term limit’ question ... Not a ‘number of years’ question,” Lambert wrote in the March 7 post.

It’s safe to say that enthusiasm for term limits is not widespread among councilmembers.

According to Lambert, he went the referendum route because he “knew they would not pass term limits on themselves.”

Tribal members line up to After the law limiting terms sign the petitions during a for chiefs passed in September, March 7 organizing meeting Councilmember Teresa McCoy, of at the Gathering Place near Big Cove, addressed the question Cherokee Central Schools. head-on.

Donated photo “Since y’all raised your hands to pass this thing, you’re in favor of term limits,” she told her fellow counAnd Lambert has supported term limits cilmembers after the vote. “Are you in favor from the beginning. In fact, Tribal Council of term limits for councilmembers?” unanimously passed legislation — which Councilmember Alan “B” Ensley, of Lambert submitted — during its Sept. 8, Yellowhill, indicated that he was not.

2016, meeting limiting terms for principal “The federal government and the state chief and vice chief. government — the president and the gover“I believe there’s a sense of need to do nor of this state — are limited to term limterm limits — just like is done in the state its,” Ensley said. “Neither one of the houses and federal government — for the tribe,” are.”

Lambert told council in September.

Council Chairman Bill Taylor, of The ordinance, which passed unaniWolfetown, and Councilmember Travis mously, stated that chiefs couldn’t hold Smith, of Birdtown, both said in statements office for more than two consecutive fourreleased to The Smoky Mountain News that year terms. However, as is the case with the they support tribal members exercising their proposed referendum question, they could right to place a referendum question on the hold more than two terms if they left office removed from office by a special election of their electorates.

Neither of the above is a new concept.

Desire for the right to recall has been a conversation among some tribal members for years, with Mary Crowe — a write-in candidate in the 2015 race for principal chief — making it a central part of her campaign.

“I feel that the most pressing issue facing the tribe today is trusting our government,” Crowe said during a candidates’ debate in August 2015. “One of the first things I would do as principal chief would be to call for a referendum vote to the right to recall.”

news

Cherokee Chief spearheads effort after first getting term limits on chief enacted

Indivisible Swain to hold meeting Indivisible Swain County, a bipartisan dedicated group of concerned citizens committed to applying peaceful, persistent pressure on government officials for the common good, will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the Seniors Center, 125 Brendle St., in Bryson City. All are welcome. Topics being discussed include environmental and health care issues.

19 828.488.1118.

20

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Monteith leaves a lasting legacy in Swain I

Editor’s note: Recent columns by Chris Cox about Donald Trump have been creating a frenzy of responses online. We asked two of those who took part in the online conversation if we could use their pieces as letters to the editor, and they agreed.

You just can’t fix stupid To the Editor: First off, no anonymous person here. My name is Sandy Sanders. I read Chris Cox column a few weeks ago and started to write you but figured why bother. But after reading today’s bull crap column I couldn’t resist.

Cox is nothing but another hater who can’t face the fact that Trump won and Clinton lost! Thank God because four more years of the Obama way would have destroyed this country!

That Muslim communist spent eight years trying to destroy this country and almost did.

I sent articles to your worthless editor about Obama and Clinton and he refused to print any of them. He just dogged Trump like you do. You two are prime examples of worthless journalists. The sad fact is that you are allowed to teach any of our children. Only in America, right?

If losers like you would just sit back, shut the f-up and let the man do his job, maybe you would be surprised. You did-

the materials, and made sure I had everything needed to do my reporting. We were the last ones there, literally, and as we walked out David and Linda showed me where I could put one of our newspaper racks in the lobby of the administration building lobby. After that, they turned out the Editor lights and we all left the building together.

Last week, David Monteith — still a commissioner — left the building for good with his passing. Swain County lost a man who had dedicated the last 20 years of his life to making his home county a better place.

I can’t count the times David helped reporters at this newspaper gain a better understanding of an issue, how many times over the years he called to tell me, Don Hendershot, Becky Johnson or some fledgling reporter to discuss an issue he thought we needed to cover.

Scott McLeod

t was July or August of 1999, best I remember, and the Swain County Commissioners at that time were meeting in a cramped boardroom in the Administration Building. I’m not sure if anyone from a newspaper other than The Smoky Mountain Times covered these meetings, but we had published the first issue of our upstart newspaper in June of that year.

As its only reporter at that time, I was finally getting around to one of Swain’s meetings.

I was a little out of sorts as I wandered in unannounced. I found an empty chair against the wall that was so close you could have touched the commissioners. They all greeted me as I told them who I was and what I was there for.

My only strong memory from that first meeting was the friendly, warm reception I got from Commissioner David Monteith, who had been newly elected in 1998. He got up and walked over, shook my hand, and then throughout the meeting kept asking me if I needed any more information on the matters being discussed. At meeting’s end, County Administrator Linda Cable and Monteith stayed after, produced extra copies of some of

n’t dog Obama and he did nothing; oh wait, he tripled our debt! Feel free to respond anytime. There is a saying which fits you and Scott McLeod perfectly: you can’t fix stupid.

Sandy Sanders Otto

Enjoy the articles

by Chris Cox To the Editor: I sure enjoy the opinion columns by Chris Cox in The Smoky Mountain News. I enjoy reading it as no holds are barred and the paper tells it like it is.

Keep them coming on our one-term (or less) President Donald Rump.

Yes, how can one not help to realize he will do anything to stay in the daily press.

Sure wish you would also write about our N.C. legislature obstructionist, Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville.

Now she will see to it that the Haywood County School board will become partisan. As if she has not done enough to block making the tax collector an appointed position and blocking the Waynesville-Lake Junaluska merger, etc.

She is almost as bad as our President.

If only the voters would look at the issues and not vote party line. Just too many uniformed voters.

Ron Rookstool Maggie Valley

His civility, sincerity and warmth are among the traits marked David’s years as a commissioner. He and this newspaper disagreed on several issues, including the North Shore Road, for example, but never once did we have cross words. He was one of those people that, as an adversary, you listened to him because it allowed you to gain a better understanding of the issue at hand. There were no histrionics, just a passionate elected leader doing what he thought was best for Swain County residents.

The list of projects, organizations and issues that David helped is too long to list here. But he was instrumental in the Fontana Lake Users Association and the 288 boat dock and park, supported veterans and public safety employees and doggedly worked to make the Swain County Heritage Museum happen.

Though he often clashed with Great Smoky Mountains National Park bureaucrats, he was tireless in his support of the North Carolina side of the Smokies and citizens’ rights to visit and provide upkeep to cemeteries. He supported tourism and efforts to bring worldclass whitewater events to the Nantahala Gorge, and of course was probably the num-

Departing Trump’s alternate universe To the Editor: As a journalist and former member of the working press, I continue to be appalled and frankly disgusted at President Trump’s daily assault on the media. I began my career as a reporter for a Scripps-Howard newspaper in South Florida. My beat was politics. In addition to feature writing, I covered city, county, and special district meetings and the Florida Legislature.

My training (BA in Journalism), my city editor, and my personal integrity demanded the truth, the utmost accuracy, and as the old “Dragnet” character Joe Friday used to say, “The facts ma’am, just the facts.” My livelihood depended on it.

President Trump’s overblown ego, his obsession with ratings, and his personal attacks on anyone who happens to disagree with him do nothing to advance this nation’s substantial agenda. His CODL strategy (confuse, obfuscate, distract, and lie) doesn’t work (although it seems to work for him), won’t work, and only serves to bolster his questionable base of adoring lemmings.

Sen. John McCain commented on Trump’s labeling of the media as “the enemy of the people.”

“This is how dictators get started,” McCain said.

So if this is what Trump’s loyal cadre want, let’s then all ignore these enemies and believe only the prepackaged drivel of Trump’s Svengali Steve Bannon.

Hopefully, the majority of educated, thinking, and independent Americans will see through the smokescreen and reject Trumpworld and the alternate universe in which this president lives.

Kurt J. Volker Otto

ber one supporter of the Road to Nowhere.

I asked our writer Becky Johnson about David, as she covered Swain County for years, and among her fondest memories is interviewing David and him seeking answers from his wife Ellen: “He and his wife Ellen were inseparable, They were two peas in a pod. Ellen and David were best friends. David relied on Ellen’s watertight memory of Swain people and events a lot. When talking to David on the phone, he would always be pausing to say, ‘Ellen, what’s that Bradley boy’s name again?’ or ‘Ellen, where does that Douthit girl live again? When did her husband pass away again?’ And Ellen would be heard in the background recounting the information like a walking-talking genealogy book.”

“He’s good people,” my mom would sometimes say, a pithy phrase reserved only for those who truly were. That’s a great description of David Monteith. He is gone, but his legacy to Swain County residents will live on for many, many years.

(Reach Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

We all need to speak up To the Editor: Does opening your email or Facebook feed or nightly news programs make your blood pressure go up? Does the flood of the political turmoil coming out of the President’s office, the Senate, the House, and North Carolina Legislature leave you “Dazed and Confused”? Join the crowd.

Maybe it is because we have not told them what we expect and what our families and communities need.

The One Equal World organization suggested that people mail a postcard to Trump on March 15th opposing his administration. The idea was to flood his mailbox. That may feel good to some, and it is easy to do, but it really does not address the family and community concerns we want addressed.

Why not create a family portrait postcard with your family on one side and your handwritten requests or concerns plus the address and stamp on the other side? That way your senators, your representative, President Trump, Speaker Paul Ryan, and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will have a picture and know that this letter represents a whole family of voters. There is no time limit on mailing these cards. You can even send emails with your family portrait attached. This is your way of speaking for your family if they agree.

Local print shops can make cards inexpensively if you provide the photo. Your county library can show you how to do it on your own. It is time for you to tell it like it is. Speak for yourself. And keep speaking out.

Newton Smith Tuckasegee

From beauty pageants to soccer fields

Susanna Barbee

I

tasteTHEmountains 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 APPLE ANDY’S RESTAURANT 3483 Soco Road, Maggie Valley located in Market Square. 828.944.0626. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Serving the freshest homemade sandwiches, wraps, and entrees such as country fried steak and grilled flounder. Full salad bar and made from scratch sides like potato salad, pinto beans and macaroni and cheese.

BLOSSOM ON MAIN 128 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

828.454.5400. Open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Mild, medium, to hot and spicy, our food is cooked to your like-able temperature. Forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy. Traditional Thai food is known to be quite healthy, making use of natural and fresh ingredients, paired with lots of spices, herbs, and vegetables. Vegetarians and health conscious individuals will not be disappointed as fresh vegetables and tofu are available in most of our menu as well as wines and saki chosen to compliment the unique flavors of Thai cuisine.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997.

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

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Monday through Saturday.

Dinner 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, 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.

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in house using local seasonal vegetables. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and roast beef used in our hoagies. We hand make our own eggplant and chicken parmesan, pork meatballs and hamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not pre-prepared products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and

WAYNESVILLE’S BEST BURGERS March 15-21, 2017

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

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

Country Vittles RESTAURANT

& GIFT SHOP

Featuring a Full Menu with Daily Specials

Smoky Mountain News

t’s not my proudest accolade, but I spent a significant portion of my childhood in a pageant dress.

The doctors told my parents they were infertile, so when they surprisingly had two little girls after 13 years of marriage, they were ecstatic to say the least. My mom was an only child and lived a rather sheltered childhood.

My grandmother suffered from mental health issues, so my grandfather did the best he could to Columnist offer my mom opportunities, but he was protective of his daughter and also quite frugal, so her participation in extracurricular activities was minimal.

When she had two little girls who were three years apart in age, she wanted us to have all the opportunities she missed out on. Whether it was piano, baton, dance, cheerleading, musical theatre, or voice lessons, we were somewhere practicing something every night of the week and in a different state every weekend for a competition or event.

My sister and I were in hundreds of beauty pageants as little girls. Beauty pageants get a bad rap, but it was the 1980s and my mom’s intentions were so sweet, so no judging. For the talent portion, I would perform either a baton or a dance routine.

Most pageants also had a sportswear competition and an interview.

As a quasi-tomboy, slightly nerdy little girl, the dresses always made me itch and the shoes hurt my feet. I would get on that stage and smile, model and dance my heart out, but secretly I couldn’t wait to put on on my jogging suit and high top Reebok sneakers so we could finally eat dinner at Denny’s way past my bedtime.

Around age 12, I told my mom I was over it. No more beauty pageants or dance classes for me. I wanted to run track in middle school and be a cheerleader. She wasn’t happy about my decision, per se, but she allowed me to do what I wanted. I stuck with baton and ultimately was a majorette at N.C. State, which was really fun. I twirled through my junior year and then stopped so I could tailgate with all of my friends as a senior.

As adults, my sister and I would joke with my mom about all of our lessons, classes, and competitions, and that we would sometimes go to school Monday morning with remnants of blue eyeshadow or red lipstick still on our faces.

All joking aside, a number of positive effects emerged from all those years sweating in the dance studio, bruising from metal

batons, and perfecting my poised pageant persona.

I now have perseverance and self-discipline like no other, and I’m sure much of that stems from my childhood. As a college student, I was the first to backpack across Europe because traveling didn’t scare me.

Throughout all of our years competing and performing, we traveled from East Coast to West Coast, even to Hawaii. All of that showed me the world and sparked an adventurous thirst that to this day is almost impossible to quench. Further, I made friends everywhere throughout those years.

Many of us were pen pals, back when that was a thing. Now we all stay in touch via social media.

Fast-forward 24 years. I’m now mom to two active little boys. There have been no pageant dresses, dance classes or baton twirling around here. I don’t even have to fix a head of hair in the morning before school.

The boys have their own unique interests. My older son, Brooks, started swimming with Smoky Mountain Aquatic Club last summer. We thought it would just be something fun to do in the summer, but he took to it right away and fell in love with the sport. After trying soccer for several years to no avail, I thought he may just not be into sports, but he loved swim from the get-go and now swims four times a week.

Last Saturday at his team’s Swim-AThon, he swam 110 laps! He’s only 8 years old for goodness sakes, I was highly impressed and very proud. He never complains about practice (knock on wood). In fact, he’s typically the one hurrying his parent out the door so he’s not late to practice.

My littlest boy, Case, turned 5 in January. I may have let him play the baby role for a while longer than his brother, but come on, he’s my baby. Brooks was already doing Little Gym, swim lessons and soccer by age 3 and playing violin by age 4, but every time I asked Case if he was ready to do something of his own, he would say, “Nope, not yet. Maybe when I’m 5,” with a huge smile on his face and a Ninja Turtle weapon in his hand.

Staying true to his word, he’s now five and is swimming with Starter SMAC (the youngest team) and playing soccer. His first soccer practice was last Friday. He wore his soccer socks around the house all week. We got him suited up correctly, pulled up to the soccer field and he ran off with the coaches without a glance back.

He’s finally ready.

I really do feel like I am who I am because of the childhood I had. Despite the itchy dresses, long hours in the dance studio, jammed fingers from baton twirling, and frustration at the piano keys, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I don’t know what types of life lessons these sports will teach my boys, and I’m in no rush to find out.

Right now, I’m just enjoying being their mom and trying so hard to savor in my heart the feeling of lacing on tiny cleats and sliding feet into flippers.

(Susanna Barbee can be reached at sussanna.barbee@gmail.com.)

PRIVATE DINING ROOM AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS Monday-Sunday 7:00-2:00pm Closed Tuesday

3589 SOCO RD. MAGGIE VALLEY

828.926.1820

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

Real New Yorkers.

Real Italians. Real Pizza.

Dine-In ~ Take Out ~ Delivery

An Authentic Italian Pizzeria & Restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge.

Just to serve you!

Featuring: Calzones · Stromboli Subs · Pasta and More NOW OPEN SUNDAYS NOON to 8 P.M. Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

243 Paragon Parkway | Clyde

Smoky Mountain News

March 15-21, 2017

828-476-5058

128 N. Main St., Waynesville Hot Appetizers Cold Beer | Warm Sake

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, 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.

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.

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.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde.

828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 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.

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

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

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

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

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

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

NAME THAT TUNE featuring TRIVIA NIGHT THE

ern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

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

Open for dinner at 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Worldfamous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey’s is sure to please all appetites.

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

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel.

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner.

The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

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

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

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.

MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561.

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is

FOOD • FILMS • FUN Lunch, Dinner & Sunday Brunch

Free Movies Thurs-Sat

Tuesday March 28th • 6:30-8 pm

BLOSSOM Food and Drink Specials BURGER

WINE • BEER • SAKE Hours: 11:30-9:00

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

(828) 454-5400

blueroostersoutherngrill.com

Closed Wednesdays

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

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

Followed by a tempting selection of desserts prepared daily by our chefs and other local bakers. Enjoy craft beers on tap, as well as our full bar and eclectic wine list.

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.

BlossomOnMain.com

828-456-1997 Monday-Friday Open at 11am

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food

Scratch-made Locally Owned

SALADS PIZZAS BURGERS VEGETARIAN

828.586.3555 • Downtown Sylva MadBatterFoodFilm.com

tasteTHEmountains too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections. Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

Featuring daily $6 lunch specials and daily dinner specials such as $1 Taco Tuesdays and 45¢ Wednesday Wings. Backyard Bar is open every weekend thru October. Join us for every NFL game.

NEWFOUND LODGE RESTAURANT 1303 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee (Located on 441 North at entrance to GSMNP).

828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily.

Established in 1946 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Family style dining for adults and children.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A Waynesville tradition, the Smoky Mountain Sub Shop has been serving great food for over 20 years. Come in and enjoy the relaxed, casual atmosphere. Sub breads are baked fresh every morning in Waynesville. Using only the freshest ingredients in home-made soups, salads and sandwiches. Come in and see for yourself why Smoky Mountain Sub Shop was voted # 1 in Haywood County. Locally owned and operated.

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

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

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

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

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

SALTY DOG’S SEAFOOD & GRILL 3567 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.926.9105. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Full service bar and restaurant located in the center of Maggie Valley.

TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY 18 N Main Street, Waynesville.

828.452.3881 Open 7 days a week Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will find a delicious selection of pastries & donuts, breakfast & lunch along with a fresh coffee & barista selection. Happy Trails!

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito. The recipes have been in the family for 50 years (don’t ask for the recipes cuz’ you won’t get it!) Each Pizza is hand tossed and made with TLC. You’re welcome to watch your pizza being created.

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.

Closed Tues.

Sun. 12-9 p.m.

Sandwiches • Burgers • Wraps 32 Felmet Street (828) 246-0927

Visit Us and Discover Friday, March 17th

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

www.pasqualesnc.com

SPECIAL MENU

Reuben Paninis, Irish Stew & $5 Flights of Local NC Beers.

Join us for lunch or dinner!

3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com

Smoky Mountain News

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.

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.

Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.

March 15-21, 2017

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

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. Also serving excellent prime rib on Thursdays. Dine in or take out available.

Located across from the Fire Station.

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Dawg days of bluegrass David Grisman picks on WNC

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER He’s the common denominator.

When you look back at the career of iconic bluegrass mandolinist David Grisman, you’re diving deep into the rich and vast history of that “high, lonesome sound.” And yet, the more you wander into that melodic hub of David “Dawg” Grisman, you also find yourself zooming like a rhythmic train across the spectrum of sound, making additional stops at folk, jazz, world fusion, and acoustic music.

From humble beginnings running around Greenwich Village during the folk music revival of the 1960s, Grisman was (and still remains) a sponge. He would soak in whatever melodies or magic he either came across or indulged into within collaborations, interactions, storytelling or midnight jam shenanigans around candlelight in some long forgotten Manhattan apartment.

And it was his work with the “Cosmic Cowboy” himself — guitarist Peter Rowan — that ultimately set the trajectory for the duo, resulting with them regarded as two of the most important voices and pickers in all of string music. They first formed Earth Opera in 1967, a seemingly ahead of its time psychedelic folk/rock act, one that eventually found itself opening for the likes of The Doors before disbanding in 1969.

Originally one of Bill Monroe’s “Blue Grass Boys,” Rowan honed in on his bluegrass heart and soul when he and Grisman formed Old & In The Way in 1973, which included The Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia (on banjo), fiddler Vassar Clements and bassist John Kahn (and also fiddlers Richard Greene and John Hartford). Just glancing through that lineup is a “who’s who” of bluegrass, folk and string music, with Grisman and Rowan still torchbearers and voices of reason within the genres.

Old & The Way was known as one of the most commercially successful bluegrass act of the 1970s and beyond. Their landmark 1975 bluegrass self-titled album remains one of the most influential and important records in the bluegrass industry. It brought the genre into the mainstream, exposing countless folks to a sound they perhaps hadn’t ever heard before, in a way unseen until maybe when the 2000 film “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” became a box office success with a soundtrack of pure bluegrass gold that sold millions.

But, it was the friendship between Grisman and Garcia that resulted in troves of songs and albums that solidified Grisman’s role as a pillar of bluegrass music. The electric zest and sincere bond between the two is something not only heard, but also felt within, when you sit back and let the music swirl around you.

It’s that ease of sound and wisdom only found on the fingertips of those who sought the long, yet bountiful road of performance and creativity — something Grisman continues to showcase and dig deeper for, onstage and off.

Mandolinist David Grisman will perform March 18 in Asheville.

Want to go?

The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at The Grey Eagle in Asheville. Circus No. 9 will open the show. Tickets start at $45 with VIP tickets for $75. The event is all ages. For tickets, visit www.thegreyeagle.com.

Garret K. Woodward: When you look at the landscape of bluegrass today, what do you see?

David Grisman: To be honest, I’m not all that familiar with that landscape. There are certainly some very talented younger musicians playing in contemporary acoustic styles that utilize “bluegrass” instruments, but not much of it would fall into the category of “bluegrass” as I might define it.

GKW: When you look back on your early work with Peter Rowan and later with Old & In The Way, and being the outsiders early on, is it weird to be considered one of the pillars of the genre nowadays or is it just the natural course of things?

DG: We were only outsiders in terms of hairstyle. As the late, great Vassar Clements said to me once, “I‘m just like you, only been here longer.”

“Bluegrass music, as created and defined by it’s originators — Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley, Jim & Jesse, Jimmy Martin and the Osborne Brothers — is still a great source of listening pleasure and inspiration.”

— David Grisman

Repertoire. Vocal arrangements. Barbecue.

GKW: What was it about bluegrass that stuck to you in the beginning? When you started out in the late 1960s and early 1970s, bluegrass might have seemed like outer space in an era when rock-n-roll dominated everything…

DG: It was the [Earl] Scruggs-style banjo that grabbed me initially. And then the whole nine yards caved in upon me.

GKW: What sets bluegrass apart from other genres?

DG: Instrumentation. Rhythmic feel.

GKW: What does bluegrass mean to you these days, as someone who has dedicated his life to the music?

DG: Bluegrass music, as created and defined by it’s originators — Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley, Jim & Jesse, Jimmy Martin and the Osborne Brothers — is still a great source of listening pleasure and inspiration. Unfortunately, the bluegrass that grabbed me back then has in many ways morphed into other — overly refined

and commercially self-conscious — musical styles that really don’t mean much to me.

GKW: Bluegrass has seemingly always had two camps of thought: neo-traditional and progressive. Is there a bridge between the two these days?

DG: I think that these terms are all too general, and besides, that’s not really the point of music. Duke Ellington said it all — “There are only two kinds of music, good and bad.” There are always bridges to build between great musical ideas.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

We won, but what’s the real prize?

The Mecca Restaurant in Raleigh. Garret K. Woodward photo

Smoky Mountain News

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

March 15-21, 2017

Once they announce your name, you stand up and move towards the bright lights.

Meandering around a sardine can ballroom of tables, chairs and random folks milling about, The Smoky Mountain News made it to the stage at the Sheraton in downtown Raleigh last Thursday evening.

We were handed 22 awards (10 first places).

It was the most awards in a single year for us from the North Carolina Press Association, most of any publication in our community newspaper division.

We were in the largest division (circulation over 10,000), with SMN clocking in at 17,000 papers amid some 40,000 readers on a The “Appalachian Barbecue & Bluegrass” given week. celebration will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.

And being — pound-forSaturday, March 18, in the Folkmoot pound — probably the smallest Friendship Center at the Historic Hazelwood staff versus amount of awards School in Waynesville. won in the state, what struck me A “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train” will be was how the room started to clap departing at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the when the accolades were Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot in announced. They clapped thinkBryson City. ing the announcements were over, but there still was another Bean Sidhe will perform its ninth annual Celtic slide or two on the big screen still concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the left to read off of before we could Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in exit the front of the room. It was Bryson City. funny, I thought, seeing that, and to think of how heavy that packAn open-mic poetry event for adults will be age of paper awards was — one held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at The full year of hard work, long nights Rathskeller CoffeeHaus & Pub in Franklin. and even shorter deadlines.

Voices in the Laurel will be hosting its second This here column y’all are curannual Bingo Night fundraiser at 7 p.m. rently reading received first place Friday, March 17, at the Haywood County for “Lighter Columns” from the Fairgrounds in Waynesville.

NCPAs. Do awards mean anything to me? Nah, not really. But, within the arts scene to further promote, but I do view them as goals to shoot for, milewasn’t large enough to warrant a full feature. stones to reach and glass ceilings to break through. And yes, it is nice to get recognized And as those weeks turned to months, months turned to years, this column morfor all the day-in-day-out chaos we journalists go through to put together a paper every phed into a back-and-forth dialogue between myself and the readers of Western North week like some giant puzzle with no rhyme Carolina and beyond. or reason as to how it all fits.

It’s been quite the ride writing within this Come early June, this column will celesection each week. Easygoing topics like live brate its fourth anniversary. I started it as a music, love, friendship, frolicking and “going way to provide a somewhat “catch all” for home,” cosmic thoughts and playful muswhatever we felt was significant enough

lights of a ballroom at the Sheraton in downtown Raleigh, I smiled and headed for the nearby cash bar. We saluted our beer bottles high to the awards earned and later, in the lobby bar, hoisted our champagne glasses even higher to another year in the books, another year — onward and upward.

Friday morning came like a bolt of lightning. I awoke from a deep slumber in the hotel room, bleary-eyed and momentarily unsure of exactly what city I was in.

Moseying into the Mecca Restaurant a few blocks down from the Sheraton, I found myself in front of a plate of bacon and eggs within a real deal American diner (circa 1930).

It was in diners like the Mecca that I first learned how to write. In college, right outside of New Haven, Connecticut, I was 21 years old, sitting in the corner of some Greek diner, scribbling away in my notebook on whatever was on mind, reading Kerouac and Thompson over endless cups of rocket fuel coffee, always plotting as to how I could someday make a living at being a writer.

That was 11 years ago. There have been endless miles and countless corners in diners around this country since those days. I finished my breakfast at the Mecca and hit the road, back to Haywood County and greater Western North Carolina, back to a clean slate. Another year of unknown shenanigans, ready to surprise you around every corner. Stay tuned.

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

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

ings. And the darker side of life, too — suicide, drug addiction, heartbreak, funerals, etc. There are times I know exactly what I’ll write about, and there are times an idea won’t strike me until mere hours before my Monday morning deadline.

What’s surreal isn’t what I have to say, but in how and why our readers feel the need to respond, to write back and drop a line. I’ve received physical letters in the mail from prisoners incarcerated way down in Fayetteville, emails from locals around Southern Appalachia, and Facebook messages from those simply passing through our region who just so happened to pick up our paper. All of those voices, known and unknown, saying hello and shaking their head in awe of that simple notion of human connection that gets lost so easily in our modern world. They share their own personal triumphs and tragedies, all while wishing you the best in your own endeavors.

“Keep up the good work,” the message will say, as a few more logs get thrown onto the fire of my intent.

When you’re a journalist — let alone a writer — you put things out into the universe, unsure if anyone will connect with the story, or if the subject was perhaps worth the time invested, if your words and actions will spark curiosity and passion within the minds of locals and visitors alike. And you push on, week to week, trying to crank out a quality product that has become a source of pride for the communities of Western North Carolina.

Thus, standing up there in the bright

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On the beat

‘Sunday Soiree’ welcomes DuPont Brothers The Smoky Mountain News will launch our “Sunday Soiree” concert series with The DuPont Brothers (Americana/folk) at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

In continuing the “Cultural Series,” which encourages and promotes artistic events, performances and symposiums around Western North Carolina, the “Sunday Soiree” will provide a platform for local, regional and national acts, right here in our own backyard.

Based out of Burlington, Vermont, Sam and Zack DuPont have been busy on the road since 2013. Their two records — “Heavy as Lead” (2015) and “A Riddle For You” (2016) — have taken them up and down the Eastern Seaboard and across the Midwest.

The DuPont Brothers have made festival appearances at Grand Point North and South-By-Southwest (SXSW). They also have supported a wide array of national

acts, including Grammy award winning artists like Sturgill Simpson, Jerry Douglas and Blake Mills. There’s an EP in the works for 2017.

Tickets for the “Sunday Soiree” are $10 per person. Craft beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets can be bought online at www.folkmoot.org or at the door.

This performance is expected to garner a great audience, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. A portion of the proceeds will go to the continued activities and events put on

by Folkmoot.

As well, The Smoky Mountain News would like to encourage all art lovers and music freaks to attend this performance. If all goes well with attendance, the idea is to create and showcase similar events around the region (Sylva, Franklin, Bryson City, etc.). But, all of this only happens if the most important ingredient is added — you and yours. www.dupontbrothersmusic.com.

Balsam songwriter series welcomes Miller

Smoky Mountain News

March 15-21, 2017

The “Songwriters in the Round” series will continue with Irene Kelley, Milan Miller and Thomm Jutz at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Balsam Mountain Inn. The inn modeled the series after similar performances at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe.

Balsam’s performers are most often the Nashville-area songwriters who pen lyrics performed by country and western stars.

Many performances feature Grammy and CMA award winners, and all include writers of many top-ranked songs.

• Kelley discovered her flair for songwriting as a teenager and soon found her way to Nashville, where her songs were quickly noticed and recorded by Carl Jackson, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White. While recording an album for MCA, and independently releasing two more records and touring worldwide, she raised two daughters and scored cuts with Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Pat Green, Brother Phelps, Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, Darrell Scott, The Whites and The Osborne Brothers.

• A Waynesville native, Miller moved to Nashville in pursuit of his music career. He has traveled the world, making appearances at venues ranging from Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California, and from the Grand Ole Opry to Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops Orchestra. The fruits of this labor have yielded eight number one bluegrass songs, a steady stream of others that have graced the top twenty, two nominations for “Song of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association, and nominations for “Songwriter of the Year” by the 26 IBMA and SPBGMA. Miller’s song catalog

The Dupont Brothers (Americana/folk) will play Sunday, April 2, in Waynesville. Donated photo

Voices in the Laurel Bingo Night

Haywood County’s own Milan Miller. includes such Balsam Range staples as “Calloway County Flood,” “Burning Georgia Down” (written with Mark Bumgarner), “Caney Fork River,” “Hard Price to Pay,” “The Other Side” and “Papertown,” a song about the resilience of working people in Canton.

• From the Black Forest of Germany, Jutz has won several nationwide competitions as a teenager before studying classical guitar at the University of Stuttgart. At the same time, he played endless gigs all over Germany and the neighboring countries with blues and rock bands, though his true love has always been country, bluegrass and folk music. Jutz produced volumes one and two of “The 1861 Project,” a collection of new songs about the American Civil War. Marquee artists like Marty Stuart, John Anderson, Jerry Douglas, Maura O’Connell, Connie Smith, Chris Jones, Sierra Hull and many more are featured on these records.

A buffet dinner is included in the $49.50 ticket price, and seating begins at 6 p.m. Live music will follow the dinner. For more information or to make a reservation, click on www.balsammountaininn.net or call 828.456.9498.

Voices in the Laurel will be hosting its second annual Bingo Night fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Haywood County Fairgrounds in Waynesville.

In honor of its 20th anniversary season, the event will include a Voices in the Laurel performance by the Concert, Chamber and A Capella choirs. Tickets are available by calling 828.734.9163. $20 each includes admission, 20 games of bingo, coffee and a dessert and a chance to win door prizes.

Additional cards for the 20 games can be purchased for $10 with three “Special Games of Bingo” — $2 each card or all three for $5. You may reserve a table of eight with advance ticket sales — tickets will also be available at the door.

Gift baskets for game prizes include: Chocolate Lovers, Local Theater Night Out, Golfer’s Delight, CC Allen Pottery, Balsam Spa, Vera Bradley Bags, and more. Food truck concession by Awesome Pizza Company will be available. www.voicesinthelaurel.org.

Murphy and is touring around the Southeast.

This program is free and open to the public. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. For more information, call the library at 828.586.2016. www.heidiholton.com.

Texas Tenors in Franklin

The Texas Tenors will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Sylva gets the blues Popular blues/folk singer Heidi Holton will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Holton began young, leaving Murphy to play in rock bands in Athens and New Orleans before the blues came a-calling. She studied under the great Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane) and then disappeared to Alaska’s arctic interior to perfect her craft. She has recently moved back to

With their Emmy Award winning PBS special and Billboard chart topping albums, The Texas Tenors are one of America's favorite new tenor groups. Since their whirlwind debut six years ago on NBC's “America’s Got Talent,” The Texas Tenors have accumulated a long list of awards and accolades.

Tickets start at $24. To purchase tickets, call 866.273.4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

On the beat • Andrews Brewing Company will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) at 2:30 p.m. March 18 during their “One-Year Anniversary Celebration” and open house (2 to 5 p.m.) at the downtown production facility. All shows are free. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• The Canton Armory will host “Winter Pickin’ in the Armory” at 7 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. The event includes mountain music, vintage country, clogging and dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free. www.cantonnc.com.

• CJ’s Grille (Bryson City) will host a St. Patrick’s Day party at 7 p.m. March 17.

828.488.9880.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Bohemian Jean (pop/acoustic) March 17 and Joe Cruz (piano/pop) March 18. All events begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Frogtown (bluegrass/blues) March 17 and Ryan Sheley (singersongwriter) March 18.

Both shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.curraheebrew.com.

ALSO:

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. March 18. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

• O’Malley’s Sports Bar & Grill (Sylva) will host Grandpa’s Cough Medicine (outlaw/bluegrass) March 17 and Lemon Sky (rock) March 18. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

828.631.0554.

• The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17, Corporate Square March 18, Gary Carter (singer-songwriter) March 24 and Somebody’s Child (Americana) March 25. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic with Jimandi at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, “Funky Friday” with Bud Davis at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Isaish Breedlove (Americana) at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Mindframe (rock) 7 p.m. March 17 and Max Gross Weight (classic rock) March 25. All shows are free. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host be an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. All are welcome.

828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night March 15 and 22, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo March 16 and 23. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Tea 4 Three (rock) March 18 and Roshambeaux (rock/Motown) March 25. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m. 828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Andalyn (rock) March 17, Frogtown (bluegrass/blues) March 18, Eric Hendrix & Friends March 24 (rock/pop) and Soul Rhythms (Latin/soul) March 25. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Post Hole Diggers album release party March 17, Taillight Rebellion March 18 and Sultry Sirens Varietease Show & Dance Party March 24. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

828.456.4750.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host “Music for All” concert 7:30 p.m.

March 16, Woodwind Concert 4 p.m. March 17, Dylan Teabo Senior Recital 3 p.m. March 19, Trumpet Studio Recital #2 7:30 p.m.

March 20 and Guitar Ensemble Recita 7:30 p.m. March 23 in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. There will also be a “Battle of the Bands” at 7 p.m. March 21 in the UC Grand Room (302). The WCU Choral Ensembles will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 21 at the Fine & Performing Arts Theatre. www.wcu.edu.

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Smoky Mountain News

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Log Noggins (rock/funk) March 17, The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock) March 18, Devils Cut with St. Christopher Western (Americana) March 20, Heidi Holton (blues/folk) March 24 and Sultry Sirens Varietease Show & Dance Party March 25. All shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

• The Waynesville Public Library will host pianist Marquita Someliana at 3 p.m. March 25. Free.

SUMMER/FALL REGISTRATION

March 15-21, 2017

• Derailed Bar & Lounge (Bryson City) will have music at 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

828.488.8898.

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) 8 p.m.

March 18 and Steve Turner (singer-songwriter) March 25. There will also be line dancing every Friday at 7 p.m. and contra dancing every other Friday at 8 p.m.

828.586.6440.

• Lee’s at the Depot (Dillsboro) will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17. Food and drink specials all day. Live music by Jeremy “Wineaux Jones” Sims at 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/leesdillsboro.

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On the beat Celtic music in Bryson City Bean Sidhe will perform its ninth annual Celtic concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City.

Join Bean Sidhe (pronounced: ban-shee) for a lively evening of traditional music from the British Isles. The group began as a means for members to explore the connections linking traditional music from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales with its contemporary American counterparts, especially in the bluegrass, country, and folk genres.

Admission is $6 per person. 828.736.3921 or 828.488.8227 or www.greatsmokies.com.

‘Evening at the Museum’

March 15-21, 2017

The focus will be on mountain ballads as Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center hosts a program in its “Evening at the Museum” series from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23.

The classic ballad “Barbara Allen” will be introduced and performed by Ashton Woody, a WCU junior majoring in English, and will be followed by a discussion about ballads and their long history in the moun-

‘Lights in the Darkness’ concert

tains. Visitors are welcome to bring their musical instruments and play the song with Woody, said Peter Koch, education associate at the museum.

The free public event will be held in the Mountain Heritage Center gallery located in Room 161 in Hunter Library. Upcoming “Evening at the Museum” programs on two Thursdays — April 20 and May 25 — will focus on Decoration Day traditions in the mountains.

For more information, call the Mountain Heritage Center at 828.227.7129.

Folkmoot ‘Appalachian Barbecue & Bluegrass’ The “Appalachian Barbecue & Bluegrass” celebration will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 18, in the Folkmoot Friendship Center at the Historic Hazelwood School in Waynesville.

Dinner will be catered by Haywood Smokehouse. It will feature pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw and dinner rolls.

Musical guests include Possum on a Whale, Lillian Chase & the New Potatoes, regional favorites, Whitewater Bluegrass and the award-winning Darren Nicholson Band.

Dinner will be served in the Folkmoot Cafeteria followed by the bluegrass concert in the Sam Love Queen Auditorium. In the

Americana/blues act Roots & Dore will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Harmons’ Den Bistro at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Dinner, wine and beer available for purchase. $5 cover charge. www.harttheatre.org.

Folkmoot Cafeteria, Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will teach the history of moonshine in Appalachian culture.

Tickets for this event cost $25 advance for adults, $15 for kids. Tickets are available at www.folkmootusa.org or by calling 828.452.2997. Purchase includes the barbecue dinner and music.

828.452.2997 or info@folkmoot.org.

The choirs of Western Carolina University’s School of Music will present a spring choral concert, “Lights in the Darkness,” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center in Cullowhee.

Scheduled performers include the Concert Choir, University Chorus and Early Music Ensemble, along with special guest artists, WCU’s Inspirational Choir and the A Cappella Club.

The evening’s repertoire will explore both literal and figurative meanings of light, ranging from a 12th-century chant written by Hildegard of Bingen to Keith Hampton’s modern gospel arrangement of “This Little Light of Mine.”

Other notable works include Brahms’ motet “Warum is,” based on text from the Book of Job; Thompson’s “Choose Something Like a Star”; a setting of the Robert Frost poem of the same name; and a Latvian piece accompanied by tuned water glasses called “Northern Lights,” with text from the journals of 19th-century Arctic explorers Charles Francis Hall and Fridtjof Nansen. The concert will close with combined choirs performing the South African freedom song “Siyahamba.”

For more information, call 828.227.7242.

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Smoky Mountain News

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On the street

‘Pop-A-Cork’ for AWAKE

• There will be a “St. Patrick’s Day” dance fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Qualla Community Building in Whittier. Free dance lessons at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 per person for the dance. All proceeds go to benefit the Qualla Community Development Club. 828.788.0502.

• The Tuscola Garden Club will meet on Tuesday, March 21, at the Bethea Welcome Center located at 91 North Lakeshore Drive in Lake Junaluska. A social time starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by the program at 10 a.m.

Barbie Stanton will provide an interactive discussion and demonstration of creating some unique and artistic floral arrangements suitable for varied purposes and occasions in the home. Stanton served as the club's president in 2009-2011. Visitors are welcome.

Call 828.246.0437 for directions or for more information about Tuscola Garden Club.

ALSO:

The ‘BBQ & Brews Dinner Train’ will be March 17 in Bryson City.

Get on the craft beer, barbeque train

‘When All God’s Children Get Together’ exhibit

The AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center is hosting a “Pop-A-Cork @ the Caddy Shack” fundraising event from 2 to 6p.m. Sunday, March 26, at Lees at the Depot in Dillsboro.

They will be having an afternoon of heavy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants: Boots Steakhouse, City Lights Café, Guadalupe Café, Lulu’s on Main, Mad Batter Food & Film, and chocolatier, Baxley’s Chocolates. These food items will be exquisitely paired with your choice of either fine wines or craft beers from Heinzelmannchen, Innovation, Oskar Blues, Sierra Nevada and Sneak E Squirrel.

There will be feature auction items

by Arsenal Artifacts, Baxley’s Chocolates, Blackrock, Bogarts, Bojangles, City Lights Bookstore, Friends of the Library Used Bookstore, Gilliland Farms, Harold’s Supermarket, In Your Ear Music, Rick’s Car Wash, Riverwood Property, Sassy Frass Consignment, Well House, Wilson’s Chiropractic, and more.

All proceeds will benefit AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets are $50. Contact 828.586.3574 or awakecacenter@awakecacenter.org to purchase a ticket or ask for information.

public history students and Andrew Denson, associate professor of history. The project is supported by funding from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the North Carolina Humanities Council and the Cherokee County Arts Council.

The Mountain Heritage Center gallery is regularly open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Thursday evenings until 7 p.m. For more information, call the museum at 828.227.7129.

The menu for this class will include: caramelized roasted onions, leeks and shallots bisque; cider-braised turkey legs and thighs, roasted Brussels sprouts, apple wood bacon and balsamic glaze; and baked apples with toffee, bourbon, walnuts and maple syrup.

Class fee is $65 plus a $1 Mountain Cooking Club 2016 membership fee. To reserve your space, mail a check (payable to Ricardo Fernandez) to Suzanne Fernandez at 3553 Panther Creek Road, Clyde, North Carolina 28721. Reservations confirmed upon receipt of payment.

828.627.6751 or chefricardos@gmail.com.

Mountain Cooking Club in Waynesville Chef Ricardo Fernandez will be hosting a Mountain Cooking Club class from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

Fernandez was the former coowner/head chef of Lomo Grill. The classes celebrate local ingredients and seasonal fare. His classes combine his native Argentine cuisine with influences from Spain and Italy, the home of his parents.

Andrews Brewing celebration Andrews Brewing Company will host its “One-Year Anniversary Celebration” and open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at its downtown production facility. Heidi Holton (blues/folk) will also perform at 2:30 p.m. Free. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• There will a karaoke night from 5 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 22, at the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin.

Tweens and teens, as well as adults are invited. Participants may submit songs they would like to sing ahead of time by sending a link to a karaoke version of the song they have found on YouTube to maconteens@fontanalib.org.

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. March 18 and 25 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. The will also be a “BYOB Dinner” with Chef Jackie Blevins ($60 all inclusive five courses, bring your own beer or wine) 7 p.m. March 16. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m.

March 18 and 25 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.586.6300.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host a wine tasting on Wednesdays and a craft beer tasting on Thursdays. Both events run from 4 to 8 p.m. There will also be tapas from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. www.classicwineseller.com.

Smoky Mountain News

Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center will hold a special weekend opening as it hosts a Saturday, March 18, reception for the exhibit “When All God’s Children Get Together,” currently on display in the center’s gallery on the second floor of Hunter Library.

The free public event is from 1:30 until 4 p.m. The exhibit examines the role of church, spiritual music and hymns in the African-American population in Western North Carolina. Curator Ann Miller Woodford, an author and founder of the community development organization One Dozen Who Care, will attend the reception.

The Andrews native has conducted extensive research, historical documentation and interviews on African-American history, life and traditions in the mountains.

The exhibit is based on Woodford’s book of the same name and was assisted by WCU

Lauren and Steve Baxley of Baxley’s Chocolates in Sylva.

March 15-21, 2017

A “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train” will be departing at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot in Bryson City.

The dinner features slow-cooked barbecue prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing Innovation Brewing Company in Sylva. The train travels to the Fontana Trestle and then arrives back to the depot at 9 p.m. The event is ages 21 and over. Tickets are $70.

Additional beer will be available for purchase onboard the train.

For more information or to purchase tickets: 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

• The Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will hold its eighth annual “Pancake Breakfast” from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 25, in the MVUMC fellowship hall. Allyou-can-eat pancakes will be featured, with bacon, sausage coffee, milk and orange juice. Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help support MVUMC mission programs and ministries. Tickets will be available at the door and in advance. Call 828.926.9794.

• There will be a St. Patrick’s Day celebration all day Friday, March 17, at Tipping Point Brewing in Waynesville. Live music by the Darren Nicholson Band. Drink specials, St. Patrick’s Day themed food, and more.

828.246.9230 29

arts & entertainment

On the wall

Shadow silhouette performance art The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum will present a live performance by animator, director, designer, and performance artist Miwa Matreyek, who interacts with her animations as a shadow silhouette.

Matreyek will perform two pieces on Thursday, March 16: “This World Made Itself ” and “Myth and Infrastructure.” A pre-performance reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the live performance in the Bardo Arts Center Studio Theatre at 6 p.m.

Matreyek’s work is situated at the intersection of the cinematic and theatrical, fantastical and tangible, illusionistic and physical. In her own words, “I am interested in making scientific ideas visible and visceral through the performing body. How would it feel to die, decay, and become part of the earth again? How would it feel to be an out of control weather system? To consume and be consumed? I want to take the audience on a journey to feel the universe.”

March 15-21, 2017

Open call for vendors The Downtown Waynesville Association is seeking heritage themed vendors for the annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration that will take place Saturday, June 10, on Main Street.

Exhibit space will be made available to vendors demonstrating and selling handmade Appalachian art and crafts. In addition to craft vendors, the event is seeking demon• A “Bladesmithing Symposium” (Great Smoky Mountain Hammer-In) sponsored by the American Bladesmith Society and Haywood Community College (HCC) will be March 24-26 on the HCC campus in Clyde.

The three-day event will include knife making demonstrations, hands-on blade forging, knife show, auction, “Battle of the Bladesmith” (the original “Forged in Fire”), and much more. The registration fee is $75.

For more information contact Ken Hall at 828.400.7815.

Smoky Mountain News

ALSO:

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• The MFA Thesis Exhibit for Jordan Krutsch will be showcased March 22-31 in the Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 23, at the museum. www.wcu.edu.

• There will be a wooden spoon making workshop from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 16 at the Mountain Center Gallery at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Learn safe and effective carving techniques, knife blade choices and tool care, then make a useful, beautiful and unique wooden spoon, using knives and woodworking gouges. $5 supply

‘Myth and Infrastructure’ by Miwa Matreyek.

Gayle Laird photo

The reception and performance will be held in conjunction with the WCU Fine Art Museum exhibition, “Miwa Matreyek: Infinitely Yours,” which will run through May 5. All WCU Fine Art Museum events and exhibitions are free and open to the public. www.wcu.edu.

strators for Appalachian life skills.

Vendors interested in exhibiting personal collections of antique items such as tools, household items, quilts, tractors, wagons, pre 1940s cars, etc. are also being sought for participation.

Contact the Downtown Waynesville Association at 828.456.3517 to request an application or visit the event calendar at www.downtownwaynesville.com.

Applications accepted until April 28. fee. Call 828.227.7129 to reserve your spot.

Space limited to 10 participants.

• “Arts Night Out” will be from 5 to 9 p.m.

March 16. Participating restaurants will donate 10 percent of their sales to the Jackson County Arts Council. For more information, visit www.mountainlovers.com.

• Watercolor artist Sue Walsh will host a hands-on demonstration from 1:30 to 4 .m.

Sunday, March 19, at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. There will also be a “Thursday Painters Open Studio” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Bring a bag lunch, project and supplies. Free to the public.

Membership not required. 828.349.4607.

• The “Vintage Inspired Easter Shadow Box” workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 16, at the Jackson County Extension Office in Sylva. Bring your own tiny treasures, keepsakes, or heirlooms to include in your unique project. The cost is only $10 and all supplies are provided. To register, 828.586.4009.

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host an art opening with Tyler McKinney at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 23. 828.586.6440.

On the stage

Outlander by beloved Western North Carolina writer Gary Carden is scheduled for three matinee performances

by The Autumn Players of Asheville Community Theatre (ACT), which will be March 24-25 in 35below at ACT and March 26 at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. Curtain is at 2:30 p.m. for all three performances.

Directed by Marianne Lyon and in partnership with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville, this is an extra production in the 2016-17 season of The Autumn Players’ Readers Theatre Showcase series.

A piece of Smoky Mountain history will come to the stage again in an encore reader's theatre presentation of Outlander, written by award-winning storyteller Carden, with mountain music by William Ritter. The play tells the story of the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and deals with the controversies and conflicts between longtime mountain residents and the “outsiders” who advocated preservation through establishment of national park lands.

Carden, a native of Sylva, is a playwright, collector of Appalachian and Cherokee folklore, a professional storyteller, and was a long-time columnist for The Smoky Mountain News. He received the North Carolina Arts Council Award for Literature in 2012 and the BrownHudson Folklore Award in 2006.

Ritter is a native of Bakersville and alum of Western Carolina University. He graduated with a degree in techni-

Garret K. Woodward photo

cal theatrer, but spent much of his time in school studying the musical folk traditions of Western North Carolina.

Currently, William is attending Appalachian State, where he is enrolled in the university’s Appalachian Studies graduate program.

The Autumn Players is ACT’s volunteer outreach group consisting of over 100 seasoned actors writers and educators dedicated to taking theatre into the community. Since 1992, the company has provided entertainment, enrichment and instruction for thousands of students, seniors, and in-betweens at venues within an hour or more from Asheville.

All tickets are $6 and are available at www.ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at 828.254.1320 or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre box office. Any remaining tickets will be sold by cash only at the door beginning at 2 p.m. prior to each performance.

For more information or for a full schedule of the 201617 Reader’s Theatre Showcase series, visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.

Country star/actor Rodney Carrington hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center.

Carrington is a multitalented comedian, actor and writer who has recorded eight major record label comedy albums selling over three million copies. He starred in his own TV sitcom “Rodney,” which ran for two seasons on ABC. He co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature film “Beer for My...Horses.” In 2011, Rodney partnered with the ACA (American Country Awards) by presenting at its awards show and hosting the American Country New Year's Eve Live show on Fox. For tickets, call 800.745.3000 or www.harrahscherokee.com.

‘Charlotte’s Web’ to hit the stage A production of “Charlotte’s Web” will be performed at 7 p.m.

March 17-18 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

E.B. White's beloved children's tale is brought to life on stage in this faithful adaptation, which finds the young farm pig, Wilbur, attempting to avoid a dire fate. Of all the barnyard creatures, Wilbur's most treasured friend is Charlotte, a thoughtful spider who devises an intriguing plan to keep the gentle little swine out of the slaughterhouse. Although Charlotte's efforts, which involve words written in her delicate web, seem far-fetched, they may just work.

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

• There will be an improv show at 5:30 p.m. March 22 in the Niggli Theatre at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

Become a Volunteer!

is open to children ages four and five with age as of April 1, 2017. Parents or another adult must be able to attend one parent meeting on April 4 at 5:30 pm There are 20 spots available. Deadline to register is Tuesday, March 28, at 5:30 pm.

Starts April 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 every Tuesday for six weeks at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

$45 registration which includes: ball & bat set, glove, two koosh balls, t-shirt and sports development participant manual.

For additional information please call Donald Hummel at 456-2030 or email dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov or you may register at the Waynesville Recreation Center located at 550 Vance Street in Waynesville.

WAYNESVILLE

PARKS AND RECREATION 828.456.2030 or email dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov

For more information about this position,

Smoky Mountain News

SMART START BASEBALL

March 15-21, 2017

SMART START BASEBALL PROGRAM

Carrington brings country charm

arts & entertainment

Carden play comes to life

Playwright Gary Carden.

HARRIS HOSPICE 828.631.1702 81 Medical Park Loop, Suite 204 • Sylva

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

Books always make a thoughtful gift Next on the agenda is Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders (Workman Publishing, 2016, 470 pages, $35). This is a wonderful travel guide, both for the explorer who roams the world via airplanes and ships and for those of us who, for reasons of finances or inclination, travel via our read-

Jeff Minick

You’re stuck.

It’s your boss’ birthday, your nephew’s graduation from high school, your cousin’s promotion at work, and you need to buy a gift. You enjoy reading and books, and want to give them a present in line with your own interests.

So what do you get the recipient of your gift? You have no real idea of their reading habits, whether they enjoy mysteries, science fiction, or mainstream literature, history, biography, selfhelp books or Writer political commentary. Over the years, others who know of your literary bent have given you many books you’ve found unreadable, and you don’t want to follow suit.

So what can you do?

Well, the first resort is a gift card to your local bookstore. Any true booklover celebrates the opportunity to enter a bookstore, scour the shelves, look at a dozen, a score, a hundred of choices, and then at the checkout counter whip out a card that pays for his purchase. (Actually, true bibliophiles always spend a few dollars more than the amount allotted on the card. Often they intend to stick to the card, but one thing leads to another, and before you know it, they find themselves at the cash register with $70 worth of books on a $50 card.)

So gift cards are a worthy choice. But what if you want a more personal tribute?

What if you actually want to give the person you wish to honor an actual book, but have no idea, as I say, of their interests?

Worry no more. There are plenty of books that should interest anyone with a heartbeat and a breath of life left in their lungs. Here are just four of them, books that appeal to nearly everyone.

First up on our general gift-giving list is Guinness World Records 2017 (Guinness World Records, 2017, $28.95, 256 pages.) Lavishly illustrated, with hundreds of captions, Guinness World Records 2017 shows us the world’s tallest dog (a Great Dane standing nearly 4 feet), the largest private collection of Barbie dolls in the world (15,000 as of 2011), the largest chocolate coin (450 pounds), and the most backflips performed while swallowing a sword in one minute (James Loughron in 2014). Who can resist a book showing a guy who has broken all records for balancing a chainsaw on his chin or the largest gathering of “Where’s Waldo?” look-alikes in the world?

ing chair at home. Atlas Obscura takes the reader to the Palolo Worm Festival in Samoa, where sea-worms during one or two nights of October “engage in a swarming, floating, mucus-laden reproductive frenzy,” during which time the locals wade into the water to catch the worms, regarded as a local delicacy. If you’re not into worms eaten raw or on toast, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, which served as a staging and storage facility for the Viet Cong. If your travel time is limited, then head for the Devil’s Tramping Ground in Chatham County, North Carolina, where the devil supposedly paces a circular path, leaving a plot of barren ground behind him.

Also closer to home is Vivian Howard’s Deep Run Roots: Stories and Recipes from My Corner of the South (Little, Brown and Company, 2016, 564 pages, $40). In this massive tome Vivian Howard, who grew up in Deep Run, North Carolina, and is the first woman to win a Peabody

Award since Julia Child for a cooking program, shares not only her recipes, but also her stories about the people and culture of the Eastern North Carolina. Her book includes advice on how to cook with different vegetables and fruits — I have just read “Bean & Pea Wisdom” — hundreds of recipes, and sketches from her past, her life with family and friends, and her culinary experiences.

Even those you know who can’t boil an egg will enjoy Howard’s reflections on oysters, squash, and collards, as did I. If you give someone this hefty book of recipes and reminiscences, you will likely see it, wellthumbed and spattered with various sauces, on their kitchen shelves for years to come.

Finally, and only if you are truly desperate, there is Mark Lutz’s Learning Python (O’Reilly Media Inc., 2013, 1544 pages, $64.99). Python is a book devoted to programming with Python, which will likely appeal to few of your friends and relatives in need of your gift.

Nonetheless, the book has certain eyecatching qualities. For one, the cover features drawing of a large, cute mouse.

Why? I’m not sure. Maybe it is waiting to be eaten by a python. Certainly the mouse looks a little apprehensive.

Even more attractive , however, is the sheer size of the book. Learning Python weighs in at close to five pounds and might serve for a number of uses other than reading or study. It would, for example, make an excellent doorstop. Bind it up in rubber bands, and a lightweight might use it for weightlifting. Its heft makes Learning Python an ideal weapon to hurl at intruders or errant friends. If nothing else, set it on your bookshelf and your friends will think you are bound for Silicon Valley.

So there you go. Visit your local bookstore and see what else you may find.

Good reading.

Jeff Minick can be reached at minick0301@gmail.com.

Cook releases superhero sequel Western Carolina University alumnus and author Tyler Cook will present his fourth book Vigilante from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 17, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

It’s been a year since Aluria appeared as the hero of Canton. He’s become a myth to many, a hero to some, and a threat to others. Among those who think he is an outlaw are those working at the Major Case Squad, who fear he will go too far and become the villain the vigilante hopes to rid the city of.

This fear escalates when people are found murdered with a blade shaped like Aluria’s insignia. Could this new hero really be to blame, and if not, can he clear his name and find the person who is behind everything?

Released in 2016, Aluria has been named the No. 1 bestselling superhero on www.amazon.com multiple times, as well as reaching their overall bestseller list.

In 2014, Cook released A Guide to Historic Dillsboro, now an award-winning book that celebrates the historic town of Dillsboro, as well as raising money for the Appalachian Women’s Museum. Later that year, he wrote The One, which was released in early 2015.

For more information, contact Cook at moonshinepressnc@gmail.com or visit www.tylermcook.com.

• Spoken word artist Carlos Andres Gomez will perform at 8 p.m. March 17 in UC Illusions Room 309 at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

ALSO:

Franklin poetry night An open-mic poetry event for adults will be held at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 21, at The Rathskeller CoffeeHaus & Pub in Franklin.

All area poets and lovers of poetry are invited to read or recite their original works, as well as share their favorite works by other poets in the Rathskeller’s relaxed, intimate atmosphere. No pre-registration is needed; participants will be given stage time on a first-come basis. No admission charge.

This event is produced by the Arts Council of Macon County, supported in part by the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources. arts4all@dnet.net or 828.524.ARTS.

Robinson’s handbook for entrepreneurs Ron Robinson will present his book On All Cylinders at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

A handbook for entrepreneurs, On All Cylinders will help any leadership team use their talents to nimbly respond to shifting demands and create a better future for their business and their communities by transitioning from traditional leadership behaviors to a system of leadership behaviors.

Robinson will discuss the concepts he has laid out in his book and offer ideas on how to improve businesses. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and has assisted leaders around the globe improve performance in their organizations. Industries served include software development, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, nonprofits, public services, small businesses, and universities.

To reserve copies of On All Cylinders, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

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Smoky Mountain News

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

‘It was a very good ride’

Cyclists cruise the Blue Ridge Breakaway route.

File photo

Blue Ridge Breakaway cancelled for 2017 due to declining ridership, funding challenges

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER very August since 2010, the Blue Ridge Breakaway has pulled in tens of thousands of dollars for Haywood County businesses, but for the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce — which organizes the event — the cost-benefit analysis isn’t so glossy. Ridership has been declining, costs have been climbing, and event planning has consistently eaten up large swathes of staff time — leading the chamber’s board to cancel the event for 2017 and consider axing it permanently pending further review.

E

Run the Gateway The Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon is on for 2017, with a 13.1-mile route and new 4-Miler contest slated for Saturday, May 6, in Waynesville.

The race starts in downtown Waynesville and travels through tree-lined streets in scenic neighborhoods ascending to spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Runners can catch their breaths on a downhill cruise to the finish line in the Frog Level Historic District, where music, medals and mini-massages await.

Registration is $55 for the half marathon and $25 for the 4-miler through April 6, with prices increasing afterward. Proceeds benefit the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce. www.haywoodchamber.com.

“This was a very emotional decision to make, and proof of that was that it was vetted for such a long period of time before the decision was made, because it is a good event for the community,” said Chamber President CeCe Hipps. “It brings a lot of cyclists into our area who have great jobs and disposable incomes to spend.”

A 2015 report on bicycle tourism commissioned by a coalition of area organizations estimated that the ride generated $150,000 to $170,000 annually in visitor spending, benefiting everybody from the hotels where cyclists stayed overnight to downtown shops where spouses and children explored while riders pedaled, to the eateries where the athletes made up for recently burned calories. Held in mid-August, the Breakaway aimed to boost the local economy during a traditionally slow time of year — after summer break has ended but before fall colors brought in the leaf peepers.

“Starting that did a great job over the seven years of bringing people in at a historically slower time period,” said Ken Howle, a Chamber board member who has been involved with the Breakaway since it was just a concept.

DECLINING RIDERSHIP But looking at the numbers, it became increasingly difficult for the Chamber to justify continuing the event. Ridership was going down — after a peak of 469 riders in 2013, participation diminished to 336 in 2014, then

to 284 in 2015 and finally to 266 in 2016 — costs were increasing, and funding was becoming increasingly challenging.

“This decision was not made lightly and was considered for many years,” said Bruce Johnson, chairman of the Chamber’s finance committee, which is tasked with reviewing the numbers for all Chamber events each year. “It just came to a point with the ridership that we had to make a decision.”

Declining ridership isn’t an issue isolated to the Breakaway, Johnson said. Rides across the region are struggling with the same issue, which could be due to an increase in the number of available events. Hipps said that she, too, had noticed more similar rides popping up over the course of the Breakaway’s lifetime.

Originally, Johnson said, the timing had been chosen to avoid just such an issue.

“We especially picked August because it’s hot — really hot — in those areas where our feeder markets come from, and we have a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway,” he said. “They’re going to experience a ride that’s in the 50s and 60s, which is perfect.”

THE FUNDING PUZZLE Perhaps the Breakaway could have survived a decrease in numbers, however, if the revenue had come in stronger. Event managers perennially struggled to cobble together funding from a variety of grants and smaller sponsorships, but they never landed the big fish sponsor that would have ensured that the

Blue Ridge Breakaway ‘broke’ Cyclists lamenting the loss of the Blue Ridge Breakaway aren’t the only ones in need of consolation.

According to a 2015 report, riders left more than just blood, sweat and tears in Haywood County — they also left more than $150,000 greenbacks here, spending it on things like apparel, drinks, lodging, meals and souvenirs while attending the event, which cost only about $20,000 to produce.

Ridership decreased from 469 to 266 from 2013 to 2016, while registration fees for 2016 ranged from $46 to $71 based on ride length and registration dates; theoretically, even at $46 per rider, the resulting revenue decrease from 2013 to 2016 was at least 44 percent.

So, for want of a few thousand dollars, an economic driver that created tourist spending almost 10 times the size of its budget and has done so for seven years won’t take place this year, and is quite possibly gone for good barring a concerted effort to find more sponsors for a 2018 ride, which is still not off the table.

Teresa Smith, executive director of the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, said she felt the Breakaway had a positive impact on the valley’s economy.

“I mean, they rode through here, and some of them I’m sure stayed here, since we have the most hotel rooms,” she said, adding that she hadn’t been approached by anyone asking for help.

“I haven’t heard anything from the Haywood Chamber asking for support,” she said. If she had, she’d present it to the board, which would make the final call.

Likewise, Lake Junaluska Assembly Executive Director Jack Ewing said that although Lake Junaluska has been listed as a sponsor in years past, its primary contribution has been an in-kind donation of security and space, including the welcome center, the staging areas, Jones Cafeteria and other areas.

“We have really appreciated the opportunity to be in partnership with the chamber on this,” Ewing said, “but do not anticipate that we would be able to do more than continue to provide the use of the space and gift in-kind.”

— Cory Vaillancourt, Staff Writer

budget would be met each year. In addition, about $8,000 of the Breakaway’s $20,000 cost had come from the Haywood Tourism Development Authority, but the TDA recently passed new guidelines for event funding that would decrease funding for existing events by 25 percent over four years — so the Breakaway would soon find itself with yet another chunk of funding in need of filling.

“If all this publicity results in a sponsor stepping up and donating $20,000 a year to the event, that would go a long way in our evaluation of whether we want to start this up again or not,” Johnson said.

Get fit with innovative outdoor exercise

Preschool baseball gearing up in Waynesville A beginning baseball program for 4- and 5-year-olds will help children develop the basic motor skills they’ll need to participate in youth baseball leagues later.

The Smart Start Baseball program will begin April 18 and will be held 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday for six weeks. A mandatory parent meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4.

Deadline to sign up is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, and the program is open to children who are 4 or 5 as of April 1.

The $45 registration fee includes a ball, bat, glove, two koosh balls, T-shirt and a manual, all made for 4- and 5-year-olds.

The program is administered by the Youth Development branch of the nonprofit National Alliance for Youth Sports and the Waynesville Parks & Recreation Department.

Register at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Donald Hummel, 828.456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

The Breakaway is one of four signature events the Chamber puts on each year, and one of two athletic events included under that banner. The Gateway to the Smokies

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Smoky Mountain News

SECOND CHAMBER RACE IS STILL ON

Half Marathon, launched in 2015, is the second. And while every event is evaluated every year, Johnson said, the Gateway’s in good shape.

“We hope to have that event for a long time,” he said.

The half marathon is a much less intensive event to put on, Hipps said, largely by virtue of its shorter route. The longest ride in the Breakaway tops 100 miles — by contrast, a half marathon is 13.1 miles. The logistics are much simpler, and the insurance is much cheaper.

For the Chamber those are important considerations, because putting on events is not the Chamber’s mission. The nonprofit’s mission is to create a successful economic environment for its members. So if an event does not make money, it’s not something the Chamber can justify investing its efforts in.

While acknowledging that the absence of the Breakaway will be a sad reality for many this year, Hipps emphasized the event’s positive contributions over the past seven years. It’s fostered a camaraderie among its dedicated corps of 200-plus volunteers, it’s instilled pride in the community, and it’s introduced more people to the wonders of Western North Carolina while benefiting local businesses during a typically slow time of year.

“We’ve had hardly any turnover with our volunteers,” Hipps said. “They love this event, they take great pride in it, they want it to be the best cycling event anywhere — and that was our goal, to make it the best. I think we have something to be proud of. It was a very good ride.”

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Of course, entities capable of writing a check that big on a yearly basis are few and far between in Haywood County. Hipps postulated that some sort of brand sponsor, like a bottling or cycling company, might need to be that golden ticket.

In addition to event expenses like insurance, food, permits and overtime payment for park rangers, the Breakaway also required quite a bit of staff time. Event Coordinator Deb Isenberg logged 404 hours last year dedicated to the Breakaway — 25 percent of her time for the year — and other staff members contributed about 200 more hours on top of that. After all that, the event was only breaking even.

“Bottom line, it needs more funds,” Hipps said of the Breakaway. “It needs more funds, it needs additional staff — at least a part-time position just to dedicate themselves to planning the Blue Ridge Breakaway.”

This year’s ride is off for sure, but the Chamber board will consider the question once more as the deadline to start planning for 2018 comes around. But it would likely take something significant, like the arrival of a major sponsor, to save the event. Hipps expects the decision to be made by January 2018.

outdoors

A group of folks trying out a new type of low-impact, full-body exercise will gather 5:30-7 p.m. on Mondays through May 22 to explore walking paths near Dillsboro and Sylva.

Ski walking, a training tool used by competitive cross-country skiers to maintain strength in the off-season, is a walking technique that uses a specially designed pole, allowing for active use of the upper body through use of a Nordic ski strap. Ski walking results in increased circulation, strength and heart rate without a perceived increase in exertion. The metabolic rate while ski walking is 20 percent higher than

while walking with 30 percent less stress on weight-bearing joints.

The March 20 session will meet at Dillsboro’s Monteith Park.

Poles will be provided.

Organized by Jackson County Cooperative Specially designed ski- Extension. walking poles increase Register by callupper body exertion. ing Donated photo 828.586.4009.

Ashe eville, NC 35

outdoors

Get hands-on with stream monitoring Become a foot soldier in the campaign for clean water with a training offered 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at UNC-Asheville.

The training will teach participants how to collect aquatic insect samples, identify bugs and report water quality problems. After completing the program, volunteers will work in small groups to monitor at least two sites twice per year in Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Yancey or Mitchell County.

The course is part of the Stream Monitoring Information Exchange program focused on macro-invertebrates. SMIE is a collaborative regional project through MountainTrue in which volunteers collect information to be shared with the N.C. Division of Water Resources to help plan and identify waterways in need of extra attention.

Smoky Mountain News

March 15-21, 2017

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International birder Romney Bathurst will share stories and photos from her 10week adventure in Indonesia last fall at 7 p.m. Monday, March 20, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Over the course Romney Bathurst. of her trip, Bathurst Donated photo visited 17 islands loaded with seldom-seen species and species that occur only on those islands. The trip forged for her a new meaning of the word “remote,� she said, and offered adventure and gorgeous birds in abundance. Some of her favorite finds were the incredibly colorful fruit droves and kingfishers.

Free. The presentation is part of the Franklin Bird Club’s regular meeting.

Park scientists go public A diversity of scientific minds will present the research they’ve been producing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the 2017 Science Colloquium Thursday, March 23, at Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg.

The all-day schedule kicks off at 9 a.m. and includes such diverse topics as the potential of invasive green tree frogs to spread an emerging pathogen within the park to the collaborative effort behind the weather observing system in the park’s Elkmont area.

Hemlock declines, efforts to monitor stream salamander populations, a look at extreme precipitation events in the park and the movement of black bears in response to last year’s extreme fire season are just a few of the other topics to be covered.

A full schedule is online at www.dlia.org/2017-park-science-colloquium.

The event is free, with no registration required.

It’s a partnership of Discover Life in America and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Walk among the wildflowers A six-week wildflower course is starting up the week of March 20, offering a chance to explore the outdoors in Jackson County while learning more about the wildflowers.

Classes will be held weekly from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with one session held Mondays

March 20 to April 24 and a second held Tuesdays March 21 to April 25.

Horticulturist Adam Bigelow will teach. $150 for the series, with single-day rates available as well. Register with Bigelow at bigelownc@gmail.com.

Prepare to garden

Solar project proposed in Cades Cove

Smoky Mountain News

A proposed solar power project to support power needs in the Cable Mill area of Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is out for public comment through March 20.

area 3 feet high located southeast of the Cable Mill comfort station in an open field.

Compliance processes including the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act have been initiated, and comments can be submitted to the link titled “Cable Mill Sustainable Energy Project” at parkplan-

From history to hiking, volunteer opportunities are available to help the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make the 2017 season a success. n A training session for volunteers interested in giving visitors to Mingus Mill insight to the area’s history and recreational opportunities will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, March 20, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

The mill, built in 1886, offers visitors a unique look into the inner workMingus Mill. NPS photo ings of a mill that customground everything from corn to rye.

Volunteers work at least one 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift each week during the peak season of April through the end of November, educating visitors about the

general role of milling in the Smokies and specifically the turbine wheel at Mingus Mill. Visitors work alongside employees of the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Sign up with Florie Takaki, 828.497.1906 or florie_takaki@nps.gov. n The park is recruiting volunteers to help park visitors enjoying trails near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, with a training scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, April 7, at the visitor center.

Volunteers typically work one four-hour shift each week from mid-April through midNovember, walking the Oconaluftee River Trail, Mountain Farm Museum and fields along Newfound Gap Road near the visitor center. They inform park visitors about park regulations protecting wildlife and assist with traffic management while elk are in the fields.

They also tell visitors about the area’s cultural and natural resources.

Register with Kathleen Stuart, 828.497.1914 or kathleen_stuart@nps.gov.

March 15-21, 2017

A pair of garden-oriented classes is coming to Haywood County’s libraries, giving area thumbs — green or otherwise — a chance to prepare for the growing season. n Gardeners who don’t have much room to dig can pick up some tips 5:30-6:45 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Canton Public Library. Master Gardener Volunteer Hughes Roberts will present “Planning a small-space, low-labor garden,” and participants will get to view the model in process at the library’s Giving Garden.

Free. 828.648.2924. n A crash course in organic pest control will be offered 2-3 p.m. Monday, March 20, at the Waynesville Public Library. Master Gardener Volunteer Jim Janke will discuss methods for controlling pests with organic and bio-rational materials, and he’ll also demonstrate how to read pesticide labels and identify pesticide categories.

Free. Sponsored by Friends of the Library and N.C. Cooperative Extension.

National park volunteer force recruiting members

outdoors

Adam Bigelow investigates flowers growing along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Holly Kays photo

Vegetation and natural topography would reduce the proposed solar array’s visibility. NPS drawing The project would reduce use of fossil fuels and educate visitors on sustainable energy. The solar array would consist of 80 panels and occupy a 40-by-65-foot

ning.nps.gov/grsm or mailed to Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

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Gran Fondo Asheville. outdoors

Justin Wulff photo

The 3rd Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon follows nearly the exact same course as previous years, begining on Main Street in beautiful downtown Waynesville and winding through neighborhoods & scenic farmlands to finish in Frog Level, a revitalized railroad district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Smoky Mountain News

March 15-21, 2017

New this year is the 4-Miler, which starts and finishes at the same place as the Half Marathon.

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Help shape cycling’s future in WNC

Gear Fest returns to Asheville

A regional effort to plan for improved bicycling infrastructure in Western North Carolina is underway, and a public input meeting will be held 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the First Presbyterian Church’s Tartan Hall in Franklin.

The Southern Blue Ridge Bike Plan will cover Macon, Graham, Clay and Cherokee counties. Residents can come give input on draft routes and recommendations, while also learning more about the economic impacts of bicycling in the region.

Meetings will also be held 6-7:30 p.m.

Monday, March 20, at the Community Building in Robbinsville, and Tuesday, March 21, at the Clay County Board of Education Room in Hayesville. The Southwestern Commission Council of Governments is spearheading the effort.

Contact sealy@chipleyconsulting.com for more information.

A plethora of top-tier outdoors gear homegrown in Western North Carolina will be on display to see, touch and try out during the third annual Get in Gear Fest noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Salvage Yard in Asheville.

From bikes to boats to bags, gear to support the full spectrum of outdoors sports will be on site for demonstration and purchase. In addition, more than 25 booths will feature events and demo activities, including a 30-foot climbing tower sponsored by Camp Cedar Cliff, on-water demos of Native Watercraft kayaks sponsored by Diamond Brand Gear and the infamous Swaygo Squeeze Box to test your caving skills. Live music, food and drinks will all be there.

Free and family-friendly, but no pets.

Organized by the Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina. www.outdoorgearbuilders.com/gearfest.

Seminar offered for turkey hunters A turkey hunting seminar covering a range of topics pertinent to novice and experienced turkey hunters alike will be offered 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Haywood Community College.

The course will cover turkey biology, hunting tactics, calling, decoys and tips for dealing with stubborn, hard-to-hunt gobblers. Hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts will also be discussed. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Free. Sponsored by the HCC Arts, Sciences and Natural Resources Department, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission; and the N.C. Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Register at www.ncwildlife.org.

Forest management project proposed near Highlands Public comment is open through March 20 on a proposed forest management project to take place on 18,900 acres of the Nantahala National Forest east of Highlands and abutting South Carolina.

The Southside Project would include tree harvesting, prescribed burns and fish and wildlife habitat improvement.

According to the Forest Service scoping record, 371 acres would undergo some kind of timber cutting, 2,484 acres would be burned and trees within 15 to 30 feet of a

Forest Service road would be thinned.

Other treatments would include rehabilitation of existing wildlife openings, invasive species removal and maintenance of openings caused by skid trails. In addition, 1.2 miles of temporary road would be built.

These treatments would aim to improve wildlife habitat, tree species diversity and soil and water resources.

Comments can be sent to commentssouthern-north-carolina-nantahala- nantahala@fs.fed.us or to Mike Wilkins, District Ranger, Nantahala National Forest, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734. A full version of the plans is available at www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc using the links for “Land and Resources Management” and “Projects.”

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • A House of Worship Safety Training event is scheduled for March 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Charles M. Beall Auditorium at Haywood Community College. Goal of the training is to educated and train worshipers about personal and collective safety at a church. 452.6666.

• Karaoke at the library for tweens, teens and adults is from 5-7 p.m. on March 22, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. Submit karaoke YouTube links to maconteens@fontanalib.org.

• The Jackson County Meals on Wheels program celebrates the national 15th annual March for Meals with a march at 11 a.m. on March 24 in downtown Sylva.

Gather at the corner of Mill and Main and march to steps of the Jackson County Public Library. 586.5494.

• Western Carolina University will hold an open house for prospective students starting at 8:15 a.m. on March 25, in Cullowhee. 227.7317.

• Southwestern Community College will host a grand opening for its health sciences simulation lab at 10 a.m. on March 28, at the Balsam Center on the Jackson Campus. 339.4000.

• Haywood Community College is seeking nominations for its annual Outstanding Alumni of the Year Award.

Deadline for nominations is March 31. 627.4679 or dconard@haywood.edu.

• Applications are being accepted for the Haywood County Farm Bureau Scholarship. Students must be graduating seniors, currently enrolled in a Haywood County school or enrolled in a two- or four-year school and a resident of Haywood County. 2.5 GPA or better.

452.1425 or Karen_greene@ncfbssc.com.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • A Global Spotlight Series event focusing on “The Great Powers” from 4-5:30 p.m. on March 20, in room 101 of the Forsyth Building at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. 227.3860 or jsschiff@wcu.edu.

• A Social Media Marketing Summit for small business owners is scheduled for 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on March 23, at Haywood Community College in Clyde. 627.4512 or SBC.Haywood.edu.

• Registration is underway for Local Business Sunday, a reception and learning opportunity offered by Biltmore Church Franklin Campus at 10 a.m. on March 26.

Michelle Myers will offer a brief presentation on successful strategies for social media marketing. RSVP deadline is March 17. Questions, info and to RSVP: franklin@biltmorechurch.com or 651.6133.

• A program entitled “How to Price Your Product or Service” will be presented by Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on March 27, at the Jackson Campus. Part of a business startup series, whichwill meet each Monday through March 27. Registration required: www.southwesterncc.edu/sbc. Info: 339.4211 or t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will hold a seminar entitled “E-Commerce Elements for Successful Online Businesses” from 4-7 p.m. on March 27, in Building 200, Room 203, on the main campus in Clyde. Preregistration required: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • The Jackson County Arts Council will present “Arts Night Out” from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, at participating local restaurants in Sylva, Cullowhee and

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Dillsboro. At least 10 percent of sales will go to JCAC. Participating restaurants include City Lights, Jack the Dipper, Well House, Sazon, Bogarts, Guadalupe Café, Lee’s at the Depot, Baxley’s Chocolates and Lulu’s on Main. 507.9820 or info@jacksoncountyarts.org.

• Voices in the Laurel will be hosting their 2nd annual Bingo Night fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Haywood County Fairgrounds in Waynesville.

In honor of their 20th anniversary season, the event will include a Voices in the Laurel performance by the Concert, Chamber and A Capella choirs. Tickets are available by calling 828.734.9163. $20 each includes admission, 20 games of bingo, coffee and a dessert and a chance to win door prizes. Additional cards for the 20 games can be purchased for $10 with 3 “Special Games of Bingo” — $2 each card or all 3 for $5. You may reserve a table of 8 with advance ticket sales — tickets will also be available at the door. www.voicesinthelaurel.org.

• There will be a “St. Patrick’s Day” dance fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Qualla Community Building in Whittier. Free dance lessons at 6 p.m.

Admission is $10 per person for the dance. All proceeds go to benefit the Qualla Community Development Club.

828.788.0502.

• The Coffee Shop is hosting a fundraiser for United Christian Ministries from 3-7 p.m. on March 21 at 385 W. Main Street in Sylva. Ten percent of proceeds from that time span go to help Jackson County families in need.

• Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will hold its eighth annual pancake breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon on March 25, at the fellowship hall. $8 for adults; $3 for children under 12.

• The AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center is hosting a “Pop-A-Cork @ the Caddy Shack” fundraising event from 2 to 6p.m. Sunday, March 26, at Lees at the Depot in Dillsboro. All proceeds will benefit AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets are $50. Please contact 586.3574 or awakecacenter@awakecacenter.org to purchase a ticket or ask for information.

• During April, Frank and Louis Perrone, award-winning father and son chef/proprietors of Frankie’s Trattoria in Maggie Valley, will be sharing their legendary recipes in a cookbook titled Frankie’s Libro di Cucina — Reminiscing and Cooking with Frank “The Kid” Perrone. All proceeds from sales of the book will help fund Richie’s Alliance for Autism and support the Olsen Huff Center of Mission Children’s Hospital in Western North Carolina. Pre-order forms will be available at www.frankiestrattoria.com in March for signed copies to be delivered beginning in mid-April.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS • Greening up the Mountains Festival is seeking artists, mountain crafters, environmental and food vendors to apply for a booth in its 20th festival, which is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 22. Applications available at www.greeningupthemountains.com, or call 631.4587.

• Town of Dillsboro will be hosting three arts and craft shows open to vendors from the surrounding region.

Over 40 artisans for each of these festivals are needed, artisans who will be displaying and demonstrating their hand made arts and crafts from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Family entertainment and festival food will be available during each show. First show is Saturday, June 17 — The 3rd annual “Front Street Arts & Crafts Show.”

Application due April 1. Vendors may apply for these

Smoky Mountain News

shows by downloading an application from the town’s website, www.visitdillsboro.org. For more information, call Connie Hogan at 586.3511 or email festivals@visitdillsboro.org.

• The Downtown Waynesville Association is seeking heritage themed vendors for the annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration that will take place Saturday, June 10, on Main Street. If you’re interested in being a part of this celebration of Appalachian traditions and keeping mountain heritage from being forgotten, contact the Downtown Waynesville Association at 456.3517 to request an application or visit the event calendar at www.downtownwaynesville.com. Applications accepted until April 28.

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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 anyone interested in being a summer camp counselor.

456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

HEALTH MATTERS • Western Carolina University’s student-run, Mountain Area Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. 227.3527.

• The Jackson County NAACP will meet at 10 a.m. on March 18 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sylva. Topic is about the impact of the new health care law in WNC. • “Colon Cancer: Prevention and Screening” – a Talk with a Doc seminar – is at 6 p.m. on March 21, at the Haywood Regional Medical Center Café. Featuring Paul Levy, MD, gastroenterologist. RSVP required: 800.424.3627. Meal will be served.

• An “Advance Directives” program is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on March 21, at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 452.5039 or 452.2370.

• Western Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Sciences will host the 25th annual Cullowhee Conference on Communicative Disorders on March 2324, in Cullowhee. Register: www.wcu.edu/learn/edoutreach/conted.

• A “Medicare 101” program will be offered from 1-2 p.m. on March 23, at the Waynesville Library. Led by John Chicoine of the Senior Resource Center, the program will cover the fundamentals of Medicare and choosing the right plan/option. For more info: 356.2833.

• The American Red Cross serving Haywood and Jackson Counties is holding introductory trainings for volunteers to assist on its Disaster Action Team. The first training is from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on March 25, at the Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville, and the second is from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. www.redcross.org/volunteer.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • Registration for a spring golf league has begun through the Jackson County Recreation Department. $10 fee to enter and $20 per week to golf course. League is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Smoky Mountain Country Club.

Register at www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• Registration is underway for a PDGA-sanctioned disc golf tournament, which will be held on Sunday, March 12, at the Waynesville Disc Golf Course at Vance Street Park in Waynesville. Register for the “Blind Hog Day Light Savings Throw Down” at https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/Blind_Hog_Day_Light_Savings _Throw_Down_2017. Info: 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A Tent or Tarp program will be offered from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at the Cullowhee Recreation Center. Register: Stop by the rec center or visit www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• Waynesville Parks & Recreation will hold a Base Camp Counselor Combine event from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, at the Waynesville Rec Center for

SPIRITUAL • A new mindfulness group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 16 at 166 Branner Ave., Suite C, in Waynesville. Cost: $25 per person or $40 per couple per session. Registration required: 703.609.9107 or dchristiano@yahoo.com.

POLITICAL • The Haywood County Democratic Women meet at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, at Angelo’s Family Pizza and Pasta in Waynesville. Topic: “OMG! Is that a man in the bathroom?” 648.2809.

• Jackson County Republican Party will hold precinct meetings and its annual county convention at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17, at the Jackson County Department of Aging in Sylva. 743.6491 or jacksonctygop@yahoo.com.

• The Macon County Republican Party will hold its annual convention and precinct meetings at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at the Boiler Room in Franklin. www.macongop.com or maconrepublicans@gmail.com.

• Indivisible Sylva meets at 6:30 p.m. on March 21, at the Jackson County Public Library’s Community Room.

Group aimed at inspiring progress action focusing on local government advocacy.

• The Jackson County Democratic Party will meet at 6:30 p.m. on March 21, at party headquarters on Mill Street in Sylva.

• Indivisible Swain County NC, a bipartisan group committed to applying peaceful, persistent pressure on government officials for the common good, meets at 6 p.m. on March 21 at the Senior Center, 125 Brendle Street, in Bryson City. 488.1118.

• The Swain County Democratic Party holds its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on March 21, at party headquarters at 122 Everett Street in Bryson City.

• The Swain County Republican Party will hold precinct meetings and its annual county convention starting at 11 a.m. on March 25, at the Swain County Training Center in Bryson City.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • The John Campbell Folk School will host the Literary Hour, an hour of poetry and prose by Joan Howard and Bob Grove, at 7 p.m. on March 16 in Brasstown.

• Spoken word artist Carlos Andres Gomez will perform at 8 p.m. March 17 in UC Illusions Room 309 at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

• Western Carolina University alumnus and author Tyler Cook will present his fourth book Vigilante from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 17, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. For more information, contact Cook at moonshinepressnc@gmail.com or visit www.tylermcook.com.

wnc calendar

• Ron Robinson will present his book On All Cylinders at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of On All Cylinders, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Construction Zone! Is at 4 p.m. on March 22 at the Canton Library.

• A “Kids Introduction to Fly Fishing” program will be offered from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 27 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• “Resumes and Interviews,” part of the Applications, Interviews & Resumes for Teens series, is scheduled for March 27, at the Canton Library. Learn to create your first resume and prepare for interviews.

Registration required. 648.2924.

• Registration deadline is March 28, for a Smart Start baseball program for ages 4-5 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Mandatory parent meeting at 5:30 p.m. on April 4 at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

Parents must also attend all six one-hour sessions. $45 fee includes ball/bat set, glove, two koosh balls, t-shirt and manual. Sessions are at 5:30 p.m. each Tuesday starting April 18. Info: 456.2030 or phummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Registration has begun for Youth Spring Soccer through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department. Open to players born between 2003-12.

Birth certificates required for first-time players. $55. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

KIDS MOVIES • “Moana” is being shown at Mad Batter Food & Film on March 17 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in Sylva.

March 15-21, 2017

• “Beauty and the Beast” will be shown on Friday,

March 17 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., March 20-23 at 7 p.m. at The Strand on Main in Waynesville. Check website www.38main.com for prices.

• A family movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Movie is an animated Disney classic about a well-to-do madame who leaves her fortune to her prized cat and kittens, but her butler plots to steal the money and kidnap the kittens. 488.3030.

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • Folkmoot’s Appalachian Friendship Dinner is set for 68 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, in Waynesville. Barbecue is catered from Haywood Smokehouse. Tickets: $25 adults, $15 for kids. Folkmoot.org or 452.2997.

• Heritage Apple Day is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at the Cashiers Valley Community Center across from the fire department. 743.7710 or cashiers411.com.

• The Rainbow & Ramps Elder Meal & Horseshoe Tournament is 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 25 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. $12 per meal (fried trout, ramps and vegetables). $30 entry fee for the horseshoe tournament. 359.6492, 359.6471, 359.6473, friehusk@nc-cherokee.com, LisaFrad@nccherokee.com or angehern@nc-cherokee.com.

FOOD & DRINK • There will be a “BYOB Dinner” with Chef Jackie

Blevins ($60 all inclusive five courses, bring your own beer or wine) 7 p.m. March 16. at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 452.0120.

• A “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train” will be departing at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot in Bryson City.

Tickets are $70. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

• Andrews Brewing Company will host their “One-Year Anniversary Celebration” and open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at their downtown production facility. Heidi Holton (blues/folk) will also perform at 2:30 p.m. Free. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• Mountain Cooking Club will have a class from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville. Menu features a main course of cider-braised turkey legs and thighs, roasted brussels sprouts, apple wood bacon and balsamic glaze. $65 plus $1 for annual club membership fees. Mail to Chef Ricardo LLC, 3553 Panther Creek Road, Clyde, NC 28721. 627.6751.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • There will be an improv show at 5:30 p.m. March 15 and March 22 in the Niggli Theatre at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

• Bean Sidhe will perform their 9th annual Celtic concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City.

Admission is $6 per person. 736.3921 or 488.8227 or www.greatsmokies.com.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum is pleased to present a live performance by animator, director, designer, and performance artist Miwa Matreyek, who interacts with her animations as a shadow silhouette. Matreyek will perform two pieces on Thursday, March 16: “This World Made Itself” and “Myth and Infrastructure.” A pre-performance reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the live performance in the Bardo Arts Center Studio Theatre at 6 p.m.

The reception and performance will be held in conjunction with the WCU Fine Art Museum exhibition, “Miwa Matreyek: Infinitely Yours,” which will run through May 5. All WCU Fine Art Museum events and exhibitions are free and open to the public. www.wcu.edu.

• A production of “Charlotte’s Web” will be performed at 7 p.m. March 17-18 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $12.

For more information, click on www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• Roots and Dore (acoustic singer songwriters) will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at HART’s Fangmeyer Theater in Waynesville. Dinner is served starting at 5:30 p.m. at Harmon’s Den.

Smoky Mountain News

• Tickets are on sale now for “The Price is Right Live!” show at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. http://tinyurl.com/zo7jzdk.

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• Heidi Holton will perform blues standards at 7 p.m. on March 23 in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• The Texas Tenors will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $24. To purchase tickets, call 866.273.4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• Outlander by beloved Western North Carolina writer Gary Carden is scheduled for three matinee performances by The Autumn Players of Asheville Community Theatre (ACT), which will be March 24-25 at 2:30 p.m. in 35below at ACT and March 26th at 2:30 p.m.at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. All tickets are $6 and are available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at 254.1320 or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre box office. For more information or for a full schedule of the 2016-17 Reader’s Theatre Showcase series, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.

• Rodney Carrington returns to The Event Center at Harrah’s in Cherokee on March 25 at 7:30 p.m.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • A “Vintage Inspired Easter Shadow Box” workshop will be offered from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Thursday, March 16. Offered by the Jackson County Extension Office in Sylva. Register: 586.4009.

• A “Creating an Animated Film” workshop will be offered from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Included opening reception and performance by animator and designer Miwa Matreyek. Walk through a tutorial about animating simple designs via Flash computer programming. Free for students; $20 for community members. Pre-registration required for students (tcbowers1@catamount.wcu.edu) or community members (hensley@wcu.edu).

• There will be a wooden spoon making workshop from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 16 at the Mountain Center Gallery at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Learn safe and effective carving techniques, knife blade choices and tool care, then make a useful, beautiful and unique wooden spoon, using knives and woodworking gouges. $5 supply fee. Call 227.7129 to reserve your spot. Space limited to 10 participants.

• High Country Quilt Guild meets at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, at the First Methodist Church in Waynesville. Group meets third Thursday of each month. Share needlework and quilts from other cultures. http://highcountryquilters.wordpress.com.

• Art Adventures will be presented by the Franklin Uptown Gallery from 1:30-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, at 30 E. Main St. in Franklin. Sue Walsh will give a hands-on demonstration of dry brush watercolor technique. 349.4706.

• A Bladesmithing Symposium sponsored by the American Bladesmith Society and Haywood Community College, is scheduled for March 24-26 at the HCC Campus. Knife-making demonstrations, hands-on blade forging, knife show, auction and battle of the bladesmith. $75 registration fee. Info: 400.7815.

• Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain TURBOCHARGED. A six-week course discovering your talent as an artist, and radically improve your ability to draw. Beginning March 27, and the following 5 Mondays, 9:30-12:00, My Studio in Sylva. $150, Supplies Extra. Taught by Jan Adams; Professional artist for 40 years, studied at The National Academy of Fine Art and the Art Students League. My work can be found in collections in Virginia, North Carolina, New York, Arizona, DC, Florida and England. www.janadams.org or 558.1234 • Postcard art is being accepted for the Haywood County Arts Council’s 40th anniversary exhibition: “A Ruby Anniversary Show.” Proceeds support the arts in Haywood County. Show is in May. Submissions (at least 3-1/2 inches high X 5 inches long; no larger than 4-1/4 inches high by 6 inches long) accepted through April 10. Questions: info@haywoodarts.org or 452.0593.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • A reception for the exhibit “When All God’s Children Get Together” will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center in Cullowhee. 227.7129.

• The MFA Thesis Exhibit for Jordan Krutsch will be showcased March 22-31 in the Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. March 23, at the museum. www.wcu.edu.

• Through the end of March there will be a display of

wnc calendar March 15-21, 2017

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Smoky Mountain News

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wnc calendar

the Studio Alive Artist exhibition, which will feature founder Catherine Christie at the Hudson Library in Highlands. These exhibitions will continue throughout the year displaying works of one Studio Alive artist at a time in the community room.

• The “Animal Magnetism” art exhibit will run through April 1 at the Haywood County Art Council’s “Gallery & Gifts” showroom in downtown Waynesville. The exhibit celebrates our fellow creatures with animal-inspired artwork. www.haywoodarts.org.

• “Soft Diplomacy: Quilting Cultural Diplomacy in Liberia” is on exhibit through May 5 at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee. 227.3591.

• An exhibition by Atlanta-based photographer Chris Aluka Berry will be on display through March in the Rotunda Gallery of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Info: info@survivalpride.com or art@affrilachiastudio.com.

• A showcase on the life and times of Horace Kephart will be on display through March 31 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. The Mountain Heritage Center’s Kephart Collection is composed of 127 objects, including Kephart’s tent, sleeping bag, backpack and the writing desk. The exhibit will display many of these objects in a campsite setting. 227.7129.

FILM & SCREEN • “Moonlight” is being shown at Mad Batter Food & Film on March 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Sylva.

• “Passengers” is being shown at Mad Batter Food & Film on March 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Sylva.

• Indigenous Films from Latin America will be shown on Monday, March 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

March 15-21, 2017

• “Fences” will be shown on Thursday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

• “Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story” – a biographical documentary – will be shown at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin.

• “Sing” will be shown on Friday, Marvh 24 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

• “The Shack” will be shown on Wednesday, March 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. at The Strand on Main in Waynesville.

See website at www.38main.com for pricing.

• Learn about “Spring Wildflowers of Southern Appalachian” with Adam Bigelow in a six-week course that will be offered in two separate sessions: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Mondays from March 20-April 24 or on Tuesdays from March 21-April 25. Cost is $150 for the series. Single-day rates available. bigelownc@gmail.com.

• A public hearing on Jackson County’s proposed conveyance of a tract of land to WNC Outdoor Development, LLC, is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 20, at the Justice & Administration Building in Sylva.

• A turkey hunting seminar will be offered to all ages and skill levels (16 and under require parental permission) will be offered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission from 6-9 p.m. on March 22 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org/sbs.

• Aviation Historical Society will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, at the Macon County Airport in Franklin. aeroscribbler@gmail.com or 506.5869.

• A program on “Backyard Birding By Ear” will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on March 23 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• A program on “Casting for Beginners: Level 1” will be offered from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 23 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• “Hello Mister! An Indonesian Birding Adventure” will be presented by Romney Bathurst at 7 p.m. on March 20 at the Macon County Public Library.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite to public to comment through March 20 on a proposed solar power system in Cades Cove. https://parkplanning.nps.gov/grsm.

• Ski-walking, a new type of low-impact, full-body exercise, will be offered from 5:30-7 p.m. on Mondays starting March 20 at the Monteith Park in Dillsboro.

Outdoors Smoky Mountain News

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings

• A training for anyone interested in serving as a volunteer at Mingus Mill will be offered from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 20, at the Oconaluftee Administration Building near Cherokee. Info: 497.1906 or florie_takaki@nps.gov.

• Public comment is open through March 20 on a proposed forest management project to take place on 18,900 acres of the Nantahala National Forest east of Highlands and abutting South Carolina. A full version of plans available at: www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc.

Comments can be sent to: nantahala@fs.fed.us or to Mike Wilinks, District Ranger, Nantahala National Forest, 90 Sloan Rd., Franklin, NC 28734.

• Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament is March 25-26. $11 registration fee. $10 fishing permit fee. Enter at www.FishCherokee.com or at businesses within Cherokee. 359.6110 or paprice@nccherokee.com.

• A program on “Identifying Woodpeckers” will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on March 17 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• Volunteers are being sought to help sample local streams for water quality, and a training session is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 26, at UNC Asheville. Topics include basic stream ecology, how to report local water quality programs and more. RSVP (required) or get more info: 357.7411 or Eqilabstaff@gmail.com. $15-20 donation requested.

• Get in Gear Fest is scheduled for March 18 at Salvage Station on Riverside Drive in Asheville’s River Arts District. Showcases the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC and outdoor gear made in the area.

• The Highlands Plateau Greenway will have a workday from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 19. highlands42 greenway@nctv.com or call 526.2385.

• Personalized fittings for boots and backpacks will be offered from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on March 25, at REI in Asheville.

• A program on “Reading the Water” will be offered from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 28 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• North Carolina residents are invited to participate in the “NC’s Candid Critters” – the largest camera trap survey ever. Residents of Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties can participate in a brief online training process then borrow a camera trap from any Fontana Regional Library location. Info: NCCandidCritters.org or www.fontanalib.org.

FARM AND GARDEN • Learn about square-foot gardening at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

• A program on “Organic and Bio-rational Pest Control” will be offered from 2-3 p.m. on March 20, at the Waynesville Library.

• Tuscola Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 21, at the Bethea Welcome Center at Lake Junaluska. Barbie Stanton will provide an interactive discussion and demonstration of creating unique and artistic floral arrangements. 246.0437.

• Wonder Weeds and Hero Herbs. “Not Your Ordinary Herbal Workshop” Learn powerful and easy to find herbs, and time proven recipes to enhance your health and well-being. Learn how to make your own tinctures, teas and extractions.

Learn how to use 8 products you can get at your grocery store to amp up your immune system and build your stamina. Learn my top 12 herbs that address most health issues and how to prepare teas tinctures and extracts. Learn time honored formulas. April 1 and 2: 9-4pm; $244 (supplies extra and optional). If paid in full by March 21 $199. Contact Jan Adams 828 5581234 • The Haywood County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association plant sale is accepting orders through March 17. Edibles are available on April 8; native plants on May 20. Order forms available at the Cooperative Extension Office on Raccoon Road, by calling 456.3575 or by writing mgarticles@charter.net.

Proceeds support education-related horticulture projects in Haywood County.

• The Macon County 4-H Plant Sale is accepting orders through March 17. Pick up is April 5-6. Orders: macon.ncsu.edu. For an order form, call 349.2046.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • The Feeding America 5K Walk/Run will raise money for the nonprofit Feeding America 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Runners can begin this noncompetitive 5K at any point during the two-hour window, with stopwatches available to keep time. Every $1 raised translates into 11 meals for people suffering from hunger in the United States. $15. Organized by the WCU Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Register at www.active.com.

• Go Tell It On the Mountain 5K Run/Walk and one-mile walk will be held to benefit the fight against Cystic Fibrosis and the Otto Community Development starting at 8 a.m. on March 18, at the Otto Community Center in Otto. Info: Check out Otto Community Development on Facebook or call 342.5047.

• Registration is underway for the Mountaineer 2-Miler, which is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, starting at Waynesville Middle School. All profits go toward supplies, materials and technology at the school.

Sponsorship info: mountieparents@gmail.com.

Register: www.RunSignUp.com/mountaineer2miler.

• Registration is underway for the Assault on Black Rock, a seven-mile trail race scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, in Jackson County. $25 pre-registration; $30 on race day. www.raceentry.com ($2.49 fee for registering online). Info: 506.2802 or barwatt@hotmail.com.

• The Macon Your Heart Beat 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. on March 25, at Angel Medical Center in Franklin. Proceeds will benefit the

hospital’s cardiac rehab department. $15-$35. www.active.com.

HIKING CLUBS • Haywood Waterways Association and Friends of the Rough Creek Watershed are hosting a hike in the Rough Creek Watershed on Saturday, March 19. Guided

by Eric Romaniszyn, Haywood Waterways’ Executive Director. Free for members; $5 donation for nonmembers. Membership starts at $25. RSVP by March 15: christine@haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 476.4667.

• Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate six-mile hike, with an elevation change of 700 feet, on Saturday, March 18, from Harrison Gap to Locust Tree Gap. Reservations: 524.5298. Visitors welcome.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 7.5-mile hike on March 19 from Purchase Knob to Hemphill Bald. 1,500foot ascent. Info, or to sign up: 337.5845 or laurafrisbie@gmail.com.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 10.4-mile hike with a 2,800-foot ascent on March 22 at Mingus Mill.

Info, or to sign up: 724.4999, 442.8482 or stevepierce50@gmail.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will have an easy-tomoderate 4-mile hike, with an elevation change of 200 feet, on Saturday, March 25, to High Falls north of Glenville. Reservations: 788.2985.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy twomile hike with an elevation change of 600 feet on Sunday, March 26, on Rufus Morgan Trail.

Reservations: 369.6820.

• Hike of the Week is at 10 a.m. every Friday at varying locations along the parkway. Led by National Park Service rangers. www.nps.gov/blri or 298.5330, ext.

304.

• Friends of the Smokies hikes are offered on the second Tuesday of each month. www.friendsofthesmokies.org/hikes.html.

• Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org • High Country Hikers, based out of Hendersonville but hiking throughout Western North Carolina, plans hikes every Monday and Thursday. Schedules, meeting places and more information are available on their website, www.highcountryhikers.org.

• Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays. Nonmembers contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org • Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, located in East Tennessee, makes weekly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as surrounding areas. www.smhclub.org.

• Diamond Brand’s Women’s Hiking Group meets on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, e-mail awilliams@diamondbrand.com or call 684.6262.

OUTDOOR CLUBS • The Jackson County Poultry Club will hold its regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office. The club is for adults and children and includes a monthly meeting with a program and a support network for those raising birds. For info, call 586.4009 or write heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.

• The North Carolina Catch program, a three-phase conservation education effort focusing on aquatic environments, will be offered through May 15. The program is offered by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free for members; daily admission for nonmembers. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

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March 15-21, 2017

CYNDI - A FULL-FIGURED TUXEDO GAL APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS OLD. SHE IS FRIENDLY AND SOCIABLE, LANDED IN THE HAYWOOD COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, WHERE SHE RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR A SERIOUS VIRAL INFECTION. SHE TRANSFERRED TO SARGE'S AFTER A FULL RECOVERY & IS NOW READY TO FIND HER FOREVER FAMILY. SHE IS DECLAWED, SO SHE IS INDOORS ONLY. SPECKS - A UNIQUE DOGGY, WEIGHING A PORTABLE 15 POUNDS, AND SHE IS ABOUT EIGHT YEARS OLD. SHE IS LONG AND LOW LIKE A DACHSHUND, BUT MARKED LIKE A POINTER, SO HER BREED IS JUST A GUESS. SHE’S SKITISH & WILL PROBABLY DO BEST IN A HOME WITH OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

Monday & Wednesday 8:00am - 4:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

www.smokymountainnews.com 44

Always Fast, Fair & Friendly!

Committed to Exceeding Expectations

mobrig@Beverly-Hanks.com

www.Beverly-Hanks.com

Is Looking for a Graphic Designer to Work up to 25 Hours per Week on a Regular Schedule. We Need Someone Proficient with Mac-Based Design Programs, Specifically Adobe Creative Suite and QuarkXpress. Job Duties Include Producing Ads for Our Newspaper and Other Print Products. The Ideal Candidate Would also Possess Good Layout Skills and be Able to Help with Various Niche Magazines Produced In-House. Hourly Rate Commensurate with Experience. Email Resumes to:

OFFICE HOURS:

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(828) 550-2810

THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

860 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC

Residential Broker Associate

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Unlimited earning potential. Must be 21 with valid U.S. drivers license, insurance & reliable vehicle. Call 855.750.9313 FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Computer Programming &Development/Database Instructor 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 NUCLEAR POWER Paid Training, great salary, benefits, $ for school. Gain valued skills. No exp needed. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419.

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RROLAND33@GMAIL.COM

Find the home you are looking for at www.robrolandrealty.com Residential · Land · Commercial

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

OUR HUNTERS WILL PAY TOP $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a free Base Camp Leasing info packet and quote. 866.309.1507. www.basecampleasing.com LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

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CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Rental Assistance When Available Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday 12:30pm - 4:00pm & Friday. 8:00am- 4:00pm 50 Duckett Cove Road, Waynesville

Phone # 1-828-456-6776 TDD # 1-800-725-2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

This is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

ROB ROLAND

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

MOUNTAIN REALTY

Mieko

Thomson BROKER/REALTOR®

Cell (828) 226-2298

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com

2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

HOMES FOR SALE

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

LOOKING FOR A MINI FARM? This rustic house and land is located in the Henson Cove Area of Canton, NC. Includes a Barn, 2 Acres, 2 Streams, a Pond and a Forest of Bamboo. Asking $195K. For more info or to preview house and property, call Alesia at 828.400.9943 PROTECT YOUR HOME With fully customizable security and 24/7 monitoring right from your smartphone. Receive up to $1500 in equipment, free (restrictions apply). Call 1.800.941.7987 SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your Mortgage? Denied a Loan Modification?

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2/BR 2/BA 1,500 SQ. FT. HOUSE In Tuckaseegee. Appliances Included, Partially Furnished, Creek, Pond, Mtn. Views. $900/mo., First/ Last + $500 Sec. Dep., No Smoking Call 517.375.1189, Leave Message

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE FOR YOU

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SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1.800.670.4805 to start your application today! SAPA

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BROOKE PARROTT BROKER ASSOCIATE 828.734.2146 bparrott@beverly-hanks.com Visit beverly-hanks.com/agents/bparrott

to see what others are saying!

Haywood Properties - haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox - info@haywoodproperties.com Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff.yourkwagent.com • Yvonne Kolomechuk - yvonneksells.yourkwagent.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

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beverly-hanks.com Ann Eavenson - AnnEavenson@beverly-hanks.com Randy Flanigan - RandyFlanigan@beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy - MichelleMcElroy@beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig - MarilynnObrig@beverly-hanks.com Brooke Parrott - BrookeParrott@beverly-hanks.com Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - EllenSither@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - MikeStamey@beverly-hanks.com Pamela Williams - PamelaWilliams@beverly-hanks.com

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Boarder - sunburstrealty.com

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

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

• • • • • • • • •

• George Escaravage - george@emersongroupus.com

FURNITURE

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.

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LAWN & GARDEN

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

Lakeshore Realty • Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Dan Womack BROKER

243.1126

828.

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell - smokiesproperty.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

Realty World Heritage Realty

MOUNTAIN REALTY

26 N. Main St. • Waynesville, NC • 828-564-9393

——————————————

GEORGE

ESCARAVAGE

realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766 • Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net Mieko Thomson - ncsmokies.com The Real Team - the-real-team.com Ron Breese - ronbreese.com Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

ASHEVILLE, NC 28804

• • • • • • •

GESCAR@BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

Rob Roland Realty

BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

• Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

BROKER/REALTOR

—————————————— 7 BEAVERDAM ROAD - SUITE 207

828.400.0901

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

smokymountainnews.com

1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

FINANCIAL BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

DO YOU OWE $10K+ IN IRS Tax Debt? Take 60 seconds for a Free Consultation to end IRS collections. Call now!

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SFR, ECO, GREEN

March 15-21, 2017

HOMES FOR RENT FURNISHED

PROFESSIONAL MEETING SPACE Located in Waynesville, Holds up to 90 People. Suitable for Seminars, Family Gatherings, Worship, Ect. Kitchen Area, Wifi/ Screen. For More Information and Rates for ROOM 1902 Call 828.454.7445 or 828.551.8960

WNC MarketPlace

BEAUTIFUL 4/BR 2/BA HOME 15 Boxwood Terrace, Canton, NC. Ready to move in with 2,300 sq. ft., Newly renovated with Master Suite, Laundry & Walk-in Closet.

Adequate Storage & Lots of Character. Walking Distance to Library & Main Street. $274,000 Call Alesia for more info 828.400.9943

COMM. PROP. FOR RENT

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 45

www.smokymountainnews.com

March 15-21, 2017

WNC MarketPlace

Super

46

CROSSWORD

GYMGOER’S BUMMER ACROSS 1 Clinic for getting clean 6 React to sticker shock 10 24 hours — 14 Blew a fuse 19 Reparations for wrongs 21 Head, to Helene 22 Unevenly notched, as a leaf 23 Start of a riddle 25 Fighting fish of Asia 26 Division of the Roman army 27 — avail (futile) 28 California observatory site 30 Foxy 31 Grind, as one’s teeth 35 Beat soundly 37 A B vitamin 38 Riddle, part 2 41 Planted 44 Swenson of “Advise & Consent” 45 Banana part 46 Riddle, part 3 52 Lie in the sun 56 Places to live 57 Feed holder 58 Activate, as a light switch 60 Silent assent 61 Haile Selassie follower 65 Kobe’s home 68 Brits’ coins 69 Conductor Sir Georg — 71 Riddle, part 4 73 Cussed

74 Windy City air hub 75 Land surrounded by water, in Italy 76 Spiny plants 78 — Mahal 79 Not at all, old-style 81 Arm bone 83 Conceive of 85 Struck disk 86 Riddle, part 5 92 Prefix with dose or watt 93 Actor’s job 94 Class seat 95 End of the riddle 104 One lacking pigment 105 Slangy suffix with switch 106 See or smell 107 “— aboard!”

110 Ump’s call halfway to a walk 112 “Falling Skies” star Noah 114 “No One” singer Keys 116 — worse than death 117 Riddle’s answer 122 Strength of a chemical solution 123 Account 124 Absent 125 Arena strata 126 “Wise” birds 127 Man in Eden 128 16th-century Italian poet DOWN 1 “Lady Love” singer Lou 2 Wife of Fred Mertz

3 Deli hero 4 Against 5 Clouds up 6 Ring rock 7 “That’s — -brainer!”

8 Actor Gilliam 9 Quiet “Hey!” 10 Very many 11 Wolf down 12 Wolfed down 13 Dog cry 14 Flower anew 15 Eye ring 16 Became irate 17 Downton Abbey, e.g.

18 More loved 20 Heavenly food?

24 Ephron or Roberts 29 — Alex (racehorse) 32 In — hurry 33 Dads’ lads 34 Writer Victor 36 Final, e.g.

38 How many TV shows are now shown 39 Greek T’s 40 Old verb suffix 41 Farewell act 42 Sarcastic cry of sympathy 43 Bronx area with a historic cemetery 47 Eagle nests 48 Code-cracking org.

49 City south of San Diego 50 Alda or Bean 51 Debate need 52 Cold one 53 Comment on, as in a margin 54 Plato was his disciple 55 Leg reflex

59 Favorable aspect 62 Anat., e.g.

63 Set- — (rows) 64 Love, to Yves 66 “One thing — time!”

67 B’way site 70 Math branch 72 Miss, in Meuse: Abbr.

77 Involuntary wink, maybe 80 Heretofore 82 Razor brand 84 Boundaries 87 Frittata need 88 Site for a bite 89 Bits of physics 90 Aged, quaintly 91 Inert gas 92 Coin producers 95 “Blue” beer brewer 96 Sainted king of Norway 97 Flattened at the poles 98 Out of — (amiss) 99 “1984” author 100 Rolls- — (ritzy rides) 101 “Hi, amigo” 102 Onetime Pan Am rival 103 Online protocol for remote log-in 107 Pines (for) 108 Some bank holdings 109 — rest (inter) 111 Preminger of film 113 Writer Ferber 115 “— date!”

118 “Hee —” 119 Divinity 120 SFO guess 121 LP speed stat

answers on page 41

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PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

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Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville, NC.

WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 41

Great blue heronry Rankin Bottoms WMA. Don Hendershot photo

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Today’s pterodactyl low guttural croak comes out of the fog hanging over the French Broad River. I turn and look towards the noise. A silhouette starts to form. I can see the shadowy outline of a large head and beak. Long wide wings row through the fog and long legs trail behind.

I know, immediately — it’s a pterodactyl — no, wait, that was 150 million years ago.

It’s one of the pterodactyl’s relatives, a great blue heron. I don’t know what I could have been thinking; herons have only been around for 60 million years or so. But if you’ve watched great blues flying overhead, notions of those ancient flying dinosaurs are easy to come by.

The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America. It can reach nearly 4.5 feet tall. It has a wingspan of nearly 7 feet and weighs about 8 pounds. The great blue gets its name from it’s primarily blue/gray plumage. It has a wide black stripe over its eye giving its face a black and white appearance. The tops of its wings are two-toned, pale on the forewing (top) with darker flight feathers. In flight the great blue is easily distinguished from cranes and/or swans by the

A

fact that it flies with it’s neck curved in a tight “S” and its head hunched back against its body. There is a white subspecies of great blue — the great white heron, found primarily in coastal Florida.

This feathered dinosaur feeds primarily by wading slowly in shallow water prepared to instantly strike out with its sharp pointed beak to grab fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans or just about anything else that moves within range. They are not above stalking on terra firma where voles become preferred prey. Special vertebrae in the great blue heron’s neck (the same ones that allow it to fold its neck back while flying) act like a spring when the heron thrusts at prey.

Another adaptation of great blue herons is specialized feathers on its breast. These feathers known as “powder down” continually grow and fray. The heron combs the powder down with a fringed claw on its middle toes and/or rubs them with its beak then uses the powder to clean fish oils and other slime from its feathers and protect them with an oily coating.

According to Birds of North Carolina, great blue heron numbers have increased significantly across the state since the 1980s.

The great blue heron is clearly the most

common large wader in the mountains and is a year-round resident. I don’t think you could bird Lake Junaluska two days in a row during any month of the year without seeing a great blue. I know they nest along the Pigeon River and there are nesting reports from Transylvania, Jackson and Cherokee counties.

Great blues generally nest in small colonies called heronries rather than the

large rookeries of other wading birds.

In coastal areas heronries can grow up to 500 nests — but much smaller numbers are more common. And unlike rookeries, which normally contain different species, great blue heronries are normally exclusive — occasionally adjacent to other herons. These heronries are usually high up in trees in standing water, but great blues have been known to nest on the ground if there are no suitable trees around.

A couple of weekends ago, on the way home from Knoxville, my wife and I made a quick side trip to Rankin Bottoms Wildlife Management Area near Erwin, Tennessee This swampy backwater never fails to make this ole Loosiana heart flutter. And on this quick pass we were delighted to find an active great blue heronry with about a dozen active nests. It’s always a treat to see this modern day pterodactyl.

Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. He can be reached at ddihen1@bellsouth.net.

March 15-21, 2017

Meet Charlotte Figi.

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Charlotte didn’t have a single seizure during the first seven days of treatment, which was a clear sign that the Figis had stumbled onto something extraordinary.

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Smoky Mountain News

Today she is a nine year old who is thriving and enjoying life. The Stanley brothers assure consumers that the oil maintains a 30:1 ratio of CBD to THC. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” effect in marijuana. Thanks to Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte can now live life like a normal child. She is able to feed herself and sleep through the night. Her autistic symptoms have virtually disappeared. As such, her mind is clear, and her attention is focused. Her brain is recovering, and she is happy.

366 RUSS AVE, WAYNESVILLE | 828.452.0911 BiLo Shopping Center | facebook.com/kimspharmacy

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