SMN 03 26 14

March 26-April 1, 2014 Vol. 15 Iss. 43 Western North Carolina’s Source for Weekly News, Entertainment, Arts, and Outdoor Information www.smokymountainnews.com

Sheriff candidates race toward the primary Page 10 Appalachian Trail hikers lace up for the season Page 34

I st) o m l a ( D E T O V Jackson, WCU leaders try to anticipate voter challenges

CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover Western Carolina University and Jackson County elections officials have been working to establish a “least challengeable address” for students to use when registering to vote. Now they are crossing their fingers and hoping to circumvent challenges aimed at student voters. (Page 6)

News

CLASSIFIEDS: WRITING & EDITING:

Franklin’s Main Street feud bears fruit of public forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Brewery approved for Franklin’s old town hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 HCC terminates low-impact development degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sheriff candidates in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties race toward the primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Waynesville theater constructing a second stage, requesting funds. . . . . 15 Local school districts weigh teacher bonuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ACCOUNTING & OFFICE MANAGER: DISTRIBUTION: CONTRIBUTING:

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 Whitney Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . whitney@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Hylah Smalley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hylah@smliv.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Becky Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . becky@smokymountainnews.com Holly Kays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . holly@smokymountainnews.com Jeremy Morrison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jeremy@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com Melanie Threlkeld McConnell 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), Jake Flannick (writing), Paul Clark (writing).

CONTACT

Opinion In Rep. Presnell’s view, it’s local leaders be damned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

WAYNESVILLE | 34 Church Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585 SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789

A&E

P:

WCU celebrates the written word with annual literary festival . . . . . . . . . . 24

INFO & BILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786

Outdoors The AT experience won’t be left behind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Copyright 2014 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2014 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.

Additional copies may be purchased for $1, payable at the Smoky Mountain News office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of The Smoky Mountain News, take more than one copy of each issue.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Back Ten Another storyteller to add to the list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 March 26-April 1, 2014

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: ART DIRECTOR: DESIGN & WEBSITE: DESIGN & PRODUCTION: ADVERTISING SALES:

SUBSCRIPTION:

1 YEAR $65 | 6 MONTHS $40 | 3 MONTHS $25

Have You Seen Us Lately?

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Smoky Mountain News

Over 10 New Plans Released In The Last Six Months

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Home You Want...Where You Want It!

2

America’s Home Place 335 NP & L Loop, Franklin, NC Across from Franklin Ford on Hwy 441 (828) 349-0990

March 26-April 1, 2014

Smoky Mountain News

3

news

Exiled on Main Street Franklin downtown soul-searches for solution to discord A community forum — the first in a series — will give Franklin downtown merchants and residents a venue to share ideas and air concerns. The first one is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 31, at Tartan Hall, and will focus on plans for a redesigned gazebo in downtown Franklin.

BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS EDITOR he division along Franklin’s Main Street is tough to see with the naked eye.

Passersby appear oblivious to the battle lines. The lazy rhythm of downtown, its quaint storefronts and ornamental lamp posts serve up a idyllic postcard, quietly concealing contention.

The division is also difficult to peg along traditional new-old lines. It is a divide based more upon vision than age or station.

“It’s not just young folks,” explained Corey McCall. “It’s individuals that want to see a more progressive community.”

McCall grew up in Franklin. He went to school at Western Carolina University and then returned home to open Outdoor 76, an outdoors shop on Main Street, with Rob Gasbarro.

“We chose to open our doors right here on Main Street because we care about this community,” McCall said. “This is where Rob and I want to call our home.”

The store is full of hiking boots and hammocks. Customers check out sleeping bags and breathable, zip-off pants. With hikers heading out on the Appalachian Trail, it’s a busy time of year for the store.

“The biggest problem I see is the lack of communication,” Gasbarro said, stepping away from the register and dipping into the divide.

This isn’t a new problem. It’s one that the Outdoor 76 owners and several other downtown merchants have complained about for a while.

The group of downtown merchants have cried foul, charging that the powers-that-be are not including them in efforts to improve downtown and ignoring ideas they could bring to the table. The discontented were told by town officials to expect change, to expect a more inclusive environment.

Gasbarro hasn’t noticed a change.

“No, not one bit,” he said.

“I feel like those statements were made 4 trying to be politically correct,” said McCall.

Smoky Mountain News

March 26-April 1, 2014

T

People in Franklin will soon have a venue in which to voice their thoughts and concerns. But the venue is not being provided by town officials.

“We want to give the opportunity to get all the ideas out on the table,” explained Matt Bateman.

Bateman owns Stay and Play in the Smokies. He’s also a co-founder of Venture Local Franklin. Recently, the organization has partnered with the League of Women Voters to offer a public forum for community exchange of ideas.

“We just want to be as inclusive as we can be and not just have a small few make decisions that effect the entire community,” Bateman said.

THE RISE OF THE OTHER The tension on Main Street probably peaked in the freewheeling fall of 2012.

That’s when a group of merchants organized the Street Fest series in an effort to draw people downtown.

Once a month, bands played and businesses stayed open late. Merchant tents were set up in Main Street parking spaces and a Zumba dance troupe took to the streets.

Eventually, town officials put a stop to the festivities with talk of permits and proper channels. But the Street Fests were more than unsanctioned parties — they were a sign of a growing frustration among downtown merchants.

Largely, the frustration was directed at the Main Street Program.

Although funded with public money, the Main Street Program is a non-profit organization charged with ensuring that Franklin’s downtown area is thriving. Town officials point to the non-profit as the go-to entity for downtown-related business.

Linda Schlott, the program’s director, oversees a handful festivals throughout the year that draw large crowds to downtown.

Some people, however, felt that the organization was not doing its job. And they

apparently still feel that way.

“From the Main Street Program to Main Street merchants, there is a huge disconnect,” said McCall. “There’s still a very large disconnect.”

That frustration was the impetus for the creation of Venture Local Franklin, a group also focused on invigorating downtown, nurturing businesses and promoting the area.

“Venture Local would have never come about, in my opinion, if things were being done and the town was being marketed,” estimated Bateman.

THE CALL OF THE GAZEBO Just outside the doors of Outdoor 76, sits Franklin’s gazebo. It’s gotten more attention lately than most gazebos are accustomed to.

The gazebo will take center stage at the first downtown community forum next week.

“My initial hope is we could do multiple meetings like this, not all about the gazebo,” explained Angela Moore, an organizer of the event. “We hope to do this again as future issues arise.”

But the gazebo was the issue that happened to arise earlier this year, it and touched off a new round of salvos by merchants claiming they’ve been shut out.

Plans for a redesign of the structure were presented by the Main Street Program.

Merchants not plugged into the official loop felt left out of the conversation and harshly criticized the new design that was floated, claiming it was a poor reflection of downtown’s character.

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen suggested the plans be sent back to the drawing board. They were not hip, however, on an open forum meeting to hash out the subject.

“It was kind of shut down in the meeting,” recalled Alderman Patti Abel. “They came and asked for a town hall meeting and it just didn’t happen.”

When Bateman posed the idea of a gazebo discussion, he borrowed from a notion

put forth by recently-elected Mayor Bob Scott, who proposed a whole series of monthly town hall meetings to improve dialog with merchants.

“What kind of spurred all this — our new mayor, Bob, basically ran his campaign on being open to the public,” Bateman said.

The majority on the board were resistant to Scott’s idea of the town hall meetings, however.

Alderman Verlin Curtis cited an opinion from the town’s attorney that stated that a gathering of multiple board members at a forum at which town issues are discussed could risk violating public meeting laws.

“It is kind of a legal issue,” Curtis said.

“We have an ordinance about how we conduct our meetings.”

Curtis said he could see the usefulness of a “project meeting,” but wasn’t sure how effective a pure open forum would be.

“I don’t see the advantage of having meetings that are open to anyone to speak, because you don’t always get the ones that want to say something positive,” Curtis said.

“A lot of times you get people who have negative input.”

CUTTING RIBBONS, KISSING BABIES Mayor Bob Scott sits in a Main Street coffee shop losing his cool. He’s coming to a slow, painful realization: his office is largely ceremonial.

“Sometimes I’m looking at the ceiling and thinking, ‘what the hell have I gotten into,’” Scott says.

Friends have taken notice of the mayor’s mood. His allies on the town board are particularly aware.

“I certainly feel for him,” said Alderman Barbara McRae. “I can see that it’s frustrating.

He thought he would be able to do more.”

Scott campaigned on accessibility. He told voters he would listen to them.

“Come in and talk, cuss me out, whatever,” Scott explained. “Anything they wanted to do, I wanted it, because I want open government.”

One of the things the mayor wanted to do after winning election was to host town hall forums. He envisioned events that facilitated the conversation between elected officials and constituent.

“Just talk about things,” Scott said.

“Come with their concerns and their ideas.”

The mayor particularly wanted to provide an opportunity for people who felt they weren’t being heard in traditional venues.

These people were some of the same people who had previously raised such concerns, people the mayor refers to as “the future of Franklin.”

“Many of the young entrepreneurs here felt left out, that they don’t have a voice,” Scott said. “One thing I’d really like to do is open this town up to some new ideas, some new voices. If I have a legacy, I’d like it to be that we opened the door for young people.”

Not only were Scott’s town hall meetings quashed, but some on the town board went a step further to put him in his place. They asked the town attorney to render an expert opinion on what, if any,

F

No Pre Order Required Fresh, never frozen U.S. Products Come see what’s on display!

Wild Caught

Fresh King Salmon & Halibut from the Northwest 310 E. Main St. ste.#4 Sylva, Behind Zaxby’s

828-631-GULF 233-49

Open 6 days a Week. Closed Sunday

LOBSTER CLAWS: $

6.99 /LB.

(Est. 3-5 claws/lb.)

5 OFF

$

Expires 4-30-14

Franklin is one step closer to getting its first microbrewery, which plans to set up shop in the former town hall building on Main Street.

The Franklin town board voted unanimously last week to lease and possibly sell the old town hall building to The Lazy

Largest Variety of Seafood in WNC!

news

Franklin brewery deal moves along

Hiker, a brewing company owned by two Macon County men.

The Lazy Hiker would lease the building for $1,250 per month for the first year and $2,500 per month thereafter, according to the 10-year contract approved by the town.

At any point along the way, the brewery could exercise an option to buy the building outright for $325,000. That’s less than the building’s 2013 appraised value of $725,000, but more than the highest offer the town has received so far, $200,000.

There’s a 10-day window for higher bids on the property to be submitted before the deal is signed.

— By Holly Kays

PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE!

An artist rendering of the new Lazy Hiker brewery to occupy the old town hall site in downtown Franklin.

A FORUM BY ANY OTHER NAME

Dwayne Vigil Haywood County Ranger NC Forest Service

Learn more.

Summer & Fall Registration March 24-April 25 By appointment

Smoky Mountain News

It is not lost on Franklin’s mayor that the upcoming Venture Local meeting appears very similar to the town meetings he wanted to host.

“They’re a substitute for what I wanted to do,” he sighs.

The Venture Local folk, of course, are also aware they are carrying the mayor’s banner. They are striving toward the same ends.

“We just really want to bring everyone together,” said Moore, “so we can have an exchange of ideas.”

Organizers of the forum have invited downtown stakeholders and town officials.

They are hoping to provide elected officials an opportunity to talk with stakeholders in a less formal environment than is found within the confines of a board meeting’s public comment period.

“Elected officials, if they come, will get a chance to speak with the public,” Moore said.

Both McRae and Abel said they plan to attend the upcoming forum. If enough aldermen attend, it could trigger open-

meeting concerns.

“It’s possible,” said Town Manager Warren Cabe. “And the way around that is to make sure it’s advertised.”

To that end, the town has announced the forum, just in case. Just as it would do with any meeting of the aldermen. Or as it would need to do for a mayoral forum.

McRae said she hopes that the town officials can determine a way to accommodate such meetings on its own.

“I would really prefer that the town be able to do it,” she said.

In the meantime, the alderman is hoping that the Venture Local forums are fruitful.

“You don’t want to discourage people who are excited and have energy and want progress,” McRae said. “You’ve got to harness that energy.”

She’s also hoping that engaged members of the community will realize that patience is required when working with a government agency.

“I think what’s happening, some of the people who are organizing this meeting, they want things to happen a little faster.

And, boy, I can understand, government moves like molasses,” McRae said.

The alderman points to the town board’s recent unanimous approval of a bid to place a brewery in Franklin’s old town hall. She notes how such a move required time and urges brimming with ideas and energy to exercise patience when dealing with town government.

“If you have a great idea, you can’t just jump up and down and say ‘do this,’” McRae said.

March 26-April 1, 2014

authority Scott had to speak on behalf of the town. The upshot: Scott certainly has free speech, but nothing he does or says officially represents the town without the blessing of the whole town board .

“I can cut ribbons and kiss babies and all that kind of stuff,” Scott said. “It seems like they don’t want me doing anything for the town.”

Summer semester begins May 27.

Call: 828-627-4500

Education Changes Everything www.haywood.edu

5

news

“What we want to do, if a student is registered to vote and they go and they vote, they will not receive a challenge,” Perry explained.

AT THE RISK OF BOTHERING GRANDMA JONES

Lane Perry, director of WCU’s Center for Service Learning, has been working with Jackson County elections officials in an effort to circumvent possible challenges to addresses used by student voters. Jeremy Morrison photo

Voting from bed

Smoky Mountain News

March 26-April 1, 2014

WCU, Jackson County election officials hammer out a hopeful home

BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR alking out of the Jackson County Board of Elections offices in Sylva, Lane Perry seemed pleased. A year’s worth of work was about to pay off.

“At the end of the day, we want to be able to get university students to vote where they live for three to five years,” Perry explained on the way to his car.

For the past year, Perry, director of Western Carolina University’s Center for Service Learning, has worked with local election officials in an effort to find the best way for on-campus students to register to vote using a campus address.

“I know it’s a maze sometimes,” Jackson County Board of Elections Secretary Kirk Stephens told Perry during an early March election board meeting.

“An amazing maze,” Perry agreed.

The pair exchanged reserved smiles as they pinned hopes for a smooth election cycle on the use of campus 911 addresses. They are crossing their fingers that the election board’s official recommendation can insulate WCU students from any voting-related hiccups.

“Everyone wants to make sure that student voters don’t have problems with their student addresses,” Stephens later explained.

“We’re just trying to err on the side of caution to make sure that students are able to vote without any kind of hassle.”

W

THE ‘LEAST CHALLENGEABLE ADDRESS’ A host of new voting laws will take effect 6 in North Carolina in 2016. Critics claim some

of the new legislation will have negative impacts on certain populations, such as minorities, the elderly and students.

The laws require voters to present certain forms of photo identification, do away with several early voting days and disallow sameday registration and out-of-precinct voting, among other measures. The new laws face multiple legal challenges, including one from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Those new laws are not what have demanded so much attention from WCU and Jackson County elections officials. The North Carolina legislation requiring a voter to register “where you lay your head to sleep” is not exactly new.

“That’s probably been in place since the beginning of time, since voting began,” explained Lisa Lovedahl-Lehman, director of the Jackson County Board of Elections.

Previously, students at WCU have registered to vote using the address of 245 Memorial Drive in Cullowhee, the address of A.K. Hinds University Center on campus. But that’s no good anymore.

“That’s out,” Perry said. “That would not meet the requirements.”

Stephens describes the 245 address as “nebulous.” There are concerns that using the collective address on voter registration forms could result in challenges.

“245 is like an avatar address for Western Carolina University students,” said LovedahlLehman.

Since no one actually resides in a mailroom, or a post office box, such addresses don’t work for voting registration. Local officials have decided that students should use 911 addresses, or addresses by which law enforcement would identify a locale. It’s

what Stephens has labeled “something we can live with” or the “least challengeable address.”

“Do you think you can sell the university on using the 911 address?” he asked Perry during the election board meeting.

“I think we’ve got something I can take back to the university,” Perry told him.

A few days later, Perry’s boss, WCU Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Samuel Miller, sounded pleased enough.

“I’m glad we were able to find a way to let students have an option,” Miller said.

“They’ll have a choice, that’s the main thing.”

PLAYING DEFENSE

Local election and university officials have been working towards a solution to a hypothetical problem. A WCU student’s campus address has yet to be challenged. Challenges, in general, are rare.

“In the 20 years I have worked in the board of elections, we have only had one challenge to a voter’s address,” LovedahlLehman said.

A challenge may either be generated by the election board or by a citizen questioning the legitimacy of a voter. The election board is not currently challenging WCU students and their 245 address.

“That’s not actually being challenged by the board.” Lovedahl-Lehman said. “But there are more and more groups out there looking at voter rolls. There have been groups that have actually asked about 245.”

One such person looking at voter rolls in Jackson County, specifically at the 245 Memorial Drive address, is Ginny Jahrmarkt.

She’s a coordinator with the Tea Party Patriots of Jackson County but is scanning the local voter rolls on behalf of the Raleighbased Voter Integrity Project.

“We just want to make sure we’re having free and fair and accurate voting across the state,” Jahrmarkt said.

Jahrmarkt understands that some people have long used off-homesite addresses.

“I get it, I’ve been here a long time, I get it, we don’t want to upset Grandma Jones, because, hey, we know she’s legit, she’s been going to the polls forever, we don’t want to

The elections board worked with WCU to hammer out the “least challengeable address” with an eye towards Warren Wilson The laws require voters to present certain College near Asheville. Students forms of photo identification, do away at the Buncombe County school with several early voting days, and found themselves disallow same-day registration and outstumbling through the 2012 election of-precinct voting, among other measures. after the campus was split into separate voting districts and the address tradi- bother Grandma Jones,” said Jahrmarkt.

But she also suspects some voters registionally listed by students — 701 Warren tered with a collective WCU address are Wilson Road — was called into question.

“It made the certification of voting results improperly registered and perhaps no longer in 2012 drag out for weeks,” Lovedahl- live in the district. She feels that ensuring voters register with their physical address will Lehman recalled. “It got complicated.”

That’s why WCU has been working with better square the voting rolls.

“It just validates that they are a legitimate the Jackson County Elections Board to avoid any potential election issues due to a stu- voter,” she said. “You don’t lay your head inside a P.O. box.” dent’s listed address.

Recently, the Voter Integrity Project chal“To WCU folks’ credit, they want to get ahead of any situation like that at lenged 182 voters in Buncombe County. The Western,” said Cindy Thompson, chair of challenges were based on letters returned as the Jackson County Elections Board. undeliverable, as well as the findings of a “They’re trying to prepare for the future, if door-to-door voter verification march conducted by the Asheville Tea Party. The local there was a question.”

By assigning students on campus 911 elections board has scheduled a hearing date addresses with which to register, the universi- of March 27 for the challenges. ty will attempt to avoid any challenges to votS EE VOTING, PAGE 8 ers’ physical addresses.

N

Key election law changes take effect in 2016

March 26-April 1, 2014

Smoky Mountain News

BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR ew controversial voting laws passed by the N.C. General Assembly last year were supposed to take effect in 2016, but the timeline will ultimately come down to lawsuits challenging their constitutionality.

Supporters of the legislature’s efforts contend that the measures are needed to ensure a more fair and efficient election process. Critics claim that the laws make it more difficult to cast a vote and disenfranchise minorities, the poor, the elderly and students.

Several provisions of the new law are currently the subjects of legal challenges. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has filed a lawsuit challenging cutbacks in early voting days, the elimination of same-day registration, the prohibition on certain provisional ballots and the photo-identification requirement.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice have filed a suit targeting the provisions of the law that reduce early voting days, prohibit outof-precinct voting and end same-day registration.

“We sued about three hours after Gov. McCrory signed this bill,” Chris Brooks, legal director with the North Carolina American Civil Liberties Union, told attendees of a League of Women Voters luncheon in Franklin recently. “It’s undoubtable that the legislation made it much more difficult to vote in our state.”

Legislators in North Carolina passed the state’s new election law shortly after being freed from decades-old federal oversight intended to ensure fair elections. Parts of the state, like the rest of the South, were subject to special provisions in the 1965 Voting Rights Act, given their history of racial discrimination.

Until recently, the state couldn’t change any election laws without federal approval. But last year the U.S. Supreme Court lifted those shackles by a 5 to 4 vote, and North Carolina along with other states quickly moved to change voting laws.

The Justice Department lawsuit, however, seeks to reinstate such a period of federal oversight.

“We should be very, very skeptical of measures that make expanding the franchise more difficult,” Brooks said. “And, yes, as a Southerner I think we should be even more skeptical of measures making it more difficult to vote down here.”

Brooks had earlier talked of old-South voter suppression, of poll taxes and literacy tests, connecting the measures to the more recent legislation. He had talked about how African-Americans comprise 34 percent of the 300,000 people whose personal identification does not presently meet the legislative I.D. requirement.

He had talked about delivering a similar address to the Federalist Society at the Cardinal Club in Raleigh.

“It was one of the scariest experiences of my life,” Brooks said of speaking to the conservative audience, noting that there were no blacks at the Cardinal Club, and that the lack of diversity was perhaps clouding proponents’ perspective.

“If you just close your eyes to the way other people live in this state, maybe this makes sense,” he told the Franklin audience.

Supporters of the new laws would disagree. Susan Myrick, elections policy analyst with conservative think-tank the Civitas Institute, is among those who aren’t bothered by the new laws.

“I understand that the other side really hates the idea of reform and wants to call everybody names,” Myrick said.

The Civitas analyst described I.D. requirements as “common sense-acle” and said that changes to early voting were not “disenfranchising the voter, it’s giving the voter a different opportunity.”

news

Election laws in the ‘new’ North Carolina

Myrick said that, while voter fraud may not be often documented, the problem is one that merits attention.

“It happens every election,” the Civitas analyst said. “There’s very little voter fraud that has been proven in North Carolina, but there are things that happen that don’t get looked into.”

Likewise for changes to the state’s early voting process.

“No one was asking for that,” Brooks said, citing excessively long waits for voters at Florida polling places after that state altered its traditional early-voting process prior to the 2012 elections. “It makes it harder for everyone to vote.

There was not public support for it.”

Conversely, Myrick appreciates the fact that county election boards can opt out of staying open the entire early voting period if it’s determined so many hours are not needed. She feels voters have ample time in which to vote, either absentee or in person.

“It’s not disenfranchising the voter,” she said. “It’s giving the voter a different opportunity.”

There are varying viewpoints on a number of aspects of the new legislation.

“I believe that they’re wrong, they believe that I’m wrong,” Myrick said.

The ACLU-Civitas divide mirrors the gulf between state legislators who passed HB 589 last year. The bill was passed NC ACLU Legal Director Chris Brooks laid out the legal challenges against the down party lines. new voting law passed last year by state legislators during a recent Franklin Political challengers to sitting state luncheon hosted by the League of Women Voters. Jeremy Morrison photo legislators who voted in favor are quick to use the law as ammunition.

“I think we need to reverse everything that was done,” said Ron Robinson, a Democrat who’s vying for the state Senate seat held by Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin. “I would have voted against them.”

Jane Hipps, another Democrat challenging Davis, agrees.

• Voters will not be required to show a photo I.D. this “We certainly need to restore confidence in our voting year but will be informed of such a requirement going into process,” Hipps noted. “We do that by ensuring that more, effect in 2016. not less, of our citizens have the opportunity to participate • No more same-day registration in the process and • Reduction in the number of early voting days are not deprived of “I can go into my • No out-of-precinct voting this fundamental • Provisional ballots may not be cast outside of a right by restrictive polling place today voter’s assigned precinct legislation.” and won’t know a State Rep. Joe Sam Queen. Dsoul. That is the new Myrick argued that the new legislation is needed to shore Waynesville, voted up security — “North Carolina’s view of security at the ballot against HB 589. He North Carolina.” box has been the honor system all these years” — and that has three Republican — Susan Myrick, the state is different than it was when previous voting laws challengers during Civitas Institute were written and polling places were places of familiarity — this election year. At “so, people knew you, your teachers knew you, your Sunday least one of them school teachers were poll workers, whatever.” flinches a bit at the thought of North Carolina’s new elec“I can go into my polling place today and won’t know tion law. a soul. That is the new North Carolina,” said Myrick.

“My vote probably would have been in favor of the bill,” “We’re different than we used to be, people don’t know said Aaron Littlefield, “but there were some details I would you anymore.” have liked to see worked out.”

Brooks and Myrick deftly illustrate the opposing posiLittlefield is a 22-year-old political science student at tions. They live on different sides of a chasm.

Western Carolina University. He used same-day registration Take the issue of voter fraud, a problem portions of the in 2012 in order to cast his vote for Mitt Romney. new legislation addresses.

“Honestly, a lot of Republicans from Western Carolina “I’ve got to say this right off the top,” Brooks said. “Voter University used it,” Littlefield said. fraud is not a problem.”

The candidate said he agrees with some provisions conThe ACLU legal director quoted former U.S. Secretary of tained within the new law but ventured that passing the bill State Colin Powell and GOP campaign strategist Steve Schmidt might cost some legislators their seats. in decrying the “Republican mythology” of voter fraud.

“I think Republicans will lose some seats,” Littlefield said.

“The risk-reward makes no sense,” Brooks said, arguing “I think there will be some losses, I think that will reflect that there was little incentive to attempt voter fraud. some of the outcry.”

7

news

VOTING, CONTINUED FROM 6

STUMBLING BLOCK OR PAVING STONE

Smoky Mountain News

March 26-April 1, 2014

Jahrmarkt doesn’t believe that requiring students to list their actual physical addresses — their 911 address — on their voter registration will hinder participation in the democratic process.

“I don’t think it’s a hurdle,” she said. “I just think it’s a responsibility. They are adults, they’re completely capable of taking that five to 10 minutes.”

In addition to updating any existing voter registrations, students will also need to learn their 911 addresses. The addresses are not commonly used.

“That’s something that the students will not know,” Perry said. “They will have to be given that information.”

Miller said that while it may be “a little confusing” because the 911 address differs from how students registered previously, it shouldn’t be too difficult to implement a change because student populations tend to have steady turnover.

“I believe you have to take the stance that it’s a new process every time,” he said.

The vice chancellor said the education of student voters will fall largely upon other students participating in voter registration efforts.

Registration efforts are typically carried out by on-campus Republican and Democratic organizations as well as non-partisan groups.

“It’s usually a coalition of students regis-

8

tering other students,” said Miller. “They’re the ones that are most energized about it.”

Thomas Dees, chairman of the WCU College Republicans, isn’t worried about the need for students on campus to list a different address than they are accustomed.

“I believe they should vote where they rest their head,” Dees said, weighing in from Washington D.C. after a long day at the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC. Andy Miller, formerly a leader with WCU College Democrats and currently a legislative assistant for Democratic North Carolina Rep. Joe Sam Queen, has experience registering college voters. He feels changes in registration requirements will lead to confusion in the process.

“The more confusion that is put into registering to vote, the harder it will be to get students or anyone else to register,” said Miller.

Former chairman of the WCU College Republicans Derrick Clayton — he left the group to form a local chapter of the Young America’s Foundation — allows that requiring students to list an address they are likely unfamiliar with might be “a potential hurdle” that “may hurt college students’ chances to vote.”

He also cast some of the provisions within the state’s new voting law as possible hurdles for students. Though not convinced lawmakers are potentially monkeywrenching the student vote, Clayton said he is concerned that certain election legislation “does hurt college students.”

“I don’t know if they were necessarily targeting liberals on campus to make it harder to vote, but I think it might have that effect,”

“The more confusion that is put into registering to vote, the harder it will be to get students or anyone else to register.”

— Andy Miller, legislative assistant

Clayton said. “I don’t think it’s something that Republicans and conservatives are going to be in too big of a hurry to address, but I think they ought to.”

Roger Turner, voter outreach coordinator for the Jackson County Democrats, has been working with college students in voter registration efforts. He’s glad to see local officials recommend using the 911-adresses.

“I am grateful for the good efforts of WCU and the Jackson County Board of Elections in defining a ‘legal’ residential address for campusbased students that will hold up to any challenges at the polling station,” Turner noted.

NO GUARANTEES When WCU students living on campus register to vote this year they will have a choice to make. They can register in their hometown and vote via an absentee ballot, or they can list their 911-address on the Cullowhee campus.

“We just need to educate the students, if you want to vote these are your options,” said Stephens. “If you want to vote in Cullowhee, that’s great, but here’s the hoops you have to

jump through.”

Students living at Scott Hall, for instance, will now need to list their physical address as 159 West University Way. “I like to refer to it as the fancy way of saying Scott Hall,” Perry said.

But Thompson points out that the 911addresses are not a cure-all. While it is the intent of the elections board that listing them will circumvent any challenges to on-campus student voters, there are no guarantees.

“It is obviously not going to keep people from challenging a student voter, but it is our recommendation,” Thompson said. “There’s never going to be anything a board of election can do to guarantee any voter that they won’t be challenged.”

The 911-addresses are a possible solution for possible problems, one that WCU administration and local election officials appear satisfied with.

“It seems like we’ve kind of found something we can live with,” Stephens told Perry during their early March discussion.

For now, anyway. Elections officials and student populations have 2016 to look forward to, when students’ addresses listed on voter registration forms must match the address listed on their photo I.D. “I think we would be remiss if we didn’t discuss 2016,” Stephens said to Perry. “That’s where I think the real problem is going to be, because most students don’t get their driver’s licenses changed.”

“One side of me hopes this gets figured out by deciding this is unconstitutional” Perry replied. “But that’s a little bit of a dream.”

HCC’s low-impact development degree axed

F

The program trains students to plan and design developments in a way that protects natural resources, such as water quality, slope stability, sensitive habitats and plant life. The idea came about after the Natural Resources Department embarked on a careful assessment of which skills the community needed most.

“The idea was trying to get ahead of the

50

% OFF

S E L EC T I T E M S

20

% OFF

SELECT ITEMS

SCARVES • JEWELRY CANDLES • BOOKS Lake Junaluska mustards, dips, dressings Crafts from local artists and much more!

Smoky Mountain News

THE RISE AND FALL

initial planning process for development,” said Bishop.

And back in 2007, when the groundwork for the program was laid, plenty of development was happening. In Haywood County alone, 560 new lots were created that year, and 363 building permits were given.

So, HCC put its muscle behind a program capable of turning out grads who could steer the boom in a sustainable direction.

The only problem was that creating a new program takes time. They had to develop a curriculum, get it approved by the curriculum committee, the college president, the state. By the time the low-impact development program was up and running, it was 2009, and the economy had screeched to a halt.

In 2009, the number of new lots platted in Haywood was 60 percent of what it had been two years prior, and the county issued only one-third the number of building permits it had in 2007.

By 2013, the number had fallen from the 2007 total of 560 new lots and 363 building permits to 74 new lots and 80 building permits.

Another obstacle the program faced, Tignor said, was its novelty. College officials had to spend a lot of time explaining to people what, exactly, low-impact development is before it could even hope to attract a significant number of students.

That’s a problem HCC faces with many of its more unique programs, Bishop said, but it’s often able to overcome that obstacle by pulling from a much wider student pool than community colleges normally work with.

In the Natural Resources Department, about 60 percent of students are from somewhere other than Haywood County. While the college doesn’t completely depend on out-ofcounty students to keep its unique programs afloat, Tignor said, “it certainly does help.”

“We have a great relationship with our local high schools, but we also look across the state,” Bishop said. “And we really have to with some of these unique programs.”

The recession made students less likely to travel for an education — when dollars are tight, students stick close to home, Parker said.

So the program’s uniqueness and the timing of its launch proved a lethal combination.

March 26-April 1, 2014

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER our years ago, Haywood Community College launched the first low-impact development program in North Carolina, a new degree to train students in sustainable development and design.

But now that program is no more. The college’s board of trustees voted to cut it during a December meeting, citing low interest.

Existing students will finish out their courses, but no one else can enroll.

“Enrollment has been a challenge continuously since the program started,” explained Buddy Tignor, HCC Vice President of Academics. “Additionally, there’s been a low graduation rate.”

At its height, low-impact development enrolled 17 students across the five courses exclusive to the program. And since the program’s kickoff in 2009, only four students have graduated with a degree in low-impact development.

But that’s not because it was a shoddy or ill-conceived program, college representatives say.

It was more a case of unfortunate timing.

When the program was planned, the real estate and development industries were thriving.

“The market was booming, particularly here in the mountains,” said Blair Bishop, a forest management instructor who was involved with the early planning.

“In terms of land values and real estate value, that was just through the roof.”

But by the time enrollment had opened for the program’s inaugural year, boomtown had bust.

“It started the year the economy really took a slide downward,” said Barbara Parker, HCC president.

233-54

Haywood Community College students learn the principles of sustainable design through the low-impact development program. Post-recession woes in the development industry meant the niche program had trouble attracting students. HCC photo

But that’s not to say the principles of lowimpact development will no longer exist at HCC. “It’s not like it totally has to go away,” Parker said. “We just have to rethink how we offer it and the best way to get it to people.”

Some low-impact development principles are absorbed into other courses, such as the “green” building techniques taught to construction students, from energy efficiency to eco-friendly materials.

And the natural resource classes — one of HCC’s flagships — that were the bulwark of the low-impact development program will continue to exist.

The college also offers shorter-term classes helpful as continuing education for people already in the construction field. Past offerings have included workshops to teach graders and excavators how to prepare sites while protecting water quality, a weekend course on green building and a series about incorporating solar energy into construction.

“You might get 60 or 70 for a weekend program, but you only have four grads from a two-year program,” Parker said.

If the economy were to rebound, the program, or another like it, could return. But that’s a big if.

“It’s not doing what it was, and likely won’t do in the near future what it was,” Kris Boyd, director of the Haywood County Planning Department, said of the new

news

A WORTHWHILE MISSION

housing market.

Building permit numbers are making a slight turn upward from last year, but slight is the key word.

“I’m not calling it a great recovery, but I’m seeing slight gains,” Boyd said.

It’s not hard to find someone who’s willing to give a pessimistic outlook to the future of land values and construction in Western North Carolina. But not everyone sees a completely bleak outcome.

“I don’t think the opportunity’s bad. I really don’t,” said Bruce Rouse, CEO of Waynesville-based Bvr Construction, which employs 14 people. “I think young people coming out of school today could have some awfully good chances of doing well.”

Nevertheless, even the four graduates the low-impact development program managed to eke out have had trouble finding employment.

“Those four were really stellar individuals, and they struggled to find positions,” Tignor said, recounting the fates of the three he’s kept tabs on. “One of them is currently employed, one of them is still looking for work in that area, and another continued on with us.”

The issues the program was designed to address have not completely gone away, however.

“There’s still a lot of interest and concern about steep slopes and building, and we’re still seeing that play out,” Bishop said.

Those issues — and their implications for jobs — are something the college will keep an eye on going forward.

“We’re continuing to gauge the market,” Parker said.

710 North Lakeshore Dr. 828-454-6777 Across from the Terrace Hotel in the Harrell Center

OPEN MON-SAT 8 A.M.-6 P.M.

www.lakejunaluska.com/bookstore 9

March 26-April 1, 2014

news

Candidates sound off on issues in crowded sheriff race

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ith the May election primary drawing nearer and the ring chock-full of hats contending for the Jackson County sheriff seat, candidates are getting down to the nitty-gritty of how they’d handle the job.

Current Sheriff Jimmy Ashe, whose administration has been plagued with criticism over the past eight years, isn’t one of the contenders. That leaves an open seat, and nine candidates are vying for it.

All candidates emphasize that their administration would feature a new vision, respect for the community or an open door policy, outlining a goal to veer the sheriff ’s office far from where it has been. Ashe was rarely seen and not the public figure citizens expect from their top lawman.

The sheriff didn’t make himself accessible to the media or to the community, often refusing to return requests for media comments or to speak with reporters. Questionable spending practices — Ashe was caught using drug seizure money to buy new carpet for his office and get his name on the national Who’s Who list — also made problems.

But as to the actual issues at hand, the candidate’s thoughts on how to deal with them are nearly as diverse as the names on the ballot will be. With the primary just over a month away, they’re hashing out their differences when it comes to such pivotal issues as drug use, budget difficulties, an aging county jail, relationship with the community and concerns about school security.

W

Smoky Mountain News

Stay tuned to The Smoky Mountain News throughout April for ongoing election coverage of the issues and candidates in state and county races leading up to May’s primary. The last day to register to vote is April 11. Early voting starts April 26 and election day is May 6. To read a collection of all election stories to date, go to www.smokymountainnews.com.

COMBATING DRUGS “Drugs is one of the biggest things for Jackson County right now,” Douglas Farmer said during a forum organized by Jackson County Democrats. “It fuels a lot of our other crimes we have right now.”

That’s one thing all nine candidates can agree on. But each has a different idea of how to combat the problem.

For several candidates, partnerships with other agencies are the key to combating drug abuse and trafficking.

“We’ve got to have a strong working relationship with our state and federal partners, along with our regional and local partners,” said Chip Hall, a Democrat. “Those who choose to deal with drugs don’t remain in one jurisdiction.”

Mary Alice Rock, who is one of three Republican candidates, agrees. As sheriff, she would reach out to other counties and jurisdictions and deputize members of those agencies as volunteer auxiliary officers. She would concentrate on catching the ringleaders, relying on federal help when necessary.

Jackson sheriff ’s candidates The May 6 primary will narrow down the contenders for the Jackson County sheriff.

The field of six Democrats and three Republicans will be whittled down to one candidate per party for the November ballot.

Glen Biller, D, 50 Qualifications: Deputy at Haywood County Sheriff Department. Twenty-four years in the U.S. Army, including four years active duty; 14 years managing building supply company.

Reason to run: “My goal is to make sure that Jackson County is safe for all of our citizens and to enforce the laws of North Carolina without bias.”

Philosophy: “The Sheriff’s Office will serve the citizens of Jackson County with respect and the courtesy they deserve.”

Favorite vacation spot: The beach

Douglas Farmer, D, 50 10

Get your election coverage here

Qualifications: Police officer at Sylva

Police Department.

Sixteen years in law enforcement, including stints with the Macon and Jackson county sheriff’s offices, as well as the Highlands Police Department; One year as international police officer in Iraq.

Reason to run: “I’ve got such a wide range of experience that I think it gives me a real even keel on how to deal with people and how to approach difficult situations.”

Philosophy: “I will enforce the law and aggressively pursue the people that put this stuff [drugs] on our streets, put them in jail and keep them there.”

Favorite music: Bluegrass and gospel, especially Mountain Faith

Michael Gosnell, D, 58 Qualifications: Security guard at Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove. Thirty-five years in security, including seven as an armed guard and 27 in law enforcement.

Reason to run: “Jackson County is my home and I want to see what I can do to deter

“I think the biggest problem we have is the ringleaders are not being targeted,” she said. “They need to be taken out.”

Robin Gunnels, a Democrat, pledged to be proactive when it comes to combating the drug problem, using an approach that would rely on citizens.

“Using our citizens’ information is the greatest resource we have,” Gunnels said.

Public awareness of the specific issues is also important, said Democrat Glen Biller.

Someone who is abusing prescription drugs in Tennessee could be using a doctor in Florida and filling the prescription in North Carolina, so law enforcement should focus on informing the public about what to watch for and then react to tips when they come in.

“Surveillance is probably the best thing,” Biller said. “We need to be out there talking to the public.”

Of course, drugs aren’t the only problem with regard to crime. Property crimes — burglary, robbery, vandalism, etc. — are also an issue, and they often involve the same people who are abusing drugs, said Republican candidate Curtis Lambert.

By increasing patrols, “You can cut down

and fight crime. It’s not going to be wiped out, but it can be reduced.”

Philosophy: “A sheriff elected is only as good as his word. In other words, make no promises but show results.”

Favorite TV show: “In the Heat of the Night”

Robin Gunnels, D, 49 Qualifications: Owner of Custom Truck Covers. Seventeen years in law enforcement as jailor, patrol officer, sergeant and lieutenant; 12 years as business owner.

Reason to run: “I know what the public talks about. I know what their needs are. I know how to manage a budget. I’m not a one-dimensional person.”

Philosophy: “We have to fix things now. We have to be proactive now, not wait till later. I built my entire life on one principle, and that is integrity.”

Favorite fruit: Mangos

on the property crime, which in turn offers up people who are using and abusing drugs,” Lambert said.

Hall and Republican Jim Hodges also emphasized drug prevention education as important, while Democrat Steve Lillard said that the first thing he’d do would be to take a hard look at the department’s policies for funneling information and tips. He’d also evaluate the need for officer training and equipment.

SCHOOL SECURITY

With school violence an ever-increasing reality, the candidates are also talking about their differences when it comes to school security.

“I graduated high school with a knife at my side and never thought about violence,” Gunnels said. “But today we have to.”

None of the candidates disputed the importance of having school resource officers in all Jackson County schools — only five officers are currently assigned to cover Jackson County’s nine public schools. Many affirmed that each school should have a designated SRO, and Democrat Michael Gosnell went a step further.

“There should be two SROs on duty should one fall in the line of duty to protect the remaining innocent and children and so forth,” he said.

In addition, candidates said that these officers must be selected and trained with care. The sheriff should also make a point to

Chip Hall, D, 46 Qualifications: Chief deputy at Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Twenty-five years at Jackson County Sheriff’s Department in a variety of positions.

Reason to run: “I want to reach out to be active in everything that goes on in our community, to have a relationship with our citizens beyond anything we’ve ever had.”

Philosophy: “Community involvement is the key to a functioning sheriff’s office and a good community response.”

Favorite fruit: apples

Steven Lillard, D, 43 Qualifications: Assistant police chief at Western Carolina University. Nineteen years in law enforcement as a patrol officer, investigator and division-level administrator Reason to run: “My experience, training and education have helped prepare me to make good decisions and collaborate with other people and agencies.”

ment management and financial experience to prove their ability to manage the sheriff department’s $3.6-million budget. Several episodes of questionable spending had brought the current sheriff under scrutiny, so candidates were quick to make it clear that they understand each of those dollars must go toward the public good.

“Care must be given to each decision so use of the money is clearly to promote the public’s interest,” Lambert said.

Gunnels, Lambert, Biller, Hodgins and Rock cited their experience managing finances in the private sector, while Lillard, Hall and Farmer said they’ve been heavily involved in budget discussions for the law enforcement agencies they’ve worked for.

The bottom line, Farmer said, is to make sure that there is a reason behind every dollar.

“The main thing for any budget is justification,” he said. “You must provide that justification for every line item, and every time you can save the taxpayers money, you can be sure they’re going to appreciate that.”

MANAGING THE BUDGET

When it comes to the budget, candidates unpack their business ownership, depart-

S EE S HERIFF, PAGE 13

Curtis Lambert, R, 44

Qualifications: Former officer at Sylva Police Department. Fourteen years in law enforcement, including service with the Sylva Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office; former vice president of payroll service.

Reason to run: “I have a combination of

OFF

law enforcement and business experience, and that’s what it takes nowadays to be an effective sheriff.”

Philosophy: “An effective leader will be someone that will have an open-door policy and an open-department policy to where they’re not trying to hide things that are going on.”

Favorite vacation: history tour of Charleston, S.C.

Mary Alice Rock, R, 46 Qualifications: Bail bondsman. Two years of active duty in the U.S. Army; seven years in inactive reserves; basic law enforcement training; 15 years as bail bondsman.

Reason to run: “There appears to be no law in Jackson County, and we need law restored.”

Philosophy: “Help people who need help.

Get back to the basics of why you have a sheriff’s office to begin with. It’s to protect and serve the public, not personal needs or gains.”

Favorite music: “Keep Ya Head Up” by 2PAC; “God Bless America”

West Asheville - 1186 Patton Ave. East Asheville - 736 Tunnel Rd.

CONVENIENT CHEROKEE LOCATION

Across from the casino (open 24 hours)

828.554.0431

233-37

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

2

$

EACH TIME YOU BOARD

for All Residents of Haywood County Smoky Mountain News

Qualifications: Retired logger. Forty years as a logger, including business ownership.

Reason to run: “I’m hoping we can accomplish getting the drugs out of here, or doing our best to slow them way down.”

Philosophy: “I think the sheriff ought to be out there looking after his men. I believe he needs to take care of them and stay on them to make sure they do their jobs.”

Favorite TV show: “Andy Griffith Show”

Headquarters

up to

30%

March 26-April 1, 2014

Jim Hodgins, R, 62

Your Diamond

OPERATING A JAIL Candidates also outlined their ideas for managing the county jail, a task Gunnels called “the most liable operation” the sheriff oversees.

“A local jail is unique in the fact that many people who are being detained are awaiting a court appearance and haven’t been convicted of criminal charges,” Lillard said.

Philosophy: “I want to be open and honest with the public. Working together, we can solve problems.”

Favorite TV show: “Blue Bloods”

news

collaborate with the school system and with other law enforcement entities.

“I don’t know the inner workings,” Lambert said. “On the other hand, I don’t feel the sheriff ’s office currently has a good working relationship with the board of education.”

“Safety in our schools is not just a law enforcement function,” said Lillard, citing the importance of developing strong relationships with school administration. “Everybody has a role to play to make sure our schools are safe while still meeting the emotional and educational needs of each child.”

Biller added that he would integrate schools into the rounds of regular county patrols, even those not designated as SROs. And in the event of an emergency, it will be vital that everybody knows what to do and where to go.

“If I were the sheriff of Jackson County, that’s a must,” Gunnels said. “Train with each individual department as a coalition, because I’m telling you, if it happens we’re going to need all the help we can get.”

In Rock’s view, that help should come from within the school as well. As sheriff, she would support concealed carry permits for teachers and administrators with crime-free backgrounds.

“I would encourage them to carry that weapon on their person,” she said. “Our president has armed guards. I think our children deserve the same.”

Reservations are required — Call 24 hours in advance

828.565.0362

All trips are coordinated with others while in the general area.

We are not a last minute taxi service! Wheelchair Services are available.

233-62

11

news March 26-April 1, 2014 Smoky Mountain News 12

Peel n’ Eat Shrimp, Oysters Steamed & Raw Clams Oyster Eating Contest Mountain Shucking Championship

Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran will have an easy primary season, with no Republicans challenging his bid for a third term in office. But four Democratic challengers are fighting it out during the primary. Here’s a look at those candidates:

Chuck McMahan, 53

George Powell, 47

Qualifications: Night bookkeeper at Microtel Hotel. Spent time working as a sheriff’s deputy in both Swain and Jackson counties, and also worked for the Georgia Department of Corrections and Swain County EMS. Reason for seeking office: “Accountable to all, beholden to none. The sheriff and his department is accountable to everyone in the community, and beholden to none because I’m not in anybody’s pocket, if you get what I mean.”

Favorite fruit: strawberry Favorite meat: Ribeye Favorite album/artist: Hank Williams, Jr. Childhood hero: His granddad, Rev. Fred Roland. “Because he stood for what was right, he was a good God-fearing man, you might say.”

Rocky Sampson, 54 Qualifications: Retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority Police and past stints with the Swain and Graham county sheriff’s office.

Reason for seeking office: “I promise when elected, I will bring professionalism to the agency and a dedicated service to the people of our county.”

Favorite fruit: banana Favorite meat: pork Favorite album/artist: John Cougar [Mellencamp] Childhood hero: Superman

* An unaffiliated candidate Odell Chastain, a retired law enforcement officer, is also running for Swain sheriff, but he doesn’t have a primary.

@SmokyMtnNews

Macon County voters will soon have a couple of opportunities to get a feel for their local candidates. On March 29, there will be a Republican candidate forum at 2 p.m. in the community building on Highway 441 in Franklin. On April 10, the League of Women Voters of Macon County will host a forum for commission candidates. All county commission candidates from all political parties are invited to participate. The League forum will begin at noon at Tartan Hall in Franklin.

Sheriff Robbie Holland, 47

Bryan Carpenter, 30

Qualifications: Macon County Sheriff. Holland was elected sheriff when he was 35 and running for a fourth term. He is a career lawman, working in investigations and patrol previously.

Reason for seeking office: “I’m committed to my community. I’ve served my community for 20 years and my goal has always been to make a difference in my community.”

Favorite fruit: apple Favorite meat: venison Favorite album/artist: The Eagles Childhood hero: His father. “He’s everything I want to be in a person, in a father and in a man.”

Qualifications: Truck driver of his own company Carpenter Transport.

Reason for seeking office: “Everybody keeps running on change. I don’t want to make a change, I want to make a difference. I want to bring that sense of community back — improving community interactions with the sheriff’s department and just let it trickle down the line.”

Favorite fruit: peach Favorite meat: Ribeye Favorite album/artist: anything by the Gaithers Childhood hero: John Wayne, Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers. “I like a lot of them.”

S HERIFF, CONTINUED FROM 11

jail and processed as an inmate, you don’t want to take it to a point that it’s like a hotel stay,” Farmer said. “You want to make it something that I don’t want to go back there no more.”

That means that the sheriff is responsible not only for keeping the building secure but for ensuring the safety and well-being of the inmates. The candidates agreed that the new sheriff should review the jail’s policies and procedures, as well as evaluate all deputies currently working there, to determine what should be done differently.

Hall emphasized the need for a technological upgrade, as well.

“The biggest challenge facing the leader of the sheriff ’s office today is the technology that is in our current jail,” he said. “The jail technology that exists today was put in the establishment in the early 90s, so it needs to be updated.”

Rock also added that the female holding cell is too small, creating privacy issues for the inmates. And, she said, medical care is not up to the standard it should be, especially considering that the jail does not house exclusively guilty people.

“People are only accused when they’re jailed, unless they’re serving a sentence,” she said, “but even then their health is paramount to their future.”

Biller concurred, saying that he would want the jail to always have a nurse on-site, with others on call at all times. Farmer, however, cautioned that the jail should never be a cushy experience.

“When you do have someone thrown into

SHOOTING FOR OPENNESS But despite their differences, all the candidates are running on a platform of increased openness and accessibility compared to the current administration.

“Community involvement is the key to a functioning sheriff ’s office and a good community response,” Hall said.

Hodgins said he’d plan to spend time out in the community talking to people, while Gunnels and Gosnell promised to be reactive to the tips and concerns they would receive from the public. Lambert pledged an open door policy if he became sheriff, and Biller outlined a service-oriented administration in which phone calls would be returned promptly and officers held accountable for their actions. Farmer promised to send the department in “a new direction” from where it is headed now, while Rock said that “helping people who need help” and “protect[ing] and serv[ing] the public” would be cornerstones of her administration.

“The sheriff is the highest-ranking officer in the county,” Lambert said, “and with so much responsibility placed upon him, he needs to be a leader, both morally and ethically.”

Smoky Mountain News

Qualifications: Logistics, Caterpillar Inc. Spent eight years with the Waynesville Police Department, as well as working in both juvenile and adult correctional facilities.

Reason for seeking office: “I want to know people, I want to know their views.

I want to get everyone involved with the sheriff’s department itself so we can better serve the community.”

Favorite fruit: peach Favorite meat: Ribeye Favorite album/artist: Beethoveen Childhood hero: Dave Williams, Swain County’s sheriff when Powell was a kid.

“He was always kind and took time for us

Larry Roland, 53

The Macon County Sheriff race will be short and sweet. Incumbent Sheriff Robbie Holland, a Republican, only faces one challenger, Bryan Carpenter, also a Republican.

Because the two candidates are in the same party, the primary election will decide the race.

Macon candidate forum

March 26-April 1, 2014

Qualifications: Retired North Carolina Highway Patrol seargeant. In addition to a 27-year career with the highway patrol, McMahan spent time working with the Hickory Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department.

Reason for seeking office: “I think I have the experience and training to make Swain County Sheriff’s Department a professional organization.”

Favorite fruit: apple Favorite meat: Ribeye Favorite album/artist: “Marshall Tucker Band’s Greatest Hits” Childhood hero: His grandpa. “He was a gentleman, he was kind and he treated everybody well.”

as children. He was part of my inspiration. I always wanted to be like him.”

One and done — Macon sheriff race to be sewed up in primary

news

Candidates lineup for a shot on Swain sheriff ballot

13

news

April 24-27, 2014

Over 130 Artists on 13 Stages

Tickets Still Available!

Featuring: Richard Watson • Alan Jackson • Old Crow Medicine

Alan Jackson

March 26-April 1, 2014

Steep Canyon Rangers

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Smoky Mountain News

Holly Williams

Donna the Buffalo

Show • Keller Williams and The Travelin’ McCourys • Merle Haggard • Carolina Chocolate Drops • Dailey & Vincent with Jimmy Fortune • Dr. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys • Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder • Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott • Todd Snider • Steep Canyon Rangers • Holly Williams • Alison Brown Quartet • Peter Rowan • Sam Bush Band • Scythian • The Duhks • The Kruger Brothers • The Deadly Gentlemen • The Waybacks • Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line • Claire Lynch Band • Della Mae • Donna the Buffalo • Jerry Douglas • Jim Avett • Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice • Larry Keel and Natural Bridge • Mark Johnson and Emory Lester • High Valley • I Draw Slow • Missy Raines and The New Hip • Pete and Joan Wernick • Shannon Whitworth • Sleepy Man Banjo Boys • Lonesome River Band • Balsam Range • Darin and Brooke Aldridge • Volume Five • WBT Briarhoppers • And many more! See the complete lineup at www.MerleFest.org.

Dailey & Vincents with Jimmy Fortune

The views presented are not necessarily those of Wilkes Community College or endorsed by the college. ©2014 Lowe’s. LOWE’S, Gable Mansard Design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC.

14

Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott

www.MerleFest.org • 1-800-343-7857 MerleFest and WCC are 100% Tobacco Free.

Old Crow Medicine Show

Keller Williams

Sam Bush Band

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

The Duhks

The Waybacks

Merle Haggard

Dr. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys

Want the ULTIMATE MerleFest Experience?

Check out our PATRON PACKAGES! www.MerleFest.org/Patron

news

On with the show

we came in front of them and they helped us, Mark Swanger. and we were able to use those funds for a lot “Without question, HART is an asset to of things in the theatre.” our community’s economy and cultural HART is asking the town and county for aspects,” he said. “But, as far as whether or $25,000 each. He appeared before county not the county will appropriate funds, I make commissioners last week and the town board it a point to not make any determinations this week. until we all have looked at it and go through Specifically the money would be used for the decision process.” the amenities needed inside the new facility.

“We waited until we had most of the funds UDIENCE SUPPORT in hand so we weren’t asking them for money to make sure it would happen. Instead, we Lloyd pointed out the fate of the new said we want them to be a player in this, too,” facility was in the hands of the audience Lloyd said. itself, who are contributing hundreds of Lloyd noted he is well aware that both the thousands of dollars to make the second thecounty and town are already stretched thin ater a doable project. for funds. But, he sees the investment into “The majority of the money is people giving HART as a worthwhile endeavor. Currently, smaller amounts, but we’ve got several hunthe theatre has an economic impact on dred donors,” he said. “It gives you a sense of Haywood County of around $2.4 million per confidence to be successful in what we’re trying year. Ticket sales in 2013 were over 10,000 for to do. I’ve been here for 23 years, so it makes me the main stage and 2,000 for the black box feel that they have faith and they trust me to studio. And with a new facility, those num- guide the theatre down the right path. We’ve bers could potentially double. never had a deficit, never had a losing season.

“This new facility will expand what we do, We’re not the biggest theatre, but we’ve suchave more people involved, and will have a ceeded in everything we’ve put on and done.” greater footprint for the arts in Haywood And alongside those innumerable donaCounty,” said John tions are the moreHighsmith, a board than-generous contri“We’ve never had a member at HART. butions by Daniel and deficit, never had a losing Belle Fangmeyer and “This just makes Haywood a better John and Susie season. We’re not the place to live all the way Harmon. In honor of around, with the ecobiggest theatre, but we’ve their $200,000 donanomical impact, cultion to HART, the new succeeded in everything tural opportunities theatre will be named and bringing in someafter the Fangmeyers, we’ve put on and done.” thing to better the with the bistro café in county as a whole.”

— Steven Lloyd, executive director the facility being of HART Theatre Highsmith’s called “Harmon’s enthusiasm doesn’t Den.” fall on deaf ears.

“It’s these substantial donations that have “It will definitely be an addition to made it possible for us to really move forWaynesville and Haywood. I’m really happy ward,” Lloyd said. they’re choosing to expand,” said Waynesville For HART members who have donated Alderman Wells Greeley. “I think our history and are in the “Producer’s Circle” ($1,000+) proves out that our board has been active in and above, Lloyd said there will be a special supporting HART.” string of events at the theatre this July to Greeley added that HART gives a sense thank those patrons. The two-week long celeof community to Waynesville, something bration will feature renowned Broadway that needs to be cherished, nurtured and actor Terrence Mann, who will lead the perpetuated. events.

“What makes a sense of community?” he Lloyd expects to hear back from the town said. “It’s services by the town, amenities that and county on funds sometime in June. make people want to live here — shopping, “It is a good investment, and the argucultural. It is a tough time to be asking for ment I’m putting forward to the town and funds, but this will make us a better, more county is that we’re asking you to invest in a well-rounded community.” facility that will not only benefit us,” Lloyd Those positive sentiments were also said, “but also a lot of people — it will truly echoed by Haywood County Commissioner change the dynamic of who we are.”

A

An artist rendering of what the new stage facility at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville will look like (left). The $1.2 million project will begin construction in the coming weeks. Donated illustration

T

theater will allow productions to run back to back. Actors and set crews will have a place to prepare one show while another is running on the main stage.

It’s got a daunting construction price tag of $1.2 million, however. Lloyd said over $670,000 has already been raised, with an end-of-year fundraising goal set at putting that total over $900,000.

“We’re expecting to start construction sometime in the next few weeks,” he said.

Architecture blueprints are done, contractors’ bids are rolling in, and permits are in the final stages.

Rather than wait until the total price tag is raised, the theater will take out a construction loan — a testament to its success and something only the most solid entities could pull off in today’s world of tight credit.

“All of those things are in process, and when they dovetail together, we’ll start digging,” Lloyd said.

BACKYARD INVESTMENT

Vietnam War anniversary commemoration

Swain medical center hosts open house, extends hours

Swain Community Foundation offering grants

There will be a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War at 2 p.m., March 29 in Waynesville. Earl Reece, secretary of the N.C. State Vietnam Veterans, will be the event’s featured speaker. Reece, retired from the U.S. Army, served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

Also to commemorate the anniversary, representatives from the local chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America and the Haywood County Veterans Service Office will place a wreath at the Vietnam War Monument.

The Swain Medical Center will host an open house April 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. The open house is an opportunity for people to meet medical providers and staff members.

The medical center, located inside the Swain County Hospital, at 45 Plateau St., in Bryson City, will also be extending its clinic hours beginning April 7. The new hours will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday and Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

The Swain County Community Foundation’s grant season opens March 14. The organization will be accepting requests for projects to be funded from its community fund.

Applications are available on the foundation’s website, at www.nccommunityfoundation.org. The deadline for submitting applications is April 22.

Funds are available to nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of Swain County. Organizations that participated in the 2013 grant season are not eligible to apply.

Smoky Mountain News

With its most loyal patrons already tapped for donations, the final stage of the fundraising campaign could get harder, however.

HART has asked the Haywood County commissioners and Waynesville town board for money for the new theater building.

“It’s really just asking them to have some buy-in here,” Lloyd said. “Twenty years ago

March 26-April 1, 2014

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER hough the process has been long, Steven Lloyd is beginning to see the fruits of his labor.

“I sometimes feel like I’ve pushed a big boulder up a hill and it’ll fall backwards,” he said. “But, the momentum is still going.

We’re a proven, successful theatre, and this is going to happen.”

Lloyd is the executive director of the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. His proverbial “boulder” is the construction of a second stage facility.

The flagship main stage theater is 11,000 Steven Lloyd square feet with 250 seats. The second venue is planned to be 6,000 square feet, which would hold between 150 to 180 attendees, depending on what’s being presented.

“The only solution for our ability to grow is to have a second performance space,” Lloyd said. “Everything is growing at a level now where it can be secured for the future.”

The possibilities range from small plays to dinner theater, drama camps to acting classes, cabaret to wedding receptions. It seems the avenues of potential are endless.

Perhaps most importantly, the second

15

news

State, counties play hot potato over teacher salaries Pony Pack Tiny Trotters Horse Handlers Horse education and experience programs for children starting at age two.

Call for more info

(828)452-9330 Mountain Dell Equestrian Learn More & Register at:

March 26-April 1, 2014

www.MountainDellEquestrian.com

Waynesville's most luxurious retreat Smoky Mountain News

since 2008

Open to the public Located at The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa

828-456-3551ext 6

www.BalsamSpa.com 16

233-38

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER tagnating pay for North Carolina teachers is prompting some local school leaders to dig a little deeper for salary bonuses at the county level.

Jackson County suspended its local salary bonus for teachers about five years ago amid state budget tightening. Now, the school system is not only bringing back the 2 percent salary bonus from pre-recession days, but upping it to 3 percent.

“We feel like it is time to reinstate that,” said Jackson School Board Chairman Ken Henke, a retired principal. “We feel our teachers have waited patiently.”

Nearly every county forks over a small bonus for teachers that’s tacked on top of the base salary paid by the state. Known as supplements, they range from 1 percent to upwards of 14 percent, depending on the county.

“Since the state hasn’t given any raises it makes the counties compete with each other even more,” said Haywood County Commissioner Bill Upton, a retired superintendent and principal.

The issue is more acute for Haywood, which borders Buncombe and Asheville school districts, where supplements are as much as 10 percent, Upton said.

“People don’t have to drive very far to get to Buncombe,” Upton said.

But supplements are an important recruitment and retention tool wherever you are, said Jackson County School Superintendent Mike Murray.

“We are in competition with every other system,” Murray said. “It is a beautiful place to live, and I can draw some folks in with that, but a beautiful place to live doesn’t pay your bills.”

Jackson County is also rolling out $1,000 signing bonuses for newly-hired teachers.

The budget climate is not exactly conducive for increases to teacher supplements, however. State cuts to education have forced school systems to plug the hole with local money they get from county coffers.

“If we lose state money, we have to replace that with local money,” said Jerry McKinney, school board member in Swain County.

And that means less local money to go around for supplements. Swain currently doesn’t have teacher supplements — one of the few counties in the state without them.

But when Swain school leaders go hat in hand to county commissioners next month to ask for more local funding for schools, supplements will be but one request on a long list.

Public education cuts have become an albatross around the necks of state Republican leaders — particularly in the area of teacher salaries. North Carolina has fallen to 49th nationwide in teacher pay. Democrats have hammered that message home every chance they get, blaming Republicans for the

S

bad ranking.

Last month, Gov. Pat McCrory said he wants to find money for teacher raises. He called on the state legislature to join him in crafting a raise package for teachers when the General Assembly reconvenes later this spring.

“The number one thing we are going to be talking about is education,” said N.C. Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville. Presnell said she will support teacher raises. The state would have given teacher raises last year, if not for Obamacare, she said.

“We cannot help education until we get a handle on Medicaid. Obamacare has thrown all these additional people in there,” Presnell said. “That is the problem with giving educators more of a raise.”

However, the real culprit sucking up state education money was the billion dollars in tax breaks that primarily benefited the wealthy, according to Rep. Joe Sam Queen, DWaynesville.

“That came right out of the budget for

“We are in competition with every other system.

It is a beautiful place to live, and I can draw some folks in with that, but a beautiful place to live doesn’t pay your bills.”

— Mike Murray, Jackson County school superintendent

education, community colleges and our universities,” Queen said.

Queen is suspicious of the true motive behind the proposed raises in a state election year.

“The timing stinks of political posturing, and the teachers see it,” Queen said. “But it is high time. The system needs good teachers, and you have to pay them well to attract them and keep them.”

Major budget maneuvers — like raises for more than 95,000 teachers on the state payroll — are unusual in the General Assembly’s “short session” that occurs every other year.

The last time teacher raises were handed out, they likewise came right before state elections.

“It was a 1.2 percent pay raise, just prior to the November elections. I wonder why they did it then?” posed Dr. Bill Nolte, assistant superintendent of Haywood County Schools.

Teacher salaries had flat-lined for several years prior, so that modest bump in 2012 was a token bump at best.

And it was a double-edged sword.

While teachers got a modest raise from the state that year, education overall has been cut.

“Our concern is they are slowly bleeding us to death,” Nolte said. “My message to the General Assembly is to stop the cuts first.”

Nolte said per pupil education funding has been cut year over year for five years.

“No one with the General Assembly and Governors office have said the cuts will stop,” Nolte said. So to him, the conversation is bigger than teacher salaries.

Schools have bigger class sizes, fewer teacher assistants and less money for teaching supplies despite the new, more rigorous statewide curriculum and testing regimens, he said.

Jackson’s supplement CURRENT STATUS: Historically 2 percent, but suspended indefinitely five years ago.

FUTURE OUTLOOK: To be reinstated — plus some — in the coming year, at a level of 3 percent.

ANNUAL COST TO COUNTY: $700,000 for 3 percent.

The return of teacher salary supplements in Jackson comes with a caveat. They are only guaranteed for the coming school year and will be up in the air again after that. Supplements for the coming year will be paid out of reserves, using money the school system has built up in savings over the past couple of years.

But it’s not sustainable long-term.

“We would like to continue if we could, but don’t know if we would be able to,” said Gwen Edwards, Jackson school finance director.

The school system would likely need more money from the county to keep up the supplements beyond the coming year.

Money that used to go to teacher supplements in Jackson was redirected to plug recession-driven budget cuts.

“It wasn’t that we wanted to neglect them,” said Henke. “We told them we just don’t have the money.”

As state funding dropped, school systems were forced to lay off teachers, increase class size, do away with teacher assistants for all but kindergarten and first grade, and scale back on anything deemed “extra,” from computer lab teachers to music teachers.

In Jackson County, money that used to go toward local salary bonuses was spent keeping teachers on the payroll who otherwise would have been let go.

“We had been rolling that into general expenses to try to keep the ship floating,” Murray said.

Teachers accepted the reality stoically.

“We didn’t hear one complaint,” Edwards said.

Haywood’s supplement

Haywood County commissioners, in partnership with the school system, adopted a new teacher supplement scale in the mid2000s, with the goal of inching them up a bit year over year. The supplement is the highest of the seven western counties.

“We got it there before the budgetary cuts began, and we have worked very, very hard not to lose it because we are fearful we would not get it back, and we were also fearful we would lose teachers to surrounding districts,” said Nolte, assistant superintendent.

Haywood must compete with its nextdoor neighbors of Buncombe, Henderson and Asheville City schools.

“People west of us may not compete with them because of the distance, but we border those,” Nolte said.

To increase the supplement any, the county would need to pony up more money.

“That is something I would like to look at,” Haywood Commissioner Bill Upton said.

“It has been quite a period of time since we have done anything with supplements.”

Macon’s supplement CURRENT STATUS: 2 percent supplement, paid out as a one-time bonus in November, for teachers only.

FUTURE OUTLOOK: No change likely.

ANNUAL COST TO COUNTY: More than $400,000.

The modest supplement for teachers in Macon County was nearly swallowed up to plug a budget shortfall faced by the school system this year. School leaders had asked the county for permission to reallocate the teacher supplement for general operations if need be.

And permission was granted, but in the end, the school board passed the bonuses out as it always does — in a one-time lump sum in November’s paycheck, conveniently timed before Christmas shopping.

There was one piece of the supplements missing this year, however.

They only went to teachers, teacher assistants and principals — none of the directors in central office got them as they had in the past, according to Angie Cook, finance officer for Macon Schools.

Swain’s supplement CURRENT STATUS: No supplements for teachers, but bonuses of $4,000 to $8,000 for principals and assistant principals.

FUTURE OUTLOOK: Iffy for any movement on teacher supplements.

ANNUAL COST TO COUNTY: Around $30,000.

Swain County is one of only about 10 school districts statewide that don’t pay teacher supplements.

In fact, when it comes to per pupil education funding from the county, Swain ranks dead last, according to the annual assessment

by Public School Forum of North Carolina.

The ranking measures total local education funding from county coffers.

Historically, the Swain County school board hasn’t come out and directly asked county commissioners to increase local school funding. School leaders are usually quick to sympathize with Swain County’s plight as a poor, small, rural county with little money to spare.

“We are trying to get funding out of a source that doesn’t have a lot of money to begin with,” said Jerry McKinney, school board member.

But if you never ask, you’ll never get it.

And so this year, the Swain school board will, for the first time in recent history anyway, directly and publicly ask county commissioners for more money for schools.

“Yes, we are going to try to,” McKinney said.

The school board is meeting with county commissioners in coming weeks to talk budget.

Teacher supplements are one thing on the table, but they are probably not at the top of the list.

For example, Swain has just one guidance counselor serving 650 high school students — which isn’t enough given the county’s goal of reducing drop-outs and steering more students toward college. The school system also hopes to start intensive summer programs to help low-performing students catch up.

And, the school system wants to take on STEM instruction, a.k.a.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

“If we do a STEM initiative, you aren’t talking about just text books. The high-tech equipment and programming is much more expensive than what you had 40 years ago with a book, paper and pencil,” Swain Superintendent Sam Patillo said.

And the big kicker is a growing student body causing a space crunch at some schools.

Patillo said the school system will put everything “on the table” with commissioners, and ask them what they are willing to fund.

“We are trying to do a collaborative effort,” Patillo said.

Ultimately, the county’s residents and taxpayers need to do some soul-searching over what they are willing to invest in education, Patillo said, and whether the culture that’s led to low funding for education can be reversed.

“What are our citizens willing to do to get this? We all have to come to a consensus on what that is,” Pittillo said.

“The bottom line is it takes resources to improve education. It would help kids,” McKinney added.

news

CURRENT STATUS: 4 percent on top of state base pay, with an extra half a percent for teachers with 20 or more years on the job and an extra 1 percent for teachers with 25 or more years. For all certified school system employees.

FUTURE OUTLOOK: Likely steady at the helm, but there is support from one county commissioner for an increase.

ANNUAL COST TO COUNTY: $1.5 million for the current supplement formula.

Upton first mentioned the idea during a budget work session of commissioners in February. He later asked the school system for estimates of what it would take. To increase it by half a percent, it would cost $163,000.

“What I would like to look at is at least doing a quarter percent. We need some kind of plan where we incrementally increase that supplement,” Upton said.

233-35

FRANKLIN OFFICE

828.586.7462

828.524.7333

144 Holly Springs Park Drive

Since 1961, premier eye care you can trust!

March 26-April 1, 2014

SYLVA OFFICE 70 Westcare Dr, Ste. 403

We’ve Moved! 142 N. Main St. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! MONDAY-SATURDAY 10-6 • SUNDAYS 1-5

Mostly Local, Always Sustainable

christen the new and improved Back Room of Sunburst Market. we will be joined by Sunburst Trout Farms, Hickory Nut Gap Farms, Lusty Monk Mustard, and Tryon Distributing with Wine pairings.

828.452.3848

www.sunburstmarket.com www.facebook.com/sunburstmarket

Frank A. Killian, M.D. Sylva & Franklin Offices

R. Benjamin Meade, O.D. Sylva Office

Jeffrey B. Schultz, O.D. Sylva Office

W. Zachery Bridges, Jr., M.D. Franklin Office

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

Routine Eye Exams • Medical and Surgical Diseases of the Eye Micro-incision Cataract Surgery, including Multi-focal Lens Technology Laser Surgery • Glasses • Contact Lenses · Diabetic Eye Disease Macular Degeneration · Detached or Torn Retina

Smoky Mountain News

SATURDAY APRIL 5TH • 3-6 P.M. Come help us officially

Now accep ng new pa ents, call today to schedule your appointment!

We accept most insurance, including VSP.

www.ashevilleeye.com

800.232.0420 17

March 26-April 1, 2014

news

Lake Junaluska Peace Conference The Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, taking place March 27-30, will feature six leadership speakers from across the globe.

The speakers will talk about the role faith communities have in combating disease, violence and poverty — often the causes of poor health.

Dr. Christoph Benn, former member of the Global Fund, will be a keynote speaker at the conference. It will also feature local speakers, workshops and panels, including a presentation by practitioners of alternative spiritual approaches to health care.

Benn moved to southern Tanzania in 1988 to work as a doctor-in-charge at a rural hospital — young people were dying unexplained deaths. This was just at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic that would hit Africa.

Benn has more than 20 years of experience in global health, including stints as a clinician in the United Kingdom and as deputy director of the German Institute for Medical Mission, during which time he helped to initiate several pilot projects to implement antiretroviral treatment in Botswana, Kenya and Russia.

Those efforts by Benn led in part to the establishment of The Global Fund in 2002, an international financial institution that so far has mobilized $40 billion dollars and developed partnerships between government, civil society, the private sector and

communities living with the diseases to fight AIDS, TB and malaria in more than 140 countries.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a key supporter of the fund, has contributed or pledged $1.4 billion, and President Obama pledged up to $5 billion dollars over the next three years.

In addition to Benn, other conference speakers include: • Dr. Gary Gunderson, vice president of Faith and Health Ministries at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, WinstonSalem.

• Dr. James Cochrane, professor in the Department of Religious Studies and senior research associate in the School of Public Health and Family Medicine at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

• Dr. Henry Perry, founder of Andean Rural Health Care and senior associate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

• Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, presiding bishop of the Raleigh area of the United Methodist Church.

Organizers of the conference view the event as an ongoing response to God’s call to peacemaking and reconciliation.

Affirming the community of Abrahamic faiths, the conference seeks to work in partnership with Christians, Jews, Muslims and members of other religious traditions to advance the work of reconciliation and peace. www.lakejunaluska.com/peace or 800.222.4930.

JOIN US FOR ARTS EVENTS AT WCU APR. 1 | TUE. 7:30PM | COULTER BUILDING | FREE

Music: Faculty April Fool’s Day Concert

APR. 3–6 | THR.–SAT. 7:30PM, SUN. 3PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER | $20

Musical Theatre: Les Misérables

APR. 4 | FRI. 5PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER | FREE

Smoky Mountain News

Event: Friends of the Arts Silent Auction MAR. 31–MAY 9 | FINE ART MUSEUM

Exhibit: 2014 Juried Undergraduate Exhibition

SAVE THE DATE: APR. 26 | SAT. 7:30PM | UC LAWN

MUSIC: JAZZ FESTIVAL

VISIT THE FINE ART MUSEUM FOR ONGOING EXHIBITS | FINEARTMUSEUM.WCU.EDU

EVENTS ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE COLLEGE OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS AT WCU. JOIN FRIENDS OF THE ARTS TODAY!

FOR MORE INFO – 828.227.7028 | ARTS.WCU.EDU 18

Gambling halls raided

A video gambling parlor with rows of illegal machines offering cash-for-play was shut down by police in Waynesville last week. Donated photo

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER wo video gambling halls were raided in Haywood County last week following an undercover investigation by law enforcement agencies.

Officers confiscated 34 video gambling machines and cash from two nondescript buildings where police say illegal gambling operations were being run. One was outside Canton and one was in Waynesville — each housing rows of video gaming machines and little else.

“I started receiving phone calls from family members of people going down there, and family members told me they were spending their entire pay check and didn’t even have meal money for their child to go to school the next week,” Haywood Sheriff Greg Christopher said. “That’s when we asked our guys to start to take a look at this.”

Undercover officers frequented both gambling parlors and played the machines, which featured video poker and keno. To build a case, they had to play until they won and collect cash payouts, according to police reports. But it wasn’t terribly tough to infiltrate the play-for-cash operations.

“They were advertising cash payouts on the walls. It was no secret,” said Waynesville Police Chief Bill Hollingsed.

There have been no arrests or charges made yet, pending the cases appearing before the grand jury. The investigation is ongoing.

The two video gambling parlors do not appear to be connected. The one in Waynesville, located on South Main Street near Super Walmart, clearly advertised what was going on inside with signs on the outside of the building.

But the one in Canton, located on the old Asheville Highway east of town, had sheets over the windows and no sign on the building. Yet there were always plenty of vehicles

T

in the parking lot, according to police reports.

“They had a lot of enticements to bring people in to the establishments,” Christopher said.

They would give out free sodas, coffee and snacks, sometimes with crock-pots of food keeping warm on a table.

Coincidentally, 17 machines were confiscated from each. Due to the sheer size of machines — much bigger than the stash of drugs and guns that typically fill police evidence lockers — an off-site evidence room had to be set up just to hold them.

The video gambling industry has sparred with law enforcement and state lawmakers over the past decade. The state has banned various forms of video gambling three times — in 2006, 2008 and 2010. But each time, video gambling operators tweak their machines’ software to exploit loopholes in the law and keep on humming.

The latest incarnation, known as video sweepstakes, have continued to operate in plain sight, tucked into the corners of gas stations around the region. Police have made arrests but have been unable to make charges stick in court due to ambiguity over the machines’ software.

However, the machines confiscated in the two busts in Haywood County don’t fall into the murky category of sweepstakes, but are forms of outright video gambling clearly outlawed by the state, Hollingsed said.

“These games were patently illegal on their face by state statute,” Hollingsed said.

Christopher said law enforcement could not morally turn a blind eye to the activity.

“We are sworn to uphold the law, whether it is illegal drugs or gambling,” Christopher said. “The number of complaints we had received at the sheriff ’s office was huge. I felt after listening to these complaints and these family members tell us what was happening that we had to do our job.”

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER he advent of three large student apartment complexes around Western Carolina University in the past few years has prompted concern in Cullowhee over increased traffic.

In response, Jackson County’s planning board has approved rules that would require new apartments from here on out to build sidewalks, hopefully reducing commuter traffic to- and- from campus by encouraging students to walk or bike.

“It feels like unplanned growth to have all these apartments cropping up in Cullowhee with no sidewalks,” said Sarah Graham, a planning board member. “It seems like it would have been a better issue to deal with eight years ago before all those apartments

T

mushroomed up around Cullowhee.”

The arrival of new apartment complexes will inject hundreds of students onto narrow, two-lane roads with scarce shoulders around the university. Without sidewalks, students will be more apt to drive to and from campus, causing traffic issues, according to concerned residents in the vicinity of campus.

While the new rules will not apply to existing apartment complexes, going forward, sidewalks could be required for any new apartments with more than 60 bedrooms. The requirement is not hard and fast but does give the planning board the option of requiring sidewalks on a case-bycase basis, said County Planner Gerald Green.

The new rule would technically bring

apartment complexes with more than 60 bedrooms under the purview of the county’s subdivision ordinance. The county could then require sidewalks as a condition of their permit if it so chose, Green said.

Apartment complexes would have to comply with other regulations in the subdivision ordinance as well, including open space requirements, but sidewalks were “the main motivator,” Green said.

Developers would only have to build sidewalks within the complex itself, however, not the entire way to campus. It’s a start, Green said, but the larger concern of adequate pedestrian access around campus will remain.

The new rules for apartments originated from the Cullowhee Planning Council, a task force appointed by Jackson County commissioners last year to begin looking at land-use planning for the area.

A full suite of growth and development regulations in Cullowhee is still in the making.

Southwestern Community College talks up expansion in Macon

Actual construction could be years away, but Southwestern Community College is laying the groundwork for a future expansion of its Macon campus.

Last week, SCC President Don Tomas appeared before county commissioners for the second time in three mohths to talk about their master expansion plan. It hinges on the county, since the 19-acre tract SCC wants for its expansion is owned by the county.

“It was just a general request that the Macon County Board of Commissioners would consider some sort of transfer of the 19 acres of land, whether that’s gifted or sold,” said Commissioner Paul Higdon.

“That could be years down the road. I guess they were just feeling our pulse.”

The master plan calls for doubling the size of the campus, adding classroom buildings totaling 68,000 square feet and a law enforcement training center and indoor fir-

ing range. The plan was prompted by an explosion of demand for classes on the Macon County campus. Since 2007, the campus has seen a 74 percent increase in students taking curriculum classes and a 34 percent increase in continuing education classes.

“We’re supportive of Southwestern Community College,” Higdon said.

The college does not have a revenue source for the expansion identified yet.

— By Holly Kays

Macon ballfield complex to break ground soon Macon County commissioners unanimously approved the first round of bids to begin construction of a $3.8 million sports complex in Franklin.

The county will pay CTech, a Franklin-based engineering company, $49,750 for site plans, geotechnical engineering and construction oversight. Commissioners also accepted two bids from Ritter Architecture, another Franklin company. For $10,000, the company will design a building to double as a concession stand and scorer’s booth, and $6,000 will go toward designing a pavilion.

The bids are the first concrete step the county has taken toward turning a 48-acre property it bought last year for $550,000 into a tournamentlevel ballfield complex. Last month, commissioners decided in a split vote to go ahead with development plans estimated to cost $3.3 million. The result will be a full-on recreation park complete with eight baseball and softball fields, a soccer field, a nine-hole disc golf course, hiking trails and picnic shelters.

Proponents of the project hail it as an opportunity to engage the county’s youth in sports, while bringing dollars into the community through baseball and softball tournaments. Its detractors contend that those economic benefits are trumped up and that it’s not wise to sink money into a massive capital project during a recession.

— By Holly Kays

Bill focuses on a holistic approach and specializes in:

March 26-April 1, 2014

233-28

news

New apartment rules set the stage for a safer walk to campus for WCU students

We are excited to now have Bill Morris, pharmacist & nutritionist with us full time!

Fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Adrenal Fatigue Sub-Clinical Hypothyroidism Osteo & Rheumatoid Arthritis Gout ADDHD Poor Immune System/Shingles Ulcerative Colitis Acne Pain Relief

Smoky Mountain News

• • • • • • • • • • •

366 RUSS AVE | WAYNESVILLE | 828.452.0911 BiLo Shopping Center Find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/kimscompounds

19

20

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

In Rep. Presnell’s view, it’s local leaders be damned S

The enduring myth of welfare cheats

To the Editor: Welfare cheats. It seems that every conservative has a favorite story about how someone on public assistance is cheating the system.

Food stamp cards used for fancy food, having babies to get more money, living off unemployment, phony disabilities claims; all these takers are wasting my tax money. It does not matter if these stories are true or not.

Conservatives believe them, and they are mad.

More proof, to them, that we are heading into a socialist hell.

There is no doubt, given human nature, that there are bad people out there cheating the system. Every government program, in fact any system involving money, can be cheated. And, until we as humans evolve to a higher level of spirituality, it will always be thus.

But why pick on welfare cheats, who in fact are very few in real numbers, and whose actual cost to the taxpayer is minor compared to say, actual tax cheats. Why not get mad about the people who really cost the taxpayers tens of billions every year? How about giant agribusinesses that are paid not to grow food?

What about billionaire investment bankers who pay a lower tax rate for moving money around than we pay for actual work, or giant multinational oil companies that pay no tax at all while making huge profits on the American

sial.”

I attended the Haywood Council of Government meeting in January that was held in Clyde. The COG provides the elected municipal and county leaders in any particular county the opportunity to get together and discuss important matters. At that meeting, elected leaders once again voiced overwhelming support for the room tax hike. County Commissioner Kevin Ensley, in fact, pointed out that it wasn’t just elected officials who want this bill to pass.

“It’s not just the elected boards who Editor support this,” said Ensley. “The Economic Development Commission, the Recreation Advisory Committee, and the Tourism Development Authority are all for it. Democrats and Republicans support it.”

On Rep. Presnell’s side is a recently passed resolution from the Haywood County GOP, which puts it on record against the tax. But the GOP in Haywood is divided. Commissioner Ensley is a Republican, and he says a small faction has now taken over the party. No doubt others are against the bill, but by any measure it has the overwhelming support of those elected to lead Haywood County.

Tourism is the industry in Haywood (Evergreen Products in Canton notwithstanding), and so those who want the county’s economy to continue pulling out of this recession know this bill is tool to help achieve that without taxing locals.

Scott McLeod

ome teacher a long time ago explained to my class of intro to political science undergrads the difference between a statesman and a representative. The statesman, once elected, votes his conscience and does not necessarily bend with the whims of voters; the representative votes according to the wishes of their constituency. That’s a notable difference. What’s confusing, though, is when a leader goes both ways, depending on which is most convenient.

As Haywood leaders try to convince Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, to support a hike in the room tax from 4 to 6 percent that almost everyone who holds elected office in the county favors, I was reading what she had said about the tax and trying to figure out where her opposition is coming from.

Rep. Presnell has called the bill controversial.

“This is a very controversial bill. That is a fact,” Presnell said. “It is still controversial.”

The “still controversial” is her description after Maggie Valley’s board voted 4-1 in favor of hiking the occupancy tax by a penny. Maggie Valley’s decision follows unanimous votes last year by Waynesville, Clyde and Canton, along with the Haywood County commissioners, to ask our legislative delegation to approve the room tax hike. The proposal must be passed by the General Assembly, and Haywood’s other two reps — Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, and Rep. Joe Sam Queen, DWaynesville — support it.

So despite the support of every elected leader in Haywood except one — Maggie Valley’s Phillip Wight — Rep. Presnell is still refusing to support it and still referring to it as “controver-

LOOKING FOR OPINIONS The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns. Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com. market? Where is the outrage?

The answer is simple. It’s called the golden rule: “He who has the gold makes the rules.”

While the 1 percent grows even more wealthy and more powerful, they need a diversion to keep the voters’ attention off of them. It is a classic case of blame your troubles on the other. Powerful interests have been using this tactic since the time of Machiavelli.

The poor, the disabled, minorities, the slackers, the “takers” are the ones to blame.

We are bombarded by story after story about how these cheaters are dragging this country into dreaded socialism. Whether it is right wing media or Paul Ryan, the story is always the same: those “other” people are cheating the government out of our tax money.

Of course the facts, those pesky facts, show just the opposite. Socialism is the distribution of wealth from the rich to the poor. What we have in the United States of America, however, is just the opposite. The middle class is disappearing, real income is decreasing, and the effective tax rate for the wealthy is at a historic

The only conclusion I can make is that Rep. Presnell must be voting her conscience: tax increases are no good no matter what.

Presnell, who is from Burnsville and only represents a portion of Haywood because of the gerrymandered district that was drawn to elect a Republican, took a different approach to governing last summer when the Lake Junaluska-Waynesville merger bill was under consideration.

Despite support from Lake Junaluska leaders and Waynesville’s elected board, despite extraordinary efforts by Lake Junaluska to gauge public opinion that included a property owner survey in which 65 percent said they approved the merger, Rep. Presnell did not get behind the bill and shepherd it through the House.

Late in the game, she said she would support the measure if a formal referendum was held and residents said yes. So with the Lake Junaluska-Waynesville merger issue, Presnell fell back on the will of her constituents (although her district does not actually include Lake Junaluska). If they spend the time and money to hold a referendum and vote yes, she’ll lend her support to the bill.

In two of the most pivotal issues Haywood County leaders have dealt with over the last year, Rep. Presnell has come out against the wishes of most of her constituents and in opposition to the desires of the county’s elected leaders. That’s not the way it is supposed to work. She may as well be saying my way or the highway, local leaders be damned.

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

low. The concentration of wealth at the top is now greater than any time in U.S. history.

So the next time you hear a story about some surfer dude who is using his food stamp card to buy wax for his surf board, remember that someone of great wealth is paying a goodlooking talking head to tell you that story, over and over and over again.

Louis Vitale Franklin

Election laws target the wrong groups To the Editor: I attended a political club meeting last night. I purchased tickets for a fundraiser — a dinner — to be held in a few weeks. I was asked to please provide user names, addresses and phone numbers on the back of tickets. I assumed it was simply a handy way to gain names for future contact. I was wrong.

During the course of the meeting I learned why this was necessary when another attendee spoke about experience gained as a past candidate for office. A goodly sum of money had been donated during a fund raiser.

All money had been raised from individual attendees’ donations, a cake auction, and other enjoyable contests. These funds, relatively small from private friends and likethinking persons, were necessary to pay the expenses of the campaign and were required

to be reported. Not easily. Not simply. Not in lump sum. Each donation had to be reported individually, person by person. It took the candidate, who naturally did not have a staff, many after-work hours over four days time to fill out the required forms to report each donation.

Most candidates for local government do not have an office or staff to care for the nittygritty required by election laws that are designed to keep campaign spending honest.

Indeed, they’re lucky to have willing family members or a few personal friends to help.

Similar rules apply to all politically connected organizations, clubs and political party offices. Funds need to be accounted for. Who they’re from, and how they’re spent. Keeping our campaigns and elections honest!

Remember that word, “honest!”

This is incredibly labor-intensive as we compare these relatively minuscule donations to the huge donations and spending of dark money from nefarious political action groups.

Particularly evidenced are enormous fund amounts funneled and tracked from state to state in order to promote their desired candidates for office, intentionally skewing the balance of power, with obvious purpose to influence these candidates’ future votes in state and national offices.

We all want honesty in our elections, but honestly, is this honest? Look at the other unnecessary recently enacted requirements for future N.C. elections, hindering the peoples’ right to vote but all

To shoot or not to shoot?

purported to be in the name of honesty!

Really?

We the voting public, no matter our political party, can’t tolerate this hypocrisy?

Think about it. It’s our voting rights at stake.

Who, or what, is running you and me? Do you tolerate or even support this? We invent, impose and keep some rules of honesty, but discard others? Large coalitions of corporate big money are OK, but we peasants (you know, we the people) are to be tabulated?

Where’s the oversight? Where are the regulations? Where oh where is this endlessly touted honesty?

Shirl Ches Franklin

that have their signs posted for being responsible for those areas? All along N.C. 209, Richland Creek, the access roads, it’s crazy. Soon the summer growth will creep over to hide some of the garbage, but this has got to stop. No wonder tons of junk winds up in Lake Junaluska. Please stop throwing trash out of your window. It is a shame and a big eyesore.

Mylan Sessions Clyde

What’s up with all the litter in Haywood?

To the Editor: Just an observation that I am sure others have made also, but what about all the trash along the roadside all over our beautiful Haywood County? People what is going on?

What happened to all the volunteer groups

BUSINESS

Enter the 2014 Business Plan Contest & win up to

For more info contact:

10,000

$

456-3021 Supported by: Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, Haywood County Economic Development Commission & Haywood Community College - Small Business Center, Haywood Advancement Foundation.

233-26

DEADLINE MAY 1ST

You often get the results that you plan for To the Editor: Here is what I think about Jackson County’s revised steep slope ordinance: selfserving, self-serving and self-serving.

But here’s the real question: what does one think the results will be when you elect or appoint builders, developers and realtors as county commissioners or members of planning boards?

Frank Parrish Sylva

GREEN’S AUTO SERVICE

Smoky Mountain News

shopping one evening, open your door, and you see two guys in your living room holding your new HD TV in their arms and about to walk out. If there is no sign that they are armed, you may not shoot them. Remember, we have no death penalty for larceny or grand theft, regardless of the value of the item.

In any situation where an intruder is armed with anything that could kill you, even a screwdriver in his hand, you can shoot to protect your life. You must be able to state that you feared for your life and the facts must back up that statement.

In North Carolina there is no “citizens arrest.” There is no provision to shoot someone who decides to flee, armed or not. It will be difficult for you to explain exit wounds in the perpetrators chest, or why you shot an unarmed person. In this area, you would have to be nuts to break into an occupied house because most homeowners have a gun for protection.

It is the drugs that give the criminal the false courage to do so. The drugs also give the criminal a false sense of security. He believes you will not shoot him, especially if you are a woman, or are old, and very often they will charge at you to take your gun away. Warn them to stay back, and if they come at you, and you fear for your life, you may shoot to protect yourself. It takes eight hours to explain these laws in the Concealed Carry Pistol Permit classes. In any event, where you may use a firearm to protect yourself there is a firm requirement that you understand the laws of self-defense, whether or not you want a concealed carry pistol permit. The basic rule is that you must be in fear of losing your life!

Jim Sottile NC Certified Firearms Instructor Franklin

March 26-April 1, 2014

To the Editor: Every two or three years I read in the newspaper that a homeowner shot an intruder. Typically, the homeowner hears a noise during the night, gets his gun and flashlight and goes downstairs with his wife hanging on his shoulder. He opens the door to the garage and sees a man trying to steal his new Cadillac and he blows him away.

The perpetrator is not armed, and the homeowner is now on trial for manslaughter and facing several years in jail. These scenarios happen all the time across the country because people think that they have a license to kill anyone in their home. Just last week, a local jerk told me: “If I shoot someone on my porch, I will drag him in the house so I am covered”.

This is a common misperception. In North Carolina, we have a Castle Law that allows certain protections in your home, your place of business or in your vehicle. It includes the camper or tent you use when camping. The law makes the assumption that if someone is in the process of breaking into your home, they are not doing so to sell you a Bible. The law presumes there is an intent to commit an unlawful act involving force or violence, and you have a right to shoot them while they are in the process of breaking in, if you fear you will lose your life.

Once the person is physically in your home, the circumstances change. If the perpetrator is armed with anything that can cause serious physical harm or death, and you fear for your life, you can shoot them.

However, if there is no sign that they are armed, and they are simply there to steal something, you may not shoot. You can use physical force to protect your property, but not deadly physical force.

For example, say you come home from

This is the time to start your own

125 ASHEVILLE HIGHWAY • SYLVA 828-586-9220 • 828-586-6629

21

tasteTHEmountains

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 28: Impostors 233-01

83 Asheville Hwy. Sylva Music Starts @ 9 • 631.0554

100%% Committedeto 100 Organic Coffe

1110 SOCO RD, MAGGIE VALLEY

(828) 668-BEAN

8 AM – 6 PM

233-56

March 26-April 1, 2014

ORGANICBEANSCOFFEE.COM

WE’RE BACK

TO OUR REGULAR

Smoky Mountain News

BUSINESS HOURS!

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

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Monday Through Friday a.m to 5 p.m. (takeout only 5 to 6 p.m.) Closed Saturday and Sunday. Deli and so much more. We roast our own ham, turkey and roast beef, just like you get on Thanksgiving. Come try our new burger menu with topping choices from around the world.

Enjoy our daily baked goods: cinnamon & sticky buns, cakes, pies and cookies.

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.

A TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS 67 Branner Ave., Waynesville, 828.246.0885. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. Curtis Henry opened A Taste of New Orleans to cater to the locals and become the place that’s always open that you can rely on for different, flavorful dishes every day. Serving Cajun, French and Creole Cuisine in a lovingly restored space, Curtis looks forward to serving you up a delicious dish soon.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Join us for plentiful buffet-style dinners on Fridays and Saturdays, and long winter holiday weekends.

Dinner is served from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in winter and includes pot roast, Virginia ham or herb-baked chicken, complemented with an assortment of seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer. Lunch is served on the same days from 12 to 2 p.m.

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.7179. Reservations recommended.

4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Executive Chef Corey Green prepares innovative and unique Southern fare from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.waynesvilleinn.com.

AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville.

828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years.

Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert.

The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m.

Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

MON-FRI: 7AM-5PM SAT: 8AM 5PM SUN : 8AM-3PM

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.

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,

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

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

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

HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

Lunch: Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a. m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy fresh local products, created daily. Join us in our beautiful patio garden. We are your local neighborhood host for special events: business party’s, luncheons, weddings, showers and more. Private parties & catering are available 7 days a week by reservation only.

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

233-04

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Café

Deli & So Much More 6147 Hwy 276 S. • Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station)

bbcafenc.com • 828.648.3838 22

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Winter hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Private room available for meetings.

232-50

Mon.-Fri. 8-5 • Closed: Sat. & Sun.

9 A.M.-3 P.M. CATERING AVAILABLE

WITH DELIVERY — 828.587.2233

Burgers to Salads Southern Favorites & Classics -Local beers now on draft-

Live Music on the Patio Tues.-Fri.

S PRING S TREET, D OWNTOWN S YLVA CREPES, PANINIS, SOUPS, SALADS, GOURMET PASTAS WINE & BEER

CityLightsCafe.com

233-21

Call to see who’s playing.

117 Main Street, Canton NC 828.492.0618 • SidsOnMain.com Serving Lunch & Dinner

MON.-THURS. 11 A.M.-9 P.M. • FRI. & SAT. 11 A.M.-10 P.M. SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M. 233-44

tasteTHEmountains

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

Monday through Saturday. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

LOS AMIGOS 366 Russ Ave. in the Bi-Lo Plaza.

828.456.7870. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Enjoy the lunch prices Monday through Sunday, also enjoy our outdoor patio.

MAD BATTER BAKERY & CAFÉ Located on the WCU Campus in Cullowhee.

828.293.3096. Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Earth-friendly foods at people-friendly prices.

Daily specials, wraps, salads, pastries, breads, soups and more. Unique fare, friendly service, casual atmosphere and wireless Internet. Organic ingredients, local produce, gourmet fair trade and organic coffees.

MOONSHINE GRILL 2550 Soco Road, Maggie Valley loacted in the Smoky Falls Lodge. 828.926.7440. Open Thursday through Saturday, 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Cooking up mouth-watering, wood-fired Angus steaks, prime rib and scrumptious fresh seafood dishes. The wood-fired grill gives amazing flavor to every meal that comes off of it. Enjoy creative dishes made using moonshine. Stop by and simmer for a while and soak up the atmosphere. The best kept secret in Maggie Valley. themoonshinegrill.com

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.

ORGANIC BEANS COFFEE COMPANY 1110 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.668.2326. Open Monday through Thursday 7a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.

ITALIAN

MEDITERRANEAN

STEAKS • PIZZA CHICKEN • SEAFOOD SANDWICHES OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK 1863 S. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.454.5002 HWY. 19/23 EXIT 98

‘Final Rits’ F M THE IRST

URDER

MYSTERY OF THE SEASON 3 course dinner with wine pairings

Tuesday, Apr. 12 • 6 pm $45/PERSON + TAX & GRATUITY

94 East St. • Waynesville 828-452-7837 www.herrenhouse.com Serving Lunch Wed-Fri 11:30-2 & Sunday Brunch 11-2

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Bar open Monday thru Saturday; dining room open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials.

SOUL INFUSION TEA HOUSE & BISTRO 628 E. Main St. (between Sylva Tire & UPS). 828.586.1717. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday noon -until.

Scrumptious, natural, fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. 60+ teas served hot or cold, black, chai, herbal.

Seasonal and rotating draft beers, good selection of wine. Home-Grown Music Network Venue with live music most weekends. Pet friendly and kid ready.

Lunch is Back!

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.

TAP ROOM SPORTS BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville 828.456.5988. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Enjoy soups, sandwiches, salads and hearty appetizers along with a full bar menu in our casual, smoke-free neighborhood grill.

THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground cellar for wine and beer, served by the glass all day.

Cheese and tapas served Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. or later. info@classicwineseller.com.

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!) You're welcome to watch your pizza being created.

STARTING APRIL 1ST 11:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M. MONDAY-SATURDAY

Classic local American comfort foods, craft beers & small batch bourbons & whiskey.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Dinner Nightly at 4 p.m. • CLOSED ON SUNDAY 454 HAZELWOOD AVENUE • WAYNESVILLE Call 828-452-9191 for reservations 233-51

For palatable results!

Smoky Mountain News

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 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.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. 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 indoor, outside on the patio or at the bar.

Reservations appreciated.

Herren House

March 26-April 1, 2014

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

to 8 p.m. Happily committed to brewing and serving innovative, uniquely delicious coffees — and making the world a better place.

100% of our coffee is Fair Trade, Shade Grown, and Organic, all slow-roasted to bring out every note of indigenous flavor.

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

Bridget’s Bistro at the

68585

Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome.

Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

233-53

233-05

Advertise here.

Smoky Mountain News 828.452.4251 www.smokymountainnews.com 23

24

A&E

Smoky Mountain News

In search of the PERFECT WORD Literary festival returns to WCU

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD • STAFF WRITER

A WRITER

looking at a blank page is a like a painter staring at a fresh canvas, a sculptor facing a block of clay or a woodworker holding a chunk of wood. The desire to grab words from thin air and construct them into sentences, notions and ideas comes from an internal fire to describe human emotion and situation.

It is a calling, one that picks its creators when the time and place is prime. Writers are messengers, connecting the unknown cosmos to an everyday modern reality.

Western Carolina University will be once again play host to an array of writers during the 12th annual Spring Literary Festival, which runs March 31 through April 4. The event is a celebration of the written word, where finely-aged veterans intermingle with the young faces of future generations eager to find their voice. It is a bountiful cross-pollination, one crucial to the perpetuation of the craft.

The Smoky Mountain News recently caught up with a handful of the presenters at the festival. They range from a Pulitzer Prizenominated writer to an up-and-coming author specializing in children’s books. Each is as unique as their genres, each as passionate about writing as they are about life itself.

SMN: When you’re writing, where do you go in your head?

LAU: When I’m in it, deep in it, I’m not thinking. I’m in a trance. I’m there, living in that story or essay or poem. I’m swinging the bat at the handsomest fastball ever pitched, and I’m aiming for the far wall. I’m doing kung fu like Bruce Lee. I’m on my knees before God. I’m shouting along to James Brown or Johnny Cash. I come out of writing as if I had been hypnotized.

Luis Alberto Urrea, 58 Nonfiction/Fiction/Poetry Naperville, Ill. Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Lannan Literary Award, Kiriyama Pacific Rim Award, Edgar Award, Christopher Award, Western States Book Award, Colorado Center for the Book Award, Southwest Book Award (two), Latino Literature Hall of Fame, American Book Award Notable works: “The Devil’s Highway,” “The Hummingbird’s Daughter,” “Into the Beautiful North”

SMN: What’s your favorite piece of writing that you tend to return to often for inspiration?

LAU: I have a Johnny Cash autograph. If that doesn’t move you, nothing will.

SMN: What do you see as the current state of reading/writing in the 21st century?

LAU: Reading is strong. Don’t believe the hype. Publishing is confused — it’s true. But the spirit of writing will never be extinguished.

SMN: What advice would you give someone interested in starting to write?

LAU: Read, read, read, read, read. Then, write, write, write, write, write. In that order.

You can’t burn if you don’t load the furnace.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS: How did you get into writing?

LUIS ALBERTO URREA: I was always in love with stories. I came from loquacious people. Real talkers. My mom was a New York blueblood, with Virginia roots going back before the Civil War. My dad was Mexican, but with Basque and Irish roots. So, my folks were a Confederate and a Conquistador. Everybody told tales all day long. I was a big reader — Mark Twain floated my boat, followed by Kipling. From then on, all bets were off. I started to write in junior high. I wanted to be Jim Morrison or Bob Dylan. By high school, I realized girls liked poets. I was immediately addicted.

SMN: Was there a specific moment you realized a piece of writing could be anything you wanted it to be?

LAU: Yes, it was in college. My father had died at the hands of Mexican cops. They made me buy his corpse with our family’s last money. A famous writer, Ursula Le Guin, read the manuscript of the story I wrote about his death and took me under her wing, then published it — my first sale.

SMN: What’s the biggest misconception about being a writer?

LAU: People think it’s a career. It isn’t. It’s a calling. Writing is prayer. Write not for money or groupies or a private jet like Led Zeppelin. Write because you have to. Write because your soul will explode if you stay silent. Then, friend, I will join you and walk 100 miles beside you. Write because you and your people are beautiful. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from.

Anna Browning, 26 Children’s Fiction Waynesville, N.C. Notable work: “Tanner Turbeyfill and the Moon Rocks” SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS: How old were you when the spark for writing hit?

ANNA BROWNING: I started writing when I was working in a preschool classroom as a teacher assistant in 2010. I was 23 years old and fell in love with the books I was reading to children. I wanted to write my own stories that would put a smile on a child’s face and also teach them new concepts and lessons.

SMN: What was the best advice you received about writing?

AB: Don’t be burdened if you receive a lot

Wordsmiths converge on WCU for Spring Literary Festival • A tribute to the late Robert Conley will be at 7 p.m., April 1. Conley was WCU’s Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies before his death on Feb. 16. The tribute will be followed at 7:30 p.m. by a presentation by Native American author Linda Hogan. Conley, who was a registered tribal member of the Cherokee Nation, authored poems, short stories, nonfiction and more than 80 books ranging from The Cherokee Encyclopedia to award-winning Westerns. Hogan, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her novel “Mean Spirit,” writes books, poetry and essays, and has a special interest in exploring environmental issues and indigenous spiritual traditions and culture in her work.

• Donna Glee Williams and Charles F. Price will present at 4 p.m., April 2. Williams’ first novel “The Braided Path” was released in March and grew out of her award-winning short story that appeared in the anthology “The Year’s Best Science Fiction.” Price has authored historical fiction and nonfiction works ranging from “Hiwasee: A Novel of the Civil War,” set in Western North Carolina, to a book about a terror outbreak in 1863, set in Colorado.

• Fiction writer Jill McCorkle will present at 7 p.m., April 2, in the Community Room at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. McCorkle has had five works named New York Times notable books. Her most recent novel, “Life After Life,” was released in November.

• Fiction writer George Singleton will present at 4 p.m., April 3. A Southern author who has written collections of short stories and three novels, Singleton was recipient of the 2011 Hillsdale Award for Fiction by The Fellowship of Southern Writers.

of rejection letters from agents and publishers. Keep trying. As long as you are passionate about writing, the long process of publishing is worth it in the end.

Short Story/Novels Lumberton, N.C. John Dos Passos Prize, North Carolina Award for Literature, New England Book Award Notable works: “Ferris Beach,” “July 7th,” “Tending to Virginia,” “The Cheer Leader” SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS: How did you get into writing?

JILL MCCORKLE: I’ve written since childhood for self-amusement, but began writing seriously as a college student when I studied with Max Steele, Lee Smith and Louis Rubin.

SMN: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Donna Glee Williams, 59 Poetry/Short Story/Nonfiction Balsam, N.C. Notable works: “The Braided Path” SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS: How did you get into writing?

DONNA GLEE WILLIAMS: Even though I wrote my first poem in second grade, I’d have to say that my real start as a writer happened in junior high school. There was a group of us misfit types that were so bored

SMN: What’s your writing process like?

DGW: For me, it’s 25 minutes. Nothing scary about 25 minutes, right? Anyone can do 25 minutes. My wristwatch alarm is always set and ready, and when I get down to business, I just start it running. My commitment then is to write until it rings. Then, after I’ve scratched out that sloppy fragment by hand, I pick up my laptop and transfer it into a computer document, with a little shaping and polishing. I do that cycle as many times as I can fit in a day and then usually call a friend at the end of the day to read them what I’ve written. Hearing the words aloud, and hearing someone else’s breath as they respond to the words, helps me smooth things out with a second pass of editing. Then, after the beast is finished, there are lots of read-and-revise cycles as I lean on my writer friends to give me feed-

back as I polish the final product.

SMN: Why is it important events like the WCU Spring Literary Festival exist?

DGW: One of the rules of human behavior is that you get more of what you pay attention to. If we want more great writing, we have to pay attention to it. We have to celebrate it. These events give a place for writers from many different backgrounds and styles to mix it up. But maybe most important, to me at least, is the way the festival brings readers and writers into direct personal connection. Both reading and writing are essentially solitary, even lonely, pursuits. Putting readers and writers together face to face is like closing a circuit. The spark jumps from writers to readers, from readers to writers, and the electricity flows.

Smoky Mountain News

Jill McCorkle, 55

JM: My best advice about writing was all about clearing the room of ghosts and critics and writing that first draft being true to your instincts about the work at hand. I love the revision process and think that’s the real art, the honing and crafting. Read all you can and study those writers you admire and then write all that you possibly can.

SMN: What was the best advice you received about writing?

DGW: The most brain-exploding advice I received was when someone put Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones” in my hands. Her rules — write without worrying about spelling, punctuation or grammar; feel free to write the worst junk in America; go for the jugular. It transformed the way I write and the way I teach writing.

March 26-April 1, 2014

with our classes that we used the time to write elaborate notes to each other, assuming alternate, fantasy personalities. We got in trouble regularly for passing notes in class, but nothing stopped us. Plots developed in the notes, adventures, even fantasy landscapes that we’d draw out in elaborate maps. Fantasy caught fire for me then.

SMN: What’s your process like?

AB: Writing for me starts out mentally.

All of my ideas are floating around in my head. When I can imagine the whole plot and see the ending, then I sit down and write it out. After that, I take a few days away from the story, and then revisit it to start the editing process.

SMN: What advice would you give someone interested in starting to write?

AB: Find an idea or subject you enjoy learning about, and write about it. That’s how I came up with the idea for my book.

• Award-winning authors Column McCann, Ron Rash and Lisa Consiglio will hold a presentation about their work with the organization Narrative 4 at 7:30 p.m., April 3 in the Coulter Building at WCU. Narrative 4 is a global organization that seeks social change through encouraging diverse people to share stories in a way that builds empathy and understanding. McCann is the Irish-American author of “Let the Great World Spin” and “TransAtlantic,” and co-founder of Narrative 4. Rash is the WCU Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Culture and author of acclaimed books including “Serena,” “One Foot in Eden,” “Saints at the River” and “The World Made Straight.”

Consiglio is the executive director and co-founder of Narrative 4.

• On April 4, there will be several presentations in the University Center theater by more than a dozen authors from the WCU community. Faculty and staff members who will present at 10 a.m. are Mary Adams, Catherine Carter, Deidre Elliott, Rosemary Peek and Rash. Alumni writers and artists presenting at 11 a.m. will be Anna Browning, Josh Crawford, Caroline Holland and T.J. Holland. Alumni authors presenting at 1 p.m. are Sue Ellen Bridgers, George Frizzell, Dawn Gilchrist-Young, Leah Hampton and David Joy. Students will present at 2 p.m.

Festival sponsors include WCU’s Visiting Writers Series, Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences, ACE series, Parris Distinguished Professorship, Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost and Division of Student Affairs and the Jackson County Public Library and North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. The project also received support from the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources. www.litfestival.org or www.wcu.edu or 828.227.3926

arts & entertainment

Established and emerging authors of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction will discuss and read from their works at Western Carolina University during the 12th annual Spring Literary Festival from Monday, March 31 to Friday, April 4, in Cullowhee.

All events are free and open to the public and held in the A.K. Hinds University Center theater, unless otherwise noted.

• The Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poets Series featuring Richard Chess will be at noon March 31. The series will also feature student poets Samuel Fox from WCU, Patrick Bahls from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Teleia Tollison from Spruce Pine and Grace Wester from Odyssey Community School.

• Historian/writer David Cecelski will lead a discussion at 4 p.m., March 31. Cecelski is the author of “The Fire of Freedom: Abraham Galloway and the Slaves’ Civil War.” His work centers on history, race and culture in the American South. Cecelski has been honored with awards including the Outstanding Book Award from the Gustavis Myers Center for the Study of Human Rights.

• Pulitzer Prize-nominated Mexican-American author Luis Alberto Urrea will read from his works at 7:30 p.m., March 31. His focuses include poetry, fiction and nonfiction. A winner of the Lannan Literary Award and Pacific Rim Kiriyama Prize, Urrea uses his dual-culture life experiences to explore greater themes of love, loss and triumph in his writing.

• Appalachian poet Ron Houchin will present at 4 p.m., April 1. Houchin, whose published poetry collections include “The Man Who Saws Us in Half,” has been a recipient of the Poetry Book of the Year from the Appalachian Writers’ Association.

SMN: What advice would you give someone interested in starting to write?

DGW: Start writing. Now. Not later.

Don’t postpone joy.

25

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD I went out too fast. I always go out too fast.

The signal rang out and we were off. I At the Assault on Black Rock IV trail race held steady for the first half-mile or so, pushlast Saturday in Sylva, I found myself on the ing along with the elite up the steep mounstarting line, ready for competition. The 7.1tain. But I soon realized I wasn’t a college mile course (give or take) goes up and loops athlete anymore. I also realized maybe that down a 5,900-foot mountain, with a total plate of eggs, toast and fruit an hour earlier elevation gain of around 2,770 feet. Add in innumerable roots sticking out (covered in leaves), rocks, single-track paths, stairclimbing sections of dirt and brush, and you have yourself a Balsam Range and The Boxcars will perform brutal, yet rewarding experience. at 7:30 p.m. April 4 at the Smoky Mountain Not to mention, it serves as a Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. fundraiser for The Community Table.

Porch 40 will be performing at 9 p.m. March Seeing as I’d never run the 29 at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. race prior, I knew nothing about the course. But, I got up early The Kiwanis Club Community Spelling "BEE" Saturday morning and grabbed will be held at 7 p.m. April 4 at the First my running shoes. Heading out United Methodist Church in Waynesville. of Waynesville as the first rays of weekend sunshine crept up from A Benefit for Ben Leslie will be at 6 p.m. the east, I decided to grab a small March 29 at Frog Level Brewing Company in breakfast at Clyde’s Restaurant.

Waynesville.

Stepping up to the starting line, over 100 people joined me — The Lake Junaluska Peace Conference will all ready to tackle this legendary, take place March 27-30. yet vicious event in Jackson County. Of course, the elite trail runners stood in the front, with the rest of us running enthusiasts, novice and at Clyde’s wasn’t such a good idea an hour weekend warriors in the back. As a competibefore a 7.1-mile race. tive high school and college athlete (crossMy steady pace slowed down to a fast country/track), I figured I’d go out hard and walk. One-by-one, other runners passed me. just see where I landed in the final standings.

It was definitely a mental shakeup to see It’s a habit of mine for years, to push the pace them whiz by me like I was standing still. and let the dust settle where it may. I thank Trudging along, I found my pace and kept the late Steve Prefontaine for that perspective. consistency. And just when I figured I could

March 26-April 1, 2014

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

Garret K. Woodward and Jon Bowman (co-owner of Tipping Point Brewing) at the Assault on Black Rock. Garret K. Woodward photo

make a comeback, a teenage girl blew past me. Total ego bubble-burst. I shook my head and chuckled.

None of that matters. I stay as active as possible, and truly love running. An afternoon jog will always clear my head and put a smile on my face. It is my most beloved escape from the modern world, where I return to nature and soak into the essence of humanity.

And as those thoughts drifted into my head, I began to notice how quiet the race was getting. The runners were shaking out, with me somewhere in the middle, with nobody really around me. I felt at peace on the picturesque trail. Soon, another runner came up alongside me. We held the same pace and started talking. He ran a heating and cooling business in Franklin.

“I’ve hiked this trail before and thought I’d be able to do well today,” he laughed.

“But, then I remembered that I’m 40 years old and not young anymore.”

“I hear that, brother,” I replied. “And I also chalk it up to a love of craft beer.”

As I pushed along I began to look at the race as a metaphor for life. You start out at the bottom, with no experience or knowl-

edge, and work uphill and compete. Then, like the ridge at mile three, you gain wisdom and the journey is smoother. Then, like the last uphill section, you go through later challenges in your existence and climb over them. Each hill ahead, when I wanted to take a break, I kept moving, telling myself, “Don’t stop, you’re almost there.”

It’s that same attitude that has made all the difference in how I conduct myself in everyday life.

I reached the top and let out a victorious howl — a 360-degree view of endless mountains in Southern Appalachia. It was a shortlived moment of satisfaction, as I quickly turned around and bolted down the trail towards the finish line. I bounded down the path cheering others on who were still heading to the top, like the elite runners did when I was still making my way up — it is a camaraderie solely unique to running.

And as I crossed that finish line, more cheers awaited me. We did it, all of us. We shook hands, congratulated each other and traded war stories of our trek. Another joyous Saturday in this paradise we call Western North Carolina.

See y’all out on the trail.

Smoky Mountain News

Being g a memb member ber of a credit un union nion means that you pay llower loweer iinterest rates on your lloans loans.

Local decisions make lending...

Being a member of Champion Credit Union makes taking advantage of those lower PU[LYLZ[ YH[LZ¯ZPTWSL >L VɈLY H ]HYPL[` VM SVHUZ ^P[O H YHUNL VM VW[PVUZ HUK [LYTZ [V NP]L `V\ [OL ILZ[ SVHU [OH[ ^PSS Ä[ `V\Y ULLKZ 6\Y -PUHUJPHS :LY]PJL :WLJPHSPZ[Z ^PSS ZPTWSPM` [OL WYVJLZZ VɈLYPUN SVJHS HUK WYVTW[ KLJPZPVUZ

Wee Offer Loans W Loa to Every Meet Ev ery Need: Mortgage Loans – -P_LK 9H[L *VU]LU[PVUHS 4HU\MHJ[\YLK /V\ZPUN (94 7\YJOHZL (94 /VTL ,X\P[` Land Loans

Auto Loans 4HRL Z\YL [V HZR MVY \Z H[ [OL KLHSLYZOPW ^OLU `V\ HYL [YHKPUN VY THRPUN `V\Y W\YJOHZL 26

www.ChampionCU.com

Lending...Simplifie Lending...Simplified Lending... ed -PUK \Z VU -HJLIVVR -LKLYHSS` 0UZ\YLK I` 5*<( -PUK \Z VU -HJLIVVR -LKLYHSS` 0UZ\YLK I` 5*<(

On the beat

Serving all of WNC

The Western Carolina University School of Music will present an April Fools’ Day concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University.

Faculty members performing in the concert will include Shannon Thompson, clarinet; Dan Cherry, trombone; Ian Jeffress, saxophone; Will Peebles, bassoon; Steve Wohlrab, guitar; and Eldred Spell, flute. Additional faculty members and students from the School of Music will also make appearances, including Bruce Frazier, the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Commercial and Electronic Music at WCU. Free.

828.227.7242.

WCU Flute Ensemble to perform

24/7/365 Emergency & Specialty Animal Hospital Continuous Overnight Monitoring Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon on Staff

Crooked Pine will perform at the Mountain Heritage Center in Cullowhee on April 3. Donated photo

WCU jam series continues with Crooked Pine The 2013-14 First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Jam Series continues with Crooked Pine at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

Crooked Pine was originally organized in 1974. The group played many venues across Western North Carolina over the years and

677 Brevard Rd. Asheville

233-48

REACHVET.COM • 828.665.4399 evolved with new members, but eventually disbanded.

In 2010, however, Crooked Pine reformed. From its home base in Brevard, the band has been performing at festivals, dances and other events in the area and was recently featured in a promotional video created by the Transylvania County Chamber of Commerce.

The concert will be followed by an 8 p.m. jam session in which local musicians are invited to participate. Pickers and singers of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part in the jam session, which also is open to those who just want to listen.

Free.

828.227.7129.

Fly Fishing the South

233-41

Two locations to serve you ASHEVILLE 252.3005

WAYNESVILLE 251.9721

www.hunterbanks.com

Balsam Range, The Boxcars to play Franklin

233-14

Acclaimed bluegrass acts Balsam Range and The Boxcars will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the Smoky Balsam Range. Garret K. Woodward photo Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $10 and $15.

Balsam Range won the Album of the Year at the 2013 International Bluegrass Music Awards for their record “PAPERTOWN.” Performing around the country and beyond, the group is one of the fastest rising bluegrass ensembles in the music industry today. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

Bookstore

Deborah Schlag, author of Becoming a Healer, will lead a discussion on self care following brain injury Sat., Mar. 29 • 3 p.m.

March 26-April 1, 2014

The School of Music at Western Carolina University will present a concert by the Flute Ensemble at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Coulter Building in Cullowhee.

The ensemble is led by Eldred Spell, professor of flute at WCU, and graduate student Christine Hughes. The group, which is composed of nine students from the flute studio, will perform two flute quartet pieces – “Beach Music” by Catherine McMichael and “Orientale” by Melvin Lauf, Jr. Also on the program are three pieces for the full ensemble – “Dance Macabre,” written by Camille Saint-Saens and arranged by Angeleita Floyd; “Darkest Before Dawn,” written by WCU student and ensemble member Sara Brandt; and “Slavonic Dance No. 7 & No. 8,” written by Antonin Dvorak and arranged by Shaul Ben-Meir. Members of the flute ensemble will serve as conductors for the performance.

Free.

828.227.7242.

arts & entertainment

WCU to present April Fools’ Day concert

DON’T MISS THE SPRING LITERARY FESTIVAL AT WCU MAR. 31ST THROUGH APR. 4TH 3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA

828/586-9499 • citylightsnc.com

• Ginni McAfee and Steve Whiddon will perform at the Maggie Valley Rendezvous.

McAfee will play March 28 and Whiddon performs every Thursday. All shows are free.

828.926.0201 or www.maggievalleyhotel.com.

• Leo Johnson will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. $10 minimum purchase on food, drink or merchandise. 828.452.6000.

• Darren & The Buttered Toast and Swamp Candy will hit the stage at the Water’n Hole Bar and Grill in Waynesville. Darren & The Buttered Toast plays March 28, with Swamp Candy March 29. 828.456.4750.

• Swamp Candy and Porch 40 will be performing at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva.

Swamp Candy plays March 27-28, with Porch 40 March 29. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. 828.586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

ALSO:

• The “Winter Pickin’ in the Armory” will be at 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the Canton Armory. The event includes mountain music, vintage country, clogging and dancing.

Featured performers will be the Southern

Appalachian cloggers and Fines Creek Flatfooters, with live music from the Hill Country Band. The “pickin’” is every first and third Friday of the month. www.cantonnc.com.

• Appalachian singer/songwriter Sarah Morgan will play at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at City Lights Café in Sylva. 828.587.2233 or www.citylightscafe.com.

• A Benefit for Ben Leslie will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville. Performers include Croon & Cadence, Smalltown Jonathan Martin and Travis Halford. Leslie is a 6-year-old from Saluda who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Free, with donations accepted. 828.454.5664.

Smoky Mountain News

• Darren Nicholson Band and the Sultans of Swing will be performing at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Nicholson will play March 27, with tickets for $12. Sultans of Swing hit the stage April 3, with tickets for $15. Both shows begin at 7:45 p.m.

828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

wide range of firearms and products NC Concealed Classes Classes Monthly Pre-Registration Highly Recommended 233-47

We offer LEVEL II classes Inside & Outside the Home

wnccarry.com

Downtown Clyde • 734-0637

27

Smoky Mountain News

March 26-April 1, 2014

arts & entertainment

On the wall

28

Winners of WCU’s annual Youth Art Month exhibit announced Budding artists from across Jackson County were recently recognized during the annual Youth Art Month exhibit hosted by Western Carolina University’s School of Art and Design. The exhibit is part of a nationwide recognition of visual arts programs and the role such programs play in the nation’s public schools.

The exhibit featured work from local students — kindergarten through 12th grade — and opened in February.

Winners from the exhibit were announced during a public reception earlier this month at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.

• Blue Ridge School — first place, Kathryn Potts (10th grade); second place, Alexis Hervert-Mezquite (fifth grade); honorable mention, Destiny Ferra-Martin (10th grade).

• Cherokee Elementary School — first place, Naomi Smith (fifth grade); second place, Miss Nipper’s Class (kindergarten); Teacher’s Choice Award, Aidan Wolfe (third grade); honorable mention, Jaelyn Lossiah (third grade), Eva Gagama (first grade), Eeyannah Catolster-Hernandez (fifth grade), Brandon Martinez (third grade) and Ayina Lambert (seventh grade).

• Cullowhee Valley School — first place, Mariana Ramirez (seventh grade); second place, Noah Hinton (sixth grade); Teacher’s Choice Award, Garrett Lindsay (eighth grade); honorable mention, Leslie Folres (second grade), Lucy McRae (sixth grade), Garrett Lindsay (eighth grade), Jessica Carter (eighth grade), Gracie Ruebel (seventh grade) and Brett Aquino-Lopez (fourth grade).

• Jackson County School of Alternatives — first place, Ronnie (10th grade); second place, Sierra (10th grade);

Teacher’s Choice Award, Group Paper Design.

• Fairview School — first place, Peyten Wilson (third grade) Stillwell (third grade); honorable mention, Jack Cathcart (second grade) and Sophie Cathcart (fifth grade).

• Scott’s Creek School — first Place, Dayle Joseph (third grade); second place, Samantha Rosario (fifth grade); Teacher’s Choice Award, Jalyn McSpadden (fourth grade); honorable mention, Keria (second grade), Nevaeh Biddle (second grade), Julianna Welch (fifth grade), Lily Lenart (kindergarten), Emma Colindres (fifth grade), Hayes Stewart (second grade), Sebastian Hornbuckle (second grade), Alexis Hopper (seventh grade) and Will Morris (seventh grade).

• Smokey Mountain Elementary School — first place, Elijah Smoker (fifth grade); second place, sixth grade class; Teacher’s Choice Award, Katelin Pelkey, (eighth grade); honorable mention, Miley Holder (kindergarten), Abby Branning (second grade) and Malia Little (seventh grade).

• Smoky Mountain High School — first place, Taylor Stack (12th grade); second place, Erin Nicholson (12th grade); Teacher’s Choice Award, Morgan Carpenter (9th grade); honorable mention, Marah Stefanisko (12th grade), Darion Powell (12th grade), Hollis Ayling (11th grade), Kendall Rhymer (10th grade) and Briseida Palestine (10th grade).

• Summit Charter School — first place, Peyton Kaylor (first grade); second place, Jacob Hudson (seventh grade); Teacher’s Choice Award, Colin Stoltzfus (seventh grade); honorable mention, Ajani McIntosh (seventh grade).

Morton (1921-2006) was a prolific photographer who created an estimated 250,000 negatives and transparencies during his lifetime. A native of Wilmington, Morton learned photography during his childhood days at Camp Yonahnoka near Grandfather Mountain in Avery County. He was only 13 when his first published photograph appeared in a North Carolina tourism advertisement in Time magazine. Morton’s photographs would go on to be published in countless books, magazines, newspapers and calendars throughout his career.

The exhibit, entitled “Photographs by Hugh Morton: An Uncommon Retrospective,” will run through May 23. The opening reception begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 27, followed at 7 p.m. by an illustrated lecture titled “Hugh Morton’s Rise to His Photographic Peak,” presented by Stephen Fletcher, photographic archivist for the North Carolina Collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Admission to the reception, talk and exhibit is free.

828.227.7129 or www.mhc.wcu.edu.

An exhibit of photographer Hugh Morton’s work will run at WCU through May 23.

Hugh Morton exhibit to include reception, talk An exhibit celebrating the work of photographer Hugh Morton will open with a reception and talk March 27 at the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

Sculptor to present artist’s talk at WCU Ceramic and mixed media sculptor John Byrd will give an artist’s talk at 5 p.m.

Monday, March 31, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University. The artist will also give presentations for WCU art students the following day.

Byrd’s work is known for its edgy combination of artistic mediums that explores complex relationships between form, process, material and content.

Byrd’s visit is funded by the Randall and

‘Hunger Games’ fans flocking to N.C. film locations

WCU to screen ‘Girl Rising’ on April 1

In 2011 a large Hollywood film descended upon North Carolina. It was a secret and it went by the name of “Artemis.” The film was actually “The Hunger Games.”

As soon as word got out, fans and media starting flocking to the filming locations. One of those locations was DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, which served as the arena in the film.

Since then, the Hunger Games Unofficial Fan Tours have been catering to the film’s fan base. Guided trips have been selling out for the past two years.

The company offers three types of tours. Day tours are offered for DuPont State Recreational Forest and the Henry River Mill Village, which served as District 12 in the first film of the series. For fans with several days to spend in the area, the company offers a weekend package at Earthshine Discovery Center. www.hungergamesunofficialfantours.com

“Girl Rising,” a feature film inspired by the true stories of nine girls from nine countries, will be screened at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 1, on the lawn of A.K. Hinds University Center at Western Carolina University.

Narrated by actresses including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez, “Girl Rising” was created to convey the importance of investing in the futures of female children and ways to end violence and support global change as it relates to global poverty, class and gender.

A brief presentation centered on how to get involved in the movement to empower women and girls will follow the screening. In case of inclement weather, the film will be shown in the University Center Multipurpose Room. The event is sponsored by the Department of Intercultural Affairs and the Department of Philosophy and Religion.

Free. sacarter@wcu.edu or jwhitmire@wcu.edu.

Artist John Byrd will give a presentation at WCU on March 31.

Susan Parrott Ward Endowment Fund for Ceramics at WCU The talk is free and open to the public. jbyrd@wcu.edu or 828.227.3595.

• A free mask-making workshop for children in kindergarten through second grade will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, in the Children’s Story Time Room at the Jackson County Library in Sylva. Students will learn the art of mask-making and performing with masks. Space is limited to 12 participants. The event is sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council. 828.507.9820.

W

ALSO:

• The “Come Paint with Charles Kidz Program” will be held at 5 p.m., March 27 and April 3 at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City. Refreshments will be served as you paint. All materials provided. $18 per child.

828.538.2054.

• The film “Frozen” will be screened at 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 28 and at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Tickets are $6 per person, $4 for children. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

J

On the wall

The exhibit “Out of the Ordinary” will open at The Bascom in Highlands on April 5. Donated photo

Artists transform everyday objects into works of art in the exhibit “Out of the Ordinary,” which runs April 5 through June 15 at The Bascom in Highlands.

The show includes pieces by eight internationally recognized artists who use worn and often discarded materials as the building blocks of their creations. From items as banal as water bottles, shredded tires and bubble gum, artists Chakaia Booker, Matthew Brandt, Long-Bin Chen, Willie Cole, Mary Engel, Vik Muniz, and Guerra de la Paz make two and three-dimensional works that are fantastically inventive and deceivingly simple. The materials they use, however, are not merely found but chosen specifically for the symbolism or iconography that they add to the conceptual meaning of the work.

In conjunction with the exhibit, there will be a screening of the film “The Cardboard Bernini” at 4 p.m. Friday, April 4 in the Lecture Hall. Afterwards, independent curator Rebecca Dimling Cochran will lead a Q&A on the film, which documents the creation and eventual disintegration of a monumental work of sculpture intended to be left to the elements. She will also moderate a panel discussion with several of the attending artists at a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 31. www.thebascom.org or 828.526.4949.

The Haywood County Arts Council has renamed their outdoor summer festival.

Previously known as International Festival Day, the name has been changed to ArtFest.

ArtFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 19. Though the name has changed, the festival will continue to feature food, live entertainment and children’s activities as it has for the past 28 years.

Artists and vendors may obtain a festival application at Gallery 86 in Waynesville, or by visiting www.haywoodarts.org online.

Artists from Western Carolina University and Western North Carolina will host an iron pour from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. The event is put on through the WCU Fine Art Museum An iron pour is an artistic activity in which iron is heated, melted and poured into molds to create a sculpture. The goal of the event is to invite the community to learn about the art of casting iron while also allowing students to create unique cast iron artwork, said Denise Drury, curator at the Fine Art Museum.

The pour will be led by artists Tripp Jarvis and Melissa Van Sandt from Tri-State

Career landscape painter Jack Stern will demonstrate oil painting techniques in a landscape for Art League of the Smokies at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, at the Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City.

Stern will discuss the medium of oil painting and how to develop the painting from concept to finished artwork as he completes a painting. He specializes in oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings of the Smoky Mountains and the Rocky Mountains done in a realistic/impressionistic style that captures the sense of place. For more than 40 years, Jack Stern has combined his love of art with his love of nature and the outdoors.

The Bryson City demonstration is sponsored by Swain County Center for the Arts and Swain County Schools.

Free.

828.488.7843 or www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta.

WCU SCHOOL OF NURSING

EDUCA AT TION FAIR Saturday ay y, March 29 2 WCU Programs at Biltmore Park 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

ATTENDING PROGRAMS: Undergraduate • BSN Pre-Licensure • Accelerated BSN (new four-semester format) • RN to BSN • RN to MS(N) • WCU/A-B Teech RIBN • WCU/Blue Ridge CC RIBN • WCU/Southwestern CC RIBN

Graduate • MS(N) Family Nurse Practitioner (new full-time format) • MS(N) Nurse Administration • MS(N) Nurse Anesthesia • MS(N) Nurse Educator • Post-Master’s Certificate Options • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Smoky Mountain News

WCU, Green Energy Park to host Iron Pour

Landscape artist to give oil painting demo

Horizons g n i s r u N r u o E x p a nd Y

March 26-April 1, 2014

Haywood festival gets new name, announces date

Sculptors, a group of artists from Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Morgan Kennedy, who teaches sculpture at WCU, will also take part along with his students.

Sponsored by the WCU College of Fine and Performing Arts and the Jackson County Green Energy Park, the event is funded in part by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council and is being held in conjunction with the exhibition “Iron Maidens” that was on view at the Fine Art Museum earlier in the year.

Free.

828.227.2550.

arts & entertainment

From trash to treasure, new art exhibit in Highlands

828.654.6499 nursing.wcu.edu 29

arts & entertainment

Past Awards 2012

Not your cookie-cutter newspaper…

First Place First Place First Place First Place First Place First Place Second Place

General News Reporting News Feature Writing Education Reporting Investigative Reporting Sports News Reporting General Excellence for Websites Education Reporting

2011 First Place First Place First Place Second Place Second Place Third Place Third Place Third Place Third Place Third Place

Education Reporting Investigative Reporting Appearance and Design General Excellence General Excellence for Websites News Feature Writing Education Reporting News Enterprise Reporting Headline Writing News Coverage

Smoky Mountain News

March 26-April 1, 2014

2010

…not your average staff 2013 NC Press Association News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest

Congratulations to our award-winning staff!

FIRST PLACE Andrew Kasper

News Enterprise Reporting

SECOND PLACE News Enterprise Reporting Becky Johnson SECOND PLACE News Feature Writing Garret K. Woodward SECOND PLACE Profile Feature Garret K. Woodward SECOND PLACE Special Section Garret K. Woodward, Travis Bumgardner, Micah McClure THIRD PLACE Education Reporting Caitlin Bowling, Becky Johnson, Andrew Kasper THIRD PLACE General News Reporting Becky Johnson THIRD PLACE Investigative Reporting Becky Johnson, Andrew Kasper THIRD PLACE General Excellence for Websites Travis Bumgardner THIRD PLACE Best Niche Publication Garret K. Woodward, Travis Bumgardner, Micah McClure, Emily Moss

Media and the Law Award Andrew Kasper

COVERING HAYWOOD, JACKSON, MACON & SWAIN COUNTIES

828.452.4251

30

www.smokymountainnews.com

First Place General News Reporting First Place Education Reporting First Place Investigative Reporting Second Place Feature Writing Second Place News Enterprise Reporting Second Place Editorials Second Place Serious Columns Second Place News Coverage Third Place News Feature Third Place A&E Reporting Third Place Sports Feature Writing Third Place General Excellence for Websites Media and Law Award Duke Divinity Award

2009 First Place Second Place Second Place Third Place

News Enterprise Reporting Community Service Investigative Reporting Appearance and Design

2008 First Place First Place Second Place Third place

Community Service News Enterprise Reporting General News Reporting Investigative

2007 First Place Second Place Second Place

Community Service News Enterprise Reporting Profile Writing

2006 First Place First Place Third Place Third Place Third Place

General News Reporting Sports Columns Investigative Reporting News Enterprise Reporting Criticism

2005 First Place Second Place Third Place

General News Reporting Investigative Reporting Editorial Writing

2004 First Place First Place Second Place Second Place Second Place Third Place

General News Reporting Investigative Reporting Investigative Reporting Sports News Reporting Lighter Columns Serious Columns

On the stage

Hormone Replacement Therapy

877-252-5273

FREE CONSULTATION: COMPLETELASERCLINIC.COM

Firearms & Training Center

Offering a Wide Range of Firearms and Products

Critical Defense Ammo and Home Defense Firearms currently in stock wnccarry.com • 734-0637

Behind the Big Gun in Clyde

233-46

233-10

JOHN HAMEL M.D. HICKORY • NEBO • GASTONIA • WAXHAW BRYSON CITY • ASHEVILLE MALL

arts & entertainment

Mann, ‘Les Miserables’ to stage at WCU

As we enter middle age we begin to see a decline in our health,cognitive function,sensory clarity, muscular development, and fluid strength. We begin to gain weight,lose muscle tone, sensory acuity, and the graceful motions of our youth.

Modern medicine now offers not only the possibility of maintaining our youth, but also the option to hold off the chronological changes of elderly decline that nature dictates after we pass our reproductive years.

Come in today for a free consultation.

“Les Miserables” will hit the stage at WCU on April 3-6. The production will be directed by legendary theatre actor Terrence Mann (pictured). Donated photo Preceding the April 4 performance will be a silent auction hosted by the WCU Friends of the Arts to raise money for student scholarships and programs in WCU’s College of Fine and Performing Arts. Part of the organization’s Bidding, Broadway, Beverages and Baguettes fundraiser, the auction will be held from 5 to 7:25 p.m. in the lobby of the Bardo Arts Center.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available in the lobby during the auction, to which admission is free and does not require a ticket to “Les Miserables.”

Admission to “Les Miserables,” the final offering of the 2013-14 School of Stage and Screen Mainstage Season, is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and WCU faculty and staff; and $7 (in advance) and $10 (day of show) for students.

828.227.2479 or www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

‘Tarzan’ swings into Franklin

extra Buy a Word dollars. The team will use the extra dollars to pay for a misspelled word so they can continue in the contest, which gives their team a competitive advantage. The extra dollars will also be used to support the needs of children.

Hot dogs, chips, cookies, drinks and a mashed potato “sundae bar” will be available for purchase between 5:30 and 7 p.m.

828.926.3678.

Spelling ‘BEE’ returns to Waynesville

The Kiwanis Club will present the second annual Community Spelling “BEE” at 7 p.m.

Friday, April 4 at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

Members are currently busy signing up sponsors so they will have time to select their team members. A sponsorship is $100, plus

‘One Woman’s Appalachia’ at library Appalachian storyteller/musician Marilyn McMinn-McCredie will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5 in the auditorium of the Waynesville Library.

McMinn-McCredie brings a wicked wit in her telling of stories, singing mountain ballads as she plays the dulcimer. Born in Henderson County, McMinn-McCredie grew up steeped in Appalachian folkways and tradition. This, plus her own rich personal experience, is the basis for most of her storytelling material.

The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Free.

828.456.5311 or stanandlinda@charter.net.

Smoky Mountain News

“Tarzan,” Disney’s Broadway musical, will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m., April 3-5 and 2:30 p.m., April 6 at the Franklin High School Fine Arts Center.

“Tarzan” tells the story of an infant boy orphaned on the shores of West Africa. Taken in and raised by a tribe of gorillas, the young boy strives for acceptance by his ape father while grappling with his uniqueness. When a human expedition enters their territory, Tarzan — now a man — encounters strangers like himself for the first time.

Tickets are $8 for students, $12 for adults. www.overlooktheatre.com.

March 26-April 1, 2014

Directed by Broadway star Terrence Mann, the Tony-Award-winning musical “Les Miserables” will be performed at 7:30 p.m., April 3-5 and at 3 p.m., April 6 in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

Presented by the WCU School of Stage and Screen’s Musical Theatre Program, the show is based on Victor Hugo’s epic 1862 novel. It is a story of love and revolution set in early 19thcentury France that features some of the most well-known musical numbers of the last century, including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own” and “Bring Him Home.” Intertwining on stage will be stories of a redemption-hungry man who breaks his parole, the justice-driven inspector who hunts for him, a mother desperate to support a child born out of wedlock, and her daughter, who has been forced into servitude.

facebook.com/smnews

31

arts & entertainment

On the street Sylva farmers market, square dance The Jackson County Farmers Market will hold its last indoor market of the season from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at The Community Table in Sylva. Starting April 5, the market will run from 9 a.m. to noon at Bridge Park in Sylva.

The market will host a fundraiser, featuring square dancing and a silent auction, in an effort to purchase a storage shed. The fundraiser will run from 6 to 9 p.m., March 29 at Main Design in downtown Sylva, next to Jones Country Store. The Appalachian Square Dance will perform. Caller will be N.C. State Representative Joe Sam Queen, with live music from Out of the Woodwork.

Admission is loose change or $5.

828.631.3033 or jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Mountain Cooking Club in Fines Creek

March 26-April 1, 2014

Chef Ricardo Fernandez will be hosting a Mountain Cooking Club from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 5 and April 19 at the Fines Creek

Community Kitchen.

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 Ricardo Fernandez his parents. Each class will consist of two courses and a dessert. Classes are capped at 12 people. $50 per person.

828.627.6751 or chefricardos@gmail.com. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Books, Bites & Brewsâ&#x20AC;? will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at City Lights CafĂŠ in Sylva.

828.587.2233 or www.citylightscafe.com.

ALSO:

â&#x20AC;˘ The 2nd annual Car, Truck & Bike Show will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at The Barn in Burningtown.

Event features trophies, door prizes, live music, concessions, bake sale and raffle. www.franklin-chamber.com.

Wheels Through Time kicks off 2014 Wheels Through Time opens March 27.

Garret K. Woodward photo

The Wheels Through Time Museum will open its 2014 season on Thursday, March 27, in Maggie Valley.

From Thursday through Monday, museum staff will be holding demonstrations and exhibitions of over a dozen rare and historic machines dating back to the beginnings of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motorcycling past.

Over the past several months, owner Dale Walksler has been scouring the country, from Florida to California, chasing down several rare machines to add to the vast collection. Over a dozen new machines will be on display, many of which have never been seen by the public.

The crew at WTT has also been filming for season two of Velocity TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new hit series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In The Barn?,â&#x20AC;? which gives viewers in depth coverage of one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost motorcycle treasure hunters in action. Many of the new finds from season two will be on display at the museum. www.wheelsthroughtime.com or 828.926.6266.

Do you Experience

Leg Pain?

Even a short walk up the stairs or doing some shopping can be painful for many people.

Problems with veins can cause:

Smoky Mountain News

â&#x20AC;˘ Aching, cramping or burning pain â&#x20AC;˘ Leg numbness or tingling â&#x20AC;˘ Skin changes or discoloration â&#x20AC;˘ Varicose veins â&#x20AC;˘ Restless legs

Free Vein Educational Session

Tuesday, April 1, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm Call 828-452-VEIN (8346) to register Event location: MedWest Haywood Outpatient Care Center: 581 Leroy George Dr. Clyde

Haywood Vein Center a department of 32

arts & entertainment

P R I N T

D I G I T A L

T O D A Y

THE

NEWSPAPER

Smoky Mountain News

When you want to find out what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about in Washington, D.C., or find the best deal on that pair of shoes youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been longing for, your newspaper has you covered. Because the newspaper, print or digital, is where businesses go to connect with savvy shoppers. And hey, a little insight goes well with those shoes.

March 26-April 1, 2014

SEXY. GET IT

T O M O R R O W 33

34

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER t’s been nearly eight years since Amy “Willow” Allen passed through Western North Carolina as a tired-and-hungry AT through-hiker. But her journey didn’t end at the summit of Mount Katahdin.

“It isn’t something you leave behind,” she said. “Once you become part of that community, it is part of who you are.”

Even with the trail behind her, Allen works hard to keep the spirit of the Appalachian Trail close by. In 2012, the Black Mountain resident published Summoning the Mountains: Pilgrimage into Forty, to tell her story, and she’s looking forward to sharing the experience at Franklin’s 6th Annual April Fool’s Trail Day this weekend.

It was 2006 when Allen stepped off from Springer Mountain, a divorced single mother looking to rediscover herself.

“I think I maybe had something to prove to myself,” she said. But it soon became apparent she wouldn’t be doing those 2,180 miles alone.

There were the other hikers, the goodhearted folks whose “trail magic” made food and soda appear along the trail and also her two teenage sons, each of whom joined her for a big chunk of the miles.

That turn of events happened inauspiciously enough, when the older of the two, then 16, got suspended from school.

I

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

“I insisted on instead of him sitting at home on suspension, he was going to come out on the trail,” she said.

So, Joseph joined his mother during his suspension in April. The trail called him back for summer break, and he ended up logging over 600 miles — including 80 through Shenendoah National Park, when his 13-yearold brother Grayson joined in.

“I feel like it was my last little hurrah with my son before he turned into a young man,” Allen said.

Through the privacy of trails shaded with hickory or curtained with pine, Allen and her son got to know each other in a whole new way. He got a schooling in cause-and-effect — if he decided he didn’t feel like stocking up on water at a refilling station, he quickly learned that no one who had lugged their own water for miles would want to share — and she saw the way he internalized her goal of finishing, eventually becoming her biggest cheerleader.

In some ways, he’s the reason she finished the trail.

“There was a point in Connecticut when I wasn’t sure if I could be able to go farther,” she said.

Her body was so in need of calories that it had consumed all of her body fat and begun metabolizing muscle. It’s a process called ketosis, and it means that hunger and nausea occur simultaneously.

“I had told Joseph, ‘I think

The AT experience won’t be left behind

F

Amy Allen scrambles up Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Donated photo

Celebrate the Appalachian Trail season Whether you’re roughing it on the AT or just looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday, several upcoming AT festivals in Western North Carolina are sure to fit the bill. These events celebrate hikers, hiking and all things AT-related, just in time for the glut of through-hikers reaching the area after stepping off from Springer Mountain in Georgia earlier this month.

April Fool’s Trail Day in Franklin Festivities spread across three days, March 28-30, and include everything from guided hikes to movie screenings to a celebration of the Wilderness Act’s 50th anniversary. Check out the schedule and mark your calendar.

Friday, March 28 ■ Guided hike to Siler Bald, leaving from Wayah Gap. 4 miles, medium, RSVP 828.369.1983

Hiker Haze at Fontana Village Check out Fontana Village’s AT celebration March 26 and 27.

Each day is packed full of events ranging from a corn hole competition to a Native American artifacts presentation. Try your luck at Karaoke or roast the perfect smore over a campfire. The full schedule is online at www.fontanavillage.com/events.

■ 6 p.m. Hiker Bash at Sapphire Inn. Food, trail stories and hiking advice.

Saturday, March 29 ■ 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Beginning Birding workshop with local birder John Sill. Learn where to look, what they eat, what you need and how to identify local birds. Franklin Town Hall, bottom floor.

■ 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Path of Life, a presentation from throughhiker and author Amy Allen. Allen’s book Summoning the Mountains: Pilgrimage into Forty tells of the 2006 hike she shared with her two teenage sons as a divorced, single 40-yearold. Franklin Town Hall, bottom floor.

■ 2 p.m.: Amy Allen book signing, Franklin Town Hall, bottom floor.

■ 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.: Monitoring and Management on the Appalachian Trail, a discussion about citizen science with Appalachian Trail Conservancy resource manager John Odell. Learn about invasive plant control, plant monitoring and life cycles.

Franklin Town Hall, bottom floor.

■ 3 to 4 p.m.: The Wilderness Act turns 50: History and Significance for the Southern Appalachians, a presentation on the significance of the act’s 50th anniversary by Jill Gottesman and Brent Martin of the Wilderness Society.

■ 6 p.m.: Hiker Bash at Sapphire Inn. Food, trail stories and hiking advice.

■ Guided hike to Laurel Fork Falls, S.C., 8 miles, strenuous, RSVP 828.586.5723.

■ Guided hike to Wayah Tower, 4.2 miles, RSVP 828.524.5298.

■ Guided hike to Bartram Trail Loop from Wallace Branch, 2 miles, easy, RSVP 828.369.6820.

Sunday, March 30 ■ Guided hike to Wine Spring Bald, shuttle from radio tower exit to Wayah Bald entrance, 2 miles, medium, RSVP 828.369.7352.

■ Guided hike to Standing Indian Mountain from Deep Gap, 4.8 miles, medium, RSVP 828.369.1983.

AT Founder’s Bridge Festival at Nantahala Outdoor Center Come out April 4-5 for an event featuring everything from gear repair to training for citizen scientists. Enjoy a hiker’s feast and live music or check out the hiker Olympiad.

Friday, April 4 ■ 7 p.m. “Walking With Freedom” movie screened at River’s End Restaurant.

Saturday, April 5 ■ 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gear repair and vendor fair at Outfitter’s Store.

■ 10 a.m. Phenology Training with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at NOC Outfitter’s Store, a workshop on the importance of monitoring plant and animal life cycles and the process of training citizen scientists to collect data.

■ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. OBOZ Hiker Olympiad at NOC Outfitter’s Store.

■ 2 p.m. Warrior Hike presentation about a hike organized to raise money for returning military veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress syndrome. At NOC Outfitter’s Store.

■ 5 p.m. Osprey Hiker’s Feast at Big Wesser BBQ + Brew ■ 6 to 8 p.m. Sourwood Honey plays live at Big Wesser BBQ + Brew

Free hiker breakfast in Franklin

Sponsor a hiker, fight local hunger Fight hunger in Jackson County by sponsoring Andrew Smith’s Appalachian Trail hike this year, which he hopes to finish just in time for his 65th birthday.

Smith, a.k.a. Racewalker, will start his trail journey at Springer Mountain, Ga., in April and hopes to reach Mt. Katahdin in Maine by his September birthday. Smith has pledged $1 to The Community Table, a soup kitchen in Sylva, for each mile of the 2,180-mile trail he completes and challenges others to make their own pledges. Sponsoring Smith at a penny per mile costs just $21.80, a dime brings it up to $218 and a dollar per mile garners $2,180 to fight hunger in Jackson County.

Contact Community Table Director Amy Sims with pledges at 828.586.6782 or ctofjackson@gmail.com. Follow Smith’s progress at www.trailjournals.com/racewalker.

that when you leave the trail for school, I will go with you,’’ she said. “Hearing the devastation in his voice was enough to make me reconsider, because I realized how important it was to him.”

A NEW COMMUNITY

STILL CONNECTING

Learn to control and prevent invasives An invasive species workshop will be held along the Little Tennessee River Greenway in Franklin from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 7 in celebration of North Carolina Invasive Plant Awareness Week.

Learn to identify, control and prevent exotic invasive plants, animals and pathogens.

The event will be hosted by the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee and Friends of the Greenway and sponsored by Duke Energy.

Experts from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, N.C. Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, Coweeta Hydrologic Lab, LTLT, Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River, Western North Carolina Alliance and other organizations will give brief presentations and answer questions.

Over 200 Students from Franklin High School, Macon Early College, Southwestern Community College and Oconaluftee Job Corps will also be attending this event.

Meet at the Tassee Picnic Shelter on the Little Tennessee River Greenway.

828.507.1188 or shimes@ltlt.org.

WCU’s School of Stage & Screen Presents A new production of BOUBLIL and SCHÖNBERG’S

The Tony Award-winning international hit musical!

Les Misérables is licensed by Music Theatre International [MTI] www.mtishows.com by arrangement with CAMERON MACKINTOSH LTD.

BARDO ARTS CENTER

APRIL 3-5, 7:30PM & APRIL 6, 3PM

Smoky Mountain News

When Allen published her book in 2012, its pages became her way of staying involved with the AT community. She uses Summoning the Mountains to tell her story and as a vehicle for conversation with other people who are passionate about the trail.

“It’s something that I never really get tired of, talking about hiking,” she said.

For Allen, that’s the attraction of the festivals that ignite through AT communities this time of year, both now and in 2006, when she took part in the Hot Springs event as a through-hiker.

“The main draw for the hikers is being able to gather in one place and exchange stories of their getting there,” she said.

Often, the hikers will see each other one or two at a time over a period of hours or days. The festivals offer the chance to gather, recoup, swap stories and, most importantly, eat.

“You just want food,” Allen said. “You want anything and everything.”

This time, though, Allen will get the chance to enjoy the Franklin festival rather than pushing on to make up miles, as happened in 2006. And she’ll do it with the new name and the new identity she’s kept ever since descending Mount Katahdin as a successful through-hiker.

“It was the one thing,” she said, “that just instilled a sense of self in me that was unthinkable and undeniable.”

Both the bee-expert and the bee-curious are invited to an all-day bee-keeping school in Bryson City Saturday, April 5.

The Smoky Mountain Beekeeping Association will host this beginning beekeepers’ school, but the presenters’ many years of knowledge will make it a learning experience for veteran beekeepers as well. Topics will include honeybee biology, bee diseases, pests and beekeeping operations.

Held at Southwest Community College in Bryson City from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration is $20 if received by April 1, $25 at the door and $5 for members. Price includes lunch and a one-year club membership. 828.488.1391 or wlwilliams@frontier.com.

March 26-April 1, 2014

And by pushing on, Allen, who is 5’ 2’’ and already weighed less than 100 pounds when she started the trail, gained something that far outweighed what she lost in body mass. She came home with a sense of self and of accomplishment, with the validation that comes with having reached for a goal and attained it. She gained a new name — Allen now goes by her trail name, Willow — and she gained entrance to a community she strives to remain a part of.

“You just can’t find a better or a simpler way to unite people than having a common cause like that,” she said.

Some hikers were making the trek to learn about themselves, while others were doing it to experience nature or to raise money for a cause close to their heart. Still others had set it before them as a physical challenge, racing ahead to set records and push their bodies to the limit. All hikers, though, share one key quality, and for Allen, it’s a quality that’s addictive.

“It’s just that free-spirited kind of personality that the hikers have,” she said. “You can see it in their eyes. There’s a glow, there’s a vibrancy there.”

That spirit is invigorating to be around, and knowing that each of these people is pushing ahead to reach a dream elevates that feeling all the more. In the years after Allen finished her hike, she pitched in from the outside, working “trail magic” — the term hikers give to the meals, snacks and other gifts trailside residents spontaneously offer — in the form of spaghetti and burgers cooked along the roadside where hikers are known to pass through.

“Anytime somebody has something to

offer you, you’re so grateful for the opportunity to take in more calories,” she recalled.

Allen well remembers the hunger, the sore feet and the stressed knees that accompanied her on the trail. But she’ll never forget the generosity of the people who live alongside it, and the way they restored her faith in humanity.

“There’s just not many places in our country anymore where you see that openness and trust,” she said. “It’s irreplaceable.”

Beekeeping school to be held in Bryson City

outdoors

Appalachian Trail hikers can get a free breakfast in Franklin through April 11. First Baptist Church in Franklin has offered this four-week period of “trail magic” for eight years, last year feeding 595 hikers from 44 states and seven countries. In addition to breakfast, hikers can have their picture taken at the church and mailed to a friend or loved one, along with a note from the hiker. Meals are served from 7 to 8 a.m. daily with a free shuttle picking hikers up from the Budget and Sapphire inns.

Tickets $20 Adults | $15 Faculty/Staff/Seniors | $10 Students ($7 in advance) FOR TICKETS CONTACT THE BARDO ARTS CENTER

828.227.2479 or online at FAPAC.wcu.edu 35

outdoors March 26-April 1, 2014 Smoky Mountain News

Fund supports watershed projects with cut of profits Duke’s profits off the hydroelectric power dam on the Pigeon River in Haywood County have funded another round of environmental water quality projects in Haywood, Buncombe and Madison counties.

The annual fund was created in 1996 thanks to the Clean Water Act, which requires power companies to provide environmental compensation in exchange for harnessing the river with dams. Ten projects totaling $258,552 were recently awarded by the Pigeon River Fund of The Community Foundation, including: ■ Haywood Waterways Association: $56,000 to continue coordinated community efforts to address water quality issues, implement the Haywood Watershed Action Plan and increase public appreciation of water resources through educational programs and publications.

■ Haywood Waterways Association: $30,800 toward the costs of repairing failing septic systems in the Richland Creek area of Haywood County for low-income homeowners.

■ Southwestern NC Resource Conservation and Development Council: $14,120 toward the Envirothon and Youth Environmental Stewardship Camp programs that engage middle and high school youth in hands-on learning about water quality issues.

■ Southwestern NC Resource Conservation and Development Council: $30,000 for a stormwater assessment of the Maggie Valley commercial area and creation of a plan to minimize runoff pollution into Jonathan Creek.

■ Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy: $20,000 to conduct a natural heritage inventory and update the water quality assessment of the Plott Balsam Mountains, which in turn could help win funding for land conservation.

Duke chips in for projects in hydropower territory Ideas are being solicited for riparian habitat enhancement projects in Jackson, Swain and Macon counties as part of Duke Energy’s requirement to carry out conservation projects in exchange for harnessing the region’s rivers with hydroelectric dams.

Duke must commit $125,000 to riparian habitat projects along the rivers, lakes and creeks that feed the waterways where it has dams, which include Nantahala River, Little Tennessee River, Oconaluftee River and Tuckaseigee River.

Projects on the main stem rivers downstream of Duke’s dams will get special consideration. Eligible projects include restoring or enhancing riparian habitat directly or educating landowners or school children about the importance of healthy riparian areas for fish and wildlife.

Criteria include long-term impact, direct benefits to riparian resources, broad support for the project, creativity and the ability to show measurable results.

Proposals may request up to $20,000 and project duration should be limited to three years or less.

The deadline to submit proposals is April 11. www.dukeenergy.com/lakes/nantahala/hydroelectric-relicensing.asp.

Donated photo

T

Great Smoky Mountains Association racks up awards

Great Smoky Mountains Association earned two first-place awards and four honorable mentions last month v for its work in media and partnership.

The park’s quarterly newspaper, Smokies Guide, garnered first from the Association of Partners for Public Lands in the informational publications category for delivering “well-written content in an engaging style and design.” The video series “An Island in the Sky: Clingamans Dome and the Spruce-fir Forest” got first in electronic media as “a gorgeous video that is thoughtful and insightful.” www.smokiesinformation.org or 888.898.9102.

Kayak workshop planned in Jackson County Ramp up your kayaking skills with a workshop from Base Camp Cullowhee April 5-6. A whitewater kayak clinic will cater to novice and intermediate kayakers, beginning with a lake lesson in basics and then a chance to try those skills on the river, with instruction from whitewater guides.

Sign up by April 2 to participate in the two-day weekend clinic. The workshop will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at Cedar Cliff Lake and the Tuckasegee River. Cost is $45 for WildCat club members, $50 for Western Carolina University students, $60 for non-students and includes gear, transportation and lunch both days.

828.227.3633 or basecamp@wcu.edu.

233-33

Did you know that 1,700 abused and neglected children in North Carolina need a volunteer’s voice in court? You can help. Become a Guardian ad Litem.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.ncgal.org or call 1-800-982-4041 36

Third graders get into Arbor Day

Donated photo

Town of Waynesville Horticulturist Jonathan Yates hosted several activities for third graders from Central Elementary School in celebration of Arbor Day last Friday, March 21 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. The North Carolina Forest Service and Southern Tree Care provided information on trees as well.

Every year the Town of Waynesville plants new trees in observance of Arbor Day. This year’s species is serviceberry.

Telescopes trained on the nightsky for public viewing in Jackson

Anglers will have a chance to compete for $20,000 in tagged fish March 28-30 at the Cast Into Spring Tournament, hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

All ages and legal fishing methods are welcome to participate in the tournament, which requires an $11 entry fee and fishing license for all anglers 12 and older. Tagged fish will be specially stocked for this event

and are redeemable for cash prizes ranging from $20 to $500.

The Qualla Boundary is home to 30 miles of privately stocked, freestone streams overseen by Cherokee Fisheries and Wildlife Management. Fishing is allowed daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Creek limit is 10 trout per day per permit holder.

Each year, nearly 250,000 rainbow, brook and brown trout of various sizes are added to the existing fish population in Cherokee waters.

828.554.6110 or www.fishcherokee.com.

March 26-April 1, 2014

An evening telescope viewing party will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the Jackson County Airport in Cullowhee courtesy of the Western Carolina University Department of Chemistry and Physics.

The event will give the public an upclose view of stars, the moon and the planets Mars and Jupiter through telescopes at various magnifications, along with a brief

presentation on identifying well-known constellations and stars seen in spring.

“This event has been popular with children and their parents, as well,” said Enrique Gomez, WCU assistant professor of physics and astronomy. “Everyone remembers the first time they saw the moon through a telescope.”

The free event is part of the annual North Carolina Science Festival, a statewide series of events that showcase science, technology, engineering and mathematics with hands-on activities.

If it is overcast, the viewing will be canceled. Dress warmly. 828.227.2718 or egomez@wcu.edu.

Cherokee fishing tournament to kick off spring season

Jon Bowman photo

A youth fishing clinic and fish fry will be held on Saturday, March 29, at the millpond at Haywood Community College, put on by the HCC Wildlife Club.

The fishing clinic will be from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and the fish fry will be from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. The fishing clinic will introduce the how-to of fishing, plus water safety, fishing ethics and respect for the outdoors.

Free for ages 6 to 12 years, including a free Fish Fest shirt and fish dinner. Meal is $7 for all others. Space is limited to 40 youth, so register in advance.

828.627.4560.

outdoors

Kids can try their hand at casting for fish

Got a dog? New club forming for kids in Macon

The season for Senior Games is nearly here Enjoy the camaraderie and spirit of friendly sportsmanship with the Haywood County Senior Games, held April 22 – May 20, with registration running through March 28.

Participants over the age of 50 can choose from huge variety of sports including shuffleboard, cornhole, pickleball, horseshoes, bowling and track and field events. Athletic skill is purely optional.

There’s also the SilverArts, a component of Senior Games, with categories including

Visual Arts (photography, painting, sculpture, etc.), Heritage Arts (pottery, woodcarving, basket weaving, etc.), Literary Arts (poems, short stories, essays, life experiences) and Performing Arts (comedy/drama, vocal, dance, instrumental, line dance).

Registration will be held this week from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Haywood County Recreation & Parks office located at 1233 N. Main St in Waynesville. 828.452.6789 or www.haywoodnc.net.

Smoky Mountain News

A new dog club is forming for youth through Macon 4-H. An organizational meeting will be held on 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the Macon County Cooperative Extension Office. The club will focus on obedience, agility and proper dog training. Youth will learn how to teach their dog to come, sit, stay and work over obstacles like jumps.

828.349.2046 or 828.371.0641.

37

38

WNC Calendar

Smoky Mountain News

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Panel discussion on Gloria Steinem, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, March 26, A.K. Hinds University Center, Western Carolina University. 227.3839 or mchamber@wcu.edu.

• Jackson County’s Issues Roundtable will sponsor a free showing of Robert Reich’s “Inequality for All,” 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library Complex in Sylva.

• Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29. Haywood County Courthouse.

• Rickman Store 89th anniversary celebration 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Cowee-West’s Mill Historic, 259 Cowee Creek Road, seven miles north of Franklin by Highway NC 28, next to Old Cowee School.

369.5595.

• Free rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing and information on Medicaid Expansion, 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, Good Samaritan Clinic of Jackson County, 293 Hospital Road, Suite B, Sylva. Offered by Western North Carolina AIDS Project and the Good Samaritan Clinic of Jackson County. HIV and Hepatitis C testing, contact Cameron Edmonds, 252.7489 ext. 321. Medicaid Expansion, contact Amanda Stem, 252.7489 ext. 325, wncap.org.

• Community meeting, 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, Haywood Community College Auditorium. Hosted by MedWest Haywood.

• Community meeting, noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, MedWest Haywood Health & Fitness Center classrooms.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Nursing Education Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, WCU’s instructional site at 28 Schenck Parkway, Suite 300, Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville. No registration required to attend. , and prospective students are welcome to drop in at any time. nursing.wcu.edu or 654.6506.

• “Why Local?” agripreneurship seminar, 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 1, Student Center Auditorium, Haywood Community College. Speaker’s panel led by Tina Masciarelli of Buy Haywood. Hosted by HCC’s Business Center. Free. Register at 627.4512.

• Southwestern Community College cosmetology students are offering haircuts, manicures and nail tech services from 8 to 11 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, on Tuesdays through Thursdays at SCC’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. 339.4238, southwesterncc.edu or rmccall@southwesterncc.edu.

• Free tax preparation assistance available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday and Monday, at the Jackson County Senior Center, Sylva and from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. by appointment every Tuesday at the Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016 or 293.0074.

• “Meeting the Challenge: Health and Education in Appalachia and Cherokee,” 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 14, Room 204 of WCU’s Health and Human Sciences Building. learn.wcu.edu and click on “Professional Development,” or 227.7397.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 29, Maggie Valley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 4192 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. $8 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Proceeds will support MVUMC mission programs and ministries. Tickets at the door and in advance. 926.8036.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• Waynesville Lions annual Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, Christian Growth Center, First United Methodist Church, Waynesville. $8, adults; $4, children.

BLOOD DRIVES Haywood • Hazelwood Elementary School Blood Drive, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 1111 Plott Creek Road, Hazelwood. 456.2406.

HEALTH MATTERS • Discussion on Self Care and Caring for the Injured, 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva.

Deborah Schlag, founder of Awakenings: Center for Inner Healing & Empowerment, and author of Becoming the Healer. 586.9499.

• Free tired leg/ varicose vein educational program, 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, MedWest Haywood Outpatient Care Center, 581 Leroy George Dr., Clyde. Register at 452.VEIN (8346).

• Swain Medical Center open house, 4 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 2, 45 Plateau St., Bryson City. New, extended clinic hours will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. 488.4205.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Haywood County Senior Games registration, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 28, Haywood County Recreation & Parks office, 1233 N. Main St., Annex II Building, Waynesville. Senior Games April 22 – May 20, throughout Haywood County. $10 and eligibility requirements include an age of 50 or better on Dec. 31, 2014. Must live in North Carolina for 3 consecutive months.

• Cooking Latino Style, 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, Haywood County Senior Center, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. $4. Taught by Karen Arias. 452.2370, haywoodconnections.org.

• Learn Calligraphy, 10 a.m. to noon Monday, April 7 and 14, Haywood County Senior Center, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. $10 for materials. 452.2370, haywoodconnections.org.

KIDS & FAMILIES • New outdoor recreation program for boys and girls in third through sixth grade, 4:30 to 7:45 p.m. Thursdays.

Meet at the Waynesville Recreation Center and then travel to a hiking trail. Location determined day of event. $5 per person for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center or $8 for non-members. 456.2030 or email recprogramspecialist@townofwaynesville.org.

• Register for Spring Youth Tennis Lessons in Jackson County. Lessons run Tuesdays and Saturdays, April 29May 24, at Mark Watson Park, Sylva. $40. Register at Jackson County Recreation Center. No phone registration.

• Organizational meeting for a youth dog club through Macon County 4-H, 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, Macon County Cooperative Extension Office, 193 Thomas Heights Road, Franklin. 349.2046 or leader Linda Kocur, 371.0641.

• Free mask-making workshop for ages K-2, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29,

Children¹s Story Time Room at the Jackson County Library. 507.9820 to make a reservation.

• Buckle Up, Baby! a free car seat safety clinic, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, Franklin Fun Factory, Franklin, and the Hudson Library, Highlands. Brittney at brittney051888@yahoo.com or 508.3003.

• Spring Break Camp, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 2125, Waynesville Recreation. For children in kindergarten through sixth grade. 30 spots available. Registration deadline, 5 p.m. Monday, April 7. $90 per person. Save $10 by paying on or before March 30. 456.2030 or email recprogramspecialist@townofwaynesville.org.

Literary (children) • Library Closed for yearly training, Wednesday, March 26.

• The Friends of the Library Used Book Store half-price sale on Children’s and Young Adult books, March 27 through Sunday, March 30, 536 West Main St., Sylva.

Proceeds to benefit Jackson County Public Library.

• A Book Trade/Exchange, 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays at Brain Gym at 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville. An ongoing event. 452.2370.

• WCU is collecting old books for local children. Please drop donations at Reynolds Residence Hall or Scott Hall on the campus of WCU. 227.4642 or jgbowen1@catamount.wcu.edu.

• A Haywood county non-fiction book club meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at various locations. 456.8428

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 • Pre-School Story Time, ages 3-5, 10:40 to 11:30 a.m.

Thursdays, Hudson Library in Highlands. 526.3031.

• Preschool Story time, ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City.

• Dial-A-Story is available to all ages through the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Hear Miss Christine tell stories (a new one each week) just by calling 488.9412.

ECA EVENTS • Extension and Community Association (ECA) groups meet throughout the county at various locations and times each month. NC Cooperative Extension Office, 586.4009.

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 – Don’t Bug Me, Kountry Krafters ECA, Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church, Tuckasegee.

Summer Camps • Summer Day Camp for elementary school children, ages 6 to 12, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 12 to Aug. 8, Cullowhee United Methodist Church. One-time registration fee of $75 (or $10 per week if less than 8 weeks). $650 for the summer, $95 per week, or $25 per day. Full payment for registered dates due before June 12. 293.9215, www.cullowheeumc.org/summer-camp-2014/.

• Highlands Nature Center Day Camps now taking registrations for five different camps. “WOW! – a World of Wonder” (ages 4-6), “Amazing Animals” (ages 7-10), “NatureWorks” (ages 8-11), “Mountain Explorers” (ages 1013), and “Junior Ecologists” (ages 11-14). Most camps offered more than once during the summer; sessions run from Tuesday to Friday each week. 526.2623 or, visit summer camps webpage at www.highlandsbiological.org.

• Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department Summer Camp for kids pre-K to 7th grade, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday – Friday, June 23-Aug. 15. $555 for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center. Save $30 if you pay on or before May 4. $580 for non-members. Save $20 if you pay on or before May 4. Spots are limited. Deadline to register is May 19. 456.2030 or email recprogramspecialist@townofwaynesville.org • Book Babies story time at Blue Ridge Books meets Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for children 3 years old and younger. 456.6000.

• 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 3 – Pillow Cases, Potpourri ECA, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

• Adventures in Reading, noon and 5:30 p.m., Thursdays. Story, snack and craft. Swain County Family Resource Center. 488.7505.

• Noon Thursday, April 10 – Container Gardens, Lunch and Learn ECA, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

• Family Story Time, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Canton Public Library and at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Waynesville Public Library. Stories, songs, crafts. 452.5169.

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 – Craft, Cane Creek ECA, location to be announced.

• Ready 4 Learning, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Waynesville Public Library. For 4 and 5 year olds, focuses on kindergarten readiness skills. 452.5169.

• Rompin’ Stompin’ Story Time, 10 a.m. Thursdays, Canton library, for kids of all ages. This is a musical story time with dancing, singing, simple musical instruments and books.

• The American Girls Club meets at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The club is based on a book series about historical women. Club members read and do activities. Free. 586.9499.

• Family Story Time for ages 18 months to 5 years is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• Book Talk, grades 3-5, 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• 10 a.m. Thursday, April 17 - ECA Craft Club Workshop – Cornshuck Doll, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva. Call Extension Office to register.

• 1 p.m. Monday, April 21 – Sew Easy Girls ECA, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS & LOCAL GOVERNMENT Dems • Crabtree Democratic Precinct meet, greet and support, 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, Crabtree/Ironduff Volunteer Fire Department, 99 Susie Noland Road, (off 209) Clyde. Meet Paul Dean Hicks, candidate for NC House of Rep. District 118 and Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher , running for re-election.

• The Macon County Democratic Party has opened a

permanent office at 251 Sloan Road in Franklin. The office will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. 634.7737.

Jackson • Grief Support Group, 1 to2:30 p.m. Friday’s First Baptist Church, 669 W. Main St., Sylva. Hosted by Four Seasons Compassion for Life. Michael Lee, bereavement counselor, mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• Haywood County Democratic Party headquarters, 286 Haywood Square, Waynesville, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday. 452.9607, haywooddemocrats.org.

• The Jackson County Democratic Party meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Democratic Headquarters, 500 Mill St., Sylva. Brian McMahan, 508.1466.

• Jackson County Democratic Party executive committee members meet at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Democratic Headquarters, 500 Mill St., Sylva. 631.1475 or jacksondems.com.

• Jackson County Democratic Women meet at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at Democratic Headquarters 500 Mill St., Sylva. 631.1475 or jacksondems.com.

GOP • Republican Candidates Forum meet-and-greet, 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Community Building on Highway 441, Franklin. www.macongop.com.

• Republican Candidate for the 119th NC House of Representatives Mike Clampitt, 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, Slabtown Pizza in Cashiers. mikeclampitt.com, mikeclampitt119@gmail.com.

• Haywood County Republican Party Executive Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, Haywood County Republican headquarters, 303 N. Haywood St., Waynesville. 506.0939.

• The North Jackson County GOP monthly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m., the fourth Monday of each month, at the Sylva headquarters, 58 D Sunrise Park, Sylva.

Ralph Slaughter, Jackson County GOP Chair at 743.6491 or www.jacksoncountygop.com.

• The South Jackson County GOP monthly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the GOP headquarters office at Laurel Terrace on N.C. 64 east in Cashiers. Ralph Slaughter, Jackson County GOP Chair at 743.6491 or www.jacksoncountygop.com.

• The Haywood Republicans meet at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the GOP headquarters, 303 N. Haywood St., Waynesville. 246.7921. www.haywoodncgop.org.

Others • NAACP meeting, 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Harris Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Canton. Election of officers at 3 p.m.

• Community Town Hall Discussion Series, 6 to 8 p.m.

Monday, March 31, Tartan Hall, First Presbyterian Church, Franklin. Hosted by the League of Women Voters and Venture Local Franklin. First topic: design and use of gazebo property. All designs welcome.

524.8408, tomatolater@gmail.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS Haywood • Parkinson’s Support Group, 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, Haywood Senior Resource Center, 81

FESTIVALS, SPECIAL & SEASONAL EVENTS • Wheels Through Time season opening, 9 a.m.

Thursday, March 27, Maggie Valley. March 27-31, special demonstrations and exhibitions of rare and historic machines dating back to the beginnings of America’s motorcycling past. www.WheelsThroughTime.com.

• Game Night, 6 to 8 p.m. City Lights Café & Bookstore, Sylva. Brainy games in the bookstore, cornhole and washers in the café. 586.9499 or 587.2233, www.citylightscafe.com/www.citylightsnc.com.

• Game Day, 2 p.m. third Saturday of the month, Papou’s Wine Shop, Sylva. Bring cards, board games, etc. 586.6300.

• Heritage-themed vendors wanted for the 4th annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration, Saturday, June 14, Main Street, downtown Waynesville. Exhibit space for vendors demonstrating and selling handmade Appalachian art and crafts. Downtown Waynesville Association, 456.3517 or www.downtown waynesville.com. Applications accepted until April 18.

• Vendors, demonstrators, crafters and environmental groups are wanted for the 17th annual Greening Up the Mountains festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26, downtown Sylva. Applications accepted through April 15. Space is limited. Reduced application fee for early registrations. Applications at www.greeningupthemountains.com, Signature Brew Coffee Company or Sylva Town Hall. 226.8652, greeningupthemountains@gmail.com

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS • Artist reception and talk, 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center, with Stephen Fletcher, photographic archivist for the North Carolina Collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The exhibit is “Photographs by Hugh Morton: An Uncommon Retrospective,” and runs through May 23. 227.7129 or mhc.wcu.edu.

• Nature Inspired Student Art Reception,” 5:30 p.m.

Monday, March 31, Living Room of the Macon County Public Library. Sponsored by the Nantahala Hiking Club, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Macon County Schools.

• “The Cardboard Bernini” a film deals with the transitory nature of art and life, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, CLE Lecture Hall, The Bascom, Highlands. www.TheBascom.org, 526.4949.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Haywood Republicans meet at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at GOP headquarters, 303 N. Haywood St., Waynesville. 246.7921. www.haywoodncgop.org.

A&E

March 26-April 1, 2014

• 2014 Republican headquarters offices at Laurel Terrace on Highway 64 East in Cashiers and at 58 Sunrise Park retail complex in Sylva are scheduled to open April 1. Chair Ralph Slaughter, 743.6491 or jacksonctygop@yahoo.com, www.jacksoncountygop.com.

wnc calendar

• The Haywood County Democratic executive committee meets at 5 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Democratic Headquarters, 286 Haywood Square, Waynesville. www.haywooddemocrats.org.

Elmwood Way, Waynesville. Speaker is Waynesville psychologist Dr. Lynne Barrett.

• Out of the Ordinary, an exhibition of everyday objects, opens Saturday, April 5, The Bascom, Highlands. Features art by well-known artists from New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Georgia (Atlanta and Athens). www.TheBascom.org, 526.4949.

• Call to artists for the Whole bloomin Thing Spring Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, Historic Frog Level, Waynesville. Wanted: local growers, nature

39

wnc calendar

related artists and crafters, health and wellness professionals and alternative energy and eco-friendly vendors. Scott Siewert, 550.6390 or Teri Siewert, 407.484.9576.

• Call to artists to apply for entry in the 6th annual 2014 Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, Oct. 10-12, Cashiers Valley. www.visitcashiersvalley.com or e-mail info@visitcashiersvalley.com or 743.8428.

• Call to artists, heritage-themed vendors for Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration Saturday, June 14, downtown Waynesville. Celebration of traditional mountain craft, food and entertainment. Applications accepted until April 18. Downtown Waynesville Association, 456.3517, www.downtownwaynesville.com.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS

the direction of Broadway star Terrence Mann, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3, through Saturday, April 5, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University. $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and WCU faculty and staff; and $7 (in advance) and $10 (day of show) for students. 227.2479, bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

249 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers. Digital entries to gws39@hotmail.com, 743.8871.

LITERARY (ADULTS) • J.C. Walkup will read from her novel, Partners, at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St., Waynesville. 456.6000.

• Gary Carden will read from his new book Appalachian Bestiary at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Haywood County Library, Waynesville.

• 12th annual Spring Literary Festival, March 31-April 4, A.L. Hinds University Center, unless otherwise noted, Western Carolina University, featuring established and emerging authors of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction will discuss and read from their works. Free.

Schedule of speakers at www.litfestival.org, 227.3926.

• Bidding, Broadway, Beverages and Baguettes” silent auction fundraiser, 5 to 7:25 p.m. Friday, April 4, preceding the performance of “Les Miserables,” lobby of the Bardo Arts Center. Proceeds go to student scholarships and programs in WCU’s College of Fine and Performing Arts. friendsofthearts.wcu.edu.

• Classics for the Park Matinee Soiree, pre-party 12:30 p.m.; West Side Story matinee 2 p.m., Sunday, April 6, Highlands Playhouse. Tickets $50, 526.2695.

NIGHT LIFE

• Artist’s talk with ceramic and mixed media sculptor John Byrd, 5 p.m. Monday, March 31, Room 130 of the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. Joan Byrd, WCU professor of ceramics, jbyrd@wcu.edu, 227.3595.

• Western Carolina University Percussion Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, recital hall of the Coulter Building. Free. WCU School of Music, 227.7242.

• Oil painting techniques demonstration by career landscape painter Jack Stern, 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City. www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta.

• Comic storyteller C.J. Deering’s Most Improved Camper, (adult themes) 7:30 p.m. March 28-29 and April 4-5, HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville.

456.6322 or www.harttheatrecom.

• “Iron pour,” an artistic activity in which iron is heated, melted and poured into molds to create sculpture, 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 5, Jackson County Green Energy Park, Dillsboro. Hosted by WCU’s Fine Art Museum. 227.2550.

• Clarinet ensembles concert, 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, recital hall of Western Carolina University’s Coulter Building. Free. School of Music, 227.7242.

• Poster contest for professional and amateur artists in Jackson and Macon counties in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. Deadline, Wednesday, April 23. Mail drawings to Friends of the Library, Attn: Graceann Smith, P.O. Box 2628, Cashiers, NC 28717, or take them to the library,

recital hall of the Coulter Building. Free. 227.7242.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT

• Western Carolina University School of Music April Fools’ Day concert, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1,

• Darren Nicholson Band 7:45 p.m. March 27, The Strand, 38 Main, Waynesville. $12. 283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• Darren & The Buttered Toast, March 28, and Swamp Candy, March 29, Water’n Hole Bar and Grill, Waynesville. 456.4750.

• Swamp Candy, 9 p.m. March 27-28; Porch 40, 9 p.m.

March 29, No Name Sports Pub, Sylva. Free. 586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

• Lorin Walker Madsen, 9 p.m. Thursday, April 3, No Name Sports Pub, 1070 Skyland Drive, Sylva.

586.2750. www.LorinWalkerMadsen.com.

• Sultans of Swing, 7:45 p.m. April 3, The Strand, 38 Main St., Waynesville. $15. 283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• “Winter Pickin’ in the Armory” 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, Canton Armory. www.cantonnc.com.

• Appalachian singer/songwriter Sarah Morgan, 7 p.m.

April 5, City Lights Café, Sylva. 587.2233 or www.citylightscafe.com.

FOOD & DRINK • Melange of the Mountains Culinary Weekend, April 10-13, Laurel Ridge Country Club. 456.3021 or chipps@haywoodchamber.com.

• Bakers wanted for 15th annual Taste of Chocolate, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Maggie Valley Club. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Proceeds help organizations in Haywood County. John, 356.2833.

• Mountain Cooking Club with Chef Ricardo Fernandez, former co-owner and head chef of Lomo Grill, class 0405, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, and class 0419, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Fines Creek Community Kitchen, 192 Fines Creek Road, $50 per person (credit card payment required at booking), 627.6751 or chefricardos@gmail.com.

• Leo Johnson, 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, The Classic Wineseller, Waynesville. $10 minimum purchase on food, drink or merchandise. 452.6000.

• “Tarzan,” Disney’s Broadway musical, 7:30 p.m. April 3-5, and 2:30 p.m. April 6, Franklin High School Fine Arts Center.

• Tony-Award-winning musical “Les Miserables,” under

March 26-April 1, 2014

• Ginni McAfee, March 28, and Steve Whiddon, every Thursday, Maggie Valley Rendezvous. 926.0201 or www.maggievalleyhotel.com.

old from Saluda who has been diagnosed with a rare form cancer. Free, with donations accepted. 454.5664.

• Benefit for Ben Leslie, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 29, Frog Level Brewing Company, Waynesville.

Performers include Croon & Cadence, Smalltown Jonathan Martin and Travis Halford. Leslie is a 6-year-

FILM & SCREEN • “Girl Rising,” a feature film inspired by the true stories of nine girls from nine countries, 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, Western Carolina University on the lawn of A.K.

A

bi-monthly magazine that covers the southern Appalachian mountains and celebrates the area’s environmental riches, its people, culture, music, art, crafts and special places. Each issue relies on regional writers and photographers to bring the Appalachians to life.

In this issue:

Smoky Mountain News

Communities gather ‘round the block Communal relationships in nature NC Arboretum embraces ancient art of bonsai A good neighbor always waves hello PLUS ADVENTURE, CUISINE, READING, MUSIC, ARTS & MORE

SUBSCRIBE: www.smliv.com OR 233-45

40

866.452.2251

Hinds University Center; rain location at the University Center Multipurpose Room. Free.

Sarah Carter, sacarter@wcu.edu, or John Whitmire, jwhitmire@wcu.edu.

â&#x20AC;˘ Free screening of The New Public with filmmaker Jyllian Gunther, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8, University Center Theater at WCU. Part of Southern Circuit Indy Film Series.

Outdoors OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS â&#x20AC;˘ Southern Appalachian Wilderness Society trail crew trip, March 28-30, Big Laurel Branch Wilderness, Tennessee 91 and Cross Mountain Road. Help clean the Appalachian Trail at Iron Mountain. Backpacking experience and personal backpacking gear required.

Previous experience on a SAWS trip is strongly suggested. www.wilderness.org/southernappalachians. â&#x20AC;˘ HCC Wildlife Club Fish Fest Youth Fishing Clinic and Fish Fry, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 29, HCC Millpond. Fishing clinic, 1 to 4 p.m., and fish fry, 4 to 6 p.m. For kids age 6 to 12. Parents must be present. Fish fry is $7 for all non-registered youth. Proceeds benefit HCC Wildlife Club. Must register at 627.4560.

â&#x20AC;˘ Nantahala Hiking Club hike, 1 p.m. Sunday, March 30, Standing Indian Mountain Trail.

Meet at Westgate Plaza, Franklin. Leaders, Bill and Sharon Van Horn. Reservations at 369.1983. www.nantahalahikingclub.org. â&#x20AC;˘ Nantahala Hiking Club, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, Appalachian Trail to Wesser Firetower.

Meet at Bi-Lo parking lot in Franklin at 2 p.m.

Leader Mary Stone, 369.7352, for reservations.

No pets.

â&#x20AC;˘ 6th annual April Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trail Days, Saturday, March 29, downtown Franklin, an official Appalachian Trail Community. Celebrate Appalachian Trail and its hikers. www.aprilfoolstraildays.com. â&#x20AC;˘ French Broad River Trips, 5-Day Trip: May 17-21 (Headwaters Outfitters to Asheville Outdoor Center); 4-Day Trip: July 12-15 (Asheville Outdoor Center to Paint Rock, Tenn.); 2-Day Trips: May 17-18 (Headwaters Outfitters to Riverbend Campsite); and July 12-13 (Asheville Outdoor Center to Marshall).

Contact WNCA Assistant French Broad Riverkeeper Kirby Callaway, 258.8737, ext.

212. Registration at wnca.org/paddle/frenchbroad-float-trips/.

â&#x20AC;˘ Nature Inspired Student Art Reception,â&#x20AC;? 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, Living Room of the Macon County Public Library. Sponsored by the Nantahala Hiking Club, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Macon County Schools. â&#x20AC;˘ SMIE Macro-Invert Monitoring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Training (for fishermen/women, biology-oriented folk), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, St. Francis Church, Cherokee. www.WATRnc.org. â&#x20AC;˘ Bike clinics, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, Colonial Theater, Canton; 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 12, Clyde Elementary School, Clyde. For ages 15 and up. Teenagers must be accompanied by an adult. Must preregister, 452.6789.

â&#x20AC;˘ Sylva Garden Club meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, April 1, Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church, Sylva. Topic is Lighting the Garden. â&#x20AC;˘ The Cullowhee Community Garden is taking applications for plot adoptions for the 2014 gardening season. 586.8994 or thecullowheecommunitygarden@gmail.com.

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forever Wild: Celebrating Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wilderness,â&#x20AC;? 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, Macon County Public Library website.

â&#x20AC;˘ Volunteer workdays at The Cullowhee Community Garden, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.

More information at thecullowheecommunitygarden@gmail.com or 586.8994.

â&#x20AC;˘ Documentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shored Up,â&#x20AC;? that examines how different communities are dealing with coastal erosion, storms and rising sea levels, 4 p.m. Sunday, April 6, theater of A.K. Hinds University Center at WCU. Sponsored by Western Carolina Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines. 227.7519. â&#x20AC;˘ Invasive Species Awareness Day, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 7, Tassee Picnic Shelter at the Little Tennessee River Greenway at the corner of Wells Grove and Ulco Drive, Franklin, in celebration of North Carolina Invasive Plant Awareness Week. Rain date, Wednesday, April 9. 507.1188, shimes@ltlt.org, http://click.icptrack.com/icp/ â&#x20AC;˘ Solar observing event, 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, UNC Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main quad. In celebration of North Carolina Science Festival. ncsciencefestival.org, astroasheville.org or 251.6442.

COMPETITIVE EDGE â&#x20AC;˘ Dash in Disguise 5K and fun run, 10 a.m.

Saturday, March 29, A.K. Hinds University Center, Western Carolina University. Wear costume or funk attire. Arrive one hour early to check in. $15 for 5 K for students and $20 for all others. $5 for fun run for children. Register at www.active.com/cullowhee-nc/running/distance-running-races/dash-in-disguise-2014.

Chris Garcia, cjgarcia1@catamount.wcu.edu. â&#x20AC;˘ College of Education and Allied Professions at Western Carolina University 2nd annual golf

Mieko Thomson

Thomson ROKER/R /REALTOR EALTORÂŽÂŽ BBROKER

Cell (828) 226-2298 Cell

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com www.ncsmokies.com

2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

FARM & GARDEN â&#x20AC;˘ Growing in the Mountains series: How to establish and maintain blueberries and grapevines, 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, March 31, room 114, Swain Extension Center, 60 Almond School Road, Sylva; 10:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, April 1, Cashiers Library Meeting Room, Cashiers; and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 3, Room 234 Jackson Extension Center, 538 Scotts Creek Road, Sylva. Sponsored by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. 586.4009, Sylva; 488.3848, Bryson City or christine_bredenkamp@ncsu.edu.

â&#x20AC;˘ Tuckaseigee River Chapter #373 of Trout Unlimited meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, United Community Bank, 1640 E. Main St., Sylva.

â&#x20AC;˘ Statewide star viewing party, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 4, University of North Carolina Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main quad. Free. Presented by UNC Asheville Department of Physics and the Astronomy Club of Asheville as part of the North Carolina Science Festival. ncsciencefestival.org, astroasheville.org or 251.6442.

MOUNTAIN REALTY

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES â&#x20AC;˘ Nantahala Area SORBA weekly mountain bike ride at Tsali every Thursday for all levels of bikers. Riders meet at 6 p.m. Ride starts at 6:15 p.m. Group ride for all levels. 506.0133

&RPPHUFLDO & RPPHUFLD

7XUQ 7 XUQ .H\

$YD $Y DLODEOH LODE EO IRU / /HDVH HDV

&RPP PHUFLDO HUFLD

2ZQHU 2ZQ QHU H )LQD )LQ QDQ DQF FL LQ QJ 3RV 3 VVL LEOH EO H $GM GMD DFHQW FHQ $FUHDJ JH H $ $OVR $Y $YD DLO LODEOH O

/HDVH HD 2 2S SWLRQ R

&RPPH & RPPH HUFLDO UFLD

2ZQ QHU H 2 2IIH IIHULQ II QJ ) )RU R <RXU 8VH 8

&RPPH & RPPHU UFLDO FLD

233-07

Full Service Property Management 828-456-6111 www.selecthomeswnc.com Residential and Commercial Long-Term Rentals

â&#x20AC;˘ Every second Saturday of the month Nantahala Area SORBA leads a mountain bike ride in Bryson City. Meet at 3 p.m. at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead. Cookout after ride.

506.0133 â&#x20AC;˘ A weekly bike ride in Bryson City meets at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead. Bryson City Bicycles. 488.1988.

HIKING CLUBS â&#x20AC;˘ Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays. Non-members contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org â&#x20AC;˘ High Country Hikers, based in Hendersonville, plans hikes Mondays and Thursdays weekly. Participants should bring a travel donation and gear mentioned on their website: main.nc.us/highcountryhikers.

808.2165 â&#x20AC;˘ Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org â&#x20AC;˘ Mountain High Hikers, based in Young Harris, Ga., leads several hikes per week.

Guests should contact hike leader. www.mountainhighhikers.org.

Your Local Big Green Egg Dealer

BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

233-59

Smoky Mountain News

â&#x20AC;˘ Wildflower walks, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday in March and April. Meet and register at Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center.

Sponsored by the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. 631.2020.

â&#x20AC;˘ Wilderness Survival with Jeff Gottlieb, 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 27, Meeting Room, Macon County Public Library, Franklin. In conjunction with Macon County Public Libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4th Walking with Spring series of programs and downtown Franklinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s April Fools Trail Day Festival.

â&#x20AC;˘ Online registration is open through Tuesday, April 1, for Western Carolina Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4th annual Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5K, which will be held Saturday, April 5, on the campus in Cullowhee. www.halfmarathon.wcu.edu or contact race directors Shauna Sage or James Scifers at ValleyoftheLilies@wcu.edu.

233-32

March 26-April 1, 2014

â&#x20AC;˘ Southern Appalachian Wilderness Society hike, 8 a.m. Sunday, March 30, Kimsey Creek Trail-Standing Indian Circuit. Reserve a spot at Jill Gottesman, 587.9453, 545.5236, jill_gottesman@tws.org. Carpools meet at Westgate Shopping Center (Asheville) and meet leader at Huddle House on US 23/441 in Dillsboro at 8:45 a.m..

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

tournament, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, High Vista Country Club, Mills River. Proceeds go to scholarship funds for students in the College of Education and Allied Professions. 227.3556 or claxton@wcu.edu.

wnc calendar

â&#x20AC;˘ Classic family movie, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Starring Julie Andrews as a magical nanny.

488.3030.

â&#x20AC;˘ Sons of the American Legion turkey shoot, 9 a.m. Saturdays through April, 171 Legion Drive, Waynesville. Cost is $2. Refreshments provided. Bring your own gun; a few house guns are available.

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778

41

INSIDE

Now Hiring jobs.bayada.com

828.452.0010 ARTS & CRAFTS

MarketPlace information:

ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

AUCTION HARPER’S AUCTION COMPANY Antiques • Estates • Collectibles Always Accepting Quality Consignments, We Also Provide 3rd Party Consignments.

Just Give Us a Call for an Appointment.

47 Macon Center Dr. Franklin, NC 828.369.6999, Debra Harper NCAL# 9659 NCFL# 9671

Rates: ■ Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

CARWILE AUCTIONS, INC.Saturday, April 5, Concord, Va. Sport Fishermans Dream! Boats, Sporting Goods, Country Store Collectables! Estate Antiques!

Farm Equipment! www.CarwileAuctions.com 434.547.9100 (VAAR392)

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 | classads@smokymountainnews.com

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AUCTIONSaturday, April 5 at 10am. 300 Rampart Street, Charlotte, NC. Selling Out Large Industrial/Commercial Electrical Company, Lifts, Specialized Tools & Inventory.

704.791.8825. NCAF5479 www.ClassicAuctions.com

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs!

Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control. FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1.800.698.9217

R

DI

SC OV ER E

ATR

TOTAL BUSINESS Liquidation Auction- Saturday, March 29, 9am, Virginia Refrigeration. 11191 Hopson Road, Ashland, VA. Equipment, Welders/Generator, Machinery, Tools, Shelving, Vehicles & more! www.GrindstaffAuctions.com. 804.301.2488.

VAAF612.

INC.

PE

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

AUCTION OAK ISLAND AUCTION Beautiful 3BD/2BA Cottage on ICW with lift. 2502 E. Yacht Drive.

Online Only. Open House: 3/23 and 4/6. www.swicegoodauctions.com 336.751.4444. NC8805/ NCFL8790

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS

MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

828-456-5387

DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

PAINTING JAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING Interior, exterior, all your pressure washing needs and more.

Specialize in Removal of Carpenter Bees - Log Homes or Siding! Call Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727.

CARS - DOMESTIC DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 800.337.9038.

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer.

Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. Call Now 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

AUTO PARTS

Offering:

Service truck available for on-site repairs

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

233-36

HUGE ESTATE SALE 22 REED DRIVE, CLYDE, N.C. 28721 SATURDAY - MARCH 29th 8:00 TO 4:00 SUNDAY - MARCH 30th 12:00 TO 3:00 Lots of Furniture and Other Interesting Items.

To Preview Visit: EstateSales.net/Asheville

DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!

DDI BUMPERS ETC. Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

EMPLOYMENT 24/7 SUPPORT! $$$ Up to 50 cpm $$$ Full Benefits + Pet & Rider CDL-A Required.

Call now 1.866.717.9899 or go to: www.ad-drivers.com SAPA

R

APPLICATION DEVELOPER NEEDED ReEncoded is looking for creative back-end web development talent.

Must be familiar implementing visually rich web applications and databases using latest web technologies, but be capable of producing code and markup that will still render well in all browsers, Waynesville. Mon-Fri. Competitive Wages, Benefits. Send Resume: mpg@marketsuperforce.com CAMP COOK: Summer Camp in Balsam is looking for an independent and capable cook to prep meals over the summer (May 14th - Aug. 15th). Must plan and prepare food for groups up to 100. If interested please email resume to: jonterry@soarnc.org or fax: 828.456.3449. No Calls Please.

FLATBED PROFESSIONALS Run Regional only. West of Interstate #73/74. Top Pay Program.

Great Benefits Plan. *Home Every Weekend* reqs clean CDL-A/MVR 1.800.543.9198 x 118 www.homeruninc.com

HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS HOSPITAL Positions now available: Phlebotomist, Patient Account Representative, C.N.A.’s, C.N.A./ Unit Clerk, and Medical Records Manager.

Benefits available the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. PreEmployment screening required.

Call Human Resources.

828.526.1376, or apply online at: www.highlandscashiershospital. org NEEDED IMMEDIATELY: FT worker in Waynesville, for adult female with a TBI diagnosis. The shifts are 12 hr; 3 days/week. Full lifts & transfers are required. You will be trained in all aspects of Personal Care (g-tube feedings, changing, bathing, dressing, etc.).

Employment requirements: HS diploma, telephone, SS card, NCDL, car insurance, TB skin test, direct deposit. All trainings are provided.

Call our office to discuss details: 828.232.0091.

NURSING CAREERS Begin here- Get trained in months, not years. Small classes, no waiting list. Financial aid for qualified students. Apply now!

Centura College Norfolk 888.893.3477

LAYLA SHE HAS BEAUTIFUL ORANGE AND WHITE LONG HAIR AND A LOVING PERSONALITY. SHE'S UNDER 2 YEARS OLD AND READY FOR HER FUREVER HOME.

NC PRESS SERVICES Sales Director - North Carolina Press Services, an information solutions/media placement agency, seeks a strategic thinker and proven sales professional to oversee and execute our overall sales strategy - from cold call to on-site call, from fresh ideas to excellent execution after the sale. We need someone to identify advertisers who want results - who want their ads to win over newspaper readers with a growing print product line and state-of-the-art digital products, and for related media outlets.

Sales experience and a proven track record are a must; strong background in digital sales and social media marketing is a definite plus. We offer great pay, excellent benefits, and a fun, creative working environment. To apply, send an online cover letter, resume and any samples to NCPA Executive Director Beth Grace at beth@ncpress.com NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! No Experienced Needed!

Online Training gets you job ready!

HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122 ATTN: DRIVERS Home Run!. Avg $1000 Weekly.

Now Hiring Recent Grads. CDL A Req - 877.258.8782. www.ad-drivers.com

TANKER & FLATBED COMPANY. Drivers/Independent Contractors!

Immediate Placement Available.

Best Opportunities in the Trucking Business. Call Today 800.277.0212 or: www.driveforprime.com THE PATH TO YOUR Dream job begins with a college degree. Education Quarters offers a free college matching service.

CALL 1.800.893.6014 OPEN DECK High Mileage Expedited Fleet.

Clean, predictable freight. Heavy Haul and Specialized also available. Company Trailers AT NO COST. Details at www.dailyrecruiting.com or 1.800.669.6414 HEAD START PRESCHOOL Assistant Teacher - Jackson County - Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education is required for this position, must also have the ability to assume responsibilities of the classroom when the teacher is absent, work well with parents, community partners and co-workers, and have good judgment/problem solving skills. Basic computer skills are required. Two years classroom experience is preferred. This is a 10 month position with full time benefits that includes, health insurance, dental, vision, short term/long term disability, life insurance, and retirement.

Head Start Preschool Teacher Jackson County - A BS or Birth–K Degree in Early Childhood Education is mandatory for this position. Also required for this position are: computer skills, responsible for classroom paperwork, good judgment/problem solving skills and time management skills. Candidate must have the ability to work with a diverse population and community partners. Two years classroom experience is preferred. This is a 10 month position with full time benefits that includes health insurance, dental, vision, short term/long term disability, and life insurance.

Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, 2251 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville, NC or 25 Schulman St, Sylva, NC or you may go to our website www.mountainprojects.org and fill out an application.

Pre-Employment drug testing is required. EOE/AA. TRUCK DRIVER/OTR Competitive pay & home time, safety bonus paid quarterly, vacation and benefits. Family Environment. Applicant must possess CDL Class A. Contact Corney Transportation, 1.800.354.9111, ext. 226 (Judy) or ext 232 (Caleb).

Ann knows real estate!

Ann Eavenson CRS, GRI, E-PRO

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

506-0542 CELL 233-29

101 South Main St. Waynesville

MainStreet Realty

(828) 452-2227 mainstreetrealty.net

Share your life story, family history, photos, music, hobbies, recipes, family folk tales, family secrets & more!

Be your own story teller & share your life story with a skilled consultant.

(828) 550-8801

Cleaner, Clearer and Healthier water at every tap in your home

An EcoWater Water System can remove

Lease to Own

Bad Taste & Odors Iron/Rust Sediment/ Silt Bacterias Harmful Chlorine Balance pH

smokymountainnews.com

PLUTO A 6 WEEK OLD REDBONE HOUND/GREAT PYRENEES MIX WHO WILL GROW UP TO BE A BIG BOY. WHAT A GREAT LOOKING, SWEET PUPPY!

JOB VACANCY: AWAKE Part-time Case Manager/Victim Services Coordinator for 24-28 hrs. per week, year-round at the AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center. This is grant-funded and is subject to availability of funds in the future. Qualifications: BS or BA degree in a Human Services field plus 2 years experience in a children’s service field, preferably with child abuse and/or victim advocacy or case management. Applicants must have valid NCDL and a vehicle available for transportation. Job responsibilities include a variety of advocacy services and interventions for child abuse victims and their non-offending family members or caretakers. Applicants must be able to relate positively with AWAKE staff, the Board of Directors, service providers, volunteers and other community members, and provide positive support and advocacy for AWAKE clients. Basic computer skills and good oral and written skills required. Background and reference checks will be conducted on the top applicant. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Please mail them to AWAKE, Inc. PO Box 755, Sylva, NC 28779. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

EMPLOYMENT

March 26-April 1, 2014

DRIVERS: OTR & Regional, Home Weekly/Bi Weekly Guaranteed! Paid Weekly + Monthly Bonuses, 90% No Touch/ 70% Drop & Hook, Paid Loaded & Empy/Rider Program BC/BS, Rx, Dental, Vision, 401K etc...

877.704.3773.

HAYWOOD WATERWAYS IS SEEKING A PT Project Manager to assist with the organization’s grant writing and implementation, education and outreach, and watershed restoration activities. Contact: info@haywoodwaterways.org for a complete job description and application instructions.

EMPLOYMENT

WNC MarketPlace

AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE Get FAA Approved Maintenance Training Financial Aid For Qualified Students - Housing Available Job Placement Assistance. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.866.724.5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA

EMPLOYMENT

233-02

EMPLOYMENT

828.452.3995 | americanwatercareinc.com

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

43

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT WORKING AS A CERTIFIED Nursing assistant for BAYADA means being treated with the respect and recognition you deserve. Employee recognition awards, training, scholarships, competitive pay, and benefits are available for all employees. We have an immediate need for full time CNA's call 828.452.0010 today.

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

ARE YOU A COMPASSIONATE Certified nurse assistant looking for part-time hours? BAYADA Home Health Care is currently hiring certified nursing assistants to give reliable and compassionate care to our clients. We have an immediate need for part time CNA's call 828.452.0010 today.

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED Up to $7,500.00 Sign-On Bonus!

Top 100 Companies! Great Pay, Home Time and Benefits! Choose the Best Job! Apply at: www.TruckDriverJobOffers.com SAPA AT BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE, Our employees are our greatest asset! Come see why we treat our home health aides as the home care heroes they are! To join our team of compassionate caregivers, call 828.452.0010 today.

FINANCIAL

Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.725.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

$$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!

Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need fast $500-$500,000? Rates as low as 1/2% month. Call Now! 1.800.568.8321. www.lawcapital.com Not valid in NC SAPA BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

New Epson Color Wide Format, #1 choice for Reproduction Be Ready to say

WOW!

FINANCIAL SIGNATURE FINANCIAL Pays Cash for Owner Financed (private) Mortgage Notes on Residential and Commercial Properties.

Convert Your Monthly Payment in to CASH NOW! Call Today!

1.727.232.2442 - Florida All Others 1.855.844.8771 SAPA

FURNITURE COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

LAWN AND GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAWMILLS From only $4897.00 - Make & Save Money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com.

1.800.578.1363, Ext. 300N.

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. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Puzzles can be found on page 46.

www.smokymountainnews.com

March 26-April 1, 2014

These are only the answers.

44

0òTFU 1SJOUJOH t -PX 1SJDFT 'PSNT t 'MZFST t #SPDIVSFT t /FXTMFUUFST #VTJOFTT $BSET t -FUUFSIFBE t &OWFMPQFT t -BCFMT our NEW website $PNQMFUF #JOEFSZ t .PVOUJOH t -BNJOBUJOH t $PJM #JOEJOH Visit www.ThePrintHaus.com "EESFTTJOH t %JSFDU .BJM t $PNQMFUF %JHJUBM *NBHJOH $FOUFS Since 1982

YOUR HOMETOWN PRINT, COPY, DIRECT MAIL & SIGN SHOP 641 North Main Street, WAYNESVILLE, NC

509 Asheville Hwy., Suite B, SYLVA, NC

828-456-HAUS (4287)

828-586-HAUS (4287)

(3/10 (3/10 Mile Mile North North of of the the Courthouse) Courthouse)

(Located (Located in in the the NAPA NAPA Auto Auto Parts Parts Center) Center)

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

70.6+/-Acre ESTATE HOME With 5 Car Garage & Pool in Asheboro, NC, Live with a Live Simulcast. www.ironhorseauction.com.

NCAL3936 MTNS OF NC Charming & affordable 1328sf new log cabin on 1.39 pvt wooded acres. $135,900 hdwd floors, stone fpl, spacious deck, level driveway.

828.286.1666. Won't last!

HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

APT. FOR RENT FURNISHED

APT. FOR RENT UNFURNISHED CLEAN UNFURNISHED APRTMNT. For rent in Hazelwood area of Waynesville. 2/BR, 1/BA, refrigerator, stove, washer/dryer, carpet, good views. $650 per moth, security deposit required.

No pets. Move In Ready By April.

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828.

VACATION RENTALS HAVE YOU MADE Your Plans for Your Summer Beach Vacation Yet? Mention this ad and receive $50 off a week stay with Cooke Realty at beautiful Ocean Isle Beach! Reservation includes exclusive area discounts on food and entertainment. Call Now 1.800.NC BEACH (1.800.622.3224) www.CookeRealty.com NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS Spring Special. Stay 3 nights get the 4th night FREE! Call now.

Rentals for all size families. Pets are welcome! Foscoe Rentals 1.800.723.7341. SAPA CAVENDER CREEK CABINS Dahlonega, GA. GAS TOO HIGH? Spend your vacation week in the North Georgia Mountains! Ask About Our Weekly FREE NIGHT SPECIAL! Virtual Tour: www.CavenderCreek.com Cozy Hot Tub Cabins!

1.866.373.6307 SAPA

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE UNITS FOR RENT 1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

828.734.6500, 828.734.6700 maggievalleyselfstorage.storageunitsoftware.com/customers

COLONIAL SQUARE Premium Office Building, 2-Story, 1320 sq. ft. per Floor, Wired for Internet, Plenty of Parking. Reasonable Rates per Building or per Floor. For more info call Camp Wynn at 864.370.0737 or send email: campwynn@colonialgroup.com

GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

COMM. PROP. FOR SALE CONVENIENCE STORE In Atlantic Beach, NC for sale.

Please call Sam at Hamad Realty, 252.342.9294 or email: hamadrealty@gmail.com

MEDICAL VIAGRA 100mg & CIALIS 20mg!

40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! Now 1.800.491.8751 SAPA

DO YOU HAVE Lower extremity amputation pain?

A clinical research study in your area is exploring a potential treatment for amputee pain. To learn more, call 844.680.2150 or visit www.amputeepainstudy.com today.

MEDICAL GUARDIAN Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800.983.4906 SAPA SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.

Anti-Slip Floors. American Made.

Installation Included. Call 800.807.7219 for $750 Off.

CHAMPION SUPPLY Janitorial supplies. Professional cleaning products, vacuums, janitorial paper products, swimming pool chemicals, environmentally friendly chemicals, indoor & outdoor light bulbs, odor elimination products, equipment repair including household vacuums. Free delivery across WNC. www.championsupply.com 800.222.0581, 828.225.1075.

WRAP UP YOUR Holiday Shopping with 100 percent guaranteed, delivered-to-the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 67 PERCENT - PLUS 4 FREE Burgers - Many Gourmet Favorites ONLY $49.99.ORDER Today 1.800.715.2010 Use code “4937 CFW” or www.OmahaSteaks.com/holiday33 SAPA

Haywood County Real Estate Agents Beverly Hanks & Associates — beverly-hanks.com • • • • • • •

Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Smith — beverly-hanks.com Billie Green — bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Pam Braun — pambraun@beverly-hanks.com

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com

WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR Unexpired Diabetic Test Strips and Unopened Wound Care Items! Free Shipping, Best prices, 24 hour payment! Call 1.855.578.7477, or visit www.TestStripSearch.com Espanol 1.888.440.4001 SAPA

• Steve Cox — info@haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Rob Roland — robrolandrealty.com • Ron Kwiatkowski — ronk.kwrealty.com

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

Pet Adoption

Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

CORDIAL - Domestic Mediumhair cat – brown/gray tabby, I was born in Nov./Dec. 2013 and raised by a foster family since about 4 weeks old. My sister Colbie and I were very scared of humans at first, but now we are very social and love to be petted.

We will even purr and rub your legs. We still get frightened by new people or situations at first though, and need a family that understands we need time to settle in. We are very attached and need to be adopted together.

Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, please contact Pam at: adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

BUDDY - Retriever/Terrie Mix dog – brown & white, I am about 3 years old, and I’m a handsome boy who is sharp and motivated to learn. I have lots of energy, so I’ll need someone who enjoys active things like throwing a ball or Frisbee for me, running, or taking long walks. I am also a

cuddly lovebug. I have not been observed around children or cats yet, so my interaction with them is unknown. Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, please contact Pam at: adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

HATTIE - Plott Hound Mix dog – black, I am about 8 years old, and I’m a sweetheart who was brought to AHS a few months ago, about 20 pounds underweight and with injured hind legs, while still nursing puppies. The pups are independent now, and it’s time for me to find my own family! I am low-key and well behaved, and enjoy being petted and lying in the sun. My major hiking days are over, but I still enjoy a moderate walk or some play in the yard. I get along great with kids, cats, and other dogs.

Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, please contact Pam at: adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

Preferred Properties • George Escaravage — gke333@gmail.com

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com Realty World Heritage Realty realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766/

• Thomas & Christine Mallette realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7767/

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty • • • • • • • • •

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Connie Dennis — remax-maggievalleync.com Mark Stevens — remax-waynesvillenc.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Catherine Proben — cp@catherineproben.com

smokymountainnews.com

COMM. PROP. FOR RENT

CANADA DRUG CENTER Is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 1.800.265.0768 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. SAPA

FOR SALE

March 26-April 1, 2014

FULLY FURNISHED 1 OR 2 BR Efficiency Aprtmt. Large Covered Porch w/ Great View of Smoky Mtns Includes Electric, Water, Cable & Internet. $850/mo. Available Now! Non Smokers Only! For more info 828.776.6273.

IN FRANKLIN, NORTH CAROLINA Convenient Location. Two Buildings, Approx. 5,000 sq. ft. of Storage and Offices. 17 Roll-up Doors. A Four Room Office with Bathroom; A Two Room Office with Bathroom Plus Shower; One Large Office with Bathroom.

Ideal for Small Businesses (Plumbing, Electrical, AC/Heat, Salesroom, Etc.) Owners Motivated. 828.342.3170.

MEDICAL

WNC MarketPlace

20 ACRES Only $119/month, $0 Down, Owner Financing, No Credit Checks! Near El Paso, Texas. Beautiful Mountain Views! Money Back Guarantee.

1.866.882.5263 Extension 81. www.SunsetRanches.net SAPA

COMM. PROP. FOR SALE

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net

ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY 828.761.2001, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806 We’re located behind Deal Motorcars, off Brevard & Pond Rd.

233-06

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 45

Smoky Mountain News

March 26-April 1, 2014

Super

46

CROSSWORD

GETTING PREPOSITIONED ACROSS 1 Symbol before a key signature 5 Neighbor of Kauai 9 Actress Fox 14 Produces a winter blanket?

19 Arriving like fog 21 Prefix with anthropology 22 Smith’s tool 23 Out of character 25 Hard up 26 Barks in pain 27 Suffix with meteor 28 Without face value, as stock 30 Theologian’s subj.

31 Not up on current trends 36 Take a whack 37 States north of Nebraska 40 Bauxite, e.g.

41 Pizazz 43 Applying to all 48 Ones going a-courting 51 Reassuring words after an accident 52 “... Mac - PC?” 53 Suffix with schnozz or Motor 55 “Come again?”

56 Brief moment 57 Past proper limits 64 Ending for opal 65 Bring forth 66 Union topic 67 Lower exterior part of a ship’s hull 69 L’Oréal rival 72 “Nothing -!”

74 Finer in meaning

76 Taxing work 77 Construction beams with 90-degree angles 79 Buenos -, Argentina 80 Gold, to Julio 81 Loony 85 Drink like Fido 88 S-X linkup 90 Woodsy, e.g.

91 Have unpaid bills 92 Washoe County seat 93 “So long” 95 Irrelevant 102 Its capital is Nuku’alofa 104 “- for Cookie” (“Sesame Street” tune) 105 Awakens 106 Oom- 108 Subjected to severe trials 113 Golf surprise 114 “Ad - per aspera” (Kansas’ motto) 115 Co. offering a Buddy List 116 “The Family Circus” cartoonist Bil 120 Shah, e.g.

122 A bit ill 127 Shah, e.g.

128 Hen’s resting place 129 Remove from a computer 130 Arranged for 131 Spanish for “others” 132 Challenge for a lab rat 133 “To be,” to Tiberius DOWN 1 Big name in early computers 2 Theater area

3 Airline to Ben Gurion 4 Publication that’s quickly thumbed 5 Add- - (peripherals) 6 Bus. rep 7 Arrive at, as a solution 8 Not masked 9 Stat of fuel efficiency 10 Gift for music 11 One peeking 12 Vowel string 13 Amateur 14 Italian Riviera city 15 Dayton-to-Toledo dir.

16 Way up there in years 17 Broader 18 In a foxy way 20 Enlarged map details 24 D.C. summer hrs.

29 Declaration 32 Holds 33 Suffix with 58-Down 34 “Woo- -!”

35 Momentous time 37 Speech spot 38 Peak 39 Ray of fast-food fame 42 Punch noise 44 Give a - (care) 45 Suffix with east 46 With 62-Down, rotten sort 47 Dumbbell 49 Extent 50 Handle the helm 54 Timmy’s TV dog 57 Yogi of baseball 58 Inflated head 59 Lemon-hued 60 Be snaky 61 Sci-fi’s Solo 62 See 46-Down 63 Tapered off 65 Prefix with diversity

68 “- a snap!”

69 Coagulates 70 Lash of Western films 71 Exempt from regulations 72 Pol Quayle 73 Municipal statute: Abbr.

75 Banquet liquid holder 78 Onion or lily 79 Help in crime 82 Beats (up) 83 Coal carrier 84 Lea lady?

85 Luau gifts 86 Bancroft of “7 Women” 87 Ollas, e.g.

89 Ida. neighbor 92 Casino game 94 Ottawa site 96 Quito’s land 97 Autograph: Abbr.

98 Suffix with child 99 Easter eats 100 “- tu” (Verdi aria) 101 Oktoberfest dances 103 Maestro Toscanini 106 City of Light 107 Lexus rival 109 “To be - ...”

110 Rat-a- 111 Dull 112 Justice Kagan 117 Figuring-out shouts 118 “Little House on the Prairie” shopkeeper 119 - Stanley Gardner 121 Otoscope-wielding doc 123 That, to Tito 124 ACLU issues: Abbr.

125 Oz musical, with “The” 126 Suffix with propyl

answers on page 44

PERSONAL YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at www.ncpress.com A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, Let Us Help! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial Assistance, Housing, Relocation And More. Giving The Gift Of Life? You Deserve The Best. Call Us First!

1.888.637.8200. 24 hour HOTLINE. SAPA MEET SINGLES RIGHT NOW! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1.888.909.9978. SAPA

ENTERTAINMENT REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade to new callers, SO CALL NOW 1.866.983.7935

ENTERTAINMENT SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM 86 East Main St., Franklin, 828.584.7472. www.scottishtartans.org. Matthew A.C. Newsome, GTS, FSA, SCOT., Curator & General Manager, Ronan B. MacGregor, Business Assistant.

NOTICES BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION AIRLINE JOBS BEGIN HERE Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Housing/financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

877.300.9494.

EARN YOUR High School Diploma at home in a few short weeks. Work at your own pace. First Coast Academy. Nationally accredited. Call for free brochure. 1.800.658.1180, extension 82. www.fcahighschool.org SAPA NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! No Experienced Needed!

Online Training gets you job ready!

HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122

SERVICES *REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL* Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE! Programming starting at $19.99/MO. FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers. CALL NOW 1.800.795.1315 SAPA DIRECTV $0 START COSTS! 150+ Channels $7.50/week! FREE HBO/Cinemax/Showtime/Starz!

FREE Whole Home HD/DVR! FREE Installation! Local Installers! Hurry Ends Soon Call Now 1.866.248.2451. SAPA DISH TV RETAILER. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1.800.351.0850 SAPA MEDICAL GUARDIAN Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800.615.3868.

DISH TV RETAILER – SAVE! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months.) FREE Premium Movie Channels. FREE Equipment, Installation & Activation. CALL, COMPARE LOCAL DEALS! 1.800.351.0850.

SAPA

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 44

carefully and reported to a group of his friends that he had killed “‘nine hundred and ninety-nine blackbirds. His young son was present and observed that “‘Why, Dad, I would have said just a thousand.’ Britton looked at the boy reproachfully and said, ‘Son, I would not tell a lie for one little old blackbird.’”

Back then WITH

G EORGE E LLISON

Another storyteller to add to the list

F

or years I’ve been enjoying and sometimes writing about a group of oldtime Western North Carolina storytellers I think of collectively as “The Mountain Humorists.” These weren’t professional storytellers in the sense that they made formal appearances for pay or aspired to produce books. They were individuals located in various counties during the late 19th and early 20th centuries who could be counted upon to tickle their neighbors’ funny bones on a regular basis with either tall tales or humorous observations.

These include Wid Medford and Turkey George Palmer of Haywood County, as well as Quill Rose, Bob Barnett (as quoted by Horace Kephart) and Mark Cathey of Swain County. I have recently added another name to this category: Britton Sawyer of Graham County.

While looking for some information related to that county’s history, I stumbled upon a profile of Sawyer written by Howard Edwards for “Graham County Heritage” (Graham County Historical Society, 1992).

The profile is the lead article in a section headed “Humorous Highlights.” Edwards states that Sawyer was 85 when he died.

We are told that “Britton, a strong man, was born on Panther Creek in Graham County, and grew up there when the big timber was being harvested. He spent his life in timber and construction work …. He usually met one with a smile and a low laugh. His drawl was slower than the average, just enough to make it noticeable. He pronounced his words with a slight twist that gave him a dialect all his own. The word ‘man’ he pronounced with a broad ‘a’ – ‘mahn.’ Oldtimers who tell his stories never fail to tell his last line, mimicking his drawl and pronunciation.” Here are several Britton Sawyer anecdotes, as related by Howard Edwards.

“Once during World War I, a group of men were discussing rifles. Britton told them, ‘I’ve got a rifle that will shoot through a railway iron.’ As there was no negative response, he added — ‘lengthwise.’”

One day Sawyer spotted a bunch of blackbirds in a ditch. Aligning himself just right at the open end of the ditch, he killed them all with a single shot. He counted them

Sawyer shot an eagle from a considerable distance. According to Edwards, “On his return he told a group of friends, ‘At twelve o’clock one day, I saw a tiny speck right up against the sun …. I got my rifle and took dead aim and fired. And the next day at exactly twelve o’clock, the biggest eagle I ever saw fell in the front yard.’”

While visiting the Gulf Coast one time, Sawyer decided to catch a big fish. He commissioned a local blacksmith to construct a huge hook to which he attached a beef head for bait. How big was the fish he caught with this outsized rig? According to Edwards, Sawyer modestly observed:“‘When I landed the fish, the level of the water in the Gulf of Mexico sank three feet.’”

Sawyer was so sick one time “that he wished one of his friends would shoot him and put him out of his misery …. After a short conversation, one of them got up, glanced at his rifle and said, ‘Well, Britton, I can shoot you any time now.’ Britton looked up from his sick bed and drawled weakly, ‘I’m a LEETLE BETTER.’” While in Arkansas visiting his brother,

George Ellison wrote the biographical introductions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kephart’s Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees.

In June 2005, a selection of his Back Then columns was published by The History Press in Charleston as Mountain Passages: Natural and Cultural History of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains. Readers can contact him at P.O. Box 1262, Bryson City, N.C., 28713, or at info@georgeellison.com.

March 26-April 1, 2014 Smoky Mountain News 47

48

Smoky Mountain News March 26-April 1, 2014