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May 2-8, 2018 Vol. 19 Iss. 49

Swain, NYC students exchange culture, literature Page 10 Local mountain bike trails surge to popularity Page 42

CONTENTS On the Cover: The Haywood Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force and REACH of Haywood partnered together to host a #MeToo rally last week to bring attention to the staggering rates of sexual assaults and to highlight the services available for victims of abuse. (Page 6) Buffy Queen speaks to a group of 70 at #MeToo Rally in Waynesville. Cory Vaillancourt photo

News Two Republicans vie for Macon commissioner seat ................................................3 Early voting ends May 5 ....................................................................................................5 Local governments mull 400-acre land purchase ....................................................9 Swain, NYC students exchange culture, literature ................................................10 Tribal Council candidate found not guilty ..................................................................12 Jackson County gives $150K to Mountain Projects ............................................14 Tax rate to stay flat in Sylva ............................................................................................16 Waynesville apartment project hinges on zoning change ....................................18

Opinion Zen and the art of trash removal ..................................................................................23

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In the April 18 issue of The Smoky Mountain News, a story about the Frog Level parking situation contained an incorrect detail. While Donna Forga owns the property on Water Street, her agent Chris Forga is the one negotiating the purchase with the Town of Waynesville.

May 2-8, 2013

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A conversation with Ronnie McCoury ........................................................................28

Local mountain bike trails surge to popularity ..........................................................42

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Republicans vie for Macon commissioner seat May 8 Primary will determine District 1 winner

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR acon County Commission Chairman Jim Tate will face fellow Republican challenger John Shearl in the May 8 Primary to claim the District 1 seat on the board.

While both men are Macon County natives, reside in Highlands, own landscaping businesses, volunteered for the Highlands Fire Department and have children that play soccer together, they have very different views about the role of county government.

The two candidates recently answered questions about the issues facing the county at a candidate forum hosted by The Smoky Mountain News and The Macon County News.

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grading license from the county. Even though the commissioners have suspended the grading license program while they continue to hear feedback from the public and decide the best course of action, Shearl said he would completely do away with the requirement if elected.

As for criticism from people saying he can’t run on one issue — Shearl said it’s about more than this one issue. He also has a problem with the way to county spends money and thinks the county has too much money in its fund balance.

said, which is why it’s important to have a healthy fund balance that can help fund some of those projects.

Shearl said Macon County’s drug problem was a serious issue that needed to be addressed.

“As a county commissioner I’m not sure exactly what we can actually do for that, but I’m open to any suggestions,” he said.

As a business owner, he said he couldn’t get any help because he conducts random drug screenings on employees.

“Look at all the people looking for help —

Commissioner Jim Tate.

you pour money into the Franklin area because that’s where the majority is and that’s where a concentrated number of people live in poverty or do you pour money into Highlands where a majority of the county’s tax base comes from? And then there’s unincorporated areas like Otto and Nantahala that also have unique needs that need to be addressed.

“Everyone that pays taxes deserves to be treated the same,” he said. “I don’t give favoritism to one over the other. I’m going to work hard for all of them.”

Challenger John Shearl.

TELL VOTERS ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY YOU’RE RUNNING?

WHAT ARE THE TOP TWO ISSUES FACING MACON COUNTY AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM IF ELECTED?

AS A COMMISSIONER, HOW DO

The county does have to spend more per student to support the Nantahala K-12 school that has less than 100 students, but Tate said the Nantahala Library and community center would definitely be a part of the county’s capital improvement plan.

“You’ve got to listen,” Shearl said. “I had a meeting with the residents of Nantahala — they’re ignored. They said they are treated like the redheaded stepchild. They get nothing.”

Shearl said the best way for commissioners to ensure all the communities’ needs are met is for them all to bring their wish lists to the commission before budget time and see what can be done that year.

“Let’s put it in the budget — that’s how you get it,” he said. “If I’m commissioner we’re going to set a budget and live within the budget.”

YOU ENSURE ALL THE OUTLYING

HOW WOULD YOU RATE

MACON

THE EFFICIENCY OF THE

COUNTY ARE PROVIDED ADEQUATE SERVICES — PARTICULARLY IN NANTAHALA?

CURRENT BOARD?

COMMUNITIES IN

Tate said it’s a hard question to answer, but something the commissioners are constantly faced with during budget season. Do

Smoky Mountain News

Tate said the lack of high-speed internet access is one of the major issues plaguing Macon County and the rest of Western North Carolina. While there’s no easy solution, he said the county has established a broadband committee to work on it and that the board has also been in communication with its state and federal counterparts to see what can be done to expand service.

“I wish I had the perfect answer, but we’re studying it locally and on the state level,” he said. “The main question is how do we fund it.”

Another key project the county is working on is a capital improvement plan to prioritize all the major renovation and/or replacement projects coming down the pipeline.

“We have some really large items we’re getting ready to spend money on,” Tate said.

Franklin High School — do we continue to put Band-Aids on it, do we remodel or do we build a new one? Our senior center is exploding at the seams — how can we expand there?”

Those capital projects are too large to just come out of the general fund budget, Tate

no one can find anybody. We’re in trouble,” he said.

Secondly, Shearl said the county needs to make sure its providing the best services it can to all the residents while also being mindful of the cost to residents. As a conservative person, he said the county needed to operate within its budget.

“It was brought up that I’d shut down the government. I am a conservative — I worked hard for all I have but that don’t mean I’m going to shut down the government. I believe in the government, we need government, but we need limited government,” he said. “I want the private sector to grow — not the government. We need jobs in the county but we need people who can do those jobs.”

May 2-8, 2013

Tate is the owner of Tate Landscaping Services in Highlands. He has served two, four-year terms on the board and is running for a third term.

“I graduated from the University of Georgia in 1995. I had a beautiful girlfriend who’s now my wife. I had a choice — I could go anywhere in the world to start a life and I chose Macon County because I personally think it’s the greatest place in the world. I am now the sixth generation of my family that made that decision. And since I moved home I made a promise to myself to make a difference. I’m going to make a sure they’re (pointing to his children) the seventh generation to make this decision and because I make that promise to them, I make it to all of you,” Tate said.

He added that if he’s re-elected for a third term in office, he would continue to work with the board to provide the residents with the services they need while maintaining the second lowest tax rate in the state.

Shearl said he grew up in Franklin and has worked since he was 12 years old to help buy his own clothes and school supplies. He’s been married for 31 years, has three children, one daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

He owns J&J Lawn Service and Home Maintenance in Highlands and Shearl Produce in Otto.

“I’m going to tell you right off the bat I did not sign up until 20 minutes until 12 on the last day of filing. The No. 1 reason I’m running is to protect my freedom and my private property,” Shearl said.

Shearl said the county commissioners were trying to infringe on private property rights through a proposed amendment to its Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control ordinance, which includes a requirement that anyone performing a land disturbing activity on their land or someone else’s must obtain a

Tate had a long list of accomplishments the board has made over the last six years.

“We survived Obamacare with 360 employees without a tax increase; looking at this year alone, we’re looking at a $650,000

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May 2-8, 2013

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MACON, CONTINUED FROM 3 increase in health care over last year and we’ll do it without a tax increase. We’ve made significant enhancements to our recreation facilities — we completed the Parker Meadows complex without a tax increase; we (renovated) the Highlands and Franklin pools without a tax increase and we (renovated) community centers in Highlands and Franklin without a tax increase,” he said. “We’re running Macon County as efficiently as we can.”

“I don’t keep up with what the commissioners are doing,” Shearl said. “What got my attention was the soil and erosion ordinance that’s going to require you to get a license to do work on your own land. That is unconstitutional my friends.

“I haven’t kept up with them doing their job — I’m sure they all feel they’re doing their best but as a conservative person I see it differently.”

Shearl went back to the issues he sees within the budget and the county’s spending.

He pointed out that the county property tax rate went from 27.9 cents per $100 of assessed value to 34.9 cents per $100 in 2015.

“That’s a pretty significant tax increase, especially for our senior citizens living on Social Security or whatever means they have,” he said.

In a follow-up question about the budget and the property tax rate, Tate explained why the millage rate went up in 2015. The state requires counties to perform a property revaluation every four years. However, the state made exceptions during the recent recession and Macon County went eight years without one. When the county finally completed one in 2015, property values decreased, which means the county would lose property tax revenue. Since the state also requires counties to pass a revenue-neutral budget, the county had to increase the millage rate to make up for the property value loss and pass a revenue-neutral budget. The county is still collecting about $26 million in property taxes — the same amount it collected before the revaluation.

“Overall values went down and we still

had to bring in $26 million — some people had an increase in their taxes but some had a tax decrease — it all balances out, it all equals $26 million,” Tate explained.

As for Macon County holding on to about $20 million in its fund balance, Tate said there’s a reason that reserve is there — for emergencies, natural disasters and infrastructure needs. It also boosts Macon County’s credit rating, which helps when the county has to take out a loan on a big project.

“If we go to get a $50 million loan to take care of Franklin High, all the banks look at our credit rating. Currently because of our fund balance and because this current board cut our debt in half from $60 million to $30 million in six years, we’re ranked in the top 10 percent not just in the state but in the entire country for county financing,” Tate said. “Do you know the difference between a 2 percent and a 3 percent loan? It’s $500,000 a year in interest.”

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE CONTROVERSIAL GRADING LICENSE ISSUE? Tate took a minute to give people a brief history of the grading license requirement, which was implemented in 2008 before he was elected in 2011. He said Commissioner Paul Higdon originally brought up the issue last year and asked that the soil and erosion ordinance be reviewed. He wanted the grading license part to be removed from the ordinance, but he board ended up voting unanimously to suspend the grading license program while the issue was sent to the planning board for review just as they periodically do for all ordinances.

The planning board came back with recommendations, which included keeping the grading licensing requirement. At that point, the board decided to open it up to a public hearing to receive feedback. Tate said the commissioners were inundated with comments regarding the ordinance and the pro-

gram is still suspended while commissioners try to work out a compromise.

“I’m not a fan of Macon County government invading people’s personal property rights,” Tate said. “I won’t vote for anything that will take over personal property rights — I have some concerns with some recommendations from the planning board.”

On the other hand, Tate said he also thinks there are some aspects of the ordinance that are beneficial to residents. For example, it helps to ensure a neighboring property is not damaged by someone else’s grading project on their property.

There are also educational aspects of the ordinance that Tate would like to explore.

“Let’s make it voluntary. If you come get a permit from Macon County, we give you materials that might help you with a grading project. If we can make a difference and stop a major sedimentation issue then we should,” he said.

“I’m against it,” Shearl said. “I don’t want any more government rules, regulations, or anything — especially on my own private property.”

Even though the grading license program has been suspended, Shearl said it’s still on the books and could be brought back any time. He wants to see the county do away with it completely. If the only benefit is keeping residents from causing sedimentation on

a neighbor’s property, Shearl said those types of issues could be handled in civil court.

MACON COUNTY SCHOOLS NEEDS $3 MILLION IN CAPITAL NEEDS FOR THIS COMING YEAR

— WHAT CAN THE COUNTY DO TO MEET THESE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS? “That’s why it’s important to have a healthy fund balance so we have somewhere to turn when these expenses come up. We have a $48 million budget — it hasn’t passed yet — but a third of it goes to our school system. We can afford it if we have to because we’re in a great financial shape,” Tate said.

“Put it in the budget and live within the budget if our kids and schools need it,” Shearl said. I’m a product of Macon County school system. I want the schools to be the best they can be for our students, but it’s going to cost.

I believe honestly that any major expenditure (that comes before the county) the taxpayers should have a say in it. If I’m elected I will listen and I will vote to provide whatever you say we can afford, but it will be in the budget.”

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Early voting ends May 5

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HAYWOOD COUNTY Canton Public Library, 11 Pennsylvania Ave.; Clyde Municipal Building, 8437

The Haywood Community College 2018 graduation ceremonies will be held at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 11, in the Charles M. Beall Auditorium on the Clyde campus.

This year, over 645 certificates, diplomas and degrees will be awarded. Due to limited space and the increased number of graduates participating, two separate graduation ceremonies will be held this year.

The 4:30 p.m. ceremony will include graduates of Natural Resources and the Health & Human Services department.

JACKSON COUNTY Cashiers Recreation Center, 355 Frank Allen Rd.; Cullowhee Recreation Center, 88 Cullowhee Mountain Rd.; Jackson County Board of Elections, 876 Skyland Dr.; WCU, 245 Memorial Dr.; Wolftown Community Gym, 27 BIA Hwy. 422. Hours vary between locations, call 828.586.7538 for more info.

MACON COUNTY Highlands Civic Center, 600 N. Fourth St.; Macon County Board of Elections, 5 W. Main St. Hours vary between locations, call 828.349.2034 for more info.

SWAIN COUNTY Birdtown Recreation Center, 1212 Birdtown Rd.; Swain County Board of Elections, 1422 Hwy. 19 South. Both locations open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, May 4, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

The 7:30 p.m. ceremony will include graduates of the Arts & Sciences department and the Business & Industry department. Haywood Early College graduates will also participate in the 7:30 p.m. ceremony.

Recipients of the Master Teacher Award and the 2018 HCC Outstanding Alumni Awards will be recognized at both ceremonies. Recipients of both the Academic Excellence Award and Superior Staff Award will also be recognized.

A joint High School Equivalency Diploma Adult High School, and Career College graduation ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, in the HCC Charles Beall Auditorium. Over 40 students will be honored at the ceremony.

When you have celiac disease (an autoimmune disease) any amount of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) can make you very ill. Individuals with celiac disease must make sure they don’t come into contact with gluten-containing products and inadvertently ingest them.

When someone is newly diagnosed with celiac disease they are often quickly made aware of gluten-free foods, such as the many items tagged with brown and white “gluten-free” tags that we have at Ingles, but preparing food at home and eating out can be a challenge.

When eating at home, if others in the household are continuing to eat gluten-containing foods, then surfaces and items like countertops, toasters, oven racks, cleaning rags, condiments and cutting boards can come in contact with gluten and the person with celiac disease will then experience cross-contact and could become sick.

When dining out, someone with celiac disease will need to be very careful and cautious to make sure the restaurant is taking precautions to separate gluten-free and gluten-containing foods. Some restaurants are not able to do this. Typical areas of hazard include: fryers, cutting boards, utensils, pizza stones, preparation areas.

For more information on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet I recommend Shelley Case’s book The Gluten Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide. Also visit www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/cross-contact/ for more helpful information on “hot spots” for cross-contact.

Smoky Mountain News

HCC to hold graduation ceremony

A friend of mine has celiac disease and must be careful of “cross contact.” What does that mean?

May 2-8, 2013

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER arly voting in advance of the May 8 North Carolina Primary Election remains underway, but only for a few more days.

Through Saturday, May 5, polling places will continue to be open across The Smoky Mountain News coverage area. No reason is needed to take advantage of early voting.

While Republicans and Democrats must vote their own party’s ballot, unaffiliated voters may choose a ballot from any party without altering their status as an unaffiliated voter. Most voters won’t need to bring identification, but those who are voting for the first time from a new residence or are using same-day registration may.

Carolina Blvd.; Haywood County Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way. All locations open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday, May 4, and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

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news

Founded in 1982, REACH provides to victims an array of services including a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal assistance, referrals, support groups, training, utility and housing deposit assistance, emergency clothing, food, medicine and toiletries and, since 1989, emergency housing for those fleeing abuse with only the clothes on their backs.

Services are provided free of charge, but they’re not free — the organization’s small annual budget comes from donors, grants, local governments, and the United Way. Like its Waynesville neighbor The Open Door, REACH supplements its budget through the operations of its own resale store, called Within Reach. As an added benefit, when victims need things like clothing, children’s toys, or even dishware, all that and much more are close at hand.

LOCAL STATS

Haywood County Domestic Violence Task Force Member Buffy Queen addresses a rally April 25 outside the Haywood County Historic Courthouse.

May 2-8, 2013

Cory Vaillancourt photo

#MeToo Shedding the stigma around sexual assault

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER ive years ago, Haywood County resident Janelle Smith was working late when a much older male colleague she’d thought of as a friend and mentor cornered her and attempted to sexually assault her.

Although she fought him off, the incident left her feeling physically violated, emotionally upset and, she said, ashamed.

She left her job not long after, didn’t report the assault to her company or the authorities, and has told very few people what had taken place that night.

Her story is typical of such victims in almost every way.

An American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Statistics from the National Sexual Violence and Resource center show that one in every five women will be sexually assaulted in college, as will one in every 16 men.

More than 60 percent of those assaults will 6

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never be reported to authorities, and just six of every thousand perpetrators end up in jail.

That may be changing, however, with the April 22 conviction of entertainer Bill Cosby and the unsettling allegations surrounding Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Me Too began 12 years ago as a sexual violence activist group started by Tarana Burke, but two weeks after the New York Times broke the Weinstein scandal in print, actress Alyssa Milano took to Twitter to encourage the use of a hashtag that would end up leading to the birth of the #MeToo movement.

“If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet,” Milano tweeted Oct. 15. The hashtag was used 200,000 times that day alone and more than half a million times by the next day.

“Millions of women posted,” said Buffy Queen, a facilitator for the Haywood Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force. “It was a safe way to say, ‘Yes, this happened to me,’ whether it was sexual harassment or assault or rape. They didn’t have to

go into detail, they just had to say, ‘I’m standing up. I’m saying silence is deadly and we’re not going to be silent any more.’”

To be sure, the stigma of identifying oneself as a victim played and continues to play a role in the reporting of sexual violence, but as the #MeToo movement grew stronger, it simultaneously eroded that stigma, encouraging countless other victims to seek help.

In Western North Carolina, Queen and her volunteers are often among the first to hear stories from people like Janelle Smith.

Queen is also a community educator for REACH of Haywood, a local crisis intervention agency that additionally serves victims of elder abuse and teen dating violence.

“We help individuals and their children to have a life free of violence, so everything we do goes to that,” she said. “Our issues are peace in the home and in relationships and that’s what we try to supply.”

Get help There are domestic violence service providers assisting residents in all 100 North Carolina counties. If you or someone you know needs assistance from one of them, visit www.nccadv.org. In The Smoky Mountain News’ Western North Carolina coverage area, three agencies serve four counties.

HAYWOOD COUNTY REACH of Haywood County • Waynesville • Office: 828.456.7898 • Crisis: 828.456.7898 • Fax: 828.452.0960 • Website: reachofhaywood.org

From July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, more than 9,500 people in the state sought the services of agencies like REACH — about one in every thousand North Carolinians.

More than 250,000 volunteer hours were spent serving them.

That’s according to a statistical brief prepared by the N.C. Council for Women and Youth Involvement for the N.C. Department of Administration, which not only acts as the state’s “business manager” but also provides various advocacy programs.

Of course, those numbers don’t count the unheard thousands who haven’t sought out services and continue to carry on in silence.

What’s more, the data doesn’t account for those who have sought out similar services — like attorneys, or psychologists, or a friend’s spare bedroom — privately, on their own dime.

Regardless, the report provides a glimpse that’s startling in its omissions but robust in its reporting, as demographic information across the state, and indeed the nation, is substantially uniform.

Although people of all genders can be victims, on average 85 percent of them in North Carolina are female, and a full third of them are minors under the age of 17. Relatives commit 32 percent of offenses, followed closely by acquaintances, followed distantly by romantic partners.

S EE #M ETOO, PAGE 8

JACKSON COUNTY Jackson County is served by REACH of Haywood County or REACH of Macon County.

MACON COUNTY REACH of Macon County • Franklin • Office: 828.369.5544 • Crisis: 828.369.9116 • Fax: 828.524.4535

SWAIN COUNTY Swain/Qualla SAFE • Bryson City • Office: 828.488.9038 • Crisis: 828.488.6809 • Fax: 828.488.1620

Women’s municipal government group reorganizes news

Needs WNC representatives to join

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR epresentatives from the revamped North Carolina Women in Municipal Government visited Maggie Valley last weekend to recruit women from the towns of Western North Carolina.

Not only is the group looking for new members but it’s also seeking feedback from women in government regarding their experience in local government and what the group can provide to better meet their needs.

Liz Johnson, currently serving her fifth term on the Morrisville City Council, said the group had been active once before but fizzled out over the years until she and Martha Sue Hall on the Albemarle City Council decided about five years ago that it needed to be revitalized. Since Johnson took over as president in September, she’s been working to get more women across the state involved.

“My goals for these next two years is to make this group really relevant to women across the state, so I’m meeting with folks to answer that question,” she said to a group in Maggie Valley last Saturday. “There’s great value in us coming together and listening to one another. I’m here to listen and figure out what we need moving forward.”

Johnson said she was appreciative of Maggie Valley Alderman Janet Banks for stepping up to be involved in the group and help get the word out in the western towns.

Banks now serves as the leader of District 11 and 12 in the state.

In addition to Banks, Maggie Valley Mayor Saralyn Price, Maggie Valley Clerk Vickie Best, Waynesville Assistant Town Manager Amie Owens, Clyde Alderman Diane Fore, Clyde Town Administrator Joy Garland, Canton Alderwomen Gail Mull and Kristina Smith and Durham City Councilwoman Dedreana Freeman were at the meeting.

Freeman, who serves as the first vice president of the group, said she was happy to travel to Maggie Valley to meet female leaders on the other side of the state and hear what their experiences are like in government.

“As a graduate of a women’s college, women’s issues is something I lean into — it’s the space I feel most comfortable and I enjoy finding ways to push women together, so I look forward to moving Liz’s vision forward,” she said.

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— Liz Johnson, Morrisville City Council

We still don’t have enough women in higher government to have a voice in the decisions made in North Carolina,” Johnson said. “We need to support each other moving forward and be more actively involved in the League.”

Johnson said studies have shown that men don’t often need reassurance from others before deciding to run for office, but women often have to be asked several times before taking the leap. She would like to see more female elected officials serve on the League of Municipalities Board of Directors or its committees so western counties can have more of a voice in statewide issues.

“I think women are not as involved because we’re not asked. We wait to be asked to be involved,” she said. “I fall victim to that as well. I never thought to apply to serve on the League board until someone asked.”

Fore said that is what happened to her — even though she’d served on the town’s planning board for 14 years, she hadn’t thought she was qualified to run for the Board of Aldermen until Garland asked her to consider it. Now that she’s on the board and still teaches school with other women, she said it’s sparked an interest in other women who perhaps never thought they could do it.

Smith said she was fortunate to have Mull already on the Canton board to turn to for advice when she decided to run. She said Mull convinced her she was just as qualified

as anyone else to run and it didn’t matter if she was a woman or a young mom with a full-time job. She added that voters cared more about where she was from than whether she was male or female.

“I found the perception in my mind was different than others’ perception,” she said.

Johnson said in addition to elected positions in town government, she wants women to be aware of the many opportunities to serve on statewide committees where the governor appoints positions, including communities colleges.

MEETING ON ISSUES Garland, who has served as Clyde’s town administrator for 14 years, suggested having a quarterly get together at different locations throughout the year so that the group can discuss issues more than once a year at the League conference.

“There’s usually a hot topic issue going on so maybe having a special speaker to address that issue would be helpful,” Garland said.

A few suggested ideas for topics included how to effectively work and communicate with men and how to be heard when working with a majority male board.

Banks said she would like to see women in municipal government overcome the idea

that only one or two women can serve on the same board at the same time. Men have been the majority on government boards for a long time, Banks said. So why does the idea of a female majority still seem appalling to some, she asked?

“There seems to be a limit to the number of women who can be elected to a town council at one time,” she said. “It puzzles me. I’d like to see us growing our membership by electing more women. Why can’t we get a majority on the board?”

Smith pointed out that she didn’t want to get into a “we’re better than them” conversation — for her it’s more about bringing women’s unique skills and contributions to the table.

While she doesn’t claim that women are better than men, Freeman said women need to overemphasize the importance of their role in local government because there’s been a deficit for so long and there continues to be a deficit.

“The bias is still there and we all deal with it, so it’s important how we deal with it — to call it out,” she said. “They may feel like we’re pushing back men, but we have to because of society. I’m on a board with a woman majority and majority people of color, so I’m fortunate, but when you look at the state house and senate there’s not many women — there’s a reason for that.”

Johnson agreed women aren’t necessarily better leaders — just different leaders. The fact remains that women make up 50 percent of registered voters yet only make up about 24 percent of state legislators in the country.

“We all have our strengths, but if we had more women in government I don’t think we’d fight as many wars,” she said. “We like to work together to solve things. There’s great strength in that.”

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Smoky Mountain News

Johnson said one of her goals is to find a way to encourage women to stay in government, whether it’s with an elected position or not. While women still face challenges in municipal government, Johnson thinks more support from other women could help.

“We want to help women stay in office and encourage them to go into higher office.

“We want to help women stay in office and encourage them to go into higher office. We still don’t have enough women in higher government to have a voice in the decisions made in North Carolina.”

May 2-8, 2013

DON’T WAIT TO BE ASKED

Women in municipal government meet to discuss current issues at Maggie Valley Town Hall last Saturday. Jessi Stone photo

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Waynesville Alderman Julia Boyd Freeman also serves as Executive Director of REACH of Haywood County. Cory Vaillancourt photo #M ETOO, CONTINUED FROM 6 In the end, the chance that the victim was assaulted by a total stranger was less than 2 percent.

Over that same time period in Haywood County, 145 people sought services related to sexual violence — one in every 416 residents.

About 85 percent were female, 85 percent were white and 30 percent were under the age of 17. Total strangers committed 1.38 percent of offenses.

“I believe our numbers are going up and I don’t think it’s because there’s more violence in the home or in the relationship, I think it’s because people know there are more services out there,” Queen said. “That’s actually a good thing, because we know we’re helping people.”

Despite a change in reporting standards, Queen’s observations bear simple truths — the numbers are going up, likely as the result of the public education component of REACH’s mission; Queen said that in particular, a safe dating program she presents to middle school students is a good way to stop sexual violence before it starts.

That same focus on education and prevention led REACH and the Domestic Violence Task Force to hold a rally on the grounds of the Haywood County Historic Courthouse April 25, an auspicious day in an auspicious month.

“April is recognized nationally as sexual assault awareness month,” said Julia Boyd Freeman, a Town of Waynesville alderman who is also the executive director of REACH. “So we are here in celebration to support victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual violence.”

April 25 is recognized internationally as “Denim Day,” which originated after the Italian Supreme Court said in 1998 that a rape victim must have somehow been cooperative with her attacker because her “very, very tight” jeans would have been too difficult to remove against her will.

The next day, many in the Italian Parliament wore denim, mocking the justices’ assertions that jeans were an alibi for rape.

From July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, more than 9,500 people in the state sought the services of agencies like REACH — about one in every thousand North Carolinians. More than 250,000 volunteer hours were spent serving them.

— N.C. Council for Women and Youth Involvement

“It’s a worldwide issue, because it certainly isn’t restricted to the United States,” said Queen. “It is a matter of someone saying that they have rights over someone else, and in this case it’s gender rights, so one gender is saying ‘I have the right to own, or hurt or use someone from the other gender.’”

Given the victim statistics, the role of men in the problem — as well as the solution — cannot be overlooked. Queen said she was especially heartened by the presence of what she called “men of goodwill” at the rally, which drew more than 70 people.

Anyone can be an ally or advocate for victims of sexual violence, but perhaps most important are the institutional allies like those from the Canton Police Department, the Haywood County Sheriff ’s Office and the District Attorney’s office.

All of them sent representatives to speak at the REACH rally, which Queen said was an important step in shedding the stigma that prevented and continues to prevent people like Janelle from reporting sexual violence.

“In Haywood County, we’ve had nothing like this as far as the rally,” Queen said. “We said ‘It’s time. Let’s get together.’”

Editor’s note: The name Janelle Smith was made up to protect the victim’s identity.

Property would conserve mountaintop land, expand Pinnacle Park

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER n effort to conserve a 441.5-acre block of land adjacent to Pinnacle Park in the Plott Balsams is now looking much more feasible than when the possibility was first discussed nearly two years ago.

The property, owned by the home building company America’s Home Place, was originally slated for development, but in 2016 the company announced its willingness to sell the land at a bargain rate for longterm conservation. Riddled with panoramic views, sparkling waterfalls and high-elevation solitude, the property’s conservation value was obvious.

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The only problem was that America’s Home Place wanted $4.25 million for a pair of tracts totaling 912 acres, and while that was indeed a bargain price, it was also out of reach for the local governments — Sylva and Jackson County — that the company hoped would buy the land.

The Conservation Fund has been involved throughout the conversation, working to arrive at a funding arrangement that would be feasible for all involved and achieve the ultimate goal of protecting the land from development. The organization is applying for a $1 million grant from the state’s Clean Water Management Trust Fund and working to raise $400,000 in private donations, leaving Jackson County and Sylva to chip in $250,000 apiece to purchase the 441.5-acre Blackrock section of the property.

The idea is that Sylva would own the property and add it to the 1,088-acre Pinnacle Park, which adjoins the tract in question.

The section includes a 403-acre tract plus three smaller parcels providing road access.

Jackson County and Sylva both plan to discuss the project, and possibly vote on it, this month. Sylva commissioners discussed the issue during an April 26 budget work session and plan to vote during their May 24 meeting.

“I feel it’s something that we as good citizens of North Carolina ought to think of as something that if we help with this, we’re doing something wonderful for the state and for our region, because this land will be saved forever,” said Mayor Lynda Sossamon.

Board members were favorable to the idea. While $250,000 is no small potatoes for Sylva’s perennially tight budget, the town has more than $3 million in its Fisher Creek Fund, money the town received for preserving its Fisher Creek watershed as a conservation easement. The agreement mandates that 40 percent of those funds go to projects related to water quality in the watershed.

Donated photo

— Bill Holman, the Fund’s North Carolina director

America’s Home Place also wants to sell the 471-acre Shut In Creek property, which abuts the Blackrock property. Mainspring Conservation Trust is taking the lead on that project with support from The Conservation Fund.

“Although there are still a lot of details to work out, The Conservation Fund is optimistic that we’ll be able to help Sylva expand Pinnacle Park by purchasing the 441.5-acre Blackrock section,” said Bill Holman, the Fund’s North Carolina director.

However, pointed out Commissioner David Nestler, the property in question is not part of the Fisher Creek watershed. It’s just over the ridge, with its waters flowing away from Pinnacle Park — any money from the Fisher Creek fund used to buy the land, he said, should come from the portion that is not earmarked for water quality. While clarifying that he is “all for” the project, he also pointed out that the entrance to the America’s Home Place property would be more easily accessible to Cherokee and

Smoky Mountain News

“Although there are still a lot of details to work out, The Conservation Fund is optimistic that we’ll be able to help Sylva expand Pinnacle Park by purchasing the 441.5acre Blackrock section.”

Donated photo

Maggie Valley residents than to Sylva residents — and because of the distance from town, maintenance could also be an issue.

“That’s sort of the concern,” he said.

“This isn’t really our backyard.”

“The maintenance is the issue,” agreed Town Manager Paige Dowling. “You can look at it and talk about trails, but we don’t have money to build trails.”

“It seems like it’s a nice opportunity for collaboration,” added Commissioner Greg McPherson.

If Sylva voted to pursue the purchase, it would be with the understanding that collaboration would be involved. The Jackson County commissioners are also slated to take up the issue, discussing it during their May 15 work session and voting on the matter — should commissioners wish to take it to a vote — during the May 21 meeting.

Neither Sylva nor Jackson County will appropriate any funds in May — the votes would be on whether to issue a letter of commitment to provide funding, should the other details fall into place.

While it remains to be seen what county commissioners will say in open session, County Manager Don Adams said he’s had “positive feedback” during his initial conversations with individual commissioners. If commissioners wanted to appropriate the $250,000, the money would come from the county’s conservation and recreation fund, a pot of money set aside for such projects.

“This becomes an amount of money that doesn’t just wipe that fund out, whereas before the amount of moneys that were being discussed (in 2016) really would have just consumed not only that entire fund, but more money,” Adams said. “This is what makes this feasible now.”

Before any money is appropriated, The Conservation Fund will have to see how fundraising goes and whether the Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant is approved. That decision will come in September. An appraisal will also have to be conducted to determine whether the property is worth the purchase price.

“There’s a lot of checks and balances,” said Adams.

According to Jackson County tax records, the 441.5 acres have a total value of $811,040. However, tax values can be lower than market values.

“There’s an actual appraisal done several years ago that’s higher than the amount of money we’re talking about, plus there’s been investments in the road,” Adams said.

Time is of the essence, because America’s Home Place wants to sell the Blackrock section — the one under discussion in Sylva and Jackson County — in 2018.

“Clean Water Management Trust Fund funds will be awarded in September but may not actually be available until the first quarter of 2019,” said Holman. “If necessary, the Fund will acquire the property from America’s Home Place in 2018 and sell it to the town in 2019, when all the public and 9 private funds are available.”

May 2-8, 2013

A sweeping mountain view stretches alone property owned

by America’s Home Place.

Blackrock Falls tumbles through the property that Sylva is considering adding to Pinnacle Park.

news

Local governments mull 400-acre land purchase

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Walking in someone else’s story Swain students find common ground with NYC students

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR n the surface, students in Swain County grow up worlds apart from students in New York City.

It’s easy to notice the differences in the way they speak, dress and perceive the world, but by peeling back those superficial layers and taking a walk in one another’s shoes, these students from different worlds have found they share many of the same values and aspirations.

This newly found sense of empathy and understanding between rural southern students attending public school and city kids attending private school was made possible

by Narrative 4 — a global nonprofit organization started in Ireland in 2016 with the mission of building empathy, shattering stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and ultimately making the world a better place.

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FINDING COMMON GROUND

Smoky Mountain News

May 2-8, 2013

Over the last year, students at Swain County High School and students from Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City have been building relationships by visiting each other’s communities and engaging in the Narrative 4 story exchange program.

Swain students traveled to New York City last October to spend a week with Fieldston students and the Fieldston students recently spent a week exploring all there is to see in Swain County. It was a bit of a culture shock for both groups, but both embraced the new world in which they were thrown.

Swain students were excited to visit NYC landmarks, see a Broadway musical and ride the subway while Fieldston students enjoyed their time hiking, whitewater rafting and visiting Darnell Farms and the Road to Nowhere.

“Narrative 4 helps you realize that we have more in common than we do differences,” said Swain High senior Reagan Beck.

“We’ve been able to establish a common ground on paper that we can build upon.”

The Narrative 4 project has helped students from Swain and Fieldston break down many of the stereotypes that plague both Southerners and New Yorkers.

“When you’re from the South there’s an assumption that others are rude, but the Fieldston group was so welcoming of us,” Beck said. “We visited their school and I had this anxious feeling that I’d be embarrassed to bring them here to Swain High, but it was quite the opposite — I’ve been so proud to show them our school and where we grew up.”

Narrative 4 couldn’t have chosen two schools with more differences. While Swain High students grew up in one of the most rural and most impoverished counties in the 10 state of North Carolina, the visiting Fieldston

Students from Swain County High and Fieldston School in New York City go on a rafting trip together (top). Author David Joy talks to students (above) about the art of storytelling during a weeklong Narrative 4 project at Swain High School. Donated photo • Jessi Stone photo students come from wealthy New York families who can afford to send them to a progressive private school where tuition is about $50,000 a year.

Since a majority of the students visiting from Fieldston were Jewish, just the idea of visiting a Southern Baptist church service was something so foreign and exciting for them during their trip. Many Fieldston students said they’d never met anyone of Native American decent. Their families don’t own guns and they have never even held a gun, which was a bit of a shock to Swain students who’ve grown up shooting guns for sport or hunting purposes. Despite all these differences, the students have been more focused on learning from each other’s life experiences and focusing on what they have in common.

“It really is about seeing our commonalities. It can be easy to reduce others to a stereotype, but really it’s not true,” said Fieldston senior Isaac Sonnenfeldt. “Our experience has not been representative of what we thought it would be like.”

“Everyone here has been so friendly. If you ask for directions they’ll help you. People in New York definitely don’t do that,” said Fieldston student Jaell Strell.

TELLING EACH OTHER’S STORY Visiting each other’s schools is only one part of the Narrative 4 process — the meaningful work begins with a story exchange in which students work one-on-one with a student from another school to share each other’s personal stories. Then they each get up in front of everyone and tell their partner’s life story in first person just as they had experienced it firsthand.

Cofounder and President of Narrative 4 Colum McCann said through that process, people are able to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes and build empathy for people who are different from on another.

“This a fabulous initiative between two communities that seem, on the surface, to be wildly different. When they come together they expand the lungs of the world,” McCann said.

Fieldston student Olivia Maury said she was skeptical of the impact of the story exchange even though she’d heard from others how intense and emotional the process could be.

“I honestly didn’t think it worked before we did the exchange here at Swain,” she said,

adding that perhaps it was more meaningful after spending time getting to know each other and being comfortable with one another.

“The story exchange is always an intimidating experience, but it’s brought us all closer together. Everyone was crying by the end of it,” Beck said.

Ron Rash, the best-selling novelist and professor of Appalachian Cultural Studies at Western Carolina University, said he was also uncertain of the story exchange idea when he first met McCann in Aspen about six years ago.

“We did a story exchange with other faculty members where we had a person tell our story back to us. I was skeptical, but it worked,” he said. “You have to have a sense of seeing the world from a different point of view. It’s about the power of stories and how they remind you we’re not alone in the world — that’s what literature does.”

It was that experience that led Rash to become a founding member/author of Narrative 4 and the story exchange method before the organization even had an official name or mission. Rash introduced the Narrative 4 concept to Dawn Gilchrist, a teacher at Swain High. Together, the two educators kicked off efforts in the state with a literary festival at WCU in 2013.

Ben Cutler, an English teacher at Swain High, also got involved with Narrative 4 during that process and became a master practitioner for the project in North Carolina. He helped facilitate the weeklong field exchange in Swain County.

“During a typical story exchange, Narrative 4 requires my students to first find value in their own stories. They forget themselves and recognize the value in another,” Cutler said. “They take ownership and stewardship of another’s narrative, and trust in others to do the same. I believe the power of this pilot program will magnify that experience to reveal both the simplicity and complexity of our shared humanity.”

Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, a Swain County High teacher and award-winning author, also took part in the festivities last week by participating in a story exchange with other authors from the region. She’s excited to see Swain County have such a big part in the global project.

“For Swain students, it allows them to see they have the same skills, ability and potential to make changes they want to see in the world.

It emboldens them to see they can have a large-scale impact just as much as someone living in Manhattan,” she said. “For Fieldston, they come to understand what life is like here and what goes into forming the identity of the South. They’ll find it’s more complicated than it may have seemed to them before.”

AUTHORS’ STORY EXCHANGE Another thing the New York students may not have realized or appreciated was the impressive panel of authors that came to Swain High to participate in a story exchange.

Rash and Clapsaddle were joined on stage by fellow southern writers David Joy, Silas House, Robert Gipe, Jeremy Jones and Pam Duncan as well as Irish author and Narrative 4 founder Colum

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In the YARD

Saturday, May 5th · 6-11pm A panel of authors takes turns reading excerpts of each other’s work at Swain High School.

Jessi Stone photo

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Smoky Mountain News

After the author panel, Rash and Joy led a storytelling workshop with Swain and Fieldston students.

Rash told the students that there are without a doubt three things southerners know how to do well.

“We know how to tell a story, we know how to make music and we know how to make biscuits and gravy,” he said.

While the conversation started out talking about storytelling and the difficulty in finding your authentic voice on paper, the talk evolved into a deeper conversation about cultural differences and the stereotypes that prevail about southerners.

Joy said it was disheartening to see southerners try to disguise their accents in an attempt to assimilate outside the South.

“As southerners, we’re taught over and over again the way we sounded was ignorant,” he said. “That always bothered me that they feel forced to abandon who they are.

And as that voice disappeared, there was a fleeting moment when people realized how absolutely beautiful it was.”

Joy said the same thing is true for people from New York or Boston who have their distinctive voices and accents.

“One of my goals was to preserve that voice in my writing,” Rash added. “There’s a beat and a delight to it whether it’s here or in New York.”

Joy said creating realistic dialogue can be another challenge for southern writers.

“The people I grew up with didn’t talk much at all. We could ride in a car for an hour and never speak a word and we sure as hell didn’t talk about our feelings. I think that’s probably a southern thing,” he said.

Joy was probably surprised to learn that many of the Fieldston students attending the workshop had read his opinion piece in the New York Times about gun culture.

When asked what inspired him to write a nonfiction piece, Joy said it came out of anger that the only audible voices in the gun debate were either extreme left and extreme right.

He wanted to be that common sense voice for the people caught in the middle — mostly those in the South who grew up around guns.

He asked how many Swain students knew how to shoot a gun — they all raised their hands. None of the Fieldston students knew how to shoot a gun and none of their parents owned guns.

“There are so many simple solutions that gun owners would agree with but they weren’t being heard,” Joy said. “I can provide a voice when I feel a voice is being silenced.”

Fieldston students Max Schindel said he appreciated Joy’s perspective on gun control.

“Before I read your piece, I had never really empathized with a gun owner on that level,” Schindel said. “I think this program has allowed us to talk about issues in a productive way where we have real respect for each other.”

Joy said it’s hard for people to hate each other when they are face to face.

“Some of the most racist people I’ve met have never met the people they are racist against,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to do things like this — it breaks down those stereotypes.”

May 2-8, 2013

McCann. They took turns reading excerpts from each other’s writing before reflecting on the experience.

Before he ever published a book, House said he’d never been anywhere outside of where he grew up in Kentucky.

“Everyone was the same where I’m from.

It wasn’t until I went on a book tour I met a lot of different people and that made me a better writer,” he said.

Duncan said she thought about how readers identify with literary characters even when the author thinks they’re writing about someone no one can empathize with on a personal level.

“I always wrote characters that were weird like me,” she said. “But people loved the character and turns out I’m not the only weirdo in the world. It makes me feel less alone in the world.”

Gipe said experiences like this made people realize there’s more than one way to look at the world.

“It’s scary to be someone else for a minute especially when they’re sitting next to you but it’s powerful,” he said. “It’s something everyone should try.”

Cinco de Mayo

Monday, May 21 Asheville: 9 am - 12 noon Fletcher: 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

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‘Not guilty’ in trial of former Tribal Council candidate Charges alleged disorderly conduct following Lambert impeachment

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ollowing the May 2017 impeachment of then-Principal Chief Patrick Lambert, tribal member Lori Taylor lost her job with the Tribal Prosecutor’s Office when charges were filed against her alleging disorderly conduct. Now, nearly a year later, the case has gone to trial with a six-member jury taking less than half an hour to return a verdict of not guilty.

“There was no truth to it. There never was no truth to it,” Taylor said. “That’s why I had to fight it. That’s why I had to go all the way to the end and show the people what happened.”

The impeachment, which spanned three days of hearings and a fourth day for deliberation and delivery of a verdict, was an explosive time in Cherokee. Many felt that the process used to remove Lambert from office was unjust and made their misgivings known — sometimes vocally — throughout the ordeal. When the Cherokee Tribal Council ultimately voted to remove Lambert from office, the atmosphere in the council house became so heated that the swearing-in of then-Vice Chief Richard Sneed to the office of principal chief had to be halted and relocated, ultimately taking place at the EBCI Justice Center.

Taylor, who had been present throughout the impeachment hearings, was in the Justice Center at the time Sneed’s swearingin occurred.

According to a criminal complaint filed May 25, 2017, Taylor “purposely caused public inconvenience, annoyance and risk by continually making offensively coarse utterances as well as addressing offensive language to Cherokee Indian Police Department officers and public in the hall-

Smoky Mountain News

May 2-8, 2013

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way when refused entrance by Sgt. Neil Ferguson into the main courtroom where Richard Sneed was being sworn in.”

The complaint continues to say that the building was on “emergency security lockdown” and that Taylor refused to leave when Ferguson asked her to and continued to “curse and scream” when Officer Luke Hyde escorted her out of the building. The complaint alleges that Taylor was “instrumental” in causing the “disturbance” at the Cherokee council house that prompted Sneed’s swearing-in to be relocated to the EBCI Justice Center.

Taylor has consistently denied the allegations, refusing to take a plea deal even when the charges were upgraded to include assaulting a police officer. That charge was eventually dropped, with disorderly conduct the only offense considered at trial.

“All it was, was political,” Taylor said.

“Political, political, political, but my family had to hurt and be under stress for an entire year.”

At the time of the impeachment, Taylor was working as a victim witness coordinator for the Tribal Prosecutor’s Office and running to represent Big Cove on Tribal Council. She said she was fired from her job when the charges were filed, even though they hadn’t yet been adjudicated in court, and that the situation negatively affected her run for office. Taylor ran against nine other candidates in the June 1 Primary Election, coming in third with 11.4 percent of the vote, but in the Sept. 7 General Election she came in dead last in the narrowed-down field of four, with 18.9 percent of the vote.

The trial lasted all day April 24, with Taylor taking the stand before closing statements on April 25.

According to Taylor, multiple elements of the officers’ version of events were false. In her version of the story, Ferguson was the “only person that was hostile or aggravated or angry.” She said that she left when asked to, but that the building was not on lockdown — “There were people still going to do their business, people still going to the clerk’s office. It was never on lockdown or evacuated,” she said.

Taylor said she hadn’t even been plan-

poenaed her to be present at the impeachment hearings, which lasted Monday through Thursday. The reason she’d tried to go in the courtroom, she said, is that she’d seen Chief Justice Kirk Saunooke go in there and wanted to ask him a question about the legality of the day’s proceedings After facing charges of disorderly — she said she conduct for alleged events following didn’t know that the impeachment of former Principal Sneed was about to be sworn in Chief Patrick Lambert, Lori Taylor was there until found ‘not guilty’ by a jury on the Ferguson told her.

Qualla Boundary. Holly Kays photo While Taylor is no longer facing charges and won’t have a criminal offense on her permanent record, the ordeal has not been without consequences. For one, she lost her job of nearly 20 years, placing financial hardship on her family. And the stress and worry related to the court case have taken their toll.

She said she plans to file suit against those who she believes have acted purposely to harm her.

“You can’t do that to people,” she said. “That’s what our tribe and our government needs to learn is the days of inflicting ed out. The TOP office is next door to the fear and intimidation are over. People are council house, more than a mile from the standing up. They’re getting smart, they’re justice center. getting educated on things that are happenAccording to Taylor, she went to the ing in our tribe, and they’re going to fight courthouse to fill out her timesheet, someit.” thing her supervisor had been needing her Tribal Prosecutor Justin Eason declined to do. She hadn’t been able to do it earlier to comment on the case. that week because Tribal Council had subning to go see Sneed’s swearing-in. On a video The Smoky Mountain News took during the failed swearing-in attempt at the council house, Taylor can be seen on video shouting, “They’re going to TOP (Tribal Operations Program)” when Sneed is escort-

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ccording to a press release from Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland, Macon deputies were dispatched to 164 Pheasant Dr., around 11:41 p.m. April 29, in reference to a dispute amongst neighbors regarding boards with nails placed on a driveway, blocking a neighbors exit.

The responding deputy arrived at 11:55 p.m. and began interviewing the original caller and involved parties. While conducting the investigation, a Macon County deputy was confronted by an armed suspect. The deputy gave repeated commands to drop the weapon. The suspect took aggressive action toward the deputy, prompting the deputy to discharge his weapon in self-defense, which struck and killed the suspect.

“Upon my arrival and after checking on my officers and reviewing the scene, I contacted and requested the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to conduct a full investigation into the incident,” Holland said. “Because this is an SBI investigation, the Macon County Sheriff ’s Office is not in the position to disclose any additional information until the conclusion of the SBI investigation and subsequent review by the District Attorney’s Office.”

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Smoky Mountain News

A candidate challenge against Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran has been appealed to the State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement after the Swain County Board of Elections dismissed the challenge during an April 9 hearing.

The state board, which was recently appointed and hasn’t had a chance to complete board training yet, will meet at 3 p.m.

Thursday, May 3, to conduct hearings on two appeals of candidate challenge decisions, including Cochran’s case.

The challenge against Cochran was filed

by Swain County resident Jerry Lowery, who claims the incumbent sheriff was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps and is therefore guilty of a felony. If he was in fact dishonorably discharged, Lowery claims Cochran would be stripped of his right to carry a firearm and therefore doesn’t qualify to run for sheriff.

In a candidate challenge, the candidate in question has the burden of proof to show he or she is in fact eligible to run for office. Cochran claims he was not issued a DD-214 — a military release form that would show whether he was dishonorably discharged.

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May 2-8, 2013

Swain sheriff candidate challenge appealed to state

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Macon deputy shoots suspect

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Jackson County gives $150K for Mountain Projects building New location now open on Asheville Road

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ountain Projects is now moving into a newly renovated building on Asheville Road in Waynesville, thanks in part to matching contributions of $150,000 that Jackson and Haywood counties approved in April.

Jackson was the latest county to approve funding, with commissioners voting unanimously during their April 16 meeting to appropriate the money from the 2017-2018 budget. Haywood County granted the funding April 2.

“Mountain Projects is a very well-deserving agency that does a lot of good in Western North Carolina, especially here in Haywood and Jackson,” said Jackson Commission Chairman Brian McMahan April 16. “Their outreach even goes beyond that in what they have been able to accomplish.”

Mountain Projects first approached Jackson County about the appropriation a year ago, during an April 2017 work session.

Eight Mountain Projects board members attended to explain that it would cost about $650,000 to renovate the new building and that Mountain Projects had about $300,000 to get started. However, said Waynesville

May 2-8, 2013

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Mayor Gavin Brown, who at the time was a member of the Mountain Projects board, the organization would be looking for $150,000 apiece from Jackson and Haywood counties to round out the funding.

“We would put our money in first,” said Brown. “We’re going to have $300,000 in the game. Then we would ask you to start that $150,000 for the completion of the repairs.”

The building is an older structure, but it’s 15,000 square feet and located across the street from Junaluska Elementary School. It was an attractive option for Mountain Projects because Haywood County, which owned the building, allowed the organization to buy it at a substantial discount.

However, it needed significant renovations, including a new roof, to become operational.

“This building is not just for the benefit of the employees of Mountain Projects,” said former Haywood County Commission Chairman Mark Swanger, a member of the Mountain Projects board at the time. “I don’t know how we’ve avoided a lawsuit all this time with accessibility issues with the public accessing that building, but it’s problematic, I’ll put it that way.”

Mountain Projects started on Main Street in Sylva in 1965, later moving to the building on Old Balsam Road that has been its home for 45 years. With renovations now complete on the new space, staff have spent the past week packing,

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Mountain Projects is now open at its new location on 2177 Asheville Road in Waynesville.

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— Mountain Projects Executive Director Patsy Davis

moving and unpacking and will serve the first client in the new location — 2177 Asheville Road — Wednesday, May 2.

“Having help and support to relocate was an answer to a prayer,” said Executive Director Patsy Davis. “I want Mountain Projects to continue to put as much money as possible into helping people and not paying debt. I will forever be grateful to my home county for the leadership and support

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“Having help and support to relocate was an answer to a prayer. I want Mountain Projects to continue to put as much money as possible into helping people and not paying debt.”

they have shown as we relocate to a safer and better facility.”

During the April 2017 meeting, Mountain Projects board members made it clear that, in addition to the $150,000, they’d like to see Jackson commit more recurring funding to Mountain Projects going forward. Brown told the Jackson commissioners that Haywood County currently provides more than half a million dollars annually in direct and indirect support, but Jackson gives less than $25,000.

“I’m asking you for one-third of a penny on your tax rate is what I’m asking you,” Brown said. “That’s really what we need, and that’s what we would like to see.”

One-third of a penny on Jackson’s tax rate would equal about $300,000.

“However we can figure it out, at some point here we need to step up to the plate to do our share,” said Commissioner Mickey Luker.

That conversation was a year ago, and increased appropriations to Mountain Projects have not been part of public budget discussions for 2018-2019 at this point.

However, when Mountain Projects came to the point of needing the $150,000 from Jackson, commissioners were more than willing to appropriate it.

“This deserves the money, and as a member of the (Jackson County) Board of Commissioners, I think we should put forth our best effort in doing the best we can to help this program,” said Commissioner Charles Elders, chairman of the Mountain Projects Board.

May 2-8, 2013 Smoky Mountain News

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Tax rate to stay flat in Sylva Budget will require fund balance appropriations

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ylva residents won’t see a tax increase this year, but despite the proposed budget’s 15 percent spending increase over 2018-2019, purse strings will remain tight.

The proposed budget would total $4.3 million in general fund expenditures, up from $3.7 million in 2017-2018. The increase is due mainly to necessary expenditures such as catching up on retirement benefit contributions — which the town skimped on during the recession — replacing equipment such as two police vehicles and a failing bucket truck, maintaining the pool and paying for sidewalks.

“One thing that I would like to point out is the target (fund balance) goal from the treasurer and the local government commission for towns our size has gone to 76.65 percent,” Town Manager Paige Dowling told board members during an April 26 work session.

“Passing this budget, it would leave our fund balance at 57 percent.”

A fund balance is akin to a town’s saving account, with its size expressed in terms of the percentage of a year’s expenses it holds.

Having a healthy fund balance is considered important to a town’s ability to deal with emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.

Board members said they didn’t love the idea of going down to 57 percent but didn’t see another viable alternative.

“We hate to do a lot of these things, but it’s necessary,” said Commissioner Barbara Hamilton.

Of the $189,100 planned to come from fund balance, $100,000 will be set aside to fund sidewalk construction along N.C. 107.

Appropriations for the sidewalks will be

Town commissioners agree that the pool is a valuable amenity to town residents, but it’s also expensive to maintain, even with Jackson County splitting the cost. Holly Kays photo

May 2-8, 2013

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spread over two to three years, totaling somewhere between $200,000 and $300,000. Sylva must start planning for the expense now if it ever wants to see sidewalks along that stretch of road. The N.C. Department of Transportation is planning a road project along N.C. 107, and it will fund 80 percent of the cost of sidewalks if Sylva puts in the remaining 20 percent, providing for as good a deal as Sylva will likely ever get.

“We would hope that $200,000 would be enough, but we’re going to have more concrete numbers when we get to that point,” said Dowling.

“No pun intended,” laughed Commissioner Greg McPherson.

Other increases to the budget stem from higher sales and property tax collections, improved interest rates on investments, grants, and other smaller items.

In 2016, Sylva raised its taxes from 30 cents per $100 of property value to 42.5 cents per $100. The tax hike aimed to get the budget solvent and prevent the town from continually drawing out of fund balance to

maintain its daily operations.

While the proposed budget will take nearly $200,000 from fund balance, Dowling said this is a different scenario than fund balance appropriations before the tax increase, with the town in much better shape than it was two years ago.

“Five years ago we were taking $200,000 out (of fund balance) for operating expenses,” she said. “This isn’t what’s happening with this budget.”

Proposed fund balance appropriations are for one-time expenses that must be funded now and can’t be funded through other revenues, she said, and the town is more caught up on capital expenses than it’s been in the past.

“I think the large capital outlays would come from my department for equipment.

I’m probably done for 12 to 15 years,” said Public Works Director Dan Shaeffer, who will retire next year. “You guys have been really good to us, and I think they’re in good shape for about that long.”

Maintenance at the pool is the only recur-

ring expense that’s planned to come from fund balance. That’s not an expense that was included when the 2016 tax increase was enacted, Dowling said. Commissioners spent a few minutes mulling that quandary, trying to brainstorm ways the pool could bring in more income or be managed differently so as to be less of a burden on the town’s budget.

“The pool is not ever going to make money, unfortunately,” said Dowling. “Pools don’t make money.”

“How much of an unforeseen expense would it take to put us in a dangerous spot with our fund balance?” asked Commissioner David Nestler.

Dowling replied that the town is in much better shape with capital expenses than it’s been in the past and that the fund balance level could actually improve over the number forecast in the proposed budget. Every $100,000 expenditure drops the fund balance about 3 percent, she said.

“I do feel like we’re going to put some back in this year,” said Lynn Bryant, finance director for the town, said of the fund balance. “All the departments are coming in under their budget, so we’re going to have revenue from that if they continue for the next two months to put that in. And our sales tax has come in above what was anticipated.

My hope is it’s going to be in the low 60 percent and not in the 50s.”

While sales tax revenues have come in strong this year, the town could see a reduction in tax revenue in 2020, when the N.C. 107 road project begins. The town’s tax base will take a hit as right-of-way is acquired, and sales tax revenue will be negatively impacted as construction impedes access to commercial businesses along the project corridor during the two-year project, Dowling wrote in her budget message.

Dowling will formally submit the proposed budget to the board at its 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 10 meeting. A public hearing will be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 31, with the budget adopted thereafter.

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LOOKING AHEAD

Competing community values and differing long-term goals will end up being incorporated into Waynesville’s new comprehensive plan. Cory Vaillancourt photo

Progress with vision Waynesville comprehensive plan overhaul underway

Comprehensive planning is one of the most substantial undertakings any municipality of any size will ever undertake.

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LOOKING BACK

End Today’s Dental Problems with Teeth Tomorrow

May 2-8, 2013

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER Failing to plan, as it is often said, is planning to fail.

To that end, state statutes require municipalities to create a comprehensive plan, which the Town of Waynesville did for the very first time in 2002.

Titled “Waynesville: Our Heritage, Our Future 2020 Land Development Plan,” the 129-page document was the result of a mammoth multi-year effort to engage all quarters in the community and then lay out what the town might, could or should look like by 2020.

Stipulations in the plan pertain to almost all decisions made in the town’s planning, zoning and infrastructure decisions and hold long-standing implications — like where hotels and gaming parlors can be located, for example — so much so that the plan is updated every 20 years to ensure that the vision of tomorrow doesn’t get lost in the day-to-day developments of a changing community.

Today, the town’s next comprehensive plan is well underway and judging by the results of the previous one, not every need or want will be satisfied when it’s again time for a new one in 2038. But as is also often said, it’s time for the public to speak now on the future of Waynesville, or hold their peace for another two decades.

“It tells us where we want to be protective, where we want to see town growth. It looks at land use and infrastructure, in other words, where we have the water and sewer to support growth,” said Waynesville Director of Development Services Elizabeth Teague.

“But it also looks at other issues such as public health, the economy and jobs, and also how we create more opportunities for local families in terms of jobs and housing.”

Teague will play a critical role in guiding the process of creating the plan, which is expected to be presented to aldermen in draft form in about a year. The town has also engaged Stewart, Inc. to help shepherd the plan along.

She’s no stranger to the process, which she jokingly outlined at a recent board of aldermen meeting as a squiggly, meandering line on a chart that doesn’t reach its goal in a straight line, but does eventually get there.

A steering committee has already begun meeting and is currently occupied with establishing a preliminary framework.

Unlike last time, the existing plan’s strengths and weaknesses will be factored into the new plan.

“We’ve got a good comprehensive plan already in place, so we’re trying to look at that and ask ourselves what’s working and what’s not,” she said.

Some of the goals in the current plan didn’t work, or were never tried, like rebuilding Frog Level’s train depot and creating a town square setting, establishing a substantive public transportation system or converting the problematic Francis Farm landfill to recreational use.

Other goals have seen both recent and ongoing progress since 2002, when the 2020 plan was formally adopted — cooperative water and sewer service, for example.

Many goals, however, have become reality and have greatly benefitted the town.

Parking improvements in Frog Level and Hazelwood are an important accomplishment of the 2020 plan and serve as economic drivers in conjunction with the stated goal of paying more attention to the small business districts that lie outside the town’s wellknown downtown core.

Probably the best known and most visible accomplishments of the 2020 plan are

While not all challenges in development can reasonably be predicted over the next 20 years, a number of recent decisions by the board show the importance of laying out standards with certainty, so developers and business owners can see all the cards on the table — the Nudge City gaming parlor formerly located on Dellwood Road, for example.

No zoning classification existed for such businesses until just recently, because their proliferation couldn’t be anticipated.

Similarly, issues that didn’t exist in 1999 do today, and identifying them will be a large part of the planning process.

“What are the emerging issues we need to address, and how do we identify goals and action items we need to work on?”

Teague said.

One of those, which was outlined in the 2020 plan but hasn’t yet borne fruit, deals with what is probably the most important advancement in the history of human civilization.

“A piece of infrastructure that’s really new since the last plan is telecommunications and broadband,” she said. “In today’s economy we recognize that’s essential for growth.”

Just as electricity, sewer and water were major advancements during the early part

of the last century, high-speed internet has become an unforeseen essential that must now be considered right alongside those basic needs most of America takes for granted.

Another recent development has been a boon to the state as well as the region, despite no one really being ready for it.

“One new thing is what we would call the ‘brewery phenomenon,’ and the fact that we have a very successful set of brewers here that create jobs and economic opportunity,” said Teague. “So are we adequately supporting that as a growth area within our rules?

Are there other types of small manufacturing — maybe it’s soda, like the Waynesville Soda Jerks — are we supporting this light manufacturing and retail that’s growing in North Carolina?”

Light manufacturing and small-to-medium sized businesses are the name of the game today, and any small town still pining for the bygone era of the large manufacturing plant does so at its own peril.

“Every so often you’ll have a big corporation looking for a manufacturing location, but the big fish, the whale that crates all those jobs, they’re few and far between,” she said. “So where we’re seeing economic growth is in the smaller businesses, people working from home, the online community.”

The comprehensive plan’s steering committee has just drafted an online survey, which will be posted in the coming weeks, and a project website is under development as well; all will build towards a planned community workshop in June.

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the reutilization of the old Hazelwood School — now the Folkmoot Friendship Center — and the effort to bury overhead power lines along Main Street.

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Apartment complex hinges on text amendment

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER or a great example of just how important the Town of Waynesville’s comprehensive plan is, one needn’t look any further than the proposed multi-family development located off Plott Creek Road.

“It’s zoned neighborhood residential, which is one of our higher density districts, and they would like to put an apartment complex, 200 units, on 41 acres,” said Elizabeth Teague, Waynesville’s development services director.

While not strictly meeting the definition of “affordable housing” — defined as housing that costs less than 30 percent of one’s income — the one- to three-bedroom units should go for between $700 and $1,300 a month.

The problem is, as stipulated by the town’s table of permitted uses, multi-family housing isn’t allowed in the Plott Creek Neighborhood Residential District.

“It’s well below the density threshold for the district,” said Teague, noting that the developer wouldn’t use the whole parcel, and would stay out of the flood plain and off the slope.

“It’s curious, because multi-family is allowed in most of the other neighborhood residential districts,” she said.

May 2-8, 2013

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Indeed, the town’s zoning map — laid out in the 2020 plan — currently delineates a number of so-called “neighborhood residential” districts such as Allens Creek, Love Lane, Main Street, Nineveh, Pigeon street, Raccoon Creek and Walnut Street.

All allow for medium-density multi-family housing except for Sulphur Springs and Plott Creek; the reason for the exceptions isn’t clear and may be lost to history, but they appear to be intentional and may be a result of a desire to preserve the rural character of the area.

The parcel is the only such district west of the Great Smoky Mountain Expressway, and also abuts the town’s border with Haywood County land.

“The issue may also be the influx of traffic on Plott Creek Road,” Teague opined.

“With Hazelwood School [just east of the proposed development] there’s already a traffic problem.”

But the county is still in the grips of an affordable housing problem — a crisis, according to community leaders who have been studying the problem for more than a year. Although affordability is a top concern, a general lack of rental property in the county has made it difficult for renters of all income levels.

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hensive plan — currently under development and expected to last 20 years — problems like these arise, and need to be answered.

“If we don’t allow multi-family in this type of location, why not and where else should it go?” she asked.

For now, developers would need a text amendment to the current zoning on the parcel. Assuming a favorable one is drafted, it would have to be approved by the planning board and then by town aldermen before construction could begin.

The planning board meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Waynesville’s Town Hall.

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“It’s the classic planning problem, which is, we really need rental property and as the dialogue of affordable housing has grown, one of the missing pieces is what I call ‘workforce housing,’” Teague said. “We just don’t have a lot of big parcels zoned appropriately for multi-family.”

Other than potential complications with traffic, the parcel is in what Teague said was a good location for more residential development — close to the expressway, and close to a central business district “for people who are coming to town for a job, or people coming back from college, or people wanting to retire here.”

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A proposed multifamily housing development off Plott Creek Road doesn’t quite meet zoning requirements.

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New Haywood animal shelter opens

weren’t happy with the initial price tag of around $3.5 million — it was a campaign issue in 2016, and remains so today.

A local nonprofit called Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter has been fundraising for the project, pledging $1 million toward equipping the shelter; to date, they’ve given the county more than $800,000, some of which will be used to reduce the balance on the project loan.

Commissioners Kevin Ensley and Bill Upton voted in favor of the shelter Sept. 7, but found themselves locked in a tie with commissioners Mike Sorrells and Kirk Kirkpatrick, who opposed it. Then-chair Mark Swanger broke the tie in favor of the shelter.

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER hen local veterinarian Dr. Kristen Hammett appeared before the Haywood County Board of Commissioners on the morning of Sept. 7, 2016, she said she’d just come from euthanizing two animals at the county’s dilapidated shelter, which was at the time 30 percent over capacity, reeked of animal waste and produced a “deafening” roar.

Those days are over as of April 25, when commissioners joined Hammett in cutting the ribbon on the new Haywood County Animal Shelter, located in a newly-constructed building on Jones Cove Road.

“We are settling into our new After years of planning and debate, a ribbon-cutting was normal,” said Doyle Teague, county animal services director. held at Haywood County’s new animal shelter April 25.

“The reduced noise level has Cory Vaillancourt photo already made a noticeable difference in the animals’ stress levels. We are excitSwanger was replaced as chair last year by ed to see how having adequate air exchanges Kirkpatrick, and Upton isn’t seeking re-elecand the ability to properly sanitize bedding, tion this term. Kirkpatrick and Sorrells are, bowls and equipment will benefit the overall however, and will compete against another health of our animals.”

Democrat and three Republicans as deterAlthough most people in the community mined by the May 8 Primary Election for were in support of a new shelter, many three seats on commission later this year.

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Franklin Forum to discuss privilege

On April 28, a Macon County Schools activity bus was traveling back to Franklin from an Upward Bound trip with a group of students.

While coming through Haywood County, the driver of the bus heard a loud pop, which appeared to be a blown tire. The driver pulled the bus safely to the shoulder of the road to begin moving students off the bus. Smoke then appeared and flames quickly filled up the bus.

All students and the driver safely exited the bus prior to the flames. Haywood County

Joint candidate fundraiser May 9 A Joint Campaign Kickoff Fundraiser supporting Haywood County's N.C. House Candidates Joe Sam Queen and Rhonda Cole Schandevel in their bids for N.C. House 118 & 119 will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 9 at HART Theatre in Waynesville. Live music by Haywood Ramblers and refreshments by Harmon's Den Bistro.

For more information, contact Joe Sam Queen at 828.508.2191 or Rhonda Cole Schandevel at 828.246.2036.

Smoky Mountain News

Macon bus catches on fire

"Identity politics: Is everyone a part of a ‘protected’ or ‘privileged" class?” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum at 7 p.m.

Monday, May 7, at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub, located at 58 Stewart Street, Franklin.

Those interested in an open exchange of ideas (dialog, not debate) are invited to attend.

For more information, call 828.371.1020.

May 2-8, 2013

Schools loaned Macon County Schools a bus so they could return to Franklin.

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Featured sessions include presentations by Ken Jenkins, Dwight McCarter, Dr. Bill Bass and Art Bohanan, Sam Venable, as well as the first-ever Wilderness Wildlife Week 48 Hour Film Race, the annual Digital Photography Contest, as well as more than 100 sessions for children to enjoy!

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Health

Smoky Mountain News

Ladies Night Out at Angel Medical The next Ladies’ Night Out program on Local Food, Local You will be held at 5:30 p.m.

May 22 in the cafeteria of Angel Medical Center in Franklin.

Joe Deal with Deal Farms will be guest speaking. This month’s charity proceeds will go to CareNet. Needed items include food pantry donations, household supplies (i.e. dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.), and personal hygiene items. Monetary donations are also welcomed.

There will also be a Men’s Night Out program focused on sleep studies with Calvin Gardner. It will meet at 5:30 p.m. on the third floor of the hospital in the Video Conference Room.

Ladies’ Night Out in April were: Elena Marsh, (from left) Jane Long, MacKenzie Kuchen, Lynn Meyers, Phyllis Budd, Karen Tucker, Lois Downs, Martha Calcanes, Karly Hernandez, Carol Heavner.

Caregiver series at the library The Waynesville Library and the Alzheimer’s Association have teamed up to present a series called “The Confident Caregiver” throughout May to provide answers to the questions that arise for caregivers of those with dementia.

• Part 1 will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 10, and will cover the basic symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia’s, along with the communication changes the person will experience.

• Part 2 will be held 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 17, and will address ways to manage and cope with behavior changes and issues.

• Part 3 will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24, and will address the array of care options to consider as the disease progresses, including adult day services and in-home care.

Registration is required. Call 828.356.2507 or email kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

Health screenings coming to Sylva Residents living in and around the Sylva can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.

LifeWay Community Church will host this community event May 22 at 31 Allen Street in Sylva.

Screenings are affordable, convenient and acces-

sible for wheelchairs and those with trouble walking. Free parking is also available.

Packages start at $149, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Call 877.237.1287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com.

Registration is required.

Rabies clinics in Macon Macon County Public Health will hold several Rabies Vaccination Clinics in the Franklin and Highlands areas on Saturday, May 12, and in the Nantahala area on Saturday, May 26. Area veterinarians will vaccinate dogs, cats, and ferrets over 4 months of age, as required by NC state law. The cost is $10 (cash only) per pet and all pets should be kept in vehicles, on leashes, or in carriers. Call 828.349.2106 for more information.

The clinic will be set up May 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. at East Franklin Elementary School; 10 a.m. to noon at Iotla Valley Elementary School; 1 to 3 p.m. at South Macon Elementary School, Mountain View Intermediate School and Cartoogechaye Elementary School; 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Highlands Community Center and 11 a.m. to noon at Scaly Mountain Post Office. On May 26, the clinic will be available from 9 to 10 a.m. at Macon County EMC station in Nantahala.

Hospitals receive LifePoint honor LifePoint Health, a leading healthcare company dedicated to Making Communities Healthier,

recently awarded Haywood Regional Medical Center, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital a 2017 High Five Award as a market for demonstrating excellence across all aspects of their operations.

Each year, the High Five Award is awarded to three of LifePoint’s hospitals that have demonstrated exceptional achievements in fulfilling the company’s High Five Guiding Principles, which include delivering high quality patient care; supporting physicians; creating excellent workplaces for our employees; taking a leadership role in our communities; and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

As part of the award, the hospital received $100,000 from LifePoint for facility improvements and technology that will support the hospital’s ongoing growth and continuous enhancement of services to the community.

Register for caregiver college Memorycare’s Family Caregiver College will be offered for six-week sessions from 3 to 5 p.m.

Tuesdays, May 1 through June 5 at Maple Leaf Adult Day, 63 Elmwood Way, Waynesville.

Provides overview of dementia, transitioning from independence to interdependence, functional and behavioral changes, treatment options and risk reduction, maintaining your own health, dementia and legal planning issues. $85 payable at first session. No cost for individuals enrolled at MemoryCare. Register in advance at 828.771.2219.

Mission recognized as ‘Top 8 health system’ Mission Health is among eight of the nation’s strongest financially performing health systems in the United States according to Becker’s Hospital Review, the nation’s leading source of healthcare finance and business news.

Becker’s reports the top eight performing health systems were compiled from recent credit rating reports from Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, the nation’s leading rating agencies.

“We couldn’t be more-proud of our team at Mission Health,” said Ronald A. Paulus, president and CEO of Mission Health. “This recognition is due to their dedication to not only provide high quality healthcare to the people of western North Carolina, but by always doing so in the spirit of our 133-year legacy of delivering high value, patient-first care to the communities we serve.”

The full Becker’s Hospital Review report can be found at www.beckershospitalreview.com.

21

New residents for Blue Ridge Health Annually, during Match Week, thousands of medical school students and graduates in the United States and around the world learn the specialty and location of the residency programs where they will train for the next three to seven years.

Each year, for Blue Ridge Health — Western North Carolina’s largest federally qualified health center and North Carolina’s only Teaching Health Center — Match Day means the addition of five new, talented residents in Hendersonville and WNC. “It’s exciting,” said Dr. Richard Hudspeth, chief executive officer and chief medical officer for Blue Ridge Health.

This year, the program expanded from four positions to match five per year in an effort to meet the growing needs of underserved areas in WNC.

Haywood hires new urologist Haywood Regional Medical Center recently hired a new urologist Dr. Kelly McAlvany.

McAlvany is board certified in Urology from the American Board of Urology. She received her medical degree from Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in Urology at Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, MN. Call 828.452.9700 or visit www.bluemountainurology.com.

Harris welcomes new cardiologist Harris Regional Hospital, a Duke LifePoint hospital, recently hired Dr. Frederick Dressler to Harris Cardiology, a Duke LifePoint physician practice located on the second floor of the hospital.

Dressler joins Dr. Francis Nullet and Dr. Hamid Nawaz in providing comprehensive cardiovascular care. Dressler completed his residency training at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, after graduating from the American University of the Caribbean located in Coral Gables, Florida.

The hospital now offers cardiac catheterization services, in partnership with Duke LifePoint Cardiac Partners, LLP. Harris Regional Hospital is accredited as a chest pain center by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.

Call 828.586.7654.

Walk with a doc Haywood Regional will be hosting a Walk with a Doc event on the first Saturday of every month through October at Lake Junaluska Kern Center.

Walk with a Doc is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages, and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and well-being of the country. “This program had tremendous participation and success in our area last year,” said Kate Queen, MD, rheumatologist with Haywood Regional. “Last year we had more than 360 walkers come out taking roughly 128,600 steps during the program. It’s an opportunity to encourage healthy lifestyle, and meet and talk with our physicians about topics that interest, or maybe even concern you.”

For more information about the local Walk with a Doc schedule and upcoming topics or physicians, visit myhaywoodregional.com/walkwithadoc or watch for updates on the Haywood Regional Facebook page at facebook.com/myhaywoodregional. Free blood pressure readings are also provided.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

23

Owen Gibby calls roll for the last time T

urgency. Other days we would discuss the books of Cormac McCarthy, or the woes of the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen, or the sorry state of health care in this country, or our fantasy baseball teams.

We also shared a loathing for meetings, especially those pointless meetings so common at professional conferences. One year in Greensboro, we slipped out of a presentation on retention (pro tip: it is important to CARE about your students. Imagine!) in order to see “Pulp Fiction,” which had just opened that weekend. Another year, we escaped a tedious session on funding formulas to catch a matinee of “Sling Blade,” Columnist which we proceeded to critique for a couple of hours before joining our colleagues for dinner, where we confused them with our imitations of Billy Bob Thornton’s sterling performance.

Owen is surely one of the most popular and beloved teachers in the history of the college. He makes his students laugh, while sneaking in lessons and promoting high academic standards at the same time. It’s a high wire act artfully disguised as a comedy routine. Students have fun in his classes, but they understand that he means business and that they will get the grade they earned, nothing more and nothing less. If they are struggling, he will spend as much time as they need in his office after class helping them get to the light, or closer to it.

They drive him crazy with their cell phones, tardiness, and lame excuses sometimes, and he drives them crazy with his lofty expectations, blackboard hieroglyphics, and all of that damnable red ink on their papers. But in the end, it has been

Chris Cox

he first time I met Owen Gibby, he immediately reminded me of my favorite television character of all time, Deputy Barney Fife, and as I got to know him, that impression only intensified. They are about the same size and are both prone to exaggerated bug-eyed facial expressions, double takes, and dramatic pauses. I suspect that they learned at a very young age that being the funniest guy in the room has a lot of advantages for smaller guys trying to find their way in the world. Not only is being funny disarming, it turns out to be a better way to meet girls than anybody could have guessed.

Another thing Barney and Owen share is a love of the law, except Owen’s law is grammar, which he has been enforcing in his college English classes for 35 years with cases and cases of red pens, marking his students’ essays up with merciless precision and ruthless margin notes.

He’s as tough on boys who “seen a cat” as Barney was on jaywalkers, because subject-verb agreement matters every bit as much as observing traffic laws. Damn it, there’s an order to things. Otherwise, there is only chaos. Owen may have never arrested his dearly departed mother as Barney might have, but he once busted a preacher and a police officer for plagiarism in the same semester. Nothing gets by him. Very often, he will spend more time grading a paper than the student spent writing it.

Owen had already been working at Southwestern Community College for several years before I showed up 27 summers ago. When we met, it was pretty clear that we were destined to become friends. We shared not only a love of writing and literature, but a love of music, sports, professional wrestling, and certain quality television shows. Every Wednesday at lunch during its twelve-season run, we would dissect the latest episode of NYPD Blue with incomprehensible

one hell of a love affair.

I say “in the end” because in two weeks, Owen Gibby will call the roll for the last time, put on his black cap and gown for graduation, and then start packing up his office the day after.

Commencement is a celebration of our graduates, their commitment, and their achievement. But this year, I will be imagining that all of those students in their blue caps and gowns are all of the students that Owen has ever taught, generations of them, gathered together to celebrate a man who made a difference more lasting and profound that any particular rule of grammar, or a passing grade on a research paper.

He didn’t just teach them how to write and how to think.

He taught them that attention to detail matters, that it is important to remain curious and question everything, that being authentic and having integrity should always be high priorities, and that you can certainly have fun and be serious at the same time. Not only that you can, but you should.

It is difficult for me to imagine coming back to work this fall and not seeing Owen in his office, and not having lunch with him every day, as we have for the vast majority of days for 27 years. Over these years, we have become more like brothers than friends. The college will miss him, and I will miss him.

Our new students won’t know what they are missing, but their parents will tell them. Those stories will go on for many years to come in kitchens and car rides all across Western North Carolina and beyond. His journey as a teacher may be at an end, but as those great philosophers from the rock band Journey (Owen hates Journey) once said, “the movie never ends, it goes on and on and on and on.”

As his doppelganger Barney Fife once said, “It’s been a gas.”

Owen, it really has. Rest easy, friend. You done good.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher. jchriscox@live.com.)

Zen and the art of trash removal few months ago, some legal trouble loomed over me, and I was told that it would be in my best interest to start doing community service. My mom mentioned Haywood Waterways. I contacted Christine O’Brian, and she told me about Howell Mill Road, the trash surrounding it and how it was increasing her blood pressure day by day. I needed hours, she needed help. So I donned a vest, grabbed a grabber, and set out to clean Howell Mill.

My first day, I cleaned up the area behind Rite Aid, near the Captain’s Bay parking lot.

Among other trash, I found about 50 peppermint patty wrappers. Then I moved on to the creek. A scavenger hunt, a dark one, took place on the bank of the creek behind Rite-Aid. A scavenger hunt for King Kobra liquor bottles.

Though some were obscured by long grass and others partially submerged in the water, I Guest Columnist ended up finding approximately 70 bottles.

About 15 to a bag, five bags. By the time I had collected 60, I was genuinely excited, and every one after that elicited from me a little squeal of delight. By the end of the day, I felt I had the fundamentals down. I felt I was a natural with the grabber.

The next day, I started assembling little back stories for the pieces of trash I’d find. How they’d arrived, and when. Nearly full pack of cigarettes on the curb? Maybe they were poison cigarettes, thrown out the window of a speeding, jet black Secret Service SUV by an agent who just realized he’d been double crossed. Beer can on the sidewalk?

Maybe it was from a guy who finally decided to reveal his love to his dream girl, but needed some liquid courage first. It was only partially consumed, though maybe he didn’t make it to her house because he

Evan Boyer

A

got vaporized by an alien craft scoping out the Blue Ridge Mountains as a potential site for a base. Eventually, I wove yarns so long and elaborate that I could only chuckle maniacally to myself. Then I grabbed a new and interesting piece of trash, and started again. If there was a mental health professional out there with me at the time, I would’ve probably been chalked down as unwell.

You probably passed me, reader, if you frequent Howell Mill. I was clad in a tank top and shades most days, in an effort to look as cool as possible, despite my circumstances. I know everyone at my high school saw me. I go to Tuscola, and it was not uncommon the day after a lengthy pick-up session to walk into class and hear someone announce proudly: “I SAW YOU PICKIN’ UP TRASH YESTERDAY HOWELL MILL.” They always said it as though it was a crucial piece of information, or as though it was a vision that came to them in a dream. That statement would inevitably attract the attention of others in the classroom, and before I knew it I would be surrounded with wide-eyed, bambino looking guys and girls who seemed, rather worryingly, drawn to me because I had been arrested. For a brief moment in my time at Tuscola High School, I was no longer the chummy guy with the red SUV who does crosswords — I was the mysterious sunglassed anti-hero who picks up trash on Howell Mill.

That status didn’t last long, though. Eventually, I got all my hours, and turned in my grabber and vest on a bittersweet Tuesday evening under a warm, sherbet sky. I don’t think I’m totally done just because I got my hours, though. I see Howell Mill every day driving to school, and I see that the trash is accumulating again. Christine’s blood pressure must be rising. It’s about time for another go. It’s sort of fun.

And, you know ... it helps the earth and everything.

(Boyer can be reached at ebincorperated@gmail.com)

Rule of law is under attack To the Editor: Are we a nation governed by the rule of law or by Trump’s fantasy lies? Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Asheville, and his Tea Party Republican colleagues seem to favor lies over law. They persist in attacking the rule of law and making excuses for Trump via lies and misrepresentations on Fox “News” propaganda.

Meadows introduced a bill to “investigate the investigators” that actually attacks hard-working FBI agents who are trying to do their job in the face of constant spurious accusations. What we need is legislation that would provide resources to learn all we can about the Russian meddling in the past election and finding ways of preventing such attacks on our republic. Instead Meadows and fellow Republicans are doing all they can to hinder any and all investigations instead of protecting our elections.

The latest distraction was for House Republicans to demand access to the memos James Comey used to document his interactions with President Trump. The memos were delivered to the Republicans, and with-

S EE LETTERS, PAGE 25

n May 6-12 we celebrate National Tourism Week, and this year’s theme from the U.S. Travel Association is “Then and Now.” In my role as Director of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority, my goal is to create awareness about what a special place this area is and to inspire others to travel here and spend a night, or two or three.

Guest Columnist When you think tourism, what comes to mind? Not being able to find a parking spot; more traffic; a changing culture of outsiders? I can appreciate all of those ideas and I used to share a lot of them before this role.

However, I’d encourage you to think about it a bit differently.

O

Nick Breedlove

opinion

Tourism now the top industry in the region

Smoky Mountain News

May 2-8, 2013

A SHIFTING ECONOMY

24

Over the last few decades, small mountain communities nationwide, but especially in WNC, have shifted from manufacturing and farming to tourism as their prime economic driver. That’s not to discount those two sectors that are still huge here and incredibly valuable, but the focus has shifted to tourism. With that shift comes change.

Some of it is welcome and some is less welcome. The truth is, though, change is inevitable, and it’s how we adapt and embrace it that matters.

With the rising tide of visitation to the mountain region, we see greater prosperity.

While the TDA’s primary goal is room nights in area accommodations, I think it’s more important to step out of that mindset and appreciate the jobs tourism supports, along with the better quality of life it brings. Jobs affected by tourism are not just in hotels.

Think about the last time you went on vacation — you buy gas, groceries, food in restaurants, you visit attractions and retailers. Each one of those establishments depends on tourists for their business.

Our restaurants and retailers are able to stay open longer and later in the season as a result of tourism. Without the demand, they reduce hours and have to make workers part-time or seasonal.

The running joke used to be that Sylva rolled its streets up at 5 p.m. One would be hard pressed to make that case now. Our businesses are thriving. Mill Street is busier than I can ever remember it being; it’s no longer a street you pass through, it’s a destination in its own right. Dillsboro and Cashiers are also growing and expanding in an equally impressive way.

When retailers and restaurants thrive, they give back to their community. This comes in the form giving away gift certificates to fundraisers, donations to school groups and other non-profits. When

tourism is successful the economic ripple begins, and businesses are too, and as a result, they are able to give back.

Tourism is big business, with a direct impact calculated by the US Travel

importance of our natural environment.

I do have to say I’m pleased when I drive down Main Street and can’t find a parking spot. That means our restaurants and merchants are busy, which means they’re able to hire and employ staff and have their Downtown Sylva. Margaret Hester photo businesses grow and flourish. It also means others are able to experience what makes our towns so special.

Our communities are going through a renaissance of sorts right now.

For proof look no further than all the businesses opening and expanding.

Through tourist spending, a significant amount of tax revenue comes Association at $188.2 million in Jackson back to the state and county. As a result of County. Locally, tourism supports 1,810 tourist spending, about $8 million in sales jobs. Put another way, if tourism jobs didn’t tax comes back to the county, which means exist and if those jobs were added to the our residents pay a lot less in taxes — in unemployment roll, then unemployment fact, each of Jackson County’s 26,949 housewould top 15 percent. holds save $711 on taxes per year as a result It goes without saying that people often of tourism. tell me to stop doing my job so well. And I can laugh at that … and appreciate it. Some LL THE SAME ALL DIFFERENT have even said to me that “we used to be the best kept secret.”

To tie into this year’s theme of “Then and I’m not one for growth for growth’s sake.

Now,” I looked back through our archives to We cannot continue to just bring more and determine what we did to promote tourism more people to the same location. as far back as the 1930s and compared them Destinations nationwide and internationally to what we do today. Referencing early struggle with overtourism; some question tourism brochures from the Sylva Herald whether that’s even the case in some of the and WCU’s Hunter Library, we promoted larger cities east of us. much of the same as we do now — hiking, fly fishing and waterfalls. We touted our proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the N EXPANDED ROLE Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The simple brochure guaranteed visitors “mosTDAs used to be called Destination Marketing Organizations that focused solely quito free nights” and “cool enough weather that you need a blanket year-round.” on advertising. Now that role has expanded, Looking at the complexity of how we and we are commonly called Destination Management Organizations, recognizing the advertise now, it’s amazing all the programs we have in place to strategically market the increased roles we have to not only bring county. Times have certainly changed and people here, but provide and curate the neighboring destinations are vying for the experiences people have once here. Part of that management is ensuring we are respon- same tourists we are. It’s an incredibly competitive market. sible stewards of our environment and proWe advertise now through a multitude of mote sustainability. platforms, and this list only scratches the As a destination, we have to grow sussurface: social media posts, social media tainably in such a way that’s harmonious influencer trips to the county (people with with our way of life here. Our natural assets large online followings who post about us), are what we’re known for and we have to public relations pitching to media outlets to protect them. When I came on in this role, cover us, bringing travel writers here to we began promoting leave-no-trace through experience the county in-person, press our brochures, website, and printed maps. releases about events and offerings, blog We also began donating to environmental posts, print ads in magazines and publicagroups like Friends of Panthertown and the tions, digital ad banners on websites, adverPinnacle Park Foundation who help keep tising on search engines, and more. This these mountains looking great. That’s the year, we are showing ads to people on the best part of having grown up here — I have online streaming service Hulu in the Atlanta a deep appreciation and respect for the

A

A

,

market, which is a prime market for us.

While the TDA’s budget is about a million dollars, every dollar has to work incredibly hard to generate a return on investment.

Studies show that for every dollar we spend on advertising, $15 comes back to the community. Our budget is solely funded by tax paid by tourists on their overnight stays; no county or state dollars. We have to work hard to generate that return on investment and are wise stewards of the occupancy tax.

We are constantly working to position ourselves well in the market so that an advertisement now pays off in the future. Why advertise in 2018? 2019.

When you see an article online that mentions Jackson County and one of our towns, there’s a good chance that it did not just randomly make it there; those are likely through our efforts, and we’ve done a great job. We appear in top ten lists and fulllength features so often that we actually established a Media Room on our website (DiscoverJacksonNC.com) to showcase the best of these. In the last two years we’ve had placements in the Washington Post, New York Times, Boston Globe, on the Weather Channel, Southern Living, in Our State magazine … those are just a small sampling of the dozens of publications showcasing all we have to offer. Keep an eye out for the July issue of Our State — it will be something really special.

As a staff of one, managing our program keeps me busy, day in, day out, and I’m incredibly appreciative of the board I work for and the team we have in place. The board’s role is to provide the strategy and leave me to employ tactics to deliver successful results. We have great partners in our advertising and public relations firms we work with who do such good work for us on a daily basis. They’re truly committed to Jackson County and they know us as a destination. Thanks also go to our Chamber directors, Julie Spiro and Stephanie Edwards, who not only operate our Visitor Centers but also support and foster economic development and a business environment that makes Jackson County so successful.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also thank our hoteliers, accommodations, restaurants and retailers who create such a positive experience for those visiting. We bring media and travel writers here all the time and the takeaway I always hear about is first, how beautiful this place is, and second, how nice everyone is. Without our gracious Southern hospitality, people might visit once, but not return. It’s the great experience that they have here that they share with others and the reason that they come back.

For National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate the past, embrace the future (and its opportunities and challenges), and all that we have to offer here that makes it such a great place to live, work and play.

(Nick Breedlove is the executive director of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority. director@discoverjacksonnc.com)

LETTERS, CONTINUED FROM 23

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To the Editor: Last week, Rep. Mark Meadows, RAsheville, took center stage with several others to interfere with the work of the Justice Department and to assist President Trump in his effort to obstruct justice in the Mueller probe. Their spurious demand for Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein to release a vast amount of documents was a thinly veiled attempt to gin up an excuse to charge him with Contempt of Congress, thus providing the groundwork for Trump to fire Rosenstein and close or impede the Mueller probe. Such reckless politicizing made a mockery of Congress’ oversight function.

At Dillsboro Elementary School (1950) we played dodge-a-ball during recess. The game was set up kind of like this: a large circle was etched in the playground with a stick. Students rushed inside the circle to play. Their goal? Avoid being hit by a soft rubber ball that two players outside the circle hurled back and forth at them from opposite sides of the circle. Many of you will recall this inexpensive game. It was great fun and took our minds off the affairs of our childhood world. But the end of recess meant the end of that fun for that day.

Fast forward to 2018. A dodge-a-ball game is now being played at an increasingly faster pace. Those inside the circle are adults who have paid to play: Donald, Paul, Rick, Michael, Michael, George, Carter, Sean, Steve and a few others whose names don’t come to mind at the moment. There is some possibility that players from Russia will soon get in this game (most likely outside the circle, throwing balls).

The ball is larger and harder in the adult game. The circle is much bigger, but is redrawn steadily smaller with the passage of time. The original attackers were: Robert, Stormy, Karen and Michael. When a player gets hit he/she may become an attacker, adding yet another ball for those inside the circle to dodge. Needless to say some of the players have grown weary with the pace of the game. Some have merely taken the hit and joined the attackers, complicating the strategies for those within. The difference most noteworthy is that there is no recess to free the players up. Like the Eagles sang in “Hotel California:” “… they can check out any time they like, but they can never leave.”

Rather than airing on ESPN, this historic game is being played day and night on several news channels. Things have gotten really hectic recently as the circle grows smaller and more people become attackers.

This question looms across America: who will be the last one standing? Some have wondered aloud to friends and spectators — why did I choose to play this game in the first place?

As famous singer/songwriter Joe South observed: “Oh, the games people play now every night and every day now, never meanin’ what they say now and never saying what they mean.”

Dave Waldrop Webster

Join us on Mother's Day!

May 2-8, 2013

Meadows undermines rule of law

A game of adult dodge-a-ball

Open Mon.-Sat. 11:30-9 Sun. 10-9 Sunday Brunch 10-2

opinion

in hours the entire trove of documents was leaked to the press. Compare this to the persecution of Andrew McCabe, whom Republicans are trying to prosecute for releasing information he had the authority to release. McCabe’s biggest “crime” is having a wife who ran for office as a Democrat.

As the special prosecutor’s investigation gathers more and more evidence and gets confessions and indictments, both House and Senate leaders refuse to take steps to guarantee that the investigation will not be stopped by Trump. Instead they have people in charge of committees to supposedly also investigate the Russian hacking of our elections who seem committed to covering up as much as they can.

For example, Paul Ryan kept Rep. Nunes as head of the House Intelligence Committee even though Nunes as a member of the Trump transition had a clear conflict of interest. Nunes would not require witnesses to testify before the committee and terminated its investigation before the might have discovered something. This is the same Nunes who had endless investigations of Hillary Clinton without ever getting sound evidence of any wrongdoing.

Republicans have long claimed to be the “Law and Order” party. Apparently that only applies if your skin color is other than white or your party affiliation is something other than Republican. It is high time that Rep. Meadows and his fellow Republicans in Congress start looking after the public’s business and our national security. Russian hackers tried to influence the last election and are likely to do so again this year. This is a clear attack on our system of government. It would seem that Republicans feel that since the Russians favored Trump in 2016 that means the meddling is OK. Maybe they think the Russian hackers will also help Republicans seeking office in the House and Senate this year.

It is high time that Republicans and socalled conservatives start putting country over ideology and petty partisanship.

Republicans used to be a party with high integrity. Sadly, Republicans currently in Congress do not seem to share that trait.

Norman Hoffmann Waynesville

Throughout the Trump presidency, Rep. Meadows has shown a pattern of blind allegiance to Trump regardless of his bullying behavior, his undermining of our democratic norms, or his refusal to protect our country from Russian meddling.

In November, let’s choose a representative who will uphold the values of our exceptional democracy, not one who shields his party leader at any cost. We can start now by voting for one of the three good congressional candidates in the Democratic primary.

Fred Schmidt Waynesville

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch menu every day from 12 noon to 2 .p.m includes daily specials, homemade soup du jour and fresh-made salads. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night will feature an evening cookout on the terrace, with choices such as steak, ribs, chicken or trout. On all other nights of the week, the chef will prepare dinner with locally sourced vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and craft beer. The evening social hour starts at 6 p.m., and dinner is served starting at 7 p.m. So join us for mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations. Menu online at www.cataloocheeranch.com/dining

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

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

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday

May 2-8, 2013

We e’ll fe eed your spirit, too. t Delicious dinners. Casual lunches a and br breakfasts. eakfasts.

And, A nd,, all ar a ound yyou, around ou,, a feast for the eyes that only nature could create.

We like to o think of it as a little tas ste of heaven.

Call (828 8) 926 -1401.

Real New Yorkers.

Real Italians. Real Pizza.

Smoky Mountain News

Dine-In ~ Take Out ~ Delivery

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

Just to serve you!

243 Paragon Parkway | Clyde Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Open Sundays Noon to 8 p.m.

828-476-5058 NEW LOCATION OPEN!

Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m • Closed Sundays

499 Champion Drive | Canton Present this coupon and recieve:

26

10%

OFF ENTIRE MEAL

Catalo t ochee Ranch 119 Ranch Drrive, Maggie Valley, NC Cataloochee Ranch.com

Country Vittles RESTAURANT

& GIFT SHOP

Featuring a Full Menu with Daily Specials PRIVATE DINING ROOM AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS Monday-Sunday 7:00-2:00pm Closed Tuesday

3589 SOCO RD. MAGGIE VALLEY

828.926.1820

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

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

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

Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

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

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

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

Instead our waitresses will bring your food

WAYNESVILLE’S BEST BURGERS

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

DELLWOOD FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT 651 Dellwood Rd., Waynesville.

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

Lunch/dinner menu offered 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Come see us. You’ll be glad you did!

Closed Wednesdays.

atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT 2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.926.0425. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Daily specials including soups, sandwiches and southern dishes along with featured dishes such as fresh fried chicken, rainbow trout, country ham, pork chops and more.

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

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska. Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano. Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95. Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com

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

Open for dinner at 4:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. 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.

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

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

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

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

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.

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

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch.

Beer and wine. Free movies Thursday trought Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

Open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville.

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

828.586.3555 • Downtown Sylva MadBatterFoodFilm.com

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT Daily Specials: Soups, Sandwiches & Southern Dishes

Featured Dishes: Fresh Fried Chicken, Rainbow Trout, Country Ham, Pork-chops & more

twitter.com/ChurchStDepot

facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot

Retail Restaurant LIVE Music

Breakfast : Omelets, Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy!

Events begin at 7:15pm unless otherwise noted. Dinner and Music reservations at 828-452-6000.

FRIDAY, MAY 4 Tina and Her Pony ukulele, banjo, cello, vocals. Americana, Folk, Pop, Originals.

New Hours: Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Breakfast served all day!

2804 SOCO RD. • MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.0425 • Facebook.com/carversmvr Instagram- @carvers_mvr

SATURDAY, MAY 5 Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.

FRIDAY, MAY 11 James Hammel guitar, vocals.

Jazz, Pop, Originals.

FRIDAY, MAY 12 Jacob Johnson guitar, vocals.

Neo Acoustic Folk-Funk. Music fee is $10 per person, plus dinner and drinks.

FRIDAY, MAY 18 Bob Zullo guitar, vocals. Jazz, Rock, Pop. SATURDAY, MAY 19 Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.

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

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

Closed Tues.

Sun. 12-9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 25 Jay Brown guitar, vocals. Folk-Americana, Blues, Pop, Originals.

SATURDAY, MAY 26 Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.

828-452-6000 • classicwineseller.com 20 Church Street, Waynesville, NC

New Menu Items!

Now selling Annie’s Bakery Bread.

Over 25 vegan options.

Mother’s Day Brunch

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

May 13 with live music by A Different Thread

AT BEARWATERS BREWING

3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

101 PARK ST. CANTON 828.492.1422

www.CityLightsCafe.com

PIGEONRIVERGRILLE.COM

Smoky Mountain News

HARMON’S DEN BISTRO 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville 828.456.6322. Harmon’s Den is located in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART. Open 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (Bistro closes at 7:30 p.m. on nights when there is a show in the Fangmeyer Theater) with Sunday brunch at 11 a.m. that includes breakfast and lunch items.

Harmon’s Den offers a complete menu with cocktails, wine list, and area beers on tap.

Enjoy casual dining with the guarantee of making it to the performance in time, then rub shoulders with the cast afterward with post-show food and beverage service.

Reservations recommended. www.harmonsden.harttheatre.org

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

34 CHURCH ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6505

May 2-8, 2013

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde.

828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery.

Check out our daily lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95.

PIGEON RIVER GRILLE 101 Park St., Canton.

828.492.1422. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Southern-inspired restaurant serving simply prepared, fresh food sourced from top purveyors. Located riverside at Bearwaters Brewing, enjoy daily specials, sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more. Be sure to save room for a slice of the delicious house made cake.

Relaxing inside/outside dining and spacious gathering areas for large groups.

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 7pm to 9pm

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Got to keep on travelin’, movin’ on down the line A conversation with Ronnie McCoury

Ronnie McCoury: It’s got a few hills, it’s going to level off, and then it’s just going to keep rising up. Well, I know one thing, I think we’re going to work pretty hard this year. We did last year, I think it was the hardest that we worked in awhile. About 70-something shows with The Travelin’ McCourys, at least 60 or 70 with my father (The Del McCoury Band), and

in-between with playing the Grand Ole Opry, and we’ve been in the studio here lately. We work pretty hard at it.

SMN: Y’all are one of the hardest working groups out there. What throws the logs on the fire to keep it going?

RM: [Laughs]. I’ve got two things here, I guess. My father in his golden age, who is still very powerful at singing and playing, and wanting to keep capitalizing on that as much as we can, because as long as he loves to do it, we’re going to keep doing it. And side two of that is watching The Travelin’ McCourys keep growing, and we really seem to be growing well. We’re eight years old, and it takes awhile.

Luckily for us, it’s just been good.

SMN: I interviewed [bluegrass legend] Sam Bush last year and we were talking about Del. Sam said, “Nobody has done more for Bill Monroe’s music in the last 30 years than Del McCoury.” I wonder not only your thoughts on that, but also what’s going to happen with the torch being passed, with keeping that legacy up?

RM: I’d have to agree with Sam. I would agree that he really has kept what they call the “high, lonesome sound” alive. There are very few bluegrass singers that have the kind of voice for that. I don’t have it like that, that’s for sure. I may sound like my dad, but I don’t have what he’s got.

He’s been a guy that’s sung the lead, then has to jump up and sing tenor in the band. Mainly, because he’s so great at it. But, the guys in his band through the years weren’t tenor singers, so he did both. And when I came along, he made me the lead singer.

He’s a natural tenor singer, and Bill Monroe was a natural tenor singer — the drive in the music. I often say that the lead singers that run a band, that are [also] rhythm guitar players, they’re the ones that really control the sounds of the band — the dynamics. [My dad] is a master at it.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER he charm and allure of bluegrass music resides in its seamless ability to have one foot in the sacred, traditional “high, lonesome sound” and the other in whatever progressive endeavors its musicians find themselves in — by chance or on purpose.

Groups like New Grass Revival, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones and The Steep Canyon Rangers are traditional bluegrass at the core, all paying homage to the pioneering SMN: When someone menlegends that came before them. tions “what is and what is not But, what they have in common in [bluegrass],” do you look at it their origins is also counterbalmore as having the correct instruanced by a sincere urge to explore ments onstage or more of an attieven further — into the music tude and feel, or both? itself, but also, most importantly, DM: That’s a tough question. into the depths of their curious You know, the way I grew up, and hearts and minds. what I liked, I like the Original And Ronnie McCoury is one of Bluegrass Band that created it, those explorers. Son of bluegrass [which was led by Bill Monroe]. great Del McCoury (who got his And that’s where I started, we had start as one of Bill Monroe’s Blue that stuff at home and I’d listen to Grass Boys in 1963), Ronnie joined that. Besides Bill Monroe, my dad his father’s solo band in 1981 at loved Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, age 14, just six months after first and Jimmy Martin. The Osborne picking up the mandolin. A tourBrothers. I was fortunate enough ing and recording juggernaut, The to see all these guys when I was The Travelin’ McCourys.

Del McCoury Band (founded in growing. You know, The Osborne 1967) remains a pillar of the genre, Brothers really stretched it back with Ronnie front-and-center then, they plugged in their instrualongside his father and brother, ments and added a drummer. banjoist Rob McCoury.

They stretched the bluegrass eleTucked alongside the Appalachian Trail, the French Broad River Festival will take place May 4-6 in Hot Springs.

Though Del, now age 79, ment out there, but it put them in A benefit for American Whitewater, The Verner Center for Early Learning, and the Hot Springs Community Learning cenhasn’t lost a step — in presence a different light — more mainter, this year’s lineup includes The Travelin’ McCourys, Jeff Austin Band, Billy Strings, Jon Stickley Trio, Dangermuffin, The and in performance — even the stream. It really brought [The Grateful Ball (Travelin’ McCourys & Jeff Austin Band tribute to The Grateful Dead), Sol Driven Train, HipGnostic, and more. road warrior bluegrass icon himOsborne Brothers] a lot of recogCamping is offered, with several food and craft beer vendors also onsite. For more information and/or to purchase self needs a rest. Thus, when he nition. But, on the other side of tickets, click on www.frenchbroadriverfestival.com. steps off the bus, Ronnie and Rob that coin, they could play tradiload it up with their side project, tional bluegrass right down the The Travelin’ McCourys. And line. And that’s what I like — that what initially started as a creative outlet for the fact that you can do both. siblings has taken on a life of its own, now “The Travelin’ McCourys keep growing, and we really seem regarded as one of the premier acts in not only (Editor’s Note: If you would like to listen to to be growing well. We’re eight years old, and it takes bluegrass, but also American music in general. the entire audio of this interview, go to YouTube and search “Ronnie McCoury Garret K. awhile. Luckily for us, it’s just been good.”

Smoky Mountain News: What does the Woodward.” To contact Woodward, email: landscape of bluegrass look like to you? garret@smokymountainnews.com.)

— Ronnie McCoury

T

Want to go?

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Larry Harvey (1948-2018).

Head for the whirling sands of your soul

Women of Waynesville will present the Kentucky Derby Gala from 4 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 5, at The Maggie Valley Club.

CALL OR REGISTER ONLINE AT WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com

274 S. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE

828.246.6570

May 4, 5, 10,* 11, 12 at 7:30 pm May 6, 13 at 2:00 pm

Smoky Mountain News

Standing atop an Outer Banks fishing trawler, I gazed across the Tanya Tucker will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, high desert of northwestern May 4, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Nevada.

Performing Arts in Franklin.

It wasn’t a dream. This actualThe 88th annual Ramp Convention will be ly happened. Burning Man 2009. held at noon May 5-6 at the American Legion And that was the first image that Post #47 in Waynesville. popped into my head last Sunday morning when I heard the news Films created by Western Carolina University that Burning Man founder Larry students will be screened at the Controlled Harvey had passed away at age 70.

Chaos Film Festival at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, To explain Burning Man to at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing someone who has never been is Arts Center in Cullowhee. like, as they say, explaining colors to someone who is blind. It’s pretThe Art After Dark 2018 season will kickoff ty impossible to describe being from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 4, in downtown literally in the middle-of-nowhere Waynesville. in the Black Rock Desert, some 100 miles or so into no man’s venturing out there and seeing the world’s land straight north of the bright lights and greatest circus for myself. In August 2008, I sounds of downtown Reno. was a reporter for the Teton Valley News in Take tens of thousands of wild, wonDriggs, Idaho. Twenty-three years old. First drous and eccentric folks from seemingly journalism gig out of college. Over that every corner of the world and drop them in summer out there, I had befriended a 40the desert. No cell service or Internet. No year-old photographer in nearby Jackson, money is exchanged for goods and services Wyoming, who was a former Southern (barter system). Nobody goes by their real Baptist preacher from Virginia. Andrew and names (mine: “Wild Turkey”). Nobody says I were kindred spirits and started covering what they do and who they are “back in the music festivals together. real world.” Everyone is accepted at face And right as Andrew was readying himself value. If you act like a good person and treat for his annual trek out to Burning Man, I had others the way you want to be treated, then just quit my job and was planning on meeting good times and good vibes will be reciproup with some friends in Lake Tahoe for some cated tenfold — just carefree living for shenanigans in San Francisco and beyond, upwards of two weeks. maybe even Mexico if the mood was right.

And, in the midst of an economic reces“Hey, how ‘bout I drop you off in Tahoe sion, I found myself out there in 2008 and on my way to Reno?” Andrew asked. “I can 2009, another lost soul in search of physical split the gas money with you while I link up and emotional footing in my early 20s. there with my Burning Man friends heading Like many of you readers probably right out to the gathering.” now, I was skeptical (at first) about actually

SATURDAY MAY 5TH 2 - 3:30: Plantar Fasciitis w/ Leigh-Ann ($30/ $35 at door) SATURDAY MAY 12TH 2 - 3:30: Partner Yoga to Celebrate Mother's Day w/ Tara ($50 per pair/ $55 at door) TUESDAY MAY 15TH 6:45 - 8:45PM: A Woman’s Circle in Conversation : A New Moon Practice w/ Katie Schomberg ($30/ $35 at door) SATURDAY MAY 19TH 2 – 3:30: Exploring the Heart Chakra w/ Sara and Leigh-Ann ($30/ $35 at door) SATURDAY MAY 26TH 2- 3:30: Yoga for Bone Health w/ Jay and Ann ($30/ $35 at door)

May 2-8, 2013

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

MAY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE arts & entertainment

This must be the place

About 670 miles later, Andrew and I rolled into Reno. In that drive, he had told me numerous stories of his rollicking times attending Burning Man. By the time he had put his Jeep in park in downtown on North Virginia Street, he had convinced me to drop all my plans, buy a ticket and head for the desert with him. By that first night camping with my friends in Lake Tahoe, Andrew had convinced the other two to also drop everything and go with us.

Once inside Burning Man, I set up my tent amid Camp Gallavant‚ the rumdrenched pirate brigade from Reno, spending the first night catching up with new friends like Hot Donna‚ Wrangler Tom and Navigator Rick‚ taking shots of 100 proof rum under the crisp‚ western sky. At midnight, I laced up and did a skate around the Black Rock Roller Disco. I raised my arms in utter ecstasy, the horizon before my eyes filled with glowing‚ sparkling and blinking faraway dots (some more than two miles away, resulting in a distant bar)‚ as if they were a lighthouse directing me home.

During that week out there on “The Playa,” I took cover during another dust storm and was invited to join the American Steel camp for dinner‚ which was a threecourse chicken curry meal with pineapple cake for dessert; and sat out under the “Man,” the 40-foot wooden structure that is the centerpiece of the gathering‚ as well as the final send off for the year as it is blown up later in the week amid 50‚000 howling patrons of all that is pure and just in this universe.

I stood in awe at the “Thunderdome,” the Mad Max replica‚ where participants battle in an all-out frenzy of dust‚ sweat and lukewarm booze; heard shouts‚ cheers‚ and was stunned by explosions from flamethrowers and just plain ole pyrotechnics being launched in every direction as fire dancers‚ jugglers‚ sword swallowers and avant-garde performers milled about; and slept on a trampoline under a canopy of stars so clear‚ so bright‚ I never knew such splendor existed from the heavens above.

I ate Kansas City barbeque and Alaskan smoked salmon — fresh from their native lands — as I sat in the crow’s peak on a motorized fishing trawler (hauled from the east coast) while the sun set over the jagged peaks to the west; rode on art cars (mutant vehicles) which held dozens of people and resembled a rubber ducky‚ Chinese junk and Mississippi River paddleboat; and was poured a fresh cup of French roast coffee during a majestic sunrise‚ the rays of light cascading down ancient rock and ultimately upon my joyous aura.

And I awoke‚ after 10 days in the desert‚ to a rebirth of my soul, and a justification of my mission to someday become a writer of merit and truth. I packed up my gear and started the engine for destinations unknown.

I discovered inner peace and my long lost inner child. I headed back to Reno‚ back to reality — a whole new trajectory that I currently remain on a decade later.

So, thank you, Larry. You were dearly loved and will be greatly missed. But, we’ll always remember you so long as we keep our heads up and eyes aimed at the stars above that illuminate with a twinkle that resembled yours.

Adults $24 Seniors $22 Students $11 *Special $16 tickets for all Adults on Thursday, May 10.

Special $8 Tickets for all Students on Thursdays & Sundays.

The Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville, NC

For More Information and Tickets:

828-456-6322 | www.harttheatre.org This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

29

On the beat arts & entertainment

DuPont Brothers at Nantahala Brewing Tanya Tucker.

May 2-8, 2013

Tanya Tucker to play Franklin Country legend Tanya Tucker will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

A defining voice of country music and a modern day legend, Tucker inspired many female artists who still top the charts today.

From the signature classic songs to the unforgettable sass and soul of her voice, Tucker has paved a path in country music

and beyond through an unprecedented level of success.

With appearances across the world, the Grand Old Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and even Super Bowl Half-Time Show, Tucker’s career is proving to be one for the record books.

Tickets start at $28. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com.

Bryson City community jam

Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City.

The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — yearround. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.

828.488.3030.

A community jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3 and 17, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry

The DuPont Brothers.

Popular acoustic act The DuPont Brothers (Americana/folk) will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City.

Based out of Burlington, Vermont, the sibling indie-folk-rock duo has kept busy on the road since 2013. Their two records, “Heavy as Lead” (2015) and “A Riddle For You” (2016), have taken them all over the Eastern Seaboard and beyond.

The DuPont Brothers have made festival appearances at Grand Point North and South-BySouthwest (SXSW) and have supported a wide array of national acts including Grammy award winning artists like Sturgill Simpson, Jerry Douglas and Blake Mills.

The show is free and open to the public. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney

Smoky Mountain News

Is a Will Enough?

FREE LUNCHEON SEMINAR

May 16 & June 13 11:30 A.M.-1 P.M. Best Western in Dillsboro Reservations Suggested

828.586.4051

nctrustlawyer.com

30

28 Maple St. • Sylva

On the beat

RafďŹ&#x201A;e for a Florida Play & Stay package | Hole-In-One Sponsored by Waynesville Auto

Tailgate food prepared on the course by Hometown Hardware & MB Haynes

THURSDAY, MAY 17TH

Tailgating on the

presents

Greens

arts & entertainment

Opry star comes home to Bryson

at

4 PERSON CAPTAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHOICE $600/team $150/person (Far left) Seth Taylor of Mountain Heart.

The the next installment of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smoky Mountain Voicesâ&#x20AC;? will feature Seth Taylor, acclaimed guitarist for popular Americana/jam act Mountain Heart, at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City.

A Bryson City native, Taylor has shared the stage with many country and bluegrass artists including Charlie Daniels, Brad Paisley, Blue Highway, Tracy Byrd, The Josh Williams Band and Marty Raybon.

In October 2011, Taylor made his first Grand Ole Opry walk-on appearance with Opry veterans Mountain Heart, in what turned out to be an â&#x20AC;&#x153;unofficialâ&#x20AC;? audition of sorts.

Smoky Mountain Voices is a live onstage Q&A hosted by Garret K. Woodward, arts and entertainment editor for The Smoky Mountain News. Taylor will be bringing his guitar for this main stage event, so be ready for some blazing finger pickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;-nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;-grinnin.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Audience participation is encouraged during the Q&A. Free to attend. For more information, visit www.nantahalabrewing.com.

This ain't your olf granddaddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s g tournament!

Game Time/Shotgun Start

10:00am

The Mountaineer

Call the chamber to sign up or for more info (828) 456-3021

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Smoky Mountain News

The Haywood Community Chorus will present Dan Forrestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lux: The Dawn from on Highâ&#x20AC;? under the direction of Kathy Geyer McNeil at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at the Waynesville First Methodist Church.

Forrest, a Greenville composer who has earned national acclamation, was commissioned two years ago by the Greenville Chorale to create the work. The text for the

8:30 - 10:00am

May 2-8, 2013

Haywood Community Chorus

piece is drawn from an array of sources including hymns, liturgical Latin texts, and modern secular love poetry.

Forrest shares that his Christian faith flows though his music, and the theme running through â&#x20AC;&#x153;Luxâ&#x20AC;? relates to the birth of Christ: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a Christmas kind of piece.

But there definitely is that kind of feel. It evokes the morning of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth, so the sun is coming up from the horizon, but the light is coming down, so to speak. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot in here about light shining through darkness, about light persevering.â&#x20AC;?

Accompanying the group will be guest accompanist Kyle Ritter of All Souls Cathedral in Asheville. The two multi-talented musicians will perform together during intermission; in addition, the chorus will be accompanied by a select chamber of instrumentalists.

Filling out the program, the 85-member chorus will be performing Tom Fettkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Majesty and Glory of Your Nameâ&#x20AC;? (selected by music ministers, year after year, as their favorite anthem), music by well-known composers John Rutter and Leonard Cohen, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glory, Glory Hallelujah,â&#x20AC;? (an all-time favorite), and a South African song from the struggle against apartheid.

The community chorus is sponsored in part by The Junaluskans, the Haywood Arts Council, and its Chorus Angels.

Admission is free; a love offering will be taken.

Pre-Game/Registration

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31

arts & entertainment

HIT THE

MARK CONCEALED CARRY CLASS 60 /bring your own

$

gun+ammo

70 /gun + ammo

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provided

*class also includes lunch

Women's

Wednesdays Half OFF lane rental and rental guns.

FULLY STOCKED GUN STORE/SALE GOING ON NOW TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT, WE HAVE A LARGE SELECTION OF RENTAL GUNS 14 INDOOR LANES/6 RIFLE AND 8 PISTOL

828-452-7870

mountainrangewnc.com

May 2-8, 2013

The 16th Annual

Saturday · May 12th 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Rain or Shine Frog Level • Waynesville Smoky Mountain News

Water’n Hole find its roots Asheville-based roots/jam group The Get Right Band will perform at 10 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Water’n Hole Bar & Grill in Waynesville.

Led by singer/guitarist Silas Durocher, the ensemble also includes Jesse Gentry (bass) and drummer J.C. Mears (drums).

What stands out about this band is the mere fact that nobody around this region sounds like them. Period. And it’s that “all” factor which puts The Get Right Band into a league of their own. It’s surprising when you stand there watching them perform, where you’re trying to figure out just how they’re able to get that much sound from a power trio.

For more information, visit www.thegetrightband.com.

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” with Scott Stambaugh (singer-songwriter) May 4 and Andrew Chastain Band May 5. All shows are free and begin at 5 p.m. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host Somebody’s Child (Americana) May 4, Logan Watts (singer-songwriter) May 5 and Alma Russ (Americana/folk) May 11. All shows begin at 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/balsamfallsbrewing.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. May 3 and 10. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.

AL A N N UA L F E S T I V

32

On the beat

Local Growers • Flowering Baskets Herbs • Vegetable Plants Perennials • Trees • Outdoor Décor Local Artisans • Arts & Crafts Music & Entertainment Variety of Foods • Kid’s Activities • Service dogs allowed Sponsored by the Historic Frog Level Merchants’ Association

www.historicfroglevel.com

FUNDED IN PART BY HAYWOOD COUNTY TDA 1.800.334.9036 · VISITNCSMOKIES.COM

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Qwister (roots/reggae) 9 p.m. May 12. Free. www.boojumbrewing.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Tina & Her Pony (Americana) May 4, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) May 5, James Hammel (guitar) May 11 and Jacob Johnson (guitar) May 12. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Redleg Husky (Americana) May 19. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.curraheebrew.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Spanky (singer-songwriter) May 4, Keil Nathan Smith Band May 11 and Kevin Fuller (singer-songwriter) noon May 12. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Harmon’s Den Bistro at HART (Waynesville) will host karaoke and an open mic at 8 p.m. on Saturdays. www.harttheatre.org.

The Get Right Band.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night May 2 and 9, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo May 3 and 10. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host The Mallett Brothers (Americana) 7 p.m.

May 2, He-Bird She-Bird w/The Cornell Brothers (Americana/bluegrass) 8:30 p.m.

May 2, Rebecca Folsom (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. May 3, Cicada Rhythm (folk/indie) 7 p.m. May 4, Mountain Heart (Americana/jam) 9 p.m. May 4, Gina Sicilia (jazz/blues) 7 p.m. May 5, Brie Capone (singer-songwriter) 9 p.m. May 5, Roy Brook Binder (Americana/folk) 5:30 p.m. May 6, Mother’s Day Celebration 7:30 p.m. May 6, Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions 7:30 p.m. May 8, Shawna Caspi & Steven Pelland (singersongwriter) 7 p.m. May 9, Rebekah Long (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. May 10 and Freddy & Francine w/Kiernan McMullan (Americana/soul) 8:30 p.m. May 10. For more information about the performances and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.isisasheville.com.

ALSO:

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host a Cinco De Mayo Bash w/Sol Rhythms at 7 p.m. May 5. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. There will also be an open mic night at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host an open mic night every Thursday. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host Lance & Lea May 4, Bauner Chafin May 5,

Hustle Souls May 11 and The DuPont Brothers (Americana/folk) May 12.

All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. May 5. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an open mic night from 8 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday with Mike Farrington of Post Hole Diggers. Free and open to the public.

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

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

• Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro (Sylva) will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration with Nuclear Tiger 7 p.m. May 5. 828.586.1717 or www.soulinfusion.com.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Log Noggins (rock) May 5 and Calvin Get Down (funk) May 12. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host The Get Right Band (roots/jam) May 12.

All shows begin at 10 p.m.

arts & entertainment

Saturday, May 5th · 1 - 4 p.m.

Welcome Bikers to Maggie Valley!

It’s Thunder in the Smokies Weekend & We're

®

May 2-8, 2013

Live Music by Keil Nathan Smith Band Smoky Mountain News

Rally Specials - Food - Fun Exit 100 off U.S. 74 82 LOCUST DRIVE | WAYNESVILLE | NC

SMSH.CO FOR OUR FULL INVENTORY

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arts & entertainment

On the street American Girl Tea Party REACH of Macon County will host its upcoming 10th annual American Girl Tea Party “If You Follow Your Dreams You Can Reach The Stars” from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Trinity Assembly of God in Franklin.

The event is a multigenerational event for individuals of all ages. This year’s tea party which will focus on “reaching for the stars.” The staff at REACH will also be raffling off the American Girl Doll of the Year, a stay at the Alpharetta Marriott ‘s American Girl Doll Suite, and an adult prize raffle.

There are a variety of ways that you can be involved: Become a table host and have the opportunity to explore your creative design skills by decorating a table for eight. If you are interested in hosting a table, you would be responsible for eight place settings including plates, silverware, and drinking glasses; linens, decorations; party favors; a tablecloth; and light finger food items for the buf-

fet table. Table set-up will be Friday, May 11.

Call to set up a time.

Become a sponsor. Maybe you cannot attend the event, but would like to “sponsor” a table for other attendees and/or invite your friends to experience the event for free.

Sponsored tables are $150 for eight.

Donate items. If you own your own business or have a special trade, feel free to donate items for door prizes or for the silent auction. Every child will leave with a special gift, but REACH would also like to provide additional items for adults.

Can you cook? REACH would love to have your recipes on display on the buffet table.

Attend the event with your daughter, mother, grandmother, and/or friends.

With a date of Mother’s Day weekend, this event is the perfect opportunity for intergenerational fun with a good message and a good cause. Tickets are $25 per adult and $10 per child.

If you are interested in participating in this event or have any questions, contact REACH at: Macon County, 828.369.5544 or reach@reachofmaconcounty.org. Jackson County, 828.586.8969.

May 2-8, 2013

Y O U R T I C K E T T O A G R E AT N I G H T

RICK SPRINGFIELD L MAY 25

JUNE 8 – 10 4 S SHOWS

N O P U R C H A S E N E C E S S A RY T O R E G I S T E R F O R A C H A N C E TO BE A CONTESTANT. FOR FULL OFFICIAL RULES, CALL OR VISIT THE BOX OFFICE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

JEFF FOX WORTH HY JUNE 30 2 SHOWS

Smoky Mountain News

THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE

AUSTR ALIA’’S S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER JULY 6 2 SHO OW S

caesars.com Visit tickketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000 to purcchase tickets.

Show(s) subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter casino floor and to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. An Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. ©2018, Caesars License Company, LLC.

34

@SmokyMtnNews

Mother’s Day Gemboree returns to Franklin

The Mother’s Day Gemboree will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 11-13 at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building in Franklin.

Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations, and more.

For more information, call 828.369.7831. Sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Macon County Gem & Mineral Society. www.franklin-chamber.com.

Do you like ramps?

The 88th annual Ramp Convention will be held May 5-6 at the American Legion Post #47 in Waynesville.

Saturday’s activities include a ramp dinner from noon to 4 p.m., craft vendors, karaoke and live music from Carolina Hearts (6 to 9 p.m.). The American Legion kitchen will be open Saturday night. Sunday’s activities include one free hot dog to children under 12, a ramp dinner, ramp eating contest, King & Queen of Ramps, clogging and live music

by The Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/country).

Tickets are $8 for Saturday and $10 for Sunday. A ramp meal will be included in each ticket purchase. For the event only, admission is free on Saturday, with Sunday tickets available for $5.

For more information or to be a vendor, call 828.734.2234.

On the street

Quality Trailers, Quality Prices

Trailer Center

financing available, ask for details

arts & entertainment

pricing starting at $499

HaywoodBuilders.com 828-456-6051 | 100 Charles St. | Waynesville

Whole Bloomin’ Thing festival The 16th annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing festival will take place from 9 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 12, in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville.

Children’s activities, local growers and artisans/crafters, flowering baskets, herbs, outdoor decor, live music, and more. Businesses in the district will also be open, including a coffee cafe, brewery and art gallery.

Service animals only. Rain or shine. Free to attend. Sponsored by the Historic Frog Level Merchants Association.

For more information, visit www.historicfroglevel.com.

The “Great Decisions” series will take place from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. on Thursdays from May 3 through June 21 in the auditorium of the Waynesville Public Library.

Prepare to discuss the world. “Great Decisions” is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. Presented by the Foreign Policy Association.

This program provides background information and policy options for the eight most critical issues facing America each year and

serves as the focal text for discussion groups.

Schedule is as follows: Waning of Pax Americana? (May 3), Russia’s Foreign Policy (May 10), China and America: the new geopolitical equation (May 17), Media and Foreign Policy (May 24), Turkey: A Partner in Crisis (May 31), U.S. Global Engagement and the Military (June 7), South Africa’s Fragile Economy (June 14) and Global Health: Progress and Challenges (June 21) Questions may be directed to moderator David McCracken at dem32415@aol.com.

Registration is required: 828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

May 2-8, 2013

Waynesville ‘Great Decisions’ series

M AY 17– O C TOBE R 7, 2018

Dale Chihuly, Floa l t Boat, 2014, 3 x 10 x 5’ Denver Botanic Gardens Copyright © Chihuly Studio

Make Biltmore your getaaw waay y—an nyy da ayy! y

• “Laughing Balsam Sangha,” a meeting for Mindfullness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, meets will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at 318 Skyland Drive in Sylva.

Included are sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion. Free admission. Call 828.335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook.

ALSO:

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. May 5 and 12 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. May 5 and 12 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075.

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

on ne w A n nu a l Pa s s e s Ap April 1–Maayy 11 2018 JQ T\ UWZM KWU XI[[W‫ٺ‬MZ

Smoky Mountain News

S P E C I A L SP R I N G S A L E

• Line Dance Lessons will be held on Tuesdays in Waynesville. Times are 7 to 8 p.m. every other Tuesday. Cost is $10 per class and will feature modern/traditional line dancing. 828.734.0873 or kimcampbellross@gmail.com.

35

arts & entertainment

FREE DAY OF FUN FOR KIDS! Hosted by Waynesville Kiwanis Everyone is invited to the annual "Spring Fling" at the Waynesville Recreation Center on Saturday, May 19, from 10 am to 3 pm

-Games & inflatables for kids -Free day pass at the Rec Center for Haywood Co. residents -Refreshments for sale by the Waynesville Kiwanis -Event is free to the public and will take place rain or shine

WAYNESVILLE

PARKS AND RECREATION

828.456.2030

or email rlangston@waynesvillenc.gov

May 2-8, 2013

W.O.W. Presents the 2018

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY SATURDAY MAY 5TH 2018 4-7 @ THE MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB Tickets are $40 - available at Evenbrite.com tinyurl.com/ycj5ms4t For more information, call 828.550.9978

Smoky Mountain News

• BETTING ON THE RACE, 50/50 RAFFLE

36

• PRIZES FOR BEST HAT & BEST BOW TIE Proceeds to benefit Mountain Projects Sponsored by: Angie Franklin State Farm, The Dog House, Mountain Home Guardian and family, Smoky Mountain News, April Sutton – Realtor, Kenny Arrington Construction, Blue Mountain Chiropractic Center, Entegra Bank, Precision Auto, Benchmark Builders, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino

womenofwaynesville.org

On the street

The Art After Dark 2018 season will kickoff from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 4, in downtown Waynesville.

Each first Friday of the month (MayDecember), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors.

Participants include Cedar Hill Studios, Art by Mollie, Mountain Flavors, Earthworks Gallery, Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery & Gifts, The Jeweler’s Workbench, Moose Crossing Burl Wood Gallery, T. Pennington Art Gallery, Twigs and Leaves Gallery and The Village Framer.

It is free to attend Art After Dark. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

THE WAYNESVILLE KIWANIS CLUB THANKS OUR SPONSORS, DONORS, SPELLERS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE “NO SWEAT” SPELLING BEE, RAISING OVER $8,000!

arts & entertainment

Waynesville’s Art After Dark returns

ALTRUSA JOE SAM QUEEN ARC OF HAYWOOD COUNTY JONATHAN VALLEY ELEMENTARY AQUA BABES KELLER-WILLIAMS 1 GINA KINDER BEVERLY HANKS (RYAN & MICHELLE MCELROY) KELLER-WILLIAMS 2 GINA KINDER CARPENTER’S BEES (FUMC BIBLE STUDY) KEN WILSON FORD CIRCLE K OF WESTERN

WOW Kentucky Derby Gala

Since forming in 2012, WOW has raised more than $175,000 for local charities in Haywood County. To find out more about WOW, visit www.womenofwaynesville.org or follow them on Facebook.

CAROLINA UNIVERSITY KIM’S PHARMACY BLUE RIDGE ORCHESTRA LAKE JUNALUSKA CONFERENCE CENTER CREATIVE THOUGHT CENTER LONG’S CHAPEL UMC

Haywood history speaker series The popular “Haywood Ramblings” series presented by the Town of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission will host its final event of the year with the “History of Main Street, Waynesville,” presented by Alex McKay at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 3, in the Town Hall Board Room on Main Street.

The speaker series will focus on the historic resources and rich heritage of Waynesville and Haywood County. In case of snow, the event will be automatically rescheduled for the second Thursday of the month.

Free and open to the public.

DOGWOOD CRAFTERS LONG’S CHAPEL YES LINK EDWARD JONES-JACK BISHOP MASSIE FURNITURE EDWARD JONES-LISA FERGUSON MOONSHINE CREEK CAMPGROUND EDWARD JONES 1MARTY SOHOVICH

May 2-8, 2013

Women of Waynesville, a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County, will present the second annual Kentucky Derby Gala from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at The Maggie Valley Club.

Guests should come dressed in their best derby attire to participate in the Best Hat and Best Bowtie contests for a chance to win an amazing gift basket. Guests will also be provided with an array of Kentucky Derbyinspired hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar with everything you’ll need to make a mint julep.

Attendees can watch the derby race on big screen TV and will have an opportunity to place bets on races with a chance to win amazing prizes.

“WOW is excited to offer yet another unique fundraiser idea to the community this year,” said WOW President Jessi Stone.

“What better way to spend Kentucky Derby Day than outside the country club on a beautiful spring afternoon?”

Proceeds from the event will benefit Mountain Projects, a community action agency that supports a number of crucial programs in Haywood County, including funding for heating assistance, affordable housing, senior centers, Head Start, public transit and so much more.

“Mountain Projects provides so many services in Haywood County and need our support to continue those services despite funding cuts from the state and federal government,” Stone said. “WOW knows Mountain Projects is a good steward of its resources and we want to continue to raise awareness and funds for them.”

Last year’s Kentucky Derby Gala raised $5,000 for Girls on the Run of WNC. Tickets for the Kentucky Derby fundraiser are $40 each. WOW is also seeking business sponsors for the event. For more information, call 828.550.9978.

EDWARD JONES 2 MARTY SOHOVICH ROTARY SHADY GROVE UMC DR. ERIC MORRISON SHARING JESUS LIFE GROUP FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WAYNESVILLE SMOKY MOUNTAIN INFORMATION SYSTEMS FITNESS CONNECTION/PISGAH HIGH

‘Exploring the World of Wine’ Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville are hosting a series of class and wine tasting dedicated to “Exploring the World of Wine with Pete Ricci.”

All classes run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays. Classes are $49 each. Participants will taste six to eight wines in each session.

The classes are as follows: • May 7: “Where It All Started, Wines of the Old World.” You must know where you came from to understand who you are. Wine and wine-making have a rich history. Many of Europe’s great wineries are hundreds of years old and were instrumental in the development of wine types and styles. Most of the world’s grape varieties were developed in Europe. Participants will taste wines and discuss the local culture, cuisine and lifestyles of the region. Also, participants will explore the question, “What makes a great wine?”

SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY THE MOUNTAINEER FUMC FAITH CLASS THE PRINT HAUS FUMC MEN TUSCOLA KEY CLUB FUMC SALT UNITED COMMUNITY BANK

Smoky Mountain News

KEY CLUB

• May 14: “Wine, American Style.” Wine comes to the New World. Ricci will discuss America’s spin on wine. How wine moved from the dinner table to the nightclub, the swimming pool and the college campus. Participants will also explore (1) how marketing and wine ratings affect the wine industry, and (2) how to shop for wine.

Participants will taste America’s version of Old World varieties.

• (May 21: 6-7:30p) Wine Regions Explode Around the World: Class & Wine Tasting: The demand for wine exploded with new marketing and wine became an important beverage to American entertaining. This led to the growth of wine regions that could support the higher demand in volume of the world’s consumption of wine. Participants will taste wines from South America, Australia, New Zealand and other wine regions to understand a global view of wine.

For more information and/or to register, visit www.waynesvillewine.com.

HAYWOOD COMMUNITY BAND WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION HAYWOOD SCHOOLS FOUNDATION YE OF “LITTLE” FAITH HONEY BEES INGLES MARKET- WAYNESVILLE

37

arts & entertainment

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On the wall â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paint Nite Waynesvilleâ&#x20AC;? will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (May 3 and 17) at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. There will also be a special Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day paint event at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 13. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com. â&#x20AC;˘ Gallery 1 Sylva will celebrate the work and collection of co-founder Dr. Perry Kelly with a show of his personal work at the Jackson County Public Library Rotunda and his art collection at the gallery. All work is for sale. Admission is free. Children are welcome. Gallery 1 has regular winter hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. art@gallery1sylva.com. â&#x20AC;˘ Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a free movie night at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For the full schedule of screenings, click on www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com. â&#x20AC;˘ The Waynesville Fiber Friends will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month at the Panacea Coffee House in Waynesville. All crafters and beginners interested in learning are invited. You can keep up with them through their Facebook group or by calling 828.276.6226 for more information.

ALSO:

â&#x20AC;˘ There will be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thursday Painters Open Studioâ&#x20AC;? from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. Bring a bag lunch, project and supplies. Free to the public. Membership not required.

For information, call 828.349.4607.

Smoky Mountain News

â&#x20AC;˘ A â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youth Art Classâ&#x20AC;? will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Appalachian Art Farm on 22 Morris Street in Sylva. All ages welcome. $10 includes instruction, materials and snack. For more information, email appalachianartfarm@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.

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â&#x20AC;˘ Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday. Bring your own materials and join an ongoing drawing course led by gallery artists from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday.

For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at 828.349.4607.

On the wall

Haywood Arts ‘Creations in Oil & Handcrafted Mugs’

Franklin’s Airing of the Quilts

Films created by Western Carolina University students will be screened at the annual Controlled Chaos Film Festival at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center in Cullowhee.

Several of the films have mature subject matter and are not suitable viewing for chil-

dren. For more information, contact the Film and Television Production Program at 828.227.7491.

Tickets are $15 for seniors and WCU faculty/staff, and $20 for adults. Proceeds and donations benefit the Motion Picture Student Project Fund, which helps students in WCU’s Film and Television Production Program with the cost of creating their senior thesis films.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) will host local artist Cory Plott, who will be demonstrating clay techniques from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts in Waynesville.

Several aspects of clay will be addressed including handles, altering, sculpture, and turning on a treadle wheel. Modern and traditional techniques will be discussed, with advantages to both. Whether you have made pots for years or are just considering taking it up, come out and share the passion for a timeless trade.

For more information about the HCAC, visit www.haywoodarts.org.

Smoky Mountain News

Controlled Chaos Film Festival

Haywood Arts clay demonstration

May 2-8, 2013

The annual Airing of the Quilts will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, in downtown Franklin.

An old tradition in the settler days was to air out your quilts after a cold winter in the spring air and sunshine. For information, contact Gwen Taylor at thestreetsoffranklin@gmail.com. www.franklin-chamber.com.

The Haywood County Arts Council’s exhibit “Creations in Oil & Handcrafted Mugs” will run May 4-26.

This exhibit features talented local artists including Melba Cooper, Don Millsaps, Jo Ridge Kelley, Nathan Perry, Mollie Harrington Weaver, Velda Davis, Tina Honerkamp, Sun Sohovich, Cayce Moyer, Susan Phillips, Cory Plott, Cathey Bolton, Dominick DePaolo and Carolyn Strickland.

arts & entertainment

“Spring is the perfect time to showcase the wonderfully diverse works in oil and also the fun and collectible handcrafted clay mugs produced by our communities’ local artists. Be sure to join us at the May 4 Artist Reception and Art After Dark event,” said Leigh Forrester, HCAC Executive Director Visit the Haywood County Arts Council at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville to view the variety of art for sale. For more information about the Haywood County Arts Council, visit www.haywoodarts.org.

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arts & entertainment

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Smoky Mountain News

May 2-8, 2013

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

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A few books aimed at new graduates r. Seuss’s Oh, The Places You’ll Go! has become as much a fixture of graduations as a bride’s white dress at a wedding. Commencement speakers quote from it; relatives give the book as a gift; parents read the book aloud to their high school and college graduates.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is a fine piece of poetry, Writer packed with the rollicking rhythms and rhymes of The Great Seuss, and designed to inspire readers of all ages.

Here, in no particular order, are some other books, old and new, you might want to consider giving to young people graduating this spring.

First up on the list is Charles Murray’s The Curmudgeon’s Guide To Getting Ahead: Dos and Don’ts of Right Behavior, Tough Thinking, Clear Writing, and Living A Good Life (Crown Publishers, 142 pages). In addition to sharing advice such as “Excise the word ‘like’ from your spoken English,” “Confront your inner hothouse flower,” and “Show Up,” this small book contains a short but excellent primer on writing well. (I am also pushing it here because Murray advises his readers to “watch ‘Groundhog Day’ repeatedly.” “Groundhog Day” is a film about success and becoming a better person, and Murray is correct: it should be watched repeatedly.)

A Man, A Can, A Plan: 50 Great Guy Meals Even You Can Make (Rodale Press, 44 pages) is short because authors David Joachim and the editors of Men’s Health Magazine wisely made it a board book, built to take grease and spaghetti sauce. The book is designed to be used by the most ignorant of cooks (I own a copy), with pictures of which cans to use, how the dish will look when served, simple recipes, and a breakdown of calories, fat, fiber, and sodium. If you know

Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing (Ten Speed Press, 210 pages).

Kondo has a long list of clients who, by fol-

fect book.

Another practical guide for living, especially for young people who will be moving out of the house into their own place, is Marie Kondo’s classic The Life-Changing Magic of

lowing her ideas for decluttering and simplifying their home organization, find their lives changed in other ways. The act of getting rid of stuff and organizing what they keep spills over into their work and their relationships

Jeff Minick

D

any young man who regards pots, pans, and recipes with the bewilderment of a man snatched up by space invaders, this is the per-

Celebration for poet Nancy Simpson The writing community will celebrate the late Nancy Simpson, local poet, teacher, and former NCWN-West Program Coordinator from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5, in the community room at the Keith House at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.

Simpson taught in Clay County Schools for 28 years and was an active member of the North Carolina Writers’ Network since its inception in 1985. She served on the Executive Board, and, in 1991, co-founded the North Carolina Writers’ Network West, a program to serve writers in the remote areas of the North Carolina mountains.

Simpson served as program coordinator for 11 years.

For more information about Simpson, go to her blog Living Above the Frost Line at nancysimpson.blogspot.com. Several noted writers will be reading Simpson’s poems and their original poems.

The public is invited to attend. RSVP to Joan Ellen Gage at 828.389.3733.

Wiley Cash returns to Haywood The Friends of the Library will hold its Annual Meeting and host a program featuring author Wiley Cash as guest speaker at 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 3, at the First United Methodist Church’s Christian Growth Center in Waynesville.

Cash is The New York Times bestselling author of The Last Ballad, A Land More Kind Than Home, and This Dark Road to Mercy.

with people.

I have only skimmed Martin Yate’s The Ultimate Job Search Guide (Adams Media, 399 pages), but am highly impressed. Not only does Yate show job-seekers how to create the best resume and how to negotiate salary and benefits packages, but he instructs his readers in the minutiae that can make or break finding a good job. (Don’t order salad if you are doing an interview over lunch; it’s too messy.)

Completely updated just last year, The Ultimate Job Search Guide covers everything from using Tweets and Google+ to the accessories men and women should wear for an interview.

With Love And Prayers: A Headmaster Speaks To The Next Generation (David R. Godine, Publisher, 344 pages) is a collection of talks made to his students by F. Washington Jarvis, former headmaster of Boston’s Roxbury Latin School, the oldest school in continuous existence in North America. For six years, I used this book of inspirational yet practical essays in my high school literature and composition classes.

Each essay has a main point, which Jarvis then argues using examples taken from literature and history, and anecdotes from his personal life as an Episcopalian priest and teacher.

High marks on this one.

There are, of course, many other books designed to help ease young people out of high school or college, and into the world.

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

He will discuss his latest novel, The Last Ballad, that “brings to life the heartbreak and bravery of the now forgotten struggle of the labor movement in the early twentieth century America.” The book is based on the real story of Ella May Wiggins and the tragic Loray Textile Mill strike in 1929 near Gastonia.

Cash currently serves as writer-in-residence at UNCA and teaches in the Mountainview Low-Residency MFA program.

A short business meeting will be held prior to the program. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments by Kanini’s will be served at the conclusion of the program.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Blue Ridge Books in Hazelwood, the Waynesville and Canton libraries, and from Friends of the Library Board members. The author will be signing books and will have books available for purchase.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Backyard trails Local mountain bike trails surge in popularity

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER n 2013, Western Carolina University cut the ribbon on 7-mile trail system zigzagging an otherwise unbuildable piece of university property. Over the five years since, the trails have become an indispensible resource for mountain bikers — as well as trail runners and hikers — in the Cullowhee area, and last fall a trio of WCU employees set out to back up those observations with hard numbers.

I

“One of the things we’re more actively trying to do is bring to the forefront how beneficial these trails and trail systems are to the community,” said J.P. Gannon, president of the Nantahala Area Southern Off Road Bicycle Association and an assistant professor of geology at WCU. “It can be easy for folks not to realize how much they’re used and the benefits that they do have because they’re hidden in the woods by their very nature.”

When Gannon heard that wildlife professor Aimee Rockhill — who, like Gannon, is a

A trail camera survey counted the number of passes on four trails in the WCU Trail System during the month of October 2017. The count measured the number of passes, not the number of unique individuals or the number of visits overall. For trails that are not loop trails, the numbers reported are half of the observed count to account for people returning to the trailhead the same way they came. JP Gannon graphic.

Though they’re hidden from plain view, the trails at WCU are well used by hikers and bikers alike. WCU photo

mountain biker — was planning a trail camera survey to find out how wildlife was using the trails, he saw an opportunity to also learn more about human trail use. So Rockhill, Gannon and Jeremiah Haas, associate director of outdoor programs at WCU’s Base Camp Cullowhee, worked together to take advantage of that opportunity.

COUNTING TRAFFIC Rockhill and her students Hannah Day and Kristi Edwards placed motion-sensitive cameras at various spots along the trails, aimed low so as to avoid capturing users’ faces. Over a one-month period, they monitored how many times someone passed by on each loop, and whether that person was traveling on foot or by bike.

By the end of October 2017, the team had counted 2,639 passes on the trail system — 1,100 from bikers and 1,529 from hikers and runners.

“I wasn’t surprised at how much usage there was, because I’m out here multiple times a week and I see a lot of people out there,” said Gannon. “When we’re out doing trail work or we say we’re doing trail work, I have a lot of people tell me how much their life has changed having these trails in their backyard.”

The data aren’t a count of how many individual people used the trail in a month, or a count of the number of visits made in a month. They’re broken down into individual counts for each loop in the trail system — some users likely complete more than one loop per visit. However, for trails that are not loops, trail counts were cut in half because a person riding that trail would likely pass by the camera twice — once going out and once coming back.

“We have no idea what counts are part of

one ride,” Gannon said. “But it does give us an idea for the amount of traffic on the trail.”

With 31 days in October and four different trails in the WCU system, the 2,639 number divides out to an average of 21 uses per trail, per day. Because some trails are more popular than others and some days of the week are busier than others, peak use is likely substantially higher than that. The most popular trail, the 1.4-mile Gribble Gap Loop, had 409 bike passes and 265 hiker/runner passes, with the least popular trail, the 1.7-mile Cullowhee Connecter, logging 118 bike passes and 73 hiker/runner passes.

“WCU having a trail system is one of the main reasons I applied for this job,” said Gannon, who arrived in Cullowhee after the trails were built. “Granted, there were a lot of other professional reasons, but it made it a much more attractive place to come and live knowing that there were going to be trails available.”

THE START OF SOMETHING BIGGER Before the WCU trails, mountain bikers in Cullowhee had to drive nearly an hour to Tsali Recreation Area or up and over the mountain into the Brevard area to find a good trail system. For weekday riding, they’d improvise by chasing down gravel U.S. Forest Service roads.

It was a sport that required dedication and frequent gas tank fill-ups.

That picture is changing. One year ago, the Fire Mountain Trails in Cherokee — just over the line in Swain County — joined the WCU Trails as a backyard option for Western North Carolina bikers, and by all accounts trail use there already rivals that at WCU. “The popularity has carried even further than I could have imagined,” said Jeremy Hyatt, Secretary of Operations for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and manager of the Fire Mountain trails.

The trails officially opened in June 2017, and since then Hyatt’s been interviewed by media outlets from across the region and the country. There are “constantly” 10 to 12 cars parked by the trailhead, located at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, with mountain bikers driving hours and hours just to come ride the trails. While Hyatt doesn’t have any hard data on usage or economic impact, he expects the results of such a survey would be significant and hopes to conduct some kind of study this summer.

“Very qualitatively, it seems like a similar amount,” said Gannon, comparing his observations of trail use at WCU and Cherokee.

“And then on weekends I’ve seen as many as maybe 30 cars in the parking lot (at Fire Mountain), maybe even more.”

It’s hard to compare traffic at the two systems based solely off of observations, because the WCU system has several trailheads whereas Cherokee has just one. In addition, some of the Cherokee trails are one-way, reducing the number of people a user might see on the trail. However, those who

Discuss alternative transportation in Haywood alternatives for local transportation between Waynesville, Clyde and Canton, with Mayor Gavin Brown and his dog Katie then leading a walk from town hall to Boojum in time for the second event of the evening. On the walk, Brown and Town Planner Elizabeth Teague will discuss walkability issues in the town and areas needing improvement.

Ride the (bicycle) rodeo The Jackson County Bike Rodeo will return 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 5, at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee.

A variety of kid-friendly stations will offer bike safety checks, helmet inspections, riding lessons, bike skills courses and group rides. Door prizes, including five free bikes, will be given away around 11:15 a.m. Must be present to win.

Free for all Jackson County kids. A long list of community partners have made the event possible.

Lance Elzie, 828.200.3345.

Cranford. “The time is right for Cherokee to be discovered for what’s there.”

Hyatt agrees, and he’s hopeful that the Fire Mountain trails could be the start of a greater revolution in Cherokee’s economic diversity, making the community attractive to tourists who want more than a few nights of gambling or a tank of gas before venturing into the Smokies.

“I really hope it is a starting point for something bigger in Cherokee,” he said.

It’s been officially open for less than a year, but Cherokee’s Fire Mountain Trails already attract a steady stream of users. Donated photo

IMPACT FOR GOOD

Race Fire Mountain A weekend of mountain biking racing will come to the Fire Mountain Trails in Cherokee June 16-17 with the Fire Mountain Inferno XC & Enduro Weekend.

Open to all levels of racers, the event will feature an enduro race beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 16, and a cross-country race starting between 10 a.m. and 12:35 p.m.

Sunday, June 17, depending on race category.

Space is limited. Online registration open through 9 p.m. Thursday, June 14, at www.gloryhoundevents.com. Pre-registration is $60 for the enduro race and $30 for the cross-country race, or $85 for both.

Bethel student wins state poster contest Bethel Elementary School third-grader Jade Cody has been named the state winner in a poster contest sponsored by the N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation.

This year’s contest theme was “Water … the Cycle of Life.” Cody, who is in Meredith Allen’s class, showed each of the steps in the water cycle and correlated them with a specific place on the globe. Before making it to Raleigh, Cody had to win the Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District contest and then the regional competition. She received $50 for winning the district contest, a $50 gift card for winning the area contest and will receive $200 for her state win.

The poster contest is one of several competitions offered through conservation district that include essay, slide show, public speaking and computerdesigned poster contests for grades three through nine. Next year’s contest theme is “The Living Soil.”

Gail Heathman, 828.452.2741, ext. 3 or gail.heathman@haywoodcountync.gov.

Smoky Mountain News

After a while, he said, “it become clear that it wasn’t moving forward.” And then he got a call from mountain biker and tribal member Annette Clapsaddle, whose father Charles Saunooke owns Saunooke Village.

“He made it very appealing rent-wise — try it for a year and if it works, great. If not, OK,” Cranford said.

Cranford then reached out to Outdoor 76, whose owners Cory McCall and Rob Gasbarro jumped at the chance to open a location in Cherokee, so close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

“I think between the two of us, it’s going to make what will be the beginning of a nice little outdoor hub there for Cherokee,” said

A new video series celebrating Western North Carolina’s local foods economy — and the small businesses and communities that drive it — is now available online.

These short films grew out of the Rural Food Business Assistance Project, which ran a series of community meetings in WNC towns last year and gave more than $20,000 in scholarships to 80plus local food businesses in the region.

The project aimed to capture a snapshot of what was happening to the local food scene across WNC, also connecting farmers and food businesses with their local small business centers to ensure they could grow and prosper.

“We spoke with people from every town in our seven-county region, and they came up with a list of over 500 local food businesses and organizations here, as well as dozens of stories that should be told. We hope that this video series can at least start to paint the picture of all the amazing people working to make our local food scene so vibrant and successful,” said Sarah Thompson, Executive Director at the Southwestern Commission, which led the video project on behalf of MountainWest.

The videos are available at www.gownc.org. Funding for the first video was provided by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, with funding for the second video from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation and the USDA.

May 2-8, 2013

ride both trails regularly say use at Cherokee is basically going gangbusters.

“It seems like there are more people coming to ride the Cherokee trails than what has been coming as a destination to WCU,” said Kent Cranford, owner of Motion Makers Bicycles. “We are definitely getting more questions about Fire Mountain than we are about WCU.” That’s a comparison Cranford would pay attention to, because later this month Motion Makers, which has stores in Sylva and Asheville, will be opening a third location — in Cherokee’s Saunooke Village.

Franklin’s Outdoor 76 will be joining Motion Makers in the venture, sharing a commercial space to expand their offerings to Cherokee.

“I’d like to sit here and say that I think Fire Mountain had a lot to do with Motion Makers coming here,” Hyatt said.

It definitely did, Cranford said. Ever since the trails opened, he’d kept an eye on Cherokee, thinking that somebody should put a bike shop there. At the same time, he was looking for a way to expand Motion Makers’ reach, getting into a community where people don’t currently have access to good bicycle retail but where there might be demand for it.

“As always on the reservation, they would love for it to be an Indian-owned business,” Cranford said. “I have friends over there, so we kept our finger on the pulse. Is anyone doing this? Is anyone doing this?”

Cranford has lived in Sylva for 25 years, and owned Motion Makers — a 32-year-old business — for 11 of those years. He’s seen all the ways the biking scene has changed over the recent decades, and the impact that a trail can have on a community’s economy.

In the past, he said, Motion Makers sold mostly road bikes and its customers — especially those from Cullowhee — were mostly WCU employees, not students. Now, with the construction of the WCU trails and some larger shifts in nationwide trends, that equation has changed. Roughly 80 percent of bikes sold are mountain bikes, and students are buying an increasing share of them.

“We actually are getting more and more students now who end up being customers,” Cranford said. “It all parlays for us in the bike community. Even though we’re in an amazing area here in Jackson County, we were kind of isolated from really exceptional mountain biking, and now we have two trail systems that are both great, and we have thousands of miles around us, too.”

Whether it’s Cullowhee, Sylva or Cherokee, that can only bode well for the local economy.

“We know from years and years of demographic studies that cyclists in general, especially traveling cyclists that are going places to ride, are generally a higher income, and they’re always looking for a good quality of life to visit,” Cranford said.

“They love good restaurants. They love good places to stay, whether that’s decent campgrounds or bed and breakfasts. For the community, having a draw for outside cyclists to come is always going to be a good economic impact.”

New videos explore local food scene

outdoors

An evening devoted to alternative transportation in Haywood County will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at Waynesville Town Hall and at The Gem in Boojum Brewing.

At 4 p.m., participants will have the chance to check out a bus from Mountain Projects that may be a key ingredient to new

From 5 to 7 p.m. at The Gem, there will be a variety of short films with five-minute presentations on cycling, walking and public transportation between each to lay the groundwork for an open discussion on the future of Haywood’s transportation web.

The event is organized by Mountain Projects, Land of Sky Regional Council, Bicycle Haywood and the Town of Waynesville.

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outdoors

the live raptor program featuring Carolina Mountain Naturalists’ Carlton Burke at 3 p.m.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., various activities and games will be available to show how ornithologists use mist netting to safely catch and band birds.

The Cradle of Forestry in America is located along U.S. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, about 35 miles south of Waynesville.

The event is free with general admission. www.cradleofforestry.com.

Spot Parkway birds A bird walk along the Blue Ridge Parkway will seek out high-elevation avians, 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 8.

Led by John and Cathy Sill of the Franklin Bird Club, participants will have the option of carpooling from Franklin at 8 a.m.

Birdwatchers should bring field guides and binoculars, as well as a snack or bag lunch.

Sign up at 828.524.5234.

Bird Day comes to the Cradle A bird walk and live raptor program are just some of the activities on tap for the World Migratory Bird Day Celebration, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Cradle of Forestry in America.

The day will begin with a guided bird walk with naturalist Vicky Burke, 9 to 11 a.m., with

Ramsey Cascades.

Donated photo

Celebrate the ‘Year of the Bird’ The second annual World Migratory Bird Day Festival will come to downtown Sylva 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12.

Celebrating migratory birds, this festival hosted by Balsam Mountain Trust will feature interactive games, crafts and live birds of prey demonstrations. Guests will also learn how to help protect birds throughout 2018’s “Year of the Bird” theme. Feature presentations will be at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., and the festival will be held in Sylva’s Bridge Park. The Chili Chomper food truck will be onsite to sell food.

This year marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a pivotal piece of legislation that prevents the unlawful hunting, capturing or possession of any migratory birds. The Audubon Society has partnered with National Geographic, Birdlife International and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to declare 2018 the “Year of the Bird.”

Hike Ramsey Cascades A hike to the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer views of cascading water and trail through old-growth cove hardwood forest Tuesday, May 8.

Led by backcountry explorer and Asheville resident Mike Knies, the hike will traverse 8 miles roundtrip with 2,200 feet of elevation gain to reach 100-foot Ramsey Cascades.

Part of Friends of the Smokies’ Classic Hikes series. $20 for members; $35 for nonmembers. Proceeds support Trails Forever, a partnership between Friends of the Smokies and the National Park Service to fund full-time trail crews to reconstruct and rehabilitate some of the park’s most impacted trails.

Register at hike.friendsofthesmokies.org.

May 2-8, 2013

Women-only fishing weekend offered The Beyond BOW Fly-Fishing Weekend at North Mills River Recreation and Campground will provide a bonding experience for mothers and daughters on May 11 to 12, Mothers Day weekend.

Participants will spend time camping and learning about fly fishing, concluding with a guided fishing trip on the North Fork Mills River.

The event is part of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, which includes workshops and events throughout the year designed to introduce women 18 and older to a range of outdoor activities. $125 covers instruction, equipment and camping. Register at https://bit.ly/2jfa9cn.

Jog through May

Smoky Mountain News

It’s running season in Western North Carolina, with a variety of races in the works for the month of May. Pick a date, a community or a distance and get moving!

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n The Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon and 4-Miler will return to Waynesville at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 5. $40 for the 4-miler and $70 for the half marathon. Proceeds benefit the Haywood Chamber of Commerce. Register at www.haywoodchamber.com. n The Lake J 5K Glow Run will embark from Clyde Elementary School at 7 p.m.

Friday, May 11, with crazy glow wear encouraged. Proceeds will support the missions group at Lake Junaluska First Baptist Church. $25 registration through May 10.

Register at www.runsignup.com. n The Cherokee Choices Mothers Day 5K will return to Kituwah Mound near Bryson City 9 a.m. Saturday, May 12. Seasoned runners, first-timers and walkers are all wel-

come. $20 registration, with proceeds benefitting the Cherokee Dialysis Support Group/Dialysis Center. Register at www.runsignup.com. n The Broyhill 5K will begin at 9:15 a.m.

Saturday, May 12, in Clyde. Proceeds support children at Broyhill Baptist Children’s homes. $20 through May 7. Register at www.imathlete.com. n The inaugural Tuck Trout Trot will begin at 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Jackson County Greenway between Sylva and Cullowhee. A portion of proceeds from this self-timed 2.2-mile fun run and walk will benefit Jackson County Parks and Recreation’s outdoor programming. $18.

Registration ends May 2. Sign up at www.runsignup.com. n The HOSA Med Dash 5K will offer a challenging loop on the campus of Western Carolina University Saturday, May 19.

Proceeds will benefit Smoky Mountain High School students participating in the school’s HOSA chapter. $20. Register at www.imathlete.com.

Learn about trout and TVA programs Bookstore

outdoors

The head of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Stream Ecological Health Program will speak at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, at Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley.

David C. Matthews is a graduate of Haywood Community College and has monitored waterways for the TVA for 28 years.

His presentation will cover the TVA’s Reservoir Release Improvement Program and how this project benefits trout and fishermen.

Offered as part of Trout Unlimited Cataloochee’s regular monthly meeting.

Come early to eat, or arrive at 5:30 p.m. to participate in a swap meet. tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

Maura Finn Poetry Reading Friday, May 4 6:30 p.m.

3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA

828/586-9499 • citylightsnc.com

Go wild in Pigeon Forge A week of wildlife-themed workshops, concerts, hikes and more is coming to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, May 8 to 12.

Tourism Day returns to WNC

Find us at: facebook.com/smnews

Smoky Mountain News

The I-26 West N.C. Welcome Center will host its 15th annual Tourism Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 11, offering music, outdoor activities and a chance to learn more about Western North Carolina’s natural resources.

The event will include a corn hole game and exhibitor scavenger hunt, with exhibitors including the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, Chimney Rock State Park and Monarch Watch. There will be fishing casting demonstrations, wool carding and spinning, and music from award-winning fiddler Roger Howell and friends, and the awardwinning Bailey Mountain Cloggers from Mars Hill University.

May 2-8, 2013

Wilderness Wildlife Week, now in its 28th year, was named one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events in the Southeast for May 2018 and claimed top honors at the 2018 Southeast Festival and Events Association’s Best Program Category.

The event is free and headquartered at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. For a complete schedule and registration details, visit MyPigeonForge.com.

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outdoors

Learn to swim Swim lessons for kids ages 3 to 10 will be offered 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays from May 14 to May 24 at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

The class teaches the fundamentals of swimming — breath holding, floating, kicking and being comfortable in the water.

Space limited. $30 for rec center members and $35 for nonmembers. Sign up with Luke Kinsland, 828.456.2030 or lkinsland@waynesvillenc.gov.

Athletic camps offered at Waynesville Rec

May 2-8, 2013

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will offer several camps for the athletic-minded as summer draws near. n A basketball shooting and dribbling camp will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 16 to 19 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Kevin Cantwell, former head coach at Appalachian State University and associate head coach at Georgia Tech will direct this specialized camp. $150, with $25 deposit required. Contact 828.456.2030 or academy7@live.com. n A summer volleyball camp will be held 9 a.m. to noon July 18-21 at the Waynesville

Recreation Center. Open to rising third-graders through high school seniors, the camp will divide into junior and senior sections. Younger players with beginning to intermediate experience will receive individual and group instruction in the fundamentals of volleyball, while intermediate to advanced players will focus on improving those skills, as well as strategies and team concepts. The camp director is Amy Mull, a former middle and high school coach in Haywood and Buncombe counties with more than 20 years of experience. $85 before June 1. Mull, amymull@bellsouth.net. n A British Soccer Camp will be offered July 23-27 at the Waynesville Recreation Center for kids ages 3 to 14. Ages 3 and 4 will be 9 to 10 a.m. with ages 4 and 5 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. A half-day camp for ages 6 to 14 will be 9 a.m. to noon with full-day camps for kids 8 to 14 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prices range from $85 to $192, depending on session. The camp is Challenger Sports’ British Soccer Camp, the most popular soccer camp in the country. Space limited. $10 fee for sign-up within 10 days of the camp start date. Donald Hummel, 828.456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov. n The Waynesville Recreation Center Girls Volleyball Academy is a new program for girls in grades 3 to 8. Offered 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays through May 29, the program costs $5 per session for third through fifth grade and $10 per session for sixth through eighth grade. The instructor is Tuscola High School Volleyball Coach Pam Bryant. No pre-registration required. Donald Hummel, 828.456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

Beautify Lake Junaluska A day dedicated to keeping the lake beautiful is seeking volunteers to serve one-hour shifts, 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 9.

The list of projects includes litter cleanup, painting guardrails, cleaning signs, washing windows and more. Most are out-

door projects to be completed in preparation for the summer season.

Sign up online at www.lakejunaluska.com/volunteer or contact Rachel Watkins, 828.454.6702 or rwatkins@lakejunaluska.com.

Help build trail at Pinnacle Park A trail workday beginning 9 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at Pinnacle Park in Sylva will provide an opportunity to give back to the trail system by rerouting a steep and erosion-prone section near Blackrock.

The reroute will replace an extremely steep section that’s about 0.37 miles long with a 1.25mile section featuring a gentler grade that better protects the area’s natural resources. Town crews will be assisting with any heavy machinery needed, but volunteers are needed to help dig out the new route. The group will ride up to the section under construction in town vehicles and then disembark to get to work.

For more details or to participate, contact Pinnacle Park Foundation Chairman Jay Coward at jkcoward@chspa.com.

Smoky Mountain News

Road work begins in the Smokies

Half Marathon & 4-Miler

5.5.18

www.SmokiesHalfMarathon.com BEGINS AND ENDS IN BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN WAYNESVILLE!

SPONSORED IN PART BY HCTDA www.VisitNCSmokies.com

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Volunteers deploy a canoe to help with litter pickup. Donated photo

A handful of road projects will impact travel in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park over the coming weeks. n A paving project launched April 30 on Newfound Gap Road will cause single-lane closures and traffic delays weekdays over the coming months. Lane closures will be permitted 7 a.m. Mondays through noon on Fridays, April 30 through June 16 and again Aug. 16 through Sept. 20. Traffic will be held for up to 10 minutes at a time, with closures managed with flagging operations and a pilot car leading traffic through work zones. The work, which includes applying a thin lift pavement overlay, is funded through the Federal Highway Administration with a $3 million paving contract awarded to Estes Brothers Construction. n Striping operations on various park roads may cause single-lane closures and traffic delays through Friday, May 18, with the project possibly lasting longer if weather delays are an issue. Locations include Newfound Gap Road between Newfound Gap and Gatlinburg, Little River Road

A paving truck gets to work in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. NPS photo between Park Headquarters and Metcalf Bottoms, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Clingmans Dome Parking Area, Cataloochee Entrance Road, and Foothills Parkway West. Work will not occur after noon on Fridays or during the weekends. n Temporary, single-lane closures will be in place along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thursday, May 3, and again Monday, May 7, through Thursday, May 10, for routine maintenance operations.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Haywood Community College will hold High School Equivalency, Adult High School, and Career College graduation ceremony Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m. in the HCC Charles Beall Auditorium. 627.4700.

• The I-26 West NC Welcome Center (Mile Marker 6; in Mars Hill) will have its 15th annual Tourism Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, May 11. Featuring fiddler Roger Howell and Friends and the Bailey Mountain Cloggers – 23-time national clogging champs. Exhibits and activities. 689.4527 or vsealock@nccommerce.com.

• The Haywood Community College 2018 graduation ceremonies will be held Friday, May 11, at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Both ceremonies will take place on the Clyde campus in the Charles M. Beall Auditorium, Student Services Building. This year, over 645 certificates, diplomas and degrees will be awarded. 627.2821 • Oconaluftee Indian Village will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Nov. 10. As you step into the Oconaluftee Indian Village, you’re transported back to witness the challenges of Cherokee life at a time of rapid cultural change. Tour guides help you explore the historic events and figures of the 1760’s. www.cherokeehistorical.org.

• “History of Main Street, Waynesville,” part of the “Haywood Ramblings series will be presented by Alex McKay at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 3 at Town Hall Board Room on Main Street. In case of snow, the event will be automatically rescheduled for the second Thursday of the month.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • “Waning of Pax Americana?” – part of the “Discuss the World! Great Decisions series – will be held from 5:15-6:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net. Questions: dem32415@aol.com.

• Brett Riggs will present “The Cherokee Removal in Swain County” at the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society meeting, which is at 6:30 p.m. on May 3 at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center in Bryson City. www.swaingenealogy.com.

• School Safety Forums will be presented by Jackson County Public Schools: at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 7, at Southwestern Community College’s Myers Auditorium in Sylva. cfields@jcpsmail.org, 586.2311, rensley@jcpsmail.org or 339.4235.

• A Boating Safety Course will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on May 7-8 at the Haywood Community College campus, Building 3300, Room 3322. Must participate in both evenings. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• A “DSLR Camera Basics” class will be offered from 68 p.m. on Tuesdays, May 8-29, at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Cost: $60. Info or to register: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• A workshop entitled “Presenting with Impact” will be offered from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, at WCU’s instructional site at Biltmore Park in Asheville.

Instructor is Neela Munoz, consultant and coach with Ignite CSP. For more info or to register: pdp.wcu.edu.

• An American Canoe Association Level 4 Swift Water Rescue course will be offered May 12-13 by Landmark Learning in Cullowhee. Register: www.landmarklearning.edu.

• An “Instrument Building (Guitars)” class will be offered from 5-9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. from May 14-June 20 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Cost: $380. Info or to register: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• An American Canoe Assocaition Level 2 Essentionals of Canoeing Instructor course will be offered May 15-17 and May 24-26 by Landmark Learning in Cullowhee.

Register: www.landmarklearning.edu.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will hold a business jump-start series from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from May 15-29 at the Canton Public Library. Topics include “How to Start a Business;” “Financing Your Business” and “How to Write a Business Plan.” For info or to register: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• An “OSHA 10-Hour Certification” class will be held from 4-9 p.m. on May 15-16 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Cost: $85. Info or to register: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• Registration is underway for a “WordPress Summit for the Small Business Owner” that will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center on May 15 in Clyde. For info or to register: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• The Downtown Waynesville Association’s annual Merchant Appreciation Social will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at the Patio Bistro in Waynesville. 456.3517 or www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• Registration is underway for the Spring Aging Conference that will be presented by the Southwestern Commission’s Area Agency on Aging from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, in the Burrell Building of Southwestern Community College in Sylva. 4 CEU’s offered. Fee: $25. Scholarships available: sarajane@regiona.org.

• Learn about what “fake news” actually is and how to spot it on Wednesday, May 23 at 2 p.m. at the Waynesville Library. Presented by Katerina Spasovska, Associate Professor of Communications at WCU. • A Wilderness First Responder course will be offered June 2-10 and June 30-July 8 by Landmark Learning in Cullowhee. Register: www.landmarklearning.edu.

• Community Choir will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays through June 13 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Cost: $60. Info: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • The Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center is seeking donations for its silent auction at the Annual Barn Event, which is set for June 2 at Bloemsma Barn in Franklin. 349.3200 or smpregnancycc@dnet.net.

• Mother’s Day corsages (handmade, open rose, silk) are on sale now as a fundraiser for the Appalachian Women’s Museum. $15. Pick up is at Ray’s Florist in Dillsboro. Order by May 4: www.appwomen.org/mothersday or 400.5381.

• Women of Waynesville, a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County, will present the second annual Kentucky Derby Gala from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at The Maggie Valley Club.Guests should come dressed in their best derby attire to participate in the Best Hat and Best Bowtie contests for a chance to win an amazing gift basket. Proceeds from the event will benefit Mountain Projects. Tickets are $40 each. WOW is also seeking business sponsors for the event. 550.9978.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Beaverdam Community Center of Canton will have a “Travis Stuart Benefit Breakfast & Yard Sale” from 8 a.m.-noon on May 5 at 1620 N. Canton Road in Canton. All proceeds will support additional cancer expenses not covered by insurance and loss of income.

Sausage biscuits and coffee.

• The Tuscola FFA Car, Truck Motorcycle and Tractor show is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 5 in the Tuscola High School parking lot. Lunch plates, 50-50 tickets, door prizes, vendors. $10 to enter vehicle into the contest.

• “Dance for a Difference” is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on May 6 at the Canton Armory. Fundraiser for the Jordan Landt Webb Memorial Haywood Community College Nursing Scholarship. Entry fee is a donation of $1 or more.

• A fundraising hike for Friends of the Smokies and the National Park Service will be held on Tuesday, May 8, at the Ramsey Cascades – the tallest waterfall in Great Smokies. $20 for current members of Friends of the Smokies; $35 for new and renewing members.

Hike.FriendsOfTheSmokies.org.

• The second-annual Ducks on the Tuck fundraiser’s duck draw raffle will be held Friday, May 11. Tickets cost $5 each or six for $25. More than 30 prizes including a 49-inch LED Insignia flat-screen television. All funds benefit New Century Scholars program, which helps students in Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties attain their education at Southwestern Community College. Tickets available from New Century Scholars, program coordinators or the SCC Foundation (339.4227 or k_posey@southwesterncc.edu). Info: www.southwesterncc.edu/ducksonthetuck.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS • Volunteers are being sought to help with Lake Junaluska’s “Beautification Day” from 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, May 9. Sign-up for one-hour shifts: www.lakejunaluska.com/volunteer, 454.6702 or rwatkins@lakejunaluska.com.

HEALTH MATTERS • A Plantar Fasciitis Pain Clinic is scheduled for 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Waynesville Yoga Center. Learn how to minimize pain, relieve the condition and maintain the health of your feet. 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 10 at the Swain County Chamber of Commerce in Bryson City. 488.3681.

• The Confident Caregiver Series, designed for caregivers of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Thursdays from May 10-24 in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• A program on “Combat Trauma: The Return to Family and Civilian Life” is set for 3-4 p.m. on Monday, May 14, at the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Learn about combate-related Post Traumatic Stress. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• A monthly health series on “Mind and Body: Health, Nutrition & You” continues with a presentation on “Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention” at 6:30 p.m. on May 15 at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• Registration is underway for affordable health screenings that will be offered on May 22 at LifeWay Community Church in Sylva. Screenings check for plaque buildup in arteries, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, diabetes risk, bone density, kidney and thyroid function and more. Packages start at $149; payment

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Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings and other options available. 877.237.1287 or www.lifelinescreening.com.

• Codependents Anonymous meets at 5:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Friendship House on Academy Street in Waynesville. Group of people desiring healthy and fulfilling relationships. 775.2782 or www.coda.org.

• A grief support group, GriefShare, will be held from 67:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through May 23 at First Alliance Church in Franklin. Topics include grief’s challenges, guilt, anger, relationships with others, being stuck and what to live for now. $15 cost covers materials; scholarships available. Register: www.franklincma.com. Info: 369.7977, 200.5166, scott@franklincma.com or www.griefshare.org.

RECREATION AND FITNESS •The High Mountain Squares will host their “Cinco de Mato Dance”, Friday night, May 4th, at the Robert C Carpenter Community Building, GA Road (441 South), Franklin NC from 6:15 to 8:45 PM. Everyone is welcome.

342-1560 or www.highmountainsquare.

• The Smoky Mountain Rollergirls will hold a doubleheader at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, at the Swain County Recreation Center in Bryson City. Junior team plays Asheville’s Mad Divas at 1 p.m.; adult game against Columbia Quadsquad’s Soda City Jerks is at 3 p.m.

Presale tickets are $5 available from skaters or $7 at the door. Ages 7-under get in free. Proceeds benefit PAWS (Placing Animals Within Society).

• Registration is underway for adult beginner tennis classes, which will be offered from 6-7 p.m. on May 23June 21 or July 12-Aug. 9 through the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. $60 for five sessions.

703.966.7138 or kakareka@me.com.

SPIRITUAL • Franklin’s All Saints Episcopal Church will celebrate the 130th anniversary of the St. Agnes Chapel on Church Street at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, followed by dinner in the Parish Hall. Info: jonathanstepp7@gmail.com or 551.2487.

POLITICAL • A joint campaign kickoff fundraiser for Haywood County’s N.C. House candidates, Joe Sam Queen and Rhonda Cole Schandevel, will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, at HART Theatre in Waynesville.

Live music and refreshments. Info: 508.2191 (Queen) or 246.2036 (Schandevel).

• The Haywood County Libertarian Party is now meeting at Blue Ridge Books on Main Street from 4:30-6 p.m. every second Monday of the month. These meetings will be for discussion on current events, open to the public.

• A lunch-and-discussion group will be held by the League of Women Voters at noon on the second Thursday of each month at Tartan Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. RSVP for lunch: lwvmacon@wild-dog-mountain.info or 524.8369.

wnc calendar

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Author Wiley Cash will be guest speaker at the Friends of the Library’s Annual Meeting, which is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, at the First United Methodist Church’s Christian Growth Center in Waynesville. Tickets: $10. Tickets available at Blue Ridge Books in Hazelwood; the Waynesville and Canton libraries and from Friends of the Library Board members.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

356.2800.

• A celebration of the late poet Nancy Simpson is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. RSVP: 389.3733.

• A Parkinson’s Support Group is held at 2 p.m. on the last Wednesdays of each month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Author Michael Hardy will present and sign copies of his new book “General Lee’s Immortals: Branch-Lane Brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia 1861-1865” at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 14, at Hunter Library in Cullowhee. Hosted by Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table. Wnccwrt.blogspot.com.

• Waynesville Book Club at 5:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Waynesville Library Meet to discuss books, which are chosen by each member (taking turns) and provided by the library. New members are welcome. For more information, 356.2507.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department has set a time for senior citizens (55-older) to play tennis from 9 a.m.-noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Oct. 28 at the Donnie Pankiw Tennis Center in Waynesville. For players intermediate or higher skill level. $1 per day. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

May 2-8, 2013

• The Waynesville Recreation Center will offer additional courts for pickleball for seniors from 7 a.m.-noon on Mondays through Fridays. For ages 60-up. Free for members; $3 for nonmembers. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• The Mexican Train Dominoes Group seeks new players to join games at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

356.2800.

• A Silver Sneakers Cardio Fit class will meet from 1011 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Haywood County Senior Recreation Center. For ages 60 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Senior croquet for ages 55 and older is offered from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park in front of Waynesville Recreation Center.

Free. For info, contact Donald Hummel at 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 1 p.m. on Thursdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Pinochle game is played at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and

Smoky Mountain News

Thursdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• A Canasta card game is set for 1 p.m. on Mondays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

KIDS & FAMILIES • The Jackson County Department of Public Health is now offering “eWIC” cards rather than paper vouchers for the N.C. Women, Infants and Children program.

587.8243.

$

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20’x20’ $

160

• “Avengers: Infinity War” will be showing at 7 p.m. on May 2-4, 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. on May 5-6 and 7 p.m. May 7-10 at The Strand on Main in Waynesville.

Check website for tickets, 38main.com.

• “Paddington 2” will be shown at 7 p.m. on May 5 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

• “Jumanji” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on May 3 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

• “Peter Rabbit” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on May 4 and May 11 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

Free. 586.2016.

• The Highlands Biological Foundation will offer a series of nature-themed films and documentaries shown at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of March in Highlands. For info on each show, call 526.2221.

• Mountain Mediation Service will host the second annual “Bridges to Peace” Family Fun Day from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. Activities and opportunity to learn about initiatives to reduce bullying in schools.

631.5252 or mountainmediation.org.

• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• Camping Day is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the WNC Nature Center. Campingthemed activities for families. www.wildwnc.org/event.

• REACH of Macon County will host its 10th annual American Girl Tea Party “If You Follow Your Dreams You Can Reach The Stars” from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, at the Trinity Assembly of God in Franklin. Tickets: $25 (adult) or $10 (child). Info. 369.5544 or reach@reachofmaconcounty.org.

• Swim lessons will be offered from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays from May 14-24 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $35 for nonmembers; $30 for members. 456.2030 or lkinsland@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A girls volleyball academy will be offered for grades 3-8 on Tuesdays and Sundays from through May 29 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $5 per session for third through fifth grades. $10 for sixth through eighth grades on Tuesday; $5 on Sundays. Instructor is Tuscola High volleyball coach Pam Bryant. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Registration is underway for Youth Tennis Camps that will be offered this summer through the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Juniors tennis camp is from 3-5 p.m. on July 16-20; Teen camps (ages 14-18) are from 3-5 p.m. on June 19-24.

Teacher is Rumi Kakareka, a certified teaching pro with 20-plus years of experience. Register: 703.966.7138 or rkakareka@me.com.

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828

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• A planetarium show entitled “Impact!” will be shown from 3:30-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Library issues tickets one hour before showtimes of 3:30, 4:15 and 6 p.m.

524.3600.

• The Jackson County Recreation Center will host its annual bike rodeo from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 5, in Cullowhee. Bike safety checks, helmet inspections, learning to ride, door prizes and more. 200.3345 or 587.8226.

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Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • Art After Dark 2018 season will kickoff from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 4, in downtown Waynesville.

• Thunder in the Smokies Spring Motorcycle Rally is from May 4-6 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. www.ThunderInTheSmokies.com or 246.2101.

• The 88th annual Ramp Convention will be held at noon May 5-6 at the American Legion Post #47 in Waynesville. Saturday’s activities include a ramp dinner from noon to 4 p.m., craft vendors, karaoke and live music from Carolina Hearts (6 to 9 p.m.). The American Legion kitchen will be open Saturday night.

Sunday’s activities include one free hot dog to children under 12, a ramp dinner, ramp eating contest, King & Queen of Ramps, clogging and live music by The Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/country). Tickets are $8 for Saturday and $10 for Sunday. A ramp meal will be included in each ticket purchase. For the event only, admission is free on Saturday, with Sunday tickets available for $5. 734.2234.

• The 16th annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing festival will take place from 9 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville.

• Children’s activities, local growers and artisans/crafters, flowering baskets, herbs, outdoor decor, live music, and more. Businesses in the district will also be open, including a coffee cafe, brewery and art gallery. Service animals only. Rain or shine. www.historicfroglevel.com.

• The Migratory Bird Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, by the Balsam Mountain Trust at Bridge Park in Sylva. Interactive games, crafts and live birds of prey demonstrations. https://bit.ly/2GTGR1e.

• No Man’s Land Film Festival is at 8 p.m. on May 16 at New Belgium Brewing Company at 21 Craven Street in Asheville. Mountaintrue.org.

FOOD & DRINK • Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville will be hosting a six-session class and wine tasting dedicated to “Exploring the World of Wine with Pete Ricci.”

All classes run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays.

Classes are $49 each or $245 to attend all six.

Participants will taste six to eight wines in each session. First session was April 23. For more information and/or to register, click on www.waynesvillewine.com.

• “Brown Bag at the Depot” – an opportunity to gather with neighbors – is at noon every Friday at Sylva’s newest park at the corner of Spring and Mill Street along Railroad Ave. For info, contact Paige Dowling at townmanager@townofsylva.org.

• Graceann’s Amazing Breakfast is 8-10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Sapphire Room at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. $8.50 for adults; $5 for children.

Includes coffee and orange juice. 743.7663.

• Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Saturdays at Country Traditions in Dillsboro.

Watch the demonstrations, eat samples and taste house wines for $3 a glass. All recipes posted online. www.countrytraditionsnc.com.

• A game day will occur from 2-9 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Papou’s Wine Shop & Bar in Sylva. Bring dice, cards or board games.

586.6300.

• A wine tasting will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 586.6300.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free with dinner ($15 minimum). 452.6000.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • HART will present “Sense and Sensibility” from May 4-13 in Waynesville. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on May 4-5 and May 10-12; and at 2 p.m. on May 6 and

Puzzles can be found on page 54.

These are only the answers.

May 13. Reservations: 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• The Haywood Community Chorus will present Dan Forrest’s “Lux: The Dawn from on High” at 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 6, at the Waynesville First Methodist Church. Admission is free; a love offering will be taken.

• Country legend Tanya Tucker will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Tickets start at $28. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• Musicians Anne & Rob Lough will perform from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Waynesville Library Auditorium.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • Identity politics: Is everyone a part of a “protected” or “privileged” class?” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum - Monday, May 7th at 7:00pm.

Franklin Open Forum is a moderated discussion group, meeting at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub, located Downtown at 58 Stewart Street, Franklin.

(Below and behind Books Unlimited.) Those interested in an open exchange of ideas (dialog, not debate) are invited to attend. 371.1020.

• “Russia’s Foreign Policy?” – part of the “Discuss the World! Great Decisions series – will be held from 5:15-6:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net. Questions: dem32415@aol.com.

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (May 3 and 17) at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. There will also be a special Mother’s Day paint event at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 13. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

• A two-day Calligraphy class will be held on Wednesday, May 16th and the following Wednesday, May 23rd, from 10:00 a m. to 12:00 noon at Dogwood Crafters. Talented artist Cheryl Thompson, a long-time member of Dogwood Crafters, will guide participants in learning the basic strokes and lettering techniques used in this beautiful form of writing. Cost for the class is $14.00 and registration is requested by May 9th. 586.2248.

• Registration is underway for a “Warhammer Class” that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 26-27 at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $400; materials included. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

• Registration is underway for a “Kukri Making Class” that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 12-13 at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $400; materials included. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

• The Old Armory will host an indoor flea market from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on every third Saturday. Booths are $10 each for selling items. 456.9207.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) will host local artist Cory Plott, who will be demonstrating clay techniques from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts in Waynesville. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Gallery 1 Sylva will celebrate the work and collection of co-founder Dr. Perry Kelly with a show of his personal work at the Jackson County Public Library Rotunda and his art collection at the gallery. All work is for sale. Admission is free. Children are welcome.

Gallery 1 has regular winter hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, and noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday. art@gallery1sylva.com.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present, “LINING: SHEATHING” through May 4 in Cullowhee. “LINING: SHEATHING” is a large-scale installation about the tactile and protective qualities of textiles by collaborators Denise Bookwalter and Lee Emma Running. The WCU Fine Art Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Museum exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public. jilljacobs@wcu.edu or 227.2505.

• Artquest Haywood, a self-guided event to view work of professional artists throughout Haywood County, is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, May 46. www.artquesthaywood.com.

• A “Creations in Oil & Handcrafted Mugs” exhibit will be on display from May 4-26 at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Opening reception at Art After Dark. HaywoodArts.org.

• Graduating students of Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts program will exhibit their best work at their graduate show, which runs from May 5-June 24 at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville.

It’s open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Opening reception is from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. Info: 627.4673 or creativearts.haywood.edu.

• The annual Airing of the Quilts will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, in downtown Franklin. An old tradition in the settler days was to air out your quilts after a cold winter in the spring air and sunshine. thestreetsoffranklin@gmail.com or www.franklinchamber.com.

FILM & SCREEN • Films created by Western Carolina University students will be screened at the annual Controlled Chaos Film Festival at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center in Cullowhee. Tickets are $15 for seniors and WCU faculty/staff, and $20 for adults. Proceeds and donations benefit the Motion Picture Student Project Fund bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 227.7491.

Smoky Mountain News

• A jewelry making workshop will be offered on Thursday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to noon at Dogwood Crafters. Judy Wilkey, will lead participants in learning the basics of beaded jewelry making by creating either a bracelet or a pair of earrings. Cost for the class is $7.00. Register by May 10th. 586.2248.

• An indoor flea market will take place every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in March at Friends Of The Greenway Quarters at 573 East Main St. in Franklin. Registration fee will go to FROG.

May 2-8, 2013

• The “Mother’s Day Gemboree” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 11-13 at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building in Franklin. Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations, and more.

369.7831. www.franklin-chamber.com.

• Registration is underway for a “Beginning Bladesmithing Class” that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 23-24 at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $300; materials included. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

wnc calendar

• HART Theatre will hold auditions for its summer production of the Jerry Herman musical “Mame” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, and at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, in Waynesville. Rehearsals start May 9; production opens for a four-week run on July 6.

• Registration is underway for an “Axe-Making Class” that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 9-10 at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $380; materials included. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

49

wnc calendar

• “The Insult” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on May 10 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

• “Black Panther” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on May 17, 6:30 p.m. on May 18 and 7 p.m. on May 19 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

• “A Quiet Place” is showing at 7 p.m. April 25-26 at The Strand on Main in Waynesville. See website for tickets, 38main.cc.

Outdoors

• A program on peregrine falcons will be offered from 8-11 a.m. on May 2 and May 16 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. For ages 8-older.

Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/bo4zckn.

• A “Basic Neotropical Songbird” workshop will be offered on three separate dates in May - May 3, May 12 and May 17 - at Alarka Laurel. $55. Register: www.paypal.me/cedartree. Info: alarkaexpeditions@gmail.com, 371.0347 or alarkaexpeditions.com.

• A birding hike will be offered for ages 12-older from 9 a.m.-noon on May 5 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/bo4zckn.

• Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute will host its annual Space Day open house from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, in Rosman. Activities and events.

Lunch ($8) and dinner ($12) available. www.pari.edu.

May 2-8, 2013

• World Migratory Bird Day Celebration is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Bird walk, live raptor program and more activities. www.cradleofforestry.com.

• “World Migratory Bird Day Celebration” is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Cradle of Forestry near Brevard. Register or get more info: https://cradleofforestry.com/event/world-migratorybird-day-celebration.

• “Pisgah Pride Day 2018” – the third-annual volunteer work day – is scheduled for May 5 in the Pisgah Ranger District. Perform trail work, treat invasive species, pick up trash and raise a new Ranger Station sign. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y8subj4v.

Smoky Mountain News

• A Chimney Rock Naturalist Niche Hike – Spring Migration Bird Walk – will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 5. Easy to moderate. $23 per adult; $8 per annual passholder; $13 for ages 5-15 and $6 for “Rockin’ Discovery” passholders. Advance registration required: www.chimneyrockpark.com.

• A “Flying Wild Workshop” for middle school teachers is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Cradle of Forestry near Brevard. Learn activities to teach middle school students about birds, their migration and more. Register or get more info: https://cradleofforestry.com/event/flying-wild-workshop.

• A trail workday is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, at Pinnacle Park in Sylva. jkcoward@chspa.com.

• The Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Council’s May meeting will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

• Trout Unlimited Cataloochee will meet at 6:30 p.m. on May 8 at Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley.

Speaker is David C. Matthews, an aquatic zoologist with Tennessee Valley Authority.

• An introduction to fly fishing program will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 8 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard.

50 Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/bo4zckn.

• An “On the Water: North Mills River” program will be offered for ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 9 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard.

Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/bo4zckn.

• “Strive Beyond,” a presentation on local transportation alternatives, will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville.

734.2743.

• A series of rabies vaccination clinics will be offered at the following locations/times in Franklin and Highlands on May 12: 9-11 a.m. at East Franklin Elementary; 10 a.m.-noon at Iotla Valley Elementary; 13 p.m. at South Macon Elementary; 1-3 p.m. at Mountain View Intermediate; 1-3 p.m. at Cartoogechaye Elementary; 9-10:30 a.m. at Highlands Community Center; 11 a.m.-noon at Scaly Mountain Post Office. $10 (cash only) per pet. Info: 349.2106.

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

• An “Outdoor Skills Series” program on wild edibles and securing water will be offered for ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 14 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/bo4zckn.

offered at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays through Oct. 31 from the Ledford Branch Trailhead at Bent Creek in Asheville. A beginner-friendly, recovery pace social ride will cover 5 to 8 miles, with all skill levels encouraged to attend. Simultaneously, a training ride for ladies who know how to handle a bike and want to increase their speed will cover 8 to 12 miles on Bent Creek’s more technical trails. Organized by Motion Makers Bicycle Shop. 633.2227.

• An “On the Water: West Fork Pigeon River” program will be offered for ages 12-up on May 15 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/bo4zckn.

• A weekly nighttime mountain bike ride is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Mondays from the Ledford Branch Trailhead at Bent Creek in Asheville. Organized by Motion Makers Bicycles. 633.2227.

• Registration is underway for a “Women in the Woods” trip that’s scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, May 19 and will be led by professional naturalist Liz Domingue in the Greenbrier area. Preregistration required: www.smokiesinformation.org/info/backpacking-2018 or 865.436.7318, ext. 349.

• A cycling ride leaves at 8 a.m. on Saturdays from South Macon Elementary School. Routes vary with distances typically 15-25 miles. Starts back in June. See Facebook page for additional information. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 828.369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com.

• An easy cycling ride aiming to help people ease into a healthier lifestyle through cycling is offered in the Canton area, typically covering 8-10 miles. Road bikes are preferred and helmets are required. Nobody will be left behind. A partnership of Bicycle Haywood N.C., the Blue Ridge Bike Club and MountainWise. For specific start times and locations: mttrantham@hotmail.com.

• A 25-mile cycling ride covering the back roads from Sylva to Balsam leaves at 6 p.m. Tuesdays from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop in Sylva. The route includes 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Organized by Motion Makers, 586.6925.

• A cycling ride exploring the Fire Mountain Trail System in Cherokee will be offered at 6 p.m. every other Thursday, rides started on April 12. Participants will divide into a beginner group and a non-beginner group, with 60 to 90 minutes on the trail each time.

Organized by the Nantahala Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, with an event page at www.facebook.com/NantahalaAreaSORBA/. nantahala.area.sorba@gmail.com.

• A cycling ride exploring the Western Carolina University mountain bike trails will be offered at 6 p.m. every other Thursday, begin on April 19 in Cullowhee.

Participants will meet at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching and divide into a beginner group and a non-beginner group, with 60 to 90 minutes on the trail each time. Organized by the Nantahala Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, with an event page at www.facebook.com/NantahalaAreaSORBA/. nantahala.area.sorba@gmail.com • A cycling ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, with alternating starts at Smoky Mountain Bicycles and South Macon Elementary School in Franklin.

Routes vary. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized

by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com. Check the “Macon County Cyclists” Facebook page for updates.

• A no-drop relaxed cycling road ride will roll from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop in Sylva. Routes vary and are open to cyclists of all levels. Organized by Motion Makers, 586.6925.

• A group road cycling ride will leave at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop in Sylva to tackle a 40-mile “race” to the Balsam Post Office, climbing 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Organized by Motion Makers, 586.6925.

• A pair of ladies-only mountain bike rides will be

• An easy cycling ride aiming to help people ease into a healthier lifestyle through cycling is offered Thursday mornings in the Canton area, typically covering 8-10 miles. Road bikes are preferred and helmets are required. Nobody will be left behind. A partnership of Bicycle Haywood N.C., the Blue Ridge Bike Club and MountainWise. For specific start times and locations: mttrantham@hotmail.com.

• A beginner-friendly social cycling ride for women will begin at 6:15 p.m. on Mondays from the Bent Creek Ledford Parking Lot, covering 5-to-8 miles of mountain bike trails. Start back in the fall. Organized By Motion Makers Bicycle Shop. 633.2227.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club holds a Saturday Work Hike on the fourth Saturday of each month. 369.1983.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to assist the Trails Forever trail crew for a rehabilitation project on the Rainbow Falls Trail from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting in May. Sign up or get more info: 497.1949, Adam_Monroe@nps.gov or https://friendsofthesmokies.org/trailsforever/volunteer.

• A Spay/Neuter Clinic is offered from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays at 182 Richland Street in Waynesville. As low as $10. 452.1329.

• North Carolina residents are invited to participate in the “NC’s Candid Critters” – the largest camera trap survey ever. Residents of Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties can participate in a brief online training process then borrow a camera trap from any Fontana Regional Library location. Info: NCCandidCritters.org or www.fontanalib.org.

• The Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Council meets at 10 a.m. every second Tuesday in Franklin.

Contact Kristina Moe at kmoe@fontanalib.org for location. Franklintraildays.com.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • The Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon and 4Miler will return to Waynesville at 7:30 a.m. on

Saturday, May 5. $40 for the 4-miler and $70 for the half marathon. Proceeds benefit the Haywood Chamber of Commerce. Register at www.haywoodchamber.com.

• The Lake J 5K Glow Run will embark from Clyde Elementary School at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 11, with crazy glow wear encouraged. Proceeds will support the missions group at Lake Junaluska First Baptist Church. $25 registration through May 10. Register at www.runsignup.com.

• The Cherokee Choices Mothers Day 5K will return to Kituwah Mound near Bryson City at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 12. Seasoned runners, first-timers and walkers are all welcome. $20 registration, with proceeds benefitting the Cherokee Dialysis Support Group/Dialysis Center. Register at www.runsignup.com.

• The Broyhill 5K will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, in Clyde. Proceeds support children at Broyhill Baptist Children’s homes. $20 through May 7. Register at www.imathlete.com.

• Registration is underway for the Merrell Adventure Dash, which features a series of natural and man-made obstacles along a 5K course. The event is May 26 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. https://tinyurl.com/y8zt5hh5.

FARM AND GARDEN • The Haywood County Plant Clinic is open every business day at the Haywood County Extension Center on Raccoon Road in Waynesville. To discuss any gardening problem, call 456.3575 or stop by.

• Local farmers can stop by the Cooperative Extension Office on Acquoni Road from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every fourth Friday to learn about USDA Farm Service Agency programs in the 2014 Farm Bill. Info: 488.2684, ext. 2 (Wednesday through Friday) or 524.3175, ext. 2 (Monday through Wednesday).

• The Macon County Poultry Club of Franklin meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cooperative Extension Office on Thomas Heights Rd, Open to the public. 369.3916.

HIKING CLUBS • Nantahala Hiking Club holds monthly trail maintenance days from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on every fourth Saturday at 173 Carl Slagle Road in Franklin. Info and to register: 369.1983.

• Hike of the Week is at 10 a.m. every Friday at varying locations along the parkway. Led by National Park Service rangers. www.nps.gov/blri or 298.5330, ext. 304.

• Friends of the Smokies hikes are offered on the second Tuesday of each month. www.friendsofthesmokies.org/hikes.html.

• Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org • High Country Hikers, based out of Hendersonville but hiking throughout Western North Carolina, plans hikes every Monday and Thursday. Schedules, meeting places and more information are available on their website, www.highcountryhikers.org.

• Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays. Nonmembers contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org • Mountain High Hikers, based in Young Harris, Ga., leads several hikes per week. Guests should contact hike leader. www.mountainhighhikers.org.

• Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, located in East Tennessee, makes weekly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as surrounding areas. www.smhclub.org.

• Benton MacKaye Trail Association incorporates outings for hikes, trail maintenance and other work trips.

No experience is necessary to participate. www.bmta.org.

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MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

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LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of MARY ANITA BEATTY, deceased, late of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of August, 2018, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This, the 2nd day of May, 2018.

MARCIA A. COLEMAN, Executor of the Estate of MARY ANITA BEATTY 311 Second Avenue Winder, GA 30680 Heidi H. Stewart, Attorney & Resident Process Agent Suite 301, One Oak Plaza Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 225-6030

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May 2-8, 2013

WNC MarketPlace

LEGAL NOTICES

BOATS

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE'S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY THIS ACTION BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THE POWER AND AUTHORITY Contained within that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Dorothy Anne Mertz dated April 25, 2006 and recorded on May 5, 2006 in Book 327 at Page 699 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Swain County, North Carolina. As a result of a default in the obligations contained within the Promissory Note and Deed of Trust and the failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements contained therein, the holder of the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust made demand to have the default cured, which was not met. Therefore, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will place for sale that parcel of land, including improvements thereon, situated, lying and being in the City of Whittier, County of Swain, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described in the heretofore referenced Deed of Trust. Said sale will be a public auction, to the highest bidder for cash, at the usual place of sale at the Swain County Courthouse, Bryson City, North Carolina on May 14, 2018 at 11:00AM. Address of property: 330 Cherry Tree Road, Whittier, NC 28789. Tax Parcel ID: 669300878078. Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Dorothy Anne Mertz. The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. The successful bidder will be required to pay revenue stamps on the Trustee's Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and costs for recording the Trustee's Deed.

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale "AS IS, WHERE IS" and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, and other encumbrances. Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids, as by law required. The sale will not confirm until there have been ten (10) consecutive days with no upset bids having been filed. If for any reason the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property, or if the sale is set aside, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the bid deposit. Furthermore, if the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may declare the sale to be void and return the bid deposit. In either event, the purchaser will have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee's attorney, or the Trustee.

Additional Notice Required for Residential Real Property with Less Than Fifteen (15) Rental Units: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Albertelli Law Partners North Carolina, P.A., Substitute Trustee David W. Neill, Esq. By: Albertelli Law Partners North Carolina, P.A. David W. Neill, Esq. NC State Bar No. 23396 205 Regency Executive Park Drive Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28217 Tel: 704-970-0391

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EMPLOYMENT ANNOUNCEMENT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS HAYWOOD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA The Haywood County Consolidated School System Board of Education is seeking a Superintendent to lead the Haywood County Schools (“HCS”) in their continual goal of excellence. Currently, the System is ranked 11th (top 10%) in the State’s End of Grade Testing. Candidates must have or be qualified to hold a Superintendent license in North Carolina. Three years of Associate Superintendent or equivalent level experience is preferred but not required. A doctorate degree or progress toward a doctorate degree is also preferred but not required. Haywood County Schools enjoy and strongly encourages community support. The System has a close working relationship with County Government, all Municipalities in the County, and Haywood Community College. A successful candidate will be required to live in the boundaries of Haywood County.

A successful candidate must demonstrate ability and success in (1) visionary educational leadership; (2) curriculum and instruction; (3) goal-setting and monitoring achievement; (4) fostering community and intergovernmental partnerships; (5) organization and administration of short-term and long-term strategic planning, budgeting, and personnel and facilities management; (6) strong communication skills and effective team-building; (7) procuring additional funding; (8) visibility and involvement in community activities; (9) leadership in maintaining safe and orderly school environments; (10) planning and funding of school facilities; and (11) decision-making, delegation, and follow-through.

Haywood County is located in the western part of the mountain region of North Carolina. The County is centrally located in the Southeast region of the United States and easily reached from most places, either by automobile or plane. Haywood County is located 20 minutes west of Asheville, NC. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest comprise some 40 percent of the county's land area and are key elements in the county's economy and culture. Municipalities in Haywood County include the county seat of Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley, and Hazelwood. With a population of 60,000, Haywood is the third largest county in Western North Carolina. It is home to 546 scenic square miles of mountain vistas, fertile river valleys and rolling foothills.

The School System has approximately 7,500 students in 16 schools. Of those, three are high schools, three are middle schools, nine elementary schools, and one Early College High School. HCS is governed by an elected nine member Board of Education. The Board is searching for a Superintendent who will continue the tradition of academic achievement and excellence, with strong school community support and involvement.

Applications may be downloaded from the Haywood County Schools’ website: www.haywood.k12.nc.us, or by contacting the School Board Attorney, Patrick U. Smathers at the address, phone number, or email listed below.

Applications must be received in the office of the School Board Attorney, Patrick U. Smathers, by mail or email, no later than May 14, 2018. Questions should be directed to: Patrick U. Smathers, Smathers & Smathers, Attorneys at Law, 118 Main Street, Suite B, Canton, NC 28716; Phone (828) 648-8240 or email: patsmathers@smatherslaw.com. All inquiries will be kept confidential. The Board hopes to make a selection by June 11, 2018.

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EMPLOYMENT AIRLINES ARE HIRING Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.441.6890 FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Early Childhood Education Instructor (10-Month Contract), Dept.

Chair Of Office Administration & Senior Network Communication Technician. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet:http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer HOUSEKEEPER YMCA CAMP Watia - General Janitorial and Housekeeping Needed at Camp Near Almond. Contact Ryan Hove rhove@ymcawnc.org for more info. Dates of Seasonal Employment: May 31st - August 4th.

HVAC OPENINGS: Installer Mechanic, Service & PM Techs Comm./Res. Valid NCDL. Drug test required. Benefits: uniforms, insurance (1/2), vacation & sick days. Salary DOE. E-mail: deonhac@aol.com UNABLE TO WORK Due to injury or illness? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys! FREE Evaluation. Local Attorneys Nationwide 1.800.371.1734 [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

EMPLOYMENT YMCA CAMP WATIA KITCHEN Staff - Food Services Staff at Camp Near Almond. Contact: Ryan: rhove@ymcawnc.org For more info. Dates of Seasonal Employment: May 31st-Aug. 4th DRIVE WITH UBER. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1.800.655.7452 PARAPROFESSIONAL NEEDED For Mental Health Group Home.

Position is 32hr/wk (weekend shift) with Benefits. Please call 828.452.2752

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578 SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your Mortgage? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL 844.359.4330

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

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Haywood County Real Estate Agents

WNC MarketPlace

TWO REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS SALE A: HopeTree Retreat and Conference Center (Bedford County, VA). 84+/-Acres Offered in 5 Tracts. 2494 Camp Jaycee Road, Blue Ridge, VA 24064. Wednesday, May 9, 2PM (On-site). SALE B: Glory Road Retreat and Activity Center (Henry County, VA). 87+/-Acres Offered in 6 Tracts. 312 Glory Road, Axton, VA 24054. Thursday, May 10, 2PM (On-site). LOW MINIMUMS-IDEAL FOR MULTIPLE USESTAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY, visit woltz.com or call Woltz & Associates, Inc. (VA#321), Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers 800.551.3588.

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FINANCIAL BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to a loan company. SAPA

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smokymountainnews.com

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

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May 2-8, 2013

WNC MarketPlace

Super

54

CROSSWORD

FIRST OF THE FIFTH ACROSS 1 Reprimand sharply 7 Linguine, e.g.

12 Fed. accident investigator 16 Obstinate beast 19 Get creative 20 “I do” locale 21 In — (as first found) 22 A few Z’s 23 Big name in economics 26 Cincinnati-Detroit dir.

27 British pop singer Rita 28 Hideous sort 29 Suffix with prefer 30 Smidgen 31 “— My Heart” (Toni Braxton hit) 35 Date system of ancient Yucatan natives 39 Igloo dweller 41 French “sea” 42 Candy wafer brand 43 “I’m appalled to report that ...”

49 Drifted about 52 Film director Nora 53 Cariou of the stage 54 Mill fodder 56 Public radio host Glass 57 Of Laos, e.g.

58 Podded plant 59 Inner beings 61 Land — (sleep state) 63 Gloater’s syllable 64 Aioli 67 With 46-Down, genuine article 69 Prefix with refundable 70 Big brand of faucets

4 Mo. neighbor 71 Hot dog in a classic 5 24-hr. cash cache jingle 6 Chai, e.g.

78 Part of LSAT 7 Hunger sign 82 Ruckus 8 Make panic 83 Sleuths’ jobs 9 Enter like the sun’s 84 Abbr. for the Blue rays Jays 10 Tiny little bit 85 Disorder 11 Genesis boat 86 Tourist’s aid 12 “Bye Bye Bye” band 87 Asks for 13 Soup holder 89 — -jongg 14 Winner of six Super 90 Brandy’s sitcom role Bowls 91 Downhill trail 15 Double-decker, e.g.

93 Supreme Court 16 What “A.D.” stands appointee of 2009 for 97 Continental coins 17 Gifted world traveler?

99 French “here” 18 Javelin 100 “Look — did!”

24 Li’l Abner’s surname 101 Best Actor of 2014 25 Nighttime, poetically 106 Inaction 30 Old Peru native 110 12:00 p.m.

32 Three cheers?

111 Injure badly 33 NBAer Brand 112 Sprint, e.g.

34 Long time period 114 B&B, e.g.

36 “Certainly” 115 Certain 4x4 116 Mansion House resi- 37 Elbow site 38 Zone between biomes dent 40 Actress Liv 122 Apply 43 Cruel 123 “That hurt!”

44 “— -daisy!”

124 Author Dahl 45 — Pet (novelty gift) 125 Skin and hair care 46 See 67-Across brand 47 Spanish “water” 126 At all times, poeti48 Once every 12 mos. cally 50 Greek Cupid 127 Tennis star Arthur 51 Miami- — County 128 Full of foam 55 Chemical relative 129 5/1 festival that’s 58 King’s home apt for this puzzle’s eight 59 Garbage boats longest answers 60 1980s Dodge 62 Strike at something DOWN but not hit it 1 Jewel 64 Shapely leg, infor2 Bejewel, e.g. mally 3 Post-injury program

65 Regarding 66 Neither here — there 68 Effacement 71 Resistor units 72 Drench 73 Saved with the same filename, say 74 Tibetan oxen 75 Canadian gas name 76 Guesses at LAX 77 Not at all, in dialect 79 Effortless 80 Artsy NYC area 81 Old Russian bigwig 85 Title for a French nobleman 88 Immense 89 Major artery 90 Grumble 92 Botch up 94 Vardalos of Hollywood 95 Frigid 96 Larcenist 98 Look (for) 101 Happen next 102 Immerse 103 “Which way — go?”

104 “Delicious!”

105 Noble Brits 107 Supported temporarily, with “over” 108 Get — good thing 109 Peeve 113 Surname of Buffalo Bill 116 Mauna — 117 Ovid’s “— Amatoria” 118 “Says —!”

119 Flee hastily 120 In vitro cells 121 Waterloo marshal Michel

answers on page 48

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Answers on Page 48

The forlorn calls of the yellow-billed cuckoo O Cuckoo! Shall I call thee Bird, Or but a wandering Voice?

— William Wordsworth

T

here are certain sounds that haunt the southern highlands. Wind sighing in the high spruce-fir. The ongoing, everchanging, yet-eternally-the-same murmurs of a creek. A little less than a century ago one could still hear from time to time the blood curdling howls and screams of timber wolves and panthers. Even today — if you go to some high-elevation outcrop — you might suddenly be galvanized by the “singing” tail of a timber rattler. And then there are the forlorn calls of the yellow-billed cuckoo.

In the excerpt from Wordsworth’s poem cited above, the poet was referring to the European cuckoo, but he aptly described the secretive habits of the yellow-billed cuckoo that breeds here in the southern highlands. No bird is more secretive.

Seldom leaving the shrouding foliage, the cuckoo sits motionless. When it does move, the cuckoo creeps about with furtive restraint. Seeing one is possible but unlikely. For the most part, this is a bird that you hear. It is mostly a “voice” arising somewhere in the near distance.

BACK THEN Many rural residents know this bird as the rain crow since its guttural “ka-ka-kowkow-kowlp-kowlp-kowlp” calls are often sounded just prior to a late evening thunderstorm. (The distinctive “kowlp-kowlpkowlp” portion of the call sounds something like a small dog barking.) The cuckoos on our property often sound a single “kowlp” note rather than the full vocalizaColumnist tion.

Skeptics have dismissed the association of yellow-billed cuckoos and imminent rainfall, but the authors of Birds of the Carolinas (UNC Press, 1980) note that, “There may be some basis for this bit of folklore, because cuckoos apparently adjust the timing of their nesting effort to the temporary local abundance of suitable prey, which in many instances coincides with periods of rainfall.”

A second cuckoo species that nests here in the mountains, mostly in the upper elevations, is called the black-billed cuckoo because it lacks the yellow lower mandible of its cousin. I’ve never seen a black-billed

George Ellison

Editor’s note: This column first appeared in The Smoky Mountain News in May 2008.

SHOP VOLUNTEER

The reddish flash of wing against the brownish body is also diagnostic.

The European cuckoo is infamous as a result of its parasitic lifestyle; that is, it habitually lays its eggs in the nests of other birds so that the hosts will have to bear the energy costs of raising cuckoo babies. Our two species of cuckoo have occasionally been known to lay eggs in one another's nests or in the nests of other species. For the most part, however, they raise their own young.

The sight of the bird in flight or perched on a limb staring at you is one that's Elizabeth Ellison painting. worth pursuing. As Henry David Thoreau, another 19th century bird-watcher, observed: “The cuckoo is a very neat, slender, and graceful bird. It belongs to the nobility of birds. It is elegant.”

(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer.

He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.)

May 2-8, 2013

DONATE

cuckoo, but I have heard its rythmic “cu-cucu cu-cu-cu cu-cu-cu” calls on several occasions, most notably in the region of Blue Valley near Highlands, the Rainbow Springs section of the Nantahala River, and on the Balsam Mountain spur road of the Blue Ridge Parkway above Cherokee.

Both species winter in South America. They arrive in our region during the last week in April and usually depart by late October.

If you see a yellow-billed cuckoo in flight, the most distinctive feature will be a double row of large white spots beneath the tail.

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