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Franklin bleeds tartan this weekend

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June 12-18, 2013 Vol. 15 Iss. 02

Swain County home values on the up and up

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Smoky Mountain News June 12-18, 2013

June 12-18, 2013

Smoky Mountain News

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CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: A Haywood County couple turns their “buy local” passion into a homegrown business. (Page 8)

News Scientists look to unearth causes of landslides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Family becomes one of many after disaster leaves them homeless. . . . . . . . 7 Jackson commissioners contemplate Cullowhee zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Lake left dry after dam wall cracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sylva poised to adopt bare bones budget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Property values are up, according to Swain revaluation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Church’s move to downtown Sylva pooh-poohed by some. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Police caught up in sweepstake industry lawsuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Macon County manager finally releases pay raise numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Tribal primary knocks incumbent out of the running . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Waynesville town board digs into budget details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com Emily Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . emily@smokymountainnews.com Whitney Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . whitney@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Hylah Smalley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hylah@smliv.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Becky Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . news@smokymountainnews.com Caitlin Bowling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . caitlin@smokymountainnews.com Andrew Kasper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . andrew@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Singletary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Gary Carden (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Dylan Brown (intern)

CONTACT WAYNESVILLE | 34 Church Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585

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Franklin festival offers a taste of the homeland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Outdoors

Copyright 2013 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2013 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Smoky Mountain News is available for free in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and parts of Buncombe counties. Limit one copy per person.

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

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NASA helps geologists try to understand WNC landslides

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER itigating the deadly and damaging effects of mountain landslides might be as simple as understanding them.

With that goal in mind, state geologists — in conjunction with National Aeronautics and Space Administration and a consortium of researchers — are launching a project that hopes to shed light on the inner workings of landslides. By this fall, scientists plan to have monitoring equipment buried at several mountainside sites in Western North Carolina. The equipment will transmit real-time data on what is going on under the surface to researchers in hopes that it will help them better understand what happens in the lead-up to a slope failure.

“The main idea is to advance or improve our ability to forecast when and where landslides will happen,” said Rick Wooten, senior geologist with the N.C. Geological Survey.

The ability to accurately predict landslides could in turn save lives. “That’s the big picture,” Wooten said.

The half-acre sites chosen are places where landslides have happened in the past and where there is a high probability a landslide will occur in the future: bowl-shaped hollows perched high along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Three of the four sites are in Macon County — one in Nantahala Forest and two at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, a government research area.

Macon County was an ideal location for researchers with its steep mountains, abundance of public lands and complete set of landslide hazard maps, which were created for the area in the wake of a deadly mudslide at Peeks Creek in 2004. The sites chosen are along the same ridge, the Blue Ridge Escarpment, that was the site of that natural disaster.

“What we’re really interested in are these high elevation sites where debris flows typically start,” Wooten said.

“What’s going on there?”

Several sensors will be buried at each site and scientists will sit back and collect data on weather, precipitation and ground saturation. The wetter the ground, the heavier and more likely it is to break away from the mountain and come tumbling down. Of course, there is no guarantee that a landslide will occur at one of the test locations during the span of the project.

But if it did, experts would have a play-by-play of what was happening.

Regardless of whether the team of scientists hits the jackpot or not, Wooten said knowing what the mountainside can withstand without a landslide occurring is important as well.

“It’s a good starting point,” Wooten said.

The project is being funded by NASA, which will synthesize the underground data with satellite imaging of the region. Meanwhile, the University of Oklahoma will be focusing on the meteorology aspect of the project.

Smoky Mountain News

June 12-18, 2013

M

Fly Fishing the South

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER Foot traffic undeniably brings dollars to Waynesville’s downtown businesses. But what the passerby also brings is trash.

Just as the downtown parking lots fill up with cars in the throes of its tourist season, so do the planters and sidewalks fill up with cigarette butts. And this summer, Waynesville is trying out a new way of keeping Main Street spick and span.

The town has replaced Main Street custodian Mike McFarland, a longtime Waynesville worker who ran a oneman show cleaning and sweeping, with a crew of town workers who hit the street on an as-needed basis. The crew is also be tasked with maintaining all three of the municipality’s retail hotspots — Frog Level, Hazelwood and Main Street — not just Main Street.

“We’ve just changed the way we’re collecting the trash,” said Town Manager Marcy Onieal. “But our standard for cleanliness has not changed at all.”

Onieal said the changes will allow a group of workers to get on and off of Main Street before most of the stores open. With Cecily Dover Hall one worker operating a blower sweeps up outside of or broom, another picking up her shop, The litter on the ground and anothGatekeeper, on Main er emptying trashcans, a group Street in Waynesville. can complete a job in a matter Andrew Kasper photo of hours that one person previously toiled all day at.

Then the crew can move on to the next job, rotating to other high-traffic areas. This way, Onieal said, the other upand-coming public shopping districts, Hazelwood and Frog Level, will get more attention as well.

“We needed to deploy our staff in a way that’s more efficient — in a way that can clean all downtown, not just one downtown,” Onieal said.

But there’s no denying that many Main Street merchants will miss the presence of McFarland, who worked the street’s cleaning beat for more than 15 years. Although McFarland is still working with the town’s sanitation department, the quiet, diminutive man with a beard won’t be on Main Street everyday to reassure merchants or greet the town’s Mayor Gavin Brown on his way to work in the morning.

“Mike has been there for so long — he’s just sort of part of your everyday life,” Brown said. “He’s someone you see all the time and you say ‘Hey, good morning, Mike.’”

The change in Main Street maintenance has already been underway for a couple of months, and Onieal said only one business owner, so far, has contacted the town with reservations about the changes. But other than that, the new method

has been widely accepted. Brown, too, said if it were turning out to be a inadequate way of cleaning, someone would have pulled him aside by now on his daily strolls down Main Street.

“If the merchants are not happy, they’ll let us know,” Brown said. “You can’t hide when you’re the mayor of a small town.”

Now that flocks of visitors are appearing on Main Street, brought in by the summer weather, some downtown merchants are becoming anxious about not having a dedicated employee on site. One concern is that street won’t get individual attention under the new system it once received.

“Having Michael actually do the street sweeping and cleaning really made a difference,” said Buffy Phillips, executive director of the Downtown Waynesville Association. “He was always bending down to pick up a cigarette butt and a bottle.”

Phillips also said at first glance, the new system isn’t noticeably better, nor is it noticeably worse, thus far. She said one apparent difference is that litter seems to be accumulating more readily in the nooks and crannies of the street — potted plants and landscaped areas that one person would have all day to notice and chip away at might get overlooked by a fast-moving crew of workers.

Phillips said everyone is taking this as a trial run. But in anticipation of less TLC, the association advised businesses to take extra time to tidy up their own storefronts.

“We’ll just all have to pitch in,” Phillips said. “Especially during the high-traffic season, we’ll see how it works.”

Cecily Dover Hall, owner of the Main Street corner shop The Gatekeeper, said she has a well-established habit of pitching in. With her location adjacent to a town kiosk and popular public sitting area, she stays prepared with a broom near the shop’s door and a pair of gloves for picking up cigarette butts. The nearby benches are a favorite spot to smoke and from which to flick cigarettes.

“They sit there on the bench, and they flip ‘em,” Hall said.

Because of her location next to a Main Street rest stop and informal role as Main Street gatekeeper, Hall is also one of the first to notice an uptick in the amount of litter being left behind by pedestrians. This spring, she said she has noticed the butts accumulating more so than years past.

Hall has seen McFarland scrape everything from gum to dog poop off the sidewalk during his tenure. She worried that a transient crew, or merchants periodically pitching in, might not be the same as one employee on the street all day. But whatever way the town uses to clean Main Street, Hall said the result must be the same.

“It needs to look nice all the way down,” she said.

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Michelle (left) and Slyenia Rhein stood outside the trailer that they once called home.

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The schools gave the kids new backpacks, shoes and other supplies. “They were just amazing,� Michelle Rhein said.

With the exception of some clothes and random knick-knacks, Slyenia said everything else in the house will have to be trashed since moisture got into the trailer, creating mold.

Since they are living off food stamps, disability checks and money Slyenia receives from child support and random odd jobs, there is little money to go around.

Within the last week or so, Michelle Rhein, her husband and her 14-year-old daughter moved out of state to live with a third daughter.

Slyenia, who is required to stay in the state until her 1-year-old turns 18, has found a temporary place at a friend’s house for her and her children.

June 12-18, 2013

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER or more than a month, 25-year-old Slyenia Rhein and her three children lived in a single hotel room with her mother, her father, her sister, a dog and a cat.

There was no stove, a tiny refrigerator, two beds and absolutely no privacy — hardly the ideal lifestyle. But it was all the family could do after a landslide forced them out of their home.

Slyenia’ two school-aged children and her younger sister are three of nearly 300 homeless students in Haywood County, a number that has risen nearly 20 percent compared to last school year.

The county uses the McKinney-Vento Act fdefinition of homelessness — any individual who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including those staying temporarily with a relative, in a hotel or at a shelter.

Michelle Mull, a social worker with Haywood County Schools, attributed the dramatic increase to a continued shortage of work.

Unemployment in March was 8.8 percent. “We have lots of people moving into the area with no jobs because they have family and friends here,� said Haywood County Social Worker Michelle Mull. f When Mull and other social workers find out a student is homeless, they can refer the family to certain nonprofits for help, set him or her up with free lunches, provide transit (when needed) and give him or her school supplies. But Mull said she wished they could do more. “Unfortunately, we don’t have a fund. We don’t have money we could give them,� Mull said.

Given the stress that goes along with an unstable home life — not knowing what you will go home to or where dinner will come from — social workers and school counselors look after the children while at school and let teachers know if a student is having a particularly hard time.

Although some children end up homeless because of abuse or financial struggles, there are also outliers like the Rheins’ situation. Families who are doing OK but suddenly find themselves down and out. “It’s not our fault we are there, but it’s stressful,� Slyenia said.

In early May, Western North Carolina was drenched in steady rain for a few days, causing several landslides in Haywood County, including one on Pigeon Road near Waynesville Mountain where the Rheins lived. The family of seven lived in a trailer home a few yards below where the slide occurred.

Fearing that the slope would slide more, emergency officials evacuated the Rheins. They were given only minutes to grab some clothing items and their pets. “They gave us no time,� Slyenia said.

However, it could have been worse, said Michelle Rhein, Slyenia’s mother. “A house you can lose and replace, but your

children you can’t,� Michelle Rhein said.

The family was put up at the Days Inn in Canton for two days and expected that officials would allow them back in their home soon.

But officials deemed the house unsafe for the children to return until Pigeon Road, part of which fell with the slide, was repaired. If the adults wanted to resume living in the trailer, they could, but the Department of Social Services would have taken the kids to live elsewhere, so the Rheins decided to take up residence at The Lodge in Waynesville.

Slyenia said they originally expected that the N.C. Department of Transportation to complete its road repairs quickly. As of June 3, however, the family had spent exactly a month living in a hotel.

Both Slyenia and Michelle Rhein said the family received help from a number of great sources. The American Red Cross, Sunny Point Baptist Church in Canton and Open Door Ministry in Waynesville covered a few hotel nights each. The Vine of the Mountains in Waynesville donated a Crock-pot, so they could prepare hot meals. The Red Cross was also able to give the family food and clothing vouchers. “We have talked to everybody (trying to get help),� Slyenia said.

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Landslide forces family into unsettled lifestyle

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Haywood soda company aims to change palettes

Want to try it?

Smoky Mountain News

Megan Brown and Chris Allen are co-owners of Waynesville Soda Jerks, an independent artisan beverage company. Garret K. Woodward photo

8

Wake Technical Community College.” her, ‘No, that’s how red strawberries really After holding a handful of jobs in eastern are,’” Brown smiled.

North Carolina, Brown and Allen soon So, what is a “soda jerk”? found themselves back into Haywood “It’s an old phrase coined after people County. They crossed paths and have been who worked in soda fountains or pharmatogether ever since. Both currently work at cies,” Allen said. “Like a beer tap, they would Frogs Leap Public House, a farm-to-table pour soda and would ‘jerk’ the tap all day. It’s restaurant that has influenced the couple to an endearing term, something a little edgy pursue quality and handmade, instead of that has a back story and nostalgic side to it.” mass-produced and processed.

Though it’s been a fast-moving process, the “Our focus is to keeps things as local as couple is ready for the challenge. They recently possible,” Allen said. enrolled into the entrepreneurship program at The couple say they weren’t happy with Haywood Community College, and now that quality of the beverages coming out of the they’ve secured their spot at the farmer’s marmass-produced soda stream they purchased ket, the next steps are to someday have a storefor their house. front, a bottling line and be able to sell the “We didn’t like the syrups the stream came with.

It tasted like chemicals, so we started making our own,” Brown said. “We’re now making syrups from fresh fruits and materials that are grown in Haywood County.”

The modern-day soda industry has been getting a bit of a black eye recently, constantly in the news because of health and societal issues dealing with overconsumption and controversial ingredients like high fructose corn syrup. Brown and Allen are trying to get people away from the corn syrup by only The Waynesville Soda Jerks are at the Waynesville using local, natural ingrediHistoric Farmer’s Market from 8 a.m. to noon on ents and raw cane sugar.

Wednesdays and Saturdays. 828.808.3616 or “Besides the raw cane www.waynesvillesodajerks.com or sugar, we’re also working www.facebook.com/waynesvillesodajerks. towards using local honey and molasses,” Allen said.

“You want to know exactly what you’re putting in your body. We use no product wholesale to restaurants, cafes and chemicals, no artificial flavors or colorings, bars looking for something different. none of that nasty stuff.”

“When people support us, they support Brown points to a recent encounter with others at the farmer’s market, and it’s impora young girl, who came up to their booth at tant that money spent here stays in the comthe farmer’s market. The girl pointed to a munity,” Brown said. “It all has happened so bright red strawberry drink and asked if the quickly, from the time we had the idea to color was from an artificial dye. now, to where we’re going and where we’ll be “She was really concerned, and we told by the end of the summer.”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER Haywood County just got a little sweeter.

Specializing in “handcrafted, locally produced, artisan beverages,” Waynesville Soda Jerks is a new business that has opened at the Waynesville Historic Farmer’s Market. At the center of it all are founders Megan Brown and Chris Allen.

“I think this area is ready for this,” Allen said. “The beverage industry around here is exploding, so we’re trying to tap into it.”

The 26-year-old duo offers a variety of beverages with names like Appalachian Strawberry Rhubarb, Jasmine Vanilla Tea, Cream Soda, Citrus Dewdrop, Watermelon Mint, Celery Soda, Ginger, Strawberry Balsamic, Mint and Lemon Thyme. But tastes are always changing, always shifting, and that’s something Brown and Allen have

planned for from the beginning.

“We’re going to keep trying new things and keep changing,” Brown said. “Right now we have ‘Cola Batch #1,” and soon it will be ‘Cola Batch #2,” which will taste different because it’s always evolving.”

After meeting at Pisgah High School, the couple became close. But college changed everything. Brown headed for Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte for business and marketing, while Allen went to N.C. State in Raleigh where he studied mechanical engineering. While in Raleigh, Allen began working in the restaurant industry. It was there that he developed an interest in artisan food and beverages.

“I was in restaurants; I really enjoyed it and the connections I was making,” he said. “So, I decided to go more into a background of cooking and went into the culinary arts program at

“We didn’t like the syrups the [soda] stream came with ...

So we started making our own. We’re now making syrups from fresh fruits and materials that are grown in Haywood County.”

— Megan Brown, co-owner, Waynesville Soda Jerks

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER he “Buy Haywood” initiative is a work-inprogress example of how local businesses benefit by connecting with each other.

“Agriculture is a big part of Haywood and Western North Carolina,” said Tina Masciarelli, project coordinator for the Buy Haywood initiative. “Support of these farmers by buying high-quality local produce keeps farms viable and preserves access to fresh foods, and also protects the farmland, rural character and heritage of the region.”

At its most basic level, Buy Haywood is a marketing effort to get people to purchase local farm goods and products made from those goods (see accompanying story). On a larger scale, it is about connecting different parts of the economy for mutual benefits and is part of an effort to preserve what’s left of a rural lifestyle.

Buy Haywood is managed by the Haywood County Economic Development Commission. Working collaboratively is one of the main objectives of the EDC. Executive Director Mark Clasby points to three key elements for local economic development: working with existing businesses by also helping small ones expand; recruiting new businesses to come to the county; and promoting new businesses that are just getting off the ground.

“I think Haywood is ahead of the curve,” he said. “So many communities don’t have the collaboration we have here, and many people don’t realize how unique we are. If people are going to go into business, we want to try and

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From the backyard to your table

T

Tina Masciarelli, Buy Haywood project coordinator, shares an “I tried local greens” sticker with a Kids Corner participant after the girl voted “Broccoli Calzone” as her favorite dish. Donated photo

Farmer’s & Tailgate Markets

Waynesville

Canton

• Canton Tailgate Market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at Municipal parking area, 58 Park Street in Canton. 828.235.2760. www.buyhaywood.com.

Information about the “Buy Haywood” initiative can be found at www.buyhaywood.com or by calling 828.734.9574. The marketing development office is located at 144 Industrial Park Drive in Waynesville.

CEO/founder of SOFIOL Press in Waynesville. She supports reinvesting back in the county. To her, it’s individual acts in small communities that plant the seeds of restoring wealth into the American dream.

“Supporting a living economy — where power resides locally — creates a framework for long-term economic viability that is highly adaptive and self-reliant,” she said.

Sylva • Jackson County Farmers Market — Plants, seeds, honey, breads, sweets, locally made crafts and local meats. 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Railroad Avenue, Sylva, at the Municipal Parking Lot near Bridge Park in downtown. 828.631.3033. www.mountainlovers.com.

Cullowhee • Whee Farmer’s Market — 5 p.m. until dusk, every Wednesday, Cullowhee United Methodist Church grass lot, behind BB&T and Subway on WCU campus, Cullowhee. www.facebook.com/cullowheefarmersmarket. avantgardenorganicfarm@gmail.com.

Cashiers • Cashiers Tailgate Market — Fresh baked goods, jellies, local fruit pies and much more. 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, N.C. 107, Cashiers, in the parking lot at the Cashiers Community Center. 828.226.9988. www.blueridgefarmersco-op.com.

Franklin • Franklin Tailgate Market — Variety of only homegrown prod-

ucts such as cheese, plants, eggs, trout, honey and more. 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, 226 E. Palmer St., Franklin, across the street from Drake Software. 828.349.2046. www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.

Bryson City • Swain Tailgate Market — Organic produce, plants, trout, honey, jams, quail and rabbit as well as an array of local crafts. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fridays, Main Street behind the historic courthouse in downtown. 828.488.3848. www.greatsmokies.com.

Cherokee • Cherokee Farmers Tailgate Market — Fresh local, organic and heirloom produce. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays, Acquoni Road, Cherokee 828.554.6931.

Smoky Mountain News

• Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market — Fresh, local produce, fresh seafood, baked goods, goat cheese, herbal products, meat and eggs, plants, flowers, preserves, honey and heritage crafts. Live music, 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Saturdays. 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville in the parking lot of the HART Theatre. 828.627.1058. www.waynesvillefarmersmarket.com.

• Waynesville Tailgate Market — Fruits, vegetables, black walnuts, organic food and other products from Haywood County Farmers. 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 171 Legion Dr., Waynesville, at the American Legion in Waynesville behind Bogart’s restaurant. 828.648.6323. www.buyhaywood.com.

Want to know more?

For 2013, Buy Haywood is looking to host a series of cooking demonstrations by local chefs that will feature locally grown fruits and vegetables. There are also plans to create a Buy Haywood sticker (to be placed on every product from participating businesses), and the fourth edition of the Haywood County farm map will soon be available.

Though consumer confidence can take time, Leatherwood sees the market returning.

It may not be as fast of a rebound as some had hoped, but the uptick is noticeable — that in itself creates opportunities for people to invest in larger items and reinvest in their own backyard.

“This is what a small, rural community is and should be; it’s what Haywood County is, which is a great place to live and do business,” he said.

June 12-18, 2013

help you because it can be challenging.”

Ron Leatherwood, former Board Chairman for the Haywood Chamber of Commerce, sees the productivity but also notes there’s still more to be done.

“Public awareness needs to grow, and I don’t think we’ve reached the apex yet, but there are pockets of participants,” he said.

Leatherwood, who is part owner of Clark and Leatherwood Construction, feels the “Buy Haywood” program is just the beginning for the county. It’s a great start, and something each resident needs to recognize, nurture and share.

“To me, if you’re doing business with your neighbor, it just builds a stronger bond throughout the community,” he said.

Besides being a project coordinator for Buy Haywood, Masciarelli is the

Stecoah • Stecoah Tailgate Market — The Stecoah Tailgate Market, 8 to 11 a.m., Wednesdays, at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. 828.479.3364. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

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Golden LEAF seeks project ideas As part of Golden LEAF’s Community Assistance Initiative process in Swain County, the Foundation is now accepting proposal ideas that directly address the funding priorities established at a series of community meetings.

The priorities are education, water infrastructure, and job training and creation.

To be considered, project ideas must be submitted using a proposal form specific to Swain County and must be received at the Golden LEAF offices no later than noon on Friday, June 21. Proposals received on forms for other Golden LEAF grant cycles will not be considered through the process. pcabe@goldenleaf.org or 888.684.8404.

DMV launches Sylva Saturday hours

BY ANDREW KASPER University, by far the largest properSTAFF WRITER ty owner in Cullowhee, requested he effort to introduce zoning laws not to be included and were thus left in Cullowhee is being taken up by out of the draft. Wooten also said, Jackson County Commissioners before taking any action, the county at an upcoming workshop at 2 p.m. will most likely conduct a mailing to June 17 at the county’s Administration every landowner advising them of and Justice Building near Sylva. the possible changes afoot and Community organizers — preinvite them to a series of meetings. dominately through a grassroots The county may even ask each proporganization called Cullowhee erty owner to vote on the idea.

Revitalization Effort, or CuRvE — “Based on that response, comhave prodded commissioners missioners will make their decision,” toward adopting a local planning Wooten said. district for Cullowhee which would Introducing additional restricZoning would be an initial step in the implementation of the tions on building and land developallow them to adopt laws to regulate building and land development in many changes that have been suggested for Cullowhee’s com- ment in the community is a touchy the area. After the movement first mercial district. Donated illustration issue because it is difficult to gauge gained traction more than a year ago, whether the idea has support from the issue has languished as it waited to be and along the U.S. 441 corridor leading up to all property owners who would be affected by Cherokee, must contain a minimum of 640 added regulations. picked up by officials.

“There’s been a lot of discussion, but it acres, as per state statute. Commissioner In an attempt to prove that landowners kind of got down to the point where noth- Vickie Green, who represents Cullowhee, aren’t against a proposed planning district, ing was moving,” said County Manager and Commissioner Jack Debnam, who lives CuRvE and its supporter have held a series of Chuck Wooten. “This thing has been spin- there, will present a map of a proposed dis- community meetings and circulated a petitrict at the workshop. Their proposed map tion as formal evidence that there is support ning its wheels.”

The upcoming meeting, Wooten hopes, contains more than 400 property owners, for the cause. Many fear, if left unregulated, with 100 or so of them owning more than unbridled development in one of the fastestwill kick start the discussion again.

The creation of a localized planning dis- one parcel. growing sectors of the county could become a Wooten said officials at Western Carolina long-term problem. trict, much like what is present in Cashiers

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June 12-18, 2013

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles has expanded hours at the Sylva office.

The office will be open the first Saturday each month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and closed the following Wednesday afternoon from noon to 5 p.m. On other weekdays, they will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Most regular driver license services will be offered on Saturdays, with the exception of CDL skills tests, medical re-exams and motorcycle skills tests.

919.707.2660

County leaders to kick start discussions on Cullowhee planning district

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A young worker makes repairs to Balsam Lake Lodge. The lake has been drained heading into the tourist season.

Scholarship available for nursing students

Donated photo

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Jackson County commissioners will discuss two sets of proposed planning regulations at an upcoming workshop at 2 p.m. on June 17 in the county’s Justice and Administration Building.

One of the items being considered is a new ordinance that was written addressing groundwater recharge in the county.

Regulations previously existed as part of a larger ordinance but have been separated out into their own draft ordinance. The recharge ordinance addresses issues like

requiring impervious surfaces for development to ensure precipitation can be reabsorbed by the ground.

The other item on the agenda is a set of proposed changes to a section of the county’s subdivision ordinance that dictates how much of a development must be left in open space. The proposed changes are generally less stringent than what the county currently has on the books.

Although the changes have been approved by the county’s planning board, any changes to the laws must be passed by commissioners. The drafts of these ordinances were completed last fall, but commissioners have not taken them up until now. A public hearing on the proposed changes could be held as early as the commission’s second meeting in July and voted on that same day.

The Judy Moore Memorial Scholarship Endowment is accepting applications for undergraduate and graduate students in nursing.

At least $1,000 in scholarship funds are available for the 2013 year. Applicants

Southwestern Community College will host a community resource fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 25.

Throughout the day, there will be presentations and resource tables set up for the public. Local agencies will be on hand to talk about services they provide and give presentations throughout the day. Topics include parents as teachers, how to access care for mental health/substance abuse/intellectual developmental disabilities, REACH (Resources Education Assistance Counseling Housing) and the benefits of children’s well visits.

Lunch provided. RSVP by June 18.

828.631.3900 ext. 154 or jody@regionakids.org.

9-12 TEA Meeting with Guest Speaker:

Robert A. Levy, chairman of the board of the Cato Institute, provides exceptional insights and perspectives about the U.S. Constitution. He has become one of our nation’s greatest defenders of our liberty and freedom.

His is an eloquent voice for individual liberty and constitutional government.

Gun Rights, Healthcare and the Constitution

Robert A. Levy

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Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and hear this true Patriot.

Thursday, June 20, 2013 • 6 p.m.

USDA Agricultural Extension Center • 589 Racoon Rd. Waynesville

For more information: 828.944.0257 or 850.528.5686

Smoky Mountain News

Weaker planning regulations discussed June 17

year. And the commission instead had to stock the stream above it in hopes the fish would make their way into the lake once filled.

“It’s not a high-use area,” Wilkins said.

“But this time of year, there is usually someone in a canoe, or kayak, fishing.”

Balsam Lake’s shores are also home to the Balsam Lake Lodge, which has 16 bunks and is available for vacation rentals. Wilkins said it stays full most of the summer but already 20 percent or so of those who booked the lodge have cancelled their reservations because there is no lake.

The spot is also a special access point for people with mobility issues. Handicap accessible paths and fishing piers make it one of the few places like it in the region that is suitable for all anglers of all abilities.

The recent break marks the second instance in two years that the dam has failed.

The Forest Service had the lake filled up last summer, but come winter, it failed again, Wilkins said. This latest fix will cost the agency somewhere in the ballpark of $10,000 to $15,000. But this time around, Wilkins wants to have reinforced boards put in place to ensure it’s less likely to happen in the future.

“It’s very discouraging because we worked so hard last year to get it up and running,” Wilkins said.

Fair promotes community resources

June 12-18, 2013

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER epairs to the dam at Balsam Lake in the Nantahala National Forest have been delayed because of high creek levels, leaving the popular lake drained as the Western North Carolina tourist season gets under way.

Splashboards that keep the 8-acre reservoir filled failed months ago, causing the lake water to drain. That left only the natural flow of the Wolf Creek meandering through the lakebed. But heavy rains and a fast-flowing creek have prevented contractors from assessing the damage to the boards and taking measures to fix the problem.

The lake is dry, but ironically, the creek running through it, which is typically dammed off, is too high for workers to see what is wrong.

Now, it is just a waiting game as workers monitor creek levels until they are safe enough to allow them to get at the deepest boards.

“All we know is there’s a hole in it — some sort of stress crack,” said Mike Wilkins, the Nantahala District ranger.

The lake is stocked regularly by the N.C. Wildlife Commission for anglers and also used by boaters. But until the repairs can be made, the Jackson County fishing hole isn’t seeing the action it normally gets this time of

Throughout May, the Animal Hospital of Waynesville hosted a Pet Food Drive for Haywood County Meals on Wheels.

Clients, staff and colleagues delivered pet food and monetary donations to assist their neighbors in need. While the Meals on Wheels program primarily focuses on feeding people, the recipients were in need of food for their pets; they had to feed them the food they received for themselves. The staff at the Animal Hospital successfully collected more than 530 pounds of pet food for Meals on Wheels. www.animalhosp.com or 828.456.9755

must have completed their first semester in the nursing program and met other eligibility requirements.

Applications are due by June 12.

The scholarship was established in 1997 as a memorial to Judy Moore, a registered nurse who was killed in an accident in 1996. www.nccommunityfoundation.org or 828.524.6564.

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Balsam Lake high and dry as tourist season hits full stride

Local animal hospital donates pet food to Meals on Wheels

www.912wnc.com or email 912er@gmail.com

facebook.com/smnews 11

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Tye Blanton Foundation to host blood drive The Tye Blanton Foundation is hosting a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. on June 16 at the Central United Methodist Church on Church Street in Canton.

The day also falls on Father’s Day, so a special gift will be given to any Dad’s that donate. The foundation is the only nonprofit in Western North Carolina created just for premature babies.

Appointment necessary.

828.550.6853 or www.tyeblanton.org.

SCC offering bartending course Southwestern Community College will host a bartender certification class from 6-9 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays from June 17 to July 29 on its Jackson County campus.

The class will include information on recipes, Alcoholic Beverage Control requirements, information on Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) certification and Responsible Alcohol Server Program materials. Students must be at least 21 years of age. Cost is $120, plus a textbook fee.

828.339.4656.

June 12-18, 2013

Purse sale to benefit Christian ministries The First Presbyterian Church in Sylva will play host to a purse sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15.

All of the proceeds will benefit the United Christian Ministries of Jackson County, a nonprofit organization that aims to help county residents in time of emergency.

Mail donations to P.O. Box 188, Sylva, N.C., 28779.

828.293.5924 or 828.631.0137

Sylva Town officials have looked to reserve funds and budget cuts in lieu of tax increases. Andrew Kasper photo

Sylva dips into reserves to avoid tax hike

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER ylva town leaders have chosen not to raise taxes next year and instead delay town expenditures, save money where they can and dip into reserve funds to shore up the budget.

In summary, the town is proposing to reduce expenditures by more than $80,000 going into next year and siphon $150,000 from reserve funds to balance the $3.2 million budget.

The cuts will do away with the town’s contributions to outside organizations like

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the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and public library, as well as eliminate the public parking downtown that the town leased for merchants. The Sylva Police Department will also have to forgo one of the three new patrol cars it was planning on, and other departments will have to put off certain purchases.

The sum total is what town officials are describing as “bare bones.”

“There are no frills in this budget,” said Town Manager Paige Roberson. “It’s just balanced.”

Despite the cuts, town leaders are still looking to take about $100,000 from the town’s fund balance and another $50,000 or so from its more than $3 million Fisher Creek Land Trust fund, money the town received from the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund for preserving its watershed.

The town’s fund balance currently sits slightly below $2 million, and the town has designed its two most recent budgets

around drawing $100,000 from the fund.

Roberson had initially suggested raising taxes in May to balance the budget instead of relying so heavily on non-renewable sources of funding.

Roberson had the support of Mayor Maurice Moody, who felt a slightly smaller tax hike should have been considered to avoid as many of the cuts, as well as drawing on limited funds.

“I felt like we probably should have had a 2- to 3-cent tax increase this year,” Moody said. “That probably would have made more sense. We could have cut less and taken less out of reserves.”

Nevertheless, a majority of the board felt strongly against raising taxes. The public hearing for the budget took place last week, and the final version will be passed later this month. Town Board Member Chris Matheson said what is passed will save residents from a tax increase this coming year.

“I think the majority of the board was trying to find a way not to raise taxes,” Matheson said. “And we’ve made it through this year, with this budget.”

Looking into the future, Matheson said the town needs to grow itself economically as a way to increase revenues. Much of its woes in this budget cycle were due to unforeseen drops in revenue.

An estimated $25,000 in town revenues will be lost next year in the absence of video sweepstakes and the licensing fees they paid to the town; another $60,000 or so from a drop in liquor store revenue; and a $10,000 or so reduction in miscellaneous fines.

But if revenues do not pick up soon for Sylva, Roberson fears the town will be in the same situation next year. And eventually the reserve funds will dwindle.

“We’re spending non-renewable resources to operate, but the budget is balanced,” Roberson said. “In the long-term, you need to offset the shortfall with additional revenue.”

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Swain revaluation bumps values up 16.5 percent

A COMPLICATED PROCESS

Overall, property values in Swain County increased by double digits; however, high-end and trailer homes, for the most part, declined in value. File photo

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Rolling out the budget The Swain County Board of Commissioners will present its proposed budget for next fiscal year at 5 p.m., Thursday, June 13.

County leaders have been waiting until the property revaluation was completed before presenting the first version of the budget because the results would determine if the tax rate changed or not.

— Beverly Miller, Realtor

Out of the estimated 11,000 parcels valuated in Swain County at that time, more than a fourth of were appealed.

County leaders decided not to accept the revaluation, which would have taxed citizens based on old, overly inflated property values.

Instead, the state General Assembly passed a bill making the assessment null and void, and Swain County postponed the revaluation until the economy began improving.

The state requires counties reassess all its properties — commercial and residential — at least once every eight years.

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Smoky Mountain News

“I’ve seen more activity in the last six months,” Miller said. “Business has picked up a bit. We foresee a good future.”

But not everything is on the up and up. The value of high-end houses and trailer homes both declined during the last eight years.

“Basically, anything that was over $300,000 just got hammered,” Cain said.

Prices on the trailer homes have not gone up because banks are not loaning people money to purchase them, so the cost must stay low in order to move them off the market, theorized Miller.

The value of developable land also declined because the values had increased exponentially at one time.

“A lot of these had been ran up some in the period before (the recession),” Cain said.

In many cases, developers purchased the land and either planned to build homes or sell lots at a premium. When the recession hit, the values of the parcels sank and development stopped. In some cases, the developer deserted the property.

Although increased property values often translate to greater revenues for the county, King said the increase doesn’t automatically equate to a big boost in the county’s budget, which he is in the process of finalizing.

“It’s kind of misleading. I have not gotten any concrete numbers,” King said.

“I’ve seen more activity in the last six months.

Business has picked up a bit. We foresee a good future.”

June 12-18, 2013

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER our years after Swain County leaders trashed a skewed property reassessment, the county has completed a new revaluation.

A recently finished appraisal of Swain County real estate concluded that property values have increased by 16.5 percent on average since the previous valuation eight years ago.

“I think the revaluation that we had this time is going to be a good one,” said Swain County Manager Kevin King.

Tim Cain, a consultant with the Raleighbased Assessment Solutions, spent the last 2.5 years visiting all 12,000 of Swain County’s homes, buildings and tracts of land and assigning them a value — giving him a wideangle view of the county real estate market.

While some are surprised by the overall increase, Cain said to understand the results of the revaluation, you have to look at individual neighborhoods.

“If you look at it from 20,000 feet, there is no rhyme or reason,” he said.

The middle-of-the-road homes held their value or increased some, particularly in Bryson City, the center of Swain County’s tourism industry. If a town builds a stronghold of residential homes, commercial properties follow behind — like they have done in Bryson City.

“If I am going to open a Bojangles, I am only going to build it where the people are,” Cain said. “That is a vote of confidence in Bryson City because they expect the people to be there.”

Realtor Beverly Miller said from her perspective, the county fared well during the recession, in terms of property values.

“Our values have stayed fairly good,” Miller said.

And after years of stagnation, properties have recently begun moving off the market.

The revaluation was difficult because of a lack of sales in recent years. During the more than yearlong process, assessors considered any changes to a property and what similar plots have sold for. But if properties aren’t moving, it is hard to gauge what they are worth.

Nonetheless, each was assigned a value, and the information was mailed out to property owners — 763 of whom appealed the values, arguing that their lots were worth more or less than Cain’s assessed price.

In total, owners appealed the values of 1,194 properties, the majority of which were characterized as vacant or unimproved properties. After the informal appeals process, more than 70 percent of the values were changed.

Back in 2009, Swain County completed a property revaluation, but the data used in it

was from 2007 — when the U.S. was reaching the apex of the real estate boom before the bubble burst and the country tumbled into a recession.

“The timing was terrible,” Cain said. “If you look at us today from where that last revaluation is, we are down 38 percent. That is huge.”

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“Technically, we might be flat.”

The county collected about $1.2 million in property taxes this year, King said, and may only bring in an additional $100,000 or $200,000 in tax revenue next year as a result of the revaluation. That will depend on how the appeals process goes. Each landowner has the right to contest the value awarded to his or her property once the assessment is over.

The county’s proposed budget keeps the tax rate the same, at 33 cents per $100 of valuation.

Tuesday - Saturday 4:30pm - 9:00pm Sunset Menu 4:30pm-6:00pm 192-48

828.456.3551 Ext. 366 176 Country Club Dr. • Waynesville, NC 13

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Some downtown Sylva leaders oppose church move

BY ANDREW KASPER has already met with some pushback. Sylva STAFF WRITER Mayor Maurice Moody has even voiced his church is looking to bring a little more concerns with the plan. religion to downtown Sylva, but some “My personal opinion is that your downlocal business owners, as well as elected town business area should be commercial,” officials, are skeptical of the move.

Moody said. “And I think that having a The Father’s House of Prayer, a nonchurch in that particular district would not be denominational church currently based in a good fit.”

Whittier, is eyeing an empty building on Others have cited limited Main Street Main Street as its new spiritual headquarters. parking and maintaining a consistent downThe church wants to hold Sunday service, Christian rock concerts and other “My personal opinion is that community activities in the former Lyric Theater building. your downtown business The location has also housed several area should be commercial. restaurants, including Meriwether’s, but has stood vacant for some time. Church And I think that having a pastor Doug Rowe believes the site would be perfect for the alternative-style church in that particular dischurch, attracting passersby and taptrict would not be a good fit.” ping into the town’s downtown scene.

“I think we would lend ourselves — Maurice Moody, Sylva mayor very well to the character of downtown Sylva,” Rowe said. “We’re not your typical church with a steeple on top.” town-like atmosphere as reasons that churchFor the church to move into downtown, it es should not be allowed on the ground floor. first needs to overcome a local zoning law that Some downtown business owners have even prohibits ground-level churches in the downcreated a petition asking town board memtown business district. The Father’s House of bers not to change the law.

Prayer — and its 30 or so members — has John Bubacz, owner of Signature Brew solicited local officials to change the law. The Coffee Company, has not signed onto the petiissue has yet to come before the local plantion but has his own personal concerns as a ning board or town board members, but it business owner. He recently remodeled his

A vacant spot on Sylva’s Main Street is being eyed as a new location for a Whittier church. Andrew Kasper photo

Smoky Mountain News

June 12-18, 2013

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establishment and expanded his kitchen to cater to a wine and dine crowd. Bubacz said the church’s presence could stifle his investment.

Bubacz said his business lies within 50 feet of the where the church wants to relocate, meaning if the church moves in before he

receives his alcohol license he would be prohibited by law from serving patrons alcohol with meals.

He said the site would be better served by another restaurant or retail-type business, and by his count, there are already an adequate number of churches downtown.

“I’m happy that people want a place to worship, but I don’t see a need for it downtown,” Bubacz said.

“We have five churches downtown.”

Nevertheless, Rowe believes many of the naysayer’s concerns are overblown. And as much as people are worried about a church moving into the building, he believes the presence of a vacant building on Main Street is by far the worse alternative. Furthermore, he said having a church nearby the chain of restaurants downtown — including Lulu’s on Main, Guadalupe Café and Signature Brew Coffee Company — can only help business.

“We’re not going to hurt anybody,” Rowe said. “When people come out of church, they’re ready to go eat.”

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Back in early January, a ban on all forms of video sweepstakes went into effect following the N.C. Supreme Court ruling. However, some sweepstakes parlors stayed open.

Some sweepstakes parlors remained open after the Jan. 3 deadline for closure, blatantly violating the law making such operations illegal.

bling industry comes up with new games aimed at skirting the law, creating a quandary for police. Determining what is illegal and what is not has been a moving target for law enforcement.

Individual sweepstakes parlor owners have argued one of two positions when brought before a judge. Some have argued that the software used in their video gambling machines requires skill or dexterity, making them legal. But who has the authority to make that judgment?

Law enforcement officials don’t, so some continue to cite anyone running a sweepstakes parlor and let judges and lawyers work out whether the person is guilty or not.

“If (state legislators) are going to make the law, we are going to enforce it,” Woodard said. “If (the district attorney’s office) say they are not going to prosecute, then that is their choice.”

At least one person, Berry, a convenience store owner in Macon County, has successfully argued that his machines require some level of skill or dexterity.

Other video gambling operators claim their machines are not illegal because they hand out prizes, not cash. When someone is done playing, a receipt prints out with his or her winnings, which may be redeemed online for a prize, similar to children’s arcade games that spit out tickets.

Smoky Mountain News

A LACK OF CONSISTENCY

Sheriff ’s deputies and police officers have worked together in stings to catch people breaking the law.

But when the cases reach court, the outcomes have varied. Unlike other crimes such as illicit drug dealing, being caught in the act by an officer does not necessarily mean a judge will find an individual guilty.

Sweepstakes operator, James Locker of Haywood County was found guilty, but Mark Berry of Macon County was not.

“It seems like there is no consistency, and there needs to be,” said Sylva Police Chief Davis Woodard.

Law enforcement agencies have always been caught in the middle of the back-andforth between the N.C. General Assembly and the video gambling industry. No matter how many times the state legislators outlaw versions of the video sweepstakes, the gam-

June 12-18, 2013

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER or law enforcement, video gambling is like a bad case of poison ivy that keeps cropping back up all over the place, and now, it’s going after them.

Law enforcement officials have cited at least eight people in Haywood, Macon and Jackson counties for running illegal video gambling operations, and numerous other cases all around the state are still trickling through the legal system.

Now, law enforcement agencies have found themselves in court as well. The Georgia-based company Gift Surplus filed a lawsuit in May against the Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland, the Sylva Police Department and the Highlands Police Department.

The company asked for an injunction, which would have prevented law enforcement from enforcing the ban on sweepstakes machines. However, a judge denied Gift Surplus’ request on June 6.

Although the company lost that battle, it could still choose to proceed with a legal challenge against law enforcement’s ability to uphold the law. In the judge’s ruling, however, he indicated that Gift Surplus would not likely win a trial based on its current arguments.

“The judge doesn’t think it’s going anywhere. But that is just the first part of the process,” said Brian Welch, attorney for the Macon County Sheriff ’s Office.

Just because Gift Surplus was denied an injunction in Macon County doesn’t mean another judge in a different county won’t rule differently. There has been at least one other similar suit filed in Lee County earlier this year. The judge in that case also ruled against the sweepstakes companies involved.

The goal of the lawsuits is to find a judge who will find in favor of the sweepstakes operations and allow them to function without police interference.

District Attorney Mike Bonfoey pointed out that the N.C. Supreme Court has already ruled against sweepstakes once before. He has advised police and deputies to continue to uphold the statute and to use all their investigative tools to build a case against those committing crimes.

“We are not encouraging or pushing (them to cite sweepstakes operations). We are just advising law enforcement to do what their job is,” Bonfoey said.

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Police targeted by sweepstakes industry suits

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news

A good year to work for Macon New pay plan includes salary hikes for everyone

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER early two months after a majority of Macon County commissioners approved a slew of salary raises for all county employees, the nitty-gritty details of the pay hikes have been released.

County employees saw their salaries augmented by as much as 40 percent, with annual salary increases for individual employees ranging between several hundred dollars to more than $9,000. One Parks and Recreation building attendant saw his yearly pay jump from about $19,000 to $26,000, while the jail administrator saw his increase from about $34,000 to more than $43,000.

“There are certainly people somewhere who are getting a heck of a raise,” said Commissioner Ron Haven, who voted against the implementing the pay raises for fiscal reasons. “But I will be commissioner for the people of Macon County, and I feel like I am standing strong to save everyone’s tax dollars.”

In all, the entire pay package will cost the county an additional $754,000 in salaries per year. The increases took effect immediately following the 3-2 vote by commissioners in April, costing the county an extra $150,000 for the remainder of the current fiscal year and keeping the issue out of the ongoing budget talks.

Haven felt like the details on who was getting what in the new pay plan was not made readily available to commissioners before the vote, leaving the opposition — and the public — in the dark. Haven said he requested a numerated list of the proposed raises from County Manager Jack Horton, but the document was not handed over to him.

“We begged to see it beforehand, and he would not give it to us,” Haven said.

The Smoky Mountain News made a similar public records request to county staff to release the new payroll in early April, directly following the vote. The request for employee’s job titles and their new salaries was not fulfilled until last week.

Smoky Mountain News

June 12-18, 2013

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Paul Higdon, who opposed the salary increases alongside Haven, said a delay like that is unacceptable for an agency funded by taxpayer money. Higdon had also requested similar records and was not provided them prior to the vote.

“Because the government runs off of taxpayer dollars, it should be completely open and completely transparent,” Higdon said.

“It should be revealed, and it should be readily available.”

In mid-April, in a follow-up email to the newspaper’s public record’s request, Horton stated that individual employee’s wages had not been updated at that time and thus was not available.

However, he applauded commissioners for approving the plan.

“We have many dedicated

The new wages were based on a study performed by Springsted, a consulting company hired by the county. The results of the study, comparing Macon County’s public sector salaries with other counties across the state, showed a majority of county employees were underpaid. It had been more than a decade since the county had undertaken such a study.

The plan bumps every county employee up to a new, recommended minimum, and those already above the new minimum received a 2 percent raise. The 2 percent raise was justified as a way to keep the pay scale equitable after some employees received large increases.

But for some employees already at the top of the county payroll charts, a 2 percent raise was more substantial than the boost given those below the new minimum standard.

Horton, the highest paid county employee, received a $2,600 raise to bring his annual salary up to more than $136,000. His increase was more than the amount given to county maintenance workers making just more than $20,000 annually prior to the new pay hikes.

However, county officials contended that

“We have many dedicated and devoted public servants working for our county, and it seems that they are all too often taken for granted for the job they do. I am proud of them and the Board of Commissioners for approving the new classification and pay plan.”

— Jack Horton, Macon County Manager

and devoted public servants working for our county, and it seems that they are all too often taken for granted for the job they do,” Horton wrote in the email. “I am proud of them and the Board of Commissioners for approving the new classification and pay plan.”

a majority of the raises went to the employees at the bottom of the pay rungs. This is evidenced by the fact that the 20 lowest-paid county employees received a collective $92,000 or so in raises while the raises given to the top 20 paid county employees amounted to about $32,000.

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But what the figures also point to is a disparity between the higher and lower paid employees that went uncorrected for years.

The study concluded that more than half of all employees were below the competitive average salaries of their counterparts at other county posts in the state. Most of the reportedly underpaid employees were found at the mid-and lower levels of the pay scale.

Higdon questioned how the county allowed their employee salaries to become so out of whack. He said someone may have been sleeping at the wheel.

“If our pay scale was that far out of balance, then somebody was not doing their job,” Higdon said. “Why has nobody been watching and adjusting and observing?”

Many in the county pointed to the fact that during the years and through the recession, job descriptions were altered without the additional responsibilities being reflected in the employees’ salaries. Also, any plans for widespread wage adjustments were put on hold when the recession hit.

Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin, who supported the raises, said the low wages of some of the county employees were unconscionable and deserved to be increased.

“They were significantly underpaid,” Corbin said. “There’s somewhat of an ethical obligation — a worker is worthy of his pay.”

Corbin said the increases probably should have been implemented a while ago — the pay study was completed last summer.

Yet the timing, only months before the county entered into a rocky budget process, begs comparison with the county’s other funding requests. Most notably, Macon County Schools had requested an additional $1.3 million from county commissioners for next fiscal year to avoid cuts to teacher positions and school programs.

Horton initially offered an extra $200,000 to help the schools. But, as the county and school try to reconcile the two disparate numbers, it’s hard not to notice the $750,000 in raises commissioners approved for county employees.

Nevertheless, Corbin asserts they are separate from each other and each needed to be considered independently.

“The pay thing was a completely different issue,” Corbin said. “To have done nothing would have continued to be underpaying people who were well below their pay scale.”

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COLLECTIBLES, ANTIQUES & GIFTS 16

The results of the primary election for Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Tribal Council are in and all the incumbents have made it to the second round — except for one.

Big Cove representative Bo Taylor was 3 votes shy of advancing to the general election on Sept. 5.

The other 11 Tribal Council members will continue on to the September election, along with 13 challengers. Voters will pick two people from each of Cherokee’s six districts — Birdtown, Big Cove, Yellowhill, Wolfetown/Big Y, Painttown and Snowbird/Cherokee County — to represent them. Tribal Council members serve twoyear terms.

The incumbents are listed first: ■ Birdtown: Gene “Tunney” Crowe Jr., Jim Owle, Albert Rose and Terri Taylor ■ Big Cove: Perry Shell, Teresa McCoy, Lori Taylor and Mary Welch Thompson.

■ Yellowhill: Alan “B” Ensley, David Wolfe, Arizona Jane Blankenship and Jimmy Bradley.

■ Wolfetown/Big Y: Mike Parker, Dennis Edward “Bill” Taylor, Bo Crowe and Jeremy Wilson.

■ Painttown: Terri Henry, Tommye Saunooke, Cameron Cooper and Lula “Lou” Jackson.

■ Snowbird/Cherokee County: Diamond Brown Jr., Adam Wachacha, Tommy Chekelelee and Brandon Jones.

— Staff Writer Caitlin Bowling

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news

Tribal primary knocks one incumbent out of race

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Robert Levy of the libertarian think tank CATO Institute will talk about the gun rights, health care and the U.S. Constitution at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the Agriculture Extension Center at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville.

The free event, which is hosted by the Haywood County Tea Party, will examine gun rights as they relate to the Constitution and the U.S. Supreme Court case, District of Columbia v. Heller, which Levy was an attorney for. He will also speak about the constitutional issues related to the Affordable Care Act. Levy has appeared on TV programs including ABC’s Nightline, CNN’s Crossfire, Fox’s The O’Reilly Factor, MSNBC’s Hardball, and NBC’s Today Show.

He also penned the book, The Dirty Dozen: How Twelve Supreme Court Cases Radically Expanded Government and Eroded Freedom.

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17

news

Waynesville proposes to hold line on taxes, hike water rates and licensing fees

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER aynesville officials are looking under a different couch cushion for additional revenue after losing income from sweepstakes operations and its ABC store.

The proposed budget for next fiscal year shows a $1.4 million increase in revenue compared to this year. However, that number is deceiving, according to Town Manager Marcy Onieal.

Pending approval from the N.C. House, Waynesville will merge with Lake Junaluska.

Nearly all of the new revenue will come from properties added to Waynesville’s tax base once the merger takes place, but it will go right back out to pay for the increased costs of serving a larger population.

To bring in more discretionary income, town leaders have suggested adjusting its business privilege license rates.

“If the town is looking to generate more revenue, that is one way to do that,” said Tax Collector James Robertson.

The town currently charges each business a flat rate to operate within the town limit. No matter how much a business earns — $2,000 or $2 million — the owner pays the same thing.

Under the proposed new rate system, business earning $1 million or less would

revenue away from municipalities, meaning Waynesville may only have the new rate system for a year.

“Is it worth making people mad for a years worth of revenue?” asked Mayor Gavin Brown.

Mostly, the change would affect box stores such as Wal-Mart, Ingles and Kmart, which typically budget for such expense. For that reason, Robertson said he did not foresee much of an uproar if the town moved forward with new rate system.

“I don’t see a lot of burning the stake outside the tax office,” Robertson said.

With a little more than 600 companies, the town typically collected about $20,000 each year.

This year, however, The Waynesville Board of Aldermen met Monday to disWaynesville brought in about cuss details of its proposed budget before holding a $120,000 after sweepstakes parpublic hearing on it the following day. lors opened in town. The parlors were charged $2,500 for the first equitable baseline,” Robertson said. four machines and $750 for each subsequent Towns including Sylva and machine. But the courts banned the video Hendersonville are already on the revenuegambling found at those establishments in based system.

January, meaning that the town won’t have However, the N.C. General Assembly’s licensing fees from them as a source of revFair Tax Act could potential take licensing enue.

MORE PEOPLE, MORE CARS The town of Waynesville may add 14.5 new positions to its payroll next fiscal year.

If the board of aldermen approves the proposed budget as is on June 25, then several departments will hire more hands. The increase in employees is the result of the likely Lake Junaluska and Waynesville merger.

Streets and sanitation will add four; water and wastewater maintenance will add three; the police department will get two more officers, while the fire department will add four new firefighters. The town will also hire an assistant horticulturalist and move one of its part-time administrative assistants to fulltime.

The new workers will help Waynesville provide services to Lake Junaluska. The emergency personnel — police officers and firefighters — are particularly crucial to ensure quality services.

Fire Chief Joey Webb said the additional four firefighters would enable the fire department to have three full-

F

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June 12-18, 2013

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pay a $25 annual licensing fee. Those making more than $1 million would pay $0.50 per $1,000 in revenue.

For instance, a business earning $1,000,001 would pay $500 for a business license under the new plan.

“I believe it puts everything on a more

“That was a significant chunk for us to lose in a year,” Onieal said.

The town has also lost its chunk of income from its ABC store operations.

Waynesville receives percentage of revenue from liquor sales at the store, but the town received nothing this year. And next year the story will be the same. A new ABC store is under construction on South Main Street, and all the earnings will go toward paying off the debt on the new building.

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Smoky Mountain News

time employees on the clock each shift and allow them to better respond to calls.

The department currently has 10 fulltime and four part-time employees, plus 30 volunteers. Each shift, two employees man Waynesville’s two fire stations, waiting for calls.

“What our paid people do is pretty much drive the truck,” Webb said. “The volunteers fight the fires.”

With the new firefighters, Webb can post two employees at the main fire station on North Main Street and one at the secondary station on Georgia Avenue each shift. The increase is much needed, Webb said.

“Historically, we have been understaffed,” he said, adding that the town still has more work to do to bring its staffing up to par.

For comparison, Webb told the board of alderman that in 1979, the fire department had seven paid staff and 24 volunteers — barely less than it has now. Back then the department received only 105 calls. In 2012, it received 1,854 calls, more than 15 times as many.

In addition to increasing the police and fire departments’ workforces, the town is also looking at purchasing two new fire vehicles and 15 new police cars. In total, the 17 vehicles would cost $548,000 and be paid off during a five-year period.

Typically, Waynesville replaces three police vehicles out every year. But Police Chief Bill Hollingsed has asked the town to switch to an assigned vehicle program, where each officer would have his or her own car. The officers would take the cars home with them and would not have to share the vehicle with another officer, which they do under the current system.

Since cops have to split use of the cars with coworkers, they must return the vehicles to the station at the end of their shift and take out their personal work equipment. Then the officer relieving them must install their equipment in the car. That is time they are not on patrol.

“We are losing 30 minutes per shift change per office per day,” Hollingsed said.

The lack of cars also keeps officers from responding to the scene quickly. Hollingsed said he has seen cops hop in the back of a pickup truck to head to an emergency because there were no vehicles available.

He said Waynesville is one of only two agencies in Western North Carolina that doesn’t have the assigned vehicle program, partly because of the price tag.

“The biggest issue is the upfront cost,” Hollingsed said. “The initial expense, agencies that haven’t done it, that is the hold up.”

However, the program saves money on the back end because the individual vehicles are used less often and therefore last almost twice as long as shared cars. They also have fewer maintenance problems because they are not running for days at a time.

Mayor Brown said he supported the change.

“It seems almost self-evident to me,” he said.

“This is easy. This is a no-brainer to me personally.”

news

• Property tax rate of 40.8 cents per $100 of valuation is unchanged.

• Water and sewer rates will both go up 6 percent.

• A 2.1 percent increase for employee development and wellness incentives • The town will add 14.5 new positions.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Even in tight times, libraries deserve priority funding

BY DOUG WOODWARD G UEST COLUMNIST hat entity in our community serves the needs of every one of our citizens, whether that person is 3 years old or has been around for 90 years? And what place is this which can offer the same level of service to the wealthy and disadvantaged alike? Some organizations or businesses can offer services to a small segment of our population, but only one — our Fontana Regional Library System — can claim to open its doors to everyone.

Many who aren’t familiar with our library may say, “Oh yeah, they lend out books and old movies.” That limited viewpoint usually means that the speaker hasn’t set foot in the library in recent years, and sometimes we even find a commissioner or state representative who falls into that category.

What else can the library be doing for you?

How about providing a computer station for those who have no computer of their own — along with trained personnel to show you the basics.

The children’s area regularly has programs that involve kids as participants, bringing them into the story, encouraging their creativity, and stimulating an interest in reading that will help

W

Wilderness Society had key role in Hall Mountain

To the Editor: Thank you for your coverage of the historic return of Hall Mountain to the Cherokees (www.smokymountainnews.com/outdoors/ite m/10467). While the story was good and provided valuable perspectives on the event, it nonetheless failed to mention the role of The Wilderness Society in insuring that the transaction occurred. TWS identified the funding source, assisted in grant writing, and shepherded the grant through a myriad of Washington, D.C., bureaucratic hurdles. It was a great partnership between all of us and what I hope is the first of many. You had to be there!

Brent Martin Macon County resident Southern Appalachian Regional Director The Wilderness Society

Pay on, Jackson residents, pay on

To the Editor: It is true I have been accused of being a negative person concerning a few of the letters I have written to the editor. I don’t think pointing out the obvious is being negative, but what can I say. Today, I’ll try to be very positive.

I don’t understand what all the fuss is about concerning the $50,000 spent by Jackson County for the branding slogan “Pay On.” I mean after all Jackson County has plenty of tax money paid by the “peons.” The peons are perfectly content to sit back and allow our leaders to spend and spend even

with their accomplishments in later years.

Are you researching your family history or planning a trip into unfamiliar territory? There is always a trained research person ready to assist you.

Does your Southwestern Community College or Early College team need a place to discuss your project? Private work stations are available.

Are you a homeschooling family in need of additional resources and curriculum aids? The library can be your second classroom.

Does your quilting group or book club need a meeting room? A private tutoring room? The library can provide several options, depending on the size needed.

Are you an author in need of quiet space to write, but with research material at your fingertips? Your office awaits.

Need a comfy chair to read the latest in newly released books and magazines? Look no further than the inviting library sitting area.

All of these services, and so many more, are available to the hundreds of persons who make use of our library system every day. And does this pay off in the long run for those who take advantage of these opportunities?

more to attract the tourist who will spend and spend their hard earned dollars. We must embrace the wisdom of our leaders and “Pay On”. “Pay On,” Jackson County peons, “Pay On,” and remember to smile.

Frank Parrish Sylva

GOP ‘progress’ takes this state backwards To the Editor: Recently I saw Ralph Laughter, chairman of Macon County’s “Me Party.” We talked about his letter to the editor in several newspapers praising the work of North Carolina’s GOP legislators.

“I heard their legislation is rather draconian,” I explained to Ralph.

“Not at all,” he replied. “The legislation will incentivize people back to work, get everyone paying taxes rather than making us pay for everything, and give our citizens the freedom bought by gun manufacturers to have guns for peacefully settling disputes.

“We want to let the free enterprise system bypass regulations to create jobs fracking in the piedmont, drilling off the Outer Banks and privatizing schools,” he explained.

I pulled from my pocket a list of proposed bills reported by Democracy North Carolina (They give this Legislature “F” on their report card). Here they are: • S-4 denies Medicaid for the poor.

• H-4 cuts in half benefits for those who have lost jobs.

• H-82 removes tax breaks for our lowincome neighbors. The budget proposes sales taxes on services such as haircuts, groceries and medication.

Permit me to answer that question by getting personal. My wife and I have lived in Macon County for 31 years. All four of our children were born here and graduated high school as homeschoolers. In their early years, they would bring home bags of books from the library, stimulating their interest in reading and eventually writing. In their homeschooling high school years, they would sometimes take courses at Franklin High and participate in extracurricular events, but basically they kept and continued their relationship with our library.

Did it give them an edge? You would have to judge that for yourself. The first graduated from Guilford with highest honors, the second Phi Beta Kappa from UNC-Chapel Hill, the third is now in UNC-Chapel Hill’s Medical School, and the last is a junior in Harvard University’s honors program. They are all still avid readers and accomplished writers.

There are few entities with a broader scope and more importance to our community than our library system. In a time of close scrutiny of every budget request, it behooves both our county and state leaders to give priority to the proper funding of this vital resource.

(Doug Woodward lives in Franklin and can be reached at whitewater6@gmail.com.)

LOOKING FOR OPINIONS The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns. All viewpoints are welcome. Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com., fax to 828.452.3585, or mail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786.

• H-101 gives estate tax breaks for the rich.

• H-589 creates voting barriers to elderly, minority and low-income citizens by requiring hard to obtain photo IDs. • H-935 cuts the number of low-income children attending pre-K. The budget proposes cutting teachers’ aides and funding for public schools.

• H-937 permits concealed guns in bars, parks, restaurants and college campuses!

Really Ralph???

• H-677 denies state employees having union dues taken out of their checks but allows chamber of commerce dues to be deducted.

• H-730 allows employers to deny women contraception health care.

• H-1011 replaces health care and environmental experts with political appointments on state boards.

• S-489 allows high interest lenders back into the state.

“North Carolina appears to be one of the Republican dominated states subjected to the neo-conservative agenda created by ALEC, the Koch brothers and Art Pope, owner of discounts department stores,” I observed.

“The success of this legislation will demon-

strate the power of our wise and wealthy 1 percent to take our state back to the good old days of 1950s,” Ralph explained. “They paid a lot of money to win the last election and know what is best,” he continued.

I thanked Ralph for clarifying things and invited him to explain to people meeting every Monday afternoon at the state capitol. It is called Moral Monday. Everyone is invited.

Come share your love with Ralph!

Ron Robinson Macon County

GOP leadership wasting money, time and more To the Editor: The 2013 legislation coming out of Raleigh is bad enough to cause sleepless nights and worried man blues over the future of fair elections in North Carolina.

Starting in 2016, we will be required in defense of “ballot security” to show a valid, government-issued photo ID when we vote. In North Carolina, over 600,000 registered voters do not have a driver’s license or comparable documentation.

Apparently, many of our legislators are concerned about voter fraud, as when somebody claims to be voting in your name. Voter impersonation is largely a myth and practically non-existent in the U.S. In North Carolina elections from 2004-2010, less than 5 votes per 1 million involved fraud that could be prevented by using a photo ID. Yet our state is willing to waste millions of tax dollars to implement public outreach, print new IDs, and create a new state agency with the board of elections to “fix” a problem that barely exists. In fact, voter fraud is much more likely

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Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Now open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

Rep. Meadows becomes Tea Party poster boy To the Editor: Rep. Mark Meadows would like us to think of him as a “moderate or centrist Republican” (SMN, June 5, 2013) in spite of voting 97 percent of the time with his extremist party in the U.S. House. I am a “recovering Republican” and know “centrist or moderate Republicans,” and he ain’t one.

More accurately, he is the poster boy of the Tea Party. Let’s face, in this day and time moderate Republicans are as extinct as the dodo.

Mike Jones Sylva

Cutting courthouse trees was a disgrace To the Editor: I have returned to Waynesville for the summer. I drove past the courthouse and could not believe the destruction of those magnificent trees! Shame on the person or persons who ordered this, and shame, shame on the citizens of this community that allowed this to happen.

If they were diseased, treat them; if they were disrupting water, electricity or sewer lines, move the lines.

You have destroyed a treasure, and I wonder what will be next? Wake up.

Jean King Waynesville and Juno Beach, Fla.

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Smoky Mountain News

To the Editor: At this Memorial Day time of year, we not only honor veterans but also mourn the recent tragic loss of life on American soil — at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Boston Marathon, the Texas plant explosion, the Oklahoma tornado. Our hearts go out to families of any innocents who die violent deaths, whether killed by other humans or by the severe storms that are hitting us harder and more frequently as climate change intensifies.

But consider this as well. For the past 12 years, our government has conducted military operations in Muslim countries, killing thousands and displacing millions of people, many of them women and children. As we mourn the loss of U.S. lives, we must ask what the loss of Muslim lives means to us.

Should we expect Yeminis, Pakistanis, Iraqis, and Afghanis to passively accept loss of life in their countries as a result of attacks ostensibly carried out to keep us safe? Can these military operations continue without leading to repercussions for the “collateral damage” of their loved ones’ deaths? How many are simmering with rage over the deaths of innocent people caused by U.S. bombs, missiles and drones? Can we expect them not to retaliate? How can we call for an end to gun

tasteTHEmountains

June 12-18, 2013

Let’s stop the senseless civilian deaths

violence here, while at the same time supporting kill lists and the assassination of alleged terrorists and their families with drones? How can we expect to end violence at home while using war as the primary instrument of our foreign policy? We cannot rely on violence to end violence.

Just as the cities of Newtown and Boston need support and time to heal from their ordeals of terror, so do communities in Yemen and Pakistan feel great pain and sorrow due to the killing, maiming and suffering they have experienced. Human life is as precious there as here. The grief we all feel is the same. More killing will not end the suffering. It will only bring new pain, new anger and the urge for more violence. We need a new approach to foreign policy that does not rely on destruction and death, but on building communities, respecting all life, and promoting diplomacy and negotiation as alternatives to war and retribution.

The billions of our tax dollars spent on war would be better used for development, education and promotion of human rights.

They could be invested in healthcare, education, and job creation, and to build bridges between peoples. The cycles of violence and death will only end when we realize that killing begets more killing, while only dialogue and restorative justice can break those cycles. Gandhi warned us that “an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”

Doug Wingeier Waynesville

opinion

to occur in absentee voting, but these voters will not need to submit an ID when voting — they need only submit a birth date, the last four digits of their social security number, and sign an attestation under penalty of a felony to cast a ballot. So why can’t in-person voters be treated equally?

It’s not just about voting rights. Here’s a few of the pending 2013 bills: deny Medicaid for the poor (SB-4); cut unemployment benefits in half (HB 4); and deny state employees the ability to have union dues taken from their paychecks but allow chamber of commerce dues to be deducted (HB-667).

My own personal “favorite” bad bill is the “Equalize Voter Rights” Senate Bill 667, introduced by Sen. Bill Cook, a Republican, who won the 2012 election by 21 votes. This bill penalizes parents of dependents (e.g. students) who choose to vote at an address other than that of the parent or legal guardian. These parents will lose their North Carolina state tax exemption of $2,000 for claiming a dependent if that person uses a college residency. In the courageous words of Sen. Cook: “Tax reduction will require courage and fortitude in the face of all the shortsighted special interest groups clamoring for money from state funds …”

If you’ve had enough and don’t have time to travel to Raleigh for a “Moral Monday” protest, you might consider joining local voters in the streets of Waynesville at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 24, to protest what is happening in Raleigh. For more information contact Janie Benson at 828.456.4942.

Roger Turner Sylva

Over 4.5 million of Ammons Famous hotdogs served since 1984.

Open 7 days a week - 10am-9pm 1451 DELLWOOD RD. | WAYNESVILLE | 926-0734

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In Memory of Our Dad —

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tasteTHEmountains

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HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

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

Enjoy fresh local products, created daily.

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 to 9:30 am – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat.

Lunch every day from 11:30 till 2. Evening cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting), featuring steaks, ribs, chicken, and pork chops, to name a few. Bountiful family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with entrees that include prime rib, baked ham and herb-baked chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer. The evening social hour starts at 6pm, and dinner is served starting at 7pm. So join us for mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view.

Please call for reservations.

WHISTLE STOP MALL GEORGIA ROAD, FRANKLIN NC

• JERSKITCHEN.COM C 828.524.1960 MON-SAT 11-3 & SUNDAY LUNCH 11-2:30

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561-313-8766

CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville.

828.452.6210. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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

bonnie.rossa@gmail.com

C facebook.com/thesugarfairydesserts

BREAKFAST • LUNCH Scratch-Made Fresh Daily Breads • Biscuits • Bagels Cakes • Pies • Pastries Soups • Salads • Sandwiches Fair Trade Coffee & Espresso

18 North Main Street Waynesville • 452.3881 www.citybakery.net MON-FRI: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

SAT: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. SUN: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

ASHEVILLE: 60 Biltmore Ave. 252.4426 & 88 Charlotte St. 254.4289

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CORK AND BEAN 16 Everett St., Bryson City. 828.488.1934.

Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy organic, fair-trade, gourmet espresso and coffees, a select, eclectic list of wines, and locally prepared treats to go with every thing. Come by early and enjoy a breakfast crepe with a latte, grab a grilled chicken pesto crepe for lunch, or wind down with a nice glass of red wine. Visit us on Facebook!

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.7179. Reservations recommended. 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Executive Chef Corey Green prepares innovative and unique Southern fare from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.waynesvilleinn.com.

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

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

Tuesday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FRYDAY’S & SUNDAES 24 & 26 Fry St., Bryson City (Next To The Train Depot). 828.488.5379. Spring hours: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed., Thur. & Sun. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri & Sat. Fryday’s is known for its Traditional English Beer Battered Fish & Chips, but also has burgers, deep fried dogs, gyro, shrimp, bangers, Chip Butty, chicken, sandwiches & a great kids menu. Price friendly, $3-$10, Everything available to go or call ahead takeout. Sundaes has 24 rotating flavors of

Smoky Mountain News

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• Hors d'oeuvre Hour Nightly • 4-Course Dinner Nightly • Wednesday Gourmet Picnic Lunch • Thursday Night Cookout • Sunday Brunch • Backpack Lunches for Hiking Award-winning country inn at 5,000 feet Reservations required

2300 SWAG ROAD WAYNESVILLE 22

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials.

Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked salmon bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait.

We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, panni sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

serving size : ab out 50 p ag es

828.926.0430 • TheSwag.com

Father’s Day

Murder Mystery

Brunch Dinner

“Legally Dead”

Sunday, June 16 • 11:00 -2:00

Saturday, June 22 at 6pm

Enjoy our Crab Benedict Special Outside on the Patio

Join us for An Evening of Mystery, Dining, Wine & Fun

-Free Dessert for Dads-

$40 per person | Plus tax Call for Reservations

Bring your own wine and spirits.

94 East St. Waynesville 828-452-7837

LOCATED OFF JONATHAN CREEK RD/HWY 276 & HEMPHILL RD 192-22

SUNDAY BRUNCH 11-2 Private Parties by Reservation For details & menus see

Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant

68585

June 12-18, 2013

TAKE-OUT • EAT-IN • CATERING

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.

www.herrenhouse.com

tasteTHEmountains Hershey's Ice Cream making them into floats, splits, sundaes, shakes. Private seating inside & out for both locations right across from the train station & pet friendly.

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Mondays. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes.

Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. Come for the restaurant’s 4 @ 4 when you can choose a center and three sides at special prices.

Offered Wed- Fri. from 4 to 6. frogsleappublichouse.org.

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

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

Reservations appreciated.

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

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

828.293.3096. Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Earthfriendly foods at people-friendly prices. Daily specials, wraps, salads, pastries, breads, soups and more. Unique fare, friendly service, casual atmosphere and wireless Internet.

Organic ingredients, local produce, gourmet fair trade and organic coffees.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

MILL & MAIN 462 W. Main St., Sylva. 828.586.6799.

Serving lunch and dinner. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Pizza, pasta, outstanding homemade desserts, plus full lunch and dinner menus. All ABC permits. Take-out menus available.

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

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

Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections. Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies.

Various desserts.

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OLD STONE INN 109 Dolan Road, off Love Lane.

828.456.3333. Classic fireside dining in an historic mountain lodge with cozy, intimate bar.

Dinner served nightly except Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Signature dinner choices include our 8oz. filet of beef in a brandied peppercorn sauce and a garlic and herb crusted lamb rack.

Carefully selected fine wines and beers plus full bar available. Call for reservations.

SOUL INFUSION TEA HOUSE & BISTRO 628 E. Main St. (between Sylva Tire & UPS).

828.586.1717. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday noon -until. Scrumptious, natural, fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. 60+ teas served hot or cold, black, chai, herbal. Seasonal and rotating draft beers, good selection of wine. HomeGrown Music Network Venue with live music most weekends. Pet friendly and kid ready.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed at your table. Fine wine and beer selection. Casual atmosphere, dine indoor, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

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

Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for 30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza made to order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, calzones and seafood. Also serving excellent prime rib on Thursdays. Dine in or take out available.

Located across from the Fire Station.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

Outdoor and indoor dining.

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

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

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THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground cellar for wine and beer, served by the glass all day. Cheese and tapas served Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. or later. info@classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 12

DAY, EVERY DAY

FRIDAY JUNE 14

LIZ & AJ NANCE SATURDAY JUNE 15

A MAN CALLED BRUCE

THURSDAY JUNE 13TH • 8PM Adam Bigelow & Friends Tues.- Fri. 11a-9p & Sat. 12 noon - ‘til

628 E. Main Street • Sylva 828.586.1717 • soulinfusion.com

Mad Batter Bakery & Café

ON THE WCU CAMPUS • 293.3096 192-26 1430-26

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MINDY’S

PPÉTIT Y’A A N

Now Open at 174 E. Main Street Sylva Shopping Center Across from the ABC store

Pressed Cuban Sandwiches, Cuban Food & Desserts

FRIDAY JUNE 14TH

Moonshine Jam

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83 Asheville Hwy. Sylva Music Starts @ 9 • 631.0554

828.400-5638 WED-SAT 11:30-9:30PM

Smoky Mountain News

UPCOMING EVENTS

CityLightsCafe.com

BO

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

June 12-18, 2013

ALL

PLATES FOR THE PARKWAY - PROCEEDS GO TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION

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–Locally Grown Cuisine –

Open at 11 a.m. • Closed Saturday • 828-456-1997 207 Paragon Parkway • Clyde, North Carolina 23

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

anybody who wants to know more about their Scottish ancestors can come in and we’ll search their past for them,” MacGregor said.

Tying into the museum is the 16th annual Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival, which will be taking over downtown Franklin on June 13-16. The event features everything Scottish — live music, parade with pipers, kids activities food, craft demonstrations and Highland games, which showcases caber and hammer throws.

“Over 80 percent of original Macon County residents are of Scottish decent. The influence is huge,” said Doug Morton, chairman of the Taste of Scotland. “This festival is all about the Scottish heritage and how they settled this area.”

Both the museum and the festival work together to preserve and perpetuate the deep Scottish ties to Southern Appalachia.

Over the last few hundred years, the Scots emigrated from their homeland to begin a new life in America.

With the rich soil and mountain resemblance to the Scottish Highlands, WNC seemed the ideal place to start anew.

“When the Scots first came here, they blended in well with the Cherokee, they traded with them,

Finding your roots in Appalachia

Scottish Tartans Museum in Franklin.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER Ronan MacGregor didn’t know where he came from.

He knew he was of Scottish decent, but that was about it. It wasn’t until he moved to Macon County several years ago and wandered into the Scottish Tartans Museum in downtown Franklin that he began digging into his family’s past.

“Folks get to a point in their life that they know who they are, but they want to know who their parents were, who their grandparents were, and so they start the journey backwards,” he said.

Opened in 1988, the museum (originally located in Highlands) is dedicated to promoting and educating about the Highland tartan dress, or kilt. It’s the only place of its kind in the world.

MacGregor befriended the head of the Ronan MacGregor museum, became a volunteer and soon found out the storied and rich past of the MacGregor clan.

Now, he has taken over his friend’s position and is currently the director of operations for the museum.

“It’s always a learning process, finding our your heritage, and knowing where to look is part of the fun and adventure of discovering your genealogy,” he said. “Every experience is different for each individual that starts looking.”

Displaying more than 500 of the most common family, clan and district tartans, an onsite database houses more than 6,000 registered designs. All of this is alongside a museum filled with information on the long history of the kilt and the massive influence the Scottish had on the development of Western North Carolina.

“The museum is a great historical and cultural resource where

Garret K. Woodward photo

“Scotsmen are very dedicated, very hard working, believers in family and education. We work hard and we play hard, which makes us a really unique group of people.”

had the same fundamental and family values as them, and each had numerous clans,” — Doug Morton, Taste of Morton said.

Scotland chairman “Scotsmen are very dedicated, very hard working, believers in family and education. We work hard and we play hard, which makes us a really unique group of people.”

As he strolls through the museum, MacGregor discusses and points out the history and importance of the kilt, which dates back to 400 A.D. What originally started out as a fouryard long heavy wool blanket soon became the modern day kilt. Scotsmen would brave the cold and damp elements with the fabric draped over their shoulders.

“Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the kilt was more of an art form, where weavers would pick the colors and patterns they liked and create specific pieces, each one sometimes completely different from the next,” he said. “But, with the Industrial Revolution and mass production, manufacturers soon named each design after a different clan to not only identify the material, but also to go back to what these patterns originally signified.”

When working, they would tuck and belt the kilt around their waist, which could create pockets or a hood cover, depend-

The Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival will be June 13-16 in downtown Franklin. www.tasteofscotlandfestival.org photo

The Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival JUNE 13 TOS Golf Tourney at Mill Creek country Club. Clan gathering at Mill Creek Restaurant following the game.

828.524.4653.

JUNE 14 Shortbread Contest, Ceilidh (Party) with music downtown by the Juniper Trio at 5 p.m. Vendors from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

JUNE 15 Downtown celebrations and vendors from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 1K Rob Roy Race at 8:30 a.m., with 5K Braveheart Race at 9 a.m. Live music throughout the day on Main Street. Scott Medlin and his group will demonstrate real highland games such as the saber throw and hammer throw in field next to Ace Hardware, two blocks from downtown. Best Scottish window contest to be judged by the people enjoying the festival.

Scottish Tartans Museum will be open with free admission all day and with four guided tours.

JUNE 16 Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans at 11 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church on Church Street. Scottish Tartans Museum free admission from 1 to 5 p.m., with one guided tour at 2 p.m.

ing on the tuck method. These methods soon evolved into the modern day version of the kilt. With the extensive kilt display at the museum, there’s also an exhibit on Cherokee and Scottish interactions, a weapons display and elaborate descriptions of the history of the culture in Southern Appalachia.

“These folks coming here from Scotland came to America to have the opportunity to own their own land,” MacGregor said. “They have that sense of belonging with owning your own home and property, and that was a powerful motivator to why they came to Western North Carolina.”

With the constant flow of new residents to the region, Morton stresses that now — more than ever — is the time to truly preserve the delicate and intricate Scottish history here.

“First of all, I’m a proud Scotsman, and I’m also a proud resident of Franklin,” he said. “More and more new people are moving here, and many of the older locals are dying out, so it’s important to keep this heritage alive, for people to know where they came from.”

Want to go?

The Scottish Tartans Museum is located on 86 East Main Street in downtown Franklin. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-12. As part of The Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival, the museum will be open for free tours all day Saturday, June 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 16. 828.524.7472 or www.scottishtartans.org.

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Ring of Kerry, Ireland.

Garret K. Woodward photo

Summer Fashions you will not want to miss out on!

for All Generations Special Occassions and everyday fashions.

The Woman's Boutique Where the Focus is You!

Smoky Mountain News

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

June 12-18, 2013

I had never seen the color green like that during that semester abroad, I became before. immersed in learning all I could about the Touching down at the Shannon Airport origins of my ancestors. It was a surreal in southwest Ireland, the lush, vibrant green experience, one that still resonates strongly. landscape of my ancestors took my breath Who I was when I left for Ireland wasn’t who away. It was August 2005, and I was about to I was when I returned home, and it was all embark on a collegiate semester abroad. for the better.

With five other students from my While writing my feature this week on school, Quinnipiac University (Hamden, the Scottish Tartans Museum and the Taste Conn.), our group stayed at a boarding house in Tralee, a gateway city to the majestic Dingle Peninsula on the Ring of Kerry. Our host was a former Oxford University profesThe 38th Annual Cherokee Pow Wow runs sor who expected us to be as from June 14-16 at the Acqouni Expo Center. studious in the classroom as in the local pub.

Wandering the countryside Bluegrass ensemble Unspoken Tradition plays and bustling cities of Ireland, the Concerts on the Creek on June 14 at he took us to innumerable Bridge Park in Sylva. spots, many of which were off the beaten path. I found myself A panel discussion about recent discoveries sitting in a 1,000-year-old and observations relating to Horace Kephart church, bellying up to a back will take place on June 13 in the Mountain alley bar with a pint of Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

Guinness as sweet as candy, going for a swim in the crisp The Songwriters in the Round series continues Atlantic Ocean and, most of at Balsam Mountain Inn with Kim Richey, all, meeting one incredible perIrene Kelley and Thomm Jutz on June 15. son after another. I felt a true kinship. For the first time in The “Sampling of the City” P.A.W.S fundraiser my life, I really felt at home. will be at Nantahala Brewing Company on When I was born, I was June 15. named after the first male in our family to emigrate from Ireland. My middle name comes from moth- of Scotland festival in Franklin, rich memoer’s maiden name, which is Kavanagh. ries of my Irish odyssey came flooding back Growing up, my Irish heritage was always into my field of vision. Local residents and present, with Celtic music, food, attire and tourists alike should experience the fascinatattitude found in every aspect of our family. I ing culture of Scotland, a country that have always been proud of that. Those mem- played a vital role in the history of Western ories are forever cherished, whether it be sip- North Carolina. Everyone should not only ping some Jameson whiskey with my uncles, visit the country of their ancestry but also learning and singing the native songs at a embrace their heritage year round. Pride in family gathering, or simply just being a family is an important trait of Southern happy-go-lucky person by nature (which is Appalachia. Knowing who you are and the foundation of any good Irishman). where you came from is the key to knowing So, as I frolicked around the motherland where you’re at and where you’re going.

121 N MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE (828) 452-3611 192-34

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Singer/songwriter Kim Richey (pictured) will be joined by Irene Kelley and Thomm Jutz at the Songwriters in the Round concert series June 15 in Balsam. CJ Hicks photo

Stecoah arts center receives grant The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership has announced an award of $10,000 to the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville for a mobile website, enhancements to a backstage green room and new exhibits for visitors.

The center offers a summer music series, “An Appalachian Evening,” along with year-round programming in music, craft and foodways. This project is designed to further promote the center’s music programs through the creation of a new mobile website that will host videos of live performances, interviews with musicians and audience reviews.

Funded by federal dollars, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership helps support diverse initiatives across the North Carolina mountains and foothills, focusing on craft, music, natural heritage, Cherokee traditions and the region’s legacy in agriculture. These five facets of the region’s heritage earned the 25 counties of Western North Carolina a Congressional designation as the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in 2003.

This program is an effort by the North Carolina Arts Council and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership to enhance many aspects of the traditional music industry in the region, and in so doing strengthen its economic impact on communities region-wide.

Smoky Mountain News

June 12-18, 2013

arts & entertainment

On the beat

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Raymond Fairchild will be one of many artists at the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival June 13-15. Garret K. Woodward photo

Alt-country, Americana and bluegrass in Balsam

The show is $45 per person.

800.224.9498 or www.balsammountaininn.com.

Appalachian storyteller to play Haywood library

Kim Richey, Irene Kelley and Thomm Jutz will bring an adventurous musical spirit to the Songwriters in the Round series from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Balsam Mountain Inn. In addition to two Grammy nominations, Richey has released five critically acclaimed albums, been listed in the Top 10 Albums of 1999 in Time Magazine for her album “Glimmer,” and also given four stars in Rolling Stone.

Kelley’s songs were recorded early by Carl Jackson, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White. She went on to score cuts with Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Pat Green, Brother Phelps and Rhonda Vincent.

Jutz produced Volumes 1 and 2 of “The 1861 Project,” a collection of new songs about the American Civil War with marquee artists Marty Stuart, John Anderson, Jerry Douglas, Maura O’Connell and many more.

Bluegrass royalty to converge at Cherokee campground

Storyteller/singer-songwriter Dusk Weaver performs at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 16, at the Waynesville Public Library.

Weaver is an upbeat entertainer and multiinstrumentalist. Before he began a professional music career, he worked for decades in training Percheron draft horses, framing houses and servicing chimneys. The lyrics of his songs sometimes land squarely in the vernacular of everyday people. Through his lifelong love of song and performances, Weaver befriended songwriting legends Townes Van Zandt, Billy Joe Shaver, and Mickey Newbury, who served as a role model and mentor to Weaver.

Put on by the Haywood County Arts Council, the Sunday Concert Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The local arts council receives support from the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources. www.haywoodarts.org.

The Cherokee Bluegrass Festival will run from June 13-15 at the Happy Holiday RV Village in Cherokee.

Alongside host band Carolina Road will also be Raymond Fairchild, Marty Raybon, Little Roy & Lizzy, Goldwing Express, Daughters of Bluegrass, Ralph Stanley II, The Crowe Brothers, and many more.

Food vendors and concessions will be on site. Tickets are $30 per person, per day, or get a three-day pass for $85. Children ages 713 are $10 per day. Ages 6 and under are free.

For a full lineup of the bands, check www.bluegrassincherokee.com.

828.736.6136 or 828.497.9204.

On the beat

On the streets

• The Haywood Community Band is playing the Maggie Valley Concert Series at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 16, at the pavilion adjacent to the Maggie Valley Town Hall. “Father’s Day” will be the theme of the show, which will include many famous musical theater selections. The show is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the Maggie Valley Civic Association. 828.456.4880 or www.haywoodcommunityband.org.

15, at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. The performance is free and open to patrons age 21 and over. 828.586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

Pow Wow festival in Cherokee

• American duo The Sea Notes play at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 8, at Pub 319 in Waynesville. The show is free and open to the public. Age 21 and older. 828.456.4900 or www.pub319.com.

• The Music in the Mountains Concert Series continues at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson City. The free concert series brings together local residents, visitors and musicians for an evening of melodies and mountains. The series is sponsored by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce and the Swain County Tourism Development Authority. www.greatsmokies.com.

• Singer/songwriting duo Liz & AJ Nance and Americana/blues/roots musician A Man Called Bruce will be playing at City Lights Café in Sylva.

Liz & AJ Nance will perform Friday, June 14, while A Man Called Bruce will play Saturday, June 15. Both shows are at 7 p.m. They are free and open to the public. 828.587.2233 or www.citylightscafe.com.

• Electric/pop-rock band STEREOSPREAD hits the f stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the Central f Plaza at Western Carolina University. The concert series is free and open to the public. ledavis@wcu.edu or 828.227.3622.

• Legendary 1980s soft rock group Air Supply performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets range from $35 to $55 per person.

828.524.1598 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• Jazz/soul guitarist Kevin Lorenze taps into Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville. There is no cover charge for the performance. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Bluegrass group Unspoken Tradition plays the Concerts on the Creek Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Bridge Park in Sylva. The band seamlessly mixes traditional bluegrass with an array of other genres, providing something for everyone in attendance. Sponsored by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the series is free and open to the public. 800.962.1911 or www.mountainlovers.com.

f • Country music pioneer Dwight Yoakam will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center. The legendary superstar began his career at Reprise Records with his debut album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” and has since recorded 27 albums under Reprise Records and Warner Brothers.

Tickets start at $35 per person. The event is for ages 21 and older. www.harrahscherokee.com or www.dwightyoakam.com.

• Original funk/blues group The Travers Brothers Band will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday, June

ALSO:

• Blues singer Karen “Sugar” Barnes will kick off the Marianna Black Library Summer Music Series at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in Bryson City. The Friends of the Marianna Black Library will be on site to provide snacks and refreshments. The show is free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

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• The P.A.W.S.’s Sampling of the City will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at the Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City. The fundraiser showcases all of the restaurants found in Bryson City as well as the craft beers at Nantahala Brewing. Proceeds go to P.A.W.S. (Placing Animals Within Society), a no-kill shelter in Bryson City. Entry is $10 per person. www.nantahalabrewingcompany.com.

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• The fifth annual Smoky Mountain Ride In runs from June 18-22 in Bryson City. The motorcycle festivities raise money for underprivileged children in the area. June 18 is the initial ride. June 19 is an ice cream social at Fryday’s & Sundaes. June 20 is a welcome party at Gracey Manor. June 21 is a fish fry and auction, and June 22 will be the going away party at Ryan’s Steak House in Sylva. www.smokymountainridein.com.

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A BBQ & Brews Dinner Train will depart at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot in Bryson City.

The dinner features slow-cooked barbeque and beer tastings, showcasing Nantahala and Heinzelmannchen breweries. Each brewery will sponsor trains and provide tastes of their craft beer. Nantahala brewery will be featured June 22 and July 6, with Heinzelmannchen brewery June 29 and July 13. The train travels to the Fontana Trestle and arrives around sunset for a spectacular view.

The event is ages 21 and older. Tickets start at $69. Additional beer will be available for purchase onboard the train. Admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is included with ticket purchase.

800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

25 MILLER ST. (OFF MAIN ST.) DOWNTOWN WAYNESVILLE 828.456.4297 • WED.-SAT. 10-5:30

Smoky Mountain News

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Beer and barbeque in Bryson

June 12-18, 2013

• The Hurricane Creek Band plays the Groovin’ on the Green Concert Series at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the Village Commons in Cashiers. The group specializes in classic rock/pop and original melodies. The series is sponsored by the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association. The event is free and open to the public. www.cashiersvalley.com.

The 38th annual Cherokee Pow Wow Festival is June 1416 at the Acqouni Expo Center (Old Cherokee High School).

The Pow Wow is a threeday festival of drums, songs and dance, where strong personal, familial and spiritual traditions are paired with a healthy dose of competition.

Hundreds of world-champion dancers will compete for thouCherokee NC sands of dollars in prizes. photo Watch the explosion of color and motion in the arena with the Traditional, Fancy Shawl, Grass, Two Step and Jingle dance competitions.

Admission is $10 per day or $25 for a three-day pass. travel@nc-cherokee.com or 800.438.1601 or www.visitcherokee.nc.com.

arts & entertainment

• Pianist Joe Cruz and The Flo Sistas will perform at the Classic Wine Seller in Waynesville. Cruz hits the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, for the free performance. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The Flo Sistas, featuring Sheila Gordon (piano/vocals), Alice Carroll (congas) and Ken Brown (percussion), begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15, and will include a four-course dinner for $39.99. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

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June 12-18, 2013

arts & entertainment

On the wall Downtown Sylva comes alive with art The Sylva Art Stroll will resume from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 14, in downtown Sylva.

Galleries will feature art exhibits, some hosting artist receptions. The event is a perfect night for dining and shopping local, enjoying art, exploring historic downtown Main Street and taking in a concert at Bridge Park.

Participants include Jackson County Library Complex Rotunda, Nichols House Antiques and Collectibles on Landis Street, Guadalupe Café, Signature Brew Coffeehouse, It’s By Nature, and Gallery 1 at 604 Main Street.

The Jackson County Visual Arts Association is dedicated to enriching the arts community and presenting visual arts.

Membership is open to the public and new members are always welcome. The Sylva Art Stroll is a monthly event, occurring every second Friday of the month.

The event is free and open to the public.

828.337.3468.

“Collecting Moss” by Krista Harris. Acrylic, crayon, custom glazes and graffiti marker on canvas.

Abstract painting collaboration on display

Smoky Mountain News

The painting collaboration exhibit “Southern Lights” runs from June 22 through Sept. 1 at The Bascom in Highlands.

• A wheel throwing class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday through Aug. 6 at Riverwood Pottery in Dillsboro. Cost of the class is $160, which includes tools, materials and firing. 828.586.3601 or riverwoodpottery@frontier.com or www.riverwoodpottery.com.

ALSO:

• A hand building class will run from 6 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday through July 31 at Riverwood Pottery in Dillsboro. Cost is $160, which includes tools, materials and firing. 828.586.3601 or 28

Featuring Charlotte Foust, Martica Griffin, Krista Harris and Audrey Phillips, the showcase weaves its various talents and styles together to form the selected compositions, based on common Southern roots.

Inspired by the distinct sense of place that defines the South, these four talented artists explore color and mark-making in their abstract expressionist art. The artists will demonstrate their painting techniques from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22, 24 and 25, on The Bascom Terrace. An opening reception runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22.

In conjunction with this exhibition, Steve Aimone, who brought the artists together, will give a lecture at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Center for Life Enrichment (CLE) in Highlands. Titled “The Spiritual Language of Art: Understanding Nonobjective Painting,” the lecture is $15 for CLE and Bascom members and $20 for non-members.

828.526.8811 or www.thebascom.org or www.clehighlands.com.

WCU art students receive awards Two Western Carolina University art students are recipients of WCU Friends of the Arts Dean’s Scholarship Awards to enable them to study with renowned potter Jeff Oestriech this summer.

Melena Reid, an art major who is focusing on sculpture, and Ann Suggs, an art major with a concentration in painting and ceramics, will study with Oestriech, who will teach “A Closer Look at Function and Detail” June 16-21. The workshop is part of the Cullowhee Mountain ARTS series led by artists of national and international reputation, held in the art studios in WCU’s School of Art and Design. A highly regarded studio potter, Oestriech has exhibited extensively in museums and galleries around the world.

“These two students will spend a week working in a master class with a nationally known ceramics instructor and artist,” Robert Kehrberg, Dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts said. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for these students to learn from and work alongside such a fine artist.” riverwoodpottery@frontier.com or www.riverwoodpottery.com.

• A painting techniques class will be taught from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Claymates of Dillsboro. Attendees will learn to paint “watercolors” on pottery.

Cost is $25 per person for one platter.

828.631.3133.

• A Raku bead making class will be at 6 p.m. June 20-21 and 4 p.m. June 22 at Riverwood Pottery in Dillsboro. Cost of the course is $120, which includes all tools, materials and firing. 828.586.3601 or www.riverwoodpottery.com.

Donated photo

Dog show trots into Waynesville Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association, an area AKC Kennel Club, will host an American Kennel Club all breed dog show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15-16 at the Haywood County Agriculture and Activities Center in Waynesville.

The two-day event will include conformation, obedience and rally competitions. Hundreds of pre-entered dogs will compete for Best In Show each day. The public is invited to come view the many competing breeds. Non-entered dogs should not attend. Admission is free, but a small parking fee will be collected. Food concessions will be available for breakfast and lunch and a variety of dog supply vendors will be on site. www.wcdfa.org

On the stage New discoveries in Kephart presentation A panel discussion will present recent discoveries and observations relating to legendary Western North Carolina figure Horace Kephart at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

WCU’s Mae Claxton and George Frizzell will join writer and historian George Ellison during the program “Horace Kephart Revisited.” Kephart was a 42-year-old librarian looking to make a fresh start in the mountain wilderness when he came to WNC in the summer of 1904. Over the next 27 years, the numerous articles and books he wrote captured a disappearing culture and provided practical advice for outdoor enthusiasts. Kephart also was a major force in the movement to establish Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The panel discussion is being presented in conjunction with the Mountain Heritage Center exhibit “Horace Kephart in the Great Smoky Mountains,” which will be on display through September.

The panel discussion is free and open to the public.

828.227.7129.

Summer dance and theater camps for kids An array of summer artistic camps will be held at the Highlands Playhouse in Highlands and the Smoky Mountain

Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

The Summer Fun Drama and Theatre Camps for Children at the Highlands Playhouse will have a theater camp from July 1-13, musical theater camp from July 15-27, and a dance camp from July 29 through Aug. 2. Camps will challenge children to discover, explore and develop every aspect of theater — acting, singing and dance. For pricing and more information, call 828.526. 2695 or email highlandsplayhhouse@yahoo.com, www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts Summer Fun Drama Camp runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25, with a performance at 7 p.m. July 30. Students will learn basic stage movement, costuming and make-up, as well as how to create characters and skits. Each week, a new element of theater performance and production will be introduced, which will culminate in an onstage final performance of a classic story.

Cost is $65 per student and $50 for each sibling. Class is for children ages 8 to 16.

828.524.1598 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

Highlands Playhouse marks 75 years

The Highlands Playhouse will celebrate 75 years, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 13.

Champion sponsors and above are invited free of charge. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes cocktails and hor d’oeuvres.

828.526.2695 or www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

BY B ECKY JOHNSON ount my daughter among the millions of kids whose first word was “doggy.” For a several-week stretch, “doggy” was also her only word.

She used it liberally, be it a salutation for the grocery store clerk or pointing out a squirrel in the backyard.

We don’t have a dog anymore, but there’s something about dogs. Kids just love them. Mine are no exception.

So for us, the dog show this weekend at the Haywood County Fairgrounds will be a must. Put on by the Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association, there will be hundreds of dogs — yes, literally hundreds — of all breeds competing in obedience trials and obstacle courses.

It will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday (June 15-16). It’s free other than a small parking fee. www.wcdfa.org.

The large covered arena at the Haywood Fairgrounds is a great venue for these things. Last year, the fairgrounds played host to a statewide K9 competition.

For several days afterward, my daughter played police dog. My role was the handler. This led to many a raised

C

“This led to many a raised eyebrow when I was coerced to play in public and had to recite verbatim ‘Come out with your hands up.

If you try to run, we will chase you. We will bite you. We will hurt you.’” eyebrow when I was coerced to play in public and had to recite verbatim “Come out with your hands up. If you try to run, we will chase you. We will bite you.

We will hurt you.”

But the police dog game worked great for tricking her into doing chores. I had her retrieve all sorts of things — from renegade Legos from under the sofa to scraps of food under her baby brother’s high chair.

On another front, an exhilarating and mesmerizing competition will take

Smoky Mountain Living is looking for your photos Smoky Mountain Living prominently features images from across the southern Appalachians in each edition.

Photo essays adhere to the issue’s overall theme.

The next edition of Smoky Mountain Living will focus on the theme “Water.” The mountains’ ecological diversity relies on the region’s rivers, streams, lakes and waterfalls, all fed from groundwater supplies and copious rainfall. In the Smokies, the average annual rainfall varies from about 55 inches in the valleys to more than 85 inches on some peaks — more than anywhere else in the country except the Pacific Northwest.

Send your images to photos@smliv.com by June 21.

Reader submitted photos are unpaid, but those selected are rewarded with publication in our nationally distributed magazine. SML covers the southern Appalachians and celebrates the area’s environmental riches, its culture, music, arts, history and special places.

Published six times each year, SML is a magazine for those who want to learn more about where they live and those who want to stay in touch with where they love.

Submissions should be high-resolution digital images and include information about where and when the photos were taken and by whom. smliv.com or facebook.com/smliv.

Smoky Mountain News

Built on your land just like you have always dreamed.....

June 12-18, 2013

Franklin’s Custom Home Builder For Over 41 Years

arts & entertainment

Mountain momma

the stage during the annual Cherokee Pow Wow at the Acquoni Expo Center in Cherokee June 14-16. Hundreds of world-champion dancers from tribes all across the country will compete in full regalia during the three-day festival of native song and dance. It is inside, so it’s not weather-dependent. $10. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

The dancers will compete for a combined $60,000 in cash prizes. Let your kids pick their own favorites based on criteria you come up with — like footwork, symbolism, story the dance conveys or the drumming. The elaborateness and authenticity of handmade regalia weighs heavily in the official scoring.

Plus, a carnival with fair rides is going on at the Cherokee Fairgrounds through Saturday if you are over that way.

Next week is dinosaur week at the Jackson County library in Sylva. Two highlights of the week will be “dinosaur skeleton art” during craft hour at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, June 18, and a “Dinosaur Dig” at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 19.

828.586.2016.

And, tickets are going fast for “Cinderella: A Magical Musical” at the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts in Franklin June 27-30. It’s the traditional fairy tale in a full two-act musical put on by the Overlook Theatre Company. Go in a princess dress — moms, too, of course! www.greatmountainmusic.com.

Franklin/Cashiers Building Center 335 NP&L Loop, Franklin, NC

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arts & entertainment

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Books

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31

Morgan conjures the past with a poet skill obert Morgan has a rare and cunning gift: he can sift through the detritus of the past, pluck objects and images from his memory (especially his childhood) and elevate them to the point where they become — in the sense that Joseph Campbell uses the word — “numinous.” Many of Morgan’s poems resonate with Appalachian readers; especially those of us who share this poet’s commitment to Writer a heritage that is rapidly vanishing.

Consider some of the subjects:

Gary Carden

R

human hope and human sweat and human mourning.” Here, ground into the floors and woodwork of old wooden churches, along with “bits of hair and flakes of skin,” are the “forgotten sermons, hymns once raised at hot revival’s end,” the detritus of our lives becomes a kind of residue of human existence. When a chance wind stirs this dust, our yearnings rise and drift through the “troubled air.” In another poem, Morgan describes the night he heard his father “speak in tongues” in an old church. As Morgan and his brother listened raptly, his brother whispered to Morgan, “Is that Hebrew?”

June bugs: (you tied a thread to one of their legs and allowed them to tow you through the pastures of summer. Hopefully, you eventually released your prisoner and watched it vanish “into a swarm of its own kind in clover and indigo.”

Christ. When they passed the photograph around in my eighth-grade class, some of us never saw it since it took a while to find how light and shadow came together to form a face. Like Morgan, I finally saw the face and felt a rush of awe and delight that I wish I could duplicate today.

Feather crowns: I have seen a dozen of these religious relics, and like the photograph of Christ’s face, they invariably gave me a sense of wonder. I saw one some years ago that was kept by an elderly lady who told me that the crown (an intricate construction of feathers that resembled a tightly woven cap) had been found in her sister’s pillow. “I know that my sister is with God,” she said, “this crown proves it.” I still remember the pleasure that I felt when I held that 75-year-old crown. Of course, no one believes in feather crowns anymore. In this bright new world, pillows are no longer filled with feathers.

Tree-roosting chickens: Like me, Robert remembers an uncle who had a flock of treeroosting chickens and the muttering and clucking sounds they made each night as they shift “like berries of an abacus.” Frightened by a noise in the night, a dog or a possum, “They will raise a half-hour fuss. The rooster crows at three.”

Canning peaches: Another lost art. Certainly, there are some Luddites out there who still buy, peel and can, but they have largely vanished. Like Morgan, I remember the smell of that bubbling syrup, and how I lay in my bed, attentively listening for the “pop” of each sealed jars which meant that the canning was complete. Great mounds of peach stones were in the back yard, and the penetrating aroma of peaches hung in the attic for days.

Funny books: Like Robert, I was told by family and teachers that comic books were “sordid and salacious.” So they became forbidden pleasures. I hid them in the corn crib and beneath the bed. As a result, those lurid covers became “illuminated texts” and the “chap books prophets of sacred and secret art.” Comic books are still with us, of course, and they have been elevated to status of an art form, but Morgan pays homage to Superman and Lash LaRue and the glories of those “hyperbolic zaps and screams.” Pow! Bam! Yikes!

Tool sheds, cellars, old barns: Many of the poems in this collection are about deterioration and decay. Morgan’s most vivid images are of “rust lacquered pipes” in abandoned cellars where the white roots of potatoes climb toward the light and “the smell of rust” taints the air in abandoned tool sheds. Broken plow points and “dobber combs dripping plaster.” This is the natural way of things. In “Exhaustion,” he notes that all creation has “this need to lie down.” The crumbling and falling apart of life, trees and flesh is a natural process.

Old churches: In the poem, “Church Dust,” Morgan conjures up “the salts and silts of

The Strange Attractor by Robert Morgan.

Louisiana State University Press, 2004. 135 pages.

Jesus in the clouds: Morgan struck a chord with “Face,” a poem about an image of Christ in the sky. The story goes that a mocking atheist, when told that “Christ is everywhere,” turned his camera to the sky and quipped, “Then I’ll take his picture.” And so he did.

When the film developed, there was

Pulitzer Prize novel discussed in Waynesville Kicking off the Let’s Talk About It Summer Series with The Known World, Friends of the Haywood Library will hold a discussion from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the Waynesville Public Library.

The series, entitled “Journeys Across Time and Place: Mapping Southern Identities,” asks people constantly to rethink their personal and collective identities in the flow of history, and will help explore how the journey that shapes such thinking is likely different for each of us. Written by Edward P. Jones, The Known World won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2003. The novel’s characters have lived in his

Old radios, crystal sets: When I was a child, my grandparents had a radio much like the

head since the 1970s while Jones was a student. Much of the story was based on the stories his mother told as family history.

Blake Hobby, professor at the University of North CarolinaAsheville, will lead the discussion. Refreshments will be served. The series is made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council and the Friends of the Library.

828.456.5311 or stanandlinda@charter.net.

Book sale in Cashiers The popular Friends of the Albert Carlton Library Annual Book Sale takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 21-22 at the library in Cashiers.

one Morgan describes. Housed in a wooden cabinet, it was equipped with dials and rotating knobs, and if you peeked in the back, there were big hot tubes and the air “was poisoned by electricity.” Yes, our Silvertone filled me with a sense of mystery and awe, and when I turned the dials, I sometimes heard sounds that had no earthy origin. The same was true of my little crystal set with the copper wire wound on the Quaker oatmeal box, for it also produced sounds ... quasars, exploding stars, distant galaxies. Morgan has numerous references to “crystals” ... a repetition that suggests the poet’s awareness of the invisible and infinite world around us.

Perhaps I should note that all of the poems in The Strange Attractor are not about artifacts, obsolete relics and the passing of our heritage.

There is a marvelous poem entitled “Mountain Bride” that recreates a traditional tale about the mountain couple who built a fire in their new home and awoke a nest of rattlesnakes beneath the hearth stone.

However, my favorite poem is “Uncle Robert,” a tribute to Morgan’s gifted relative who left dozen’s of reminders scattered through the house — objects that he had sculpted or crafted (paintings, a vase,) including a canoe that is slowly disintegrating in the barn loft and a box of arrowheads that he had picked up in the bottom “like seeds and teeth of giants.”

Morgan had been told that he bore an eerie resemblance to this uncle and that they both spoke with a stammer. Uncle Robert’s P17 “had novaed over East Angelia and his remains” (bone splinters and rags) came home in a steel coffin. Morgan retains a small statue of “The Dying Warrior,” modeled by his uncle and still bearing his uncle’s fingerprint on its base.

At times, Morgan hints at an interconnection in these numinous objects. It is as if each were an integral part of a grandiose design, and when properly aligned, they can render a strange music. This is a wonderful collection.

(Gary Carden is a celebrated writer and storyteller who lives in Sylva. He can be reached at gcarden498@aol.com.)

The sale features previously owned hardcover books, paperbacks, DVDs and CDs donated by library patrons. All items are in fine to good condition and are free. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Bags and boxes will be available for those choosing large quantities of books.

Friends of the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library is a non-profit group devoted to the support of the library and its staff through funding, free programs and volunteer service. Membership is open to all who believe in the importance of public libraries to individuals and communities. Membership forms available at the front desk.

828.743.5940 or adairsimon@mindspring.com

32

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Bridging the gap between young, old W ith each passing day, the first-person accounts of what life was like in the Smokies before Google, iTunes or even black-and-white television slip away. So, Beth Bramhall, a seasonal education ranger with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, decided to recruit the next generation to stem the tide of such loss.

The result was “Passing It On: A Digital Storytelling Project,” a year’s worth of oldtimers’ stories collected and compiled digitally by area middle- and high-school students who were helped along by their teachers, park staff, local experts and folks from the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Bramhall was pleased with the result, and the fact that there were still stories to collect.

“I remember thinking what a shame it was that the old-timers and former Civilian Conservation Corps members were disappearing,” Bramhall said. “The time to talk with these folks is now, while they’re still around to tell their stories first hand.”

The idea for “Passing It On” came to Bramhall during hikes she’d take in the Greenbrier section of the national park, where she’d often meet and have a chance to talk with “old-timers” who remembered what it was like to grow up in the early part of the 20th century in the mountain region that became the park in 1934. Bramhall thought it would be a perfect fit to send students into the

field, equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment, to catalog the stories and ensure their survival.

The first step, however, was to get their teachers even more excited about the curriculum possibilities of such a project. Following a

to their classrooms.

Once hooked by the latest bells and whistles, including movie-making software, sound equipment and digital cameras, students took the project to heart and began to collect stories about the past. Some could even interview their own family members.

Meanwhile, teachers oversaw the classroom research and story development.

Brenda Williams at Robbinsville High School and Kathy Wiggins at Swain County Daniel Pierce (left), an Asheville historian, speaks with High both pareducators at the Mountain Farm Museum in the Smokies ticipated in the about area history and digital storytelling. The teachers project, as well took what they learned and helped students with as teachers from “Passing It On,” a digital storytelling effort in the park.

Tennessee.

“I loved being able to history and digital storytelling workshop, focus students on their heritage, their place in which attracted nearly 30 teachers from it and the place of story,” said Wiggins, a selfTennessee and North Carolina, Bramhall was declared “cybrarian.” “The technology was able to recruit several to sign on to the project. challenging. With several platforms being They took the idea of digital storytelling back used, it was hard to nail down the best fit, but

Great Smoky Mountains Association looks back The Great Smoky Mountains Association has turned 60 years old, and although it has changed during the years, its mission has remained the same.

The association began providing financial support to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1953 under a different name, the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association.

Although the dollar amounts have grown and the name has changed, the organization has held true to its mission to support the park.

The organization publishes educational material and sells parkrelated items to visitors, raises funds through its members and uses the proceeds to contribute to preservation efforts in the Smokies, the most visited park in the country.

“Our organization started by selling postcards and Pioneer Farmstead pamphlets for a nickel. Our lifetime memberships were offered for $5,” said Terry Maddox, the organization’s executive director.

Since then, the organization has become one of the largest national park publication teams, increased its membership ranks to more than 12,000 individuals and businesses, expanded the number of visitor centers and stores to seven and grown to a staff of more than 80.

The books store in the Oconaluftee Visitor Center In all, the organization in the last 60 years has contributed in 1979. The Great Smoky Mountains Association, more than $30 million to the national park, Maddox said. which operates the park’s bookstores and gift “I’d call that an effort worth celebrating,” Maddox said. shops, turned 60 years old this year.

Its contributions to the national park have been used for a wide variety of purposes, including protecting black bears, restoring historic structures in Cataloochee Valley, Elkmont and Cades Cove, fighting against invasive species, hiring backcountry rangers to protect the most isolated areas of the park, and preservation of park-related documents and artifacts. The organization was also instrumental in the effort to bring elk back to the park as well as worked to protect the native trout population.

Most recently, the group’s funds have been used to complete a renovation of the Clingmans Dome Welcome Center, Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tenn., and to construct a new visitor center at Oconaluftee, near Cherokee.

the end results were great.”

Wiggins, who said the project gave her an opportunity to honor her grandmother, plans to offer a similar curriculum to future students, but maybe on a slightly smaller scale.

The result was digital storytelling that mixes a narrator’s voice, still photographs that appear to move through camera sweeps, forgotten letters written to loved ones, old maps outlining boundaries, and mountain-style music that creates the mood and, of course, the words and memories straight from the men and women who lived the experience.

“Basically, it’s the high-tech version of an ancient art form,” Bramhill said. “The idea is still to tell a great story, just using all the art forms available.”

Whether it was helping to move a community church out of the new national park or playing a game of Native American medicine ball or living in a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, the stories are compelling. The project was even declared winner of this year’s Association of Partners of Public Lands awards in the educational program category.

And the park is trying to find ways to make use of the stories.

“I think everyone was amazed at how much information these kids uncovered about the pre-park Smokies,” said Steve Kemp, interpretive products and services director for Great Smoky Mountains Association, the agency that oversaw the project and administered the grant for it. “I’ve been researching and writing about this area for over 25 years, and I learned things from their videos.”

Celebrating 60 A day of hikes, lectures and festivities is planned to celebrate Great Smoky Mountains Association’s 60th anniversary on Saturday, June 22, at Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee.

Some of the events are free and open to the public, including the official anniversary program at 2 p.m., a book signing at noon and a historic photo exhibit. However, only members are invited to take part in the day’s other planned activities, so the organization is encouraging the public to sign up for a membership before June 22. And members are encouraged to pre-register for events, as space is limited.

■ 8 a.m. — Park Ranger Jason Fisher will give an elk program.

■ 9 a.m. — Bryson City artist Elizabeth Ellison will conduct an outdoor painting class.

■ 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Individuals and teams are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt at Oconaluftee, Mingus Mill and Smokemont. Prizes to be awarded.

■ 10 a.m. — Park volunteer Westy Fletcher will lead an interpretative hike along the Oconaluftee River.

■ 1 p.m. — Indoor storytelling and artistic program

by Sylva’s Ammons Sisters.

■ 4 p.m. — Naturalist Liz Domingue will lead a salamander safari.

To join the GSMA or for more information, 865.436.7318 x 222 or 254 or SmokiesInformation.org.

outdoors

The Naturalist’s Corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Like a good neighbor

Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness area.

Micah McClure photo

Take a hike in the Smokies, and through time Great Smoky Mountains Park volunteer Dick Sellers will lead a hike through Bradleytown at 9 a.m.

Saturday, June 15. The leisurely two-hour stroll will educate participants about the area’s journey from early Bradleytown to the present campground. The Sylva resident will share with participants how the area transformed from a forested haven to a barren wasteland and back again. Visitors will also have the choice of adding an extra leg to the trip and visiting the Bradley Fork Cemetery.

Interested hikers should meet at Smokemont Baptist Church, near the Smokemont Campground entrance, three miles north of the Occonaluftee Visitor Center on the North Carolina side of the park along U.S. 441.

From slaughterhouse to garden sanctuary The Macon County Master Gardener Association is hosting an open house from 1 until 4 p.m. June 15 at the county’s Environmental Resource Center.

The organization is developing the grounds at the center, the site of an old slaughterhouse, as a horticultural demonstration garden and wants the public to see it.

The garden features native and landscape plants from Western North Carolina.

Visitors can tour a variety of features at the site, including perennial beds, a butterfly

garden, a rock garden, a woody ornamental garden, a meditation garden, a heritage flower garden, an herb garden and an orchard with trees and small fruits.

Several of the gardens are still in the process of being developed. There are also three types of irrigation systems at the site, a composting demonstration area and a greenhouse built by the master gardeners, a program administered through the county’s Cooperative Extension Office.

Volunteers also help maintain the site on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

The center is located at 1448 Lakeside Drive, just east of the county’s landfill.

828.349.2046.

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Asheville at Federal Building 151 Patton Avenue, Suite 204 Asheville, N.C., 28801. Phone: 828.350.2437. Fax: 828.350.2439 or in Washington at 217 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510. Phone: 202.224.3154. Fax 202.228.2981 and online at http://www.burr.senate.gov/public/index.c fm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm.

Senator Kay Hagan can be reached in Asheville at 82 Patton Avenue, Suite 635, Asheville, N.C., 28801. Phone: 828.257.6510. Fax: 828.257.6514 or in Washington at 521 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510. Phone: 202.224.6342. Fax: 202.228.2563 and online at www.hagan.senate.gov/?p=contact.

Be a good neighbor.

(Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. He can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.)

Flowers are blooming at the Environmental Resource Center in Macon County, just in time for the garden’s upcoming open house.

June 12-18, 2013

The folks in the mountains of Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee share more than a common boundary, they share a deep appreciation for the wild, sometimes rugged, but always beautiful landscape they call home.

It’s a special place, a place where one can walk in the footsteps of their ancestors, stepping over the same rocks or climbing the same precipice. They can follow trails made thousands of years ago by the Cherokee and wade the cold streams cut into the granite by receding sheets of ice.

The Appalachians are the oldest mountains on the planet. They hold secrets in time found nowhere else. As wilderness disappears, these secrets disappear.

There is and has been for years a bill in Congress that would help ensure more of these secrets remain secrets that could whisper to our grandchildren’s grandchildren. It started out as the Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2010, introduced by Tennessee senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker. There it languished, was resurrected in 2011 only to die again, and was resurrected again only to die once more. Today, groups like Tennessee Wild say they are optimistic that the Tennessee Wilderness Act 2013 will once again see the light of day.

A different fate requires more action.

Our neighbors in Tennessee have been working hard to facilitate the passage of the Tennessee Wilderness Act. I believe, as good neighbors, we in Western North Carolina need to get busy. We have more than one Plott hound in this hunt.

Wilderness designation simply adds another layer of protection to wild places. It basically protects them from road building and/or resource extraction. They remain open for hiking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, birding, paddling, hunting and other activities. And there are provisions for emergency situations like wildfire. So adding wilderness in eastern Tennessee would help protect these mountains we all cherish. And, in particular, the Tennessee Wilderness Act would add another 1,836 acres to the Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness area, which many in Western North Carolina lay claim to anyway.

Other areas that would receive wilder-

ness designation include Big Frog Wilderness – 348 acres in Polk County; Little Frog Wilderness – 966 acres in Polk County; Big Laurel Branch Wilderness – 4,446 acres in Carter and Johnson counties; and Sampson Mountain Wilderness – 2,922 acres in Washington and Unicoi counties.

The Tennessee Wilderness Act would not cost a penny. The USDA Forest Service has recommended them for wilderness designation, and they are managed as wilderness anyway. Why not make it official?

Wouldn’t it be cool if we could “volunteer” our senators to be co-sponsors of the Tennessee Wilderness Act? Sen. Burr, in fact, sits on the Senate Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure. He can be contacted in

1552 E. MAIN STREET | SYLVA 828-586-6969 | www.brysonfarmsupply.com

33

Book details the fall and the rise of elk in the East Rangers take visitors on elk walking journey The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host two ranger guided hikes centered on the elk in Cataloochee Valley.

“Return of the Elk,” a 1.5-hour-long program, leaves from the Rough Fork trailhead at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 9 and 23. The hikes take visitors to the elk acclimation pen, where they will learn how, when and why the elk were returned to the Smokies.

The hike is of moderate difficulty and covers slightly less than a mile in distance.

Charles Johnson photo

Eateries in Western North Carolina have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and its work in supporting the parkway.

Plates for the Parkway will include three restaurants in the area that have signed up to contribute to the cause.

Patrons can eat dinner at Guadalupe Café in Sylva on June 11 and have 20 percent of their tab go to the foundation. On June 12, City Lights Café in Sylva will donate the same percentage for the dinner hour, and Panacea Coffeehouse, Cafe & Roastery will be contributing 20 percent of its proceeds throughout the day.

Last year, 32 restaurants participated.

But this year, the field was opened up to include restaurants in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Hickory, Gastonia and Greensboro, bringing that number to nearly 70. The event provides valuable funds for the parkway and gives residents a delectable way to support the cause.

Last year, the foundation provided a record $745,000 to the parkway and its programs.

A new book has been published detailing the story of the grand, four-legged keepers of the Great Smoky Mountains Park: the elk.

Author Rose Houk, in her book Smoky Mountain Elk: Return of the Native, follows the journey of the elk in the park from their extinction in the East to their return to the park and subsequent fame. In 72 pages, the book also details the biology of elk; the decision-makers who brought them home to the Smokies; and the project’s success that today

*

Smoky Mountain News

has resulted in a herd some 140 animals strong and has been declared a permanent reintroduction.

“An Elk Year” is a particularly intriguing chapter that takes readers from the October rut, an elk’s mating season, to June, when a calf is likely to be born nearly every day somewhere in the park. It is a stark contrast to a time when overhunting and fencing of private land brought about the extinction of the elk east of the Mississippi in 1865.

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June 12-18, 2013

outdoors

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“Readers who are interested in the elk will especially enjoy the gorgeous photographs and informative text in this brand new book,” said Kent Cave, one of the editors. “Rose does an excellent job of revealing the amazing story of how elk were reintroduced to the Smokies, how they survive here, their dramatic courtship rituals, and how calves and cows struggle to elude predators.”

Houk’s book is published by Great Smoky Mountains Association, a nonprofit organization that supports the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Soft-cover copies are available online for $9.95. www.SmokiesInformation.org

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Predator birds come to Waynesville

outdoors

Get ready for live talons, Waynesville.

Doris Mager, better known as “The Eagle Lady,� will appear with her birds of prey at 10:30 a.m. June 12 at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Library. Mager’s program about raptors is for adults and children.

Mager travels around the country putting on such programs and has visited the libraries in Haywood County for about the past eight years.

In all, the 87-year-old Mager has been rehabilitating and advocating for birds of prey for more than 50 years.

This year, the performance will not feature Mager’s star bird, Cara, the Caracara, a southern predator Doris Mager is hosting an upcoming program on bird in the falcon family. Cara died last year at the age of 36. However, raptors at the Waynesville library. the show will include other birds that travel with Mager in her van across the country.

Seating for the show is limited, and participants are asked to arrive early. Large groups are asked to make reservations. Mager will return Aug. 7 for another show at the Waynesville library.

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A program called “Understanding Our Black Bears� and a dinner will be held

Monday, June 1, at the Sapphire Valley Resort’s Community Center. The program is free, but the meal, available from 5 to 6:45 p.m., is $10 for adults and $6 for children. The program will follow.

Reservations are recommended but not required.

The program is sponsored by Mountain Wildlife Days, along with the Sapphire Valley Master Association, to educate folks about living safely with black bears. The event is open to all residents and visitors.

Russ Regnery, president of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society will open the evening focusing on black bears and backyard bird feeders as a source of food. Wendy Henkel, a local black bear advocate, will share information to help the general public develop a deeper appreciation of black bears. In addition, she will distribute literature with tips on co-existing with black bears.

828.743.7663.

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Mountain visitors and residents can learn more about their black bear neighbors at an upcoming seminar.

June 12-18, 2013

The Highlands Audubon Society needs volunteers to help collect information on migratory birds.

The organization has planned a bird-banding outing Saturday, June 15, at the Cowee Mounds, north of Franklin. The lower elevation habitat is home to some bird species not seen in Highlands and will give the organizers a chance to gather important data on them. The outing is part of a long-term study conducted by local biologist Mark Hopey of Southern Appalachian Research, in which migratory birds are banded and monitored.

Participants will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Highlands Town Hall to carpool down the mountain, or those nearer to Franklin can meet at 8 a.m. at Sanderstown Road at its intersection with Route 28 in Franklin.

828.369.2261 or www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org

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outdoors June 12-18, 2013 Smoky Mountain News

Outdoor gear store in Franklin celebrates expansion

location at 35 E. Main St. in downtown Franklin. Outdoor 76 offers products such as hiking gear, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, fly-fishing gear, tents, hammocks, camping and hiking necessities. It is also a local resource for information on Franklin’s downtown outdoor gear hiking trails, fishing spots and paddling store just got bigger. runs.

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce The most notable addition to Outdoor 76’s offerings at its new location is the Rock House Lodge, which offers beers in bottles and on tap, brewed by local and national craft brewers. The new location is also next door to Smoky Owners and staff of Outdoor 76, along with Franklin Town Officials and Mountain Chamber of Commerce board members at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremo- Bicycles.

“We are ny for the store’s new downtown location. Donated photo open from 10 a.m. to 7 recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to p.m. Monday through Saturday, so everycelebrate the new location and expansion one has an opportunity to come in,” said of Outdoor 76. The locally owned outdoor co-owner Rob Gasbarro. shop moved across the street to a larger www.Outdoor76.com or 828.349.7676

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Waynesville Country Club Registration: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

First Groups tee off at 1 p.m.

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$80/player ENTRY DEADLINE: June 7th Golfers can register the day of the Tournament.

36

June kicks off the first of a three-part event at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, near Bryson City, called the Canoe Club Challenge.

The first competition will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 15, in the

abilities and ages and a chance to learn the ropes of paddling competition. The other two events will be July 20 and Aug. 17 and will increase in competitiveness as the series advances.

The June 15 event will feature both downriver and slalom components for teams of paddlers. A brand-new Dagger Kayak, the company sponsoring the event, will be awarded after the race, along with other prizes. The winners are chosen by a raffle in which the best paddlers Paddlers prepare for the rapids at a Nantahala are awarded an Outdoor Center event near Bryson City. The extra ticket. But center is hosting the amateur Canoe Club everybody has a Challenge June 15. NOC photo chance. Following the 8 p.m. race and Nantahala Gorge. Registration will take awards ceremony, food, live music and beer place from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and the cost is will be available at Big Wesser BBQ and $5 per event. The event is designed to be a Brew along the river. good-natured competition for boaters of all www.noc.com

Local astronomers explain the solstice At 1:04 a.m. on Friday, June 21, the sun will be at its most northern point in the sky for the entire year, according to astronomers at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. The phenomenon, called the summer solstice, also marks the first moment of summer.

Astronomically speaking, at that moment the sun will stand directly over the Tropic of Cancer. For an observer at that latitude, the sun will appear directly overhead at noon. However, from Western North Carolina, the noon sun will appear only about 78.5 degrees above the southern horizon, its highest point of the year. In comparison, for the winter solstice Dec. 21, the midday sun in WNC will be 31.5 degrees above the southern horizon.

The summer solstice also means the longest days of the year and the shortest nights. For example, in Brevard, sunrise occurs at 6:17 a.m. and sunset at 8:49 p.m., making for a day that is 14 hours and 32 minutes long. Viewers in Asheville, which is slightly north of Brevard, will see the sun for two minutes longer.

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15, as park staff and volunteers pay tribute to rural women of the past through demonstrations of their traditional work.

The day will recognize the contributions of the region’s rural women by providing visitors an opportunity to take part in the old-time way of southern Appalachia living through hands-on activities.

Demonstrations will include hearth cooking, soap making, corn-shuck crafts, sewing and traditional mountain music.

Exhibits of artifacts and historic photographs will also provide a glimpse into the many Volunteer Norma Idom at her demonstration table to educate and varied roles of rural visitors about canning and preserving. Donated photo women. The Mountain Farm Museum is located on Newfound Gap Road adjacent to the park’s Oconaluftee Visitor The Mountain Farm Museum in Great Center and two miles north of Cherokee.

Smoky Mountains National Park will come 828.497.1904. to life from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June

WNC Calendar BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Employability Laboratory, Southwestern Community College, Sylva: June 12, On Track – Ten Hidden Rules to Money Goal Setting; June 19, On Track – Emotions and Spending. Register, 306.7020.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Haywood

• Foundations in a Day, three one-day workshops for entrepreneurs, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 13, Bryson City; and Thursday, June 20, Hayesville.

Mountain BizWorks. Ashley Epling, 253.2834 x 27 or ashley@mountainbizworks.org. www.mountainbizworks.org.

• Tye Blanton Foundation Blood Drive at Central United Methodist Church, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 16, 34 Church St., Canton. 550.6853.

• Cashiers Area Chamber Business After Hours Networking Receptions, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, June 13, Landmark Vacation Rentals, RSVP to 743.5191.

Swain

• Jackson County Chamber of Commerce annual picnic, 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 13, Sundog Properties at Caney Fork. 586.2155, http://www.mountainlovers.com.

• Barium Springs Fundraiser, noon to closing, Thursday, June 13, Jack the Dipper Ice Cream, Sylva. www.jackthedippericecream.com.

• Prospect Hill B & B open house reception for Main Street merchants, 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 17, 274 S. Main St., Waynesville. prospecthillnc.com, 456.5980, innkeeper@prospecthillnc.com.

• Ribbon cutting for Ethos Wealth Group, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, June 18, 134 Miller St., Waynesville.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Waynesville Community Blood Drive, noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 24, Waynesville Masonic Lodge, East Marshall St., Waynesville. 800.REDCROSS. • Swain County Department of Social Services Blood Drive, 2 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, 80 Academy St., Bryson City. Misty Martin, 488.6921.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Hotel Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. Janna Hyatt, 497.8853 or 800.RedCross or log onto www.redcross.org, keyword: Harrahs.

• Children’s Story time, How do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Teen Activity, Treasure Hunt, 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Children’s Craft Time, Dinosaur Skeleton Art, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, June 18, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

KIDS & FAMILIES • And to Think that We Thought that we’d Never be Friends,” art, music and drama program, 2 to 4 p.m.

Wednesdays and Fridays, June 12-July 12, Haywood County Library, Waynesville. Daydreamz, 476.4231, Lisa Hartzell, 452.5169.

• Kids Clay: Dinosaurs & Dragons, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Southwestern Community College Swain Center, 60 Almond Road, Bryson City. Ages 8 to 14 (5 to 7 w/parent or guardian), $16, includes material and firing. Jeff Marley, 366.2005, j_marley@southwesterncc.edu.

• Foster Pet Adoption, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, PetSmart, 321 Town Center Loop, Waynesville. www.sargeandfriends.org. 246.9050.

• Summer Reading Adventures, 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, June 17, to Friday, June 28, Western Carolina University.

For rising first-, second- and third-grade students. $125, 227.7397.

• Lowe’s of Sylva Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, 1716 N. Main St., Sylva. www.redcrossblood.org, keyword: Lowes Sylva to schedule appointment.

• Children’s Story time, What a Treasure! 11 a.m.

Friday, June 14, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva.

586.2016.

• Children’s Activity, Treasure Hunt, 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva.

586.2016.

• Nature Nuts: Snakes, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, U.S. 276 south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Transylvania County. Ages 4 to 7. Story, crafts and hike. 877.4423

Jackson

Science & Nature

Literary (children)

• Lowe’s 0717 Franklin Blood Drive, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 21, Georgia Highway, Franklin. Nancy Benson, 349.4654 or log on to www.redcrossblood.org, keyword: LOWES to schedule appointment.

• Foster Pet Adoption, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s Adoption Center, 256 Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville. www.sargeandfriends.org or www.petfinder.com.

246.9050.

BLOOD DRIVES

• COMPLETE SUMMER CAMPS LISTING AT WWW.SMOKYMOUNTAINNEWS.COM/CALENDAR

• Between the Lines, teen writing and art class, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016.

Macon

• Alzheimer’s Association Information Forum: Connecting Care, 8 a.m. to noon, Thursday, June 13, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. Register, 704.532.7390 or email sdunning@alz.org.

800.272.3900, alz.org/northcarolina.

• Open House, 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23, Francis Grist Mill, Highway 276 South, Waynesville, to celebrate its National Register listing. Tanna Timbes, 456.6307, tanna@francismill.org.

• Three-day Summer Science Investigation Camp, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 1-3, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rising sixth through ninth graders. Free, but pre-registration required. Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center, 926.6251.

• Children’s Story time, Rotary Readers, 11 a.m.

Monday, June 17, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

• Purse Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, First Presbyterian Church, Sylva. Proceeds to benefit United Christian Ministries of Jackson County. Nancy Smith, 293.5924 or 631.0317.

• Relay for Life Jackson County, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 21, Cullowhee Recreation Park. Pam Middleton, 226.1300.

• Amazing Animals day camp, ages 7 to 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 25-28 and July 30-Aug. 2, Highlands Nature Center. $85, advanced registration required. 526.2623, www.highlandsbiological.org.

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

• Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Blood Drive, 3:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, Robinson Gap Road, Bryson City. Nancy Wiggins, 488.6880.

• Seniors trip to Fontana Dam Visitors Center and Village, Wednesday, June 12. 456.2030 or email recprogramspecialist@townofwaynesville.org.

• AKC All Breed Dog Show and Obedience/Rally Trial, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15-16, Haywood County Agriculture and Activities Center, Crabtree Road (NC 209), Waynesville. Free admission; small parking fee. www.wcdfa.org.

• Rocket to Creativity, (Cullowhee Creativity Camp), for rising second- through ninth-graders, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, June 24, to Friday, June 28, Western Carolina University. $130, includes lunch. 227.7397.

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• Summer night sky presentation, 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, Pisgah National Forest. Reservations required. $20 per adult, $15 for seniors/military, $10 for children under 14.

Register and pay online at www.pari.edu or call 862.5554. Christi Whitworth, cwhitworth@pari.edu.

• Jackson County Genealogical Society, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, community room, Historic Jackson County Courthouse, Sylva. Gary Carden, speaker. 631.2646.

• Walk to support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 15, Waynesville Recreation Center outdoor track, Franklin High School outdoor track, and Jackson County Department on Aging/Senior Center walking trail. Kim Gardner, 452.2122 or email gardner@30thalliance.org.

Smoky Mountain News

Summer Camps

• Five-day art camps, Cullowhee Mountain Arts: “Around the World in a Week” 9 a.m. to noon, June 1721, ages 5 to 8, $125 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2428, ages 9 to 12, $225. Fine Arts Building, Western Carolina University. www.cullowheemountainarts.org/youth.

• Jr. Ecologists day camp, ages 11 to 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 18-21, Highlands Nature Center. $120, advanced registration required. 526.2623, www.highlandsbiological.org.

• The Really Big Bookworm Dig, 11 a.m. Thursday, June 13, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time with Miss Sally, Flag Day, 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016

wnc calendar

• Teen Craft Time, Make Your Own Fossil, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, June 18, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

• Children’s Activity, Dinosaur Dig, 11 a.m.

Wednesday, June 19, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

• Teen Activity, Making Paper with Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation, 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

Food & Drink • 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, and Saturday, June 15, Julie’s Kickin Karaoke; live music Friday nights, Alley Kats Tavern, 154 Hemlock St., Waynesville. 226.1657.

• Gathering Table, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, at The Community Center, route 64, Cashiers. Provides fresh, nutritious dinners to all members of the community regardless of ability to pay. Volunteers always needed and donations gratefully accepted. 743.9880.

ECA EVENTS • Extension and Community Association (ECA) groups meet throughout the county at various locations and times each month. NC Cooperative Extension Office, 586.4009. New members welcome any time.

• Noon, Thursday, June 13 – How to Use Herbs in Cooking, Lunch and Learn ECA, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

• 1 p.m. Monday, June 17 – Cherokee Items for Kids, Sew Easy Girls ECA, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 – Picnic, Cane Creek ECA, location to be announced. 586.4009.

• 10 a.m. Thursday, June 20 – ECA Craft Club Workshop: Stamped Cards, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva. Register by June 14, at 586.4009.

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS & LOCAL GOVERNMENT Dems • The Haywood County Democratic executive committee will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, June 24, at Democratic Party Headquarters, 286 Haywood Square, Waynesville. www.haywooddemocrats.org.

Others • Bring Your Own Lunch With The League, noon Thursday, June 13, Tartan Hall, First Presbyterian Church, Franklin. Topic is Southwestern North Carolina’s ‘OPT-IN’ Visioning: Off and Running. League of Women Voters.

• Jackson County Patriots June 20 general membership meeting has been cancelled. Ginny Jahrmarkt, Box547@aol.com, 329.3167.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Man to Man Support Group for prostate cancer patients and survivors, 7 to 8 p.m., Monday, June 10, Harris Medical Park conference room, 98 Doctors Dr., Sylva. Mary E. Mahon, RN, 631.8100.

A&E

• 38th Cherokee Powwow, June 14-16, Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Road, Cherokee. 554.6471, visitcherokeenc.com.

• Taste of Scotland Weekend, June 14-16, Cashiers.

Free. Street festival and Scottish Tartans Museum.

Free. morton.pdoug@gmail.com, tartans@scottishtartans.org.

• BBQ & BREWS Dinner Train, June 22 and 29, Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. 800.872.4681 or www.GSMR.COM. • PlottFest, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22 and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 23, Maggie Valley.

Celebrate North Carolina’s official state dog, the Plott Hound. 452.1860, www.plottfest.org.

• Horace Kephart Revisited, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium, Cullowhee. Mountain Heritage Center, 227.7129.

• Bryson City Ghost Walk, 8 p.m. June 14-15, The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians, (across from the train depot) downtown Bryson City.

488.5705, www.psalmsofthesouth.com.

LITERARY (ADULTS) • Bill ‘Skywalker’ Walker, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. 586.9499.

• Author Alice Blanton, Tell Me no Lies, 11 a.m.

Saturday, June 15, Rickman Store, 259 Cowee Creek Road. 369.5595.

FESTIVALS, SPECIAL & SEASONAL EVENTS • Cherokee Summer Carnival, through June 15, Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds, Cherokee. http://www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• Bookmaking II workshop with Gayle Woody, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 18, Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library Complex. Free. 586.2016.

• Cherokee Bluegrass Festival, June 13-15, Happy

• Let’s Talk About It summer book series, 4 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 20, Haywood County Library, Waynesville. The Known World by Edward P. Jones.

Linda Arnold, 456.5311, stanandlinda@charter.net.

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June 12-18, 2013

Holiday Campground, Cherokee. 736.6136, 497.9204. www.cherokeebluegrass.com, www.bluegrassincherokee.com.

• Coffee with the Poet, featuring Brenda Kay Ledford, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 20, City Lights Bookstore.

586.9499.

• Friends of the Library annual Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library.

• Jim Parham discusses lightweight backpacking, 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, City Lights Bookstore, 586.9499.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT

Smoky Mountain News

• Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 12-Saturday, June 29, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 30, Highlands Playhouse, Highlands. 526.2695, www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

• Ring Of Fire, Celebrating the music of Johnny Cash, 7:30 p.m. June 14-15; 3 p.m. Sunday, June 16, HART Theater, Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. 456.6322, www.harttheatre.com.

• Concerts on the Creek, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday, June 14, Unspoken Tradition, Friday, June 21, Sylva Bridge Park Pavilion near Scott Creek. 800.962.1911, www.mountainlovers.com.

• Western Carolina University free Summer Concert Series, 7 p.m. Thursdays, (excluding July 4), A.K. Hinds University Center stage in Central Plaza: June 13, STEREOSPREAD; June 20, Big Nasty Jazz Band; 227.3622.

• Dwight Yoakam, 9 p.m. Friday, June 14, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com.

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• Songwriters-in-the-Round, 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 15, Balsam Mountain Inn, $45 per person,

includes buffet dinner. Kim Richey, Irene Kelley and Thomm Jutz. 800.224.9498.

• Haywood Community Band free concert, 6:30 p.m.

June 16, Maggie Valley Pavilion, adjacent to Maggie Valley Town Hall. Rhonda Wilson Kram at 456.4880, www.haywoodcommunityband.org/.

• Sunday Concert Series with Dusk Weaver, 3 p.m.

Sunday, June 16, Haywood County Library, 678 S. Haywood St., Waynesville. Free. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Grace Noon Concert Series, noon, third Thursdays of the month through June 20, Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 Haywood St., downtown Waynesville.

456.6029.

• Billy Idol, 9 p.m. Friday, June 21, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com.

• Auditions for Highlands Cashiers Players summer play, Almost Maine, 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23, and 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 24, Performing Arts Center, Highlands. Virginia Talbot, 526.4904.

• Gospel & Bluegrass with Alma Russ, 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 23, Jack the Dipper. Live remote broadcast by WRGC. 586.9441, www.jackthedipper.com.

OUTDOOR MUSIC CALENDAR • STEREOSPREAD, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, Western Carolina University Summer Concert Series.

• Karen “Sugar” Barnes, 6 p.m., Thursday, June 13, lawn of Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. 488.3030, www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

• Unspoken Tradition, 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, Concerts on the Creek, downtown Sylva at Bridge Park.

800.962.1911.

• Hurricane Creek, 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 15, Groovin’ on the Green, Village Commons, Cashiers.

• Big Nasty Jazz Band, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20, Western Carolina University Summer Concert Series, Presented by the A.K. Hinds University Center.

• Carribean Cowboys, 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, Groovin’ on the Green, Village Commons, Cashiers.

• Vinyl Brothers Big Band, 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, Concerts on the Creek, downtown Sylva at Bridge Park.

800.962.1911.

• Elderly Brothers, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Pickin’ on the Square, Lower Level Town Hall, Franklin.

524.2516.

MUSIC JAMS • Back Porch Old-Time Music Jam, 1 p.m. Saturday, June 15, porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee.

• Open Mic, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, Pickin’ on the Square, Lower Town Level, Franklin. 524.2516.

• Music Jam, 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. 488.2382.

• Open Mic, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Pickin’ on the Square, Lower Town Level, Franklin. 524.2516.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS • Art Stroll, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 14, downtown Sylva. Tim Lewis, 337.3468.

• Southern Lights, a colorful exhibition, June 22-Sept.

1, The Bascom, Highlands. Meet the artists, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25, The Bascom Terrace. Artists’ reception, 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22. www.thebascom.com.

• Appalachia Beginning, through Saturday, June 29, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. www.haywoodarts.org.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS • Learn to paint “watercolors” on pottery, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 15, Claymates of Dillsboro. $25 per person for one platter. Reservation only, 631.3133.

• Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild, 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 17, Tartan’s Hall of First Presbyterian Church, Franklin. Bring a small hoop (6” or less). Dianne Schickedantz, 524.4530, dseverfall@yahoo.com.

• Raku Bead Making, 6 to 9 p.m. June 20-21, and firing 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 21, Riverwood Pottery, Dillsboro. $120, includes tools, material and firing. 586.3601, www.riverwoodpottery.com.

DANCE • Ballroom dance class, 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays through June 17, Breese Gym, Western Carolina University. $59 ($49 for WCU students, faculty and staff). Register at learn.wcu.edu and select the “conferences and community classes” tab or call Office of Continuing Education, 227.7397.

• Pisgah Promenaders Cookie Night square dance, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, June 22, , Old Armory Recreation Center, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville.

586.8416, Jackson County, and 452.1971, Haywood County.

• Free movie 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Call for title. 586.2016.

• Classic film starring Tyrone Power, 1 p.m. Friday, June 14, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City.

488.3030.

• Classic movie, 2 p.m. Friday, June 14, meeting room, Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin. Based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, Kidnapped. 524.3600.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club, moderate 3.8 mile hike, Saturday, June 22, from Tellico Gap to Wesser Tower, on the Appalachian Trail. Meet at 9 a.m. in Bi-Lo parking lot, Franklin. Nancy Falkenstein, 369.9052.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center Canoe Club Challenge 9 a.m. registration, 11:30 a.m. downriver start, Saturday, June 15, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 Highway 19 W. Bryson City, www.noc.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club, easy-to-moderate onemile hike, Sunday, June 23, Rufus Morgan Trail. Meet at 2 p.m. Westgate Plaza Franklin. Joyce Jacques, 410.852.7510.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, strenuous eight-mile hike, Saturday, June 15, Standing Indian loop toward Tate City. Meet at 9 a.m. at Westgate Plaza, Franklin. Don O’Neal, 586.5723.

• Canoe Club Challenge, Saturday, June 15, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Wesser, zuzana.vanha@noc.com, www.noc.com/noccom/festivals-a-events/canoe-clubchallenge/.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, easy two-mile hike, Sunday, June 16, to Mud Creek Falls. Meet at 2 p.m. at Smoky Mountain Visitors Center. Kay Coriell, 369.6820.

FILM & SCREEN • Bag It, a new documentary about how plastic is a part of our lives, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, meeting room Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin. 524.3600.

Sanderstown Road where it intersects Route 28, Franklin. Or, at 7:30 a.m. at the Town Hall parking lot, Highlands. George. 369.2261, www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org.

Outdoors OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS • Ms. Doris, The Eagle Lady, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, Haywood County Library, Waynesville. Limited seating. For groups of 10 or more, call ahead to reserve a spot. 452.5169.

• Children’s movie, 1 p.m. Monday, June 17, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016.

• Franklin Bird Club weekly bird walk, Wednesday, June 12, along the Greenway, beginning at Suli Marsh. Led

by Karen Lawrence. Meet at 8 a.m. at parking area at intersection of Highway 28 and Arthur Drake Road.

524.5234.

• Teen movie, 3 p.m. Monday, June 17, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Audubon bird-banding trip, Saturday, June 15, Cowee Mounds, north of Franklin. Meet at 8 a.m. at

• Franklin Bird Club meeting, 7 p.m. Monday, June 17, Macon County Public Library. Program: Raptors, Waders & Other Neat Stuff, by Ed Boos. 524.5234.

• Community wide Understanding Our Black Bears program and dinner, 5 p.m. (dinner) June 17, Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center. Program free, dinner $10 adults, $6 children. Reservations recommended, 743.7663.

• Franklin Bird Club weekly bird walk, Wednesday, June 19, along the Greenway. Led by Paula Gorgoglione.

Meet at 8 a.m. at Salali Lane. 524.5234.

• Free Leave No Trace (TNT) trainer course, June 22-23, Big Creek Horse Camp, near Waterville. Hosted by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics program that trains all users to minimize impacts in the backcountry. Christine Hoyer, 856.436.1265.

• Franklin Bird Walk, Wednesday, June 26, led by Karen Lawrence. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Macon County Public Library parking area. 524.5234.

wnc calendar

• Western North Carolina Woodturners Club, 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 13, Blue Ridge School, Glenville. Drive to the back of the school to the woodworking shop.

• Free family movie, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. A boy and a giant peach have a big adventure. 488.3030.

• Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club, 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 1, Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest, NC highway 276 14 miles north of Brevard. Summer nature series for children ages 4 to 7. $4 per child. Accompanying adults are admitted to the Cradle of Forestry for half price, $2.50. www.cradleofforestry.org, 877.3130. No charge for adults with season passes. Reservations required at 877.3130.

• The local Audubon Society is offering weekly Saturday birding field trips. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Highlands Town Hall parking lot near the public restrooms, or at 8 a.m. behind Wendy’s if the walk is in Cashiers. Binoculars available. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 743.9670.

• The Gorges State Park is looking for volunteers to assist in maintaining existing trails and campgrounds in the park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Bring gloves, water and tools supplied.

Participants need to be at least 16 years old and in good health. Registration not required. Meet at 17762 Rosman Highway (US-64) in Sapphire. 966.9099.

• Volunteer Trail Work Days, July 6, Kelsey Trail, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. Meet at 10 a.m. at HCLT offices at Peggy Crosby Center, Highlands or contact Kyle at stew.hitrust@earthlink.net, 526.1111.

• Guided EcoTours with Highlands-Cashiers Land

June 12-18, 2013 Smoky Mountain News 39

Trust, Saturday, June 22, Sweetwater Farms.

Rain or shine. $35 for new friends, includes one-year membership to HCLT, $10 for HCLT members. Reservations necessary, space limited. 526.1111, Julie.hitrust@earthlink.net.

wnc calendar

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• Twilight Firefly Tour, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 15, Pink Beds Picnic Area, Highway 276, near Cradle of Forestry entrance.

Bring a flashlight. $6 for adults and $3 for youth, Federal Recreation Pass holders, and Golden Age Passport holders. www.cradleofforestry.org, 877.3130.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Mieko Thomson

Thomson

• Mingus Mill Demonstration, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Aug. 17, one-half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on US 441, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

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• Owl Prowl, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, Highlands Nature Center. Bring flashlights.

743.9670.

• Self-guided tours of American Chestnuts, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Cataloochee Guest Ranch. $15, includes tour with lunch afterward.

Reservations, 926.1401.

MOUNTAIN REALTY

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com www.ncsmokies.com

2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

• Mountain Farm Museum, dawn to dusk, daily through Aug. 17, adjacent to Oconaluftee Visitor Center,194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

• Women’s Work Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, June 15, Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov. Glimpse into the past roles that rural women held in the family and community.

816 HOWELL MILL ROAD WAY • 456-9408 WAYNESVILLE

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BIG MULCH Smoky Mountain News

• Nature Photography Exhibit: Our Spectacular Southern Appalachians, through July 29, Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest on NC highway 276, 14 miles north of Brevard, and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 412. 877.3130, www.cradleofforestry.com.

• Village Nature Series, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, The Village Green Commons, Cashiers. Life in the Bogs, with Rob Evans. Free. Rain or shine. HCLT, 526.1111.

192-39

SALE

• Back Porch Old-Time Music, 1 to 3 p.m.

Saturdays, June 15, July 6 and 20, and Aug. 3 and 17, Oconaluftee Visitor Center porch, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov. Bring an acoustic instrument or just listen.

Best prices in town.

Accepting stumps & brush.

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As always, paying top dollar for your scrap metal.

• Hike Bradleytown to Smokemont Baptist Church (near Smokemont Campground entrance), 9 a.m. Saturdays, June 15, July 20 and Aug. 17. Join park volunteer Dick Sellers.

497.1904, www.nps.gov.

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• Great Smoky Mountains Associations’s 60th anniversary, Saturday June 22, Oconaluftee Visitor, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee.

Hikes, lectures and cupcakes. 865.436.7318, ext. 222 or 254,

Full Service Property Management 828-456-6111 www.selecthomeswnc.com 40

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

Residential and Commercial Long-Term Rentals

SmokiesInformation.org, 888.898.9102, ext.

222 or 254.

• Junior Ranger: Stream Splashers, 1 p.m.

Saturdays and 2 p.m. Mondays, through Aug. 10, Oconaluftee River adjacent to the Mountain Farm Museum, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

• Junior Ranger: Being a Kid in the Mountains,

10 a.m. Saturdays through Aug. 9, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

• Smokemont Night Hike, 8:45 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 9, Bradley Fork Trailhead, D-Loop Smokemont Campground. Limited to 25 participants. Reservations, 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

• Junior Ranger: Batteries Not Included, 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Fridays through Aug. 17, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

• Junior Ranger: Be a Blacksmith, 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Fridays through Aug. 17, Blacksmith Shop at the Mountain Farm Museum, adjacent to Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

• Junior Ranger: I wish I lived in the good ol’ days! 2 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 8, Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

• Junior Ranger: What Story? 11:30 a.m.

Thursdays through Aug. 8, Oconaluftee River Trail adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

• Junior Ranger: Can you guess? 11 a.m.

Wednesdays through Aug. 17, Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch, 194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee. 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

• Old Time Mountain Religion, 1 p.m.

Wednesdays through Aug. 17, Smokemont Baptist Church (near Smokemont Campground entrance). 497.1904, www.nps.gov.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Braveheart 5K & Rob Roy 1 Mile Kids Fun Run, Saturday, June 15, downtown Franklin. bringingit2life@yahoo.com.

• Fourth annual Blue Ridge Breakaway, Saturday, Aug. 17, Haywood County. Pre-register online at www.BlueridgeBreakaway.com.

HIKING CLUBS • Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays. Non-members contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org • High Country Hikers, based in Hendersonville, plans hikes Mondays and Thursdays weekly.

Participants should bring a travel donation and gear mentioned on their website: main.nc.us/highcountryhikers. 808.2165 • Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.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.

• Diamond Brand’s Women’s Hiking Group

meets on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, e-mail awilliams@diamondbrand.com or call 684.6262.

BIKE RIDES • A weekly bike ride in Waynesville meets Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Rolls Rite Bicycles on the Old Asheville Highway. Beginner to intermediate rides led by Bicycle Haywood advocacy group. Eight- to 12-mile rides. 276.6080 or gr8smokieszeke@gmail.com.

• A weekly bike ride meets in Bryson City on Wednesdays around 6 p.m. Depart from the East Swain Elementary school in Whittier on U.S.19 off exit 69 from U.S. 23-74. All levels.

800.232.7238.

• A weekly bike ride in Sylva meets Tuesday at 6 p.m., departing from Motion Makers bike shop for a tough 25-mile ride up to the Balsam Post office via back roads and back into Sylva.

586.6925.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., departing from Smoky Mountain Bicycles at 179 Highlands Road.

Geared for all levels. 369.2881 or www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. at Macon Middle School on Wells Grove Road. Ladies and beginners’ ride.

369.2881 or www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Saturdays at 8 a.m., departing from South Macon Elementary School. 369.2881, www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Sundays at 9:30 a.m., departing from the Franklin Health and Fitness Center. 369.2881, www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES • Nantahala Area SORBA weekly mountain bike ride at Tsali every Thursday for all levels of bikers. Riders meet at 6 p.m. Ride starts at 6:15 p.m. Group ride for all levels. 506.0133 • Every second Saturday of the month Nantahala Area SORBA leads a mountain bike ride in Bryson City. Meet at 3 p.m. at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead. Cookout after ride.

506.0133 • A weekly bike ride in Bryson City meets at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead. Bryson City Bicycles.

488.1988.

FARM & GARDEN • Garden Tour / Open House, 1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, June 15, Environmental Resource Center, 1448 Lakeside Drive, just east of the Macon County landfill.

• Haywood County Plant Clinic: Master Gardeners provide research-based answers to all your gardening questions, 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 2, and 9 a.m. to noon through September, Haywood County Extension Service, Raccoon Road, Waynesville. 456.3575.

• Community Garden Plots available at the Cowee Community Garden, Macon County Heritage Center, Cowee School. Voluntary $25 donation for the season. 524.8369.

• Volunteer workdays, Thursday afternoons until dark, Sylva Community Garden. Produce from the garden goes to the Sylva Community Table. 477.4380, e-mail seascat@ymail.com or Facebook.

PRIME REAL ESTATE

INSIDE

Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MarketPlace information:

LIVING ESTATE SALE Friday & Saturday 14th & 15th, From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Second Half of Antique Store & Personal Property, All New Used Merchandise! Still Unpacking 16’ Box Truck: Furniture, glassware, pottery, tools & So Much More! 255 Depot St., Waynesville

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:

ARTS & CRAFTS

■ Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad.

■ $35 — 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.

ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

CLASSES LEARN THE ART OF FLY FISHING Jonathan Creek School of Fly Fishing. Fly Fishing - Fly Tying.

Private Instruction! www.JonathanCreekSchool ofFlyFishing.com

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 | classads@smokymountainnews.com

AUCTION

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

INC.

R

DI

SC OV ER E

ATR

PE

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

AUCTION COMING SOON Haywood County - Jonathan Creek Area If you have a few items you want to sell or if you are a seller/ dealer and have enough items to sell for 3 or 4 hours, call for more information 828.452.4818 or 828.550.6870

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs 192-45

LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS STEVE WOODS, MANAGER

MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

456-5387

ESTATE AUCTION Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m. Real Estate, Kubota B1750 HST Tractor, Toro Zero Turn, 2013 Ford Taurus, 2005 Chevy Malibu, Metal Lathe, Milling Machine, Antique 9' Pool Table, Household, wood/metal working. www.parkauctionrealty. com or www.auctionzip.com ID#14226, NCAFL#8834.

GOING, GOING, GONE! Promote your auction with a classified ad published in 100 North Carolina newspapers with over 1.3 million circulation. A 25-word ad is only $330. For more information, call NCPS at 919.789.2083 or visit www.ncpsads.com.

AUCTION RESTAURANT/BAR EQUIPMENT Auction- Wednesday, June 19 at 10 a.m. 103 Locust Avenue, Locust, NC. (East of Charlotte). Selling Restaurant/Bar Equipment from Wolfman Pizza & 3 others. Ovens, Fryers, Refrigeration.

704.791.8825. ncaf5479. www.ClassicAuctions.com.

OCEANFRONT AUCTION: Kiawah Island (Charleston, SC) condo WILL SELL at or above $149K! June 29. Great rental. Mike Harper 843.729.4996 (SCAL3728). www.HarperAuctionAndRealty.com for details.

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

WHITE PINE, HEMLOCK, POPLAR Lumber and Timbers, Any Size!

Rough Sawn or S4S, Custom Sawing. Smoky Mountain Timber, 3517 Jonathan Creek Rd., Waynesville, NC. 828.926.4300.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

WANTED 10 HOMES Needing siding, windows or roofs.

Save hundreds of dollars. No money down. Payments from $89/mo.

All credit accepted. Senior/Military discounts. 1.866.668.8681.

ELECTRICAL BOOTH ELECTRIC Residential & Commercial service.

Up-front pricing, emergency service. 828.734.1179. NC License #24685-U.

AUTO PARTS DDI BUMPERS ETC. Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

CAMPERS COOL SUMMERS ON JONATHAN CREEK. 35’ Park Model For Sale, 25’ Covered Porch, Furnished, 32” Flatscreen TV, Fireplace Heater, Separate Washer/Dryer, On Leased Lot in RV Community 352.223.9497 OLDER TIOGA MOTOR HOME Good to very good condition.

Rebuilt motor and transmission, with Onan Generator. $8,000.

For more information call 828.506.2121, or email: wightman9839@yahoo.com

CARS & TRUCKS 2005 PEWTER CHEVY SILVERADO 2 wheel drive pick up 38,000 miles extended cab short bed, power heated leather seats, power extending mirrors, OnStar capable, cd changer, tow package, excellent condition. Asking price $18,900 828.264.3659 DONATE YOUR CAR Fast Free Towing. 24 hr. Response.

Tax Deduction. United Breast Cancer Foundation, Providing Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Info 855.733.5472 DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 800.337.9038.

SAVE $$$ ON Auto Insurance from the major names you know and trust. No forms. No hassle. No obligation.

Call Ready For My Quote now!

CALL 1.855.834.5740.

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

R

WNC MarketPlace

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES $100’s DAILY? 3 easy steps. Not MLM. Help pay your bills. Be home more w/ family.

4 spots left! FREE video: www.EveryDayGetMoney.com Call 1.206.338.1406 HOME BASE MAGAZINE $NET 55K. No Experience Necessary. Training, Part Time Hours, Clients are Established For You, Protected Territory. $24,900. 1.828.667.5371 SAPA

EMPLOYMENT ADMINSTRATIVE ASSISTANT Training Program! Become a Certified Microsoft Office Professional!

No Experienced Needed! Online training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed. careertechnical.edu/nc 1.888.926.6057.

CDL-A DRIVERS: Hiring experienced company drivers and owner operators. Solo and teams. Competitive pay package.

Sign-on incentives. Call 888.705.3217 or apply online at www.drivenctrans.com

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

NC PRE-K TEACHER ASSISTANT Haywood County - Must have an AA degree in Early Childhood Education, have the ability to assume the responsibilities of teacher when absent, work well with parents and co-workers, good judgment/problem solving skills, 1-2 yrs. experience in Pre-K classroom and good record keeping skills. Candidate must be able to work well with diverse families. Basic computer skills helpful. This is a 10 month position with benefits.

Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, 2251 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786 or 25 Schulman St, Sylva, NC 28779. Pre-employment drug testing required. EOE/AA. AVIATION CAREERS Get Faa Approved Maintenance Training. Financial Aid For Qualified Students -Housing Available.

Job Placement Assistance. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.877.205.1779.

WWW.FIXJETS.COM SAPA

DRIVERS- APPLY NOW! 12 Drivers Needed. Top 5% Pay. Class A CDL Required.

877.258.8782 www.ad-drivers.com CLEAN SLATE COALITION SEEKS Mature female to fill Night Support Position at transitional housing program for women in Sylva. Must have excellent communication skills and willingness to work with women in recovery. Free rent in nice suite plus $200 stipend each month. Send resume to PO Box 455 Webster, NC 28788. Call 828.506.4221 for more info.

EARN $500 A DAY: Insurance Agents Needed. Leads, No Cold Calls. Commissions Paid Daily. Lifetime Renewals. Complete Training. Health & Dental Insurance. Life License Required. Call 1.888.713.6020.

EXPERIENCED DRIVERS Excellent Regional Runs! Great Home Time with Full Benefits!

Competitive Weekly Pay & Late Model Equipment. Arnold Transportation. www.drivearnold.com 888.742.8056

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Career! 3 Week Hands On Training School. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. National Certifications.

Lifetime Job Placement Assistance.

VA Benefits Eligible.

1.866.362.6497

The North Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Solutions (previously known as Employment Security Commission) assists individuals who need help getting back to work and in finding the training they need to find a job. Our offices provide the following services:

NC LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST Needed for established & growing spa in Sylva. Pay based upon experience. Please email for more details: sandra@fusionsspa.com

• Free computer & internet access • Help with resume preparation • Information on the job market • Help searching for a job • Career guidance & assessment • Information on training and education programs • Access to training classes, workshops & resources for training • Programs & information for veterans returning to the workforce • Referrals to other state and local organizations that can assist

NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! No Experienced Needed! Online Training at CTI gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed.

Careertechnical.edu/northcarolina.

1.888.512.7122 NOW HIRING! National Companies need workers immediately to assemble products at home. Electronics, CD stands, hair barrettes & many more. Easy work, no selling, any hours. $500/week potential. Info 1.985.646.1700 DEPT NC - 4152 (Not valid in Louisiana) SAPA

For more information call our Waynesville Office at 828.456.6061 or visit our website at: www.ncesc.com

192-28

Puzzles can be found on page 45.

June 12-18, 2013

These are only the answers.

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’

92

$

20’x20’

160

$

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828

www.smokymountainnews.com

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

42

EMPLOYMENT

YOUR NEW DRIVING JOB Is one phone call away! Experienced CDL-A Drivers and Excellent Benefits. Weekly Hometime.

888.362.8608. 1 to 5 Weeks Paid Training. Recent Grads w/a CDL-A can apply online at AverittCareers.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

DRIVERS: Home Weekends. Pay up to .40 cpm Chromed out trucks with APU’s.

70% Drop & Hook CDL-A, 6mos Exp. 877.704.3773.

FINANCIAL $$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!

Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000+within 48/hours?

Low rates. Apply Now By Phone!

1.800.568.8321. www.lawcapital.com Not valid in CO or NC SAPA BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

LAWN AND GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

LUMBER RED OAK LUMBER AVAILABLE 12 Boards, 11 ft. x 14 inches x 5/4. $125. Old Chestnut Boards Available $500. For more info 828.627.2342

ROB ROLAND

828-564-1106

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. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1.800.669.9777.

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

FURNITURE ENGLISH 2-PIECE OFFICE DESK Mahogany - Mini - 36” wide.

Secret Drawers - $7,500.

Other pieces available Call for more information 828.627.2342

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 Noon - 5pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

RROLAND33@GMAIL.COM

Find the home you are looking for at www.robrolandrealty.com

“LIKE” MY PAGE

WNC MarketPlace

TANKER & FLATBED COMPANY. Drivers/Independent Contractors!

Immediate Placement Available.

Best opportunities in the Trucking Business. Call Today.

800.277.0212 or www.primeinc.com TRANSFER DRIVERS Need CDL A or B Contract Drivers to relocate vehicles to and from various locations throughout U.S. No forced dispatch. Tow cars a plus: 1.800.501.3783. www.mamotransportation.com TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies!

One Application, Hundreds of Offers! HammerLaneJobs.com. SAPA

192-11

192-41

Mountain Realty

Ron Breese Broker/Owner 2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com Each office independently owned & operated.

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 192-01

Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

June 12-18, 2013

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone # 1-828-586-3346 TDD # 1-800-725-2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

Ann knows real estate!

CRS, GRI, E-PRO Gus - A Boston Terrier mix male, about 3 years old. He is a nice size, learning to walk on leash, and very social with people and other dogs. He is quite handsome, too!

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

506-0542 CELL

SPACE AVAILABLE

192-37

Oatmeal - A beautiful boy, about 4 years old, calm and loving. He has a pretty white coat with orange patches, loves people and wants nothing more than to be by your side.

101 South Main St. Waynesville

MainStreet Realty

Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News 828 | 452 | 4251

smokymountainnews.com

Ann Eavenson

(828) 452-2227 mainstreetrealty.net 43

WNC MarketPlace

Pet Adoption

Haywood County Real Estate Agents Beverly Hanks & Associates — beverly-hanks.com • • • • • • •

POGO AND HIS LITTER OF 5 -

Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Smith — beverly-hanks.com Billie Green — bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Pam Braun — pambraun@beverly-hanks.com

Beagle/Feist, 11 week old, small breed puppies. Two males and three females. Call 631.2676.

ARABELLA - A 2-3 year old Catahoula/Feist. She weighs 2530 lbs. She is grey and white.

Arabella needs tender, loving care. Call 1.877.ARF.JCNC. PANTUFLE - A handsome male, young dog. He is most likely a Retriever mix. He is very good with dogs and people and is learning cats. He will make a lovely family pet. Having beautiful leash manners and

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox — info@haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Rob Roland — robrolandrealty.com • Ron Kwiatkowski — ronk.kwrealty.com

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net

June 12-18, 2013

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com Realty World Heritage Realty • • • • •

realtyworldheritage.com Katy Giles - realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7765/ Lynda Bennett - mountainheritage.com/ Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769/ Linda Wester- realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7771/ Thomas & Christine Mallette realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7767/

www.smokymountainnews.com

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty • • • • • • • • •

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Connie Dennis — remax-maggievalleync.com Mark Stevens — remax-waynesvillenc.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Bonnie Probst — bonniep@remax-waynesvillenc.com

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net

192-13

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 44

KITTENS - ARF has spayed/neutered kittens, 8, 9, 10 weeks old, vaccinated, tested, cute! 877.ARF.JCNC. GINGER - Is a loving, 3 year old Aussie/Cattle Dog mix, housebroken, owner died.

877.ARF.JCNC.

828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com

being housebroken, he will be ready to go as soon as he is neutered. Call 828.399.0125.

1.877.ARF.JCNC. SHADOW - A male, blond, Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix. He is about two years old. Shadow will make a loving housedog. He will need a fenced yard, however. Working on house breaking, he is good with cats and dogs. Call 828.226.7766.

RASCAL - A cute Terrier/Corgi mix who is just 3 years old. He is housebroken, current on all shots, not a lapdog, but is a good porch dog to alert when visitors arrive. Call 1.877.ARF.JCNC. ARF’S Next low-cost spay/neuter trip will be in July. Register and pre-pay at ARF’s adoption site on Saturdays from 1-3. Spaces are limited.

ARF (HUMANE SOCIETY OF JACKSON COUNTY) Holds rescued pet adoptions Saturdays from 1:00 - 3:00 (weather permitting) at 50 Railroad Avenue in Sylva. Animals are spayed/neutered and current on shots.

Most cats $60, most dogs $70.

Preview available pets at www.a-r-f.org, or call foster home.

GRETTA - Shepherd Mix dog – tan/buff & white, I am about 8 years old, well behaved in the house, and one of the sweetest animals you’ll ever meet! I can spend all day sitting on the couch with you, or run and play in the backyard. I’m still quite active for my age and still curious about the world, and enjoy going for walks. I also get along well with children. My one downfall is that I’m afraid of pretty much all other dogs will bark and growl at them. I just need a wonderful forever home where I am the only dog! Animal Compassion Network 828.274.3647 or animalcompassionnetwork.org; GRETTA'S ADOPTION FEE IS BEING SUBSIDIZED BY A GENEROUS DONOR AT A MUCH REDUCED COST. JACK - Beagle Mix dog – brown & white, I am 4 years old, and I’m a very well behaved boy who is perfectly housetrained and never destroys anything. I’m very friendly with every person

and dog I meet, and my ideal forever home would have a canine companion. I love stuffed animals and am good at entertaining myself with them when alone. I’ve been known to bark at cats from afar, but have never actually met one close up. $125 adoption fee, Animal Compassion Network 828.274.3647 or animalcompassionnetwork.org.

OAKEY - Domestic Shorthair cat – black, I was born in February 2012, so I still have a great mix of kitten-y playfulness and energy, but also some maturity to balance it out. I’m a very cute and loving fellow. $100 adoption fee, Animal Compassion Network 828.274.3647 or animalcompassionnetwork.org.

NEED A NEW HOME For your pet? Animal Comp Net provides a re-homing service! that includes neutering, microchipping, and food – all FREE to you! You'll bring your pet to our adoption events and we'll find them a loving home!

ANIMAL COMPASSION NETWORK Pet Adoption Events - Every Saturday from 11a.m. to 3p.m. at Pet Harmony, Animal Compassion Network's new pet store for rescued pets. Dozens of ACN dogs, puppies, kittens and cats will be ready to find their permanent homes. The store also offers quality pet supplies where all proceeds save more homeless animals. Come see us at 803 Fairview St. (behind Province 620 off Hendersonville Rd), visit www.animalcompassionnetwork.org, or call 828.274.DOGS.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SALE BY OWNER 11.40 acres, 2 miles outside of Robbinsville, NC. 3 Mtn. Ridges, spring and a pond; easy access.

Property backs up to US Forest. $78,000 for more information 828.550.5791 EVER CONSIDER A Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective!

Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888.418.0117. SAPA

HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE FOR SALE BY OWNER 2006 Clayton Mobile Home, 14x70, 2/BR 2/BA Top Condition. Furnishings Less than 3yrs old. Waynesville Senior Park 55+, Lot Rent $240. Covered Porches Front & Rear. Asking $35,900. For more information call 828.400.6496.

ROOMS FOR RENT MAGGIE VALLEY AREA All Utilities Included and Fully Furnished. $150 wkly, No Pets.

Beautiful Creek Setting in Quiet Area. References Required. For more info call 828.926.4343.

VACATION RENTALS CAVENDER CREEK CABINS Dahlonega, GA GAS TOO HIGH? Spend your vacation week in the North Georgia Mountains! Ask about our weekly FREE NIGHT SPECIAL! Virtual Tour: www.CavenderCreek.com Cozy Hot Tub Cabins!

1.866.373.6307 SAPA NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS Head to the mountains! Book your vacation today; even the family pet is welcome! Nightly, Weekly & Monthly.rentals. Foscoe Rentals 1.800.723.7341 or go to: www.foscoerentals.com SAPA

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT STORAGE FOR YOU Climate Controlled Storage.

Get 1 Month Free with a 12 Month Contract. Located in Maggie Valley across from Frankie’s Italian Restuarant.

For more information call Torry 828.734.6500 or 828.926.7888

MEDICAL ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA Sufferers with Medicare. Get CPAP Replacement Supplies at little or NO COST, plus FREE home delivery!

Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 1.888.470.8261. SAPA CANADA DRUG CENTER Is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 1.800.265.0768 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. SAPA MEDICAL ALERT FOR SENIORS 24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment.

FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 855.899.5309.

VIAGRA 100mg & CIALIS 20mg!

40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! Now 1.800.491.8751 SAPA

MERCHANDISE 100 PERCENT GUARANTEED Omaha Steaks - SAVE 69 Percent on The Grilling Collection. NOW ONLY $49.99 Plus 2 FREE GIFTS & right-to-the-door delivery in a reusable cooler, ORDER Today. 1.

855.300.2911 Use Code: 48332VDN or go to: OmahaSteaks.com/mbdad12 SAPA CHAMPION SUPPLY Janitorial supplies. Professional cleaning products, vacuums, janitorial paper products, swimming pool chemicals, environmentally friendly chemicals, indoor & outdoor light bulbs, odor elimination products, equipment repair including household vacuums. Free delivery across WNC. www.championsupply.com 800.222.0581, 828.225.1075.

HEAVY DUTY TREADMILL Like new, $250/obo. 1,000+ paperback books (Historical, Romance and Mystery genres) $2 per book.

Call 828.400.0926.

WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR Unexpired Diabetic Test Strips!

Free Shipping, Friendly Service, BEST prices and 24 hour payment!

Call Mandy at 1.855.578.7477, or visit www.TestStripSearch.com Espanol 1.888.440.4001 SAPA

MUSIC LESSONS

PERSONAL A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, Let Us Help! Personalized adoption plans. Financial assistance, housing, relocation and more.

Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us first!

1.888.637.8200. 24 hour HOTLINE. SAPA

* REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * Get a 4-Room All Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting at $19.99/mo.

FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1.800.725.1835. SAPA

PREGNANT? Considering Adoption? Call Us First! Living expenses, Housing, Medical and continued support afterwards. Choose Adoptive Family of Your Choice. Call 24/7. ADOPT CONNECT 1.866.743.9212. SAPA

DISH TV RETAILER Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1.800.405.5081

WHITE MALE, NON-DRINKER, Looking for a live-in girlfriend for companionship & light housework. Any age, kids okay. 2/BR in a nice neighborhood. For more info call Donnie at 706.335.6496 or write to PO Box 411, ILA, GA 30647.

MY COMPUTER WORKS: Computer problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1.888.582.8147 SAPA

YOUR LIFESTYLE ASSISTANT Concierge & Home Care Services.

Housekeeping, airport/hospital transportation, grocery shopping, non-medical senior care, pet sitting. Complimentary In-home Consultation.

828.550.2171 HIGHSPEED INTERNET Everywhere By Satellite! Speeds up to 12mbps! (200x faster than dialup.) Starting at $49.95/mo. CALL NOW & GO FAST! 855.872.9207.

YARD SALES LIVING ESTATE SALE Friday & Saturday 14th & 15th, From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Second Half of Antique Store & Personal Property, All New Used Merchandise! Still Unpacking 16’ Box Truck: Furniture, glassware, pottery, tools & So Much More! 255 Depot St., Waynesville MOVING SALE Jonathan Creek & Fox Run, follow sings. House furnishings, kitchen items, lots of glass and knickknacks. Priced to Sale! June 14 & 15 from 7 - 3.

STORAGE SALE Unit 113 Skyland Drive, Sylva (before Budweiser plant), Fri./Sat. 8a.m. - 1p.m., Sun. 1p.m. - 5p.m., Mon. 11a.m. - 4p.m. Pre-teen toys, games, storage cabinet, endtables, microwave/oven combo, freezer, couch, dining table & chairs, kitchenware, mirrors, work bench, tools. Call 828.209.8990.

WEEKLY SUDOKU

Super

CROSSWORD

NOTHING IN BETWEEN

81 Chaplin movie, e.g.

86 Cato’s 559 88 - Magli (shoe brand) 90 Inflammation of the ear 91 Stella - (lager brand) 93 Liquor lover 94 -’s razor (“keep it simple” maxim) 95 Cryptogram alternative 98 Synonym books 100 Scale notes 101 Charged bit 102 Rouse 104 Pet that looks like it’s wearing a mask 110 Often-twisted treat 115 Author Rand 116 City in Colombia 117 Breakwater embankment 118 Descriptive of 10 answers in this puzzle 123 Vienna-born photographer Model 124 “- you!” (cry of challenge) 125 Longing person 126 Marital state 127 Campfire residue 128 Professions

ACROSS 1 Examine by touching, as for medical diagnosis 8 Florida resort port 13 Assemble again 20 New York Indians 21 Like a vine-covered wall 22 Top celeb 23 What an ivory tickler’s hands are on 25 Kind of onion 26 - Reader (bimonthly digest) 27 Blokes 28 Jolly Roger 30 Bamboo-eating cutie 34 Domination, in slang 35 Hi- 36 Gene-splicing need 37 Army meal buddy 43 Siren-sounding vehicle 50 Politico Ross 51 Shows at the Met 52 Actor Mickey 53 “Dallas” wife 54 Flax fabric 55 FedEx or fax 56 World Cup bouncer 59 Cookout pest DOWN 60 Query 1 High fly ball 62 In the past 2 Baker of soul 64 Actor Ethan 65 With 40-Down, high- 3 “Blue” singer Rimes 4 Longed way snooze site 5 Kerfuffle 67 Orca 6 “And we’ll - a cup o’ 71 Talks to a beat kindness yet ...”: Burns 75 Port near Nazareth 7 WNW opposite 77 Connection 8 Italian river 78 “For” vote 9 Bard of 80 Prohibition

10 Hamm with a 56Across 11 Suspects’ humiliating escorts 12 Include as a bonus 13 Devastating damage doer 14 High classes 15 - one’s time 16 Flyboys’ org.

17 “- never fly” 18 Twin of Luke Skywalker 19 Lag behind 24 Sumac from Peru 29 “- Lama Ding Dong” 31 Secret things 32 They sting 33 Psychic “gift” 34 - about (close to) 36 Hard laborer 38 Kindle 39 Person in the club 40 See 65-Across 41 Parkway fee 42 And the like: Abbr.

43 Arctic 44 Offer views 45 Pre-Easter times 46 State of rage 47 “Right you -!”

48 Concerning musical pitch 49 Corp. kingpin 53 Fly-catching bird 55 Light boat 57 Third of a dance move 58 Flower part made up of sepals 61 Comedy bits 63 Meal crumb 66 Letters before iotas

68 Chou En- 69 Surviving wives 70 Sun: Prefix 72 Activity-filled 73 Comic strip segment 74 Sleep loudly 76 Life principle 79 Teem (with) 81 Flue buildup 82 Have a yen 83 Pet pests 84 China’s - -tzu 85 Famous Amos rival 87 Loc. of 75-Across 89 Peri’s role on “Frasier” 92 Bygone ruler 93 Fraternal lodge org.

95 Some Louisianans 96 Jeopardy 97 Ten, in Dijon 99 Letter-shaped fasteners 103 Leg bone 104 Small kids 105 A, in Spain 106 Earthy hue, to a Brit 107 “Alfie” star Michael 108 Adjust 109 Theater rows 110 Norwegian capital 111 Bridle part 112 Soothe 113 Actor Wilson 114 Oscar winner Blanchett 115 Four roods 119 Jacuzzi sigh 120 TriBeCa site 121 Narcs’ agcy.

122 Do battle

answers on page 42

Answers on Page 42

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June 12-18, 2013

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Smoky Mountain News

June 12-18, 2013

Education Changes Everything.

46

First of the Floppy Disc: Almond School

George Ellison

I wrote first by hand and then with a manual typewriter. Starting about 1990, I moved “up” to a Tandy writing machine generated by an IBM “Writing Assistant” program diskette that stored information on floppy discs. No hard drive. During the last decade of the 20th century (before I moved “up” again to a “real” computer), I generated a lot of floppy discs.

To my knowledge (which is limited), computers no longer come with designated floppy capability. I was told I needed a “Floppy Drive Module” that plugs into a computer port to access those forgotColumnist ten words. So I got one. It’s about the size of a large billfold. Lots of the files are gibberish, with texts of random letters and numbers that look like a deranged accountant’s spreadsheet.

But some of it — for better or worse — is pretty much what I wrote going on 20 to 30 years ago. None is of historical or literary consequence, but some is perhaps of regional interest.

From time to time, I’ll spruce up a selection from The Floppy Dick Chronicles and reintroduce it in this space. This first one is about the 1995 reunion of the last class to graduate from the Almond High School, which was inundated by the waters of Lake Fontana in 1945.

city ways, I put in a tennis court. It was of indifferent appeal, but helped me a lot.”

A surveying crew from the Aluminum Company of America helped the principal give a “series of entertainments raising money to buy things for the school and to ‘ceil’ the inside of the church building.”

Latshaw remembered one of the boys

Sutherland, is still living. She will celebrate her 90th birthday in Bryson City later this year.

Latshaw went on to receive his doctorate and become a distinguished teacher of the handicapped in Baltimore. He was followed by other accomplished teachers like Mildred Penland Wood, Gary T. Winchell, E.J. Carter, Harley Lovingood, and a French teacher called “Miss Josie,” who coached the school’s boys basketball to the “county pennant” in the mid-1930s.

There was, according to the old-timers attending the reunion, something about the Almond School and the support it received which drew good teachers to the community. In turn, the school drew students from surrounding communities like Judson, Roundhill, Wesser, Silvermine, Hewitt, Hightower, Patterson Springs, Grassy Branch, Parched Corn, Maple Springs, and parts of Alarka.

The school house on the hill was gradually expanded and an auditorium added; then, because of the success of the school and consolidations taking place in the county, a new building was constructed in 1925.

This imposing two-story structure with six columns at the entrance saw its last graduating class of nineteen students in 1945 just before it quite literally went under.

The village of Almond grew up on the Southern Railway line that passed through in the mid-1880s on its way from Asheville to Murphy, which it reached in 1891 after sustaining serious delays in getting out of the Nantahala Gorge.

A railway prospectus entitled “The Western North Carolina Section At A Glance,” issued in 1912, specifies that the Almond depot was 85.1 miles from Asheville, 38 miles from Murphy, and had an elevation of 1,590 feet.

“This is the location of what, in the future, promises to be really important lumbering and mining operations,” the prospectus writer predicted. “A post office is located here which serves the surrounding Almond High School mountain territory three times each week with mail by rural carriers. The playing Rubinstein’s “Melody in F” on a Nantahala Valley, in which the village is one-string violin made on an old broom. located, is marvelously fertile and contains The class of 1917 was the first to receive some of the best agricultural lands in this high school diplomas. There were five gradpart of the state. While much of this land is uates: Bertha and Esther Cunningham, under cultivation at present, thousands of Mary Campbell, William C. White, and acres of it are awaiting the hand of your husGeorge Henry Taylor. Only Mary Campbell, bandman to put it to blossom.” who went on to make her mark in the busiThe document goes on to describe the ness world in Richmond, Virginia, as Mary stations of Judson, Whiting, Bushnell, Forney, Noland, and Epps Springs — all situated between Almond and Bryson City on the railway as it ran before Lake Fontana was created, and all now under the waters, too.

In addition to the depot and post office, Almond just after the turn of the century had a general store and boarding house in addition to a school building down next to the tracks. The community’s residents decided in 1912 that they needed a better school and built a three-room structure up on Fort Hill above town where the old 1830s removal-era graves mentioned above are located.

A lively description of this period is provided by the school’s first principal, H.W. Latshaw, in a letter he wrote in 1937 to Lillian Thomason, who incorporated it into her 1965 history of Swain County: “Within five minutes of my arrival at the Conley’s, where I was to live, I had quickly Many styles to choose from! thumb-tacked to the wall two pictures, one of Washington and one of Lincoln … Miss Dess Cunningham and Miss Mattie Woodard taught the intermediate and primary grades respectiveFun, Affordable Gifts in ly, while I was ‘the high school.’ That first year the high school was really the seventh grade.

Downtown Waynesville!

Stumps began to come out of the ground, systematic teaching cleared ‘stumps’ from the Painted Ponies • Puzzles • Flags & Mailbox Covers minds, and the year was under way ... ‘When Sauces, Rubs & Candy • Jewelry • Scarves you speak of the school, say something good of it,’ was my constant request. I was afraid of mountain politics and stayed out of all political contests (but then) in the interests of education, I became political and lost an election to make ————————————————————————————— Almond a township farm-life school. We 120 N. Main St. • Waynesville, NC • 828.452.0526 essayed Moonlight School for the grown-ups, 192-18 but they would have none of it. Being lonely for

Hot Diggity,

June 12-18, 2013

A

These Dogs Are Fun!

Smoky Mountain News

lmond doesn’t exist anymore. Where the village was situated is now submerged underneath the waters of Lake Fontana at the present location of the Almond Boat Dock just off Highway 28 west of Bryson City.

But several weeks ago, it was very much alive in the memories of more than 200 persons who gathered on the banks of the lake for a homecoming dinner celebrating the 5th annual reunion of the graduates of Almond High School.

Not all 200 had graduated from the little school, of course, but their parents or grandparents or other relatives had — and all seemed to know Almond’s story.

One family had come from Oregon for the reunion, and many others had come from throughout the Southeast. Mostly, they came from Swain and adjoining counties.

Almond was incorporated in 1905. It was named for Bud Almond, who donated the land for the town’s site on the Nantahala River just above its confluence with the Little Tennessee.

The Cherokee lived here first. The most famous of these was the Cherokee martyr Tsali, who had his farm somewhere nearby — no one seems to know just where.

Fort Lindsay, the westernmost stockade in Gen. Winfield Scott’s Indian removal system, was located here, and several U.S. soldiers’ graves dating from the late 1830s are marked up on the hill. No one seems to be able to account for just how or why they died.

BACK THEN

Affairs of the Heart

47

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Payments based on 72 months. $0 down, 2.59% APR. Not all buyers will qualify. W.A.C. Sale price: Fiesta $15,090; Fusion $24,738; C-MAX $25,635; Escape $23,660; Transit $23,746; F 150 $28,084. Dealer retains all rebates plus tax, tag and license.

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