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June 13-19, 2018 Vol. 20 Iss. 3

Swain sheriff suspends mutual aid to town Page 12 Forum to unite Macon around water conservation Page 42

CONTENTS On the Cover: For the third year in a row, Julie Thorner of Bryson City is helping to lead a small group of women on an adventure of a lifetime to Eastern Tibet. The Eastern Tibet Women’s Pilgrimage Tour has been a powerful tool in creating a cultural exchange and sisterhood between western and Tibetan women while also providing funding for young women to attend college. (Page 6) Women from Western North Carolina share a meal with women in Tibet during the Eastern Tibet Women’s Pilgrimage Tour in 2017. Donated photo

News Tribal LLC board seated ....................................................................................................4 Racist incident prompts statue removal ......................................................................9 Health and human services board member resigns ..............................................10 Swain sheriff suspends mutual aid to town ..............................................................12 Survey to document Waynesville’s African American history ............................14 Rep. Presnell revisits voter ID issue ............................................................................15 Proposed Swain budget to hold the line ..................................................................16 WCU unveils new economic tool ................................................................................18 Macon considers adding $750K to public education ..........................................19 Jackson finalizes proposed budget ............................................................................20

June 13-19, 2018

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SB 99: Who will teach NC’s children? .................................................................... 23

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A conversation with JJ Grey ..........................................................................................28

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Forum to unite Macon around watershed conservation ......................................42

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June 13-19, 2018

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PAYMENT PLAN APPROVED

Tribal Council has approved a compensation matrix and board appointments for the new Kituwah Economic Development Board. File photo

Tribal LLC board seated Board can now begin quest to diversify tribal revenue BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he Kituwah Economic Development Board is now ready to start pursuing expanded business opportunities for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians after Tribal Council approved appointments and a compensation plan for the venture last week. “I appreciate Tribal Council for having the foresight and leadership to approve the LLC ordinance and to approve the compensation matrix so that we could get this board seated,” said Principal Chief Richard Sneed as he presented his nominations for the

June 13-19, 2018

board during Tribal Council June 7. “Every opportunity I’ve had to speak about the LLC, people have had questions about it. I remind people this is economic diversification. This is the vehicle by which we will be able to diversify our revenue stream.” The newly seated board will be tasked with overseeing an LLC created through a tribal ordinance adopted in March, with the goal of establishing contracts and enterprises that will grow the tribe’s revenue streams beyond what’s produced at the casino. Casino profits are strong, but threat of increased competition for Georgia gaming customers has existed for years, and tribal leaders want to move away from a budget that’s dependent on the rise or fall of a single industry. Through the LLC, the tribe can fund startups, land government contracts or pursue any of a limitless array of possibilities to generate revenue.

Sneed submitted his payment plan for the board — which is composed of five members, three from the EBCI and two from other Native American tribes — during the June 5 Budget Council meeting. He pitched a “results-based” plan, with a baseline pay of $25,000 that is “really on the low end for what we’re asking them to do.” That salary will increase as the LLC meets specific net profit benchmarks. Compensation would increase by $5,000 when the LLC meets goals of $5 million, $15 million, $50 million and $75 million. When net profit reaches $100 million, the salary will reach its cap, which the resolution states will be equivalent to what Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise and Tribal Gaming Commission board members make, currently $80,000 — the same as Tribal Council. “Boards and commissions in the past have been political candy, and we’re saying here you have to produce. You have to perform,” Sneed said in Budget Council. In addition, the resolution states, the principal chief can appoint a political appointee in his administration to the board as a voting member, but that person would not be paid for his or her service. Some councilmembers balked at that provision, with Councilmember Albert Rose, of Birdtown, asking that it be struck from the resolution. Sneed responded that Tribal Council retains the power to confirm appointees regardless, so if there were a problem with a specific person, Tribal Council could simply opt not to confirm. “To follow up on Albert’s questions, why would you want a political appointment there?” said Councilmember Tommye Saunooke, of Painttown. “The long and short was the name I put forward was Paula Wotjkowski. She’s the secretary of commerce, so there’s a line of communication between this side of the house and the LLC,” said Sneed. “But this body would have to confirm whether or not that person is a member of this board.”

Council spent the next 20 minutes discussing Rose’s concern, with some members agreeing that the board shouldn’t include any political appointees and others saying they were fine with it, especially if that person were to serve as an unpaid member. “You’ve got somebody who’s going to be productive and not getting paid for it,” said Councilmember Boyd Owle, of Birdtown. “The more heads the better.” Councilmember Bo Crowe, of Wolfetown, wanted to take it a step further and see the secretary of commerce sit as chairman of the board. However, said Sneed, that would reduce the board’s stability in the face of political changes, as such appointments typically last only as long as the administration that appoints them. In addition, he said, boards have traditionally selected their own chairs. When it came down to it, the choice of whether to allow political appointees on the board was decided narrowly, with a weighted vote of 52-48 against striking the section. Voting to strike were Councilmember Jeremy Wilson, of Wolfetown; Councilmember Bo Crowe, of Wolfetown; Councilmember Lisa Taylor, of Painttown, Saunooke and Rose. Voting to keep the paragraph in were Councilmember Tom Wahnetah, of Yellowhill; Vice Chairman David Wolfe, of Yellowhill; Councilmember Richard French, of Big Cove; Councilmember Perry Shell, of Big Cove; Councilmember Bucky Brown, of Snowbird; Chairman Adam Wachacha, of Snowbird, and Councilmember Boyd Owle, of Birdtown. Several of those who had wanted to strike the section about political appointees — Saunooke, Taylor and Rose — proceeded to vote against the resolution as a whole, but the remaining nine councilmembers voted to pass it.

BOARD MEMBERS SEATED The next step was to seat the inaugural board. Sneed brought those nominations before Tribal Council

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The board members

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The Cherokee Tribal Council voted separately on each of Principal Chief Richard Sneed’s nominations to the newly formed Kituwah Economic Development Board, with unanimous votes in favor of each name. The ordinance forming the board states that three of the five members must be members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with the remaining two members from other federally recognized Native American tribes. Members serve five-year terms, with shorter initial board appointments to allow for staggered terms. While the passed resolution allows it, Sneed did not end up nominating one of his administration’s political appointees for the board. • Sam Owle, term ending Sept. 30, 2021. Owle is a member of the EBCI and holds a master’s degree in accounting and business management from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant, and has worked as the chief financial officer for the National Congress of American Indians. • Chrissy Arch, term ending Sept. 30, 2022. Arch is a member of the EBCI and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Western Carolina University. She has served as chief operating officer for the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority since 2012. She previously worked eight years for the EBCI, first as accounting manager and then as travel and tourism manager. • Adam West, term ending Sept. 30, 2023. West is a member of the EBCI and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Western Carolina University. Having worked at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort since 1997, he currently serves as vice president of operations there. • Stacy Leeds, term ending Sept. 20, 2020. Leeds is a member of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and is a graduate of the University of Tulsa College of Law, also holding a Master of Laws degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a master’s of business administration from the University of Tennessee. She has served on the Supreme Court of the Cherokee Nation and currently works for Arkansas State University as interim vice chancellor for economic development and professor and dean of admissions in the School of Law. • Lance Morgan, term ending Sept. 30, 2019. Morgan is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and is a graduate of Harvard Law School. He is president and CEO of Ho-Chunk, Inc., a successful tribal LLC that was formed in 1994.

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“I remind people this is economic diversification. This is the vehicle by which we will be able to diversify our revenue stream.” get the Kituwah Economic Development Board established now. “As of right now, we need to get this board set. We need to get this thing rolling. We need to get boots on the ground,” said Wahnetah. “We need a process. We need to work on that, but first we need to get this done. I think he’s (Sneed has) done his homework with these résumés. I don’t have a problem on any of them.” “We’re losing millions by not doing other enterprises,” Saunooke agreed. “I’m ready to go too. I know we don’t have a policy but whose fault’s that? It’s ours.” In the meantime, Shell added, there’s no doubt that the names Sneed presented were those of qualified people well equipped to do the job. “It’s a hard, hard decision to pick from these qualified, talented, smart, capable, competent people we have in this tribe,” said Shell. “It’s sad that we can’t pick them all, but we have to make a selection, and what’s happening right here is exactly why we need an LLC board to make a decision. This council hasn’t been able to make decisions in business development. We’ve had opportunity after opportunity that hasn’t been acted on.” Editor’s note: This story was reported using online meeting videos, as Tribal Council’s recent decision to ban non-Cherokee media from its chambers prevents The Smoky Mountain News from attending in person.

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two days later, during its monthly meeting June 7. Some councilmembers initially balked at being asked to approve the nominations, saying that they’d like to see a different kind of process used to select and vet candidates before presenting them to Tribal Council for a final vote. “I believe wholeheartedly that it’s important that you have the ability to know what the qualifications of these individuals are when I’m putting them forward,” said Sneed. “Therefore I’ve provided résumés beforehand. To date no process has been established. That is up to this legislative body to create a process.” “We knew we didn’t have it in the code, but we were leaning toward that — present the résumés, we’ll set up a day, come in an interview them,” said Vice Chairman David Wolfe. Sneed then replied that he’d given Tribal Council the résumés two months ago, so the body had time to set up a work session if it so desired or to discuss any concerns with him directly. “I don’t want anyone to be embarrassed by coming in here and not being confirmed,” said Sneed. “That’s why I give you the opportunity up front to say I don’t support that person and here’s why.” Other councilmembers chimed in to say that, while there might be a need to establish a better process, there’s a pressing need to

June 13-19, 2018

— Principal Chief Richard Sneed

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Tibetan tour connects women across cultures American sponsors needed to send young women to college BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR tanding on a mountaintop ascending above 10,000 feet — an ancient farming village in the valley below and a Buddhist nunnery behind her — Julie Thorner of Bryson City couldn’t be farther away from the life she’s known in the U.S. Yet each time she returns to Tibet, it starts to feel more and more like where she’s meant to be. For the last two years Thorner has led a small group of women from Western North Carolina through Eastern Tibet with the simple mission of connecting with women on the other side of the world and learning a different way of life. “We wanted to do a women’s tour because when it’s only women traveling together, you get to share at a much more intimate level with other women in the room,” she said. “We can talk openly about marriage and husbands, families and the nunneries.” It’s nearly impossible not to be a changed person when returning home from the 12-day journey. Almost a year has passed since Jean Jordan of Franklin decided to take the trip in 2017, but the impact remains as she tries to weave the Buddhists way of life into her own. “I think about trying to live life in a more accepting way, to be less inpatient and more accepting and more compassionate,” she said. “I’m not sure all of those feelings have lasted in reality, but it’s always good to move in that direction.” Thorner will lead the third Eastern Tibet Pilgrimage Tour for Women this September and is still looking for two more women to join the adventure.

June 13-19, 2018

Women from Western North Carolina and their tour guide Tsering Tso (second from right) take a 12-day tour of Eastern Tibet in 2017. Donated photo

“It’s a cultural immersion exchange. There’s no other trip like it. The goal is to have sisters across cultures and we’re developing those relationships each time we go.” — Julie Thorner

HOW IT STARTED

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Thorner’s interest in East Asia dates back to her college days. Originally majoring in pre-med at Duke University, she had a change of heart after her freshman year. “I thought I wanted to go into medicine to help people, but after my freshman year I was so over college. Chemistry and calculus were hard and so I decided I should study something I’m interested in,” she said. “East Asian Studies is a leading program at Duke.” That change in focus led Thorner to learn Chinese and live in Beijing for six months for a study abroad program. Fast forward to 2015, she was living part-time in Bozeman, Montana, while her sons were in school there and learned about a Tibetan exchange program through Columbia University in which 12 Tibetan business entrepreneurs travel to the U.S. to learn how to better market and brand their tourism-related businesses. Since Thorner owns her own eco-tourism marketing firm, she was an ideal candidate to offer the visiting group a business plan pres6 entation while they were visiting Bozeman.

“Tibetans speak different dialects that aren’t understood by others from different areas so they ended up speaking Chinese to each other instead,” she said. “And I discovered I recalled a ton of Chinese and I was able to do half of the presentation in broken rusty Chinese.” Thorner was later presented with the opportunity to travel to Tibet with a group of Americans to offer business and marketing consulting to Tibetan entrepreneurs through the same exchange program. The two-week trip helped her regain the rest of her Chinese language skills and allowed her to help many businessmen with their tourism marketing efforts. The group was enjoying a goodbye dinner on their last night with all the tour guides and business owners when Thorner noticed something was missing. “Being a strong-minded feminist and being raised by a strong feminist woman, I couldn’t help but think to myself, ‘Where are all the women?’” she said. “I’m always interested in what women think so I thought

wouldn’t it be cool to create a women’s tour to meet Tibetan nuns and other women to have an immersive experience and find out what their lives are like here.” Thorner, with the help of a few tour guides in Tibet, designed a tour that included home stays with village women and nuns as well as plenty of hiking and exploring the culturally rich region of Tibet. She led the first group of seven women on the tour in 2016 and is planning to return for a third tour this September. “I didn’t know if it would work, but it was a huge success,” she said. By staying with nuns and families in the village instead of hotels in the cities, Jordan said the group truly got a sense of the culture and every day joys and struggles of these women. “By far the most unique part was the home stays — sleeping and cooking with the women in that village,” she said. “The people are just so sincerely gracious and kind and compassionate.”

VILLAGE LIFE Tibet is an autonomous region in western China encompassing the highest plateaus and mountains of Central Asia, including Mount Everest. A vast majority of Tibetans — some six million — practice Buddhism, and many men and women choose to dedicate their lives to the religion by become monks or nuns living in monasteries and nunneries throughout the region. “Woman often turn to the nunneries when they’re 18 — many might not be educated, some might be illiterate,” Thorner said. “It’s their culture, but I always look at when is it their culture and when is it actual oppression. It might be their culture, but it might also be oppressive — so that’s why we’re asking questions.” Thorner likes to ask mothers about their lives and their hopes and dreams for their children. The answers she receives probably aren’t much different than what you’d hear in the U.S. — they want their kids’ lives to be easier; they want them to have more opportunities than they did growing up in Tibet. Tibetans living in the villages have few possessions and have to be self-sustaining by gardening, farming and living a simple existence. One of the mountainside villages Thorner and her group stayed in — Maigang

news The Eastern Tibet Buddhist Pilgrimage tour for Women includes several beautiful hikes across the mountainside. Woman from WNC stay with Tibetan families and share meals and culture. Julie Thorner (below) of Bryson City, helped put the Tibet tour together to begin a cultural exchange for women. Donated photos

The Tibetan nunneries are much different than the Catholic nunneries most westerners

S EE TIBET, PAGE 8

Want to go? Eastern Tibet Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour for Women by Kham Voyage, Sept. 8-20. • 12-day trip includes 12 dinners, 11 lunches, 12 breakfasts and 12 night lodging • Price is $2,850 for a group of 6-7 women • Price includes transportation and fees, incountry flights, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets and donation to a local family. • Price doesn’t include international flight to Chengdu, China TENTATIVE ITINERARY • Day 0 — Arrive in Chengdu late afternoon, welcome dinner, stay at hotel with showers and private bathrooms • Day 1 — Explore Chengdu, Panda Reserve, Tibetan Quarter Shopping District, Wenshu Monastery • Day 2 — Fly to Xiahe in Amdo region of Eastern Tibet, stay in local hotel. • Day 3 — Day trip to Zhagana Tibetan Village from Deibu, stay in local hotel

• Day 4 — Travel to Maigang Village for homestay with tour guide Tsering Tso’s family. Sleep on thick Tibetan sleeping mats in one big room. • Day 5 — Homestay continued at Maigang Village, up early to milk the yaks, hike above the village. • Day 6 — Travel to Damo Nunnery, lunch and homestay with a nun. No showers, outhouse toilets. • Day 7 — Join nuns for meditation and chanting, tour of the nunnery. • Day 8 — Travel to Langmu monastery from Damo. • Day 9 — Travel back to Xiahe, hike to Langmusi canyon. Stay at Norden Camp — Tibtan “glamping” tents. • Day 10 — Tour Labrang Monastery. Stay in local hotel. • Day 11 — Fly back to Chengdu from Xiahe. Stay in hotel. • Day 12 — Fly back to U.S.

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NUNNERY LIFE

have come to know. Nuns don’t all live together in dorms inside a church — Tibetan nunneries are more of a community with a temple and the nuns tend to have their own dwellings within the community. Last year Thorner’s group visited Damo Nunnery, which is located on a ridge top and is home to 120 nuns. Though they have little, several of the nuns welcomed the small group of Americans into their homes each year for food, shelter and conversation. The plan last year was to spend two nights at the Damo Nunnery, but the Lama — the Buddhist leader of the nunnery — was having a special religious teaching that prohibited outside visitors at the time. Thorner said one of the tour guides who was related to the Lama pleaded with him to grant the group special permission to be there to study Buddhism and to their surprise, he agreed to allow them to stay for one night. Later that day the group ran into the Lama’s master student who asked them what they were doing there. When a nun explained the Lama had granted special permission, the master student responded by saying what amazing karma they had. The group was even more surprised later that evening when the master student knocked on the door of the nun’s house where they were all sitting by candlelight because the power was out. Because of their good karma, the master student had come to give them a special twohour Buddhist dharma lesson. It is surreal moments like that, Thorner said, that makes these trips worthwhile. “We’re sitting there at 10,000 feet with a Buddhist monk giving us a dharma lesson by candlelight,” she said. “It was mind blowing and surreal. You can’t plan that kind of thing. It was the most special thing in the world.” They also learned the master student’s backstory. He was not born in Tibet or raised as a Buddhist. He was a successful businessman in the Republic of China with a wife and son when he began to look for something more in his life. He found Tibetan Buddhism

June 13-19, 2018

— is over 1,400 years old. The homes are rustic and minimalistic. They have bare bulb electricity and solar hot water heaters, but otherwise Thorner said their way of life hasn’t changed much in the last 1,000 years. “They milk the yaks, they have a wood stove for cooking and heat and they boil their milk,” she said. “They don’t have much of a kitchen — just a 3-by-3 cutting board on the floor — no chairs and no tables. They use their hands to mix things because they’ve never used utensils.” The Tibetan diet is also simple with barley as a main staple. They also use yak’s milk and butter, potatoes, wild mushrooms, and whatever else they’re able to grow in their smaller garden plots. Though the diet is utilitarian, Thorner said it’s a healthy one as long as families have enough of it. “The diet is very simple and they eat the same thing all the time, but it’s really good for you,” she said. “There’s absolutely no sugar in anything they eat. They don’t go to a dentist yet they have the most beautiful sparkling white teeth you’ve ever seen.” Many young women want to join a nunnery because it’s an easier life than working the fields and the other hard labor associated with living in a village. Nunneries are also becoming an option for young women to gain a higher level of education. However, Thorner said it isn’t common for a family to send their daughters away — they are expected to stay with the family and take care of the home or married off into another family. “We went to stay with nuns in their homes and we talked to them about everything. Many confirmed they’re there because they were fleeing life in the village or because of a bad husband,” she said. “One nun had a family tragedy where her brother was killed in a middle school fight and she came to the nunnery as a way to reduce the bad karma of that life event.”

Contact Julie Thorner at 828.736.1695, email julie@liquidspark.com or visit www.liquidsparkfoundation.org. 7

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Part of the tour includes visiting a Buddhist Tibetan nunnery to learn from the lamas and nuns that live there. One of the last nights of the trip is spent at a nomadic camp sleeping in tents. Donated photos

Smoky Mountain News

June 13-19, 2018

TIBET, CONTINUED FROM 7 and decided that was the path he needed to take. Though he had to split up his family to walk that path, the wife and son decided to follow the same path by moving to Tibet and joining monasteries and nunneries. It’s a trend Thorner says is happening more and more — young Chinese men and women moving away from the hustle and bustle of the cities to discover a simpler and more spiritual life among the Tibetan Buddhists. With them is coming financial support for monasteries and nunneries. Damu Nunnery was in the midst of building a new temple when the group was visiting. “Spirituality is getting bigger in Chinese culture and they are discovering how rich it (Buddhism) is and what a wonderful philosophy it is so they’re coming in droves and helping fund these projects,” Thorner said. “Tibet is seeing this as a positive thing. If Chinese people at a grassroots level are interested in the religion, hopefully it can create a cultural and friendship exchange.”

EDUCATING WOMEN

Many of the mothers Thorner’s group visited with see education as a way of upward mobility and a way to give their daughters the opportunities they never had. Even if a family has enough money to send a child to college, a son often gets first priority. If there are multiple daughters, the eldest may be able to attend college while the others are expected to stay home. “They’re working hard for their kids to 8

have an education because education gives you choices,” she said. By western standards, a college education in Tibet is affordable. Thorner said she learned it cost about $1,000 a year to send a young woman to college, which inspired her to start a nonprofit foundation — Liquid Spark Foundation — to find Americans willing to sponsor a Tibetan student throughout college. A $1,000 commitment for four years can have a life-changing impact on women in Tibet and for their families. Thorner’s sponsor is currently studying law in college. After coming back from the trip last year, Jordan is also in the process of finding a student to sponsor. “It’s difficult for them to scrape together the money to go to school and they’re very isolated,” she said. “I knew this was something I could do to change the women’s lives a lot.” The women’s tour also gives back to Tibet by making an offering to the new Temple being built and $50 from each person’s expenses goes to a village family in need. While it may not seem like much, a few hundred U.S. dollars goes along way for a poor Tibetan farming family.

WANT TO GO? Thorner still has two spots open for the 2018 Women’s Pilgrimage Tour, but participants should know this is no ordinary vacation. The tour covers a lot of area over 12 days and the accommodations are far from a

“We’re sitting there at 10,000 feet with a Buddhist monk giving us a dharma lesson by candlelight. It was mind blowing and surreal. You can’t plan that kind of thing. It was the most special thing in the world.” — Julie Thorner

three-star hotel. It’s also important for the participants to be culturally sensitive to the issues affecting China and Tibet in particular. Thorner says there are things Americans shouldn’t say in Tibet in fear of governmental retaliation against the Tibetan people who have opened their homes and lives to visitors. “I feel personally responsible for the group I take so I interview people who want to come — they have to be politically sensitive to the issues facing Tibet,” she said. “We don’t want to put them in a compromising position.” Thorner wants to make it clear to people that the tour is not about Americans trying to impart their way of life on Tibetans — it’s about listening to them, learning from their way of life and sharing their stories.

“It’s a cultural immersion exchange. There’s no other trip like it. The goal is to have sisters across cultures and we’re developing those relationships each time we go,” she said.

LIFE LESSONS Thorner doesn’t ever think she’ll tire of the annual trips to Tibet. She said she’s been amazed at what she has learned from her time with the people there. When her children are a bit older, she anticipates spending more time in Tibet. “What bowled me over is these Tibetans are so kind and generous so that their karma is good and they can have a good next life,” she said. “Every person I saw — no matter how poor — every time they saw someone worse off they pulled out a dollar bill (equivalent to a few U.S. cents) and gave it to that person. I was so moved by that I wondered what can I do in my life to be more kind and generous and learn about compassion.” The Tibetans’ religious beliefs have also been an inspiration in Thorner’s life. The way they view parenthood and even death are so much different than in American culture. Because they believe in reincarnation, it’s much easier for them to let go when raising a child or when losing someone. “They believe we show up as an independent being. Our parents cloth and feed us until a certain age but that the child is their own independent being with their own past lives and they get out of the way. It’s not my journey — it’s their journey,” she said. “It’s an incredible way to show up in the world.”

Chief Pontiac statue will leave Asheville A

The Chief Pontiac statue at Harry’s on the Hill in Asheville will come down after 51 years. Facebook photo

Harry’s responded swiftly when it learned of Arch’s experience, writing a Facebook post the day after The One Feather published the letter, announcing that it had fired the employee in question and planned to return the Chief Pontiac statue to its sculptor in Arizona. “I was horrified and upset,” Grimes said of the incident. “This has been basically a family business for almost 100 years. We’ve been part of this community for longer than that, and it’s really important to our family that we better this community. I hope Mrs. Arch accepted my apology.” In a follow-up letter published June 1, Arch said a robust “thank you” to the Cherokee community that has offered its support and encouragement and relayed Harry’s decision to remove the statue and

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he reward for information leading to a conviction for ballot tampering in Cherokee’s September 2017 elections has been quadrupled from $25,000 to $100,000 following a unanimous vote from the Cherokee Tribal Council June 7. The $25,000 reward was established during a Feb. 27 Budget Council meeting as part of a resolution requesting a follow-up investigation into an audit from Arizona-

based Veriti Consulting. That report revealed ballot tampering was the likely cause of discrepancies in vote counts during the September elections. “The audit report does not designate who they think might have done the ballot tampering, only that they think the ballot tampering did occur,” said Principal Chief Richard Sneed in February. “It is imperative that we restore full faith in the elections process for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, so

terminate the employee. “She (Grimes) asked if there was anything I could think of that they can do to right this wrong,” Arch wrote. “I did not know how to answer this question. I am puzzled, I do not know how to fix this but going

what this resolution seeks to do is have Tribal Council authorize a deeper investigation and to determine who actually committed the fraud.” The Veriti report was commissioned after a recount of the votes in the Birdtown Tribal Council race revealed 86 more votes than originally tallied on Election Day. Councilmember Boyd Owle saw the most dramatic swing in results, adding 30 votes to his total, but the change didn’t affect his ranking — he would have come in first place regardless. However, the 29 votes that third-place Ashley Sessions gained thrust her into second place above incumbent Albert Rose and into the second Birdtown seat. However, Sessions was never seated because the Board of Elections ordered a runoff election between Rose and Sessions after Rose filed a protest of the recount results. Rose won the Oct. 10 runoff with

541 votes to Sessions’ 381. Tribal Council then asked for an investigation into the Election Day ballots, resulting in the Veriti report. According to the resolution establishing the $100,000 reward, an investigation into who was responsible for the ballot tampering is ongoing. The reward money will come from the tribe’s general fund. Rose moved to pass the resolution with a second from Councilmember Richard French, of Big Cove, with Tribal Council then passing it unanimously. This story was reported using online meeting videos, as Tribal Council’s recent decision to ban nonCherokee media from its chambers prevents The Smoky Mountain News from attending in person. Anyone with information on ballot tampering can submit tips anonymously by calling 800.455.9014 or visiting ebci.alertline.com.

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$100,000 reward available for information on Cherokee vote tampering

The Chief Pontiac statue is one of the so-called “Muffler Men,” which were giant fiberglass statues produced by International Fiberglass between 1963 and 1972.

June 13-19, 2018

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER fter 51 years standing high on a hill along Patton Avenue in Asheville, a 23foot-tall statue of Chief Pontiac is coming down. “He’s just part of a different era,” said Pat Grimes, co-owner of the family car dealership Harry’s on the Hill, where the statue is located. The fiberglass statue was originally installed back when Harry’s sold the nowdefunct Pontiac brand, and these days a growing awareness of just how caricatured mascots depicting Native people can came across to Native Americans adds another dimension to the decision — especially in light of a Cherokee woman’s recent experience at Harry’s. According to a letter to the editor she submitted to The Cherokee One Feather May 31, tribal member Sabrina Arch experienced discrimination and racially based ridicule when she went car shopping this spring. Arch wrote that the salesman she worked with refused to negotiate with her or go down on his prices, which the bank later told her had been quite high. Arch said she wound up driving two hours away to a dealership where she was “treated as a customer with respect,” this time leaving with a new car. When she took a picture of the car and sent it to the salesman, he responded with a series of insulting and racially charged messages. “We do not have to be mistreated,” Arch wrote. “As a Cherokee Nation, we can stand up for ourselves and others. Making others aware of instances like this can prevent them from happening again.”

forward because we are always doing things for our community. I told her that we have a lot of events where we give back to the community, our kids, and the elders where donations are welcome.” Harry’s post announcing its decision went quasi-viral, drawing 421 comments, 220 shares and 459 reactions as of press time. The comments contained plenty of sympathy and horror at the treatment Arch endured, but many commenters said they didn’t believe the statue should go, some saying it’s a sentimental piece of Asheville history and others saying that removing it is equivalent to caving to Asheville’s liberal contingent. A poll WLOS conducted on the topic drew 11,300 votes, with 94 percent of voters saying the statue should stay. The Chief Pontiac statue is one of the socalled “Muffler Men,” which were giant fiberglass statues produced by International Fiberglass between 1963 and 1972. The statues have become roadside icons across America, depicting not just Native Americans but also cowboys, Paul Bunyans and even Sinclair dinosaurs. “They’re sort of part of old Americana,” said Grimes. Older still, however, is the legacy of Chief Pontiac, who was not interested in selling cars but rather in defending his people’s rights to their homeland. He was a renowned leader of the Ottawa people, located in Great Lakes area. During the French-Indian War, Chief Pontiac’s tribe fought for the French, and when the French lost the war, the British moved in on Ottawa territory. This prompted Chief Pontiac to lead the uprising that would be dubbed Pontiac’s Rebellion, enlisting support from other Indian tribes to attack British forts. The rebellion lasted from 1763 until July 1766, when a treaty was signed. Chief Pontiac was assassinated in 1766.

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Racist incident prompted decision

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Health and human services board member resigns Lingering friction over Jackson consolidation clear at board meeting BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he tension that surrounded Jackson County commissioners’ decision to merge its health and social services departments wasn’t hard to sense when the new consolidated board gathered for its first meeting Monday, June 11. Just an hour after taking his oath of office to serve on the Jackson County Health and Human Services Board, longtime Board of Health member Jerry DeWeese announced his resignation from the new board, with the remaining board members then voting to request a letter from commissioners explaining exactly why the consolidation was necessary in the first place. “These two old boards (Social Services Board and Board of Health) acted similar in my mind to a functioning machine,” DeWeese said as the meeting drew to a close. “They took input from the community, from the state, from the commissioners, and developed outputs — rules, regulations, services. And we continuously took feedback, made changes to optimize our performance. Again I sat through this meeting with an open mind, trying to understand why we’re making changes. I can’t find those. What is coming out of this consolidation is a waste of time.” DeWeese continued to say that the consolidation was proving to be a “distraction” for county staffers whose focus should be on the delivery of services, and that the new department head position created to oversee the existing directors of health and social

June 13-19, 2018

services would simply be a “waste of tax dollars.” “I cannot see what we need to do differently, because I don’t have a good direction on what we weren’t doing to begin with,” he said. “I would like to resign this seat, and I wish this group the best of luck in your path forward.”

EXPLANATION WANTED Following DeWeese’s announcement, fellow board member Dr. David McGuire made the motion for the board to request a formal letter of explanation from commissioners. “You’re asking us to devote a significant amount of time and emotional energy to this effort, and I’m OK with that,” said McGuire. “But I think they do owe us an explanation in writing as to why they thought this was the way to go. “I think that’s valid.”

Tom Turrentine, an optometrist and board member, expresses his concerns about the decision to consolidate. Holly Kays photo

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County Manager Don Adams, meanwhile, cautioned the board that any letter coming from commissioners would likely only repeat the reasons already given, which the majority of the board seems to have found unsatisfactory. “From a staff standpoint, where I’m at is the board made the decision and we are professionally trying to move forward as best we can,” said Adams. “For them to come back and give us a letter, I’d hate to set us in a position right now off the bat of some kind of confrontation between this board and the commissioners, when the reality is we’re just trying to move forward.” Consolidation has been a topic of discussion ever since the 2016 elections, when Commissioners Mickey Luker and Ron Mau were elected, joining incumbent Commissioner Charles Elders to form a Republican majority. The Republican commissioners were interested in merging the county’s health and social services departments, something allowed through a 2012 state law. In March 2017, experts on the topic from the University of North Carolina School of Government came to Jackson County to discuss the ins and outs of that law. While Commissioner Boyce Deitz and Chairman Brian McMahan, both Democrats, were against consolidation from the beginning, Luker, Mau and Elders wanted to move forward. During a Jan. 29 public hearing, every one of the 11 people who spoke opposed consolidation, citing concerns about increased potential for political influence in the delivery of services, a monumental learning curve for volunteer board members and the futility of the effort, as the original structure was already functioning well. Nevertheless, commissioners voted

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McGuire’s motion eventually passed 8-3, with Dr. Tom Turrentine, Dr. Cliff Faull, Dana Tucker, Kim Woodard, David McGuire, Kim Cowan, Charles Wolfe and Sue Evans in favor and Mickey Luker, Kathy Farmer and Dr. Bill Mobley opposed. Before McGuire’s motion, Mobley had told the board that as a retired surgeon, he’s seen that there’s sometimes a disconnect between the institutions caring for a person’s physical wellbeing and those seeing to their social wellbeing. “I can see a real value to having a social services component to a medical services board, if you will, combined,” he said. “Because it will make a more comprehensive, centrally-based collection of services to be given to the people in this county who need it. I came in here with a little bit of skepticism about the nature of this bureaucracy myself, but having heard everybody speak I think it will be a good thing.”

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Jerry DeWeese (second from right) takes his oath of office with other board members. Within the hour, he would resign the position. Holly Kays photo 3-2 to move forward with consolidation. During their May 7 meeting, they approved nominations for the new consolidated board — that board has a variety of statutory powers but does not have hire/fire authority over the director, as the old boards did — and a position description for a yet-to-be-hired director of the consolidated department. The position will carry a salary of $74,000 to $145,000, plus benefits.

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A new director for the consolidated Department of Health and Human Services will be in place in September if all goes according to plan, County Manager Don Adams told the Health and Human Services Board June 11. The state has approved creation of the position, which will have a salary range of $74,000 to $145,000 plus benefits, and the county has started advertising it. Applicants must have a master’s degree in human services, public health, social services, public administration or a related field plus three years of experience in public sector management work, or a bachelor’s degree and five years of public sector manage-

ment in one of those fields. Before consolidation, the health and social services boards were responsible for hiring and firing departmental directors, but under the new structure the county manager will make the hire with the advice and consent of the health and human services board. Adams assured the board that he, Health Director Shelley Carraway and Social Services Director Jennifer Abshire will be working to develop a fair and collaborative process for choosing the new director. “It’s important to have stakeholders involved in this process,” he said. “If you wish for somebody to be successful, the reality is it’s not just board members. It’s stakeholders. It’s the people who this person is going to interact

with on a daily basis.” Adams said he’d want input from the board to select the director and devise the process but that it would be “very difficult” to do with a 15member board. The more likely scenario is that the board’s chair and vice chair will enter those discussions on behalf of the board as a whole. The board unanimously voted to appoint Kathy Farmer as its chair and Charles Wolfe as its vice chair. Farmer previously served on the Board of Health starting in January 2016, while Wolfe served on the Social Services Board with a term starting in June 2016. The board will meet regularly at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, with its next meeting set for Tuesday, July 10.

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the shakeup was necessary. “I can respect your position and your need to stay neutral,” said DeWeese, addressing Adams. “I’m like Dr. Turrentine, just trying to understand why we chose Option 2 over Option 1, and I understand you can’t address that. Mr. Luker, can you help us understand?” “I’d have to go back and look at a lot of notes, Jerry (DeWeese),” said Luker, the county commission’s representative on the board. “I can just say we went down through it and ultimately looked at the perspective of where we wanted to go and the reporting levels of it, and how it would report, and ultimately to the county manager and then to commissioners. That was the best option out of the three.” In a follow-up interview, Luker said he thought it was “fair” of the board to ask commissioners for a letter of explanation but that ultimately the board needs to be “progressive and start moving forward.” While he recognizes the consolidation is unpopular with some, he didn’t hear anything at the meeting that’s caused him to rethink his position. “At the end of the day, our major intent was two major things,” he said. “That was to have a vertical line of command and not at all saying that either one of our departments aren’t doing an exceptional job, but looking at ways that we can improve the services for our most vulnerable citizens.”

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June 13-19, 2018

The agenda for the June 11 meeting was mostly organizational, with items including introductions, oaths of office, election of the board chair and vice chair and various informational discussions. However, the meeting quickly went off-script, with several board members pressing Adams for answers on why the consolidation had happened like it did. “Option 1 is what we are currently working under. Explain to me why we took Option 2,” said Turrentine as Adams explained the various organizational options allowed under state law. “What was chosen by the board was the option we’re currently under, and that option was to create a vertical line through the county manager and all the way to the county commissioners and turn this agency into a department,” said Adams. “The reality is it still has a lot of elements that are

very similar to the old system ... This is not a debate for me at this point. Staff at this point is just trying to move forward.” “I’m not trying to debate it. I’m trying to understand it,” replied Turrentine. “I’ve served 20-plus years on the Board of Health and I wasn’t aware there was any issue with the vertical operation of the Board of Health and or the state commission and mandates. I understand this is an option that the state has given us the option to do. I’m just trying to understand why that option was taken.” “They’re looking at more of a vertical chain. They’re also looking — as we proceed forward under this consolidated agency concept we may or may not find places of consolidation as far as functions, internal functions. At this point, that is the reason,” said Adams. “I’m kind of with Dr. Turrentine,” added Faull. “The Board of Commissioners said it’s in the best interest of the county, but the reason behind that isn’t because there’s a problem with quality, a problem with efficiency, which would be return on the dollar, making the budget better or improving the product to the public. It would be helpful for the board to know what they have in mind if they’re charging us with taking care of what they want done.” Turrentine jumped back in to say that he sees consolidation as just adding “another tier of bureaucracy” and asked again why

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Swain sheriff suspends mutual aid to town Opponent claims the move is purely political BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR wain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran has suspended a longstanding mutual aid agreement with the Bryson City Police Department, though the reasoning behind the decision isn’t all that clear. “At the time and still now, I think it is best for the sheriff ’s office,” Cochran said when asked about his decision to suspend the agreement, which was made in October 2017. Rocky Sampson, a Bryson City police officer and Cochran’s Democratic challenger in the 2018 election for sheriff, said he believes Cochran’s decision to suspend the agreement with the town is directed specifically at him. “Personally, I think it’s all politically motivated. He found out I was going to run for sheriff and asked the police chief to fire me and he wouldn’t do it,” Sampson said. “A couple weeks later that letter came out suspending the mutual aid agreement.”

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June 13-19, 2018

DISPELLING RUMORS Bryson City Police Chief Greg Jones has been trying to get to the bottom of the issue since hiring Sampson last July. Not long after Sampson joined the police department, Cochran approached Jones with information regarding Sampson allegedly being investigated for misconduct and/or sexual harassment when working for Clay County Sheriff ’s Office. After Cochran made those allegations, Jones said he took it upon himself to investigate the matter by paying a visit to Clay County Sheriff Vic Davis. “I always do background checks, but seldom do I go talk to a sheriff or police chief. I run the background check and if something has happened that’s where it will be,” Jones said. “But I asked the (Clay County) sheriff straight out if there had been any type of investigation and his answer was no. I asked him if anything had happened out of the ordinary and he said, ‘No, Rocky has been a valuable deputy and

Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran shakes hands with his supporters after a candidate challenge against him was dismissed by the local board of elections in April. File photo resigned on own free will and terms.” Jones detailed his findings in a report, which was sent to Cochran, but Jones said he hasn’t received any further correspondence from the sheriff ’s office in reference to the mutual aid agreement. When asked where he heard about Sampson’s alleged misconduct, Cochran said he heard it from Sheriff Davis. However, he said he was unable to share details or offer proof of an investigation. “I’m not going to talk about that,” Cochran said when asked to elaborate about the accusations against Sampson. “I’m not going to get into whatever investigation that may be going on.” Jones and Sampson said no such investi-

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What is mutual aid? A mutual aid agreement is a written agreement between agencies, organizations, or jurisdictions to lend assistance across jurisdictional boundaries. It agrees to assist by furnishing personnel, equipment, and expertise in a specified manner at requisite time. gation is occurring in Clay County. Sampson added that he is still in good standing with the Clay County Sheriff ’s Office after resigning in November 2015. According to Sampson’s resignation letter, he needed to

resign because of a family medical matter that required he and his wife to be closer to their children in Bryson City. He said Clay County has kept his certification on file, which means he’s still technically a sworn deputy with the office even though he isn’t employed there. “I want to express to you my sincere thanks for seeking me out and placing me in the position of Captain for the Agency. I sincerely hope I fulfilled the expectations you had for me during the time I have been employed with you,” Sampson wrote to Clay County Sheriff Vic Davis. “I want to thank you for the friendship you have shown me and the respect you’ve given me by allowing me to work with you.”

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POLITICAL PLAYS Even though Sampson was hired with the police department in July 2017, he had to be placed on unpaid administrative leave this spring when he decided to run for sheriff. The town of Bryson City has a personnel policy in place stating that any town employee that chooses to be a candidate in a partisan election has to take a leave of absence until the outcome of the general election. While

June 13-19, 2018

Cochran pointed out that his letter to the police chief did indicate that his deputies would still assist the police department when called upon even if the agreement isn’t in place. That assistance is important for Jones’ department considering Bryson City only has one or two officers on patrol at any given time. If the one overnight officer on patrol gets caught up with a DWI stop — which can take hours to process — and a call comes in for a drug or domestic violence incident, sheriff ’s deputies would need to be called in for assistance. Jones said the sheriff ’s office also needs the police department since the sheriff doesn’t have a K-9 unit and Bryson City does. “We can call Bryson City if we need them — we do that a lot — or we call Cherokee’s K9, whichever is closest,” Cochran said. He added that he didn’t think there would be any legal repercussions for the police department acting outside of its jurisdiction as long as they were called to assist by his department. Chris Dudley, the K-9 officer for Bryson City Police Department, wrote a letter to Cochran following the suspension of the mutual aid agreement expressing his disappointment and tendering his resignation as an auxiliary deputy for Swain County. Dudley said he was disappointed in the sheriff for his decision after so many years of working his K9 for the sheriff ’s office. “That’s why it gives me great pain and regret to inform you that if I as an auxiliary deputy with your office can’t serve you and the people of Swain County by using my K-9 when needed, then I regret to inform you that I am tendering this letter as my resignation as a K9 handler and auxiliary deputy with your office,” Dudley wrote.

and endorsements from other credible members of the community, including Heather Phillips, a former a sexual assault/court advocate for REACH of Cherokee County. Phillips stated that she supervised Sampson from 2008 to 2015 when he served as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer in the courtroom for children. She said she always appreciated Sampson’s professionalism, knowledge and guidance. “During that time, Rocky trained many volunteers that are still active with the program today,” Phillips said. “Rocky was an asset to the program showing compassion for the children, knowledge of the system, and always being there when I needed him.” There’s a good bit of irony in Cochran’s accusations against his political opponent. A Swain County resident recently challenged Cochran’s candidacy for sheriff, claiming Cochran was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Marines in 1975 after going AWOL. While the allegations were solely based on hearsay in the community, Cochran had to hire a lawyer to defend himself before a Swain County Board of Elections hearing. The candidate challenge was dismissed locally, but resident Jerry Lowery appealed the challenge to the state. The sheriff and his attorney had to travel to Raleigh to prove he was not dishonorably discharged or guilty of a felony that would make him ineligible to run for office. Again, the challenge was dismissed. Cochran is seeking his fourth term in office and this is the second time Sampson has challenged him. He ran against Cochran in 2014 but didn’t make it past the primary election.

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After discussing the issue and clearing the air with Sheriff Davis in Clay County, Chief Jones felt confident that the allegations against Sampson were untrue and he decided to keep him on the force. It wasn’t long before Jones received the letter from Cochran in October suspending the mutual aid agreement. “After careful consideration concerning a Bryson City Police Officer’s possible actions of an incident that may have happened in a neighboring county, Clay County to be specific, I have made the hard decision to suspend the mutual aid agreement between the Swain County Sheriff ’s Office and the Bryson City Police Department,” Cochran wrote. “I regret that this decision has to be made, but for the protection of the citizens of Swain County, the deputies and my office, I feel that this is the right decision at this time.” Jones said the longstanding mutual aid agreement between the police department and the sheriff is critical for legal reasons but also to show mutual support for one another. The agencies have always worked closely — several sheriff deputies currently even work part time for the police department. Mutual aid agreements spell out protocols and ensure an effective response to a number of different types of emergency situations. It also protects law enforcement officers acting outside their jurisdiction. “While working with the requesting agency, an officer shall have the same jurisdiction, powers, rights and privileges as an officer of the requesting agency, in addition to those the officer normally possesses,” according to state law governing mutual aid agreements. Jones said it is within Cochran’s power to cancel or suspend the agreement. “He can cancel that agreement at any time for any reason and that’s his authority. The sheriff is in sole control of his agency,” Jones said. “But my officers have an obligation to respond if someone needs us and we’ll deal with the legalities later.” Swain County Manager Kevin King said mutual aid agreements typically do have to come before the board of commissioners when it involves EMS or the fire departments. However, the board doesn’t approve agreements for the sheriff ’s department since it’s led by an elected official. Even without the mutual aid agreement, the sheriff has jurisdiction over the entire county — including inside the town limits — but a city police department doesn’t have jurisdiction outside the town limits or other town-owned properties in the county. Having a mutual aid agreement in place allows the police department to respond as back up for the sheriff ’s office without fear of legal repercussions. “Let’s say one of my officers goes out and tries to assist in an arrest outside of our jurisdiction — that person could claim a false arrest because he’s not supposed to be there,” Jones explained. “But like I told the sheriff and the district attorney, I don’t care about the status of the mutual aid agreement — if the sheriff or anyone else with a badge is in trouble, we’re going to respond and deal with legalities later.”

he’s on leave, Sampson has taken on a parttime property maintenance job with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. “When we hired him he hadn’t decided whether he was going to run again or not, but I encourage anyone to run if they want to — that’s their decision,” Jones said. “Before he went on leave he did a great job for us. He was always at work and did his reports on time. I have nothing bad to say about his job performance.” Jones said the entire situation was putting him in a tough position. At one time he worked full-time for the sheriff ’s office as an investigator and worked full-time for the Bryson City Police Department as a night patrolman. He’s been a longtime supporter of Sheriff Cochran and has known Sampson as a well-respected law enforcement officer since he was a child. From his standpoint, it’s what happens when misinformation is perpetuated in the community. “It’s human nature — people get a little bit of information and that’s the end all be all whether it ends up being true or not — perhaps that’s what’s happened here,” he said. Sampson said Cochran hoped to get him fired from the police department when he wrote the letter to Jones suspending mutual aid. “I wouldn’t have ever thought he’d do something like this,” Sampson said. “He’s trying to discredit me — all a man has is his reputation and his credibility.” In an effort to prove his innocence, Sampson has been collecting reference letters

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Survey to document local African American history BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER cultural survey currently underway that seeks to document the legacy of an overlooked Waynesville community could add to the town’s growing roster of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “There’s been a lack for a long time, much longer than it should’ve been, of getting details and documentation on the history of the African American community, in Western North Carolina in particular,” said Sybil Argintar, a historic preservation consultant with Southeastern Preservation Services. The survey had been discussed in the Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission as well as the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office as a way to take the steps needed to gather the data required for applications to the National Register by property owners in the town’s historically African American Pigeon Street district. Argintar started out in landscape architecture, switched to historic landscape work and then got into historic architecture, earning a master’s degree in historic preservation; she said she works with many private property owners who want to qualify for tax credit programs or apply for National Register listing.

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June 13-19, 2018

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A number of historic structures in Waynesville’s African American community like Jones Temple on Pigeon Street could benefit from a historical documentation.

Historic preservation consultant Sybil Argintar of Southeast Preservation Services will hold a community meeting to update the public on her findings and try to learn more. Anyone with books, maps, photos or even stories about African American cultural resources in Waynesville is encouraged to attend. • Date: Thursday, June 14 • Time: 4 p.m. • Location: Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, 450 Pigeon Street, Waynesville • For more information or for those who can’t make it, contact Sybil Argintar at 828.230.3773 or sybil.argintar@yahoo.com. “If somebody’s putting in a substantial amount of funds into rehabbing a building, there are some federal and state investment tax credits that can be utilized, which comes right off the top of whatever they spend,” she said.

Those credits can be up to 35 percent of the project’s total in some cases, but in exchange, strict and specific design guidelines must be followed. One such building already eligible for inclusion on the National Register is the Pigeon Center, which would join the Mount Zion United Methodist Church as just two of the roughly 30 other listings across the county with significant ties to the African American Community. “There was so much that the AfricanAmerican community contributed not only from the standpoint of their culture, but a lot of folks were involved in building and in sup-

port services to the rest of the community and none of that’s been documented,” Argintar said. “It’s almost like that entire group of people was just kind of left out of the history books.” Speaking to the lack of formal historical resources on Western North Carolina’s relatively small African American community, Argintar said she’d started by collecting oral histories from community members. “There’s not a lot in history books when you start looking at the African American community, so a lot of it is based on oral history and traditions,” she said. While driving the area with

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public, and solicit further information on the people and places of Pigeon Street. “At this point what I will have there is photographs of all the buildings that taken, including the documentation,” she said. “What I would like people to come with is the ability to tell me any more history they know on these particular buildings. Also, something in particular is if anybody has any older photographs of any of the houses they grew up in, or older photographs of the churches or schools, we’d love to have that.” Locals, however, won’t have to part with treasured family photographs; computer scanners will be set up on site to capture the imagery that will soon play a major role in increased recognition of Waynesville’s African Americans. “It’s important to tell the whole story, to tell the full history of any community,” she said.

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Smoky Mountain News

residents, Argintar came up with a list of about 75 properties in the community that are either churches, homes or schools. She amassed data and photographed them, and is currently in the process of putting together her final report. “It’s considered a state survey report,” she said. “Basically what will happen is the town will have a report of all the information that’s gathered in an archival sense. And then the State Historic Preservation Office will also have copies of everything. Part of what we hope to come out of this with once we map everything and look at everything is to follow up from that to see if there are some potential buildings that could go on the National Register.” In support of that effort, Argintar will hold a community meeting June 14 at the Pigeon Center to present her findings to the

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June 13-19, 2018

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER orth Carolinians will be asked this November to weigh in on the controversial issue of voter ID if a bill introduced June 7 by Rep. Michele Presnell, RBurnsville, gains approval. “Current law does little to detect and prevent voter impersonation,” Presnell said in a statement from her office June 8. “We should do all that we can to ensure the security of our elections process.” The previous day, Presnell and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, introduced House Bill 1092 which proposes adding “Every person offering to vote in person shall present photo identification before voting in the manner prescribed by law,” to Article VI of the North Carolina Constitution. Polling data cited by Presnell from Civitas, Elon, Fox News, Gallup and Rasmussen suggests that between 69 and 73 percent of North Carolinians and 70 to 80 percent of all Americans support the idea; the polls ranged from June, 2011, through February 2018. While Presnell claims broad support for the concept as a whole, the manner in which it was implemented and the consequences of its implementation led the U.S. Supreme Court in 2017 to strike North Carolina’s previous voter ID law as unconstitutional in that it targeted African Americans “with almost surgical precision.” This time around, Presnell’s on the offensive. “Opponents of voter ID want to deny the mechanism needed to prove voter fraud and then turn around and say there is no proof of voter fraud,” she said in an email, decrying “the media” and “special interest groups” for creating a “false narrative” around the issue. “A strong majority of all communities support Voter ID laws,” Presnell said. “Why would

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Rep. Presnell revisits voter ID issue

a majority of the minority community support a law that would suppress their own votes?” A constitutional amendment, said Presnell, would enshrine the principle within the very document that delineates the most basic of rights, including the right to vote. “There will undoubtedly be an onslaught of half truths and whole lies from the media and special interest groups as we debate the voter ID bill,” she said. “I would encourage everyone to look deeper into any sources used by these groups. More often than not, their interpretations of data sources are deeply infused with their own biases.” Presnell is currently in her third term and is seeking a fourth; during that time, there has been just one conviction for voter fraud — 52 year-old Republican Dewey George Gidcumb, who voted in Haywood County during one-stop voting prior to the 2016 Primary Election, and then voted again in that election on Election Day. The double vote was caught by Robert Inman, director of the Haywood County Board of Elections; Gidcumb said he’d simply forgotten, but was given a suspended sentence of 5 to 15 months, along with probation, community service, a fine and an order to pay court costs. Presnell will face a familiar opponent this November, a Democrat she beat handily in 2016. “While she is choosing to spend her time playing politics, I’m figuring out ways to ensure the prosperity of the district by talking with voters,” said Rhonda Cole Schandevel of Beaverdam. Schandevel ran a well-funded and vigorous campaign two years ago, and could be more competitive this time around if an anticipated anti-Trump Republican backlash materializes, however Presnell remains popular in her district and has consistently won reelection with increasing margins. “In the spirit of compromise, I offer the suggestions of standardizing the ballot casting process, with the creation of a uniform system in all 100 counties,” Presnell said. “That’s in conjunction with the idea of voter registration at birth.” Presnell’s bill passed its first reading and was referred to the House Committee on Elections and Ethics Law.

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Swain budget holds the line BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR wain County’s proposed budget for 201819 will maintain the status quo without a proposed property tax increase or any major capital projects in the works. County Manager Kevin King presented commissioners with a proposed budget of over $15.2 million, which is slightly down from last year’s $15.6 million budget. King proposed maintaining the current property tax rate of 36 cents per $100 of assessed value. King said he anticipated a small decrease in revenues because of a change in sales tax laws, but expenses are also down since the expansion project at East Swain Elementary is now complete and off the books. Swain County has also taken another $100,000 hit on what it has to pay the state for the federal portion of Medicaid costs. “This year has been increasingly difficult due to the impact of reduced revenues in the Medicaid hold harmless due to increased Medicaid expenses and a projected reduction of sales tax for the 2018-19 fiscal year,” King said. “Other issues affecting the budget are the Department of Social Services child

Smoky Mountain News

June 13-19, 2018

welfare program, the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults and reductions in state funding for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Health Department.” Swain County has been trying to improve its employee recruitment and retention by increasing wages in the last few years. A personnel committee was formed and has met several times before making recommendations to the commissioners. The committee proposed a 1.5 percent cost of living increase for employees, a step plan proposal, a sign-on bonus and comp time buyout program. However, King doesn’t think it will all be possible with this year’s tight budget. “When looking over the anticipated revenue for next fiscal year, I could not recommend to the board the entire committee’s proposal,” he said. While he did place $90,000 in the budget — an amount equal to a 1.5 percent cost of living raise, he said it would be up to the board to decide the best method for distributing raises to employees. Options include a 1.5 percent COLA, a flat $500 per employee COLA or a bonus of $500. “The other proposals that came out of this year’s personnel committee will be evaluated in the next several months, specifically concerning the comp time buyout program and the sign on bonus proposal,” King said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank each member that served on the com-

mittee for their hard work with creating these recommendations.” When looking at improving school safety, the budget does include an additional $43,000 to hire one more school resource officer. Sheriff Curtis Cochran had asked for two more SROs in his budget request to place additional officers at the middle and high schools. It’s unclear where the new SRO will be placed or whether he or she will split time between schools.

Budget public hearing The Swain County Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 14, at the county administrative building for the purpose of receiving public comment regarding the 2018-19 proposed budget. State funding covers a portion of the cost of the SROs, but the school system is asking the county this year to pick up the remaining cost not covered by the state. Swain County Schools has also asked for more than $1.3 million to cover a majority of its local operating expenses. The remaining operating revenue comes from timber sales ($9,002) and fines and forfeitures ($75,000). Lastly, the school system is requesting $160,000 for capital outlay expenses. Swain County High School has the most capital needs — $147,000 is needed for a new park-

ing area, fire alarm upgrades, a new exhaust hood for the chemistry lab, new paint and replacing auditorium seats. The school board also budgeted $45,000 for new door locks at all the schools. To be able to get rid of the backlog of maintenance and upgrade projects needed at Swain County Schools, the school board approved placing a quarter-cent sales tax increase referendum on the general election ballot in November. The same referendum was on the ballot in 2016, but it failed. School board members and commissioners have said they think it failed because people didn’t understand what it would be used for, which is why the boards are trying harder to educate residents of the benefits. An additional quarter cent will increase Swain’s sales tax from 6.75 percent to 7 percent and is expected to produce another $300,000 in revenue for the school system to put toward infrastructure needs. The increase would not apply to fuel or gas. Whether it passes or not, King said the county and the school system is working on getting a major renovation project going at the high school, adding that some N.C. Education Lottery funding would be put toward it. “We’re looking at trying to work with the school system on a renovation project at the high school,” he said. “There’s nothing in the budget at this point, but we’re figuring out the next steps.”

Judicial elections filing period begins news

Although it’s been just a scant five weeks since North Carolina’s Primary Election, another filing period — this time, for judicial elections — starts early next week. Beginning at noon on Tuesday, June 18, candidates across the state may file to run for associate justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court or judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals, North Carolina Superior Court or North Carolina District Court. On the local level, several judges in judicial districts 30A and 30B will see their terms expire unless they earn reelection. In 30A, Kristina L. Earwood, Donna Forga and Roy Wijewickrama are up; Wijewickrama said months ago he’d seek reelection. In 30B, Brad Letts – who has already purchased billboards in the area urging voters to keep him – is expected to face Waynesville attorney Mark Melrose, who has also begun billboard advertising. Others may join these races until filing ends at noon on Friday, June 29. Filing fees range from $1,167 to $1,401 for the Nov. 6 General Election.

Haywood Schools to fill open positions A number of high-profile vacancies in the Haywood County Schools system will be filled in the next few weeks, if all goes according to plan. Tuscola High School Principal Travis Collins will not return next year, due to his acceptance of a job in Buncombe County. Junaluska Elementary School Principal Sherri Arrington retired this past spring, right about the same time as Haywood County Schools Superintendent Anne Garrett. Since then, Interim Superintendent Dr. Bill Nolte has filled Garrett’s role, and is also candidate for the permanent position. Chairman of the Haywood County Schools Board Chuck Francis said the board would interview its top five candidates for the superintendent position the week of June 25, and likely make a decision shortly thereafter.

June 13-19, 2018

Central Haywood High School gym ‘fundamentally unsound’

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Habitat invites public to annual meeting Haywood Habitat for Humanity will conduct its Annual Meeting at noon Wednesday, June 20, in the Faith Classroom at First United Methodist Church-Waynesville. The meeting includes lunch and is free and open to the public. A reservation is required. Elizabeth Teague, Development Services Director with Town of Waynesville, is the keynote speaker. The past year’s milestones will be reviewed, new board members will be voted on, and outgoing board members recognized. Call 828.452.7960 to make a reservation. For more information, visit www.haywoodhabitat.org.

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Smoky Mountain News

Haywood County Schools Maintenance Director Joe Buchanan will seek bids for the demolition of the Central Haywood High School gymnasium after the Haywood County Schools Board declared the structure unsafe for future use on June 11, based on a report by Dunn Structural Engineering. The 65-year old building’s 31-foot tall, 8 inch wide side walls are cracked and the front wall leans outward 3 inches. The report says there are “too many deficiencies and too much damage to feasibly repair or reinforce the building.” Arrangements are being made to accommodate physical activity for the coming class of students, and Interim Superintendent Dr. Bill Nolte said that a long-term solution would be addressed during strategic planning activities this fall.

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WCU unveils new economic tool BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER new tool that compiles a mind-boggling array of economic and demographic data and presents it in a simple mapbased interface will give economic developers, public servants and private citizens the tools to make more informed policy decisions across the region and the state. “Say you’ve got an RFP (request for proposals) through a particular lead source, like the Economic Development Partnership or Duke Energy,” said Rich Price, Jackson County’s economic development director. “A lot of those proposals are requests for information that really drill down into specific demographic or land-based data. If you’re a one man show as an economic developer, you don’t always have that information readily available.” For Price and other economic development professionals, those days may be drawing to a close with the introduction of Western Carolina University’s North Carolina Data Dashboard. Price also chairs the Mountain West Partnership, a nonprofit that consists of economic developers from the seven rural western counties in North Carolina along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Southwestern Commission and the N.C. Economic Development Partnership. It was at a Mountain West meeting June 6 where Dr. Angela Dills, the GimelstobLandry distinguished professor of regional economic development at WCU unveiled the tool, which is available at www.ncdatadashboard.org. “The professorship was started to help by policymakers make better decisions and I think providing people in the region with what’s happened in the past and what’s happening now is a great way to help them make better decisions,” said Dills. “There are multiple places that you have to go to find the data that was presented here today,” Price said. “Having it in one spot we, can get those answers quickly, and this information is presented in a fashion it will be beneficial in terms of making a strong pitch for business development purposes. I think it’s and incredible resource.” As one of the developers of the Data

Smoky Mountain News

June 13-19, 2018

Commissioners move to clear J-Creek dirt delays BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER ive months into the economic development partnership between the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, there appears to be some progress being made. “I think that the partnership has gone

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WCU’s Dr. Angela Dills unveils the N.C. Data Dashboard at a meeting of the Mountain West Partnership June 6. Cory Vaillancourt photo

Dashboard, Dills said that the website can display more than 12,000 sets of unique data from places like the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Federal Reserve’s Economic Database. “I’m basically an applied micro-economist but most of my research is in policy analysis, so I do a lot of work on health and education policy, which are my particular interests,” Dills said. “I typically describe myself as a data geek. I like data. I like what I think it can show us about what’s happened in the past, what’s working well and what’s working less well.” Providing meaningful data that decision makers can use to take action, Dills said, is not only a personal interest but also central to her professorship and the main reason the Dashboard was created as a collaborative effort. “We kind of relied on a wide variety of people at the university to help us,” Dills said. “There are people in marketing who are helping with website design, or people that are in IT who have helped with a lot of back end and Sequel server.” This finished product is divided into five sections, which are further subdivided into some fairly granular metrics that can all be

sorted out by year, by county and by region. The section focusing on land shows stats like home ownership rate, number of building permits issued and listing price per square foot, while the labor section shows not only relatively pedestrian stats like unemployment, but also charts extensive compensation data by NAICS industry code. The product section details industry and compensation data, and the demographics section includes educational attainment levels as well as credit score data. The final section, industry, delves deeply into county-level GDP figures — a stat rarely seen. There is so much information out there that’s accessible to the average person and huge agencies are getting better and better at collecting data,” said Tom Tveidt of Syneva Economics. “There’s a lot of money that goes into this data. But the missing pieces getting it out the door, that’s where something like this is really valued.” Syneva provides similar statistics by contract to all sorts of entities, including chambers of commerce and municipalities; Tveidt currently does so for the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce. “My thing with the chamber is on the eco-

very well,” said CeCe Hipps, president of the Haywood Chamber. Since the deal was inked last winter, it’s been a busy first few months of meetings, according to Hipps, who has been out discussing the partnership with commercial realtors and town officials. An industrial site and building inventory list have been completed, and nearly a dozen companies have already inquired about relocation to or expansion within Haywood County. One of the places they’re eyeing is the 22-acre Jonathan Creek parcel, where progress became bogged down this past spring due to poor quality soils that were

supposed to elevate portions of the parcel above the floodplain, making the site more attractive to developers. But Haywood County Commissioners voted unanimously June 4 to move forward with the purchase of additional dirt to replace the unusable soil purchased at bargain-basement rates from excavations at the new Publix site on Russ Avenue. Although a site for the new dirt has not yet been identified, commissioners authorized county administration to begin negotiations to purchase up to 43,000 cubic yards, which is enough dirt to raise up 12 acres out of danger, at a cost of roughly $475,000.

nomic development side, but this is the kind of information that anybody, any organization or private citizen could use which I think is fabulous,” said Tveidt. According to Tveidt, such “dashboards” aren’t uncommon across academia, because producing such a time-intensive project is beyond the reach of most private businesses. “There’s a void, and they’re the people that can fill that. They [academia] should be the ones to fill that role, if it’s not going to be the state or local agencies,” he said. But the real challenge, he said, is keeping a dashboard like WCU’s up-to-date. “Those numbers are changing, and they don’t all change together. Each one of them is changing independently and you’ve got understand that data and readjust it, and so there’s a lot of behind-the-curtain work,” said Tveidt. “You have to understand the data, who’s putting it together, when it’s coming out, and that just takes a tremendous commitment of time, really.” Dills said they’ve taken steps to ensure the ongoing operations of the dashboard, which took 10 months to create with the help of WCU students. “We’re still trying to figure out what sustainability looks like going forward,” she said. “The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise has several years of funding committed to it, my professorship has ongoing funding as well as an endowment.” Ensuring funding is one thing, but reducing operating costs is just as important. Right now, all data must be collected by hand from primary sources, although Dills said it’s really more of a “copy/paste” situation than legions of students entering numbers into spreadsheets one by one. “What students are working out now is automating a lot of the website, doing things like handling the data that’s coming from public websites. There are ways to program that so that the software is going to go poll the website and the database and manipulate it,” she said. “So there’s some automation that can happen on our end to keep ongoing costs lower. And it gives the students great experience.” Dills stressed that although the data dashboard is already a robust tool, it’s still just the beginning of a more data-driven approach to regional decision-making. “We look forward to building it out, and finding new and better ways to serve the community.”

“We need to do something to get it up out of the floodplain,” said Haywood County Project Administrator David Francis. Republican Commissioner Brandon Rogers asked Francis during the meeting what the cost of the Publix dirt would have been had it been usable. “If we had stayed with them, it would have cost about the same, is that correct?” No, Francis said, it would have been cheaper — about $240,000 for 25,000 cubic yards. “We’d done yeoman’s work getting that negotiated down to a dollar per cubic yard, including the haul,” Francis said.

County considers adding $750K to education BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR acon County commissioners are considering contributing another $750,000 toward public education to prevent further drastic cuts to Macon County Schools’ 2018-19 budget. In a recent budget workshop, Schools Superintendent Chris Baldwin laid the facts out to the county commissioners before a roomful of supporters. The bottom line is that the school system’s expected revenues total about $8.3 million and expected expenditures exceed $8.8 million, leaving a $478,000 deficit.

ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK

travel as well as $9,700 in travel reimbursements for his principals.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Macon County Schools Superintendent Chris Baldwin explains a $478,000 funding shortfall to the county commissioners during a recent work session. and $500,000 in unappropriated and that was 18 years ago when it was half of what the budget is now,” he said. Shields said his greatest concern is that the school system hasn’t passed its budget yet and doesn’t know how many teachers it needs to hire. “It’s so hard for a principal to hire qualified and quality people waiting this late. Western Carolina University grads are crossing over Balsam for jobs, not Cowee,” the former school principal said. After much consideration, Beale said the public education committee’s recommendation was to contribute about $500,000 for school expenses to make the schools’ budget whole and prevent any further cuts to positions. The committee also recommended giving the school system another $250,000 in the capital outlay budget specifically earmarked for safety and security improvements. This funding would be in addition to the $7.2 million the county already budgeted for operating expenses and $600,000 for capital outlay. Beale said safety and security are on everyone’s mind lately with the recent history of mass shootings and a recent intruder incident at Union Academy. “Union Academy is one of the most secure schools in Macon County but this intruder allowed us to see our weaknesses and strengths,” Shields said. “We need to stop talking and do something.” “We know it’s two big recommendations, but we also realize that safety and security is a big issue — almost a must in some of these cases,” Beale added. “We’ve always hoped the state will do this or that well … it ain’t happened. This is where we’re at.” Commissioner Karl Gillespie said he hoped the school system didn’t have to make the cuts Baldwin just proposed, which he said could be detrimental to public education in Macon County. “I didn’t view those cuts as trimming fat — those are desperate moves,” he said. “We’re not funding our kids to be prepared to come

back into the Macon County workforce.” Tate told the packed room of education supporters they would have a chance to speak at 6 p.m. June 19 when commissioners hold a public hearing for the proposed budget. He said he felt confident the board would approve the additional $750,000 for the schools but needed further discussion on where the money will come from. “All this would have to come out of fund balance. The problem I’m seeing is yes, we can afford to pay it but that’s not sustainable for long. It’s a discussion we’ll need to have,” he said.

RESPONDING TO CRITICISM

Commissioner Paul Higdon said the commissioners had received calls and emails from constituents concerned about the county level of funding for the school system. “The tone of the emails I’m receiving act like this board doesn’t support public education,” he said. While Macon County’s proposed budget states that public safety expenses account for 28 percent of the budget while public education only accounts for 18 percent, Higdon said that didn’t paint an accurate picture. Those annual figures don’t take into account school-related funds included in other departments’ budgets or the debt the county has taken on for school construction. “Taxpayers of Macon County are in debt about $30 million and a majority of that is for school buildings. During the last 10 years, $50 to $60 million has been put into school buildings,” he said. Higdon added that the funding to place school resource officers in every school building was included in the sheriff ’s budget while funding for school nurses was included in the health department budget. “There’s no doubt prior boards have made serious commitments to school infrastructure and I think our schools show that,” Gillespie said. 19

Smoky Mountain News

Commissioners Ronnie Beale and Gary Shields, who both serve as liaisons to the school system, recently met with Baldwin and County Manager Derek Roland to discuss the shortfall and try to come up with a solution. Even though Roland presented a preliminary county budget that included another $200,000 for school capital outlay, Beale said it still wouldn’t cover the school’s almost $500,000 shortfall. “In reading the budget from the legislature, I see nothing in the budget that will benefit the shortfalls listed on this sheet,” he added. “That’s correct,” Baldwin said. “And we’re not expanding — we’re just trying to survive,” Shields added. Baldwin said the board of education had to dip into its fund balance again last year to balance the budget. The school system has about $900,000 sitting in its fund balance but only about $600,000 of it is unrestricted and can be used. Beale reminded commissioners that fund balance was only 1.5 percent of the school system’s total annual budget compared to Macon County’s fund balance of over $20 million — or about 45 percent of the county’s annual budget. “We can all agree Macon County Schools needs a fund balance and that’s not a whole lot,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’ve invested $50 million to give our students a good school system. This is the new norm in school funding. The state isn’t going to do it — this is just where we’re at.” Commission Chairman Jim Tate agreed that the school system needed to keep a healthy fund balance, especially since sometimes it has to make payroll before state funding comes through. He asked Baldwin how the school system can build up that fund and how much he’d like to see in the account. “Anything we accumulate is locally funded — we can’t do it off state dollars. It’s either by reducing positions or you have to give us more than our expenditures,” Baldwin said. “In 2019-10, we had $3 million in fund balance. Had we not had it I don’t know how we would have made it through the recession.” According to auditors and other school systems he’s talked to, Baldwin said he’d like to at least have $1 million in reserve. “Former superintendent Crawford said he tried to keep $500,000 in appropriated

June 13-19, 2018

While the board of education hasn’t yet approved any further cuts to balance the budget, Baldwin said cuts would include a reduction in work force, supplies, maintenance and probably instituting new fees for transportation. In order to cut $478,000, Baldwin said he would recommend eliminating three locally funded teaching positions, which would save about $150,000. Ideally, those positions would be cut through attrition but if not, the teachers would have to be laid off. Secondly, the school system can save $32,000 by reducing two locally funded fulltime teacher assistant positions to part-time positions and cutting $45,000 in the budget for digital textbooks. Next, Baldwin said overall instruction supplies divvied up between classrooms could be reduced by $50,000, the general maintenance budget would be cut $50,000 and transportation costs could be reduced by another $50,000 if the school system instituted a new fee for activity bus mileage. He said the schools could charge 55 cents per mile and that fee would either have to be paid by a new student fee, classroom fundraising efforts for field trips or by the athletics department when traveling to games. Athletics would also take a $43,000 hit by eliminating funds used to pay officials to referee games. Currently, Baldwin says the school system pays half the cost of referees while the remainder is paid by gate proceeds from games and the athletic department. Another $43,000 used for pool rental and field maintenance costs would be eliminated as well. Lastly, Baldwin said he would cut his $3,700 stipend for his work cell phone and

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Macon schools faces drastic cuts without more funding

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Jackson finalizes proposed budget BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hen the Jackson County Commissioners met June 5 to discuss final changes to the proposed budget for 2018-19, they came away with more questions than answers when faced with more than $1 million in additional funding requests. But a 10-minute follow-up June 11 was all that commissioners needed to give the OK to the plan county staff developed to address the crunch. “You folks did a great job on our requests in going back and being able to find a way to make that work,” said Chairman Brian McMahan during the June 11 meeting. Funding requests that spurred the discussion included $182,000 for facility renovations at Southwestern Community College, $287,000 to prevent lead buildup and mitigate noise at the SCC shooting range, $383,000 for six new classroom teacher positions, $95,000 in salaries and benefits for two new road deputies, $14,000 in additional travel spending for the Board of Elections and a variety of requests from local nonprofits. Commissioners wanted to grant as many of the requests as they could, especially those for teachers and road deputies, but were challenged to find the funds to support that sort of recurring cost. The plan that County Manager Don

June 13-19, 2018

Jackson County Public Schools Superintendent Kim Elliott asks commissioners to fund six additional teaching positions during a May 31 work session. Holly Kays photo Adams presented June 11 would fund two road deputies — though Sheriff Chip Hall would have to find money for vehicles and equipment in his existing budget — three of the six teachers requested, $7,000 in Board of Elections travel, increased nonprofit funding for Awake and United Christian Ministries and both requests from SCC.

The SCC projects, to total $469,150, would be paid for from the county’s fund balance. However, the county had to get more creative to fund the remaining requests, totaling $301,000 — especially the salaries, which will become recurring expenses. Finance Director Darlene Fox looked into a suggestion McMahan had made June

5 — paying off some loans and using the money that would have gone to debt service to fund the requests — and Adams included it in his recommendation. The county still owes $150,000 on the Qualla Fire Department building, borrowed at a 3.97 percent interest rate, and $346,000 on the Balsam Fire Department building, borrowed at 6.1 percent. “These are the highest interest rate loans out there,” said Adams. Currently, the county spends $149,000 each year in debt service for the two buildings, with two years left on the Qualla building and six years left on Balsam. Paying them off now would free up that money for recurring expenses over the next few years and save the county money it would have spent on interest. The remainder of the $301,000 would come from $26,000 in savings on the originally anticipated cost of taking the 12-hour ambulance at Qualla to 24 hours, a $5,000 reduction in contingency funding and a $121,000 reduction in capital outlay. The capital outlay funds would have gone toward the county’s vehicle replacement plan, but the county will have enough funds left at the end of this fiscal year to cover that cost, Adams said, so it won’t have to come out of the 2018-19 budget. There’s a possibility the school system could end up closer to its goal of six addition-

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al classroom teachers, he said, because the proposed state budget includes $10 million in funding for school resource officers and counselors. The county has already committed to hiring four school resource officers and six counselors, so if the school system obtained state grants for any of those positions that could free up county money for school teachers. However, grants would cover those positions for only a finite period of time, with the county likely to pick up the tab in a later year. Adams’ proposal met with overall approval from commissioners, with McMahan offering just one additional request — that the county approve $5,000 in additional funding from The Community Table.

Commissioners wanted to grant as many of the requests as they could, especially those for teachers and road deputies, but were challenged to find the funds to support that sort of recurring cost.

June 13-19, 2018

“When they were making their presentation they talked about feeding all those folks that are in our homeless shelter population, so we’re almost taking those people up there every night to eat and asking them to feed the people we have in our care, so to speak,” said McMahan. Going forward, he’d like to see the county develop a voucher system of some sort for shelter residents eating at The Community Table but thinks that granting the additional funds is a good interim solution. That suggestion met with approval from the other commissioners, who requested that Adams fund the request from contingency. Commissioners plan to adopt the budget during their regular meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, June 18, at the Jackson County Justice and Administration Center in Sylva.

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Smoky Mountain News

SB 99: Who will teach NC’s children? T

Be courteous to cyclists To the Editor: My wife and I are avid recreational bicyclists, having ridden for 30 and 15 years respectively. You may frequently see us and our friends out cycling the roads of Swain and Jackson County. I am a 69-year-old male and she is a beautiful 58-year-old as well as a 5year survivor of stage 4 renal cell cancer. She is a “cheerful warrior” with many friends and loved ones in the community, all of whom want her to live a long(er) life. I do not say this for pity or admiration but just so all will realize those folks in helmets and colorful clothes are people of your community just like you. We are not some hostile interlopers trying to inconvenience you or take over your roads. We cycle for our health and happiness. We also drive cars to conduct our lives and business. I write today to request that we all conduct ourselves legally and courteously on our roads. I have cycled for 30 years and there have always been a few motorists that will curse at us, occasionally throw things, drive too closely and generally drive in an antisocial manner. In this increasingly angry nation of ours, I have faced several incidents in the last week. Most ominously, an elderly man stopped to insist that we were in a risky sport (we know) and insist that it is illegal to ride on state roads (it is not). He became increasingly angry as we disagreed. Particularly when we

sad, the damaged, and the disabled — in short, any person between the ages of four and 21 who shows up, to learn or not. But an inclusive institution like that, like us, struggles just to survive in a culture that primarily values what is most exclusive — wealth, power, and maintaining the status quo. On the other hand, it is also too easy to sentimentalize teaching, to cast it as an honorable lost cause. That attitude has its own problems, and those who romanticize the profession unwittingly do teachers a disservice by calling our profession noble and nurturing. Saying teaching is noble is just Guest Columnist another way of saying we do it because of moral principles, which is a justification for not paying us well. And saying it is nurturing is just a way of saying it’s largely female, which is yet another justification for not paying us well. The 2018-2019 budget caps teacher pay at $52,000. Under this budget, teachers with a bachelor’s degree in their field wiIl receive small raises each year until they reach 25 years. After that, they are never eligible for another pay increase. In place of a raise, according to the legislative report, a bonus will be provided to teachers who have achieved veteran status. That bonus is $385 a year. Divided by 12 months, that’s around $32 a month before taxes. That isn’t gratitude. It’s a passive-aggressive insult, which, in my mind, has always been the refuge of cowards. In the county where I teach, $52,000 is still $10,000 more than the average income, and there are certainly those who

Dawn Gilchrist

his is about money. But it is also about the North Carolina Legislature’s Conference Report on Senate Bill 99, especially the public school portion of the budget for the coming fiscal year. This is not about the shoddy way in which the budget was moved forward. But it is about the disrespect shown to those not given a choice. This is not about the fact that, according to this budget, I (and teachers like me) will never get another raise, no matter how hard we work, how much we know, how much good we do, or how challenging our work has become. But it is about what our legislators value. And what they don’t value. I’m lucky. I love my work with public school students, and I love the kind of educators public schools attract. It attracts radicals, the quiet kind. It attracts people who still believe in democracy and its application to human lives. It attracts young teachers, men and women who were willing to go to college for four to six years, even while knowing they were moving into a profession that garners little to no respect. These young teachers know there are no well-appointed board rooms, no tailored suits, no golf tournaments, no wealthy donors, no business lunches, and no promotion to CEO or its equivalent. There is no glamour. The higher educators rise, the more aware we become of the impossibility of lasting victories. The harder we fight for those we represent, those children whose plight keeps us awake at night, the more we hear from our legislators that those children have little worth. Public school, even in the face of insult and injury, remains an institution founded on leveling the playing field for everyone — including the poor, the

would argue that young teachers have nothing to complain about. Keep in mind, however, that teachers make proportionally less now than our predecessors of 30 years ago. It is, after all, 2018. So here’s the bottom line: in North Carolina, right now, the average salary for those employed with a bachelor’s degree is $58,290. That’s $6,290 more than the salary cap for a teacher with 25 years experience. And what has a teacher with 25 years experience actually accomplished? A veteran teacher will have instructed, encouraged, and, often, fed at least 2,500 students. Among these students, about 1,200 will have been poor. About 70 will have been homeless. About 30 will have been in foster care. About 150 will have been academically gifted, and 500 or so will have had depression, anxiety, or substance abuse issues. It is all these children, along with my dedicated colleagues and administrators, who have made my work so fulfilling for the 29 years I’ve been a teacher. A profession that demands as much as teaching demands must have extrinsic as well as intrinsic rewards, but it doesn’t— not anymore. I can no longer recommend the work I love to anyone as long as North Carolina’s legislators remain bound to the precedent they’ve established. Even if I could, my young colleagues tell me they will likely leave the profession before they reach 25 years if the current climate prevails. So, yes, this is about money. But it is also about the dilemma created by North Carolina’s legislators, and the questions that their decisions raise again and again: When will teaching become a valued profession? And who is going to teach North Carolina’s children? (Dawn Gilchrist teaches in the Swain County School System. You can email her at dgilchrist@swainmail.org.)

LETTERS pointed out that he had a young boy in his lap with no seat belt. We extricated ourselves from a no-win situation. A few things for motorists to remember: n Bicycles are perfectly legal on state roads and have all the rights and responsibilities of automobile. n Bicycles are entitled to the entire lane. However, if you do pass in a no passing zone, state law requires that you give the cyclist four feet of space and have enough line-of-sight to pass safely. Most cyclists will move to one side of the road to allow you to pass, but please be cautious. n Please be patient. We know you’re behind us. Have you ever really been stuck behind a bicycler more than a minute or two? n Cyclists can occasionally make unpredictable moves due to road hazards that you might not notice in a car. Did you know that railroad tracks are a particular hazard for cyclists? My tires are one inch wide. I try to adjust my route to cross tracks perpendicularly to avoid cracks and the resulting crashes. n I know that some cyclists are foolish, violate rules, are unpredictable, etc., just like motorists. In fact, they may be the same people. n Think you’re a safe driver? Try the other side of the coin ... stand by the side of the road and have a car pass within two to three feet of you at 30 to 40 mph.

A few things for cyclists to remember: n It may be legal, but laws can change. Act responsibly and courteously. n If no other option is available, move aside and let motorists pass. Does it really take more than a moment or two? Certainly relieves my stress. n Try to be predictable and use hand signals. n Remember who is most at risk and don’t respond to provocation. Being right is great, being in the hospital is not. Folks, we know bicycling can be a risky sport. But so is football, kayaking, hiking and many others. Over the years, I have had several friends and acquaintances killed and injured. In a car/bicycle crash, the cyclist may

be the biggest loser, but the motorist has to live with the consequences. Rick Hane Bryson City

The standard today is a double standard To the Editor: After reading all three letters to the editor in the latest Smoky Mountain News, I’m wondering how many people are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome.

S EE LETTERS, PAGE 25

opinion

Trails are just good for communities Trails are good and we could have more here. — The board of the Nantahala Area Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association ur primary thesis is this: trails are good for communities and their economies, and if the political will existed, we could have more in Western North Carolina. We have public lands owned by local town and county governments, amazing terrain, and the potential funding opportunities exist. As a chapter of a regional mountain biking advocacy organization (the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA)), we hear about the amazing things trails have done for towns across the Southeast. We realize this is not common knowledge, nor is there any reason for it to be common knowledge, so we wanted to talk about some of the things we hear about in our advocacy world in a more public forum.

Smoky Mountain News

June 13-19, 2018

QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACTS Discussions about building new trails often center upon the economic impacts of tourism. While that’s important, we do not want to lose sight of the positive impacts trails have on us, the people who live here. The Rails to Trails Conservancy summarizes the many benefits to communities well in several fact sheets on its website (www.railstotrails.org). They detail how studies have shown that having trail networks close to town increases overall health and wellness in communities because it removes barriers to exercise, like travel time, and offers a pleasant place to go be active. Additionally, they discuss how having a trail or trail network close to town can foster a sense of community, as local trail users develop a sense of pride for their local trails. You can see this happening in Cullowhee and Cherokee already since the recent construction of trail networks in those communities (www.smokymountainnews.com/outdoors/item/24706-backyard-trails-local-mountain-biketrails-surge-in-popularity). Finally, many of us end up traveling long distances and spending money in other towns in order to go for a ride, hike or run. Local trails cut down on the need to travel and keep our money in our towns.

ECONOMIC IMPACTS

The economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry has only recently been quantified. The recent Outdoor Industry Association Outdoor Economy Report quantified the size of the economic impact of the outdoor industry in the U.S. and concluded it has a larger impact than oil and gas, the auto industry, and pharmaceuticals. In the “Economic Impact of Mountain Biking in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests” by the Outdoor Alliance, they found mountain biking visitors alone spend about $30.2 million per year in our region. Towns across the U.S. have seen the positive economic impacts of trail development. For instance, multiple articles about the Cuyuna area of Minnesota, Fruita, Colorado, and Bentonville, Arkansas, have explored how initial investment 24 in trails was greeted with skepticism but then gradually

accepted and viewed as a positive for these communities. (www.marketplace.org/2016/10/13/world/minnesotaspent-iron-ore-land-transformed-mountain-biking-heaven) The director of the Tourism Development Authority for Jackson County, Nick Breedlove, recently published an editorial in The Smoky Mountain News about how tourism is now our top industry (www.smokymountainnews.com/archives/item/24712). We think the creation of multi-use trail systems would continue to advance and diversify this industry. People are increasingly coming to WNC not just for our gorgeous views, but also to recreate on trails. We would contest that if we want to keep them here overnight to spend money on our restaurants and lodging, we need more trail resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Like every single thing we do, trails have an environmental impact. The key is to find what level of impact is acceptable for the identified benefits. Trails are of particular concern because soil flushing into streams is our biggest water quality issue in the mountains of WNC. Poorly built trails can do exactly that, eroding soil directly into streams. However, modern trail building has come a long way. Modern trails are built away from streams and are never allowed to have long, straight, steep sections, which cause erosion. Furthermore, when trails must cross streams, we

ultimately what matters, and there are professional trail builders all over the southeastern U.S. that are very, very good at what they do.

THE COST FACTOR Most of our county and local governments are not overflowing with cash, and building trails is not cheap. The cost to build a mile of trail in our mountains is about $20-30,000. Fortunately, there are several funding options, giving local land managers the opportunity to build trails with little to no financial burden. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) through the Department of Transportation is probably the most heavily utilized program, offering matching grants to fund trail building. Better yet, the matching dollars for these grants do not have to be in cash: the labor of land managers or volunteer groups like ours can be used as matching funds. This strategy is how WCU was able to construct their trail system without any cost to the university.

WHO ARE WE? Nantahala Area SORBA (NAS) is a local trail organization formed in 2012. We both help maintain trails and advocate for more trails, where appropriate. Each year we spend hundreds of hours performing maintenance on trails at Tsali, WCU, and Panthertown. Last year, after Hurricane

Members of Nantahala Area SORBA riding at the Fire Mountain Trails in Cherokee.

have several methods to be sure there is little impact, such as bridges, paving with large rocks and good design of the trail’s approach to the stream. Trails can and have been built with minimal impact to water quality, even in watersheds for reservoirs. The Carvin’s Cove natural reserve outside Roanoke, Virginia, is a good example. It has 60 miles of multi-use trails in the watershed for a reservoir that supplies the city of Roanoke. Since multi-use trails include the use of mountain bikes, we would be remiss to not address a long-standing misconception. Mountain bikes are not any more damaging on well-designed trails than walking or running, and they are far less damaging than horses or motorized vehicles. This has been shown in many scientific studies across the world, and a summary is available on our website (nasorba.com). To convince yourself that feet can be just as damaging as wheels, one only needs to go hiking on Black Balsam or the Appalachian Trail, where they will easily find sections of trail off-limits to bikes but heavily eroded. Good trail design is

Irma came through town, we also spent two days helping clear trees at Pinnacle Park in Sylva. Our main goal is to keep trails in our area fun and safe, and to do what we can to create more trail-based recreation opportunities.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Tell your local government officials that you see the promise of trail development in our region. Additionally, we would love it if you would join us at NAS. Your membership dollars help us buy food and tools for our volunteers so we can keep our trails in great shape. Even better: join our mailing list or Facebook group, find a work day, and come help us out! We always need volunteers, it takes work to constantly fight back vegetation and erosion impacts in our wet and wonderful WNC. (This article was submitted by the board of the Nantahala Area Southern Off Road Bicycling Association, www.nasorba.com and www.facebook.com/nantahalaareasorba/)

Chris Cox

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getting to know some of the locals, spending lots of time talking with people about their homeland and its issues, good or bad. What made the show really special was that instead of the predictable places where tourists usually flock, Bourdain often went places that the average American would never go, or never even consider going. How many people are planning trips to Libya, or Myanmar, or Colombia, all destinations from the first season of the show? We are living in a particular moment in American life when many millions of Americans are feeling lost and heartsick about the direction of our country. Instead of embracing other cultures, the current political climate is isolationist, even hostile, to people who are not of white European descent. We are living in a time when millions of our fellow citizens seem to be OK with our government separating children from their families and putting them in cages. We are living in a time when our nation loves its guns more than its children, because “fear of the other” has choked our national spirit and rendered us not only frightened, but paranoid, myopic, meanspirited, and small. Is this who we are now, and what we have become? When I watched “Parts Unknown” for the first time, I felt that part of its appeal is what Bourdain seems to embody: an openness to other people and places, a celebration of our shared humanity and a sense that in finding common ground with so many different kinds of people from so many different places that we can recapture something valuable that has been lost. That is one reason that Bourdain’s suicide was so particularly painful for so many fans of the show. How could this man — this adventurer, this lover of life — possibly come to such a desperate and hopeless place? Even the people who knew him best probably cannot give a clear answer to that question, other than in the end, he lost his battle with depression. Whether you call it a “disease,” “a mental illness” or a “mood disorder,” depression is a very serious, potentially deadly adversary for millions of people. Hopefully, Bourdain’s passing will be a catalyst for a serious discussion of depression. If we are not going to get serious about the gun problem, maybe we can get serious about mental health. I also hope that more people will discover his show, “Parts Unknown.” There are things in it to celebrate — values worth fighting for, values worth living for. (Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. jchriscox@live.com.)

June 13-19, 2018

was only vaguely aware of who Anthony Bourdain was when news of his suicide swept the internet last week. Even though his show “Parts Unknown” had been on the air for the past five years and he had developed quite a devoted following during that time, somehow I had missed out. All I knew was that he was a television personality of some sort and his show had something to do with food. I guess I had foolishly dismissed it as just another of the scores of cooking shows Columnist and didn’t bother investigating it further. Responses to the news of his death were widespread, intense, and often deeply personal in a way that was not quite like the reactions I recall to other celebrity deaths. I mean, people were heartbroken when Tom Petty died, shocked when Prince died, and deeply saddened when Robin Williams died. There have been others as well and in each case, news of the passing of famous people rattles the national consciousness. In our culture, the famous are supposed to be immortal, forever young. So what was different or special about Anthony Bourdain? Why did reactions to his passing feel more intense, or more personal, than reactions to the passing of other celebrities? I checked out four or five episodes of his show on Netflix to see what I had been missing and why all these people who watched the show were so devastated. For one thing, “Parts Unknown” is not a cooking show, and Anthony Bourdain was not a celebrity in the sense that we usually think of them. He wasn’t an actor, or a musician or a comedian. While I wouldn’t exactly call him an “everyman” — after all, he was an admitted recovering drug addict who had battled depression for years — he had a demeanor that was more than just appealing. He seemed open, genuine, honest, in love with life and most of all still curious about the world in a way that most people are not once they’ve spent a few years adapting to the responsibilities of adulthood and the soul-crushing repetition that life can become once you get a job, a mortgage and a family. Of course you’d love to travel to exotic places, but who has the time? The basic concept of “Parts Unknown” is that Bourdain went to places all over the world and spent some time there immersing himself in the culture: eating the food,

Some side effects leave people who don’t have it scratching their heads, raising their blood pressure and mentally exhausted. All three letters were left-leaning and covered topics from propaganda by our local News 13, to EPA Secretary Scott Pruitt, to Andrew Jackson and Trump’s blatant pardon of Dinesh D’Souza. By the way, the president has complete power under the Constitution to do so and the rule of law was not broken! Who he pardons is of no consequence. Barack Obama pardoned transgender traitor Chelsea Manning and brought another traitor, Bowe Bergdahl, to the White House and traded five Taliban for him. According to judicial.gov, Obama pardoned hundreds of serious felons. Andrew Jackson’s picture hanging in the Oval Office infers that because Trump has it there, he is just like Andrew Jackson. That’s a very weak analogy. Andrew Jackson’s portrait has been in the White house for years. Guilt by association — is that in the liberal handbook? About Trump denigrating the courts and the media. Is appointing conservative Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court degrading? Some of the top FBI agents have been fired, replaced, transferred, or forced to resign and Andrew McCabe who was fired for lying is facing jail time. Also the mainstream media has nothing but hatred for President Trump and he

shouldn’t be faulted for pushing back. They are fake news! Propaganda by WLOS is ludicrous! Just because they aired a segment that disagreed with your liberal thinking is hardly spewing propaganda. I have been watching WLOS for years and they are fair in my opinion. Just because you heard that Sinclair Broadcasting is wanting to start a new conservative cable news channel doesn’t mean that WLOS is now a propaganda machine. CNN and MSNBC are the real propaganda news channels. The Washington Post and The New York Times are just a small tip of the iceberg when we talk about fake news. Do you really believe Donald Trump beats the First Lady as reported by some supposed journalist? She had a major operation and was recovering, hence her absence. The global warming hoax has spawned many unnecessary regulations that have crippled many companies. The Obama far left ideology has hurt the EPA and someone needed to reverse that. It’s a long stretch to say we are polluting the earth. Have you been to China lately without a gas mask? The double standard against this president and conservative Republicans is ridiculous and profound. The reason so many Liberals have contracted Trump Derangement Syndrome is because they can’t stand people who go against the liberal ideology. Dennis Ford Franklin

opinion

Bourdain’s death puts depression in spotlight

LETTERS, CONTINUED FROM 23

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CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored. CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville. 828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot. CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com. THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and

blueroostersoutherngrill.com Monday-Friday Open at 11am

DELLWOOD FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT 651 Dellwood Rd., Waynesville. 828.944.0010. Warm, inviting restaurant serving delicious, freshly-made Southern comfort foods. Cozy atmosphere; spacious to accommodate large parties. Big Farmhouse Breakfast and other morning menu items served 8 a.m. to noon. Lunch/dinner menu offered 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Come see us. You’ll be glad you did! Closed Wednesdays. FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde. 828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery. Check out our daily lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95. FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com. HARMON’S DEN BISTRO 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville 828.456.6322. Harmon’s Den is located in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART. Open 5:309 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (Bistro closes at 7:30 p.m. on nights when there is a show in the Fangmeyer Theater) with Sunday brunch at 11 a.m. that includes breakfast and lunch items. Harmon’s Den offers a complete menu with cocktails, wine

Am ount per Serving

Joe Cat Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food

COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT 3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley. 828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

serving size : ab out 50 p ag es

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING:

828-456-1997

Saturday night at 7pm. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

Nutrition Facts

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

bacon, sausage, oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch menu every day from 12 noon to 2 p.m. includes homemade soup du jour and fresh-made salads. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night will feature an evening cookout on the terrace. On all other nights of the week, dinner is served family style and includes locally sourced vegetables, homemade breads, jellies, desserts, and a wide selection of wine and craft beer. The evening social hour starts at 6 p.m., dinner is served starting at 7 p.m., and cozy rooms and cabins are available if you love us so much that you want to stay for breakfast, too. Please call for reservations. And see our dinner menu online at www.cataloocheeranch.com/dining.

Saturday • June 16 7-9 p.m.

3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com

Calories 0 % Daily Value * Tot al Fat 0g

Reg ional New s

100%

Op inion

100%

Outd oors

100%

Art s

100%

Entert ainm ent

100%

Classified s

100%

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

tasteTHEmountains list, and area beers on tap. Enjoy casual dining with the guarantee of making it to the performance in time, then rub shoulders with the cast afterward with post-show food and beverage service. Reservations recommended. www.harmonsden.harttheatre.org J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817. Open for dinner at 4:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated. JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era. LOS AMIGOS 366 Russ Ave. in the Bi-Lo Plaza. 828.456.7870. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the lunch prices Monday through Sunday, also enjoy our outdoor patio.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB 1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine. Open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted. MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT 2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. 828.926.0425. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Daily specials including soups, sandwiches and southern dishes along with featured dishes such as fresh fried chicken, rainbow trout, country ham, pork chops and more.

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. NEWFOUND LODGE RESTAURANT 1303 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee (Located on 441 North at entrance to GSMNP). 828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily. Established in 1946 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Family style dining for adults and children. PIGEON RIVER GRILLE 101 Park St., Canton. 828.492.1422. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Southerninspired restaurant serving simply prepared, fresh food sourced from top purveyors. Located riverside at Bearwaters Brewing, enjoy daily specials, sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more. Be sure to save room for a slice of the delicious house made cake. Relaxing inside/outside dining and spacious gathering areas for large groups. RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska. Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano. Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95. Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive, Canton 828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available.

Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We have fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and scrumptious deserts. Extensive selection of local craft beers and a full bar. Catering special events is one of our specialties. SPEEDY’S PIZZA 285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800. Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for 30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza made to order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, calzones and seafood. TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville. 828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com. TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY 18 N Main Street, Waynesville. 828.452.3881 Open 7 days a week. You will find a delicious selection of pastries & donuts, breakfast & lunch along with a fresh coffee & barista selection. Happy Trails! VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin. 828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito. The recipes have been in the family for 50 years (don't ask for the recipes cuz’ you won't get it!) Each Pizza is hand tossed and made with TLC. WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville. 828.246.0927. Open Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Opened in May 2016, The Waynesville Pizza Company has earned a reputation for having the best hand-tossed pizza in the area. Featuring a custom bar with more than 20 beers and a rustic, family friendly dining room. Menu includes salads, burgers, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade desserts, and a loaded salad bar. The Cuban sandwich is considered by most to be the best in town.

Daily Specials: Soups, Sandwiches & Southern Dishes

Simple, delicious food. Craft Beer on Tap & Full Bar LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY FROM 8-10 P.M. M-S: 11:30-9 · Sun: 10-9 · Sun. Brunch: 10-2

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

AT BEARWATERS BREWING

101 PARK ST. CANTON 828.492.1422

PIGEONRIVERGRILLE.COM

Retail Restaurant LIVE Music

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 15 James Hammel guitar, vocals. Jazz, Pop, Originals. SATURDAY, JUNE 16

Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More. THURSDAY, JUNE 21 Italian Wine Pairing Dinner and live music by the mandolin trio Music Nostra. Music begins at 6:30pm. Four Course dinner, wine and music is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. FRIDAY, JUNE 22 Bob Zullo guitar, vocals. Jazz, Rock, Pop. SATURDAY, JUNE 23 Ben Wilson guitar, vocals. Americana, Alt. Country, Originals. FRIDAY, JUNE 29 Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.

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

WAYNESVILLE’S BEST BURGERS

Breakfast : Omelets, Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy!

Feast for

Smoky Mountain News

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT

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

June 13-19, 2018

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM 617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva. 828.586.3555. Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch. Beer and wine. Free movies Thursday trought Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows.

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

Fathers!

Dad picks trout, chicken or ribeye with side salad, two sides, appetizer of choice and chocolate cake for dessert!

Sunday, June 17

$30

828.454.5400 | 128 N. Main | Downtown Waynesville | FireflyTapsAndGrill.com

New Hours: Thursday- Monday Open at 7:00 a.m. Breakfast served all day!

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

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

34 CHURCH ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6505 twitter.com/ChurchStDepot

facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot

A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Brighter days, where did they go? A conversation with JJ Grey

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER hen you find yourself in conversation with JJ Grey, you walk away from the interaction with a kick in your step. This isn’t someone who is blowing smoke. Rather, the beloved singer (of JJ Grey & Mofro) casts a real, honest sense of truth about our world. For someone who grew up in the rough-n-tumble backwoods and urban areas of North Florida, Grey doesn’t carry himself with the darkness and self-doubt one might think he’d feed into. No, Grey took the high road, a path that aims to create good among fellow man, instead of waiting for it to occur. For him, it’s seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, regardless of where you may currently stand. He sees humor in daily life — a vital tool in surviving this world — and also understands that the biggest enemy of your fate and purpose usually is the face you see in the mirror. And to not believe everything you see and hear in our whirlwind digital age, to trust your gut instincts, and realize that the golden rule is the one and only rule of a life well-lived — treat others the way you’d want to be treated. Onstage, Grey slides into this prism of radiating light and positivity. He uses his platform as a way to connect the innumerable dots of humanity standing on the other side of his microphone — a full circle ebb and flow of uplifting energy and unlimited possibility only found in the presence of live music.

Smoky Mountain News: When was the moment that you decided to subscribe to the idea of the power of positivity? JJ Grey: I don’t know if it was a moment. I guess I decided to subscribe to not being negative all the time. [Laughs]. At first, it seems like when you’re so addicted to negative thinking, anything positive almost seems ridiculous. You don’t realize that how it’s just as ridiculous to think negative all the time, to always see the bad side of everything. It started with the little things, I’m not going to see confrontation in everything — I was always waiting for the hammer to fall by virtue of the way I grew up, where I grew up. Now, in retrospect, I have no idea how often was the hammer really going to fall versus just how much I believed it was going to fall? You don’t really even realize things go well 90 percent of the time.

SMN: When I watch you live and onstage, it’s almost like a revival kind of thing. I’ve always looked at live music as “going to

“Negativity comes in a giant neon-lit firework display package. And positivity — it whispers.” — JJ Grey

JJ Grey. Jay Simon photo

Want to go? JJ Grey & Mofro will perform with Blackberry Smoke at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 22, at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville. The Texas Gentlemen will open the show. Tickets start at $29.50 per person. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.uscellularcenterasheville.com or call 800.745.3000. church,” for me at least. Is that stage presence of yours — of such intensity, emotion and positive preaching — subconscious or conscious? JG: I think it’s subconscious. The only conscious effort I try to make is get there on-time and walk on that stage, and make sure I don’t make a fool out of myself. And the best way for me to not make a fool out of myself, is don’t try to handle it too much. The whole thing, it’s like butterfly wings, the more you handle it, the more the butterfly can’t fly anymore. Let it be what it is. And look around and realize why we’re all really here. People have a myriad of reasons why they think they’re there, including me, and I can count them off on a list. But, at the end of the day,

some part of me knows we’re all here to share an honest moment. SMN: Where are we as a people today? JG: I remain positive, because I still believe that 90 percent of the people out there are sane, maybe even more than that. We need people from all different kinds of points of view for this thing to work at the level that we’re trying to make it work, at a societal level. Usually when things get split off into groups it’s bad. People connect who they are to the narrative they’re creating in their heads. And the narrative is, “I’m this and he’s that or she’s this,” and none of these things are even close to reality. Very few people fit in the molds we build for everybody, very few, and

even then, they’ll turn around and surprise you because they’ll break out of that mold and say something you never expected in a million years — everybody’s different, man. SMN: And everybody can change, too, and for good... JG: For sure. I really don’t think that people are bad out there. If I had any observation, I would think, at least on television, our world is portrayed as nothing but candy asses everywhere, scared of everything, crying about everything. And reality is, only a handful of people are crying and bitching and complaining about everything. Most people, whether they agree or disagree, do so respectfully and with a modicum of sanity. The rest of us, the old squeaky wheel gets the greasing, whatever so-called “side” they’re on, that’s who everybody hears, they don’t pay attention to the sanity. Negativity comes in a giant neon-lit firework display package. And positivity — it whispers.

Editor’s Note: To listen to the entire audio interview of this conversation, go to YouTube and search “JJ Grey Garret K. Woodward.”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Bonnaroo. Garret K. Woodward photo

The popular series “Songwriters in the Round” will welcome The Aaron Burdett Duo at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Balsam Mountain Inn.

Hopping out of my truck, the Merrilee Bordeaux will read from her intense sunshine and humidity of collection A Song of Life and Other Poems at rural central Tennessee in early 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at City Lights June slapped me right in the face. Bookstore in Sylva. It was last Wednesday, and there I was, pushing my way through Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Ol’ Dirty numerous gates and security Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) at 7 p.m. guards, hundreds of volunteers Saturday, June 16. and tens of thousands of concertThere will be a special day of traditional goers, all part of this past weekAfrican music with Master Kora player Sean end’s installment of Bonnaroo — Gaskell on Thursday, June 14, at the a music and arts festival as iconic Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. as it is chaotic. I hadn’t been back to “The “The Liars Bench” will return at 7 p.m. Farm” since 2005. I was 20 years Thursday, June 21, in Room 101 of the old. All alone. First solo road trip. H. F. Robinson Administration Building at Upstate New York to Tennessee. Western Carolina University. I’d visited the South several times before (by plane), but never had end of Chapter 1 and reread the last senmeandered around the region. At that time, I tence: “I was a young writer and I wanted to had just finished my sophomore year at coltake off. Somewhere along the line I knew there'd lege in Connecticut. My plan at that time was be girls, visions, everything; somewhere along the to either be on TV as an MTV VJ (video jockline the pearl would be handed to me.” ey) or pursue a high school teaching degree. I I put the book down for a moment and didn’t really know what I was going to do. stared off into the distance outside my tent. Heck, who does at that age, eh? It struck me. Like a bolt of lightning. A real June 10, 2005. Thursday. Day two of deal epiphany. Clear as day. I said to myself, Bonnaroo. Early morning. Laying in my tent “I’m going to be writer.” I didn’t know the just before the unbearable heat hit the festifirst thing about how to write or becoming a val camping area, I was reading Jack writer. By god, I didn’t even know how I’d Kerouac's seminal novel On The Road for even go about trying to make living doing the first of many, many times. I had just finso. But, I knew then and there that I wanted ished Chapter 5 when I flipped back to the

Emily B. Martin Friday, June 15th at 6:30 p.m.

Merrilee Bordeaux Saturday, June 16th at 3 p.m. 3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA

828/586-9499 • citylightsnc.com

Smoky Mountain News

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

Bookstore

June 13-19, 2018

We had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

to travel across the country and around the world, having all kinds of wild and wondrous experiences, and writing about it, sharing it with the world in hopes of sparking a fire within others that Kerouac sparked within my heart and soul. Once the festival ended, I bolted back to my girlfriend’s house in the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania. I told her all about the epiphany, about all the incredibly life-changing performances I had witnessed (The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Widespread Panic, Drive-By Truckers, Ratdog). I pointed to my copy of On The Road and told her how, “This is what I want to do, just like Kerouac did in the 1940s.” She was dumbfounded, “But, you don’t know anything about writing and you want to switch majors going into your junior year?” Yep. That’s exactly what I did come fall, while doing semester abroad in Ireland, and ultimately spending that semester getting over a terrible breakup (before I got on that plane headed across the Atlantic Ocean) with that girl I loved back in Pennsylvania. And so, exactly 13 years later, there I was, standing in those vast fields at Bonnaroo. First time back since 2005. A whole slew of memories flooding through my head last Thursday morning on my hot, but glorious, jog around the property. I ran out to the perimeter of the festival grounds, all those steaming hot tents and young, joyous faces resembling mine back in the day, the mainstage over a mile away, with the air-conditioned RV (with Wi-Fi) I was crashing in behind that large structure that featured some of the biggest names in the music industry. Zigzagging around Bonnaroo, I found myself in the presence of musicians — known and unknown — that were staggering, pushing the envelope of their craft and of what a stage show should and could be, and is. Acts like Durand Jones & The Indications, Ron Gallo, Spafford, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Mesmerizing, to say the least, especially Durand Jones, whose timeless soul voice is seamless fronting a band of his friends from back in Indiana — horn section and percussion galore. Originally from Louisiana, Jones took a job at Indiana University and, by chance, was asked to put down his saxophone and sing (they needed someone to sing in the soul revue). And he reluctantly did. Skip ahead to where he’s now onstage at Bonnaroo in front of thousands of roaring new fans. He’s on his journey of creativity and discovery, as am I, as are all of you reading this right now. The road is long, and bountiful, to those who keep their heads up, never forgetting that the sun will rise tomorrow, and will do so the day after, too. The journey continues, my love for writing and wandering growing stronger and more curious each and every day. I don't take any of this for granted, nor will I stop digging below the surface of the people, places and things that fascinate us all, inspiring us to take on the world and provoke the chaos amid the cosmos. Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

arts & entertainment

On the beat Aaron Burdett.

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper.

‘An Appalachian Evening’ The summer concert series “An Appalachian Evening” will kickoff with legendary bluegrass act Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Stecoah Valley Center. The annual bluegrass/mountain music series will also feature Fireside Collective (June 30), Buncombe Turnpike (July 7), Helen White & Wayne Henderson (July 14), The Snyder Family (July 21), Salt & Light (July 28), The Jeff Little Trio (Aug. 4), Volume Five (Aug. 11), Unspoken Tradition (Aug. 18) and The Kruger Brothers (Aug. 25) Tickets for the Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper performance are $25, grades K-12 $10. Tickets are a pre-show dinner are also available for purchase. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

June 13-19, 2018

Master Kora performances

Smoky Mountain News

There will be a special day of traditional African music with Master Kora player Sean Gaskell on Thursday, June 14, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Gaskell will offer two performances to the public that day: the first, at 4 p.m., will be presented as a youth program and will include music, stories and a chance to see a kora up close. The second performance will be at 7 p.m., and will be offered to all ages. During both performances Gaskell will feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the Kora’s musical repertoire in addition to some of his own personal compositions. Gaskell has mesmerized audiences across the U.S., Gambia, and Senegal with his heart rendering performances that spotlight the West African Kora. The Kora is a 21 string harp whose roots stretch back to the mid-1700s and feature traditional songs that praise leaders of high political status and those who helped expand the Mande Empire. Gaskell, having studied the Kora over 30 multiple visits to its homeland in Gambia,

Sean Gaskell. released his first solo album “Kora Music of West Africa” in 2012. His primary teachers are Moriba Kuyateh and Malamini Jobarteh (passed in July 2013). He has opened for headliner acts such as Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits. For more information or driving directions, call the library at 828.488.3030 or visit www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

‘Songwriters in the Round’ The popular series “Songwriters in the Round” will welcome The Aaron Burdett Duo at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Balsam Mountain Inn. Burdett’s lyrics are soul-touching, intelligent, witty, and poetic all at once, while his music style is a seamless blend of Americana, country, blues, bluegrass, and folk-rock that cohesively creates a story. Burdett is listed as one of the top 10 most important musicians of western North Carolina by WNC Magazine, alongside such greats as Doc Watson, Steep Canyon Rangers, and The Avett Brothers. He has also received critical acclaim as a songwriter, winning Our State Magazine’s Carolina

Songs competition in 2012 with “Going Home to Carolina.” Burdett’s song “Magpie” won third place bluegrass song in the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest in 2013. Over the years, he has been a finalist in numerous other songwriting competitions, including The Mountain Stage Songwriting Contest, The NC Songwriter’s Cooperative Songwriting Contest, and the Hank Williams Songwriting Contest. Tickets are $20 per person. There will also be a special pre-fixe menu available for purchase. Reservations required. To purchase tickets, visit www.balsammountaininn.net.

Groovin’ On the Green

GCAMA to present the concerts. This year, GCAMA has merged all event functions into The Village Green. The highly successful GCAMA events Groovin’ On the Green and Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival will now be produced by The Village Green for the public enjoyment. Groovin’ On the Green is rain or shine. Bring a chair and your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors to The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road. Picnics and coolers are allowed, however concert goers can enjoy delicious food and beverage for sale from the vendors onsite. Concerts are free, but donations are always appreciated. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times. To learn more about the concert schedule, or about community events at The Village Green visit www.villagegreencashiersnc.com. You can follow The Village Green on social media @cashiersgreen.

The Groovin’ On the Green concert series will host The Bo Spring Band at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 15, at The Village Green Commons stage and lawn. Other performers this summer include: Porch 40 (June 22), Jay Drummonds & Friends (June 29), Hurricane Creek (July 6), Eat A Peach (July 13), High-5 Band (July 27), Andalyn (Aug. 3), Sundown (Aug. 10), The Krickets (Aug. 17), The Buchanan Boys (Aug. 24) and The Boomers (Sept. 1). The Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association, commonly known as GCAMA, created Groovin’ On the Green nine years ago to bring high quality entertainment to the area while at the same time highlighting local and regional musicians. Since that time, the concerts have grown in popularity and become a cherished summertime tradition. The Village Green has served as the host venue and last year collaborated with

On the beat

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host The Maggie Valley Band (Americana/indie) June 15 and Nick Prestia (singer-songwriter) June 22. All shows begin at 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/balsamfallsbrewing. • BearWaters Brewing (Canton) will host Stone Crazy Band (classic rock/pop) from 7 to 9 p.m. June 15, and The Sauce Boss from 6 to 9 p.m. June 16, for the brewery’s anniversay celebration. Free and open to the public. www.bearwatersbrewing.com. • Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. June 14 and 21. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com. • The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host James Hammel (guitar/vocals) June 15, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) June 16, Bob Zullo (guitar/vocals) June 22 and Ben Wilson (guitar/vocals) June 23. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

ALSO:

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) 7:30 p.m. June 16 and Shiloh Hill June 23. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.curraheebrew.com.

• Harmon’s Den Bistro at HART (Waynesville) will host karaoke and an open mic at 8 p.m. on Saturdays. All are welcome. www.harttheatre.org. • Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night June 13 and 20, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo June 14 and 21. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com. • Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host Molly Stevens 7 p.m. June 13, Tret Fure w/Heather Mae & Crys Matthews 8:30 p.m.

Popular Americana/bluegrass group Ol’ Dirty Bathtub will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at Currahee Brewing in Franklin. “We’ve always had energy when playing on someone's porch, but on several occasions lately we have been able to replicate it live,” said ODB guitarist Jerad Davis. “And that's what makes this fun — people dancing, rooms getting hot, creating an atmosphere that is as fun for those listening as it is for us onstage. That's why we do it. And that fuels the passion and creativity. It's a double positive feedback loop.” The event is free and open to the public. www.facebook.com/oldirtybathtub.

June 13, The Currys 7 p.m. June 14, The Wholigans 8:30 p.m. June 14, Becca Stevens & Cecily 7 p.m. June 15, Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions 7:30 p.m. June 19, Clarence Bucaro 7 p.m. June 20, Elisabeth Beckwitt w/The Sedonas 8:30 p.m. June 20, Scot Sax & Suzie Brown 7 p.m. June 21, Belle & The Band 7 p.m. June 22, AVL Producers Summit 8:30 p.m. June 22, MemoryCare Benefit Concert 8:30 p.m. June 23 and The Traveling Ones w/Thomas Kozak 7 p.m. June 27. For more information about the performances and/or to purchase tickets, click on www.isisasheville.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host The Karaoke Throwdown June 15, Woolly Adelgid June 16, George Reeves & David Watt Besley June 22 and Gopher Broke June 23. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. There will also be an open mic night at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. • The Maggie Valley Community Pavilion will welcome the Haywood Community Band at 6:30 p.m. June 17. Covered seating. Bring a lawn chair. Free, but love offerings welcome. • Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host an open mic night every Thursday, Paul Davis (singer-songwriter) June 15 and 22, Somebody’s Child (Americana) June 16 and

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. June 16. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia. www.thepapermilllounge.com. • Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an open mic night from 8 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday with Mike Farrington of Post Hole Diggers. Free and open to the public. www.pub319socialhouse.com. • Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mile High (classic rock) 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and a Trivia w/Kelsey Jo 8 p.m. Thursdays. • Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic at 6 p.m. on Thursdays and live music on Friday

• Southern Porch (Canton) will host Grand Theft Audio June 15, Cody Siniard June 22 and Caitlin Rushing & Sean Holcomb June 23. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.southern-porch.com. • The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com. • The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Fletcher’s Grove (old-time/jam) June 16. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m. • The Warehouse Restaurant at Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host Isaiah Breedlove (Americana/folk) June 16. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.nantahalabrewing.com. • Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Partin Ways June 15 and Captain Midnight Band June 16. All shows begin at 10 p.m. There is also an open mic night every Monday, which is free to the public.

Sund day Summer Concer rt Series 201 18

SUNDA AY, JUL LY 1

Rob Ickes & Trey Hensle ey Two virtuoso musicians. One Grammy-nominated sound. s Just be here. SUNDA AY, JUL LY 15

Amanda a Anne Plat att & The Ho oneycutters Old-school co ountry roots meet rock, folk, and puree songwriting. Sweet. SUNDA AY, AUGUST 19

Town Mountain M Think bluegraass. Add a touch of Smokey and the Bandit B attitude. Enjoy. SUNDA AY, SEPTEMBER 23 3

The Se eldom Scene They seldom tour. t So see them while you can. Do we w need to say more?

This year’s summer concerrts will be held in the outdoor Pavilion. Tickets for the 8 pm performan nces are $45, with cookout din nners (priced -1401. separately) available beffore every show. Call (828) 926 9

Smoky Mountain News

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) June 15 and Max Gross Weight (classic rock) June 22. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

Franklin gets in the tub

• Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro (Sylva) will host The Maggie Valley Band (Americana/folk) 7 p.m. June 16 and Bird in Hand (Americana/folk) 8 p.m. June 23. 828.586.1717 or www.soulinfusion.com.

June 13-19, 2018

• The Historic Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host The Clydes at 7 p.m. June 16. Admission is $15, children ages 6-16 are $7.50 and under age 6 is free. For more information, call 828.349.1945 or click on www.coweeschool.org.

Ol’ Dirty Bathtub.

• Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host Jordan Okrend Experience June 15, The Dirty Badgers (rock) June 16, Christina Vane June 22 and DownTown Abby & The Echoes June 23. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

evenings. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

arts & entertainment

Frank Lee & Allie Burbrink (Americana/folk) June 23. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” with Somebody’s Child (Americana) June 15, Bill Vespasian June 16, Liz Nance (folk/Americana) June 22 and Granny’s Mason Jar (Americana) June 23. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

Catalo t oochee Ranch h 119 Ranch Drive, Maggiee Valley, NC 28751 | CataloocheeeRanch.com

A virtuosic flute journey Acclaimed flutist Robert Dick will present a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Kern Center at Lake Junaluska. Dick will play his own compositions as well as music of Telemann, Paganini, and Karg-Elert and will be performing on all sizes of flutes as well as his Robert Dick. Glissando Headjoint. World renowned as a leader in contemporary music for the flute, Dick has utterly dispensed with preconceptions about what a flutist should sound like and what a flutist should play. He has reshaped the musical possibilities of the flute, creating many thousands of new sounds. In his 20s, Dick’s world of music experienced its own Big Bang. He became a passionate, omnivorous listener to world music, to rock, to jazz, and to electronic music. One musician’s influence outweighed all others, and that was Jimi Hendrix. Dick wanted to create a sound world for the flute as extensive and as free as Hendrix’s guitar sound world. He felt that for the flute, the human playing could do what electronics did for the guitar sound.

For the past quarter century, Dick has been contributing to the evolution of the flute itself. He is the inventor of the Glissando Headjoint, which does for the flute what the “whammy bar” does for the electric guitar. Dick’s concert opens his five-day masterclass at Lake Junaluska for flutists wishing to learn contemporary flute techniques. There will be morning workshops open

Pickin’ on the Square The Pickin’ on the Square summer concert series will feature Michael Reno Harrell (folk/storyteller) at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Gazebo in downtown Franklin. Tugalo Holler (bluegrass) will perform on June 30. The concert series is free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chair. Food vendors will also be available. For more information, visit www.townoffranklinnc.com.

which will explore multiphonics, circular breathing, glissandi, microtones, whistertones, harmonics, throat tuning, and improvisation. Evening classes will be devoted to contemporary (since 1960) flute literature. The June 16 performance is free and open to the public. For more information on the workshops, contact Anna Thibeault at flutegoof@yahoo.com or 828.944.0786.

Michael Reno Harrell.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

June 13-19, 2018

arts & entertainment

On the beat

State of North Carolina wishes to acquire by lease approximately 3,448 net square feet of office space in the Sylva, NC area. Lease term will be for 5 to 7 years with renewal options desired. Possession date of October 30, 2018 or as soon thereafter as possible. Cut-off time for proposals is 4:00 PM, June 29, 2018. For specifications,

Smoky Mountain News

proposal forms and additional information contact: Sandy Nance NCDOT snance@ncdot.gov mobile technology to help you get a lot less mobile.

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Request for Proposals

On the beat The Concerts on the Creek summer series will welcome The Robertson Boys (bluegrass) at 7 p.m. Friday, June 15, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. The lineup for this year’s series will also include: Tuxedo Junction (classic hits) June 22, Carolina Soul Band (R&B/beach) June 29, Crocodile Smile (soul/rock) during the 4th of July Fireworks (starting at 6:30 p.m.), Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/country) July 6, The Super 60s Band (classic hits) July 13, Andalyn (rock/country) July 20, Summer Brooke & The Mountain Faith Band (bluegrass/gospel) July 27, Lance & Lea (Americana/pop) Aug. 3, The Get Right Band (soul/rock) Aug. 10, The Colby Deitz Band (rock/Americana) Aug. 17, Geoff McBride (rock/Americana) Aug. 24 and Dashboard Blue (classic hits) Aug. 31. The concerts are free and open to the public. 828.586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.

Bryson City community jam

Franklin Community Singalong

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Smoky Mountain News

The Community Singalong will continue from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. each Tuesday in June at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Ordinary people coming together to sing for fun and to experience the power of music to connect us. Sing along campfire-style. You don’t need to read music, just listen and sing back what you hear. • June 19 — Partner Songs (two or more groups sing different songs at the same time) • June 26 — Sing your favorite songs from the previous weeks. Attend any or all of the sessions, with the last session a review for folks who attended earlier sessions. Free and open to the public. For more information, email campfirechoirwnc@gmail.com.

• • • • •

June 13-19, 2018

A community jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City. The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — year-round. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts. 828.488.3030.

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arts & entertainment

Concerts on the Creek

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Waynesville ‘Great Decisions’ series The “Great Decisions” series will take place from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. on Thursdays from through June 21 in the auditorium of the Waynesville Public Library. Prepare to discuss the world. “Great Decisions” is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Presented by the Foreign Policy Association. This program provides background information and policy options for the eight most critical issues facing America each year and serves as the focal text for discussion groups across the country. Schedule is as follows: South Africa's Fragile Economy (June 14) and Global Health: Progress and Challenges (June 21). Questions may be directed to moderator David McCracken at dem32415@aol.com. Registration is required: 828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Smoky Mountain News

June 13-19, 2018

Nominations sought for Heritage Awards

Western Carolina University is accepting nominations for the Mountain Heritage Awards, prestigious honors bestowed on an individual and an organization each year for contributions to or playing a prominent role in research, preservation and curation of Southern Appalachian history, culture and folklore. The awards will be presented at the 44th annual Mountain Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 29, on the WCU campus. Deadline for nominations is Saturday, June 30. There is a storied tradition of the awards and the recognition given to regional figures, institutions and organizations, beginning with the first presentation in 1976. Recipients are chosen by a committee comprised of regional and campus representatives. Letters of nomination should not exceed five pages and should include the full name of the individual or organization being nominated, with a website

address if applicable; the mailing address of the nominee; the founding date for organizational nominees; a list of the nominee’s accomplishments; a list of the awards and other recognitions received by the nominee; information about the nominee’s influence in the relevant field of expertise, such as crafts, music or organizational cause; and information about the nominee’s role as a teacher, advocate, leader or curator of mountain culture. Nominations should be delivered to the Mountain Heritage Center offices, located in Room 240 of WCU’s Hunter Library; mailed to Mountain Heritage Center, 1 University Drive, Cullowhee N.C. 28723; or emailed to pameister@wcu.edu. • Line Dance Lessons will be held on Tuesdays in Waynesville. Times are 7 to 8 p.m. every other Tuesday. Cost is $10 per class and will feature modern/traditional line dancing. 828.734.0873 or kimcampbellross@gmail.com for more information. • “Laughing Balsam Sangha,” a meeting for Mindfullness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, meets will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at 318 Skyland Drive in Sylva. Included are sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion. Free admission. Call 828.335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook.

ALSO:

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. June 16 and 23 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120. • A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. June 16 and 23 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075. • Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays at Country Traditions in Dillsboro. Watch the demonstrations, eat samples and taste house wines for $3 a glass. All recipes posted online. www.countrytraditionsnc.com.

Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival

The 21st annual Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival will be held June 14-17 in downtown Franklin. The festival is a celebration of the heritage brought to these mountains, that of the Scots and Scots-Irish, along with celebrating the historic relationships with the Cherokee. Franklin is home to the Scottish Tartans Museum. The Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival celebrates the history and heritage of our area, and encourages everyone to participate. This year, they’re including a Highland Games contest to further enhance the festival’s offerings to the public. “The Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival is

Stecoah Drive-About Tour The annual “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive About Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 22-23 in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville. The self-guided driving tour highlights artisans who have built a livelihood with their creative talents. Media include pottery, bee's wax lanterns and pillar candles, original paintings and drawings, fiber,

newsdesk crafts

arts & entertainment

On the street

important to our community because it’s a celebration of our community,” said George James, TSCF chairman. “Personally, I’m very happy that we can continue to bring in representatives of the Cherokee Nation to our festival. The lectures and demonstrations of their culture help to remind us all that we are now, as we were then, neighbors.” The festival is free and open to the public. The Clan Dinner on Thursday night is the only ticketed event for the festival. Put on by Friends of the Scottish Tartans Museum, learn more about the festival and its full schedule of events at www.tasteofscotlandfestival.org. quilts, photography, artisan cheeses and more. The tour includes: Nantahala School for the Arts (Southwestern Community College), Sawmill Creek Pottery, Gallery Zella, Stecoah Artisans Gallery, Yellow Branch Pottery & Cheese, Taylor’s Greenhouse, Wehrloom Honey & Essentials and Junk ‘n’ Style. The Schoolhouse Café at Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center will be open during both days of the Artisans Drive About. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

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On the street

The annual Front Street Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16, in downtown Dillsboro. The small mountain town will glow with homespun talent as Front Street (by the railroad tracks) will be filled with fine arts and crafts from local artisans. Strewn with vibrant colors, inviting festival aromas, and the warm sounds of guitars, banjos, and bass, the event will once again swing wide its welcome. More than 50 vendors on Front Street will offer pottery, glass, candles, jewelry, needle crafts, birdhouses, soaps, gourds, photography, metal art, fiber art and visual arts: oil painting, pen and ink drawings, pastel prints, and so much more. As you stroll through the town, you can also slip into the shops where you can enjoy the many different items especially chosen with you, the visitor, in mind. At lunch time

arts & entertainment

Front Street Arts & Crafts Show

there are many restaurants from which to choose to sit and relax. The entertainment stage located at the end of Church Street, will host four local acts. Beginning at 11 a.m., a high-energy dance team, the J. Creek Cloggers, based out of Haywood County, will dance on the street. At noon, Dillsboro welcomes the husband and wife team called Twelfth Fret, featuring a acoustic duo with Craig Neidlinger on guitar and Kim Neidlinger on upright bass. Beginning at 1 p.m., the Maggie Valley Band (Americana/folk) will entertain. American Idol contestant Alma Russ will be on stage at 2 p.m. Russ is a singer-songwriter

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who sings a blend of folk, bluegrass, and mountain ballads and plays fiddle, claw-hammer banjo and guitar. To learn more about the show, call 828.506.8331 or email brendaanders@frontier.com.

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Women’s Work Festival

All aboard the BBQ, craft beer train There will be a barbecue and craft beer tasting from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 16, on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, departing from Bryson City. Slow-cooked barbecue and ribs, with beer tastings from Hoppy Trout Brewing Company (Andrews) for the adults, age 21 and up. The age 20 and under crowd will enjoy a uniquely crafted root beer by Happy Trout. The train will take you to the Fontana Trestle for a spectacular sunset. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 800.872.4681 or visit www.gsmr.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

The annual Women’s Work Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Mountain Farm Museum in Cherokee. During the event, you will learn about the

vital role women played in creating and maintaining a mountain home. Walk the grounds of the mountain farm and watch demonstrations of open hearth cooking, spinning or sewing, corn shuck doll making, and more. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.greatsmokies.com.

June 13-19, 2018

Here’s Your Sign ...

Affairs of the Heart

————————————————————————————— 120 N. Main St. • Waynesville, NC • 828.452.0526

350-07

arts & entertainment

On the wall Haywood Arts open call, member show This July, the Haywood County Arts Council invites its artist members to participate in its annual “Artist Member Show.” The show is a celebration of our community of artists, allowing them to share their great work at the height of the summer season. It will be a show filled with variety, including painters, potters, jewelers, and more. The show will run from July 6-28 To participate, member artists should please pick out two or three pieces of work that they would like to feature in the show. Then, download a show contract/inventory sheet from the Haywood County Arts Council website or pick one up from HCAC Gallery & Gifts. Email completed forms to artist@haywoodarts.org or mail to P.O. Box 306, Waynesville, NC 28786. If you are not current member but still want to participate, there’s still time to join. For a $40 annual fee or $30 Young Innovator (age 18-39 years) fee, artists get all the benefits of membership: participation in the member show, an artist page on the HCAC website, first calls for work to artists, and more. Artist membership information can be found on the website.

For more information about HCAC programs and events, visit the Haywood County Arts Council website at www.haywoodarts.org.

Haywood ‘ArtShare’ seeks donations This year marks the sixth year of the Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) “ArtShare” exhibit. “ArtShare” is a showing of fine works of art which have been donated to or consigned with the HCAC. The HCAC welcomes pieces from collectors that may be downsizing, changing décor, or who wish to consign estate items to benefit the arts in this community. The HCAC will accept donations or consigned items in the gallery beginning July 11, though inventory sheets may be turned in prior. Inventory sheets are due no later than July 20. Artists may participate by sharing their own work, but only if donating. If you have questions, call the HCAC at 828.452.0593. “ArtShare” runs from Aug. 325. More information about donating, including show contracts and inventory lists, can be found at www.haywoodarts.org.

Smoky Mountain News

June 13-19, 2018

A recent work by Kay Smith.

Artist showcase at Franklin library

Western North Carolina artist Kay Smith returns for a solo exhibit at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. The showcase will run for the month of June. Part of the display will feature a nautical theme: boats, water, and sea shells to name a few subjects. Another theme will focus on flowers. The rest of the exhibit will feature a mixture of topics ranging from mystical orbs, a rip in time, and a beautiful peacock feather. Smith’s diverse background provides 36 her a plethora ideas, and inspire her to

Glass Catalyst: Littleton’s Legacy in Contemporary Sculpture

numerous artistic subject matters. Her exposure to world-wide cultures has allowed her imagination the freedom to explore and interpret everyday objects and put them onto canvas; thus, creating unique works of art. Her medium is oil because it allows her time to play and manipulate her work as she goes along. Subjects vary from flowers, landscapes, raindrops, clouds, and spiritual subjects — whatever takes her fancy on any particular day. It is Smith’s hope that her artwork will produce a smile or two, bring back a fond memory, or inspire the viewer to create their own reality. To see more of her art, visit www.kaysfineart.com. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

‘Knit Knot’ by Carol Milne. The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center is pleased to announce the opening of its newest exhibition “Glass Catalyst: Littleton’s Legacy in Contemporary Sculpture,” which will run June 14 through Dec. 7. Celebrating the efforts of Harvey Littleton, one of the greatest proponents of using glass as an expressive medium, the exhibition explores the work of contemporary artists concentrating in glass and how they are building off the foundations laid by Littleton during the early years of the Studio Glass Movement. A key work in the exhibition will be a new acquisition to the Museum’s collection: a glass sculpture by Harvey Littleton entitled “Terracotta Arc.” This piece will be unveiled at a special opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14, at the Bardo Arts Center, which would have been Littleton’s 96th birthday. Donated by the Littleton Family in honor of WCU Professor Emeritus Joan Falconer Byrd, this sculpture serves as a focal point in the exhibition and a reminder of how Littleton’s impact reverberates through the generations. Artists featured in the exhibition include: Alex Bernstein, Carol Milne, Hayden Wilson, Matt Eskuche, Shane Fero, Robert Burch, Carmen Lozar, Carole Frève, Einar and Jamex de la Torre, Shayna Leib, and Dean Allison. Glass enthusiasts, sculptors, lovers of innovation, and even knitters will especially enjoy this display of works ranging from cast figures to blown glass to delicate lamp-worked forms. The majority of the artists in the exhibition represent a younger generation of glass sculptors who did not directly work with or

study under Littleton, yet each of them, like Littleton, works glass to its fullest potential by creatively expanding the medium. All of the artists represented in the exhibition take a conceptual approach to their work, ushering glass beyond the functional realm where its traditional roots lie. Born to a physicist who worked at Corning Glass Works, Littleton encountered glass in a factory setting at an early age. Believing that glass had creative potential outside its applications in industry, Littleton set out to make it possible for artists to experiment with glass in their individual studios. He built a small-scale furnace and other equipment that could be used for blowing glass. This initial experimentation inspired Littleton to share his findings with others. In 1962, Littleton led a watershed glass workshop at the Toledo Museum of Art that would eventually spark the creation of glass programs at universities, craft schools, and art centers throughout the world. He is often credited with making information about glass widely available. Coming out of an era when glass techniques and formulas were concentrated in Europe and largely kept secret, Littleton took a democratic, and arguably American, approach to his art form by sharing ideas and techniques freely amongst a community of interested artists. His efforts led to the elevation of glass as an art form and the creation of a viable market for artists working in glass. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Thursdays until 7 p.m. For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

On the wall

Learn wire art jewelry There will be a “Wire Art Jewelry Class” with local artist Lawrie Williams from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension in Sylva. Williams is a skilled jewelry maker and has been a featured artist at Southwestern Community College. Class participants will be making lovely hammered jewelry earrings and pendants. The cost is only $10 and you'll need to bring your jewelry pliers, otherwise all materials and tools will be supplied. Bring beads, stones, charms, or any other jewelry items you have and Williams will help you repurpose them into a newly redesigned unique piece of jewelry. Broken jewelry welcomed. To register, call the Jackson County Extension Office at 828.586.4009.

The Haywood County Arts Council and local nonprofit REACH are co-sponsoring the latest exhibit “Freedom: An Artist’s Point of View.” The exhibit will run through June 30 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showcase in downtown Waynesville. REACH serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse and teen dating violence. They not only operate a 24-hour helpline and emergency shelter, but also provide victim advocacy, legal assistance, counseling referrals, and community education. With over 30 local artists donating works of art in oil, acrylic, ceramic, photo, digital, textile, watercolor, pencil, cold wax and glass mediums, this promises to be an exciting show. Call 828.452.0593, email info@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org.

Uptown Gallery workshops

• The “Movies on Everett” outdoor series will run through Aug. 17 at the corner of Mitchell and Everett streets in downtown Bryson City. Screenings begin at 9 p.m. Family-friendly. Free to attend. For a full schedule of the films to be screened, visit www.greatsmokies.com.

• Gallery 1 Sylva will celebrate the work and collection of co-founder Dr. Perry Kelly with a show of his personal work at the Jackson County Public Library Rotunda and his art collection at the gallery. All work is for sale. Admission is free. Children are welcome. Gallery 1 has regular winter hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and

June 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 6:00 pm June 17, 24 & July 1 at 12:30 pm Adults $40 Seniors $38 Students $25 Also Available: Stage-Side Table for Four $180 Stage-Side Table for Two $90 Includes a German-themed buffet beginning one hour before showtime with coffee or tea and dessert at intermission. Wines available for purchase by the glass or bottle.

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

For More Information and Tickets:

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

HCC Professional Crafts Graduate Show The graduating class of Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts program will exhibit their best work at the 2018 Graduate Show, which will be held through June 24 at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville.

This year’s show has work in clay, jewelry, fiber and wood. This exhibit marks the professional debut for many exhibiting craftspeople. The college makes involvement in the installation, organization, and publicity of this exhibit as part of the coursework for the professional crafts students. The Folk Art Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 828.627.4673 or visit creativearts.haywood.edu.

CASUAL FINE DINING WITH LIVE MUSIC

Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. art@gallery1sylva.com. • Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a free movie night at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For the full schedule of screenings, visit www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com. • The Waynesville Fiber Friends will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month at the Panacea Coffee House in Waynesville. All crafters and beginners interested in learning are invited. You can keep up with them through their Facebook group or by calling 828.276.6226 for more information.

ALSO:

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

public. Membership not required. For information, call 828.349.4607.

COVERED PATIO LATE NIGHT MENU

• A “Youth Art Class” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Appalachian Art Farm on 22 Morris Street in Sylva. All ages welcome. $10 includes instruction, materials and snack. For more information, email appalachianartfarm@gmail.com or find them on Facebook. • Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday. Bring your own materials and join an ongoing drawing course led by gallery artists from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at 828.349.4607.

KITCHEN 743 TUESDAY THRU SUNDAY FROM 5PM UNTIL... SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH FROM 10AM TO 2PM

Smoky Mountain News

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (June 14 and 28) at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

A Dinner Theatre Production

June 13-19, 2018

The Uptown Gallery located at 30 East Main Street in Franklin will host a handful of upcoming workshops and an artist presentation. • Sundays, June 17, 24: Karen Smith will be conducting an “Encaustic Adventure” workshop involving a painting process that uses pigments and wax applied to a surface. Classes will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Cost is $125 for the three days including all materials. Registration required at the gallery. Call 828.349.4607, email franklinuptowngallery@gmail.com or visit www.franklinuptowngallery.com.

arts & entertainment

‘Artist’s Point of View’

743 HAYWOOD RD • WEST ASHEVILLE

ISISASHEVILLE.COM 828.575.2737

arts & entertainment

On the stage ‘Liars Bench’ returns to WCU

‘An Evening with Danny Kaye’

A program devoted to preserving, promoting and performing materials dealing with Appalachian heritage and culture, “The Liars Bench” will return at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 21, in Room 101 of the H. F. Robinson Administration Building at Western Carolina University. According to Gary Carden, the founder of “The Liars Bench,” “Western Gary Carden. North Carolina contained some of the best material in Admission is free. Donations accepted. the region since it has gifted storytellers Additional information is available from and popular musicians. We also have the Carden via email at gcarden498@aol.com. best folklore.”

The stage show “An Brian Childers Evening with Danny Kaye” will be held at 8 as Danny Kaye. p.m. June 21-23 and 2 p.m. June 23-24 at the Highlands Playhouse. When Brian Childers crossed paths with Danny Kaye, the entertainment giant had already passed into legend leaving behind a treasure trove of Broadway memories and comedic films. When initially approached to play Danny Kaye, Childers dove in and learned everything he could about the comedic genius and in doing so, found a connection and an uncanny ability to channel Kaye in all his unique glory. Having performed in numerous incarnations of the story of Danny Kaye in “Danny and Sylvia: A Musical Love Story,” (which garnered him the Helen Hayes Award for “Best Actor in a Musical”), “The Kid From Brooklyn,” in both Los Angeles and Chicago

Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling

June 13-19, 2018

The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 27 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park. Sit by a bonfire, alongside a river, and listen to some of Cherokee’s best storytellers. The bonfire is free and open to the public. There will be no bonfire events in September. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

and “Danny and Sylvia” Off-Broadway in New York City. Tickets are available at the box office, online at www.highlandsplayhouse.org or by calling 828.526.2462.

FATHER’S DAY

BRUNCH BUFFET Sunday, June 17 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. $24.95 per person, $12.95 children 12 & under

MENU:

Smoky Mountain News

Big Daddy’s Cold Food Selections Chopped Iceberg with Bleu Cheese and Bacon Caesar Salad • Deviled Eggs Assorted Cured Meats That Dad Likes Crab Gazpacho • Some Fruit for Mom

Man Sized Main Buffet House Rolls and Biscuits Au Gratin Potatoes Southern Style Green Beans Broccoli Casserole with Lots of Cheese Shrimp and Grits Big Daddy Style Big Hunks of Prime Rib and Yabadabbadoo Lamb

Daddio’s Breakfast Selections

Papa Bear’s Dessert Bar

Chicken and Waffles • Maple Syrup Steak Benedicts with Hollandaise Breakfast Burritos

Chocolate Fountain • Chocolate Eclairs Blackberry Cobbler with Ice Cream, Pies and Cookies

Reservations are required. RSVP the Pin High at 828.926.4848

1819 Country Club Drive Maggie Valley, NC

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366 RUSS AVE. WAYNESVILLE BiLo Shopping Center

On the stage arts & entertainment

HART presents Steve Martin comedy

for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Ellie Greenwich was an American pop music singer, songwriter, and record producer. She wrote or co-wrote hits such as, “Be My Baby,” “Da Doo Ron Ron,” “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” and of course, “Leader of the Pack.” Greenwich passed away in 2009. “Leader of the Pack” tells the story of young Greenwich who dreamed of a career in the music industry and longed to hear her songs on the radio. It explores the joys and heartaches of her 40-year career that skyrocketed in the 1960s. Tickets are $12 for students and $17 for adults. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 866.273.4615.

‘Unto These Hills’ outdoor drama Musical explores 1960s hits Overlook Theatre Company will present the hit Broadway musical retrospective “Leader of the Pack: The Musical Life of Ellie Greenwich” at 7:30 p.m. June 22-23 and 29-30 at the Smoky Mountain Center

The “Unto These Hills” stage production will be held at 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday through Aug. 18 at the Mountainside Theater in Cherokee. This decades-old acclaimed outdoor drama traces the Cherokee people through the eons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cherokeehistorical.org.

JEFF FOXWORTHY JUNE 30 2 SHOWS

June 13-19, 2018

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

AMERICAN CORNHOLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP $50,000 IN PRIZES JULY 11 – 15

and the whiny hypochondriac. To keep in the spirit of the show, the Harmons’ Den Bistro will be offering up a German inspired feast as part of your ticket. There will be vegetarian options on the menu. All seating is at tables and the doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances and opening at 12:30 p.m. with the show at 2 p.m. on Sundays. “The Underpants” is being directed by Jeff Messer and the cast includes David Yeates, Kristen Hedberg, Marc Cameron, Amanda Klinikowski, Dakota Mann and Tom Dewees. Tickets are $40 for adults, $38 for seniors and $25 for students and include dinner and the show. To make reservations for the show, call 828.456.6322 or visit www.harttheatre.org.

SKID ROW

WITH SPECIAL GUEST GREAT WHITE JULY 20

RON WHITE SEPTEMBER 8 TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 10AM

Smoky Mountain News

A hilarious comedy by Steve Martin, “The Underpants” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. June 15-16, 21-23, 28-30, and at 2 p.m. June 17, 24 and July 1 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. In the production, we get a wild satire adapted from a classic German play about Louise and Theo Markes, a couple whose conservative existence is shattered when Louise's bloomers fall down in public. Though she pulls them up quickly, he thinks the incident will cost him his job as a government clerk. Louise's momentary display does not result in the feared scandal but it does attract two infatuated men, each of whom wants to rent the spare room in the Markes' home. Oblivious of their amorous objectives, Theo splits the room between them, happy to collect rent from both the foppish poet

caesars.com Visit ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000 to purchase tickets. Show(s) subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter casino floor and to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. An Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. ©2018, Caesars License Company, LLC.

arts & entertainment June 13-19, 2018 Smoky Mountain News

NCDOT TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON JUNE 19 REGARDING PROPOSAL TO REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 159 OVER CULLOWHEE CREEK AND IMPROVE INTERSECTION ON MONTEITH GAP ROAD (S.R. 1336) FROM SOUTH PAINTER ROAD TO LEDBETTER ROAD IN JACKSON COUNTY The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes replacing Bridge No. 159 over Cullowhee Creek and improves intersection on Monteith Gap Road (S.R. 1336) from South Painter Road to Ledbetter Road in Cullowhee. The meeting will be held at Cullowhee Baptist Church located at 148 Central Drive on Tuesday, June 19th from 5 to 7 p.m. The purpose of the project is to replace Bridge and improve intersection. The improvements will align South Painter Road and Ledbetter Road into one four-way intersection. In addition, the 43-year-old bridge is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. The purpose of this meeting is to inform the public of the project and gather public input on the proposed design. As information becomes available, it may be viewed online at the NCDOT Public Meeting webpage: http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/publicmeetings/. The public may attend at any time during the public meeting hours, as no formal presentation will be made. NCDOT representatives will be available to answer questions and receive comments. The comments and information received will be taken into consideration as work on the project develops. The opportunity to submit written comments will also be provided at the meeting or can be done via phone, email, or mail by July 10, 2018. For additional information, please contact Mr. John McCray, Division 14 Engineering Technician by phone: (828) 488-0902 or via email at jrmccray@ncdot.gov; or by mail: NCDOT Division 14, 345 Toot Hollow Road, Bryson City, NC 28713.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Tony Gallagher, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598, by phone (919) 707-6069 or by e-mail at magallagher@ncdot.gov as early as possible so that arrangements can be made. Persons who speak Spanish and have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494. Aquellas personas que hablan español o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglés, podrían recibir servicios de interpretación si los solicitan antes de la reunión llamando al 1-800-481-6494.

Books

Smoky Mountain News

Characters and music star in The Music Shop an there be a sadder sight than a man in his sixties sitting in a garden with tears dribbling down his cheeks? But there I was on a gorgeous morning in June, sitting in a chair on the patio of my daughter’s house, blinking through a misty saline prism and leaking water like a broken spigot. Had I received news of the death of a loved one? Had I just realized that I would never be wealthy? Had I stubbed my bare toes on the grandkids’ toy bin? No. No. And no. No, it was a damn book that brought the mist to my eyes and rain to my chin. Rachel Joyce’s The Writer Music Shop (Random House, 2017, 307 pages) takes place in England and tells the story of Frank, an eccentric owner of a dingy record store, and Ilse Brauchmann, a young German woman who wanders into the shop and soon asks Frank to teach her what he knows about music. Surrounding these two figures are a collection of Frank’s eccentric friends and fellow store owners: Kit, Frank’s young assistant who has a penchant for breaking everything he touches; Father Anthony, a fallen priest who operates a nearby religious articles store; Maud, the scowling, bitter tattoo artist who secretly loves Frank; a pair of undertakers; Pete the barman; and Peg, Frank’s dead mother. And then there is the music. Through her knowledge, her skill, and some sheer act of magic, Rachel Joyce manages to make music a central character in The Music Shop. Frank, who doggedly insists on selling only vinyl records rather than CDs, has a remarkable ability to recommend just the right recording for a suffering or emotionally wounded customer. When one customer, for example, broken and aching from his wife’s cheating on their wedding day, requests Chopin, telling Frank he only listens to that composer, Frank points him to Aretha

right down low. Aretha knew. She knew how desperate it felt, to love a cheat. How lonely. He sat very, very still. And he listened.”

“There were strings, the bobble of the guitar, a horn riff, percussion, all telling her she was wrong — (‘Wohhh!’ shrilled the backing vocals, like a Greek chorus of girlfriends) — but no, she hung on tight. Her voice pulled the words this way and that, soaring up over the top and then scooping

From beginning to end of this wonderful story, Rachel Joyce sings to us through her prose about music and its power in our lives. Here is everything from Gregorian chant to punk rock; here are conductors and composers like Beethoven, Bach, Berlioz, and Vivaldi, performers and song writers like the Beatles, Billie Holiday, and James Brown. Several times, I put The Music Shop aside just to go on YouTube and listen to some of the pieces, including a full performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which we all know but rarely hear. (A note at the end of the novel points out that the music is collected on Spotify, but I was unable to locate it. Search instead on Spotify “The Music Shop Rachel Joyce.” You can find a similar list on YouTube.) Of course, The Music Shop is more than

Jeff Minick

Franklin’s “Oh No Not My Baby.” The man resists, but finally enters the listening booth and is blown away by what he hears:

just a course in musicology or an incitement to listen to compositions and songs with greater attention. There is the off-beat, funny, and sweet relationship between the mysterious Ilse, who only reveals her past through hints and innuendo, and the shy Frank, a man who can help everyone but himself. There are the struggles of the shop owners of Unity Street to keep their leaky, disintegrating stores in business. There is the relationship, told in flashbacks, between Frank and his mother Peg, a woman who taught him much about music and little about love. Mostly, though, The Music Shop is a story of wrong turns and second chances. To give details would spoil the story and the effect of the ending; suffice it to say that all the characters associated with Frank’s music shop undergo various transformations. In particular, Ilse and Frank show us that the path of love can be fraught with dangers and the thorns of despair and miscommunication. This last observation fails to address Rachel Joyce’s sharp sense of humor. She has a sly way of slipping in bits that can bring a smile, as when Kit becomes stuck in a window trying to keep the rain from blowing inside. When Maud, who has loved Frank for some years, realizes that Frank and Ilse are drawn to each other, she plots against her rival and thinks “there was no way a kraut in a coat was going to cock it up.” Given these amusements, you may be thinking: So why the tears? Well, I wish I could say allergies or a gnat in the eye were the culprits, but the ending of The Music Shop just hit me like a wave. It’s an ending about love — not just romantic love, but about the love of friends for one another. It’s also, as I said above, about mistakes and good intentions gone horribly awry, and second chances in life. It’s a story about hope. My tears surprised me — I am not given to crying over books — but hope and second chances have been much on my mind lately. Put the tears down to that. Or to a beautiful book. (Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. minick0301@gmail.com)

New Creatures of Light book Emily B. Martin will present the latest installment in her Creatures of Light series at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The third and final book, Creatures of Light, is a novel filled with adventure, betrayal, and a queen’s lifelong struggle to love and trust herself. Park ranger by summer, stay-at-home mom the rest of the year, Martin is also a freelance artist and illustrator. An avid hiker and explorer, her experiences as a ranger helped inform the character of Mae and the world of Woodwalker. When not patrolling places like Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Philmont Scout Ranch, she lives in South Carolina with her husband, Will, and two daughters, Lucy and Amelia. To reserve copies of any of her books, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Merrilee Bordeaux poetry reading Franklin native and resident Merrilee Bordeaux will read from her collection A Song of Life and Other Poems at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Her collection focuses on fond memories and family. A retired middle school teacher of language arts and social studies, she gains her inspiration from the beauty of God’s Western North Carolina mountain area. To reserve copies of A Song of Life and Other Poems, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Rally ‘Round the River Conference aims to unite Macon around watershed conservation

Clean water makes the Little Tennessee River popular for fly fishing. Hannah Furguiele photo BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER wenty-five years ago, a group of residents, conservationists and agency officials met in Macon County to talk about water. At the time, the Little Tennessee River had no conserved land along its banks, and there was no nonprofit organization around dedicated to protecting it — but the gathering sparked a change. “That conference was really the catalyst for the formation of the Little Tennessee Watershed Association and then later the Nikwasi Land Trust, (both of ) which became the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee,” said Jason Love, site manager for the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in Macon County.

RECAPTURING THE SPIRIT A reboot of the 1993 conference planned for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16, will aim to unite the community once again around the cause of clean water. Rain, Rivers, Fish and Faucets will feature a variety of speakers and panels on topics ranging from aquatic diversity to runoff prevention to water-based recreation. The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee, renamed Mainspring Conservation Trust in 2016, has since become a driving force in efforts to conserve land in Western North Carolina, especially in Macon County. Since its founding in 1997, the organization has conserved more than 25,000 acres and connected thousands of youth to nature in North Carolina’s six westernmost counties and northern Rabun County, Georgia. And in terms of the Little Tennessee River itself, conservation has seen a massive boost since 1993 — 25 years ago there was no public land along the river, but now the Little Tennessee boasts 35 miles of conserved

streambank. “This conference is taking the spirit of that first conference and looking to see where we’ve come and what are some new challenges and what are some new opportunities, and what do we still need to do to help conserve this watershed,” said Love. The event is organized by Forward Franklin — a grassroots group that describes itself as promoting social justice and progressive values through education, advocacy and public education — in collaboration with Mainspring and the Coweeta. The conference itself is nonpartisan and aimed at getting as many diverse groups of people as possible together to talk about water. Susan Ervin, chair of Forward Franklin’s environmental committee, said the group has been planning since August 2017, working to gather a deep bench of experts to explore the many waterrelated issues facing Macon County. “What I’m most excited about is seeing who comes,” said Ervin. “We’re really hoping to get a wide spectrum of people to come out and talk to each other.”

GOOD CHANGES, NEW CHALLENGES Since 1993, water quality has made some gains in Macon County. There’s the surge in conserved streambank, and a growth in awareness about the importance of clean water and personal practices to prevent pollution. Regulations have also played a role, especially going back beyond 1993 to 1972, when the Clean Water Act was adopted. “We’re going to have a local citizen that grew up here in Macon County describing what was going on in the rivers and streams prior to the Clean Water Act, which I think anybody would be appalled,” said Jason Meador, aquatic programs manager for

Mainspring. “It was through smart regulation that the government put a stop to dumping anything and everything down into the rivers.” That “local citizen” will be Bill Crawford, a Macon County oral historian, who at 9:30 a.m. will give the first presentation following the initial welcome message. Bill McLarney of Mainspring and Bob Gale of MountainTrue will join him in the talk, titled “Staying True Through Waves of Change.” The day will also include a presentation on the unique diversity of life in the Little Tennessee watershed — “it is arguably the most biodiverse river in the Blue Ridge in terms of its aquatic diversity,” said Love — as well as a discussion about how climate change could affect the watershed going forward. “The species composition of the forest is changing slightly, and we see species like oaks and hickory becoming less numerous and species like red maple and tulip-poplar are becoming more common,” said Love. There are a number of hypotheses as to what is spurring that shift, but a result could be overall lower stream flows — red maple and tulip-poplar are generally thirstier species than oaks and hickories. “We get anecdotal reports from landowners saying, ‘When I was younger I remember this creek was a lot higher. I remember swimming in this creek,’” said Love. “There could be a lot of things that affect that, but some of that is true. We have seen in our data that stream flow has gotten slightly lower.” When it comes to the state of things in the Little Tennessee, there are still a lot of questions. Though it’s monitored and studied quite a lot, the underwater world still retains its share of mystery, and scientists don’t always have the answers. “One of the things that’s a little scary is 25 years ago the Little Tennessee River was a

Rally around water The Rain, Rivers, Fish and Faucets Forum will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Drake Education Center in Franklin. It’s free and open to all, with folks welcome to stay all day or just dip in for a presentation or two. 9 a.m. Welcome by Lauren Hickman of Forward Franklin; introduction by Sharon Taylor of Mainspring Conservation Trust. 9:30 a.m. “Staying True through Waves of Change: A Macon County/Little Tennessee Watershed History and Approaches to Preserving our Watershed” with Bill Crawford, Macon County oral historian; Dr. Bill McLarney of Mainspring and Bob Gale of Mountain True. 10:20 a.m. “The Unique Diversity of Life in the Little Tennessee Watershed” with Dr. Bill McLarney and Jason Meador, both of Mainspring. 11 a.m. Presentation of Macon County Early College Shadow Biologist students. 11:10 a.m. “Chemistry of Small Streams in the Upper Little Tennessee Basin: A Complex Story of Biology, Geology, and Land Use” with Dr. Rhett Jackson and Dr. Jack Webster, both of Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory. Noon. Food trucks available for lunch. 12:45 p.m. “Charting a Future for Water-based Recreation in the Little Tennessee Watershed” with Brent Martin of Alarka Expeditions moderating a panel featuring Rob Gasbarro of Outdoor 76; Dr. Bill McLarney of Mainspring; Dr. Steve Morse of Western Carolina University; sportsman Warren Stiles of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Zach Tallent, a sportsman and WCU student. 1:45 p.m. “Our Mountain Climate and Environment: Impacts and Changes” with Chelcy Miniat of the U.S. Forest Service and Coweeta, and Bob Gale of MountainTrue. 2:15 p.m. “The Dirt on the Dam” with Ken Murphy of Mainspring moderating a panel featuring Andrea Leslie of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Dr. Jerry Miller of WCU and Bryan Tompkins of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 3 p.m. “Keep Your Banks from Running Off” with Doug Johnson of the Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District. 3:30 p.m. Adjourn, fill out questionnaires. Admission is free, but registration is requested at tinyurl.com/rainriver.

stronghold for a rare mussel, the Appalachian elktoe, and today that mussel can’t be found in the river. It’s thought to be extirpated from the river, and we don’t know why,” said Love. Mussels eat by filtering stream water, so they’re particularly sensitive to changes in water quality — it’s possible there’s something in the Little Tennessee that’s caused the species to decline, but that’s just speculation. Interestingly, Appalachian elktoes are still doing just fine in the nearby Tuckasegee River. Either way, there is still work left to do. Several streams around Franklin are still on the Environmental

Outdoors retailers open in Cherokee

A new outpost for Motion Makers Bicycles and Outdoor 76 is located at 17 Big Cove Road in Cherokee. Donated photo

the corner of Big Cove and Acquoni roads. Motion Makers Bicycle Shop and Outdoor 76, both successful businesses with stores in other Western North Carolina counties, have partnered to open this new location at the jumping-off point for a plethora of recreational opportunities. The shop sits at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the beginning of the popular Oconaluftee River Trail and is next door to the new Fire

adequate to hold and prevent erosion, so therefore you start losing chunks of your land and it starts washing off,” Meador explained. Looking back to 25 years ago, Ervin can still recall the positive energy that filled the room during the conference held then, and all the good that came from it. She hopes that June 16 will unite the community and

Kids wanting to earn their badge will have plenty of chances with a full slate of junior ranger programs offered this summer in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Aspiring rangers 5-12 can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for $2.50 at any park visitor center, and after completing the activities outlined there they’ll be able to get a bona fide Junior Ranger badge. n Learn about the history of the Smokies elk through show-and-tell activities during “Smoky Mountain Elk,” a 45-minute program about the connection and balance in nature that ensures survival for elk and the species living alongside them. Offered at 5:30 p.m. Sundays at the Palmer House in Cataloochee Valley, with a chance to stay late to watch the elk come into the fields. ADA accessible. n Help a ranger feed the pigs at the Mountain Farm Museum during a 30-minute program offered at 6:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday at the Davis Queen House near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. n Explore the Smokies by night during an easy one-hour hike of the Bradley Fork Trail at 8:45 p.m. Sundays. The trailhead is located at the end of Smokemont Campground’s D-Loop. Hikers should bring a flashlight and call 828.497.1904 up to four days in advance to reserve a spot. n Join a ranger for a walk through the Mountain Farm Museum to learn about a furry, four-legged weather forecaster during a onehour program offered at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays, starting from the Davis Queen House near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

n Learn how to use an identification key and clues to name some of the common trees in the park during a one-hour program offered at 2 p.m. Tuesdays, starting from the Oconaluftee River Trailhead adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. n Experience some of the incredible ways animals have adapted to survive during a 45minute program called “Gourmet Dining on Four Feet,” offered at 11 a.m. Wednesdays on the porch of Oconaluftee Visitor Center. ADA accessible. n Become a blacksmith and create an item to take home during a 30-minute program offered at 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. on Fridays at the Mountain Farm Museum near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Ages 10 to 12. n Learn a mix of historic games and modern takes on board games during “Batteries Not Included,” a 30-minute program offered at 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. Fridays at the Davis Queen House in the Mountain Farm Museum beside the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Each session features a different game and is open to all ages. ADA accessible. n Roll up your pants and wade through a mountain stream to look for mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies and other aquatic creatures during a two-hour program offered at 10 a.m. Saturdays in the Deep Creek Picnic Area. Close-toed shoes and clothing that can get wet recommended. n Learn how to use a map to venture into the wild with “How Do I Get There From Here,” a one-hour program offered at 1 p.m. Saturdays in the Oconaluftee Multipurpose Room adjacent to the visitor center. ADA accessible.

June 13-19, 2018

The brook trout is one of the most prized species for anglers in Western North Carolina, and it depends on clean, cold water to thrive. David Herasimtschuk/Freshwaters Illustrated

give Forward Franklin, Coweeta and Mainspring ideas for future programs and resources to help advance the cause of clean water. “It was good. It was very good,” Ervin said of 1993. “It was a very positive time, and we hope this one will be too. This isn’t seen as a doom and gloom event. The spirit is positive, as it was in 1993.”

Smoky Mountain News

Protection Agency’s list of impaired waterways, mostly due to fecal coliform concentrations and mercury found in fish tissue. Sedimentation remains a perennial issue as well. It’s a hard problem to fight, because dirt can find its way into a stream from almost anywhere, and soil in the water isn’t the type of dramatic impairment that typically rallies a community into swift action. “It’s not going to cause fish to go belly-up, but what it is, is they slowly lose their habitat,” said Meador. “Therefore, they’re gone. Over time you just have fewer and fewer fish in a stream. It’s almost the same analogy of a frog in the frying pan.” That’s why the conference will include a call to action, and practical steps — such as planting more trees and shrubs along their banks — that homeowners can take to better care for the streams flowing through their backyards. “If you clear your stream completely and maybe just have a manicured lawn and mow all the way up to your streambank, the root system in those grasses is not usually

Become a junior ranger

outdoors

Cherokee’s new outdoors retailers will host a grand opening celebration 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at their store on

Mountain Trail System, and near the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway and several legendary gravel biking routes. “Cherokee has slowly evolved into an outdoor gateway for the Smoky Mountains,” said Motion Makers owner Kent Cranford. “We are excited to offer bikes and gear for the adventures that are literally steps from our front door.” The store will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Monday, offering bikes, biking gear and specialty outdoors gear to cover all price points. “It’s hard to put into words how excited we are to be a part of such a comprehensive shop where enthusiasts can talk to experts about multiple outdoor activities, not to mention in Cherokee — a community that loves these mountains the same way we do,” said Rob Gasbarro, co-owner of Outdoor 76. The grand opening will include refreshments and beer from 7 Clans Brewing, barbeque, vendor giveaways and more. It will coincide with the Fire Mountain Inferno XC & Enduro Event on the Fire Mountain Trails June 16 and June 17. Updated information will be posted at www.facebook.com/ events/381101865727689.

outdoors

Hike Boogerman A hike along the Boogerman Trail Loop in the Cataloochee area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be a dream scene for tree-lovers, starting at 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 25. Chris Hoge of Wildland Trekking will lead this 8-mile hike to Caldwell Fork and Boogerman Trail, crossing two small rivulets among dog hobble and rosebay rhododendron to rich, mixed hardwoods of Eastern hemlock, tulip-poplar, pignut hickory and various oak trees. The hike is offered as part of the Great Smoky Mountains Association’s Hiking 101 program. $20 for GSMA members; $35 for nonmembers with one-year membership included. Proceeds benefit research, education and preservation efforts in the park. Register online at www.smokiesinformation.org/info/branch-out-programs or call 865.436.7318, ext. 349.

Hike Buck Spring

Smoky Mountain News

June 13-19, 2018

Explore a mountain getaway once owned by the Vanderbilt family during an easy 2.2mile hike to Buck Spring Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 10 a.m. Friday, June 15. Parkway rangers will lead the excursion, discussing what the place was like before it became public land. The hike will begin at the Buck Spring Gap Parking Overlook at milepost 407.7. Participants should bring water, good walking shoes and clothing for changeable weather. Hikes are offered every Friday morning from a different point on the Parkway. Free. 828.298.5330, ext. 304.

Mountain camellia. Donated photo

See the camellia in bloom A pair of opportunities to see the blooming mountain camellia, one of the most rare and beautiful Appalachian shrubs, will be offered next week in the Little Tennessee River Valley. n Alarka Expeditions will offer a trip 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 21, to include several stops in the valley where the shrub is found, finishing up at Alarka Institute in Cowee Valley for a tour of the shrub in a landscape setting, followed by a happy hour. Space is limited. $35 per person. Register at www.alarkaexpeditions.com/upcoming-

events. n Mainspring Conservation Trust will host its annual hike to see the flower 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 23, meeting at the Queen Branch property in Macon County and carpooling to various locations. Free. Register with Sharon Burdette at 828.524.2711 or sburdette@mainspringconserves.org. Jack Johnston, who will lead both trips, is a renowned expert on the mountain camellia, having propagated and studied the species for three decades.

Begin to bird An introductory bird-watching workshop will teach the basics of birding 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Balsam Community Center. The course will cover how to use binoculars, identify common birds, use a field guide and attract birds to your yard. Larry Thompson, who served as the National Audubon Society’s Southeast Regional Vice President for 20 years, will teach the course. He has taught nature courses and led bird watching, wildflower and photography trips for more than 30 years and resides in Balsam. $35; open to ages 10 and up. Register at 828.452.5414 or lvthompson@earthlink.net.

Blitz the biome Celebrate biodiversity by spending a day identifying as many species of plants and animals as you can during the Pink Beds BioBlitz, 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Cradle of Forestry in America. Participants will work alongside professional scientists and naturalists but don’t need to have any expertise to join in the fun. Using the app iNaturalist, participants will take photos and upload observations of every species found, creating a snapshot inventory of what’s living in the woods near the Cradle.

The day will feature a variety of activities, with segments devoted to counting caterpillars, reptiles and amphibians, bats and nocturnal insects. The full bioblitz will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is free for everyone participating in the 1 to 3 p.m. bioblitz walks, with regular admission fees applying to guests participating in the other activities. A full event schedule is online at www.cradleofforestry.com/event/pink-beds-bioblitz. The Cradle of Forestry is located along U.S. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, about 35 miles south of Waynesville. 828.877.3130.

Volunteers restore Smokies building The crew spent a week restoring the Palmer Barn. Camilla Cainan photo

DAD what he really wants...

GOLF! $100

outdoors

Key elements of the historic Palmer Barn in the Cataloochee area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are now restored, thanks to volunteer efforts from Ashevillebased building contractor Sean Perry and his crew. “Our restoration work is a gift to the Smokies, our community, and to those who had to leave their homes behind due to the creation of the park,” said Perry. “It felt amazing each day to drive the 2.5 miles from our campsite, along fields of elk, to our job site where all that mattered for a week’s time was completing this single project. Each day we’d look at the day’s accomplishments with true joy and inspiration.” Built in 1902, the three-story barn sits near the Palmer House, which is one of the most-visited locations in the Big Cataloochee area. Perry’s team renovated the large timber bridge leading to the barn, replaced a 26-foot-long section of a 6x6 sill beam on the back of the barn, replaced support posts and select siding and made other structural improvements. The project followed a 2017 endeavor in which Perry and his crew spent a week camping in Little Cataloochee to restore the 19thcentury Cook Cabin. Friends of the Smokies supporters Rich and Leigh Pettus then stepped forward with a donation to purchase renovation materials for the Palmer Barn. Perry, whose company is called The

This year, get

3 rounds for

Hands of Sean Perry, partnered with the park and Friends of the Smokies on the project. Friends of the Smokies is an official nonprofit partner of the park and has raised

more than $60 million to support critical park programs and maintenance projects. A video highlighting the restoration work is online at https://bit.ly/2sJef0y.

176 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE

828-452-4617 *Limit two purchased per person. Rounds must be played by August 31. Valid for residents of Haywood and surrounding counties only.

Step into the lives of yesterday’s farming women

Volunteer Norma Idom telling visitors about canning. Donated photo

The Smokies Service Days program will return with a slate of Saturday service opportunities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a June 16 campground cleanup at Smokemont Campground near Cherokee. Volunteer projects begin at 9 a.m. and run through noon, with each project followed by an optional enrichment adventure to immerse participants in the park’s abundant natural and cultural resources. Tasks are available appropriate to a wide range of ages. Other scheduled service days include gardening at Oconaluftee near Cherokee June 30, picnic area and campground cleanup at Deep Creek near Bryson City July 7 and campground cleanup at Cosby in Tennessee July 21. Park staff will provide tools and safety gear, with participants asked to wear closed-toed shoes and bring a lunch if planning to stay for the enrichment activity. Sign up with Logan Boldon at 865.436.1278 or logan_boldon@partner.nps.gov. Space limited in some cases.

Volunteers work to clean up a campground. NPS photo

Haywood Heating and Air Conditioning is looking for a hardworking, dedicated technician to join our team. Candidates will be expected to travel to homes and businesses on a daily basis as scheduled to troubleshoot customers problems and repair with little to no supervision. Please stop in to ﬁll out application or email resume to haywoodheating@bellsouth.net. —————————

Smoky Mountain News

Serve the Smokies

NOW HIRING

June 13-19, 2018

The annual Women’s Work Event will return to the Mountain Farm Museum in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Demonstrations among the museum’s historic buildings will include hearth cooking, soap-making, cornshuck crafts and the use of plants for home remedies, with exhibits of artifacts and historic photographs giving a glimpse into the many and varied roles of rural women in the late 19th and early 20th century. Simultaneously, a music jam session will be held on the porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located next to the Mountain Farm Museum, from 1 to 3 p.m. Jam sessions are held the first and third Saturday of each month. Free. The museum is located on U.S. 441 adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 2 miles north of Cherokee. 828.497.1904.

Haywood Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. 1275 Asheville Rd. Waynesville 45

outdoors

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation announces fundraising goals The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway will get new exhibits if the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is successful in raising $1.5 million toward its next round of Parkway improvement projects. The current exhibits are timeworn and feature outdated information — the new exhibits

June 13-19, 2018

are planned as stations and displays to impart information about the surrounding mountains, the role of conservation in maintaining their pristine beauty, Cherokee history and culture, biodiversity in the high elevations and the impact of invasive pests such as the balsam wooly adelgid. The project is expected to cost $38,000. The list of planned projects includes many

other initiatives further north on the parkway as well as several projects that will affect the Parkway’s entire length. n The annually updated Outdoor Activity Guide features trail maps, safety information, bear encounter guidance and more. Donor support of $11,500 will print 100,000 copies of the 24-page newspaper, to be available for free at all Parkway visitor centers. n Citizen scientists will receive the tools they need to collect native wildflower seeds and survey populations of bees, butterflies and other pollinators that help keep the ecosystem healthy through $8,200 for the Bee Kind to the Parkway program. The seeds will be used to re-establish wildflower display areas originally designed in the Parkway landscape, bolstering pollinator habitats. n Law enforcement equipment to increase the team’s capacity to protect plants and animals from poachers will multiply the force’s effectiveness. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is offering a grant for this program in addition to the $2,300 the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation aims to raise. n This summer, volunteers will place motion-sensitive cameras in remote areas of the Parkway to find out what types of animals have passed by. Raising $5,500 will provide additional cameras so that park biologists can cover more territory in a multiyear study of animal populations and their locations on Parkway land. Contribute to the fundraising effort at www.brpfoundation.org/donate.

{Celebrating the Southern Appalachians}

Ted Carr (right), past president and board chair of Bethel Rural Community Organization, inducts Bill Holbrook into the 2018 Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame. Donated photo

Bethel farmer added to Ag Hall of Fame Haywood County farmer Bill Holbrook has been inducted into the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame for his tireless efforts as a community organizer and advocate for farmers in WNC, dedicating his career to preserve the rural way of life in the mountains. Holbrook owns Cold Mountain Farms in Bethel and is part of six generations who have farmed in Haywood County. A fulltime farmer since 1993, Holbrook was born and raised in Buncombe County and moved to Haywood in 1973 after taking a job with Waynesville’s Dayco Corporation in 1968. Since becoming a fulltime farmer, he has worked diligently to promote agriculture locally and statewide. Holbrook is one of

the founding members of the Bethel Rural Community Organization and has served on the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund and the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. His awards and accolades include designation as a River Friendly Farm by the Tri-County River Friendly Farmer Program, designation as a North Carolina Century Farm for 100 years of continuous agricultural heritage and numerous awards from the Haywood County Farm Bureau and Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation District. His was the first Good Agricultural Practicescertified farm in the county.

From battlefield to breaking ground

Smoky Mountain News

A new program will allow military veterans to obtain loans to pursue careers as farmers and ranchers. This partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas A&M’s AgriLife Extension Service makes it easier for veterans to meet federal requirements to get FSA direct farm ownership loans. The pilot program will include 15 to 18 veterans and roll out in three phases over 12 to 18 months, including an introductory workshop, business planning curriculum and production curriculum. The application period is June 15 to July 20, with application materials online at xagrability.tamu.edu/farm-ranch.

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Disaster aid available for livestock farmers The application period is now open for farmers seeking disaster assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program assists agricultural producers who lost livestock, honeybees, farmraised fish or other stock due to natural disaster. The Farm Service Agency is accepting new applications for calendar years 2017 and 2018 under the Livestock Indemnity Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program. Producers who already submitted

applications and received decisions for these years do not need to file again but can reapply if they have additional losses, or if the application was disapproved because it was filed too late. The 2018 federal budget included several changes to these disaster programs, including removing the ELAP’s $20 funding cap so FSA can pay applications as soon as they are approved, removing the per-person limitation of $125,000 and allowing producers to receive payment for injured livestock sold for a reduced priced due to an eligible event. Producers should contact their local FSA office to apply.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Lake Junaluska’s nine-week Summer Activities Program begin on June 4 with a schedule of activities including bonfires, movie nights, nature walks, boat tours and various music events. For a full schedule: www.lakejunaluska.com/summeractivities. • The inaugural Sylva Community Yard Sale that will be held from 8 a.m.-noon on June 30 at the gravel lot beside Bridge Park in Sylva. Vendor spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from 7:30-8 a.m. No sign-ups. www.TownofSylva.org. 586.2719.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Registration is underway for a pair of workshops on Six Sigma and “Lean” Improvement principles that will be offered June 15 and July 13 by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment. Six Sigma workshop is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 15; “Lean” Improvement Principles workshop is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, July 13. Early registration is $249; cost goes up to $279 after June 1. For info or to register: pdp.wcu.edu. • Motion Makers Bicycle Shop will have a grand opening on June 16 for its new location at Big Cove Road in Cherokee. Refreshments and beer from 7 Clans Brewing, BBQ, vendor giveaways and more. https://tinyurl.com/ycqva5xv. www.motionmakers.com. • A Wilderness First Responder course will be offered June 30-July 8 by Landmark Learning in Cullowhee. Register: www.landmarklearning.edu. • A Forklift Operator Certification class will be offered from June 26-27 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Cost: $75. Info or to register: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Last Call, act now, Asheville Tourist tickets are for sale as a fundraiser for Clyde Elementary until June 18. Tickets are good for most games with the exception of July 4 & Thursday night games. These tickets don’t have a set date and are good through August. Tickets cost $7.50 which is 50 cents below gate prices. The school earns $3.50 from each ticket sold. Unlimited tickets are available. Contact the school at 627.2206 or email ptaclydeelementary@gmail.com to purchase tickets. • The Maggie Valley Lions Club will have a barn sale from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, Maggie Valley United Methodist Church’s Barn. For drop offs: 926.8036 or 734.1294. Info: 400.6294 or kkelley7278@gmail.com. • The Cruso Friendship Club will host a chicken dinner from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, at the Cruso Community Center. Fundraiser for $1,000 scholarships given annually to qualifying seniors at Pisgah High School. $9 per plate. Children under six eat free. Tickets at the door. Info: www.crusonc.com or 919.949.0943. • Tickets are on sale for “Starstruck,” a benefit for the Highlands Playhouse, scheduled for July 1 at the Highlands Country Club. Multi-course plated dinner and drinks, live auction and live theatrical vignettes from the casts of “Guys and Dolls” and “Damn Yankees.” Tickets: $200. Purchase tickets: 526.2695, HighlandsPlayhouse.org or Playhouse Box Office. • Registration is underway for the Haywood Healthcare Foundation’s annual Golf & Gala event, which is scheduled for June 27-28 at Maggie Valley Club. Benefits “Base Camp on the Go” for Haywood County children. $150 for both events or $75 for gala only. HaywoodHealthcareFoundation.org or 452.8343.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. • Haywood County Arts Council is matching, dollar for dollar (up to $10,000) it receives through June 30. Donations enhance art education, local artists and innovation in art. To donate: www.haywoodarts.org or visit the gallery at 86 North Main Street in downtown Waynesville.

Smoky Mountain News

p.m. on Saturday, June 23, at Waynesville Yoga Center. Experience ways to calm your mind, enjoy enhanced creativity and reduce stress. $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com. • Registration is underway for adult beginner tennis classes, which will be offered from 6-7 p.m. on July 12Aug. 9 through the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. $60 for five sessions. 703.966.7138 or kakareka@me.com.

SPIRITUAL VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS • Haywood Habitat for Humanity will hold its annual meeting at noon on Wednesday, June 20, at First United Methodist Church-Waynesville. 452.7960 or www.haywoodhabitat.org. • The Town of Canton is accepting submissions for its 112th Labor Day Festival – “A Celebration of All Things Made in Western North Carolina.” Deadline for all arts and crafts is 4 p.m. on Aug. 21. Before applying: call 648.2363, email photos to lstinnett@cantonnc.com or mail to: Town of Canton, Attn: Canton Labor Day; 58 Park Street; Canton, NC 28716. Event runs Sept. 2-3 in downtown Canton. Cantonlaborday.com.

HEALTH MATTERS • Diabetes classes will be offered from 1-3 p.m. on Mondays from through July 16 at the Canton Senior Center. Register: 648.8173. • The International Essential Tremor Foundation support group meets at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at the Jackson County Senior Center, Room 135. 736.3165 or teddyk1942@gmail.com. • Haywood County will celebrate the 31st annual “National Cancer Survivors Day” at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, at the Laurel Ridge Country Club Pavilion. Food, music, survivor crafts and butterfly release. • A presentation and demonstration of “Emotions Using Ikebana” will be offered by Susan Cano at 10 a.m. on June 26 at the Folk Art Center in Asheville. Info: 674.9239, komon_cano12@yahoo.com or www.ikebanaasheville.org. • “Glorious Greens” will be offered from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, at Waynesville Yoga Center. $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com. • Registration is underway for a “Story Based Medicine Course 1: Making Your Own Medicinal Syrups,” scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 7, through the Alarka Institute. Led by Katie Ballard. Cost: $65. Register: www.paypal.me/cedartree. Info: alarkaexpeditions@gmail.com, 371.0347 or alarkaexpeditions.com. • Registration is underway for a “Story Based Medicine Course II: Hydrosol Distillation,” scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 7, through the Alarka Institute. Led by Katie Ballard. Cost: $65. Register: www.paypal.me/cedartree. Info: alarkaexpeditions@gmail.com, 371.0347 or alarkaexpeditions.com.

• “Summon Your Muse” will be offered from 2-3:30

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

• The Summer Worship Series at Lake Junaluska continues on Sunday, June 17, with Rev. Dr. Clarence Newsome, who will be guest preacher. Newsome is the former president of the National Underground Railround Freedom Center in Cincinnati. www.lakejunaluska.com/events/worship/summer_worship.

read from her collection A Song of Life and Other Poems at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of A Song of Life and Other Poems, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

• The Summer Worship Series at Lake Junaluska continues at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 24, with Bishop Paul Leeland as guest speaker. Leeland is resident bishop of the United Methodist Church’s Western North Carolina Conference. www.lakejunaluska.com/events/worship/summer_worship.

• Registration started June 11 for the annual Summer Learning Program offered through the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Features prizes, story times, movies, STEAM programming, arts and crafts and more. 586.2016.

• Registration is underway for Music & Worship Arts Week, which is June 24-29 at Lake Junaluska. Highlighting arts, worship, education and renewal; designed for worship leaders of all ages. Theme: Encounter Jesus. www.lakejunaluska.com/events/worship/mwaw, 800.222.4930 or communications@lakejunaluska.com. • Registration is underway for the Native American Summer Conference, which is June 29-July 1. Theme: Keeping Ancestral Dreams Alive and Preserving Identity. Spiritual walk, opportunity to learn about substance abuse, historical trauma and health issues. Talent show and ice cream social. https://tinyurl.com/ycfzulhz, 800.222.4930 or communications@lakejunaluska.com. • The Summer Worship Series at Lake Junaluska continues on Sunday, July 1, with Dr. Tracy Radosevic as guest speaker. Leeland is resident bishop of the United Methodist Church’s Western North Carolina Conference. www.lakejunaluska.com/events/worship/summer_worship.

POLITICAL • Haywood County Democrats will hold a “Let’s Get This Party Started” at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at Maggie Valley Inn. Fish Fry. $20. www.haywooddemocrats.us. • The Jackson County Democratic Party will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at party headquarters at 500 Mill Street in Sylva. • Jackson Republicans meet Monday, June 25, tour new office at 91 Main St, Sylva across from Jackson Paper at 4pm, then dinner/meeting at Ryan’s Restaurant Sylva 5:30/6:30pm. Opening new office Monday, July 2. Details, call Ralph Slaughter 743-3977. • Haywood County NAACP is hosting a picnic from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, at American Legion in Waynesville. Food, music and games.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • The High Mountain Squares will host their “Beach Party” from 6:15-8:45 p.m. on Friday, June 15, at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building in Franklin. Western-style square dancing, mainstream and levels. Info: 342.1560, 332.0001, 706.746.5426 or www.highmountainsquares.com.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Emily B. Martin will present the latest installment in her Creatures of Light series at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of any of her books, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499. • Franklin native and resident Merrilee Bordeaux will

KIDS & FAMILIES

• The Cradle of Forestry in America will host a Junior Forester program for ages 8-12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 1 in Pisgah Forest. Topic for June 20 is “Travel and camp on durable surfaces.” Topic for June 27 is “Dispose of waste properly.” $5 per youth and $3 per adult per program. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com. • The Cradle of Forestry in America will host “Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club” from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays through June 14 -Aug. 2 in Pisgah Forest. Topic for June 14 is “We Speak for the Trees,” and for June 20-21, it’s “Busy Bees.” Topic for June 27-28 is “Growing up Amphibians.” $5 per youth and $3 per adult per program. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com. • Applications are being accepted for young entrepreneurs interested in sharing handmade products at the Many Cultures Day on Saturday, July 21, through Folkmoot. Deadline is Friday, June 15. Guidelines and applications: folkmoot.org/young-entrepreneurs. Info: 452.2997 or vendors@folkmoot.org. • A “Nature Nuts: Raising Trout” program will be offered to ages 4-7 from 9-11 a.m. on June 16 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Register: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8. • A one-day freestyle clinic on the water will give youth a chance to learn paddling from a pro on Saturday, June 16, at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Led by three-time World Cup Champion and head coach of the Australian Freestyle Team, Jez Jezz. Open to kids under 17. $99. Register: www.noc.com/events/paddle-with-the-prosjez-jezz. Info: 785.5030. • An “Eco Explorers: Stream Investigation” program will be offered to ages 8-13 on June 16 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Register: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8. • Registration is underway for a Woodworking program through the Macon County 4-H running from 9 a.m.noon on July 17, 24 and 31 (for ages 10-14) in Franklin. Cost: $25. Preregister in person or by mail. Info: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu. • “Bring Your Dad to Yoga” will be offered from 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, at Waynesville Yoga Center. $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com. • Registration is underway for a “Live Your Legacy

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Leadership Summit for Girls” that will be offered to rising 10th graders through college freshmen from June 17-23 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Prepare for college, career, relationships and living a healthy and successful life. Registration info: camps.wcu.edu. Summit info: http://ibmee.org/live-your-legacy-camp. • “Down on the Farm” – a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 1 p.m. on Sundays from June 17-Aug. 5 at the Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. • “Feeding the Pigs”– a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays from June 17Aug. 9 at the Davis Queen House, Mountain Farm Museum. • “Smokemont Night Hike” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 8:45 p.m. on Sundays from June 17-Aug. 5 at the Bradley Fork Trail in the Smokemont Campground, end of D-Loop. Make reservations at least four days in advance: 497.1904.

June 13-19, 2018

• “Gourmet Dining on Four Feet” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays from June 20Aug. 8 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch near Cullowhee. • “The Oconaluftee Compass Challenge” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays from June 20-Aug. 8 (except July 25) at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch near Cullowhee. • “Adz, Froe and a Fine Tree” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays from June 21-Aug. 9 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch near Cullowhee. • “Blacksmithing” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 10 a.m. on Fridays from June 21-Aug. 10 at the Mountain Farm Museum.

• “Hike: When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” – a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 3 p.m. on Mondays from June 18-Aug. 6 starting at the Mingus Mill Parking Area.

• “Smokemont Evening Campfire Program” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday from June 21-Aug. 11 at the Smokemont Campground between C & D loops.

• “Feeding the Pigs” – a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays from June 18-Aug. 6 at the Davis Queen House, Mountain Farm Museum. • A hike of Andrews Bald - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays from June 19-Aug. 7 starting at the Forney Ridge Trailhead at Clingmans Dome. • “Go Out On A Limb, Branch Out”- a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays from June 19-Aug. 7 at the Oconlauftee River Trailhead adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. • “Smoky Mountain Elk”– a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays from June 17-Aug. 5 and Saturdays, June 23, July 7 & 21, Aug. 11-18 and Sept. 8 & 22 at the Palmer House in Cataloochee Valley. • “A Week in the Water” will be offered to ages 10-15 from 9 a.m.-noon on June 18-22 and June 25-29 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Register: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

Smoky Mountain News

• Registration is underway for Backstage at Highlands Playhouse for ages 9-up through the Macon County 4H. Program is set for 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 20. Cost: $3. Preregister in person or by mail. Info: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu.

• “The Four-Legged Weather Forecaster”– a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays from June 18Aug. 6 at the Davis Queen House, Mountain Farm Museum.

• “Feeding the Pigs” – a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays from June 18-Aug. 6 at the Davis Queen House, Mountain Farm Museum.

• The Highlands Biological Foundation will hold a “Going Batty” program at 8 p.m. on June 19 at the Highlands Nature Center. Cost: $2. 526.2221 or www.highlandsbiological.org.

• Registration is underway for “Beginning Sewing: Sew a Pillowcase” through the Macon County 4-H from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 21-22 at the Cooperative Extension meeting room in Franklin. For ages 8-18. Cost: $8. Preregister in person or by mail. Info: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu. • “Batteries Not Included” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 10 a.m. on Fridays from June 21-Aug. 10 at the Davis Queen House, Mountain Farm Museum. • “Smokemont Evening Campfire Program” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 7 p.m. on Fridays from June 21-Aug. 10 at the Smokemont Campground between C & D loops. • “Stream Splashers” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 10 a.m. on Saturdays from June 22-Aug. 11 at the Deep Creek Picnic Area. • “A Great Rangering Skill” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays from June 22-Aug. 11 at the Maple Tree at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. • “How Do I Get There from Here?” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 1 p.m. on Saturdays from June 22-Aug. 11

Puzzles can be found on page 54. These are only the answers.

at the Oconaluftee Multipurpose Room adjacent to the Visitor Center near Cherokee. • “Flat Creek Ramble” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 2 p.m. on Saturdays from June 22-Aug. 11 at the Flat Creek Trailhead at the Balsam Mountain Picnic Area. • The Highlands Biological Foundation will hold a “Nocturnal Nature” program at 9 p.m. on June 26 at the Highlands Nature Center. Cost: $2. 526.2221 or www.highlandsbiological.org. • Registration is underway for a 4-H Chess Tournament that will be held from 1-4 p.m. on July 2 at the Macon County Cooperative Extension Office in Franklin. For ages 5-18. Cost: $3. Preregister in person or by mail. Info: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu. • Camp Folkmoot – “Hands Around the World” is open to dancers of all abilities, ages 10-17, and is scheduled for July 20 at the Folkmoot Friendship Center at Sam Love Queen Auditorium. Learn basic movements and concepts, gain appreciation for differences and similarities between cultures, create “Make-and-take” cultural crafts, participate in short performance with groups. $30 per camper: Info: elizabeth@foolkmoot.org. Register: Folkmoot.org or 452.2997.

SUMMER CAMPS • Registration is underway for an “Art and Creativity” camp that will be held for grades 6-8 from June 25-29 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. https://tinyurl.com/yan722ym. • Registration is underway for a “Basketball Shooting and Dribbling Camp” that will be offered from July 1619 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Led by Kevin Cantwell, former head coach at Appalachian State and associate head coach at Georgia Tech. $150 per person. 456.2030 or academy7@live.com. • The Summer Youth Filmmaking Experience, a twoweek intensive summer course for teenagers, will be offered in three different rotations this summer. Start dates are June 18, July 16 and Aug. 6. Cost: $495. Students will direct, shoot and edit a 5-7 minute script of their choosing. www.ashevilleschooloffilm.com. • Registration is underway for a summer youth event at Lake Junaluska, geared toward grades 6-12, featuring Charlie Conder (speaker) and The Advice (worship band) as well as an outdoor movie, from June 24-27. Register: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth. • Registration is underway for Youth Tennis Camps that will be offered this summer through the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Juniors tennis camp is from 3-5 p.m. on July 16-20; Teen camps (ages 14-18) are from 3-5 p.m. on June 19-24. Teacher is Rumi Kakareka, a certified teaching pro with 20-plus years of experience. Register: 703.966.7138 or rkakareka@me.com. • Registration is underway for Camp WILD – a day camp for students entering seventh or eighth grade –

from Aug. 6-9 with an overnight camping trip on Aug. 8. Presented by the Jackson County Soil & Water Conservation District. Registration deadline is July 1. $35 (scholarships available) To register: 586.5465 or janefitzgerald@jacksonnc.org. • Registration is underway for a summer youth event at Lake Junaluska, geared toward grades 6-12, featuring Celia Whitler (speaker) and Abbye West Pates (worship band), from July 20-23. Register: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth. • Registration is underway for an “Outdoor Skills” camp that will be offered to grades 6-8 from July 2327 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. https://tinyurl.com/yan722ym. • Registration is underway for a summer youth event at Lake Junaluska, geared toward grades 6-12, featuring Kevin Wright (speaker) and Abbye West Pates (worship band) – as well as a special performance from illusionist Matt Adams along with a talent show - from July 23-27. Register: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth. • Registration is underway for a summer youth event at Lake Junaluska, geared toward grades 6-12, featuring Juan Huertas (speaker) and Jimmy Atkins (worship band) – as well as a special performance from illusionist Matt Adams along with a talent show and Sunday morning worship in Stuart Auditorium - from July 27-31. Register: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth. • Registration is underway for a “Wildlife Management” camp that will be offered to grades 6-8 from Aug. 13-17 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. https://tinyurl.com/yan722ym.

KIDS FILMS • A recent children’s movie about an impetuous, courageous daughter of a Scottish King will be shown at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 15, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Info, including movie title: 524.3600. • “The Incredibles 2” will be showing at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. June 15, June 18-22, & June 25-28 and 1p.m., 4 p.m., & 7 p.m. June 16-17 & June 23-24, at The Strand on Main in Waynesville. Check website for tickets, 38main.com. • A recent children’s movie about a legendary superhero in a universe constructed by popular building blocks will be shown at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 25, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Info, including movie title: 524.3600. • A new children’s movie about a young aspiring musician’s journey to the Land of the Dead will be shown at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Info, including movie title: 524.3600. • “The Incredibles” will be shown at 7 p.m. on June 30 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • The 21st annual Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival will be held June 14-17 in downtown Franklin. Lastly, with few exceptions, the festival is free and open to the public. The Clan Dinner on Thursday night is the only ticketed event for the festival. www.tasteofscotlandfestival.org • The annual Women’s Work Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Mountain Farm Museum in Cherokee. During the event, you will learn about the vital role women played in creating and maintaining a mountain home. Walk the grounds of the mountain farm and watch demonstrations of open hearth cooking, spinning or sewing, corn shuck doll making, and more. Free and open to the public. www.greatsmokies.com. • Tickets are on sale now for Folkmoot: North Carolina’s International Folk Festival, which will be held from July 19-29. Schedule and tickets: www.folkmootusa.org or 452.2997. • The annual “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive About Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 22-23 in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville. With their studios open to the public, the self-guided driving tour highlights artisans who have built a livelihood with their creative talents. Media include pottery, bee’s wax lanterns and pillar candles, original paintings and drawings, fiber, quilts, photography, artisan cheeses and more. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS • The Martins will perform July 3 as part of the Independence Day celebrations at Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com. • The Lake Junaluska Singers will perform July 4 as part of the Independence Day celebrations at Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com. • Lake Junaluska will celebrate Independence Day with a parade (11 a.m.), barbecue picnic (noon-2 p.m.) and fireworks (approximately 9 p.m.) on July 4. www.lakejunaluska.com

FOOD & DRINK

• Songwriters in the Round is scheduled for June 28 at Balsam Mountain Inn. Featuring Dark Waters. Prixe Fixe menu is $32; show tickets are $20. Info: balsam.inn.events@gmail.com or purchase tickets at BalsamMountainInn.net.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Traditional African music with Master Kora player Sean Gaskell will take place on Thursday, June 14 at 4 p.m. & 7 p.m., at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. 488.3030 or visit www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity. • “The Underpants” will be on stage on Thursdays through Sundays from June 15-July 1 at HART in Waynesville. By Steve Martin. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets: $40 for adults; $38 for seniors

• Tickets are on sale now for “Lakeshore Goes Broadway” featuring the Lake Junaluska Singers at 6:30 p.m. on July 17-18 in the Harrell Center Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com/events/singers. • “An Evening with Danny Kaye” runs Thursday through Sunday, June 21-24, at the Highlands Playhouse. Performances at 8 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets: at the box office, HighlandsPlayhouse.org or 526.2462. • Overlook Theatre Company will present the hit Broadway musical retrospective “Leader of the Pack: The Musical Life of Ellie Greenwich” at 7:30 p.m. June 22-23 and 29-30 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $12 for students and $17 for adults. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 866.273.4615. • Angela Easterling and The Beguilers will perform from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, at Waynesville Library’s Autidorium. Americana. • Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley will perform “Bluegrass Meets Traditional Country” at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 1 at Cataloochee Ranch. 926.1401. Tickets: $45. Reservations required: 926.1401.

SUMMER MUSIC • The Concerts on the Creek will have The Robertson Boys (bluegrass) at 7 p.m. June 15 at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. Free and open to the public. There will also be food trucks onsite. 586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com. • The “Groovin’ on the Green” concert series at The Village Green in Cashiers will be hosting The Bo Spring Band at 6:30 p.m. on June 15. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com. • The Pickin’ on the Square summer concert series will feature Michael Reno Harrell (folk/storyteller) at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Gazebo in downtown Franklin. Food vendors will also be available. www.townoffranklinnc.com. • “An Appalachian Evening” will kickoff with legendary bluegrass act Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Stecoah Valley Center. Tickets for the Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper performance are $25, grades K-12 $10. Tickets are a pre-show dinner are also available for purchase. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com. • The Concerts on the Creek will have Tuxedo Junction (classic hits) at 7 p.m. June 22 at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. Free and open to the public. There will also be food trucks onsite. 586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Songwriters in the Round is scheduled for June 16 at Balsam Mountain Inn. Featuring Aaron Burdett Duo. Prixe Fixe menu is $32; show tickets are $20. Info: balsam.inn.events@gmail.com or purchase tickets at BalsamMountainInn.net.

• The Haywood Community Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, at the Maggie Valley Community Pavilion. Traditional and contemporary selections. Theme is “Classic Band Music with a Twist.” Love offering supports the band’s outreach programs.

June 13-19, 2018

• Balsam Range will perform on July 2 as part of the Independence Day celebrations at Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com.

• Acclaimed flutist Robert Dick will present a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Kern Center at Lake Junaluska. The June 16 performance is free and open to the public. He will be offering a workshop the following five days. For more information on the workshops, please contact Anna Thibeault at flutegoof@yahoo.com or 944.0786.

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A&E

and $25 for students. 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• The “Groovin’ on the Green” concert series at The Village Green in Cashiers will be hosting Porch 40 at 6:30 p.m. on June 22. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com. • The Pickin’ on the Square summer concert series will feature Tugalo Holler (bluegrass) at 7 p.m.

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Saturday, June 30, at the Gazebo in downtown Franklin. Food vendors will also be available. www.townoffranklinnc.com.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • Summerhouse Pottery, LLC, will offer pottery classes for all ages starting in June. Kids Art Camp meets for a week in either June, July or August. For info, visit www.facebook.com/oursummerhousepottery or write: amydapore@gmail.com. • “SING ALONGS” are scheduled for 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in June at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. campfirechoirwnc@gmail.com. • A recent survey of the area’s African American architectural resources will be presented by Sybil Argintar at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville. Part of the Town of Waynesville’s project. Info: 230.3773 or 452.2004. • “South Africa’s Fragile Economy” – part of the “Discuss the World! Great Decisions series – will be held from 5:15-6:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net. Questions: dem32415@aol.com. • The Haywood County Arts Council will host an “Artist Coffee & Chat” at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, at 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. Meet fellow artisans for a morning of camaraderie. RSVP by June 13: 452.0593. Info: info@haywoodarts.org or www.haywoodarts.org.

June 13-19, 2018

• The Haywood County Arts Council will offer a “Paint & Wine Art Class” with local artist Joan Doyle from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. RSVP by June 12: 452.0593. Info: info@haywoodarts.org or www.haywoodarts.org. • The Dillsboro Front Street Arts & Crafts Street is scheduled for June 16. More than 50 vendors offering pottery, glass, candles, jewelry and more. Entertainment by J. Creek Cloggers (11 a.m.), Maggie Valley Band (1 p.m.) and American Idol contestant Alma Russ (2 p.m.). Info: 506.8331 or brendaanders@frontier.com. • Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild will hold its regular evening meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 18, at Tartan Hall in Franklin. Indoor yard sale of quilting items and demonstration of installing zippers in handmade bags and carryalls by Karen Burney. Social time at 6:30 p.m. www.smokymtnquilters.org. • Remotely controlled World War II B-17 bombers used during atomic bomb tests is among the topics to be covered by Ronnie Evans at the Aviation Historical Society program at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at the Macon County Airport near Franklin. Info: aeroscribbler@gmail.com or 506.5869.

Smoky Mountain News

• A New Wire Art Jewelry class will be offered from 12:30-3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension at 876 Skyland Drive, Suite 6, in Sylva. $10. Register: 586.4009.

• “Adventures in Acrylic Art Classes” will be offered by the Haywood County Arts Council from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on June 19 and 26 at the HCAC Gallery in Waynesville. 452.0593. • Haywood County Encore Entrepreneurs will meet from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. Topic: Conversation about Social Media. Sign up: meetup.com or 356.2800. • Bingo will be held at 6:30 p.m. on June 21, July 5, July 19, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23 at the Pavilion next to Maggie Valley Town. Sponsored by the Maggie Valley Civic Association. Cash prizes; snacks available. • “Global Health: Progress and Challenges” – part of the “Discuss the World! Great Decisions series – will be held from 5:15-6:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net. Questions: dem32415@aol.com.

• The Maggie Valley Swap Meet/Tri-Five Reunion/Camaro & Firebird Show is scheduled for June 21-23 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. $5 daily admission for ages 13-up. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Info: 423.608.4519, rodneybuckner@att.net or www.maggievalleyswapmeet.com. • Registration is underway for a pine needle pin/pendant class that will be offered by Dogwood Crafters Co-op from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. Led by Joyce Lantz. $10. Register by June 14. 586.2248. • A program devoted to preserving, promoting and performing materials dealing with Appalachian heritage and culture, “The Liars Bench” will return at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 21, in Room 101 of the H. F. Robinson Administration Building at Western Carolina University. • The Highlands Village Square Art & Craft Show is scheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 23-24 and again on Aug. 25-26 at Kelsey-Hutchinson “Founders” Park on Pine Street in downtown Highlands. Fine art, folk art and regionally made crafts. 787.2021. • Registration is underway for a “Beginning Bladesmithing Class” that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 23-24 at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $300; materials included. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • An opening reception for artwork of Beth (glass) and Ken Bowser (painting) will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 22, at Gallery 1 Sylva. The art will be on display through Aug. 6. • Artist Kay Smith is featured in a solo exhibit throughout June at the Macon County Public Library. Themes of the exhibit include nautical and flowers. www.KaysFineArt.com. • The Haywood County Arts Council and local nonprofit REACH are co-sponsoring the latest exhibit “Freedom: An Artist’s Point of View.” The exhibit will run through June 30 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showcase in downtown Waynesville. 452.0593, email info@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org. • A new exhibit exploring the artistry, history and science behind the fragrance industry is open through Sept. 3 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville Lecture by Dr. Richard Stamelman on the mysterious allure behind fragrances and the plants dm will exhibit their best work at their graduate show through June 24 at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. It’s open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Info: 627.4673 or creativearts.haywood.edu. • The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center is pleased to announce the opening of its newest exhibition “Glass Catalyst: Littleton’s Legacy in Contemporary Sculpture,” which will run through Dec. 7. Littleton’s work and other glass artist will be on display. A key work in the exhibition will be a new acquisition to the Museum’s collection: a glass sculpture by Harvey Littleton entitled “Terracotta Arc.” This piece will be unveiled at a special opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14, at the Bardo Arts Center. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Thursdays until 7 p.m. For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu. • The Haywood County Arts Council is accepting applications for its “HCAC Artist Member Show” exhibit scheduled for July. Applications: director@haywoodarts.org or www.haywoodarts.org.

FILM & SCREEN • “Annihilation” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on June 14 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

• “Tomb Raider” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on June 15 and 7:30 p.m. June 16 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

ogy and deepen appreciation for the area’s mountain landscape. $100 for nonmembers; $75 for nonmembers. www.highlandsbiological.org/rock or 526.2221.

• “The Shape of Water” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on June 21 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Special shrimp menu offered that night through the weekend. Free Movie. 586.2016.

• The Highlands Biological Foundation will hold a “Rockin’ the Highlands Plateau” program at 5:30 p.m. on June 29 at the Highlands Biological Station. Cost: $75 for members; $100 for nonmembers. 526.2221 or www.highlandsbiological.org.

• “Forrest Gump” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on June 22 and 7p.m. June 23 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free movie and special shrimp menu items available for purchase. 586.2016. • “Sideways” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on June 28 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free movie & special wine dinner available for purchase. 586.2016.

• Registration is underway for a “Mountain Camellia (Stewartia ovata) Field Trip,” scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 30, through the Alarka Institute. Cost: $35. Led by Jack Johnston. Register: www.paypal.me/cedartree. Info: alarkaexpeditions@gmail.com, 371.0347 or alarkaexpeditions.com.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Outdoors • The Pink Beds BioBlitz, an opportunity to identify plant and animal species, is from 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Schedule: www.cradleofforestry.com/events/pink-beds-bioblitz or 877.3130. • Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual Women’s Work Event from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, at the Mountain Farm Museum at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. Park staff and volunteers will showcase mountain lifeways and customs women practiced to care for their families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 497.1904. • The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will continue its “Smokies Service Days” volunteer program on Saturdays, June 16 clean-up at Smokemont, June 30 gardening at Oconlauftee, July 7 clean-up at Deep Creek and July 21 clean-up at Crosby. Sign-up: 865.436.1278 or logan_boldon@partner.nps.gov. • A conference on the state of water in Macon County will be held from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, at the Drake Education Center in Franklin. Featuring a lineup of various programs and presenters. Info and registration: tinyurl.com/RainRiver. • “Rain, Rivers, Fish and Faucets” – a local conference on the state of water – is scheduled for 9 a.m.3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, at the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street in Franklin. Info: https://tinyurl.com/yatc5rzu. Register: http://tinyurl.com/RainRiver. • Coffee with a ranger is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sundays from June 17-Aug. 5 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center porch at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee. • A chance to see a rare Appalachian shrub in bloom is scheduled from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, in the Little Tennessee River Valley. Led by Jack Johnston. $35 per person. www.alarkaexpeditions.com/upcoming-events. • Registration is underway for a “Mountain Camellia (Stewartia ovata) Field Trip,” scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 21, through the Alarka Institute. Cost: $35. Led by Jack Johnston. Register: www.paypal.me/cedartree. Info: alarkaexpeditions@gmail.com, 371.0347 or alarkaexpeditions.com. • An introductory birdwatching workshop will teach the basics of birding from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, at the Balsam Community Center. Learn how to use binoculars, identify common birds, use a field guide and attract birds to your yard. $35. Open to ages 10up. Register: 452.5414 or lvthompson@earthlink.net. • Tickets are on sale now for “Rockin’ The Highlands Plateau” event that will be held on June 29-30 at the Highlands Biological Station. Expand knowledge of geol-

• Registration is underway for the Fire Mountain Inferno XC & Enduro Weekend, which is June 16-17 at Fire Mountain Trails in Cherokee. Open to all levels. Register through 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at www.gloryhoundevents.com. Preregistration is $60 for the endure race and $30 for the cross-country race or $85 for both.

FARM AND GARDEN • Passes are on sale now for ASAP’s 10th annual Farm Tour, which is June 23-24. Discover over 20 Appalachian Grown family farms through guided tours, demonstrations, tastings and hands-on activities. Each pass costs $30 in advance at asapconnections.org and admits one carload of visitors to all farms both days. On the weekend of the tour, passes cost $40 each. Info: 236.1282.

FARMERS MARKETS • “Locally Grown on the Green,” the Cashiers farm stand market for local growers, will be held from 3-6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers. info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or 743.3434. • The Swain County Farmer’s Market is held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday through October on Island Street in downtown Bryson City. 488.3681 or chamber@greatsmokies.com. • Jackson County Farmers Market runs from 9 to noon on Saturdays at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. • Waynesville Historic Farmers Market runs from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon at the HART Theater parking lot. waynesvillefarmersmarket.com • Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays through the end of October, on East Palmer Street across from Drake Software. 349.2049 or www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket. • The ‘Whee Farmers Market, Cullowhee runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October, at the University Inn on 563 North Country Club Drive in Cullowhee. 476.0334 or www.facebook.com/CullowheeFarmersMarket. • The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the end of October at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville. 456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net.

HIKING CLUBS • Blue Ridge Parkway rangers will lead an easy, 2.2mile hike at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 15, to and around the Buck Spring Lodge. Meet at Milepost 407.7 and park at the Buck Spring Gap Parking Overlook. 298.5330, ext. 304. • Haywood Waterways Association will hold a sevenmile, moderate-to-easy hike on June 16 along Sam’s Summit Loop Trail. $5 donation for nonmembers. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church. Info: www.hikethesouth.com/hike.aspx?id=49, Christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 476.4667.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads. ■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150. ■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2. If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type. ■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background. ■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold. ■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words. ■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’

20’x20’

160

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

SILVER COIN SALE Silver Eagle and Morgan Dollars! The Old Armory, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville, Sat., June 16th at 7:00a.m. HOOPER FAMILY REUNION For All Relations of Absalom & Clements Hooper. JULY 14th New Senior Activity Center on N. Main St., Just Below Entrance to Fair Grounds; Hiawassee, GA. Covered Dish at Noon, Bring Photos to Share. Any Questions Text Barbara 706.581.2081

AUCTION

AUCTION LARGE GUN COLLECTION And Finished Ammunition, Estate of the Late Patrick Hammond, Online Only, Begins Closing 6/25 at 6pm, ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

FIREARMS-AMMO AUCTION: Sporting, Hunting, Self-Defense: Handguns, Rifles & Shotguns. Classic Side-By-Sides, Excellent condition & New-In-Box. ONLINE ONLY AUCTION. Bidding ENDS JUNE 21st. Bid Online NOW at: www.HouseAuctionCompany.com, 252.729.1162, NCAL#7889

ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1.800.698.9217

LAURINBURG AUCTION Commercial Building, 2 Houses, 5 Lots, Farm Equipment, Tractors, Vehicles. Saturday, June 23, 11 AM. Salesite: 10761 X Way Road, Laurinburg, NC. Damon Shortt Auction Group, 877.669.4005. damonshorttproperties.com NCAL7358.

SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call for more information 800.807.7219 and for $750 Off.

FROG POND ESTATE SALES HELPING IN HARD TIMES

DOWNSIZING ESTATE SALES CLEAN OUT SERVICE • COMPANY TRANSFER • DIVORCE • LOST LOVED ONE

WE ARE KNOWN FOR HONESTY & INTEGRITY

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

828-734-3874 18 COMMERCE STREET WAYNESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28786 WWW.FROGLEVELDOWNSIZING.COM

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING ACORN STAIRLIFTS. The affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1.855.808.9573 for FREE DVD and brochure. BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. Easy, One Day Updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877.661.6587 SAPA GOT MOLDOr think you might have it? Mold can be hazardous to you and your family’s health! Get rid of it now! Call our experts and get a quote today! 844.766.3858 SAPA CALL EMPIRE TODAY To schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1.855.929.7756 DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, 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 HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

PAINTING JAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING Interior, exterior, all your pressure washing needs and more. Specialize in Removal of Carpenter Bees - Cedar or Log Homes or Painted or Siding! Call or Text Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727

WNC MarketPlace

CARS -

A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR For Breast Cancer! Help United Breast Foundation Education, Prevention, & Support Programs. Fast Free Pickup -24 Hr ResponseTax Deduction 855.701.6346 AUTO INSURANCE Starting At $49/ Month! Call for your fee rate comparison to see how much you can save! Call: 855.970.1224 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! Top Dollar Offer! Free Towing From Home, Office or Body Shop. All Makes/Models 2000-2016. Same Day Pick-Up Available! Call Now: 1.800.761.9396 PAYING TOO MUCH FOR Car Insurance? Not sure? Want better coverage? Call now for a free quote and learn more today! 888.203.1373 SAPA

www.smokymountainnews.com

June 13-19, 2018

FREE AUTO INSURANCE QUOTES. See how much you can save! High risk SR22 driver policies available! Call 855.970.1224

DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pick-up. Call Now for details. 855.972.0354 SAPA

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HAVE AN IDEA For an invention/new product? We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelp®, FREE INFO! 866.783.0557 SAPA NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you selfpublish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 844.660.6943 DISCOVER INTERNET INCOME Earn 5 Figures (+) Monthly Eliminate Traditional 9 to 5 Work Stress Opt-in To Learn More: get.webinnsite.com/wealth SAPA

KINGSLEY A FAIRLY LARGE TABBY FLUFF BALL WITH A VERY REGAL BEARING. HE'S ABOUT TWO YEARS OLD, CALM AND SWEET, AND LOVES HUMAN ATTENTION. HE'LL BE A GREAT FAMILY COMPANION KITTY.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A FAIRLY LARGE, FRIENDLY DOG TO JOIN YOUR ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, JONAS IS YOUR GUY. HE'S ONLY ABOUT A YEAR OLD, AND INCREDIBLY HANDSOME WITH HIS THICK COAT AND PALE GREEN EYES. HE CAN JUMP FENCES, SO LEASH & WATCHFUL EYE IS NEEDED. HE'S BEEN A ROCK STAR IN OUR PLAY GROUPS WITH OTHER DOGS.

EMPLOYMENT

BOOTS STEAKHOUSE In Dillsboro, NC is Now Hiring for Sous Chef and Server Positions. Recommended to Apply in person or Call 228.341.0284 for more information.

HIGHLANDS INN LODGE Has Immediate Openings, Day & Night Shifts for a Front Desk Associate, Housekeepers & Laundry Tenants. Come Join Our Team! Send Resume to: Sabrina@highlandsinnlodge.com or apply in person 96 Log Cabin Ln., Highlands, NC 28741

THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Is recruiting for two Income Maintenance Caseworkers, one in Family Medicaid and one in Food and Nutritional Services. These positions are responsible for intake, application processing and review functions in determining eligibility for Public Assistance Programs. Above average communication, computer and organizational skills are required. Work involves direct contact with the public. Applicants should have one year of Income Maintenance Casework experience. Applicants will also be considered who have an Associate’s Degree in human services, business or clerical related field, or graduation from high school and an equivalent combination of training and experience. The starting salary is $27,937.59 - $30,801.19, depending on education and experience. These positions are full-time with benefits, but are time-limited. To apply, submit a NC state application form (PD-107) to the Jackson County Department of Social Services 15 Griffin Street Sylva, NC 28779 or the NC Career Works Center.

AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING – Get FAA Technician certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.724.5403 SAPA

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD IN BRYSON CITY Is Hiring! We’re Hiring for First Class Server, Food & Beverage Runner, Parking Attendant, Property Maintenance Worker, Rear Brakeman, Reservationist, Retail Sales Associate & Ticket Agent. Earn train passes, retail and food discounts, passes to area attractions and more! Full Job Descriptions and Applications are Available at: www.gsmr.com/jobs If you would like to fill out an application in-person come to our Depot located at 226 Everett Street in Bryson City.

CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IS Recruiting a SOCIAL WORKER II. This position recruits, trains and licenses foster parents, provides support for foster/adoptive parents, provides adoption services and works with community groups. To a lesser degree, this position will also provide services to a small caseload of families where needs have been identified. The starting salary is $35,656.23 Depending on Education and Experience. Minimum qualifications include a Four Year Degree in a Human Service field. Preference will be given to applicants with a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and/or Experience providing Social Work services. Applicants should complete a NC State Application Form (PD-107) and Submit it to the Jackson County Department of Social Services, 15 Griffin Street, Sylva, NC 28779 or the NC Career Works Center. DRIVE WITH UBER. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1.800.655.7452 UNABLE TO WORK Due to injury or illness? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys! FREE Evaluation. Local Attorneys Nationwide 1.800.371.1734 [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots! Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578 SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your Mortgage? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL 844.359.4330

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Offering 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $420.00

We Are Offering 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting From $465.00

Section 8 Accepted - Rental Assistance When Available Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS:

Tuesday & Thursday 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. 50 Duckett Cove Road, Waynesville, NC 28786

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm 168E Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.456.6776 TDD# 1.800.725.2962

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.735.2962

Equal Housing Opportunity

Michelle McElroy

Climate Control

Storage Security: Management on site Interier & Exterior Cameras

Sizes from 5’x5’ to 10’x20’

RESIDENTIAL BROKER ASSOCIATE Climate Controlled

1106 Soco Road (Hwy 19), Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Call:

828-476-8999

MaggieValleySelfStorage.com torry@torry1.com

EMPLOYMENT

Torry Pinter, Sr. 828-734-6500

Find Us One mile past State Rd. 276 and Hwy-19 on the right side, across from Frankie’s Italian Restaurant

E-PRO, CNHS, RCC, SFR

828.400.9463 Cell michelle@beverly-hanks.com

74 North Main St. • Waynesville 828.452.5809

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

COMM. PROP. FOR RENT COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT On Russ Ave., Formally Used as a Real Estate Office. 1,852 sq. ft. $2,000/Mo., Private Parking Lot, High Traffic Count, City Water, Convenient To Maggie Valley & Waynesville. For more details please call Ron at 828.400.9029

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 for info 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112

VACATION RENTALS

828.734.2146 bparrott@beverly-hanks.com to see what others are saying!

Berkshire Hathaway - www.4Smokys.com Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Heritage

HAVE 10K IN DEBT? National Debt Relief is rated APlus with the BBB. You could be debt free in 24-48 months. Call 1.844.240.0122 now for a free debt evaluation.

• Carolyn Lauter - carolyn@bhgheritage.com

Beverly Hanks & Associates- beverly-hanks.com

FURNITURE

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778. HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price! 533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

ITEMS FOR SALE BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment. Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each. 828.593.8321 SILVER COIN SALE Silver Eagle and Morgan Dollars! The Old Armory, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville, Sat., June 16th at 7:00a.m.

WANTED TO BUY

FREON R12 WANTED: CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312.291.9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com

ABSOLUTE AUCTION

ESTATE SALE

Carolyn Lauter REALTOR/BROKER CELL

828.734.4822

Carolyn@BHGHeritage.com

1986 SOCO ROAD HIGHWAY 19 MAGGIE VALLEY, NC

828.558.0607 CarolynLauter.com

4/4.5-Views!

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com • Cindy Dubose - cdubose@mountaindream.com

$675,000

Call Rob Roland — 828-400-1923

rroland33@gmail.com • www.robrolandrealty.com

Sylva/Waynesville, NC 2 Bedroom Cabin • 2.27 +/- Ac. • Views - High Elevation Minutes to Harrahs Cherokee Casino • Furnished • Gated Community Screened-in Porch • Fireplace

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

RE/MAX Executive - remax-waynesvillenc.com • • • • • • • •

remax-maggievalleync.com Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com The Real Team - TheRealTeamNC.com Ron Breese - ronbreese.com Landen Stevenson- Landen@landenstevenson.com Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com Mary & Roger Hansen - mwhansen@charter.net Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net David Rogers - davidr@remax-waynesvillenc.com

smokymountainnews.com

Cell: 828.508.2002

jpowell@beverly-hanks.com

828.524.3500 • NCAL #8704 • Franklin, NC For Free Auction Package go to MArty KiMsey www.KimseyAuction.com Owner/Broker/GRI

‘kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

Chefs Kitchen

Jerry Powell

Call for Private Preview Appointment

Keller Williams Realty

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Thursday, June 21 · 11 a.m. · On Site

KIMSEY REALTY & AUCTION

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Border - sunburstrealty.com

Private

1244 Presidential Dr

Call 828.524.3500 for Preview Dates/times and Directions

Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com George Escaravage - gescar@beverly-hanks.com Billie Green - bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy- michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig - mobrig@beverly-hanks.com Steve Mauldin - smauldin@beverly-hanks.com Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com Brooke Parrott - bparrott@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com Karen Hollingsed- khollingsed@beverly-hanks.com Steve Mauldin- smauldin@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

Lakeshore Realty

MLS# 3389213

Estate of Late Damon B. Walker

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Views! Views!

sells regardless of Price - NO Minimum - NO reserve

Property Location: 911 East View Rd. Sylva, NC 28779

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

Visit beverly-hanks.com/agents/bparrott

June 13-19, 2018

BEACH VACATION SPECIAL Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. Mention ad to receive an extra $25 off all vacation rentals. Near Myrtle Beach/Wilmington. Golf, fishing. Family beach 800.622.3224 www.cookerealty.com

FED UP WITH CREDIT CARD DEBT? Consolidated Credit Can Help Reduce Interest Rates & Get you out of Debt Fast… Free Consultation. 24/7 Call Now: 855.977.7398 SAPA

BROOKE PARROTT BROKER ASSOCIATE WNC MarketPlace

LAND FOR SALE? Reach buyers across the state in over 100 newspapers for only $375. Call Wendi Ray at NC Press Services, 919.516.8009.

FINANCIAL

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company. SAPA

The Smoky Mountain Retreat at Eagles Nest 74 N. Main St.,Waynesville

828.452.5809

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

• Tom Johnson - tomsj7@gmail.com • Sherell Johnson - sherellwj@aol.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

CROSSWORD

www.smokymountainnews.com

June 13-19, 2018

WNC MarketPlace

Super

SWIMMINGLY GOOD ERA 74 Sit next to 76 Stage design ACROSS 77 Grows molars, e.g. 1 Good enough 79 Riddle, part 4 9 Biblical talking beast 82 Hold down 12 Chimed 86 Rural rest stop 16 Game show VIPs 87 Exotic berry in fruit 19 — acid (vitamin C) juices 20 At any place 88 Writer Deighton 22 Grain morsel 89 Giant in foil 23 Start of a riddle 90 See 3-Down 25 Joanne of “Abie’s 92 Nov. lead-in Irish Rose” 94 Very focused 26 Hide-hair connec96 End of the riddle tion 101 Tennis legend 27 Tooth in a machine Bjoern 28 Professional 102 Election analyst wrestler Flair Silver 29 Oater 103 Gods, to Livy 31 Furtive action 104 Use one’s lungs 35 Movie-archiving gp. 108 Under control 37 River in a Best 110 Soft & — Picture title 112 Classical introduc39 Shah’s land tion? 40 Riddle, part 2 114 Au — (roast beef 44 Tropical rodent option) 47 Former Russ. state 115 San Francisco’s — 48 Folk rocker DiFranco Valley 49 Exterior 116 Riddle’s answer 50 Bremen loc. 122 Taxing gp. 51 Intuit 123 Playwright McNally 53 Camera for a pro 124 Submarine 55 Tongs, e.g. 125 Cougar, e.g. 58 Riddle, part 3 126 Mgr.’s helper 62 Reference book’s 127 Salon colorer “Look here, too” 128 Admiration taken 63 — profit (lucrative- too far ly) 64 “Can — true?” DOWN 65 Leaning Tower’s city 1 Expendable chess69 Play for time men 70 Gym tops 2 Take — at (attempt) 72 Vents vocally 3 With 90-Across, 73 Atoll part frighten away

4 Drunk 5 Jackie’s hubby #2 6 Small ammo 7 Brittle-shelled Chinese fruit 8 Back talk? 9 Grain bristle 10 Actor Omar 11 Shipping rig 12 Match official 13 Declaration 14 Water nymph 15 Mardi — 16 Not extreme 17 Indy 500 entrant, e.g. 18 Eye-catchers 21 S’pose 24 “Bejabbers!” 30 Keep busy 32 Clerk on “The Simpsons” 33 Drop 34 Judges, e.g. 36 “The Day of the Jackal” novelist Frederick 38 Orville and Wilbur of aviation 41 Main port of Norway 42 Give an alert 43 Luxurious 44 Tennis legend Andre 45 Civets’ cousins 46 Long trial 52 Broody music genre 54 Intermediary 56 BBQ piece 57 Flexible card 59 Fit as a fiddle 60 Vicious 61 Clever 65 Bikeway, say 66 Fill one’s lungs

67 Tyler of rock 68 Green light 70 End up 71 Rudolph’s facial feature 72 Joins again 74 “Selma” director DuVernay 75 “— Mir Bist Du Schoen” 77 Quirk 78 “Evita” star Paige 79 Part of QED 80 “Back to the Future” bully 81 Bit of power 82 Of Jewish scholars 83 Stage actress Duse 84 Least abundant 85 Difficult 91 Bring up until able to fly, as a bird 93 Tianjin locale 95 Baking meas. 97 12 in a foot 98 Impostors 99 Sheer folly 100 In the area of 105 “— Called to Say I Love You” 106 Writer Godden or actress Willis 107 Analytic work 109 Comics’ Kett 111 Rip apart 113 Prefix meaning “the same” 117 Tate displays 118 Agent’s take 119 Flurry 120 Minister’s field: Abbr. 121 Levin or Gershwin

answers on page 48

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PERSONAL

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WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine. Answers on Page 48

Bracken among the world’s most common plants

racken fern is said to be one of the five most common plants in the world. Standing up to five feet high, it is the coarse leathery fern you have no doubt encountered in disturbed areas, thickets, and dry open woodlands. The upper leafy portion of the frond (the blade) is broadly triangular in shape. The blade, which is often arranged parallel to the ground, is divided into numerous segments called “pinna” that are further divided into segments called “pinnules,” which can be subdivided again into even smaller segments called “sub-pinnules.” There are two varieties of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) in the Smokies region: long-tailed, which has pinna tips up to 15 times as long as broad; and shorttailed, which has pinna tips 4 times as long as broad. Bracken has its negative aspects. It can be so invasive as to form an almost impenetrable ground cover that shades out less aggressive plant species, many of them showy wildflowers. These dense beds of bracken can persist from rhizomes for hun-

BACK THEN dreds of years. Bracken contains an array of poisons (including hydrogen cyanide) that cause vitamin deficiencies in livestock, “blind staggers” in horses, and death in humans. Studies have verified that the incidence of stomach cancer increases in countries like England and Japan, where quantities of bracken fiddleheads emerging in spring are harvested. In Columnist Japan they are soaked overnight in cold water and then boiled and sautéed with onions, soy sauce and sesame seed oil. These poisons evolved as defenses against grazing animals and insects that chew, suck and gnaw on the fronds. Bracken attracts more than 100 insect species, including grasshoppers, bees, wasps, beetles, aphids, leafhoppers, bracken borers, and fern moth caterpillars. And the plant has upped the ante in its never-ending war against its enemies by enlisting the aid of ants. Nectaries situated in the stem joints exude a sugar-like fluid

George Ellison

“Here and elsewhere, bracken is such an aggressive plant that one wonders why it has not taken over the world.” — R.C. Moran, A Natural History of Ferns (2004)

Bracken fern. that rewards the ants for discouraging predacious insects. It’s a relationship biologists call mutualism: tit for tat … you help me … I’ll help you. Not many observers have anything positive to say about bracken. But I do. Ferns as a plant type have for millions of years explored the possibilities of leaf form and function. Bracken is architecturally one of the most beautifully “designed” plants in

the world. Ever attentive, Thoreau, as usual, summed it up best: “Nature made ferns for pure leaves to show what she could do in that line.” As Thoreau note, the fronds of bracken are composed of a graceful maze of interrelated segments that are a delight to behold. (George Ellison is a naturalist and writer. He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.)

June 13-19, 2018 Smoky Mountain News 55

2018 MODELS ARE HERE

2018 FORD TAURUS

2018 FORD EDGE

$3,500 Cash Back + $2,500 Ford Credit Bonus Cash + $1,500 Bonus Cash + $1,000 Military / 1st Responder Bonus Cash + $1,000 Military / 1st Responder Bonus Cash $1,000 Bonus Cash (PGM #13248) + $1,000 Military &amp; First Responders Bonus Cash + $500 Ford Credit Bonus Cash (PGM #13246) which requires Ford Credit financing. Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. 0% APR financing for 60 months at $16.67 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment (PGM #20914). First Responder Bonus Cash for active members of an eligible First Responder Association including police, fire, EMT, and 911 dispatchers. Military Appreciation Bonus Cash available for all active, retired and veteran members. May not be used with other Ford private incentives. Limit of 5 purchases or leases. U.S. residents only. To register, military members go to fordsalutesthosewhoserve.com. First Responders go to fordspecialoffer.com/firstresponders. Residency restrictions apply. For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 7/9/18. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.

June 13-19, 2018

$3,500 Customer Cash (PGM #13244) + $1,000 Military &amp; First Responders Bonus Cash + $2,500 Ford Credit Bonus Cash (PGM #13246) which requires Ford Credit financing. Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. First Responder Bonus Cash for active members of an eligible First Responder Association including police, fire, EMT, and 911 dispatchers. Military Appreciation Bonus Cash available for all active, retired and veteran members. May not be used with other Ford private incentives. Limit of 5 purchases or leases. U.S. residents only. To register, military members go to fordsalutesthosewhoserve.com. First Responders go to fordspecialoffer.com /firstresponders. Residency restrictions apply. For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 7/9/18. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.

2018 FORD F-150 XLT

Smoky Mountain News

SUPERCREW 302A 2.7L V6 ECOBOOST W/LUXURY OR SPORT PKG. & NAV

$10,250 in Total Savings + $750 Ford Credit Bonus Cash $2,250 Customer Cash (PGM #13244) + $2,250 Bonus Cash (PGM #13246, #13250) + $300 2.7L V6 EcoBoost Bonus Cash (PGM #13256) + $500 XLT Mid Array Navigation Pkg. (PGM #97596) + $1,750 302A XLT Luxury Chrome or Sport Discount Pkg. (PGM #97594) + $250 XLT Luxury Power Equipment Pkg. (PGM #97598) + $2,950 Average Dealer Discount + $750 Ford Credit Bonus Cash (PGM #13246) which requires Ford Credit financing. Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. Average dealer discount based on a sales survey of average discounts offered by Ford dealers regionally. Discount may vary; dealer determines price. Residency restrictions apply. For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 7/9/18. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.

2018 FORD SUPER DUTY STX $2,500 Cash Back

+ $1,000 Military/1st Responder Bonus Cash $1,000 Customer Cash (PGM #13244) + $1,000 STX Special Pkg. Customer Cash (PGM #13262) + $1,000 Military &amp; First Responders Bonus Cash + $500 Ford Credit Bonus Cash (PGM #13246) which requires Ford Credit financing. Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. First Responder Bonus Cash for active members of an eligible First Responder Association including police, fire, EMT, and 911 dispatchers. Military Appreciation Bonus Cash available for all active, retired and veteran members. May not be used with other Ford private incentives. Limit of 5 purchases or leases. U.S. residents only. To register, military members go to fordsalutesthosewhoserve.com. First Responders go to fordspecialoffer.com/firstresponders. Not available on F-650 &amp; F-750. Residency restrictions apply. For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 7/9/18. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.

I-40 EXIT 31, CANTON, NC

828-648-2313 1-800-532-4631